Can a Plant-Based Diet Help Chronic Pain? Nichole Fogleman Shares What the Research Says
- Andrea Tot
- Jul 8
- 3 min read
Millions of people live with chronic pain every day, searching for answers that go beyond temporary relief.
Could nutrition be part of the solution?
According to Nichole Fogleman, a nurse practitioner specializing in anesthesia and pain management for more than 25 years, growing research suggests that a whole food, plant-based diet may help reduce inflammation—one of the key drivers behind many chronic pain conditions.
In this episode of the Plant Based Support Podcast, Dr. Niki Davis sits down with Nichole to discuss chronic pain, inflammation, gut health, fermented foods, and the everyday lifestyle habits that can support long-term wellness.
Meet Nichole Fogleman
Nichole Fogleman has spent more than two decades caring for patients experiencing acute and chronic pain.
As a nurse practitioner specializing in anesthesia, she understands pain from a clinical perspective. Yet her passion for helping people through nutrition began much closer to home.
After her son was diagnosed with ADHD, Nichole began exploring the science of food as medicine. Around the same time, her mother was living with severe chronic pain caused by arachnoiditis, a rare inflammatory condition.
Watching someone she loved suffer became the catalyst for a lifelong mission: helping people understand how lifestyle and nutrition can support both physical and emotional healing.
Today, she leads the monthly Foods That Fight Pain support group at Plant Based Support and founded the nonprofit Hope For Pain, where she educates people about nutrition, faith, and living well with chronic illness.
Chronic Pain and Inflammation: Why the Connection Matters
One of the biggest themes throughout the conversation is inflammation.
While pain has many different causes, research continues to show that chronic inflammation plays a role in conditions such as:
Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Migraines
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Diabetes-related neuropathy
Autoimmune conditions
Rather than viewing food simply as calories, Nichole encourages people to think about how everyday meals influence the body's inflammatory response.
A whole food, plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds provides fiber and thousands of naturally occurring plant compounds that support overall health.
Why Gut Health Is Part of the Conversation
Nichole explains that many exciting discoveries are happening in gut microbiome research.
The trillions of bacteria living in our digestive system help regulate immune function and inflammation throughout the body.
One practical goal she recommends is surprisingly simple:
Aim for 30 different plant foods each week.
That diversity helps nourish a wider variety of beneficial gut bacteria.
The good news?
Those 30 plants add up quickly.
A single bowl of vegetable soup might include onions, garlic, carrots, celery, tomatoes, potatoes, herbs, beans, and leafy greens, bringing you much closer to your weekly goal than you might expect.
Fermented Foods May Support a Healthy Gut
One topic Nichole is especially passionate about is fermented foods.
During the podcast, she discusses research examining foods such as:
Sauerkraut
Kimchi
Tempeh
Plant-based yogurt
Sourdough
Fermented vegetables
These foods naturally contain beneficial microbes that may help support gut health and influence inflammation.
Her advice isn't to overhaul your diet overnight.
Instead, start small and gradually incorporate fermented foods into your weekly routine alongside a diverse variety of whole plant foods.
Small Changes Can Lead to Meaningful Progress
One message remains consistent throughout the conversation:
Healthy habits don't need to be perfect to make a difference.
Nichole encourages people to experiment, pay attention to how their bodies respond, and build sustainable routines rather than chasing quick fixes.
Through the Foods That Fight Pain support group, participants learn practical strategies, discuss current research, ask questions, and connect with others navigating similar challenges.
It's education paired with community, a combination that often makes healthy lifestyle changes easier to sustain.
Beyond Nutrition: Hope, Faith, and Healing
Nichole is also the author of In the Garden: 40 Days of Hope and Healing, a devotional that combines Scripture, practical nutrition tips, and evidence-based information for people transitioning toward a whole food, plant-based lifestyle.
She continues to write regularly through her Substack and shares recipes, educational content, and encouragement through Hope For Pain.
You can learn more at:
Website: https://www.hopeforpain.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehopeforpain
Watch the Full Conversation
Want to learn more about chronic pain, inflammation, gut health, fermented foods, and the science behind a whole food, plant-based lifestyle?
Watch the full conversation between Dr. Niki Davis and Nichole Fogleman below.
▶️ Watch the full episode:
This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your personal health decisions.
