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Nutrition

Healthy eating can make a real difference for pain by including whole food, water, and balanced habits.

Nutrition and pain 

What we eat and drink can really affect our health. The right nutrition feeds our body and makes us feel good. Poor nutrition can cause health problems now and in the future. We know what we eat matters, but research doesn’t exactly tell us what we should and should not eat to help with pain.

However, new evidence says that healthy eating in general will make a positive difference. So, what are healthy eating habits? You might be surprised to know that healthy habits don’t mean eating a special way like an anti-inflammatory diet, buying only organic food, or following strict eating plans.

Healthy eating means:

  • Eating a variety of unprocessed fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins
  • Staying away from processed foods, sugary snacks, and sodas
  • Drinking lots of water
  • Trying different foods and noticing what makes you feel best. while still following nutritional guidelines
  • Having a healthy diet to give you more energy to take part in pain management activities like movement or mindfulness
Current as of: February 20, 2026
Author: Alberta Virtual Pain Program, Primary Care Alberta
Our work takes place on historical and contemporary Indigenous lands, including the territories of Treaty 6, Treaty 7 & Treaty 8 and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta and 8 Métis Settlements. We also acknowledge the many Indigenous communities that have been forged in urban centres across Alberta.