Chronic pain is an experience that leads to fatigue, psychological tension, and constant anxiety. However, those who suffer from chronic pain can take certain measures to reduce its negative impact on daily life. Positive results in managing chronic pain can be achieved by working with a pain specialist, following a structured treatment plan, regularly exercising, and consulting a physiotherapist. A well-regulated diet also plays an essential role in the healing process, as it can positively affect overall health, helping not only with weight management but also in reducing chronic pain. Food is the body's primary source of energy, so choosing it carefully in consultation with a dietary specialist is advisable.

Pain is often triggered by various inflammatory processes within the body. Although pain is sometimes seen as negative, it is a sign that the body’s natural defense mechanism is actively fighting infections or tissue damage, and thus pain emerges as the body combats these conditions.

The nature of inflammatory processes depends on various causes and conditions. Some are obvious, while others are harder to identify:

• Acute inflammation. This is the type of inflammation we encounter most often, typically arising after various injuries. For example, spraining a leg, ankle, or ligaments can cause swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected area.
• Chronic inflammation. This type is sometimes harder to notice than acute inflammation. While the external signs of damage may diminish, inflammatory processes can persist at the cellular and biochemical levels within the body, causing persistent, nagging pain.

How Does Diet Influence Chronic Pain?

While there is no conclusive scientific evidence that specific foods directly affect pain levels, there is strong support for the idea that avoiding certain foods can, in some cases, reduce inflammation, which may be a root cause of pain.

Many people find that their health improves when they avoid certain foods. For example, if you are allergic to dairy products, you’ll likely avoid them. However, if a mild lactose intolerance doesn’t cause discomfort, you might continue consuming cheese and other dairy items. Remember that if the body is sensitive to certain foods, consuming them may worsen symptoms. Observing your body’s response after eating different foods is essential; if specific items cause discomfort, consider avoiding them.

 

Foods That May Reduce Pain Sensitivity

A diet lacking in nutrient-dense foods may contribute to inflammatory processes. However, it's important not to classify foods as strictly "good" or "bad." Generally, you may feel better if you avoid trans fats and highly processed foods that contain vegetable oils and added sugars.

For example, it is better to enjoy a baked potato rather than a bag of chips. To satisfy sugar cravings, reach for fresh fruits instead of processed sweets.

If you eat foods low in essential nutrients, your body may struggle to absorb valuable components and thus prolong inflammation, leading to chronic pain.

However, few of us follow a perfectly balanced daily diet or carefully read the ingredients of the food we buy. Additionally, each person's body is unique, which is why a specialist's consultation and supervision are essential to overcoming chronic pain. Before seeking help, we recommend doing some homework—strictly tracking all the food you consume for a period of time and keeping a food diary. Such a diary is an invaluable tool for a specialist starting their work with a patient.

 

3 Tips to Improve Daily Nutrition

These changes can enhance your nutrition without needing a total diet overhaul:

1. Add more whole, unprocessed foods to your diet, like fresh fruits, vegetables, and berries.
2. Include more seasonal vegetables and fruits for maximum nutritional benefits. Freshly harvested vegetables like garlic, onions, carrots, cabbage, and beets are packed with nutrients and can be easily integrated into your diet.
3. Avoid foods with long lists of unfamiliar ingredients—especially those you cannot pronounce or understand.

Changing your diet may not eliminate chronic pain, but it can help the body by reducing inflammation and minimizing negative symptoms.

Working on dietary improvements with the guidance of a nutritionist, you can ensure changes that suit your health and body.

Jei turite klausimų susijusių su mityba, kviečiame į Clinic Agatas dietologės medicinos mokslų daktarės Rūtos Petereit konsultaciją. Gydytoja konsultuoja įvairiais mitybos klausimais: sergant lėtinėmis (stuburo, sąnarių), virškinamojo trakto, širdies ir kraujagyslių ligomis. Esant antsvoriui ir nutukimui, mitybos nepakankamumui, cukriniam diabetui, padidėjusiam cholesterolio kiekiui kraujyje, podagra, prieš ir po įvairių operacijų. Rūpinkitės savo sveikata!

 

* Trans fats are a type of unsaturated fatty acid. Naturally, trans fats are found in the fat of ruminant animals (cows, sheep, goats)—in their meat and dairy products. However, trans fats are also produced industrially. Industrial (or artificial) trans fats are created chemically—by heating or, more specifically, hydrogenating vegetable oil at certain temperatures for a specific period of time.