A Healthy Diet Can Alleviate Chronic Pain: Findings from Australia
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Canberra, Dec 9 (NationPress) Embracing a nutritious diet may help alleviate the intensity of chronic pain, according to findings from an Australian study.
Researchers at the University of South Australia discovered a significant correlation between increased adherence to the federal government's Australian Dietary Guidelines and reduced levels of bodily pain, especially among women, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
"It's widely accepted that maintaining a balanced diet is beneficial for one's health and well-being. However, understanding that simple dietary adjustments can diminish chronic pain may be transformative," stated Sue Ward, a co-author of the research.
Previous studies have indicated that over 30 percent of the global population experiences chronic pain, with women and individuals classified as overweight or obese being more susceptible.
The recent research highlighted that a higher intake of core foods—such as vegetables, fruits, grains, lean meats, dairy, and substitutes—is associated with a reduction in chronic pain, independent of an individual’s weight.
"Understanding that dietary selections and the overall caliber of one’s nutrition can enhance health and concurrently lower pain levels is immensely significant," Ward noted.
The investigation revealed that the impact of healthy eating on chronic pain was more pronounced in women than in men.
Ward suggested that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties found in essential food groups could potentially alleviate pain; however, the team could not definitively conclude whether a subpar diet leads to increased pain or if chronic pain results in poorer eating habits.
