Wednesday, December 4, 2024
spot_img
HomeHealth ConditionsChronic PainCan Diet Contribute to Chronic Pain

Can Diet Contribute to Chronic Pain

A Western diet has been associated with a variety of negative health consequences, could chronic pain be the next? 

Omega-6 fatty acids are typically high in Western high-fat diets, compared to omega-3 fatty acids. A diet high in omega-6 fatty acids has been linked with inflammation and disease. 

A research group from The University of Texas Health Science Centre, San Antonio, investigated the effects of mimicking a high-fat Western diet in mice. Specifically, the researchers wanted to investigate the role of fatty acids on pain. 

The researchers reported that a diet high in omega-6 fatty acids is a risk factor for inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

In the study, mice were given a diet supplemented with omega-6 fatty acids. The researchers noted the development of specific hypersensitivity and markers of nerve damage similar to peripheral neuropathy in these mice.  

When the researchers reduced the amount of omega-6 and increased omega-3 fatty acids, these effects were reduced.  

According to the results of the study, omega-6 fatty acids may increase the risk of chronic pain. The results of this study also suggest that diet may play a critical role in the management of chronic pain

The study could also provide clues for the study of future treatment strategies and the design of medications that can be used to treat chronic pain conditions. 

Speak with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or medications. 

References

  1. Innes JK, Calder PC. Omega-6 fatty acids and inflammation. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2018 May;132:41-48. doi: 10.1016/j.plefa.2018.03.004. Epub 2018 Mar 22. PMID: 29610056.
  2. Jacob T. Boyd, Peter M. LoCoco, Ashley R. Furr, Michelle R. Bendele, Meilinn Tram, Qun Li, Fang-Mei Chang, Madeline E. Colley, Grace M. Samenuk, Dominic A. Arris, Erin E. Locke, Stephan B. H. Bach, Alejandro Tobon, Shivani B. Ruparel, Kenneth M. Hargreaves. Elevated dietary ω-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids induce reversible peripheral nerve dysfunction that exacerbates comorbid pain conditions. Nature Metabolism, 2021; 3 (6): 762 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-021-00410-x
  3. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. “Western high-fat diet can cause chronic pain, according to new study.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 23 June 2021. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/06/210623141644.htm>.

Debra Kellen PhD
Debra Kellen PhD
With undergraduate degrees in Neuroscience and Education from the University of Toronto, Debra began her career as a teacher. Nine years later, when she moved to Michigan, Debra earned a Ph.D. in Education Policy from the University of Michigan. Today, Debra organizes conferences and conducts workshops to provide training and support for educators and medical professionals on effective coaching, staff recruitment and training, and creating a culture of continuous improvement. She loves to read and enjoys the challenge of translating medical research into informative, easy-to-read articles. Debra spends her free time with her family, travelling, wandering through art fairs, and canoeing on the Huron River.
RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Latest News and Articles

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS

Stay Connected
10,288FansLike
820FollowersFollow
249FollowersFollow
2,787FollowersFollow

Article of the month

Do wearable sleep trackers work?

How well does your Fitbit track your sleep? Find out the truth about its accuracy and how it compares to clinical sleep studies.Quick FactsFitbit...

Joke Of The Day – December 4

In a hospital, patient to the nurse: What was that horribly tasting medicine you brought me?The Nurse: What medicine? That was your lunch.

RECENT COMMENTS

ADVERTISE WITH US

error: Content is read-only and copy-protected.