"We are what we eat." This statement holds true when it comes to chronic pain. Mounting evidence has shown the importance of diet in affecting immune system and inflammation. A healthy diet including zinc, selenium, iron, folic acid, and vitamins A, B6, C, and E may help immune system better control inflammation. In addition, diet including natural compounds such as flavonoids, terumbone from ginger root, curcuminoids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and taurine can exert anti-nociceptive and analgesic effect. Moreover, correct intake of trace elements and minerals is essential to attenuate inflammation-related pain. This presentation will review healthy and unhealthy diets, and natural compounds that are important for healthcare providers to know in order to provide the holistic pain management.
Learning Objectives:
Understand the type of diet to avoid to reduce chronic inflammation and improve immune system.
Identify the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory diet that can reduce chronic inflammation-induced pain.
