“The path to a healthier diet need not be as difficult to navigate as it may appear”
– eeMD

Diet and Pain: An Overview

For many, the role of diet – what and how we eat – is a hugely underestimated variable determining the extent of chronic pain one experiences. The diet one maintains affects not only one’s sensitivity to pain, but also the intensity and the development of the severity of pain. Despite the enormous impact diet has on chronic pain, dietary intervention is extremely underutilized as a means of treating chronic pain and improving quality of life.
 
The reason for this is largely based on the under-appreciation of the dietary role in chronic pain and the reluctance people have to changing their usual diet. Interestingly, it has also been shown that chronic pain contributes to an impaired sensation of satiation, or feeling full, leading to overeating. Chronic pain also appears to drive higher levels of carbohydrate and fatty food intake.

 
For those motivated to reduce their chronic pain and enhance their sense of well-being, however, changing one’s diet can be extremely helpful. The basis of dietary effects on pain are primarily based on the role of food intake on the microbiome (the bacteria in the intestinal tract) and on inflammation, both systemic and within the nervous system.The key to reducing pain through dietary management is to emphasize foods that enthance diversity in the microbiome and avoid foods that contribute to systemic inflammation.

 
And, while supplements play a role in restoring dietary health, they remain supplements, not substitutes, to a healthy diet.
 
 
See also:
Diet & Diets
Diet & Fasting
Diet & Fibromyalgia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Food Intolerance & Sensitivity: An Overview
Food Intolerance & Sensitivity: Gluten
Elimination Diet – Gluten
Elimination Diet – FODMAPs
Antioxidants and Oxidative Stress
NRF2 Activators
Nutrition: Amino Acids
Nutrition: Carbohydrates
 

Wellness/Anti-Inflammatory Diets (coming soon):

Mediterranean Diet

Paleo Diet

Okinowan Diet

Fasting

 

Diet Supplements:

Supplements – An Overview

Antioxidants

NRF2 Activators

Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Minerals

Vitamins

 

Key to Links:

Grey text – handout

Red text – another page on this website

Blue text – Journal publication

 

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Diet & Pain: an Overview

When should someone with chronic pain consider looking at their diet as a means of reducing their pain?
The answer is almost always. Given that Americans generally follow a less-than-ideal diet, there is always room for improvement and in many cases improvements can contribute to reduced pain. However, a more specific answer is when one’s pain or other symptoms are likely to be food-oriented or when one’s symptoms are poorly controlled and not responding to standard care. While the assessment of diet should not be delayed until reaching the point of desperation, this is often the case. But better late than never.
 
 For the most part, the discussion of diet and pain is a look at the forest, not the trees. While in certain cases of food allergies, food sensitivities and other food intolerances where even small amounts of specific foods can trigger pain and disease, the role of diet is otherwise a look at the big picture. The complete elimination of all “unhealthy” foods is not the goal in planning for a diet to reduce pain. In fact, most “unhealthy” foods become so mainly when they are eaten in excess.
 
How Pain and Diet are Related
Pain interfaces with diet in a number of ways that often overlap:

  1. Nutritional Deficiencies and Insufficiencies
  2. Inflammation and Oxidation
  3. Food Intolerances: Allergies and Sensitivities
  4. Intestinal Wall Integrity
  5. Gut Microorganisms (Microbiome)
  6. Impact on Prevention and Control of Painful Medical Conditions
  7. Pain appears to trigger excessive and/or emotional eating, including pleasure-eating

 
1.Nutritional Deficiencies and Insufficiencies
Nutritional deficiencies and insufficiencies are more common than one might expect. Frank deficiencies are less likely but insufficiencies, or levels that are suboptimal but not actually deficient resulting in classic deficiency syndromes, are not uncommon and often lead to pain and/or functional impairment.
 
Common nutritional deficiencies in America include Vitamin D and magnesium while common insufficiencies include zinc, certain B Vitamins and Vitamin C, certain amino acids, omega-3’s, fiber and antioxidants. Antioxidants are important in combating oxidative stress, the build-up of systemic free radicals, destructive byproducts of digestion and energy production that play an important role in the development of degenerative diseases, cancer and pain sensitivity. B vitamins are involved in a multitude of metabolic process that impact pain and deficiencies of Vitamins B1 and B12 lead to painful peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that is often insufficient in smokers and obesity and likely contributes to arthritis pain. Vitamin D, important for maintaining bone density, is also an anti-inflammatory and a significant player in pain.
 
Magnesium replacement has significant benefit for medical conditions that include muscle spasm and muscle pain, chronic headaches and fibromyalgia. Of particular significance to health and pain is an insufficient intake of the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables. Omega-3’s and antioxidants impact health in many ways but insufficencies are major players in oxidative stress, inflammation and nerve pain.
 
