As they say, “You are what you eat!” What we eat can help us meet many health and fitness goals. So you might think your diet can reduce back pain,and you would be right. Check out these diet tips to help reduce back pain.
- Stay hydrated – The discs in your spine are primarily made up of water. Well hydrated body tissues help cushion the body and help the healing process. Make sure to drink plenty of liquids.
- Eat healthy proteins – Protein is an important building block to muscle repair. But not all high protein foods are the same. Consider adding fish like, salmon or tuna, to your diet. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is an anti-inflammatory. Some meats, especially processed meats, can actually create an inflammatory response.
- Eat “bright” vegetables – Typically vegetables with deep colors, actually have anti-inflammatory properties. Try adding foods like, carrots, beets, sweet potatoes, cherries, berries, grapes and red wine, pomegranate, and watermelon to your diet.
- Other foods – Other good food choices for an anti-pain diet: avocados; nuts (walnuts, almonds, pecans, and Brazil nuts); lean proteins, such as chicken and turkey; beans; and cocoa.
Take a comprehensive approach to treating your back pain by making sure your diet supports your back pain recovery.