It might come as a surprise to some people, but what you put in your mouth can make your aches and pains worse. As the old saying goes, “You are what you eat.” 

There are many foods that can cause inflammation and actually result in chronic pain. Eating a healthier diet can help you feel better, without those nagging aches and pains. One vital part of working out a diet that doesn’t cause inflammation or pain is knowing which foods to say no to. 

Foods that can cause your pain and inflammation to increase

While it may be difficult to resist sodas, chocolate bars, pastries, and desserts, it’s smart to just say no. According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, processed sugars release inflammatory messengers. The messengers are known as cytokines. To be on the safe side, avoid any ingredients that end in “ose.” That includes the sugars sucrose and fructose. If you’re seeking to eat fewer foods that can cause pain, you should also consider reducing your intake of: 

• Saturated fats — processed meats (pepperoni), fried chicken, fast foods
• Full-fat dairy products
• Refined carbohydrates — white rice, white bread, pizza dough
• Red meat
• Trans fats — fast foods, frozen meals, snack foods
• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) — soy sauce, salad dressings, canned soups, packaged deli meats

Foods that can cause your inflammation and pain to decrease

Just making better food choices can put you on the road to reduced pain and less need to rely on medications. Another plus to eating better is that you just may wind up losing a few of those stubborn pounds. So, the next time you feel a nagging ache, do some thinking about what you’re putting in your mouth, and consider eating foods that can fight the cytokines that cause inflammation and pain, such as: 

• Water
• Greek yogurt
• Leafy green vegetables — kale, spinach
• Carrots
• Citrus fruits — oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit
• Raw nuts — almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts
• Berries — blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries
• Herbs and spices — ginger, turmeric, cumin, rosemary, garlic

Need more help than just not eating foods that cause pain? Visit Continuum Wellness

Eating an anti-inflammatory diet can be one facet of your treatment plan, but another facet of your plan should be physical therapy. Our team at Continuum Wellness can construct a personalized therapy plan to complement your anti-inflammatory diet. We also offer free screenings that are intended to reveal the specific source of your symptoms. 

Our team can even help you get effective therapy from home. This is possible thanks to our at-home therapy and virtual care services, and you can even use any of our high-quality therapy services without first going to your doctor to get a referral. 

Are you ready to take the next step to start treating the source of your pain? Contact our team today for more information about how we can help or to schedule your free screening.