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The Ultimate Nutrient Protocol to Accelerate Healing & Relieve Pain Naturally
Margo Gladding on
Why Nutrition is Crucial for Recovery
Injury, surgery, or chronic inflammation doesn't just affect your body — it disrupts your entire life. Simple tasks become difficult. Your energy drops. Workouts, sleep, and daily responsibilities feel overwhelming when your body is in pain and struggling to heal.
What many don’t realize is that healing is a nutrient-intensive process. Tissue repair, immune regulation, and inflammation control all depend on targeted nutrition. Unfortunately, pain, medications, stress, and a poor appetite can deplete these nutrients and delay your recovery.
Here’s the good news:
Targeted nutritional support can accelerate healing, reduce pain, and help you get back to life faster.
With the right recovery nutrition plan, your body can:
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Heal faster
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Reduce pain naturally
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Regain mobility sooner
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Strengthen immune response
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Prevent chronic complications
Build Your Recovery Foundation: The Healing Diet
A nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory diet is your foundation for optimal healing. It provides the raw materials your body needs to rebuild tissue, reduce inflammation, and support immune function.
Hydration First
Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, broths, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Hydration supports tissue repair, joint lubrication, circulation, and energy production.
High-Quality Protein
Why it matters: Supports tissue repair, immune response, and prevents muscle wasting.
Goal: At least 30g per meal
Best sources:
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Grass-fed meats
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Poultry & fish
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Eggs
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Tofu & tempeh
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Protein powders (whey or plant-based)
Anti-Inflammatory Fats
Why it matters: Omega-3 fats reduce inflammation and support cellular healing.
Top sources:
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Wild salmon, sardines, anchovies
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Walnuts, chia, flax, hemp seeds
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Fish oil supplements
Colorful Fruits & Vegetables
Why it matters: Antioxidants help fight oxidative stress and support tissue repair.
Goal: 5–9 servings daily
Best picks:
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Berries, citrus, kiwi
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Leafy greens, bell peppers
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Carrots, broccoli, beets
Gut-Healing Foods
A healthy gut supports nutrient absorption, immune balance, and inflammation control.
Top healing options:
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Bone broth: Collagen, glutamine, glycine for tissue and gut repair
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Fermented foods (start slowly post-op): Sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, miso, plain yogurt
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Prebiotic-rich foods: Garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, oats, green bananas
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Glutamine-rich foods: Chicken, fish, eggs, cabbage, spinach
Key Supplements to Accelerate Healing
1. Pathway Multi Two Caps – Advanced Multivitamin
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with food
Why it matters: Delivers foundational nutrients critical for recovery:
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Vitamin C – Collagen production, immune support
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Zinc – Wound healing
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Vitamin A – Tissue regeneration
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Vitamin D + K2 – Bone repair and immune regulation
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Magnesium – Muscle relaxation
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Mixed tocopherols (Vitamin E) – Antioxidant & anti-inflammatory
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Boron – Joint and bone matrix support
Tip: Most people need extra Vitamin D. Consider supplementing with Pathway Vitamin D3 + K2 for optimal healing support.
Target the 3 Major Pain Pathways
Pain isn’t just inflammation — it's the result of multiple pathways being activated after injury or surgery. Addressing all 3 pain pathways ensures complete recovery:
1. Inflammation Pathway
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Supplement: Pathway Inflammation Support Plus
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Dosage: 3 capsules daily
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Action: Reduces pain and inflammation using turmeric, boswellia, and ginger without NSAID side effects.
2. Fibrolytic Pathway (Scar Tissue & Swelling)
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Supplement: Pathway Ultra Proteo-Zimes
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Dosage: 3 tablets twice daily between meals
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Action: Breaks down fibrin, reduces scar tissue, improves mobility
3. Resolution Pathway
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Supplement: Metagenics SPM Active
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Dosage: 2 softgels daily
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Action: Speeds true healing by resolving lingering inflammation at the cellular level
Long-Term Nutritional Support = Complete Recovery
Even after the pain fades, your body continues repairing and strengthening tissue. Without long-term nutritional support:
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Inflammation can resurface
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Tissues stay weak
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Risk of re-injury increases
Maintain Recovery With:
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Pathway Multi Two Caps – Daily multivitamin
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Pathway Vitamin D3 + K2 – Bone and immune support
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Pathway Super Omega-3 – Ongoing inflammation control
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Pathway Joint Health Formula – Cartilage, ligament, and joint regeneration
By combining a healing-focused diet with targeted supplements that address inflammation, pain, and tissue repair, you give your body the best chance to heal fully and fast.
