Is My Diet Damaging My Spine?

When the diet you consume is unhealthy, you miss out on the necessary nutrients that your bones and muscles need, which can affect your spine health. There may not be a direct link, such as the path from eating donuts to suffering back pain, but the indirect link does exist. Not only does a poor diet weaken your muscles and bones, but a study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology shows that overweight or obese people are more likely to suffer from disc degeneration.

Spinal integrity is the number one health priority for Americans, as nearly 80 percent are likely to complain of back pain at some point in their lives. To maintain a healthy back, seek the assistance of a spine specialist who can advise you on the best diet and exercise program. The Southeastern Spine Institute in Mount Pleasant, SC offers personalized diet plans and safe exercises.

Can Changing My Diet Improve My Spine Health?

While exercise helps keep your back muscles supple and pliant, your spine health may not improve without a proper diet plan. Healthful eating supports a strong back. Your spine specialist formulates a diet program to eliminate sugar and other unhealthy foods slowly, promoting good food like nuts and proteins.

When you change your diet, you can expect to see significant changes, such as:

• You lose weight, especially if you combine exercise with your diet. Stronger lower back and abdominal muscles reduce your chance of developing severe back problems.
• You reduce inflammation and irritation when you avoid foods with high fat content. Inflammation is one of the main causes of chronic back pain.
• You limit the chance of developing obesity-related medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease. There is a link between diabetes mellitus and developing lumbar spinal stenosis.

What Nutrients Do I Need in My Diet?

Balanced meals promote good spine health. When you get the vitamins and nutrients necessary for your bones, muscles, discs and connective tissue, you reduce the risk of developing back problems. Your spine specialist can even offer alternatives, in case you have food allergies so that you get the maximum benefit from your diet.

Include the right nutrients in your diet for your spine health, including:

• Calcium. The bone mineral, it helps prevent osteoporosis. It also helps blood clot and muscles contract.
• Magnesium. It’s shown to reduce pain and improve your lumbar or lower spine. It helps promote bone density while maintaining providing other physical health benefits.
• Iron. Iron deficiency causes problems in the production of collagen and in the absorption of Vitamin D, both of which are necessary components for a healthy body.
• Protein. This is a building block your body uses to heal and repair bones, cartilage and soft tissue.
• Vitamin B12. Deficiency in this vitamin can lead to osteoporosis. The vitamin is essential for bone-building.
• Vitamin C. This vitamin promotes collagen building, a substance that’s found in your bones, muscles, skin and tendons.
• Vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency causes problems in how your body absorbs calcium. Another issue is that it causes bones to become thin and brittle.
• Vitamin K. This vitamin helps maintain healthy bone metabolism.

To learn what may work for your particular needs, call and make an appointment with a spine specialist at the Southeastern Spine Institute.