Common Foods that Cause Pain

If you are looking for ways to avoid surgery and medications, yet are struggling with a painful condition, you might be surprised to know that what you eat has a huge impact on how you feel. In fact, some foods might trigger pain. Everybody is different so it is hard to predict who is sensitive to which particular food and who is not. But through a process of elimination, you might be able to find some foods that trigger your pain. Here is a list of the most common foods that cause pain.

Sugar
In most people, sugar causes pain by promoting inflammation. Researchers have found that those who ate diets with a lower glycemic load will tend to have lower levels of inflammation as measured by the c-reactive protein. To learn more about foods that will not increase your blood sugar visit www.glycemicindex.com. If you research the Anti-Inflammatory Diet, you can also learn more about reducing inflammation through better nutrition.

Nightshade Plants
Some people are sensitive to the chemicals found in nightshade plants which include eggplants, tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. A food sensitivity can trigger an immune system reaction which can then sensitize the nervous system. Try avoiding nightshades for three months to see if you will feel better without them.

Gluten
Gluten-free diets are becoming more and more popular for a reason. Many people seem to be sensitive to the protein found in wheat and other grain products. A gluten sensitivity can trigger pain especially abdominal pain. Again, a three month elimination of gluten may help you determine whether or not you are in need of a Gluten-free diet.

Flavor Enhancers
In order for processed food to taste better, companies spike the food with chemicals that excite the taste buds. The only problem with these “excitotoxic” chemicals is that the entire nervous system can become excited and sensitive as well. Those with any type of nerve pain like headaches or neuropathy should avoid flavor enhancers, aspartame and monosodium glutamate.

Lactose
Milk does not always do a body good. Some people are sensitive to the sugar called lactulose that is found in dairy products. This food can trigger pain by activating the immune system. Consider eliminating lactulose from your diet if you have chronic pain.

You probably do not have to avoid everything on this list, but you probably should avoid at least one, Sugar. Sugar is the most likely culprit contributing to pain in your life, followed by flavor enhancers, lactose, gluten, and nightshades, in that order. Remember everybody is different, but everyone still needs to maintain good health. Nutrition is a great place to start because what you eat impacts how things work in your body from head to toe. You should never underestimate the power of nutrition.

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Health and Fitness by drlasich