You don’t have to live with pain. With a smart nutritional plan, you can recover better, stronger, and more resilient than before.
Don’t Just Recover — Thrive. Get Expert Help Today.
Book a free 15-minute consultation with one of our licensed Village Green nutritionists. We’ll help you find the best protocol tailored to your recovery needs.
FAQ: Nutritional Support for Healing & Pain Relief
How soon should I start this protocol after an injury or surgery?
Start as soon as possible. Early nutritional support improves healing outcomes, especially within the first 1–2 weeks post-injury or surgery.
Can I use these supplements if I’m already taking medication?
Yes, most of the supplements are safe alongside common medications, but always consult your practitioner first.
What if I have dietary restrictions?
We can customize your nutrition and supplement plan based on allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences. Book a free consult for support.
How long should I continue the protocol?
We recommend continuing the full protocol for 4–6 weeks, followed by a maintenance phase for 2–3 months depending on your healing progress.
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PATHWAY
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Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, and is the main component of connective tissue. It is the tough, fibrous protein in hair, nails, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Collagen helps preserve the elastin in skin, helping it to stay toned and supple, and collagen also gives tendons and ligaments their toughness. As we age, our body begins producing less collagen, which is one reason why skin starts to sag and joints become achy.Our Collagen Peptides Powder is hydrolyzed and contains types 1 & 3 collagen which supports skin, muscles and bone health.† Hydrolyzed collagen is easier to absorb, allowing the amino acids to be utilized more efficiently. Collagen Peptides Powder is rich in the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and alanine which helps promote collagen synthesis in our body.Features
20g Collagen Peptides per serving
Grass fed & pasture raised bovine collagen
Hydrolyzed type 1 & 3 Collagen
Non-GMO with Simple and Clean Excipients
Delicious Chocolate Flavor (Also available in Vanilla and Unflavored)
Mixes instantly
No Gluten, Dairy, or Soy
No fillers or Artificial Ingredients
Benefits
Supports a healthy inflammation response.
Supports joint function and mobility.
May support health of the lining of the intestinal tract.
Strengthens connective tissue and helps aid recovery from physical stress or trauma.
Strengthens extracellular matrix and helps to form fibroblast to create new skin cells.
Helps to strengthen and firm elastin in the dermis layer of skin, providing an anti-aging effect.
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Non GMO Protein Powder
Whey protein contains all of the essential amino acids in biologically significant amounts and is simply one of the most complete sources of proteins and amino acids in the marketplace. It does not contain any synthetic hormones such as rBGH. The whey protein concentrate used in this formula is produced through an ion-exchanged, ultra filtration process that yields the highest level of protein and amino acids while preserving all the naturally occurring, immune enhancing and muscle nourishing bioactive. Derived from grass fed cattle, Pathway Whey Protein is one of the cleanest powders on the market.
Suggested Use: 1 level scoop in 8 oz. of water, milk or juice
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Plant Protein Vanilla
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Plant Protein Without the Plant Protein TastePathway Plant Protein is a great tasting, vegan protein powder that is gluten free, dairy free, soy free, hypoallergenic, and contains no GMO ingredients. Available in either chocolate or vanilla, this protein shake provides 21 grams of protein, less than 1 gram of sugar, 9 grams of branched chain amino acids and glutamine, and has a blend of digestive enzymes. Plant Protein is also a rich source of omega 3 essential fatty acids derived from chia seed and the Peruvian sacha incha seed. Plant Protein is great for both kids and adults.Suggested Use: Blend 1 level scoop to 9-12 oz. of water or prefered beverage
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Multi Two Caps
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Balanced Foundation for Everyday SupportTo feel your best, you need more than the meager daily value of nutrients recommended by the government. That‘s why we created MULTI TWO from Pathway. With this revolutionary formula, you'll know you're getting the levels and the range of vitamins, minerals and cofactors we recommend for comprehensive everyday support. Plus, this formula incorporates the latest research on nutrient transport and interaction to enhance absorption, so you may actually feel the difference. Suggested Use: Take 4 capsules daily divided among meals
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Vitamin D3 Plus K2
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Promotes Bone and Cardiovascular HealthOptimal amounts of vitamins D and K are essential for bone, cardiovascular, and immune health. These two vitamins work synergistically by helping to properly utilize calcium within the body. Vitamin D is necessary for calcium absorption, and vitamin K is important for directing calcium to the bones and away from the soft tissues, such as blood vessels. Taking Vitamin D and K in combination can provide greater support for the body than taking them separately. Suggested Use: 1 capsule daily
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Inflammation Support Plus
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Provides Inflammation Support and Antioxidant ProtectionThis comprehensive nutritional formula provides a potent blend of clinically researched botanical extracts, antioxidants, and omega-3 essential fatty acids. Key benefits include modulating inflammation throughout the body, promoting soothing comfort to joints and connective tissues, and optimizing flexibility, range of motion, and mobility. In addition, Inflammation Support Plus is designed to enhance healthy immune function.Suggested Use: Take 3 capsules daily as a dietary supplement, or as directed by your health practitioner.
