Foods That Help to Beat Back Pain

Today, back pain is one of the most common health complaints. But, whilst many people turn to massage therapy, ergonomic office furniture, heat pads and painkillers to combat their pain and discomfort, little stop to think about how what they eat could actually be causing or worsening the pain in their back. When it comes to your diet, what you eat isn’t just important when it comes to your weight and your looks, but it has an effect on every aspect of your body and health. With many foods proven to be useful for reducing inflammation, a main cause of back pain, we’ve listed some of the best nutrients to include in your diet.

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Vegetables

If you avoid eating vegetables, this could be one of the main reasons why you are suffering from back pain. A largely plant-based diet which includes other nutrients such as chia seeds and flax is probably one of the best to aim for if you’re hoping to reduce inflammation and therefore reduce back pain. Fruits and vegetables that are quite dark in color, for example leafy greens, beets, cherries and berries, and sweet potatoes are all not only extremely tasty, but filled with anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to reduced back pain.

Herbs and Spices

Many people think that eating healthily has to be bland and tasteless, but the truth is, with so many great and healthy herbs and spices out there, you can make any meal into a taste-bud explosion. Herbs and spices such as cinnamon, oregano, basil, ginger, rosemary, turmeric and curcumin are rich in anti-inflammatory agents, so there’s never been a better excuse to generously season your food. Along with this, drinking herbal teas such as green and white tea will also help to reduce inflammation.

Get Enough Calcium

One cause of back pain could be weakness in the spine, in which case you should see this spine specialist in New Jersey. However, along with medical help, there are many foods which you can add to your diet to help strengthen your bones and spine. Weak bones are often a sign of a lack of calcium, which is essential as it contributes to bone mass and helps you to avoid conditions such as osteoporosis. Calcium can be found naturally in a range of sources, including the best natural sources such as natural yogurt, cheese, milk, and leafy green vegetables.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in cold water fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, sardines, black cod and trout. Eating these fish in combination with leafy greens and other deeply colored vegetables is one of the best ways to fight inflammation and quickly see a difference with your back pain symptoms. Although oily fish is one of the best sources of this nutrient, if you’re not a fan of seafood you can find omega-3 in walnuts, flaxseed oil, spinach, and soybeans.

Back pain can be caused by a number of different things, but the foods that you eat can make a huge difference to your symptoms.