Veganism is becoming increasingly popular in the U.S. as 2011 begins. Veganism, an extreme form of vegetarianism, prohibits the consumption of all animal products. According to the Colorado State University Extension, vegan diets are typically higher in fiber and nutrients than diets that include animal products, and vegetarianism is associated with a lowered risk of several chronic and degenerative health problems. Some aspects of veganism might help lessen chronic muscle and joint pain. In particular, vegan diets are high in antioxidants, which are powerful substances that help reduce pain-causing inflammation in the body, says OsteoarthritisRemedy.com. If you struggle with chronic pain, a vegan diet might be helpful to you.
Step 1
Include plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet. Tufts University Health Service says the healthy compounds in fresh fruits and vegetables calm inflammation in sore muscles, thus reducing pain. Whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, whole-wheat products, quinoa and bulgur, are high in anti-inflammatory antioxidants as well. Vegan diets include plenty of fruits, veggies and grains, in addition to other healthy foods, to take the place of animal foods.
Step 2
Eat beans, legumes, nuts and seeds for protein. Because vegan diets exclude all meat, fish, poultry, eggs and dairy, plant-based sources of protein are key. These healthy proteins provide vitamins, antioxidants and healthy fats that might help ease muscle and joint pain.
Step 3
Include omega-3 fatty acids in your diet. Omega-3 fatty acids are heart-healthy fats that protect against particular diseases and, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, might help reduce the pain and inflammation of joint pain. Because vegan diets prohibit the consumption of fish, obtain your omega-3 fatty acids from other sources, such as olive oil, canola oil, peanut butter, almonds, walnuts, flaxseed and avocados. Omega-3's are also available in supplement form.
