A new study published in Nutrition Research explores the connection between diet quality and chronic pain management. The research, centered around the Whyalla Intergenerational Study of Health (WISH), comprised 654 Australian adults aged 18 to 89, with women representing 57% of the participants. Through this study, researchers aimed to determine whether body fat, measured via body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, or body fat percentage, serves as a link between diet quality and outcomes such as pain and physical functionality. Diet data was collected using a 12-month food frequency questionnaire, and diet quality was evaluated using the Australian Dietary Guideline Index.
The study observed that diet quality directly influenced pain levels and physical function, particularly among women. For women, adhering to a higher-quality diet correlating with lower pain levels, body fat measurements seemed to have no bearing on this relationship. Notably, women with a greater intake of ‘core foods’ like whole foods experienced enhanced reductions in pain, ranging between 46.7% and 48.2%. Furthermore, an improvement in diet quality also linked to increased physical strength among women. However, in men, diet quality seemingly had no significant direct or indirect effects on either pain levels or physical function. This suggests a gender disparity in how diet impacts chronic pain and necessitates further research.
Chronic pain, lasting more than three months, affects approximately 30% of people globally. Although its causes vary broadly, there is a known connection between body fat and chronic pain. Obesity heightens the risk of both localized and widespread pain, leading to a cycle where weight gain worsens pain, subsequently contributing to more weight gain. However, recent research, including this study, suggests dietary patterns may influence pain irrespective of body weight. Dr. Thomas M. Holland, a physician-scientist not involved in the study, explained that a higher-quality diet might reduce chronic pain by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress. Nutrient-rich foods, high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, support overall health and mitigate systemic inflammation, a known pain contributor. A lower-quality diet, typically high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and added sugars, can increase inflammation, exacerbating and prolonging pain.
The study highlighted the importance of certain foods in managing chronic pain. Women who included more ‘core’ foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and grains reported lower pain levels. Dr. Holland attributes this to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of foods like fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, which help reduce pain pathways and provide benefits independent of body weight. He suggests incorporating foods with strong anti-inflammatory properties, including berries, extra virgin olive oil, dark leafy greens, fatty fish rich in omega-3s, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, into one’s diet. This approach, he believes, can help reduce pain intensity and enhance overall well-being. Kiran Campbell, a registered dietitian, supports this perspective by recommending diets that align with anti-inflammatory principles such as the Mediterranean, DASH, and MIND diets. These diets, along with foods rich in probiotics, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, may reduce inflammatory markers.
Dietitian Campbell emphasizes the value of this study in understanding the role of diet in pain management for both genders, although women showed a more significant reduction in reported pain. The research supports the ‘food as medicine’ approach, suggesting dietary interventions as a complementary tool in pain management alongside traditional treatments. Dr. Holland advocates for a holistic approach to chronic pain management, stating that adopting a healthy lifestyle amplifies the benefits of a nutritious diet. He concludes that even small dietary and lifestyle changes can lead to significant improvements in pain and quality of life.
The study underscores the potential benefits of a nutrient-rich diet in managing chronic pain, particularly for women. By focusing on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich foods, individuals may achieve notable pain reduction. These findings highlight the importance of considering diet as part of a comprehensive pain management strategy, initiating a positive shift towards holistic well-being.
Source: MedicalNewsToday
