Chronic Pain: Diet Also Plays a Significant Role

What we eat can influence not only our overall health, but also the way we perceive pain. A recent Australian study has revealed a surprising connection between a balanced diet and the reduction of chronic pain, extending beyond the simple association with obesity.

Chronic Pain: A Multidimensional Challenge

Chronic pain is a complex condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Although it is often associated with specific injuries or diseases, scientific evidence shows that less obvious factors — such as lifestyle and diet — can modulate the perception of pain.

Recent studies, Pain trends among American Adults e Increases in BMI and chronic pain for US adults in midlife, 1992 to 2016 conducted in the United States have demonstrated that an increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with chronic pain, with prevalence rates ranging from 10% to 32%.
However, the relationship between adiposity and pain is not unidirectional:
“Pain itself can contribute to weight gain,” explains Dr Irene Ferrario, clinical psychologist at ISICO, “as many individuals tend to reduce physical activity or develop an increasing fear of movement.”

Within this context, another study conducted at the University of South Australia examined how diet influences bodily pain levels. The most noteworthy finding? The benefits of a healthy diet are not limited to individuals who are overweight but also extend to those with a normal BMI.

“It is important to understand that there is no single cause of chronic pain. Factors such as diet, physical activity and stress management should be viewed as components of an integrated care approach,” says Francesco Saveri, physiotherapist at ISICO.

Diet and Pain: More Than a Matter of Weight

Traditionally, body weight has been considered the main link between diet and chronic pain. Excessive weight can overload joints and promote inflammation, thereby worsening pain.
However, the Australian study showed that diet plays an independent role. Participants who followed a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and dairy products reported significantly lower pain levels, regardless of their BMI. This suggests that a balanced diet may positively influence inflammatory and oxidative processes that heighten pain perception.

“Educating patients to improve their diet is essential — not only to reduce pain, but also to promote a healthier long-term lifestyle. It is an investment in their quality of life,” adds Saveri.

Key Components of a “Pain-Reducing” Diet

Which foods should be included in a diet aimed at alleviating pain? According to experts, it is essential to prioritise:

• Fruit and vegetables: rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
• Whole grains: due to their lower glycaemic impact, they help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation.
• Lean proteins: fish and poultry provide essential amino acids for tissue repair.
• Healthy fats: such as olive oil and nuts, which support the nervous system and reduce oxidative stress.

Why Diet Matters

The key lies in inflammatory processes. A diet high in simple sugars, saturated fats and ultra-processed foods increases oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby exacerbating pain.
Conversely, a balanced diet helps maintain an appropriate inflammatory equilibrium, improving not only general health but also overall quality of life.

“Intervening through diet represents an accessible strategy, without high costs and with minimal difficulties — apart from those linked to modifying daily habits.”

“The benefits of a balanced diet are numerous and substantial: in addition to promoting weight reduction, it helps decrease systemic inflammation, thereby reducing pain perception and significantly improving quality of life and physical functioning for millions of individuals,” concludes Saveri.