In addition to fiber’s role in maintaining bowel function, fiber plays an important part in maintaining a healthy microorganism balance in the gut (microbiome – see below), where imbalances contribute to a number of painful conditions. Furthermore, the amount of fiber in one’s diet has been shown to be inversely proportional to the amount of pain associated with knee osteoarthritis. In other words, for those with knee arthritis, the more fiber in the diet, the less pain is likely to be associated with the knee arthritis.

See: Magnesium
See: Nutrition and Oxidative Stress
 

2. Diet and Inflammation

The “Standard American Diet (SAD)” is characterized by low intake of fruits, vegetables and fiber along with a high intake of processed grains, carbohydrates , sugars and poor quality fats and oils. In addition, it includes a multitude of additives including artificial sweeteners and preservatives.
 

The highly processed, calorie-dense, nutrient-depleted diet frequently leads to exaggerated spikes in blood glucose and lipids (fats) after a meal. This state, called post-prandial dysmetabolism, induces immediate increase in free radicals leading to oxidative stress, which increases in direct proportion to the increases in glucose and triglycerides after a meal. The transient increase in free radicals acutely triggers changes including inflammation, endothelial (blood vessel) dysfunction, hypercoagulability (increase risk for blood clots), and sympathetic hyperactivity. The increased inflammation contributes to chronic pain while the other effects described increase risk for arteriosclerosis which contribute to high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke. Post-prandial dysmetabolism is an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events even in nondiabetic individuals.
 
Improvements in diet cause significant and immediate favorable changes in the post-prandial dysmetabolism. Engaging a diet high in minimally processed, high-fiber, plant-based foods including vegetables and fruits, whole grains, legumes, and nuts will markedly reduce the post-meal increase in glucose, triglycerides, and inflammation. Other interventions including intake of specific foods such as lean meat, fish oil, tea, vinegar, ginger and cinnamon, as well as calorie restriction, weight loss and exercise improve post-prandial dysmetabolism. Studies indicate that diets such as the Mediterranean or Okinawan diets that incorporate these types of foods and beverages reduce both inflammation and cardiovascular risk. This anti-inflammatory diet should be considered for chronic pain as well as for the prevention of coronary artery disease and diabetes (See below).
 

The SAD, especially with high intakes of saturated animal fats, is associated with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines, chemicals that contribute to oxidative stress, pain sensitivity and systemic inflammation, including not just the joints in the extremities and spine but also the organs including the heart, blood vessels and liver. Cytokines are small proteins released by immune cells that have a specific effect on the interactions and communications between cells and can be either pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory.
 
[Cytokine is a general name; other names include lymphokine (cytokines made by lymphocyte immune cells), monokine (cytokines made by monocytes immune cells), adipokine (cytokines made by fat cells), and interleukin (cytokines made by one leukocyte immune cells and acting on other leukocyte immune cells)].

 

Pro-inflammatory cytokines are involved in not only the initiation but also the persistence of pathologic pain by directly activating nerves that sense pain (nociceptive sensory neurons). Certain inflammatory cytokines are also involved in nerve-injury and inflammation-induced central sensitization, and are related to the development of chronic pain hypersensitivity (hyperalgesia & allodynia).
See Pain Definitions & Central Sensitization

 

Biomarkers for Inflammation

How to effectively measure the degree of systemic inflammation of an individual has been elusive to medical science for decades. Many biomarkers have been identified that appear to be associated with systemic inflammation and often serve as measures of comparism between study groups and study outcomes. An inflammatory biomarker commonly measured in general medical practice is C-Reactive Protein (CRP).  It is commonly elevated in obesity and has also been correlated with osteoarthritis and low back pain. While clinically useful, CRP levels are limited in the amount of information they provide or predict. Another clinical biomarker of systemic inflammation is Interleukin-6, one of the Interleukin family of cytokines associated with inflammation. Further information regarding the clinical use of measuring inflammatory biomarkers is forthcoming on this web site.

 

Obesity-Related Pain

Secondary consequences of the SAD is a predisposition to obesity, glucose intolerance and diabetes. Obesity is characterized by an abundance of fat cells that manufacture large amounts of inflammatory cytokines (adipokines) leading to systemic inflammation. Studies show that obesity is an independent predictor of migraine headaches and of severe arthritis progressing to joint replacements of the knees and hips. Obesity is also associated with higher levels of neuropathic pain. Glucose intolerance and diabetes are associated with damages to nerves that leads to worsening of arthritis pain and painful neuropathy.

