Dietitian Reveals Power of Anti-inflammatory Diet - Chronic Pain - The Pain Diaries Podcast

Can food really help reduce chronic pain and inflammation?

In this episode of The Pain Diaries Podcast, pain specialist Dr Nick Christelis sits down with accredited practising dietitian Sherie Alexander (Pain Specialists Australia) to explore the powerful link between diet, inflammation, arthritis, and persistent pain.

They unpack how the anti-inflammatory diet — especially the Mediterranean diet — can help manage chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and post-surgical pain. You’ll learn which foods fight pain, which make it worse, and how simple nutrition changes can lead to lasting relief.

You’ll learn which foods fuel pain — and which can fight it.

Together, Nick and Sherie break down the science behind the anti-inflammatory diet, explain why the Mediterranean diet remains a gold standard, and give practical advice you can start using today.

From busting nutrition myths to highlighting the key role of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamin D, this episode empowers listeners to take control of their pain through smart food choices — not fads.

Topics covered:
• How inflammation worsens chronic pain
• What science says about the anti-inflammatory diet
• How alcohol contributes to inflammation and pain
• Why dietitians are allies, not food police
• The surprising truth about carbs, salt, and supplements
• Realistic, sustainable changes for long-term health

This episode is especially useful for anyone managing:
• Arthritis
• CRPS
• Back pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Persistent post-surgical pain
• Autoimmune conditions

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introductions Chronic Pain and Nutrition – Why Food Matters
03:49 – What is a Dietician?
05:13 – How Diet Affects Pain: Inflammation Explained
07:12 – Foods That Cause Inflammation and Why
08:01 – The Worst Offenders: Sugar, Salt, and Processed Foods
09:54 – Alcohol and Pain: What's the Real Connection?
12:49 – Real Patient Stories: How Food Changed Their Pain
15:18 – What Is the Mediterranean Diet and Why Does It Work?
16:04 – Rome wasn't built in a day
18:07 – Simple Steps to Start an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
20:59 – A Mindset Change & Lifestyle Change
23:07 – The Mediterranean Diet Again
24:20 – Nutrients like Omega-3
26:50 – Other Key Nutrients for Pain: Calcium, Vitamin D, Coenzyme Q10
28:56 – Salt can heighten Inflammation
28:46 – Nutrition Myths and Fads That Could Be Hurting You
32:10 – Gluten: The Facts
35:18 – Protein & Pain
36:39 – Be Informed
39:00 – Key Take Home Messages
42:00 – Final Thoughts: Hope, Change, and Getting Support


About our guest: Sherie Alexander is a clinical dietitian at Pain Specialists Australia with a special interest in chronic pain, gut health, and inflammatory conditions. Her practical, no-nonsense approach to nutrition supports real-life behaviour change that sticks.

Get in touch with Sherie here https://painspecialistsaustralia.com....

A note From Sherie:
Dear watchers,
Please note that in the section in relation to omega 3s and nuts, that it's peanuts that are low in omega 3, NOT Macadamia nuts.
Many thanks,
Sherie

Here is some research for your perusal
Sala-Climent M, López de Coca T, Guerrero MD, Muñoz FJ, López-Ruíz MA, Moreno L, Alacreu M, Dea-Ayuela MA. The effect of an anti-inflammatory diet on chronic pain: a pilot study. Front Nutr. 2023 Jul 13;10:1205526. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1205526. PMID: 37521415; PMCID: PMC10381948.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles...

Follow us on the following channels.

  / painspecialistsaustralia  
  / pain_specialists_australia  
  / pain-specialists-australia  
   / @painspecialistsaustralia  

Contact us here https://painspecialistsaustralia.com....

Become a referrer here https://referrals.painspecialistsaust...

And finally, a reminder, the information in these videos are not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in these videos are for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional.