Chronic pain is estimated to affect 20 to 30 percent of the world’s population. A healthy dietary pattern may help. A study of 654 Australian adults ages 18 to 89 years found that better diet quality was associated with less body pain, especially in women. Even though having overweight or obesity increases risk for pain, healthy eating was associated with less pain at any weight. Dietary patterns associated with a higher risk of pain were high in calories, refined carbohydrates, added sugars, and saturated fats and low in vegetables and fruit. In women, lower levels of pain were associated with higher intake of vegetables, fruit, dairy, and unsaturated fats. The effect was seen in men as well, but it did not reach the level of statistical significance.
Although this study does not prove cause and effect, it suggests there is value to a healthy dietary pattern in the management of pain, particularly in women. A healthy dietary pattern rich in vegetables and fruit, low-fat and fat-free dairy, and unsaturated fats from non-tropical plant oils, nuts, seeds, and fish and low in added sugars and other refined carbohydrates, salt, and saturated fats is the all-around best choice for your body.