Your nutrition choices can have a significant impact on how well your body functions. One of the most common contributors of chronic pain is inflammation, which can irritate and damage the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. If you suffer from chronic pain, making important dietary changes may be an integral part of your treatment plan. Simply eating the right foods and avoiding foods that may exacerbate your symptoms can aid in reducing inflammation.
Foods that can contribute to reducing inflammation:
- Turmeric: the main active component in turmeric is curcumin, which has natural anti-inflammatory properties
- Ginger: inhibits pro-inflammatory substances and reduces oxidative stress
- Cherries: high in antioxidants and contains anthocyanins, which work to decrease inflammation
- Avocados: great source of healthy unsaturated fats and antioxidants
- Salmon: high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help to reduce inflammation
- Dark leafy greens
- Whole grains
Foods to avoid that are widely known to increase inflammation:
- Sugar
- Alcohol
- Foods high in trans fat
- Foods with artificial preservatives
- Red and processed meats: hot dogs, bacon, and cured meats are high in saturated fat
- Fried foods: produce compounds in the body called advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which induce an inflammatory response