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Ultra Proteo-Zimes
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Ultra Proteo-Zimes is a unique blend of high-potency systemic enzymes designed to support healthy cardiovascular, immune function, joint health, as well help support tissue repair. Enteric coating allows the enzymes in this formula to be digested and absorbed in the small intestine and travel directly to the blood stream. Once absorbed these enzymes help to break down specific protein molecules involved in inflammation, poor circulation, pain, and stiffness.
Suggested Use: Take 3 tablets twice daily between meals, or as directed by a health care professional.
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METAGENICS
SPM Active
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SPM Active is designed to support the body’s natural ability to soothe and minimize discomfort. Formulated with next-generation omega fish oil to provide long lasting comfort.
Benefits of SPM Active:
Helps with joint soreness and discomfort intensity in two weeks
First and only SPM supplement with clinically published research and demonstrated results for mild pain
Money back guarantee
Directions:
Take two softgels once daily or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.
Caution:
If pregnant, nursing, or taking nutritional supplements or medications, consult your healthcare practitioner before use. Keep out of the reach of children.
Storage:
Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place.
Tamper Evident:
Do not use if safety seal is missing or broken
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Super Omega-3 EC
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Enteric Coating Reduces Fish Burps
Super Omega-3 is molecularly distilled for purity and contains high concentrations of the essential fatty acids Omega-3 EPA & DHA (300 mg & 200 mg respectively). Omega-3 fatty acids are very important, supportive nutrient of cardio health as well as brain and ocular health. Each softgel is enteric coated to eliminate the odor and fishy aftertaste typically associated with taking a fish oil capsule. Enteric coating also protects the softgel capsules from being digested in the stomach and allows the fish oil to reach to the lower GI tract for absorption.
Suggested Use: 1 softgel 2 times daily
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Joint Health Formula
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Synergistic Connective Tissue Support
Detailed human studies on orally administered Glucosamine show an absorption rate as high as 98%. Once absorbed, it then travels primarily to joint tissues, where it is incorporated in the connective tissue matrix of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Key ingredients of the joint health formula include Glucosamine, MSM, Sea Cucumber, Quercetin Chalcone, Grape Seed Extract, and Turmeric Plus Synergistic Nutrients.
Other nutrients:
• Quercetin Chalcone is extremely well absorbed in the body.• Bioperine, a black pepper extract, enhances nutrient absorption by 30-60% enhancing the effectiveness of the overall product.
MSM is a natural source of sulfur, a mineral element critical to the normal function and structure of the human body and is a raw material for the protein and connective tissue and is a pain reducing agent.
Sea Cucumber or Beche de Mer, a marine animal, is highly regarded as a food and for its medicinal properties for people with chronic joint pain as well as tendonitis, bursitis, ligament stress to name just a few. Sea Cucumber contains approximately 20% chondroitin sulfates, substances known to support the formation of connective tissues of the body. Several studies conducted in the US and Australia over the last 10 years have demonstrated to show efficacy in the treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and in fact, consider sea cucumber to be a break through treatment for arthritic conditions.
Quercetin helps control inflammation.
Turmeric is a well-known anti-inflammatory herb useful for those with arthritic conditions.
Grape seed extract acts as a connective tissue strengthener that can prevent the enzymatic breakdown of structural support tissue and reduces inflammation.
Selenium helps to reduce inflammation and free-radical damage of the body.
Vitamin D studies have shown that most people are not getting a sufficient amount of this vitamin for bone formation.
Suggested Use: 3 capsules 2 times daily with meals
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Learn about personalized health from top experts! Check out our fascinating new shows every week, available as videos, podcasts and transcripts.:
Our Bloggers
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Paula Gallagher
Paula is a highly qualified and experienced nutrition counselor on the staff at Village Green.
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Margo Gladding
Margo's impressive knowledge base is the result of a unique blend of educational and professional experience.
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Dr. Neal Barnard
Dr. Barnard leads programs advocating for preventive medicine, good nutrition, and higher ethical standards in research.
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Dr. Joseph Pizzorno
Dr. Joseph Pizzorno, ND is a pioneer of integrative medicine and a leading authority on science-based natural medicine.
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Debi Silber
Debi is a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutrition, a personal trainer, and whole health coach.
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