MSU Extension Chronic Disease

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 24% of adults in the US (about 26 million people) reported living with chronic pain in 2023. The Cleveland Clinic defines chronic pain as a condition that lasts for more than 3 months, affects any part of the body and can negatively interfere with a person’s physical, emotional and mental health. 

Most of us know the importance of good nutrition and the positive effects it has on our health. A well-balanced diet helps us:

• Look, feel and perform better
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Reduce fatigue and increase energy
• Reduce the risk of certain diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers

Good nutrition, or eating healthy foods, is also important for people dealing with chronic pain. According to Dr. Tabung, who was previously a visiting researcher with the  Department of Nutrition at Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health, "A lot of chronic pain is the result of chronic inflammation, and the evidence is quite strong that your diet can contribute to increased systemic inflammation. But your diet is also one of the best ways to reduce it." Dr.Tabung further shares that there is a lot of scientific evidence that polyphenols can reduce inflammation and provide relief with chronic pain flare-ups. Polyphenols are found in plants and plant-based foods and contain nutrients that have antioxidants and are anti-inflammatory.

Foods from the Mediterranean Diet, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds, as well as olive oil (as a healthy fat source) are rich in polyphenols. The key is to aim for variety and reduce foods that can increase inflammation such as those that are processed, high in sugar and contain refined carbohydrates, like white bread and pasta.

Michigan State University Extension recommends talking to your doctor if you are suffering from any type of pain that doe not go away. It’s also important to remember that even though good nutrition and eating healthy foods may assist with reducing pain, it should never replace other forms of treatment prescribed by a health professional. Physical therapy and regular exercise can also help you manage pain and stay active.

MSU Extension offers a workshop called Chronic Pain PATH (Personal Action Toward Health). This six-week class series teaches the skills and tools needed to help people living with chronic pain improve their health and manage their pain.

For more information on chronic pain or making healthy lifestyle changes, please visit Michigan State University Extension’s health program referral form.