 

Adipose tissue (or fat cells (adipocytes) – are now understood to be complex and highly dynamic, with endocrine, metabolic, and immune regulatory activity. Fat cells releases an abundanc of bioactive peptides or proteins, immune molecules, and inflammatory mediators named “adipokines” (only produced by the adipose tissue) or “adipocytokines” (primary but not exclusively produced by adipocytes). However, the term “adipokine” is used throughout here to refer to all these mediators, including Interleukins (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8), TNF (Tissue Necrosis Factor), adinopectin, leptin and resistin. A growing number of studies indicate that adipokines are significant contributors to the development of arthritis.

 

It should also be pointed out that systemic inflammation, obesity and pain are also inter-related with stress. depression, insomnia, sleep apnea, fatigue and physical deconditioning. These conditions interact on levels that sustain and enhance each other and contribute to overall impaired health, physical and emotional.

 

Weight Loss and Reduced Pain

It is commonly under-appreciated how significant weight loss benefits pain in the obese population.  In a study of obese patients with a BMI of 36 or greater experienced a 50% reduction in perceived pain associated with an 11% weight loss over 8 weeks. In patients with obesity and knee arthritis, a simple 5% weight loss resulted in 24% improvement in function and a 30% improvement in pain.

  

Anti-Inflammatory Diets for Pain Management

There are always many opinions as to what constitutes the healthiest diet and what people should eat. There are a number of proposed diets that are considered to be anti-inflammatory including the Mediterranean diet, the Paleo diet and the Okinawan diet, three currently popular versions. The Paleo diet appears to be a front runner currently but how one defines a Paleo diet is open to a wide range of interpretation and the reader is referred to other sites for more information at this time. The Mediterranean diet is also highly recommended as an anti-inflammatory diet to reduce chronic pain and also to reduce oxidative stress and the risk for atherosclerosis, heard disease and risk for stroke (see handouts below).

Dietary Fatty Acids, Inflammation and Pain

While most research has focused on the anti-inflammatory benefits of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) on disease development, especially cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, visceral obesity and various cancers, studies have also identified benefits of the MD for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The MD diet appears to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and possibly osteoarthritis. Furthermore, a reduction in arthritis pain has been identified to occur in as little as 2-3 weeks after conversion to a MD.

 

The MD, which is rich in complex carbohydrates and fibers and low in animal proteins and fats, is able to promote saccharolitic microbiota favouring short-chain fatty acid production. These metabolites have been shown to possess positive immune-modulating activity by modifying cytokine production, promoting intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and resolving intestinal inflammation, Increasing research evidence has emphasized the connection between microbial dysbiosis (an imbalance of the microbiome) and many inflammatory arthritic diseases including arthritis of the spine and joints,, lupus, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Many of the anti-inflammatory effects of the MD are related to the intake of foods that are rich in:

1) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with a lower omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio from fish;

2) monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) from extra-virgin olive oil; and

3) non-fat micro-components such as resveratrol from fruits, vegetables and wine.

Foods rich in PUFAs (especially salmon, walnuts and flax seeds) and MUFAs such as extra-virgin olive oil and avocados may offer pain reduction in patients with arthritis.

See: Mediterranean Diet

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Carbohydrates

Another dietary variable of significance relating to both inflammation and the synthesis of cytokines, especially adipokines, is the intake of carbohydrates.  Carbohydrates can be assessed by their “glycemic load,” the degree to which a carbohydrate impacts blood levels of glucose and insulin.  Low glycemic load diets reduce inflammation and are associated with lower levels of CRP, a biomarker for systemic inflammation. Furthermore, low glycemic load diets are associated with higher levels of kynurenic acid which acts as an NMDA antagonist which reduces pain (See: Neurobiology of Pain).

See: Carbohydrates

 

What is less controversial is what one should not eat: low fiber, calorie-dense, high fat, highly-processed foods. It has been well established that a diet rich in these products contributes to oxidative stress, obesity, cardiovascular disease and possibly some cancers as well as other diseases. For more information, please see the following handouts:

1.Wellness (Anti-inflammatory) Diet: Overview

2.Wellness Diet: Menu Examples

For more information regarding the rating of the inflammatory nature of individual foods, see resources below:

1. Anti-Inflammatory Food Ratings – A resource

2. Anti-Inflammatory Food – About Formula for Rating Foods and Link to Phone Apps

 

3. Food Intolerances Contributing to Pain: Allergies and Sensitivities

Specific foods can play a significant role in the health of certain individuals, leading to a wide range of mild to severely incapacitating symptoms, including gastrointestinal symptoms, neurological symptoms, fatigue and, importantly, pain. These symptoms may be the consequence of impaired digestion of a particular food, an allergic or antibody response to a food or simply a nonspecific intolerance due to inability to metabolize or other unknown mechanisms.
 
