I have been battling a tailbone injury on and off for the last 3 years. When I fell on it 3 years ago, all the nerves surrounding my spine and lower back felt like they were on FIRE! I was traveling for work at the time, and had to be pumped full of morphine just to get on the plane back home. I was bedridden for 3 weeks and miserable. And to top it off, my tailbone doctor said I only had one option for relief – removing my tailbone. Hearing his prognosis was devastating to me, because it meant that I would be unable to sit for at least 3 months and endure lots of physical therapy to regain muscle and strength in my body, not mention having a very expensive surgery, having to take lots of prescription drugs, and missing work and life. So instead of going under the knife, I told him and myself – I can heal myself naturally. And I did it through rest, diet and regular acupuncture treatments (yes – needles right into my butt!).
But then I fell again and re-injured the same spot. Oops.
Needless to say, I went straight to acupuncture and will continue on the same path of recovery. I’ll be taking my turmeric supplements and not running or jumping for a while, doing lots of elliptical, stair-stepping, and walking and low impact exercise like Barre. I’ll be having lots and lots of anti-inflammatory foods, so I can make sure my body is healing to its best capacity. That means limiting white flour, sugars, processed foods, etc. and eating lots of plant-based foods like in our Meal Plans for Health program.
One of the most powerful anti-inflammatory foods is ginger. Studies are coming out left and right, showing that ginger is more powerful than even drugs. Drugs like Advil, Aleve and Tylenol only work on one level to “block the formation of inflammatory compounds. Ginger, on the other hand, blocks the formation of the inflammatory compounds–prostaglandins and leukotrienes–and also has antioxidant effects that break down existing inflammation and acidity in the fluid within the joints.”
Throwing a big hunk of ginger into my daily green smoothies has been the best idea ever. I’ll be having this smoothie after my low-impact workouts. This smoothie uses hemp protein powder which is one of the most incredible sources of easily digestible protein that isn’t acid forming. For those that want to try this type of protein – I buy Nutiva hemp because I vote with my dollars. Nutiva is a rock star company who supports GMO labeling and transparency in the food system (my investigations!), and they have given over 1.5 million dollars towards supporting sustainable agriculture.
If you are battling an aliment or just want to feel good – this smoothie rocks. The addition of cranberries helps reduce water weight too – a little aesthetically pleasing benefit that makes you look good too.
- 3 tablespoons hemp protein powder
- 2 inch piece of ginger (peeled if not organic)
- 2 cups of leafy greens (kale, collards, romaine, spinach, chard, etc.)
- 1 cup of celery
- 1 cup of mixed frozen berries of your choice (strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, etc)
- ½ cup filtered water
- Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 1 min or until smooth
- Serve immediately or store in airtight container for up to 1 day
If you see me out and about, I’ll be the girl sitting on the donut pillow. Please don’t laugh.
In hopes of healing fast,
Food Babe
P.S. If you know someone who is popping pills left and right, share this recipe with them – I know they will be forever grateful.
V,
I found that Whole Foods ( which I call whole paycheck) will juice fresh turmeric for you at the store. It’s a little strong tasting so I add a carrot and an apple. Better than any supplement! It’s the real deal!
Doug
Hi Food Babe! I have been suffering from a Morton’s Neuroma for about 3 years now. Surgery is not an option since it is on my right foot and my commute is pretty long. I have tried everything except for this smoothie. Will be starting tomorrow with the smoothie and will see how it goes.
You should also research upper cervical spine chiropractic. It’s amazing !!
I go to a chiropractor already.
Ileana,
Make sure to add Turmeric 300 to 400 mg a day Also cook with it as well!!! You will be amazed I’m sure after about a week. 🙂
How much turmeric can we consume a day? I have a slipped disc and misalignment in my neck and in a lot of pain 🙁
Michelle, I’m not sure but I take a 350mg supplement. I also the 4000-5000mg of Omega 3 (fish oil) & my Nutritionist takes more when He needs it. My Nutritionist in not just Certified He had his PHD in Nutrition & Teaches as well.
If I were you, I would research it. Dr. Mercola is a great place to start & I do a lot of my own research at Life Extension website. They sell supplement but they set this site up for us to be able to get the latest results on research studies that have been done. The sale of supplements were start to be able to give money to research.
It’s an awesome site!
