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If you have chronic inflammatory pain certain foods in your diet can either promote recovery from pain or promote the persistance of pain. So below are lists of foods in each category.

A. Foods to promote recovery

1. Vegetables

2. Berries

3. Citrus fruit

4. Nuts

5. Cucurmin( Turmeric), ginger

6. Green tea

7. Soybeans

B. Dietary promoters of persistant pain 

• High levels of saturated fats and sugar e.g. Chocolate, cakes, biscuits, some desserts, red meat, cheeses. Any processed/packaged food.
• And it seems different types of diet will work better with  different diseases.

So if you have say Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis or general musculoskeletal pain then a Mediterranean diet which is lower in protein and saturated fats than a regular diet is the best way to go. And if you are a vegetarian that is very beneficial too. 

And fasting is very good for musculoskeletal pain and joint pain.

C.Other contributors to Chronic pain

• Ongoing use of opiates
• As we all know structural misalignment and nerve entrapment
• Long term depression
• Unsupportive relationships
• Interrupted sleep
• Negative thought processes, over catastrophising
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Omega 3 deficiency
• Magnesium deficiency

D. Managing chronic pain through herbs and supplement

• PEA - 600-2400g a day.  - Neuro protective, an analgaesic and anti-inflammatory. For arthritis, shingles, fibromyalgia, failed back surgery syndrome, migraines. 
• NAC- Reduces neuropathic pain  1-3g a day
• Magnesium - 300-600mg a day
• Omega 3 - Fish oils or eat mullet, anchovies and salmon 3X a day. 
• Zinc, green tea and Cucurmin. 
• Vitamin D - Need to have > 50 nmol/L but preferably 100nm/L. Magnesium deficiency can contribute to Vit D deficiency. 
• Probiotics

E. Activity/exercise

• Exercise can improve physical function, depression and pain. Fear of moving will prolong the healing process and a successful recovery!
• Use of an exercise physiologist  or Pilates instructor can help you to rehabilitate.
• Important to pace yourself within your pain levels.
• And massage can help the tight muscles associated with the pain or nerve pain.

F. Social connection

• Social interactions play an important role in your perceptions of pain. 
• Quality of support is very important too

G. Self management

• Laughter
• Work out ways to cope
• Good sleep
• Be in nature - the sea or the bush
• Ease up on coffee and alcohol
• Meditation, relaxation apps
• Look at your own perceptions on how bad the pain really is. 

Anyway, I hope this helps you to manage your pain through all these suggestions. If you want any herbal medicine or massage help let me know.

 

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