Food Intolerance – immune-related

Intolerance to food can be immune-related, the result of a reaction to either IgE or IgG antibodies. IgE antibody reactions result in typical, immediate-onset allergic reactions characterized by hives and/or life-threatening anaphylaxis. IgG antibody reactions (technically not allergic reactions) are more subtle and avoid obvious recognition in many cases. Immune-related food intolerances can be tested for by measuring IgE and/or IgG antibody levels for various foods commonly associated with intolerances. However, IgG testing is not very specific in identifying food sensitivities and may lead to incorrect conclusions.

See: Example of IgG Food Antibody Test


Food Intolerance – Digestion and Metabolism Related
Food intolerance can also be related to the inability to digest or metabolize a nutrient. Food intolerance is not uncommon and includes lactose intolerance (due to insufficient lactase enzyme), histamine and tyramine (related to genetics or metabolic overload) intolerance. For those with symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), intolerance to FODMAPs (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols) is common FODMAPs are commonly found in a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, beans, dairy products and teas. To identify specific FODMAP intolerances requires testing with an Elimination Diet (see below). Food intolerance symptoms are usually limited to g.i. complaints such as abdominal pain or cramps, bloating, nausea and diarrhea.
 

Food sensitivity is a catch-all term for a negative reaction to food. It can take many forms but is not an immunologic reaction to food. A useful approach for identifying immune-related and digestion and metabolism-related food intolerances and other food sensitivities is use of the Elimination Diet (see below).

 
4. Intestinal Wall Integrity
When certain foods cannot be digested, often due to genetic factors, they can interact with the lining of the intestinal wall which can cause the release of a protein called zonulin, resulting in a loosening or disruption of the tight junction between the cells lining the intestine. This disruption contributes to greater permeability of the gut, called “Leaky Gut,” that allows foreign elements including undigested food, microorganisms and toxins in the gut to cross the intestinal wall barrier into the blood and systemic system. These foreign elements in turn can trigger the release of cytokines, proteins that stimulate inflammation and contribute to pain sensitization and/or trigger an immune response with the formation of antibodies. These antibodies then often interact with various tissues in the body, including joints, muscles and other organs causing inflammation, tissue destruction and other responses leading to illness and pain.
 
The hallmark of this type of reaction is Celiac Disease or Sprue, a genetically influenced condition in which sensitive individuals cannot digest gluten, a protein found in many grains, especially wheat, rye and barley. Celiac disease is characterized by many systemic symptoms including fatigue, arthritis and peripheral neuropathy amongst many others. Blood tests are available and fairly reliable for diagnosing Celiac Disease but other similar conditions lack specific tests. To identify other foods that might be responsible for such food sensitivities, the use of an Elimination Diet (see below) can be helpful.
 
Leaky Gut has been implicated in many medical conditions ranging from chronic migraine headaches to depression. Leaky Gut can be initiated by many triggers including the use of NSAIDs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and naproxen) as well as by disruptions of the bacterial balance in the gut, the microbiome (See below).
See Leaky Gut
 

5. The Gut Microorganisms (Microbiome) and Pain

The TAD is associated with shifts and loss of diversity in the species of gut bacteria and other microorganisms. The bacterial balance of the microbiome affects pain through toxin production and candida (yeast) overgrowth. While our understanding of the role of gut bacteria in systemic health is still in it’s infancy, it has been recognized that these microbiome changes contribute to such diverse conditions as diabetes, depression, headaches, arthritis and other painful conditions. Men with chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain have been found to have reduced diversity of the gut microbiome.

 
Studies indicate that the diversity of the microbiome is quickly subject to change, with a change in diet resulting in significant shifts in the microbiome in as little as 24 hours. It does not take long to improve the microbiome when an anti-inflammatory diet is engaged.

 
In addition to the gut microbiome contributing to pain, there is early evidence that the chronic use of morphine induces changes in the microbiome that contribute to loss of gut integrity and subsequent systemic inflammation. While this research is in its infancy, it does suggest there may be a role for modulating the microbiome as a means of pain management.
 

Diets to Support a Healthy, Diverse Microbiome

The best approach to maintaining an optimal microbiome – although the specifics concerning “optimal” remain ill-defined – is to maintain a high fiber diet, consuming 30 grams of fiber/day. The Paleo Diet has also been proposed to be supportive of a healthy gut microbiome. Early studies indicate that probiotic supplementation improves inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. While the use of prebiotics and probiotics is gaining popularity, it is too early to make specific recommendations as to choices of species and doses. For more information regarding probiotics, see:

1.A Gastroenterologist’s Guide to Probiotics – 2012

2.Probiotic Candian Clincial Guide to Probiotics

 
6. Dietary Impact on Prevention and Control of Painful Medical Conditions
While diet plays a large role in the development of diabetes and obesity, two conditions that are major contributors to chronic pain, diet also plays a large role in reducing the pain associated with these conditions. Diet is often a very effective tool for reducing or preventing chronic headaches. The pain and inflammation associated with chronic arthritis can often be significantly reduced with dietary changes, especially when accompanied by weight loss.
 
