According to Kelsey Costa, a registered dietitian and nutrition consultant for the National Coalition on Healthcare, while making dietary changes alone can’t ‘cure’ chronic pain, it may influence the underlying factors that contribute to it for some people.

In that way, adopting a more anti-inflammatory dietTrusted Source, such as the Mediterranean diet — which encourages the consumption of fish, legumes, and a variety of fruits and vegetables — may benefit some people.

Although there is no one definition for an anti-inflammatory diet, the general recommendation is one that avoids foods that cause inflammationTrusted Source in the body, such as refined carbohydrates and added sugars, and trans and saturated fats.

“Chronic pain often stems from persistent inflammation in the body. This inflammation can be exacerbated or mitigated by dietary choices. Foods high in sugar, unhealthy fats, and certain additives can trigger inflammatory responses, worsening chronic pain. Conversely, adopting an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole foods and healthy fats can help mitigate inflammation,” she told MNT.

What are some anti-inflammatory foods?

The backbone of an anti-inflammatory diet is foods that are rich in antioxidants and phytonutrientsTrusted Source, which have been linked to lower levels of inflammation throughout the body.

“For instance, foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish and nuts, and those high in antioxidants, like berries and leafy greens, can help soothe inflammation, thereby influencing chronic pain. Furthermore, spices such as turmeric and ginger have been recognized for their potent anti-inflammatory properties,” said Costa.

The benefits of including more anti-inflammatory foods in one’s diet may also affect health positively in other ways.

“[It’s] worth noting that these dietary changes don’t just influence pain directly; they also contribute to overall improved health, weight management, and enhanced quality of life, which can indirectly positively impact chronic pain management,” Costa pointed out.

She stressed that as each individual’s body will respond differently to such dietary changes, it is important to follow a tailored approach.

DNA-based dietsTrusted Source are a concept that has gained more traction in recent years. However, the science is still very new. Most experts believe in the potential of such personalized nutritional approaches but are skeptical about the general applicability and complexity of the science.

Costa started by explaining epigenetics,Trusted Source or the study of how cells and chemical compounds may control how genes work without changing the DNA sequence.

“Epigenetics, essentially the study of changes in organisms caused by modification of gene expression, and DNA-based nutrition programs have the potential to revolutionize dietary guidance,” said Costa. One way this can be achieved is through DNA methylationTrusted Source, which can be influenced by diet.

“Yet, the science is still maturing and has not reached the point where wholly personalized diets can be accurately developed for individuals based on their genetic makeup alone. Some studies suggest that personalized nutrition advice delivered through digital platforms can prompt more significant and appropriate modifications in dietary behavior than traditional, population-wide advice,” she continued.

Costa underscored that although comprehensive evidence regarding incorporating phenotype or genotype data into personalized nutrition advice is lacking, such data may enhance the effectiveness of these interventions.

She said DNA-based nutrition programs had potential and “may enhance adherence due to their personalized nature,” therefore producing more tangible results for people.

However, she cautioned that they may be just as effective as personalized guidance by a dietitian.

“[The] effectiveness [of DNA-based nutrition programs] may not exceed the benefits of individualized dietary advice grounded in a person’s present diet patterns, medical history, and lifestyle, similar to the guidance provided by a dietitian,” she said.

“While genetics-based nutrition may become a valuable tool in the future, it’s essential to consider all aspects of a person’s health and lifestyle when creating personalized dietary recommendations.”
— Kelsey Costa