Vonni at Food Babe is then newsiest Awesome person on the Planet to help us stay healthy, & I Thank her from the bottom of my heart, no my Whole Heart 🙂
Do some research on inflammation! Take everything you can into consideration & also eat the foods that help inflammation & there is a ton out there just waiting for you to eat. Once I got off ALL GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) Gluten, Pesticides, Antibiotics & Hormones that are in Beef, Chicken, Turkey & Fish, Yes I said fish! farmed raised his has a ton of Antibiotics & given Soy & GMO feed.
Happy researching, You not regret it! 🙂
Hi Foodbabe!
love your Info!!
I’ve recently incorporated protein powder into my daily routine for added protein/ vitamins/minerals
I’ve been a vegetation for 20+ years. I’m using 7.2 an organic, alkaline pea protein mix. I also want to support with my spending…do you have any feedback on this product/ company?
Thank you
Vani,
You are my new good friend. I just found you through my other good friend – who doesn’t know me (wink) – Marie Forleo. I so appreciate your work and style of presentation. I can see how you two appreciate each other and I appreciate blog world.
Thanks for sharing this. I will pass it on to my brother with a disc injury and my hubby with joint pain. I am going to make friends with Tumeric now and increase my time with Ginger.
I am SO sorry for your reinjury! I am glad you know how to deal with it. I am sending speedy recovery vibes your way.
Cathy Pullins
I want to ask Food Babe about half and half. Other than high calories, is there anything bad/unhealthy added to Organic Natures Valley Half and Half ? they list ingredients as pure grade A organic milk and organic cream. Do they add sodium nitrate or carrageenan to there organic cream? Horizon’s organic half and half does adds those two items? Is there anything bad about ingesting sodium nitrate and carrageenan?
After hurting my “tailbone”, acupuncture helped in tandem with pelvic floor therapy — find a local pelvic floor therapist and ask questions — had no idea that this was an option but am incredibly thankful to find permanent relief: http://whatsupdownthere.blogspot.com/2013/09/pelvic-physical-therapy-in-media.html
Very interesting articles. Thanks for sharing!
Question about the Organic Hemp Protein Powder. I usually use the Nutiva Organic Hulled Hemp Seeds. Looking at the website I didn’t notice the hemp protein showing any Omega 3’s or 6’s like the seed. I thought they’re the same thing. Also, aren’t we supposed to have more 3 than 6? Seems the hemp seed has a lot more 6. I want to pick up the protein today and make this recipe. Sounds like what this family needs. Thanks.
I got the answer to this from Nutiva today. The protein powder does not have the omega 3’s and 6’s that their hulled seeds do….so I’ll be having both.
As I sit here today feeling slightly sorry for myself after having injections done on my tailbone last Wednesday only to still be in pain and feeling hopeless. Seeing this seemed not even real that you have the very same problem. I have thought to do a anti-inflammatory diet but have questioned if it really works, any suggestions?
What do you have to lose? Try it. At the very least, you’ll be on a nutritious diet for a few weeks, that I bet will cause various symptoms to improve/change. Best case: your tailbone feels better too.
Good luck,
Dr. Deborah Epstein
http://www.lumina-health.com
I have heard that turmeric is NOT good for those with high blood pressure!
Veronica, YES!!!! IT WORKS!!!! it will take about 3 or 4 days to start to see a difference. I would also add fish oil 4000 mg at least add more if you need to after a week or 2. Make sure to also take about 10,000IUs of Vitamin D3. The Vit D will help you heal. I take 10,000 a day everyday
Do some research with Dr Mercola & Life Extension also has a great site for research at Life.org or go to lifeextention.com
🙂
Veronica… go to this website http://www.gonsteadseminar.com and read all about the Gonstead Technique and where to find a local Gonstead chiropractor! Shots are a quick fix but don’t address the problem. Not only have I had my tailbone out but my granddaughter fell off monkey bars landing on her back at her preschool and instead of taking her to an urgent care ….I had my daughter bring her to our chiro (who we both worked for) clinic and let him check her out.. sure enough her tailbone was way out and some vertebrae in her mid back were out as well.. she climbed up on the table, got adjusted and went back to school! no more tears ! She loves being adjusted! Hope this helps!
What kind of ginger are you using? Wouldn’t using a chunk of that size be too spicy?
For a quick anti-oxidant boost, I’d pound the spicy kind and boil it to help reduce and shorten initial colds from developing worse. Also not everyone can take it so dilute to what you can handle and sweeten with brown rock sugar or honey after it cools a little.