Other conditions in which modification of diet can have significant benefit in reducing pain include fibromyalgia, interstitial cystitis, endometriosis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel conditions including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
 
For condition-specific dietary approaches including the use of nutritional supplements, see:

  1. Arthritis
  2. Fibromyalgia
  3. Headaches
  4. Interstitial Cystitis



7. Pain change appetite, satiety and palatability of food

Chronic pain, especially in association with obesity has also been identified as triggering excessive eating through multiple mechanisms. Pain is linked to changes in satiety, in that it takes more food to feel full which contributes to overeating. Furthermore, pain appears to reduce how tasteful food can be. In contrast, hedonic hunger (appetite triggered by the seeking of pleasure from eating) is associated with chronic pain as well as emotional or binge-eating. A third variable, low mood or depression may also contribute to chronic pain and obesity and impact eating habits.

Identifying Specific Foods that Affect Pain

 As noted above, diet can affect pain through a number of mechanisms. When assessing diets, however, the focus is on the forest, not the trees.  Emphasis is placed on minimally processed foods, fruits and vegetables, lean meats, nuts etc.  The next step is to evaluate individual foods. Are their individual foods one might emphasize or avoid over another? The answer depends on the mechanism by which the food interacts with each individual as reviewed above. Obviously certain foods that are highly refined and calorie-dense for example are easily identified and best minimized in one’s diet. Somer foods may specifically increase or decrease inflammation and oxidative stress based on their inherent characteristcs while other foods do so based on a person’s individual food sensitivity or intolerance.

 
For more information regarding the rating of the inflammatory nature of individual foods, see resources below:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Food Ratings – A resource
2. Anti-Inflammatory Food – About Formula for Rating Foods and Link to Phone Apps
 

Specific Foods that Increase Pain Due to Their Inherent Characteristcs

While a complete list of foods that contribute to increased pain is beyond the scope of this web site, certain foods should be mentioned.
 

Advanced Glycation End Products

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs), also known as glycotoxins, are a diverse group of highly oxidant compounds with pathogenic significance in diabetes and in other chronic diseases. AGEs are created through a nonenzymatic reaction between reducing sugars and free amino groups of proteins, lipids, or nucleic acids. This reaction is also known as the Maillard or browning reaction.The presence of AGEs in food depend on the nature of how they are cooked since cooked.

 

Dry heat contributes to new dietary AGE formation by >10- to 100-fold above the uncooked state across food categories. Animal-derived foods that are high in fat and protein are generally AGE-rich and are prone to new AGE formation during cooking. In contrast, carbohydrate-rich foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and milk contain relatively few AGEs, even after cooking. The formation of new dietary AGEs during cooking can be significantly reduced by cooking with moist heat, using shorter cooking times, cooking at lower temperatures, and by use of acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar.

 

The formation of AGEs is a part of normal metabolism, but with excessively high levels of AGEs they can cause problems due to their ability to promote oxidative stress and inflammation. This occurs when AGEs bind with cell surface receptors or with body proteins, altering their structure and function. Dietary levels of AGEs correlate with biomarkers for inflammation and oxidative stress.

 

Diet rich in grilled or roasted meats, fats, and highly processed foods are likely to be associated with high levels of dietary AGE intake. Comparatively, diets with lower-meat meals prepared with moist heat (such as soups and stews) as part of a diet rich in plant foods could realistically consume half the daily AGE intake.

 

Also, it has been shown that sinigrin, a glucosinolates component of cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard greens and brussel sprouts) may offer protection against AGEs. The crucifers are known to be a rich source of the glucosinolates, a class of compounds containing glucose and sulphur whose enzyme breakdown products are known for their pungency. Epidemiological evidence also supports the possibility that glucosinolate breakdown products derived from cruciferous vegetables may protect against human cancers, especially those of the lung and gastrointestinal tract (stomanch, colon and rectum).

 

Tannins in tea may also offer protective effects, suggesting that their may be a benefit of adding tea or cruciferous vegetable to a steak or hamburger meal.

 

Individuals advised to consider limiting their dietary intake of AGEs would include those with pre-existing high levels of increased systemic inflammation and/or oxidative stress such as those with chronic pain. Additionally, those individuals with obesity, diabetes and/or kidney disease would also be advised.

