Many factors can cause back pain. Whether your pain is acute or chronic, nailing down the exact cause can be a difficult task. Most people look to muscle strains, herniated disks, or bad posture as the most likely culprits. However, did you know that your diet could be the cause? While most people understand that a healthy diet is vital to a healthy life, they often do not see that it can be a direct cause to back pain or indeed, make it worse. Luckily, the Frisco, TX nutrition experts at Tieperman Health and Wellness are always here to make sure that your diet is making you feel better, not worse! Here are some ways to know if your diet is causing your back pain.
Foods That Make Back Pain Worse
One of the leading causes of back pain is inflammation, and there certain foods that people tend to eat a lot of that can increase or cause inflammation—namely, sugars and processed fats. Too much of these foods can cause inflammation and eventually damage the discs between each vertebra. This inflammation causes pain in your back and can lead to other more severe spinal disorders.
Sugar – Too much sugar in your diet is unhealthy for a variety of reasons. Sugar causes tooth decay, obesity, as well as type 2 diabetes. Not only does too much sugar cause inflammation back pain on its own, but Type 2 diabetes is significantly worse. Type 2 diabetes can lead to chronic back pain as well as age-related accelerated conditions such as spinal degeneration.
Trans Fats – Most forms of processed fats will inevitably lead to obesity, heart disease, or inflammation if not consumed in moderation. Not only do trans fats make ongoing back pain worse, but they also make it much more likely to develop over time. Too much trans fat can lead to obesity, which many studies show leads to back pain. Excess weight can lead to muscle strain and puts too much pressure on the discs in your back.
Foods That Prevent Back Pain
Calcium – Calcium is one of the essential elements for bone health. Consuming adequate amounts of calcium throughout your life helps maintain proper bone mass, which is VITAL in old age. Calcium consumption will help prevent the development of osteoporosis, which can lead to severe back problems. If osteoporosis develops, it can lead to painful spinal fractures!
Vitamin D3 – Vitamin D3 is vital for helping your body absorb calcium. While it is in just a few foods, it is none the less incredibly important to consume. A good source of Vitamin D3 is in fatty fish such as salmon and egg yolks. Lots of times, foods such as milk and cereal have Vitamin D added.
Proteins – Protein is your body’s fundamental building block. Not only is it a critical component in your bones’ structure, but it is also essential in helping your bones, and soft tissues heal.
Vitamin C – Our bodies are held together by a substance known as collagen. Collagen needs Vitamin C to form, and we need collagen to help our cells form into tissues. Vitamin C is vital for keeping all the soft tissues in the back as well as the vertebrae secure. Not only does it keep them strong, but it also speeds up the rates in which they heal.
If you need more nutrition information, or you are experiencing back pain, please call Tieperman Health and Wellness today! Not only do we offer chiropractic care to Frisco, Little Elm, and Prosper, but we also provide nutrition management as well. Please contact us, and get on the road to a back pain-free life!