Chronic Pain? Look at Your Diet

More and more I am hearing from patients that they are experiencing chronic pain. Sometimes it’s in their joints, sometimes their muscles, and sometimes it’s all over their entire body. Chronic pain, no matter how large or small, can be debilitating because you live with it everyday. Whether it is from an autoimmune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, a car accident, or fibromyalgia, try looking at your diet to reduce your inflammation.

I have talked before about the differences between food allergies and food intolerances. Many people know their allergies – it’s the food you eat and have an immediate reaction. Intolerances work differently and are considered ‘delayed response.’ However, if you eat the same food (or types of foods) everyday then that delayed response becomes chronic. Keep in mind that not all food reactions happen in your stomach or intestines. I know many people who experience joint pain, headaches, muscle fatigue, rashes, and more.

A good place to start is to eliminate the nightshade family. This includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and chili pepper. Many arthritis sufferers notice a difference in their inflammation.

Other common foods to consider are wheat/gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy. Consider putting yourself on a gluten free or dairy free diet for thirty days and see how you feel. Then challenge it back in and watch for a reaction (if any). Keep in mind that many people experience multiple intolerances and may be both gluten and soy intolerant or dairy and gluten intolerant.

We eat three meals a day so we might as well make them worth our while. Eliminate the junk that includes SUGAR and simple carbohydrates. Sugar tastes good but it can create a lot of inflammation in our body. This includes harmful sugars like high-fructose corn syrup, aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose. Keep your diet to vegetables (except nightshades), lean protein, and complex carbohydrates such as brown rice.