How Good Nutrition Can Help With Back Pain
If you suffer from chronic back pain, you’ve probably tried every piece of advice you’ve read when it comes to finding relief. However, what many people forget to take into consideration is how greatly diet and nutrition affect all aspects of the body – including the health of your spine.
The food you put into your body each day has a very powerful effect on how the body helps heals itself. For chronic pain sufferers, consuming healing foods can help your body repair damaged spinal discs, fight inflammation and regenerate cells for tissue growth. So, what should you be consuming? Read on to find out.
The Best Foods to Help Fight Back Pain
Vitamin C – Foods that are rich in vitamin C are essential for healing because they produce collagen, which promotes growth of the connective tissues in the body, including ligaments, tendons, muscles, and bones. We all know that oranges are a common source of vitamin C, but check out some of these other foods that contain high amounts of vitamin C:
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Kiwi
- Papaya
- Broccoli
- Bell peppers
- Brussel sprouts
- Tomatoes
- Snow peas
Healthy Fats – You’ve probably heard that not all fats are considered bad, and there are many reasons for that, including providing the body with energy and nutrients essential for healing and overall wellness. Healthy sources of fat include:
- Avocados
- Olive oil and coconut oil
- Peanut butter
- Anti-inflammatory nuts, such as almonds and walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Soy and soy milk
- Tofu
- Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna and trout
Iron – Foods that are rich in iron are extremely beneficial when it comes to spine health. Iron is not generally associated with bone health, but it contributes to other systems that assist in bone development. For example, iron is a component of hemoglobin and myoglobin, two proteins that are responsible for delivering oxygen throughout the body, including to the tissues that support the spine. Here are some iron rich foods to add to your diet:
- Meat products, such as pork, fish, shellfish, chicken and beef
- Beans and peas
- Eggs
- Sweet potatoes
- Quinoa
- Spinach
Important Things to Remember
While the above foods are known to help with spine health, you should always consult a healthcare professional before changing your diet. Not only can a healthcare professional help you understand what is best for you, they can help you develop and stick with a comprehensive dietary program.
If your back pain has become chronic or severe, it may be time to seek medical intervention to determine a possible underlying cause. Take the first step toward finding relief today by taking our free pain assessment below.
How Champey Pain & Spine Can Help
A Champey Pain & Spine Group, we make it our top priority to help our patients live a pain-free life. If you have questions about back pain relief and would like to speak to one of our spine specialists, please contact us today by clicking the button below.