Dr. Mercola recommends the K-Laser. He has an interview with the creator. More info. on K-LaserUSA.com, including practitioners in your area. Might be a good adjunct to your acupuncture.
I would like to aks a question about protein. What would be the difference in using a powder like this, or using a handful of almonds? I am trying to learn and wondered which might be better? Thanks!
Random tip about those lovely turmeric capsules. Turmeric’s bioavailability is notoriously limited. However, you can improve that by mixing with plain old black pepper. Find something to grind some black pepper on when you take those turmeric caps. I put some turmeric in just about every pot of brown rice or beans I make. It’s low dose, b/c I’m using it as a healing food, not a medicine, and want my dinner to still taste good. But low dose regularly = good for you. I just make sure to always crack some black pepper into that pot too!
Dr. Deborah Epstein
http://www.lumina-health.com
Food Babe, I follow a lot of what you post. I was wondering if I am sore how much Tumeric pills should I take a day? I’m dealing with a muscle spasm on my back since March that sometimes comes back after a strenuous work out.
Hey girl… man do I feel your pain… literally! I fell on mine last December slipping on a wet flat rock… SMASH! Anyway, I’m doing pretty well and it’ s been under a year. I love your recipe. I wanted to suggest (in case you haven’t tried this yet) taking Hypericum 200CH (it’s a Homeopathic Remedy) I’m a homeopath and this remedy although most helpful immediately after the injury can still help to heal years after! Let me know if you need any other clarification… happy to help a fell tailbone sufferer! All the best – cheers!
I swear by Hypericum! I smashed a finger in a car door two different times, several years apart. The first time, I was in horrible pain for several days and lost the fingernail. The second time, I took Hypericum within a few hours and the pain dissipated within a half-hour. I repeated this over the next few days as soon as the pain began to recur. It took about three days to stop recurring and I never lost the nail.
It’s particularly useful for pain in the extremities like stubbed toes and also for nerve related pain..
Hi Vani,
Thanks for the outstanding job you and your team are doing! This is a wonderful recipe : -). You guys are awesome!
In addition to your smoothie and acupuncture, you may want to look into Zyflamend by New Chapter for inflammation. It does a terrific job as a supplement for people. Since you have hurt your tailbone twice now, there may be some cellular memory triggers going on in that region of your body that are attracting you to injure yourself again. Maybe find someone to do some CranialSacral work along with some energy work to release and heal the original injury. I am a traditional naturopath and do this kind of work myself here in the Charlotte area. Or maybe you know a trusted person in your network to explore and heal this injury at the core. Wishing you a speedy recovery Vani!
I hope you feel better soon!
I have used, to wonderful effect, for tailbone injuries homeopathic Hypericum 200c 4 x a day. Hypericum is specific for nerve injuries (also great for dental work). Use Arnica 200c when you first injure yourself and then switch to Hypericum until better which won’t be but a few weeks give of take.
Have you had any experiences practising qigong for healing?
I know that the tailbone is often used as an energy point to transmute stagnant energy in that area and other body parts it governs like urinary and reproductive system by bending forward and lightly tapping on your tailbone for a few minutes each day to help circulate the energy.
I´m not sure if with your injury that is possible or too painful for you or even if, due to the injury being of the tailbone, that in qigong they would even recommend doing this. I thought I would mention it just in case.
Wishing you blessings to heal quickly and efficiently and to be guided to information and practitioners that can aid you on your healing journey.
Great recipe ! I have a suggestion for treating the tailbone
injury. Cranial Sacral Therapy.
Thanks for the tip about the ginger. It’s definitely going in smoothies from now on.
About your tailbone… see if there is a Bowen therapist somewhere near you. They can make an enormous difference to a tailbone injury in a very gentle way. You’ll be amazed at the improvement and pain relief. It’s an Australian technique but is taught and used around the world now. Do your own research and see what you think…. I’m confident it will help you.
I usually do only veges and a little fruit in my juices/smoothies.
Is it important to use protein or would the Food Babe’s Ginger Berry Anti-Inflammatory Smoothie work just as well without the hemp protein. I have been told we over do the need for protein.
What are your thoughts?
Hi Vani,
You and Dr. Mercola have become such a big source of inspiration for me in following my dreams of becoming involved in the health food movement. I wish you a speedy recovery. Keep doing what you do. There are people out there in the world who appreciate you and what you do. Never stop being who you are.
