If you’ve ever taken an over-the-counter pain reliever, you already know that what you put in your mouth can moderate your pain levels. The connection doesn’t stop at medication, either. What you eat can directly impact your pain levels, easing your discomfort or making it worse.
With an emphasis on nutrition and pain management, Dr. Trace Alexander and our team have extensive experience in this area. We’ve helped many patients find lasting relief from their pain through more balanced eating.
For a personalized plan, see us at our Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine offices in Plano and Addison, Texas. For now, though, here’s a general look at the connection between nutrition and pain management.
When you’re injured or ill, your body uses inflammation. You might think of inflammation primarily as swelling, but it’s a sophisticated response. Inflammatory cells can help trap germs and heal tissue, for example.
The problem with inflammation comes when it lingers. When an injury doesn’t heal or a sickness hangs around, that inflammation can become chronic. Chronic inflammation is linked to conditions like:
At the same time, lifestyle choices can increase inflammation. Those include smoking, stress, excess alcohol, and poor sleep.
In short, a lot can cause chronic inflammation in your body. And that’s problematic because inflammation typically hurts.
Fortunately, certain foods give you the power to manage inflammation and, consequently, to manage pain.
The best foods to deliver anti-inflammatory effects include:
You can also minimize pain by avoiding foods that trigger inflammation. Those include:
Dr. Alexander and our team work with you to find foods that you enjoy that also support pain minimization. And, depending on what’s causing your pain, we might recommend taking things a step further.
The more you weigh, the more likely you are to deal with chronic pain. Excess weight can strain your joints, interfere with your sleep, and take other tolls that heighten your pain levels.
If a high body mass index (BMI) contributes to your pain, Dr. Alexander may recommend a weight loss program, particularly for people with joint pain, such as hip or knee pain.
Our weight loss program supports you every step of the way. That could mean a combination of nutritional guidance and targeted interventions such as injections or chiropractic care.
For help finding your way to less pain, call Legacy Pain and Regenerative Medicine at 972-899-9797 or book your visit online today.
