Can diet changes reduce inflammation-related pain?
Some evidence suggests that eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may reduce systemic inflammation. Foods like fatty fish and leafy greens contain natural antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals linked to lower inflammation, which may reduce pain.
The Connection Between Inflammation and Diet
Inflammation by itself isn’t necessarily bad, as it triggers the body’s natural healing response after an injury. However, when inflammation goes unchecked, it can worsen pain and is associated with several conditions that cause pain, such as arthritis and overuse injuries. Many pain management treatments, like corticosteroid injections, reduce pain by reducing excessive inflammation, which raises the question of whether an anti-inflammatory diet could also help manage pain. Certain foods, like fatty fish, leafy greens, and antioxidant-rich fruits, help suppress inflammation. The opposite is also true, as certain foods have been shown to increase inflammation markers in the body, like processed foods and refined carbohydrates. We’ll take a closer look next at some of the best foods that may work to reduce inflammation markers in the body.
What Foods Are the Best for Reducing Inflammation Markers?
If you’re considering changing your diet to include more foods that reduce inflammation markers, some foods are better than others. Foods that may have anti-inflammatory properties include:
- Fatty fish
- Leafy greens
- Nuts, seeds, and other healthy fats
- Whole grains
- Foods rich in fiber
If you’re looking to incorporate foods into your diet that may work to reduce inflammation markers and possibly help improve your pain, we recommend getting started with food groups on this list first.
What Foods Can Contribute to Inflammation?
While research on diet, inflammation, and pain is ongoing, certain foods have been shown to contribute to inflammation markers in some people. Foods most commonly associated with increased inflammation markers in the body include:
- Processed foods
- Sugary beverages
- Refined carbohydrates
Limiting these foods in your diet may help lower systemic inflammation and possibly improve your pain levels. Always consult your doctor before starting a new diet to ensure it’s safe for you and your health.
Can an Anti-Inflammatory Diet Help With Arthritis and Joint Pain?
As we mentioned earlier, one of the more common causes of pain we see in our patients is arthritis. Arthritis causes joint pain and is associated with increased inflammation, so an anti-inflammatory diet may help with pain management. This is not to suggest that diet alone can effectively manage arthritis pain, as there are many different types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, which requires autoimmune disorder medications to prevent further joint damage. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can complement your existing pain management treatments and give you the benefits of both! If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of an anti-inflammatory diet and how it may help you manage your pain levels, Specialty Pain Management is here to help!
Take a Whole Body Approach to Pain Management With Help From Specialty Pain Management
Living with chronic pain can be a challenge, and patients often look to take back as much control over their health as possible when dealing with a chronic pain-causing condition. At Specialty Pain Management, we empower our patients to take control over their pain and their health with our whole-body approach to pain management that includes nutrition. To learn more about our powerful approach to pain management, contact our team today to set up your first appointment.