Pain is a common health complaint that has numerous causes. Pain -- especially chronic pain -- can cause significant physical, emotional and financial stress on the person suffering the pain as well as on their family and friends. Nutritional therapies have long been used to reduce pain or treat the underlying cause of pain. You should always talk with your doctor before using nutritional therapies for health purposes.
Pain Information
Acute pain usually resolves within several days or a week, but chronic pain persists for weeks, months and, sometimes, even years. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states that common causes of chronic, or long-term, pain include headache, cancer, arthritis and lower back problems. Neurogenic pain -- pain caused by nervous system damage -- is another common type of chronic pain. In some cases, you may have two pain-inducing problems that coexist, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.
DIetary Approach
One of the most effective dietary approaches to pain involves the consumption of an anti-inflammatory diet. Eating certain foods -- and eliminating other foods from your diet -- may help reduce inflammation and pain in some individuals. Beneficial dietary inclusions to help reduce inflammation and pain include fish, nuts, seeds and beans. Foods to avoid may include certain dairy and meat products and margarine. Consume between eight and 12 servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Nutritional Supplementation
Numerous nutritional supplements have been used in treating pain, although further research evidence may be required to understand these supplements' true health effects and side effects. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that the following nutritional supplements have historically been used in treating pain: sulfur, phenylalanine, echinacea, aloe, devil's claw, passionflower, peppermint and willow bark. Other helpful supplements for this health purpose may include methionine, wood betony, valerian root and cramp bark.
Considerations
Pain, though a common symptom, is usually your body's way of telling you that dysfunction is occurring somewhere in your body. If you experience pain, especially prolonged or severe pain, visit your health care provider to be properly diagnosed. Your doctor can counsel you on your treatment options, including natural healing methods such as dietary interventions and nutritional supplementation. Certain nutritional supplements may trigger unwanted health effects and should be avoided.
References
- American Pain Foundation: Learn About Pain
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What is Chronic Pain?
- Cleveland Clinic: Anti-Inflammatory Diet
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
