Britain is facing a silent epidemic of chronic pain, and a leading GP warns that the contents of our everyday meals could be significantly aggravating the problem. This stark revelation comes from Dr Nisa Aslam, who contributed to a major new study examining the scale of pain across the UK.
The Scale of Britain's Pain Problem
Groundbreaking research commissioned by Dr Aslam and her colleagues at Combogesic paints a concerning picture of the nation's health. One in ten people in the UK now endures constant, round-the-clock pain, according to the findings. The study further reveals that nearly nine out of ten Britons experience some form of physical discomfort every single month.
The impact, however, extends far beyond physical suffering. The emotional and psychological toll is profound. Dr Aslam highlights that almost half of the population loses sleep due to pain. More than four in ten individuals report that their pain leads to feelings of stress or anxiety, one in five feel tearful, and nearly one in five confess to feeling desperate for any form of relief.
The Inflammatory Link Between Diet and Pain
Dr Aslam explains that inflammation is a common root cause of many types of pain. This is why some pain relief formulations combine paracetamol with an anti-inflammatory ingredient like ibuprofen. Yet, many people may be unknowingly sabotaging their body's ability to manage inflammation through their dietary choices.
The primary dietary culprits are ultra-processed foods (UPFs). This category includes the pastries, pies, biscuits, processed meats, ready meals, and snacks that have become staples in many British diets.
"UPFs may contribute to inflammation in several ways," said Dr Aslam. "They are typically loaded with sugar, salt, and saturated fat, which are directly linked to increased inflammatory markers in the body. Evidence suggests these components can elevate levels of inflammatory compounds after consumption."
Furthermore, these nutritionally poor foods often displace more wholesome options from our plates. This results in lower intakes of key anti-inflammatory nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C.
How to Eat for Less Inflammation
The good news is that simple, realistic changes to your diet can make a significant difference. Dr Aslam recommends focusing on strategic food swaps to help your body combat inflammation.
First, actively cut back on ultra-processed foods. Be mindful of pastries, pies, biscuits, processed meats like bacon and sausages, and crisps. A useful rule is to check ingredient lists; foods in packets with a long list of ingredients are likely to be UPFs.
Second, swap processed items for lean proteins such as chicken, beef, fish, and eggs.
Third, prioritise fibre for gut health. A higher fibre diet contributes to a reduction in inflammation by balancing gut microbes and protecting intestinal integrity. Include whole, unprocessed grains like brown rice, brown pasta, barley, and quinoa.
Finally, eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. Fill your plate with leafy greens, brassicas like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, carrots, beetroot, butternut squash, and fruits of all colours. These foods provide both essential fibre and a vast range of plant-based compounds that actively help lower inflammation rates in the body.
