Recent research suggests that a high-quality diet may hold the key to alleviating chronic pain. Experts have highlighted how dietary choices can influence inflammation and oxidative stress, two factors known to exacerbate pain and prolong its duration. Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS, a physician-scientist, and Kiran Campbell, RDN, a registered dietitian, emphasize the role of diet in managing chronic pain and promoting overall well-being.
A high-quality diet characterized by a high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly mitigate inflammation and oxidative stress. These nutrient-dense foods are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which help reduce systemic inflammation—a known contributor to pain. In contrast, a lower-quality diet, often referred to as the standard American or Western diet, is high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and added sugars. Such diets can lead to spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels, increasing inflammation and oxidative stress.
“A higher-quality diet can reduce chronic pain by minimizing inflammation and oxidative stress through nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These dietary patterns support overall health and reduce systemic inflammation, which is a known contributor to pain. To contrast this, a lower-quality diet, like a standard American diet/Western diet—high in refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, and added sugars—can substantially increase inflammation and oxidative stress, which will worsen pain and potentially make it last longer.”— Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS
Dr. Thomas M. Holland explains the potential mechanisms linking diet quality to chronic pain management. He highlights that adopting a healthier lifestyle can amplify the benefits of a nutritious diet in managing chronic pain. It is never too early or too late to make healthier choices; even small changes can lead to significant improvements in both pain and quality of life.
“Generally, adopting an overall healthy lifestyle will amplify the benefits of a nutritious diet in managing chronic pain. It is never too early or too late to make healthier choices, as even small changes can lead to significant improvements in pain and quality of life.”— Thomas M. Holland, MD, MS
Kiran Campbell supports these findings by suggesting that focusing on dietary patterns that modulate inflammation and oxidative stress may be crucial for alleviating chronic pain. A balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods not only helps reduce the risk of chronic pain but also improves overall health and well-being.
“focusing on dietary patterns and constituents that modulate [inflammation and oxidative stress] may be crucial to alleviating chronic pain.”— Kiran Campbell, RDN
While the connection between diet quality and chronic pain requires further research for full understanding, current evidence strongly supports the notion that what one eats can have profound effects on their health.
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