Food for thought

Most people seek chiropractic to alleviate pain. Pain symptoms could be from a short-term injury or something causing chronic pain. Your provider may offer medication, adjustments, exercise techniques, or other methods to manage body pain. One overlooked method is diet. Food for pain management is a powerful tool that can aid with temporary or constant pain issues.  

Research shows food and pain management link 

Eating properly and keeping a healthy eating regimen should be part of your treatment plans. A healthy diet can boost the immune system, particularly in the gut where microbiomes exist that play a vital role in pain sensation in the body. Scientists believe foods that are anti-inflammatory can block pain signals, leading to reduced feelings of pain.  

Recent research shows several links between pain and nutrition. A study conducted in 2019 showed that flavonoids reduce pain by controlling inflammation. Other research has also shown a strong correlation between diet and alleviating pain.  

Types of anti-inflammatory food 

Eating healthy and natural foods has been shown many times to aid in reducing inflammation and easing pain over time. Certain foods have been known to help reduce inflammation and offer relief with pain symptoms. 

Deeply colored fruits and vegetables are a key part of an anti-inflammatory diet. Blueberries have lots of phytonutrients that may fight inflammation and lessen pain. Other fruits with antioxidants and polyphenols, including berries, pomegranates, cherries, strawberries, citrus, and oranges can have a similar soothing effect. Yellow, orange, and red peppers and tomatoes can supply chronic pain patients with much-needed pain relief. Other pain-relieving veggies include spinach, chard, kale, leaf lettuce, romaine lettuce, arugula, and dark, leafy greens. Brussels sprouts and cauliflower bolster your immune system against inflammation.  

Fish, including salmon, herring, anchovies, sardines, and mackerel offer a rich source of anti-inflammatory nutrition. 

Whole grain bread or pasta, rye bread, oats, brown rice, barley, bulgur, and quinoa are preferred over processed foods and bread.  

Ginger has been found to fight pain including aching joints from arthritis as well as menstrual cramps. Studies of people with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis who took supplements of curcumin or turmeric found they could walk better and without the side effects of taking drugs. Virgin Olive Oil has a compound called oleocanthal, and it works like ibuprofen. Drinks like black, white, green, or herbal tea, red wine, and black coffee also offer much-needed help with pain. Other helpful foods include beans, nuts, seeds, and plant foods that have a pod. 

Skip the aspirin?  

Certain foods ease aches by fighting inflammation, blocking pain signals, and even healing underlying diseases. Processed foods, fast foods, and saturated fats such as white bread, pasta, rice, sugary drinks and snacks, fried foods, chips, crackers, and pastries can inflame pain.  

Foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties can provide effective relief from chronic pain when used in appropriate proportions. Chiropractix recommends a healthy diet utilizing many of these pain management foods as part of a patient’s overall treatment plan.