Changing your diet can be more effective than medication in alleviating chronic pain and improving your quality of life.
Overview
If you suffer from chronic pain, you’re not alone. Studies show that Americans are facing an increasing epidemic of chronic pain. Research indicates that chronic pain has been on the rise across different age groups over the years. It's estimated that more than one in five Americans are currently dealing with chronic pain.
Factors contributing to this rise include sedentary lifestyles, increasing rates of type-2 diabetes, weight gain, and dietary habits. Consuming omega-6 fats, commonly found in vegetable oils, has been linked to an increase in chronic pain. Switching to omega-3 fats from sources like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts may help alleviate pain.
The Wrong Kind of Fats Trigger Inflammation
Research suggests that reducing omega-6 fats and increasing omega-3 fats in your diet can lead to pain relief. People with autoimmune-related pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis, have reported improvements by increasing omega-3 consumption.
Gluten Sensitivity and Joint Pain
Studies have found a connection between gluten sensitivity and joint pain, particularly in people with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Avoiding gluten and increasing omega-3 intake have shown positive effects in reducing inflammation and pain.
Reducing Headache Pain
Increasing omega-3 intake while reducing omega-6 fats may help alleviate migraine pain. Research indicates that the balance of these fats in the diet can influence the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches.
Vitamins May Fight Arthritis Pain
Vitamins D and K have been linked to managing osteoarthritis pain. Maintaining adequate levels of these vitamins may help prevent calcification of arthritic joints, reducing inflammation and pain.
Improving your diet by incorporating more fruits and vegetables while avoiding processed foods can contribute to overall pain management and a healthier body.