Nutrition absolutely has an effect on chronic pain. The main influencers of pain (aside from a large mechanical issue) are the nervous (neurotransmitters), endocrine (hormones) and immune (inflammation) systems of the body. To produce these messengers, you must have the appropriate components…which come from nutrition. These chemicals primarily come from two sources: cholesterol (the same thing most doctors recommend avoiding) and amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Essentially, without proper amounts coming from the diet, you significantly impact the assembly of necessary messengers. With that said, the body is adaptive, and has the ability compensate for nutritional deficiencies for an extended period of time…but at what cost?
“Inflammation” has become a buzz word in nutrition. How does nutrition influence this? First, let’s make it clear that all food is going to have a temporary inflammatory effect. Think of this like gas for your car, some options are going to burn cleaner, but there’s still exhaust (metabolism byproducts). In recent decades, the American diet has transitioned from whole to processed convenience foods as dietary staples. The addition of vegetable oils such as canola, soy, peanut and corn are particularly concerning. These oils oxidize easily and contain higher amounts of Omega-6 fatty acids, leading to further inflammation and tissue damage. Stable fats, such as those from animals (lard, butter, etc.), as well as coconut and olive oil, are better choices. Another consideration is that some foods require appropriate processing to ensure minimal problems with digestion. Foods like grains, beans, nuts and other plant-based foods should be soaked, sprouted or prepared in a manner to avoid harmful effects. For example, lectins found in beans and night-shade plants can be irritating to the gut, but this is significantly reduced with soaking and cooking appropriately. Meat eaters don’t get away easily either; it too can have undesired effects. Sourcing meat from animals that were raised on pasture and treated humanely is key to reducing the inflammatory effects.
So, what are we going to do if everything causes inflammation? First, start with consuming whole foods; this alone will have tremendous benefits. The next step is to relearn what our ancestors knew about food. Unfortunately, in a few generations this essential knowledge has been forgotten. There are many resources available to regain this lost art, the Weston A. Price Foundation is the one I’ve found most practical.
To learn about local food resources in Cincinnati check out: WAPF – Cincinnati Chapter
Elemental Health 