The effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on chronic pain: a pilot study

Abstract

ObjectiveRheumatic diseases result in chronic pain (CP) and require treatment with drugs whose prolonged administration is associated with side effects. However, publications in the academic literature have suggested that diet modification and food supplementation can play a crucial role in alleviating the symptoms of inflammatory disease. Thus, it is hoped that the use of an anti-inflammatory diet for pain management might result in improved quality of life. Hence, here we aimed to investigate the effect of anti-inflammatory foods in patients with CP caused by rheumatic diseases.MethodsAfter an exhaustive bibliography search, we designed a 13-item anti-inflammatory dietary guide based on a Mediterranean diet without red meat, gluten, or cow’s milk (the AnMeD-S). We then conducted a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of this anti-inflammatory diet in patients with CP. A food consumption score (with a maximum of 156 points) was then applied to evaluate patient adhesion to the proposed diet. Forty-five patients with CP were followed-up for 4 months. Variables related with quality of life (including pain perception, depression status, and sleep satisfaction) were measured using 9 validated questionnaires and anthropometric measurements were recorded before and after the participants followed the anti-inflammatory diet.ResultsWe found a correlation between increased anti-inflammatory food intake and improved physical characteristics, stress, and pain in the patients we assessed. Moreover, decreased consumption of pro-inflammatory foods was positively correlated with sleep satisfaction. Following the AnMeD-S was associated with improved physical characteristics and quality-of-life in patients with CP.ConclusionThe AnMeD-S, includes anti-inflammatory foods and restricts the consumption of certain pro-inflammatory foods (such as those containing gluten). This dietary pattern could provide relief from CP and improve the symptoms of stress and depression, as well as reducing sleep disturbances.

Exploring the association between dietary Inflammatory Index and chronic pain in US adults using NHANES 1999–2004

“…For instance, studies suggest that adopting a low-sugar diet may mitigate migraines by reducing inflammation 29 . Additionally, ample evidence indicates that anti-inflammatory diets are associated with pain relief 49 , 50 , 52 – 56 . Reducing the intake of saturated fats and added sugars may inhibit afferent vagal nerve fibers from detecting pro-inflammatory cytokines associated with Western diets and prevent the transmission of peripheral inflammation signals to the brain 57 .…”

Employee Dietary Initiative Improved Chronic Symptoms

“…Integrative clinicians commonly find that patients who shift from the SAD to some form of an anti-inflammatory diet typically note improvements in their well-being, an observation that is supported by peer reviewed literature studying the effects of an anti-inflammatory diet for common conditions. 9 , 40 , 41 …”

“… 6 Considerable attention has recently been given to anti-inflammatory diets and other nutritional strategies for improving symptoms and preventing disease. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 …”

The potential causal relationship between various lifestyles and depression: a univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization study

“…Healthy dietary habits and avoiding pro-inflammatory foods can prevent depression to a certain extent ( 12 ). Multiple studies suggest that the Mediterranean diet can reduce the risk of depression ( 12 , 42 , 43 ). The Mediterranean diet emphasizes the consumption of plant-based foods rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes ( 44 ).…”