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How Does Diet Affect Pain?

Dr. Tanya Edwards, Director for the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic
Dr. Tanya Edwards, Director for the Center for Integrative Medicine at the Cleveland Clinic

Here’s a summary of her advice:

1. Check your levels:

Low vitamin D, low magnesium, and low omega 3 fatty acids (found in fish and flax seed, for instance) all contribute to pain. Boosting these levels is a starting point for reducing pain.

2. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.

This includes: nuts, seeds, beans, eggs, fish, 8-10 servings of bright colored fruits and veggies. Avoid food with high saturated or trans fats, like red meat and cheese. These foods provoke inflammation and pain in some people. Grains may also contribute to pain, especially the gluten found in wheat products.

3. Turmeric, a common spice, may help reduce pain.
Try introducing it into your cooking or taking a supplement.

anne.glausser@ideastream.org | 216-916-6129