It’s no secret maintaining a balanced diet can have a positive impact on your overall wellness, and such benefits extend to the bones, muscles, discs, and joints that support your spine. If you’re living with any degree of back pain, paying attention to foods rich in essential vitamins and nutrients can provide some much-needed relief. The Santa Monica spine surgeons at The Spine Institute discuss a few foods that may be helpful in relieving your back pain.
1. Colorful Fruits
Injured vertebral discs, tendons, and ligaments need vitamin C to aid with the formation of collagen, which facilitates the natural healing process. Vitamin C is found in abundance in colorful fruits like oranges, tomatoes, grapefruit, guavas, and kiwi. The vitamin A in many of these fruits can also help with tissue repair.
2. Green, Leafy Veggies
The beta-carotene in green, leafy vegetables like lettuce and Swiss chard is converted into vitamin A within the body. The vitamin D and calcium in kale and broccoli promotes bone and muscle strength, and the magnesium in spinach maintains muscle tone and bone density.
3. Lean Meats
The iron in lean meats like liver, skinless poultry, and pork helps cells within the muscles and other soft tissues that support the spine absorb more oxygen. Lean meats are also a reliable source of vitamin B12, which keeps bone marrow within the spine healthy.
4. Low-Fat Dairy Products
Yogurt, cheese, eggs, and milk also provide plenty of B12. The calcium in dairy products is especially beneficial for maintaining bone strength and minimizing your risk of sustaining a spinal fracture.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Herbs and Spices
Inflammation is one of the main contributing factors to most instances of back pain. Ginger, oregano, cinnamon, marjoram, and Jamaican allspice are among the many herbs and spices with known anti-inflammatory properties.
Consider supplements to fill any nutritional gaps from your diet. Check with your doctor first to make sure you choose products appropriate for your dietary needs. Combining a healthy diet with regular exercise can further reduce your odds of experiencing back pain.
For additional tips on alleviating back pain, turn to the professional spinal surgeons at The Spine Institute Center for Spinal Restoration. We specialize in a wide variety of minimally invasive procedures like the artificial disc replacement lumbar Santa Monica residents opt for. Call our office today at 310-828-7757 to learn more.