– Irving Aquino
Future Food Activist
Sometimes ginger seems to ram up my metabolism quite a bit so I would sweat in my sleep and wake up feeling really warm. Anybody has experience that? I like ginger but doesn’t like waking up in sweat… Any suggestion/thoughts?
This smoothie was probably the most repulsive thing I’ve ever put in my mouth. Now, I’m pretty finicky, so I asked my wife to taste it and she had the same reaction. The ingredients are quite good, but mixed together this was pure repulsion!
I do believe I’ll find other ways to get ginger into my diet to help with inflammation.
Hi Sean – sorry you didn’t like it. If you are not used to green smoothies or ginger, it may take a little getting used to. You could try it with a little less veg and less ginger and then working your way up. Thanks for trying it! 🙂
Possibly. I know I had a little too much ginger. I really wanted to like it! I might have to tweak it a little.
Drinking an anti-inflammatory will not put your tailbone back where it belongs and get it off that nerve that it’s pinching. Accupuncture won’t do it either… you need a chiropractic adjustment, using the Gonstead Technique… and if you want to learn more go to my chiropractor’s website… thefix24.com. My chiro, Dr, Mike Robb works on celebrities and athletes and is great! Learn more about this type of technique.. it’s helped me and my family! just a thought….. I can even give you a link to find a Gonstead chiro near where you live! There is NO TWISTING, OR CRACKING involved! Good luck!
Hi Vani, do you know or think this would be beneficial to chronic sinus problems? I’ve had 3 surgeries and was taking LOTS of OTC NSAIDs, which I have since stopped but continue to experience discomfort. Any other natural suggestions that may help?
Thank you for this! Speaking of turmeric, I’ve always wanted to throw a bunch of fresh turmeric root in my vitamix, but it costs $10/pound at Whole Foods. I just found some at a local Indian market for $4 a pound and bought a ton. I wash it thoroughly and put it for a spin in the blender. I then put parchment paper on a cookie sheet and plop it in small patties on the paper. I then freeze the patties on the sheet then pop them into a ziplock bag when frozen. I do the same with ginger so we always have fresh ginger and turmeric on hand for making smoothies and cooking!
Great tip!
Great recipe and another thumbs-up to Nutiva here, too. Hope you’re recovery goes well.
I’m so sorry you are in pain! But… I’m really excited that you posted this. I’ve got knee issues from high school sports that are flaring up again & I have just been dealing with the pain b/c I don’t want to take pain meds & trying to take it easy for a while activity-wise. As soon as I get home I’m going to make this smoothie!
I too fractured my tailbone and then reinjured it several times. The last time I went for acupuncture the doctor told me I have a chronic fracture of my tailbone. I also discovered the wonder of ginger in my smoothies and juicing. It took a little time getting used to the stong taste but now I love it. It was great to hear I’m not alone. Thanks for all the great info you pass on and hang in there!
I almost feel your pain! I fell down the stairs almost a year ago and hit my tailbone hard, the first month was miserable and it got better, especially after we cut out white flour from our diet. Then I went to a chiropractor for the first time a few months ago and it was awesome! My back is a lot better now, but my tailbone is probably in better shape than yours after the fall. I’ll need to try this smoothie for further healing and for my husband who gets neck and back pain working long hours.
Hi everyone would this smoothie help a slipped disc/misallignment in the neck? Any other suggestions for my condition? Should I wear a neck brace? In quite a lot of pain 🙁 thank you in advance…
Hi Vani!
I love green smoothies for breakfast and this recipe sounds great! However I just moved to Northern Maine.. really really northern and I can not find organic Kale or any other organic leafy green. I have asked all the stores if they can get it but to no avail. I grew my own over the summer but now that the winter is coming thats out! Any suggestions? Thanks!
I love your information and wanted to share some with you. I work for an herbal supplement company and even though I tend to stay away from direct marketing, sales pitches, etc…I thought you might find this helpful.
We have a product called InflamEX containing the following ingredients: Boswellia, Turmeric, Feverfew, Queen of the Meadow, Quercetin, Licorice Root, Skullcap, Cat’s Claw Bark, Coptischinesis, Borage, Honeysuckle Flower, Bromelain, Lipase, Protease, and 77 trace minerals. It is extremely beneficial for people suffering from inflammation. Please feel free to take a look and ask us any questions: http://universalformulas.com/6247.html
Are you working for Nutiva?
I hope you try a good pelvic floor physical therapist- I promise it will be nothing to ‘endure!’ They will help you figure out how you’re moving and what you might be doing to aggravate the condition. This is the ultimate in holistic care, I promise! You can heal yourself with nutrition AND with movement. I would LOVE to help you find a person who can help!
I broke my tailbone many years ago and totally understand your situation. Don’t rule out swimming as exercise. Being in the pool will allow you to move more without jarring the tailbone.
I recently started taking ginger supplements for my joint pain and also for my migraines. Ginger has be shown to help with migraines. I always add ginger when I’m making my juices. Great anti inflammatory smoothie recipe. Can’t wait to try!!
Perfect timing Thank You Vani.
I am a 49 yo male who has just recommenced racing moto-cross after taking 20 years out to raise kids.
Needless to say enthusiasm outdid fitness levels and I have a knee injury.
Keen to add this smoothie into my healing regime.
Very grateful thx.
:-0..feel better.
Hey there I unfortunately don’t get this in my Country (Nutiva hemp protein powder). Would a Raw Vegan protein powder (sprouted brown rice) serve as an acceptable alternative?
This is all well and good but seems to me all this health food stuff gets downright expensive. My grandmother didn’t do any of this and she lived to a healthy 92. I just think you all are wasting your money and the health food industry (because that is what it is becoming) is laughing all the way to the bank.
No one is laughing all the way to the bank when you grow a garden or find inexpensive ways (I.E. produce) to manage pain and healing body parts instead of getting expensive surgeries or purchasing ridiculously priced drugs. The anecdotal “My Grandparents were fine!” is irrelevant because they lived in a totally different world than we currently do. GMOs were non-existent until the 1990s alone. I personally spend much less money living the way I do than most people do conventionally…just sayin’.
Food Babe – Two Suggestions on top of your Smoothie Idea:
1. Inflammatone – Made by Designs for Health
2. Dry Needling – Way better for soft tissue and trigger points than acupuncture
This is wonderful information. Thank you Food Babe 🙂
This is a cool blog! I am glad I found it and I am going to try the smoothie recipie also. I injured my back around 18 months ago, I have a prolapsed disc, and have needed several injections and a large amount of drugs which I am still taking to get me through and live my life. I am not healed and if not soon, I will be refused any more injections (which take the worst of the pain away) and have to have surgery. I am desperate not to go there, and really fed up of the amount of heavy duty painkillers I am popping. The ginger would really help with anti inflammatory as I was taking 8 naproxen per day but then that gave me tummy problems. Any other suggestions that might assist me in a last ditch attempt to naturally heal are welcome. I will try anything! (well almost anything) Thank you
Dear Vani –
When I was about 17 I was a passenger in a car accident. At the behest of my father I went to visit his chiropractor although I felt just fine. After the first several visits I began to feel quite a bit of back pain which eventually turned into about 5 years worth of “treatments” in hopes of getting “getting well.” From then on and for the next several years I suffered from moderate to severe lower back pain. After moving to Dallas I went to see a Sports Medicine Physical Therapist. I do not remember his name but he explained the difference from what he did versus a chiropractor. He stated that by doing exercises, the body would work to put the bones, or in my case disk, back into place on its own terms. This differs quite a bit from being forced into place as what chiropractors do. Based on the types 0f pain or location of pain he would give me a variety of exercises to do and explained how the exercise would help to align the bones. After a handful of sessions my pain was completely gone. Since then I have not ever had the need for pain medication or a Dr. Visit. When the pain begins to come on again I do the exercises and it is gone right away. I would highly recommend you seek out a sports therapist for your injury. I wish you a speedy, permanent recovery. All the best!
Smoothies and fresh fruit juices are my staples. They are my love! I like this recipe very much. Thanks
A little too much ginger for me.
Oooh hope you feel better soon! But what an accomplishment to recover yourself. Well done!! Sending you loads of recovering hugs from Sweden
I noticed there was a comment on the turmeric . I agree completely. You can up the turmeric a little more and balance it out with ginger. Makes it taste a little more uplifting and you get the ginger synergy with turmeric. This is increases your turmeric and or your gingers potential depending what type of anti inflammatory route you want to take. Be careful though. Turmeric concentrates lead and some heavy metals as toxins and the are released into you. Find where it is grown! Also Ginger. There is a lot that comes from China. There was a shipment of Ginger that was found to also have over a hundred times the allowable limit of pesticide with it. So please know where your spices come from. Michael
Hi! Tried the smoothie today and it is really good and satisfying. Thanks Food Babe.