 

For more information about diet and AGEs including an extensive list of AGE content of more than 500 foods,

See: Advanced Glycation End Products in Foods and a Practical Guide to Their Reduction in the Diet – 2010

  

Specific Foods that Reduce Pain Due to Their Inherent Characteristcs

Many claims are made for the health-aspects of a wide variety of foods so, again, a complete list is beyond the scope of this web site, but certain foods should be mentioned. (More information forthcoming)

  1. Alliums – garlic, onions, scallion, shallot, leeks, and chives
  2. Avocado (Hass)
  3. Cinnamon
  4. Cruciferous Vegetables – cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard greens and brussel sprouts
  5. Fiber
  6. Ginger
  7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids – fish oil
  8. Tea
  9. Turmeric – See Curcumin

 
Dietary Fatty Acids, Inflammation and Pain
While most research has focused on the anti-inflammatory benefits of the Mediterranean Diet (MD) on disease development, especially cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, visceral obesity and various cancers, studies have also identified benefits of the MD for rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The MD diet appears to reduce the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and possibly osteoarthritis. Furthermore, a reduction in arthritis pain has been identified to occur in as little as 2-3 weeks after conversion to a MD.
Many of the anti-inflammatory effects of the MD are related to the intake of foods that are rich in: 1) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) with a lower omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio from fish; 2) monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) from extra-virgin olive oil; and 3) non-fat micro-components such as resveratrol from fruits, vegetables and wine.
Foods rich in PUFAs (especially salmon, walnuts and flax seeds) and MUFAs such as extra-virgin olive oil and avocados may offer pain reduction in patients with arthritis. The MD, which is rich in complex carbohydrates and fibers and low in animal proteins and fats, is able to promote saccharolitic microbiota favouring short-chain fatty acid production. These metabolites have been shown to possess positive immune-modulating activity by modifying the cytokine production profile of TH cells, promoting intestinal epithelial barrier integrity and resolving intestinal inflammation, Increasing research evidence has emphasized the connection between microbial dysbiosis and many inflammatory rheumatic diseases including spondyloarthropathies, lupus, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis.
For more information: See: Mediterranean Diet (MD)

 

Specific Foods that Increase Pain Due to Their Inherent Characteristcs

  1. Saturated Fats
  2. Trans Fats
  3. Cholesterol

 

Specific Foods that Increase Pain Due to Individual Food Sensitivity or Intolerance

Unfortunately, it is seldom obvious what, or even if, a food sensitivity or intolerance is a significant contributor to a patient’s chronic pain, fatigue or other symptoms. How does one investigate a person’s symptoms or pain as to whether a particular food or diet is a significant contributor? The first step is to begin moving towards an anti-inflammatory diet such as the Mediterranean, Paleo or Okinawan diets by eliminating or reducing foods known to contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress. If this move is inadequate to reduce symptoms to an acceptable level a more aggressive approach is indicated.
 
Medical conditions that are most likely to be improved by dietary intervention include arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis), chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue and those with symptoms related to the gut, including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel conditions including Crohns and ulcerative colitis. Recommended dietary considerations for these conditions, including specific Elimination Diets will be forthcoming.

 
In order to identify specific foods that may be contributing to pain or other multiple, unexplained symptoms, the most effective approach is to engage an Elimination Diet. An Elimination Diet removes all suspicious foods from the patient’s diet for a period of 3-4 weeks at which point the patient reassesses their level of symptom control. The foods on the “most suspicious” list includes lactose and dairy products, gluten and the artificial low-calorie sweetener, aspartame. An Elimination Diet requires careful planning, guidance and execution to be successful.
For more information, see Food Intolerance & Sensitivity: An Overview

 

Making the Changes

Small Steps

For those reluctant to commit to making “big” changes in how they eat, there are some simple steps one can start with that are effexive:
 

  1. Eat more slowly
  2. Reduce portion size
  3. Substitute healthier favorite food choices

 

1. Eating More Slowly

Studies show that finishing a meal in less than 15 minutes is associated with higher caloric intake, higher cholesterol levels and greater systemic inflammation. Spending more time chewing improves digestion and slower eating leads to arresting the appetite with eating less food.

 

In recent studies eating rate was significantly and positively associated with the development of metabolic syndrome, a collection of conditions associated with increased risk of heart disease and stroke (High blood pressure, Elevated sugar, Central obesity, Low HDL (good cholesterol) and High triglycerides ). This trend may be of greater significance in men than women, at least in the Japanese population. Of metabolic syndrome components, abdominal obesity showed the strongest association with eating rate. The association of slow eating with lower odds of high blood pressure (men and women) and high blood sugar (men) and that of fast eating with higher odds of lipid (cholesterol) abnormality (men) is statistically significant.

