Chronic pain is no fun, and sometimes it feels like there’s nothing we can do! But there’s a link between optimal nutrition and pain relief, so it might be as simple as changing your diet.
March 2023. This article is independently written by Shelby Golding. All opinions given are hers. Shelby has been certified as a personal trainer and nutritional specialist since 2007. In 2008, she found her passion for writing about these topics and hasn't looked back.
Many doctors believe that the secret to optimal pain relief can be found in your diet. The results aren't instant, though, so that's where Kailo comes in. You can use Kailo to manage your chronic pain while you work on changing your diet and improving your overall health.
Keep reading to find out how.
The Link Between Nutrition and Pain
According to Dr. Fred Tabung, a researcher with the Department of Nutrition at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, the link between nutrition and pain is strong.
"A lot of chronic pain is the result of chronic inflammation, and the evidence is quite strong that your diet can contribute to increased systemic inflammation," explained Dr. Tabung. "But your diet is also one of the best ways to reduce it."
"A lot of chronic pain is the result of chronic inflammation, and the evidence is quite strong that your diet can contribute to increased systemic inflammation," explained Dr. Tabung. "But your diet is also one of the best ways to reduce it."
About Inflammation
Inflammation can be beneficial, helping to repair injuries or fight infections after being signaled by your immune system that there’s a “crisis.” But it can also contribute to chronic pain.
Normally, after an injury, inflammation subsides because it has served its purpose. But in some cases, your immune system remains activated and fails to realize that there’s no crisis anymore. When this happens, inflammation continues and can cause constant pain in your joints, muscles, and surrounding tissues.
Normally, after an injury, inflammation subsides because it has served its purpose. But in some cases, your immune system remains activated and fails to realize that there’s no crisis anymore. When this happens, inflammation continues and can cause constant pain in your joints, muscles, and surrounding tissues.
Ongoing inflammation also increases your risk of health problems like Alzheimer’s disease, some types of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
The good news is that you can adjust your diet to reduce inflammation. And as a result, you’ll likely see an improvement in chronic pain symptoms.
Eating to Reduce Inflammation and Pain
“A poor diet can alter your immune system, so it acts abnormally, and can contribute to persistent low-grade inflammation,” said Dr. Tabung.
A poor diet can hinder the immune system and even cause it to activate, creating inflammation. While scientists have yet to understand why diet strongly impacts the immune system fully, evidence suggests that it could be due to nutrition or a lack thereof.
For example, you may see decreased immune function if your diet is low in iron, zinc, folic acid, selenium, or vitamins A, B6, B12, C, D, and E. And while a multivitamin can take care of these needs in theory, a balanced diet is always recommended alongside quality multivitamins.
Other research has shown a link between chronic pain and diets high in sugar and fat. Additionally, studies have found that you’re more likely to experience chronic pain, inflammation, and even arthritis if you regularly eat red meat and processed meats.
On the other hand, eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce inflammation and chronic pain. The same applies to those eating foods high in antioxidants – specifically, polyphenols.
On the other hand, eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce inflammation and chronic pain. The same applies to those eating foods high in antioxidants – specifically, polyphenols.
Mediterranean Diet
Research has consistently shown that eating a Mediterranean diet can reduce your risk of diabetes, heart disease, and (you guessed it) inflammation. And it’s one of the most commonly recommended dietary plans for those looking to combat chronic pain.
The staples of a Mediterranean diet include lots of the following foods:
The staples of a Mediterranean diet include lots of the following foods:
- Vegetables (especially dark leafy greens)
- Fruits (especially berries)
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Legumes
- Whole grains
- Potatoes
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Herbs
- Spices
- Fish
"Many of these also are rich in the micronutrients your immune system requires to function at a high level," explained Dr. Tabung.
The Mediterranean diet also includes moderate amounts of the following foods:
The Mediterranean diet also includes moderate amounts of the following foods:
- Eggs
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Poultry
And minimal amounts (if any) of the following foods:
- Red meat
- Sugar (includes added sugars in foods and beverages)
- Processed meats
- Refined grains
- Refined oils
- Highly processed foods
Focus On Variety
While you might spot a few favorite foods on this list, including a wide variety for optimal nutrition is important. A versatile diet helps provide your body with more nutrients to support the quality multivitamins you’re (hopefully) already taking.
Here’s a simple way to balance your diet:
Here’s a simple way to balance your diet:
- Fill half of your plate with fresh vegetables and fruit
- Fill the other half of your plate with whole grains and healthy proteins
- Use extra virgin olive oil instead of butter, vegetable oil, and canola oil
With this half-and-half rule in mind, the only other thing to focus on is buying various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins. Shopping according to what’s on sale or in season can make this easier.
We recommend consulting your doctor when you make this change and asking them to help you track the improvements in your health, inflammation, and chronic pain condition. While this might involve bi-monthly checkups for the first several months, it's well worth it!
We recommend consulting your doctor when you make this change and asking them to help you track the improvements in your health, inflammation, and chronic pain condition. While this might involve bi-monthly checkups for the first several months, it's well worth it!
Where Kailo Comes In
As you change your diet, you'll see gradual improvements in your health and chronic pain. But gradual doesn't always cut it when your joints are aching all day, every day. And that's where Kailo comes in.
You can wear the Kailo Pain Patch anywhere, anytime, at all hours of the day to support your body and reduce or eliminate pain. Kailo is designed to offer pain relief in seconds without the help of oral medication – scientists theorize that it does this by interfering with your body's electrical system.
In a recent clinical study, 97% of users were extremely satisfied with Kailo over oral medication. The study also showed that 96% of patients preferred Kailo over other pain-relieving treatments, and a majority of patients stopped using medication when using Kailo for pain relief. You can’t beat those results!
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or are pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.
You can wear the Kailo Pain Patch anywhere, anytime, at all hours of the day to support your body and reduce or eliminate pain. Kailo is designed to offer pain relief in seconds without the help of oral medication – scientists theorize that it does this by interfering with your body's electrical system.
In a recent clinical study, 97% of users were extremely satisfied with Kailo over oral medication. The study also showed that 96% of patients preferred Kailo over other pain-relieving treatments, and a majority of patients stopped using medication when using Kailo for pain relief. You can’t beat those results!
Disclaimer: Kailo should not be used if you have a pacemaker or are pregnant. Always consult your doctor or health care professional before using Kailo.
