Did you know that there are certain foods that can help alleviate back pain? While diet alone cannot cure back pain and spinal conditions, it can help to decrease the inflammation associated with spinal conditions. Since chronic inflammation is responsible for damaging healthy cells and chronic pain, decreasing inflammation is not only good for your health, but it can reduce pain as well.
When it comes to inflammation and your diet, there are two different types of foods: inflammatory foods that cause inflammation and anti-inflammatory foods that reduce inflammation. Inflammatory foods are those that we define as unhealthy such as processed meat, foods with high-fructose corn syrup, soda, junk food with low nutritional value, and refined carbohydrates like white bread and pasta. These foods should be limited or avoided altogether in order to reduce inflammation, but also to maintain your overall health.
Instead, you will want to center your diet on consuming a variety of anti-inflammatory foods. It is recommended to fill half your plate with whole grains and healthy proteins, and the other half with vegetables and some fruit. There are several anti-inflammatory foods to choose from, including:
Berries
Both blueberries and strawberries contain polyphenols, which are a type of antioxidant that has an anti-inflammatory effect to relieve pain and prevent future flare-ups. Berries can be consumed fresh or frozen in order to be effective.
Fish
Salmon contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been known to relieve joint tenderness. Salmon also contains vitamin D, which is essential for the body to absorb calcium. Fish such as tuna, sardines, herring, black cod, trout, and mackerel have similar nutritional benefits. However, fish such as tilapia and catfish have high levels of omega-6 fatty acids, which can increase inflammation.
Ginger
Although ginger root is primarily associated with relieving stomach pain and nausea, it also reduces inflammation and pain. In fact, many people have used it to relieve pain from aching joints, arthritis, or menstrual cramps and found it to be just as effective as over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs.
Greens
Dark green vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, bok choy, and kale have been shown to reduce inflammation in the spinal column, which relieves pain. They also reduce inflammation in the cartilage, which helps to reduce spinal stiffness. Additionally, these greens are loaded with calcium, which is important for maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis. They also contain magnesium, which helps to maintain bone density and prevent back problems.
Plant-Based Proteins
Foods like lentils, beans, nuts, and chia seeds are great sources of protein that can replace inflammatory foods such as processed meats. Not only that, but plant-based proteins are leaner than red meat and have a variety of vitamins and minerals.
Turmeric
Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a very strong antioxidant that also acts as an anti-inflammatory. In fact, curcumin has been shown to be just as effective as certain anti-inflammatory drugs. However, in order for the body to absorb curcumin you will need to consume black pepper and/or take a curcumin supplement.
Virgin Olive Oil
Virgin olive oil helps to relieve back pain in a number of ways. For starters, it contains a compound known as oleocanthal, which works like ibuprofen. Additionally, it also contains a compound known as lubricin, which helps to maintain cartilage and lubricate the joints. To reap the benefits of virgin olive oil, be sure to keep it under 410 degrees.
Wine
Wine, specifically red wine, contains a compound known as resveratrol that has been shown to reduce disc swelling and back pain. While this relationship is still being researched, it is recommended that women have one glass and men have two glasses.
