The following information was taken from this website.
1. Proteins are the building blocks of endogenous pain relievers such as endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.
2. Protein builds muscle/cartilage including the collagen that holds the intervertebral disc together. Muscle is important to help offload the joints.
3. Higher protein intake leads to less fat storage.
4. Protein decreases inflammation. Many foods that contain protein such as fish and green vegetables contain anti-inflammatory agents.
Some conditions in the spine, hips, knees, and feet may be aggravated by excess weight. Other condition such as fibromyalgia or neuropathic pain may not be affected by excess weight.
Protein supplements through powders and protein bars may be useful. If your nutrition is inadequate, then a vitamin/mineral preparation may be of benefit. Osteoporosis prevention with vitamin D, magnesium, and calcium are considerations. Regular vitamin B12 may also be of benefit.
Much of this information was taken from this site.
I am a big believer in the anti-inflammatory diet. Research shows that foods and drinks that reduce inflammation can reduce chronic pain and improve your mood. Even small changes, such as switching to whole grains and eating more fish and less red meat, can make a difference in your health.
Types of food that reduce inflammation:
Avoid or eat less of these foods:
The anti-inflammatory diet is similar to the Mediterranean diet. This diet is one of the most studied diets and has repeatedly shown multiple benefits including mood, cholesterol, heart disease, and longevity.
Core foods to enjoy every day:
This is an excellent article which looked at various diets. It showed that regardless of the diet, the three most important things to weight loss boil down to the following: