ADELAIDE, australia – Eating nutritious food can substantially reduce chronic pain, according to new research from the University of South australia. A study found that improving diet quality over three months lessened joint and muscle pain in adults with overweight or obesity, independent of weight loss.
Healthy Eating’s Impact on Chronic pain
This research suggests diet quality, not just weight loss, plays a key role in managing chronic pain, offering new hope for relief.
- Improving diet quality directly reduces chronic musculoskeletal pain.
- The benefits are observed even when weight loss is moderate.
- A healthier diet can improve overall well-being and pain-related quality of life.
for 104 Australian adults living with overweight or obesity, a three-month dietary intervention proved that what you eat may independently influence chronic pain. The findings challenge the common assumption that weight loss is the sole driver of pain reduction.
Did you know? – The study focused on adults with overweight or obesity, but the findings suggest that anyone can benefit from a healthier diet. The research highlights the importance of nutrition for overall health and well-being.
Sue Ward, the lead researcher and a PhD candidate at the University of South Australia, highlighted the study’s implications. “Chronic musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common and debilitating conditions worldwide,” Ward said. “While excess weight is often thought to put stress on joints and drive pain, our study shows that what you eat may independently influence chronic pain.”
Ward added, “While weight loss helps many people, this study suggests that improving diet quality itself also eases the severity of people’s pain. This is a very hopeful finding for people living with chronic pain.”
Dietary Changes Lead to Pain Relief
The intervention guided participants to follow Australian Dietary Guidelines,reducing thier daily energy intake by 30%,from about 9100 to 5800 kilojoules. Over the three months, participants increased their consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats while cutting back on discretionary foods and alcohol.
Pro tip: – Start small! Gradually incorporate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. Reduce processed foods and sugary drinks. Even small changes can make a big difference in your overall health and pain levels.
Specifically, participants saw a 22% advancement in diet quality. Their chronic musculoskeletal pain decreased from 50% to 24%, accompanied by reports of less pain severity and better pain-related quality of life. While most participants also lost around seven kilograms, the pain improvements were directly linked to diet quality, even after accounting for changes in weight, waist circumference, and body fat.
Dr. Alison Hill, a co-researcher, emphasized the broader significance of these dietary guidelines. “Eating well isn’t just about long-term disease prevention – it can also have an immediate and tangible impact on how we feel day to day,” Dr. Hill stated. “This study shows that adopting a healthier diet may lead to meaningful reductions in pain which improve overall wellbeing.”
Reader question: – What specific dietary changes have you found helpful in managing chronic pain? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let’s learn from each other!
This research adds to a growing body of evidence underscoring the critical role of nutrition in managing chronic pain and supporting both physical and mental health.
