Chronic pain is a common condition that affected nearly 50 million US adults in 2016 alone. It’s often caused by a traumatic injury or an underlying medical issue, such as arthritis, but lifestyle factors, like diet, can also play a role in making symptoms worse.
In fact, certain foods may contribute to inflammation or other factors that exacerbate pain. Familiarizing yourself with these dietary triggers offers an effective way to reduce inflammation so you feel your best.
At LiveWell Pain Management, interventional pain doctor Nora Taha, MD, regularly counsels her patients on the importance of anti-inflammatory foods. In this article, she highlights five foods that may make chronic pain worse, so you can make more informed choices about your diet.
Processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, and hot dogs, are easy to prepare and filling. However, they’re loaded with sodium and advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which may increase inflammation throughout the body.
Whenever possible, replace these types of meats with fresher, unprocessed options. Some good alternatives include fresh fish, skinless chicken breast, and ground turkey.
Sugary foods and drinks, such as soda, candy, and cake, offer a fun way to treat yourself after a long or stressful day. But if they’re a regular part of your diet, they can increase the risk of inflammation and contribute to weight gain. Over time, excess weight can place more stress on your joints, making chronic pain even more noticeable.
You don’t have to ditch your favorite treats altogether, but try replacing sugary treats with unsweetened alternatives whenever possible. For example, replace your daily Coke with iced tea or a slice of cake with apple and peanut butter.
Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, white rice, and crackers, cause your blood sugar to rapidly spike after eating them. For some people, this reaction increases inflammation and worsens chronic pain.
Try eating whole-grain breads and crackers instead. These items are less likely to cause blood sugar fluctuations, and they contain fiber. Fiber causes you to feel fuller longer and may help reduce systemic inflammation.
Fried treats such as French fries, onion rings, and potato chips are popular snacks. They involve little or no preparation and taste great. The problem is the way these foods are prepared. High-temperature cooking techniques, like frying, create harmful byproducts such as AGEs and trans fats, both of which increase the risk of inflammation.
To reduce your exposure to these components, try healthier cooking methods. For example, baking and grilling may produce fewer compounds associated with inflammation than frying.
Many people use alcoholic beverages like beer and wine to relax after a stressful day. There’s nothing wrong with an occasional glass, but regular alcohol consumption may increase inflammation. It can also contribute to dehydration and affect your sleep, both of which can make you more sensitive to pain overall.
Whether you have a condition like arthritis or more localized symptoms, such as neck pain, back pain, or shoulder pain, managing chronic pain alone isn’t always easy. If your pain affects your mobility or keeps you from activities you enjoy, professional treatment can help.
To explore your treatment options, request an appointment online or call the nearest LiveWell Pain Management office in Elmwood Park, Englewood, or Paramus, New Jersey.