 

A study indicated that self-reported faster eating is positively associated with visceral fat accumulation, independently of subcutaneous fat accumulation. Visceral fat, the fat surrounding organs within the abdomen, is known to contribute more to development of systemic inflammation than fat distributed over the rest of the body in the subcutaneous layers.

 

Another finding associated with fast eating is that of increased likelihood of elevated blood levels of ALT (alanine aminotransferase), a liver enzyme that is a biomarker for liver damage and can be seen with fatty liver.

 

2. Reducing Portion Size

Serve yourself smaller than usual servings – and commit yourself to it. Especially if combined with eating more slowly, this practice will retrain appetite and restore healthier levels of food intake.

 

3. Substituting Healthier Favorite Food Choices

Ultimately, the successful reduction in pain will require significant changes in foods most people in America eat. By starting slowly with choosing healthier favorite foods, it facilitates a start in the right direction. Every journey begins with a single step – when this step is more likely to be successful, it allows for a build-up of the momentum of change.

 

References:

 

Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Resources

 
InflammationFactor.com

  1. Anti-Inflammatory Food Ratings – A resource
  2. Anti-Inflammatory Food – About Formula for Rating Foods and Link to Phone Apps
  3. An extensive bibliography of research on the effects of individual nutrients on inflammation

 

Anti-Inflammatory Diet – References

  1. Cytokines, Inflammation and Pain – 2007
  2. Advanced Glycation End Products in Foods and a Practical Guide to Their Reduction in the Diet – 2010
  3. Glucosinolates in the human diet – Bioavailability and implications for health – 2002
  4. Glucosinolates in Ghinese Cabbage
  5. Sinigrin, a major glucosinolate from cruciferous vegetables restrains non-enzymatic glycation of albumin. – PubMed – NCBI
  6. Dietary strategies for improving post-prandial glucose, lipids, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. – PubMed – NCBI
  7. Hass avocado modulates postprandial vascular reactivity and postprandial inflammatory responses to a hamburger meal in healthy volunteers. – PubMed – NCBI

 

Western Diet – Overview

  1.  Total Western Diet (TWD) alters mechanical and thermal sensitivity and prolongs hypersensitivity following Complete Freund’s Adjuvant in mice – 2016
  2. Dietary strategies for improving post-prandial glucose, lipids, inflammation, and cardiovascular health. – PubMed – NCBI

Diet – Fibromyalgia

  1. A low fermentable oligo-di-mono-saccharides and polyols (FODMAP) diet is a balanced therapy for fibromyalgia with nutritional and symptomatic benefits – PubMed – NCBI
  2. Dietary interventions in fibromyalgia- a systematic review – 2019
  3. Vegetarian and Vegan Diet in Fibromyalgia – A Systematic Review – 2021
  4. A systematic review of the association between fibromyalgia and functional gastrointestinal disorders – 2020
  5. Dietary Interventions in the Management of Fibromyalgia – A Systematic Review and Best-Evidence Synthesis – 2020
  6. Nutritional Interventions in the Management of Fibromyalgia Syndrome – 2020
  7. The Role of Nutrient Supplementation in the Management of Chronic Pain in Fibromyalgia A Narrative Review – PubMed
  8. Fibromyalgia – Pathogenesis, Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Treatment Options Update – 2021
  9. Coenzyme Q10 supplementation alleviates pain in pregabalin-treated fibromyalgia patients via reducing brain activity and mitochondrial dysfunction – PubMed – 2019

 

Diet – Pain

  1. Food-Derived Natural Compounds for Pain Relief in Neuropathic Pain – 2016
  2. Food pyramid for subjects with chronic pain: foods and dietary constituents as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents. – PubMed – NCBI – 2018
  3. Dietary Patterns and Interventions to Alleviate Chronic Pain – 2020
  4. Neuroprotective Effect of Antioxidants in the Brain – 2020
  5. Neuropathic Pain – Delving into the Oxidative Origin and the Possible Implication of Transient Receptor Potential Channels – 2018
  6. Do Nutritional Factors Interact with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? A Systematic Review – 2020
  7. Nutraceutical Supplements in the Management and Prevention of Osteoarthritis – 2016
  8. Food for Special Medical Purposes and Nutraceuticals for Pain – A Narrative Review – 2021
  9. Nutritional Supplements for the Treatment of Neuropathic Pain – 2021
  10. Fibromyalgia and Nutrition An Updated Review – PubMed – 2020
  11. Food Implications in Central Sensitization Syndromes – 2020
  12. Influence of pro-algesic foods on chronic pain conditions – 2016
  13. Food in Chronic Pain – Friend or Foe? – 2020
  14. Mood Components in Cocoa and Chocolate – The Mood Pyramid – 2018

