Many people with obesity also suffer from chronic pain, so researchers wondered if certain eating patterns might help explain this relationship. In a study of 98 obese adults, researchers in Ohio found that scoring higher on the Healthy Eating Index (eating more servings of fruit, whole grains, plant proteins, seafood, and monounsaturated fats, and only moderate amounts of sodium and refined grains) was significantly related to lower levels of pain, even after controlling for medication, conditions like arthritis, and other health factors. When looking at individual food groups, only seafood and plant proteins (like beans or tofu) were significantly linked with less pain. Many traditional diets, including the Mediterranean diet, emphasize seafood and plant proteins as part of an overall healthy diet, and could serve as a delicious blueprint for those looking to reap the benefits of a more nutritious diet.
Pain. 2017 Feb;158(2):273-277. (Emery CF et al.)