Emerging research from the University of South Australia reveals the significant effect of a healthy diet on reducing chronic pain severity, offering a promising avenue for non-invasive pain management.
The University of South Australia's latest research indicates that dietary changes can significantly reduce chronic pain severity, particularly among women, by improving diet quality regardless of body weight.
The University of South Australia's study demonstrates that adhering to a healthy diet can lessen chronic pain's intensity. Highlighting dietary patterns outlined in the Australian Dietary Guidelines, the research emphasizes the lower pain levels associated with core food consumption, including vegetables and lean proteins. These effects are pronounced among women, suggesting gender differences in dietary impacts. The study propounds that these benefits transcend body weight factors, offering a universal approach to pain management.
University of South Australia researchers explored how diet quality impacts chronic pain levels. Their findings reveal a link between healthy eating patterns and reduced pain severity.
“In our study, higher consumption of core foods was related to less pain, regardless of body weight,” said Sue Ward.
The emphasis on core food groups such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins suggests focusing dietary interventions on these foods can benefit those with chronic pain.
The study noted that while both men and women with better diets had lower pain levels, the effects were notably stronger for women. This suggests a potential gender difference in dietary response.
Sue Ward emphasized, “Women with better diets had lower pain levels and better physical function. But this effect was much weaker for men.” This points to the need for tailored dietary advice based on gender.
Given the study's findings, integrating nutrition-focused strategies can enhance current pain management practices. Dietary changes present a low-cost, accessible intervention with broad applicability.
Although personalized approaches remain essential, the universal nature of dietary interventions suggests they could form a core component of chronic pain management protocols.
Ward, S. J., Coates, A. M., Baldock, K. L., Stanford, T. E., & Hill, A. M. (2024). Better diet quality is associated with reduced body pain in adults regardless of adiposity. Nutrition Research, 98(8), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nutres.2024.08.002
University of South Australia. (2024). A healthy diet helps the weighty battle with chronic pain. Retrieved from https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/Releases/2024/a-healthy-diet-helps-the-weighty-battle-with-chronic-pain/