 

Diet – Water

  1. Water, Hydration and Health – 2010
  2. healthy_hydration_toolkit_march_2015

Fast Eating

  1. Self-reported faster eating associated with higher ALT activity in middle-aged, apparently healthy Japanese women. – PubMed – NCBI
  2. Self-awareness of fast eating and its impact on diagnostic components of metabolic syndrome among middle-aged Japanese males and females. – PubMed – NCBI
  3. Self-reported faster eating is positively associated with accumulation of visceral fat in middle-aged apparently healthy Japanese men. – PubMed – NCBI
  4. Association Between Eating Speed and Metabolic Syndrome in a Three-Year Population-Based Cohort Study – 2015
  5. Self-reported eating rate and metabolic syndrome in Japanese people – cross-sectional study -2014

Eating – Appetite, Satiation and Pain

  1. Decreased food pleasure and disrupted satiety signals in chronic low back pain. – PubMed – NCBI

The Microbiome – Overview

 

The Microbiome – Arthritis and Rheumatic Diseases

  1. Microbiome in Inflammatory Arthritis and Human Rheumatic Diseases – 2017
  2. A Possible Role of Intestinal Microbiota in the Pathogenesis of Ankylosing Spondylitis – 2016
  3. Hypothesis – Time for a gut check – HLA B27 predisposes to ankylosing spondylitis by altering the microbiome

The Microbiome – Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  1. The microbiota in inflammatory bowel disease – current and therapeutic insights – 2017
  2. Diet in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases – 2015

 

The Microbiome – Obesity

  1. Innate sensors of pathogen and stress: linking inflammation to obesity. – PubMed – NCBI
  2. Microbiota, inflammation and obesity. – PubMed – NCBI
  3. Obesity-Driven Gut Microbiota Inflammatory Pathways to Metabolic Syndrome – 2015
  4. Gut microbiota as a key player in triggering obesity, systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. 2014 – PubMed – NCBI

The Microbiome – Opioids

  1. Chronic Opioid Use Is Associated With Altered Gut Microbiota and Predicts Readmissions in Patients With Cirrhosis – 2017
  2. Opioid-induced gut microbial disruption and bile dysregulation leads to gut barrier compromise and sustained systemic inflammation – 2016

The Microbiome – Probiotics

  1. A Gastroenterologist’s Guide to Probiotics – 2012
  2. Probiotic Candian Clincial Guide to Probiotics

The Microbiome – Pain

  1. The gut microbiota as a key regulator of visceral pain – 2017

 

The Microbiome – Surgery

  1. Gut microbiome, surgical complications and probiotics – 2017

Food Sensitivities – Overviews

 

Food Sensitivities – Gluten

  1. Non-coeliac-gluten-sensitivity-e-A-new-disease-with-gluten-intolerance-2015

Miscellaneous

  1. Kaempferol, a dietary flavonoid, ameliorates acute inflammatory and nociceptive symptoms in gastritis, pancreatitis, and abdominal pain. – PubMed – NCBI
  2. Advanced Glycation End Products in Foods and a Practical Guide to Their Reduction in the Diet – 2010

Obesity – Pain

  1. Obesity-related adipokines predict patient-reported shoulder pain – 2013
  2. Adipokine Contribution to the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis – 2017
  3. Relationship between Neuropathic Pain and Obesity – 2016
  4. “The more pain I have, the more I want to eat” – obesity in the context of chronic pain – 2012
  5. Weight loss – the treatment of choice for knee osteoarthritis? A randomized trial – 2004

 

Emphasis on Education

 

Accurate Clinic promotes patient education as the foundation of it’s medical care. In Dr. Ehlenberger’s integrative approach to patient care, including conventional and complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments, he may encourage or provide advice about the use of supplements. However, the specifics of choice of supplement, dosing and duration of treatment should be individualized through discussion with Dr. Ehlenberger. The following information and reference articles are presented to provide the reader with some of the latest research to facilitate evidence-based, informed decisions regarding the use of conventional as well as CAM treatments.

 

For medical-legal reasons, access to these links is limited to patients enrolled in an Accurate Clinic medical program.

 

Should you wish more information regarding any of the subjects listed – or not listed –  here, please contact Dr. Ehlenberger. He has literally thousands of published articles to share on hundreds of topics associated with pain management, weight loss, nutrition, addiction recovery and emergency medicine. It would take years for you to read them, as it did him.

 

For more information, please contact Accurate Clinic.

 

Supplements recommended by Dr. Ehlenberger may be purchased commercially online or at Accurate Clinic.

Please read about our statement regarding the sale of products recommended by Dr. Ehlenberger.

Accurate Supplement Prices

 
 
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