7 Foods You Should be Eating for a Healthy Spine

The spine is the body’s backbone. The spine is the central support structure and is made of bones called vertebrae running from the top of your neck to the lower backbone. A spine naturally helps you with the movement of the whole body, sitting, bending, twisting, and standing. Food is the primary way we provide our bodies with nutrition and keep our organs healthy. To maintain a healthy spine, you must consume foods supporting and sustaining it. Below is a list of foods you can incorporate into your diet to support a healthy spine.

1. Salmon

Fish has a component called Omega-3 fatty acids which aids in enhancing bone and tissue function while also assisting in fighting inflammation. In contrast to many other fats, Omega-3 fats are categorized as essential, indicating that your body cannot produce them and must be obtained through diet. Omega 3 fatty acids help lower blood pressure, inflammation, or back pains and improve arterial function. Salmon is also a source of protein, helps produce red blood cells in the body, and forms healthier bones.

2. Fruits

Highly-pigmented fruits are recommended to provide anti-inflammatory compounds that help combat body pain, back pains, and aches. Berries are one of the fruits packed with anthocyanins, compounds that fight inflammation. This can either be blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries. They contain more than 20 antioxidants crucial for the well-being of your spine. Rich sources of vitamin C and antioxidants safeguard tissues and support the elimination of toxins.

Additionally, they play a preventative role in shielding the spinal cord and central nervous system from potential damage. These natural pigments found in vegetables and fruits serve a purpose as they contribute to the optimal health of our spines. Avocados are one of the best-known fruits with fatty acids. Also, avocados contain minerals, vitamins, potassium, and fibers that promote bone health and formation. The antioxidants found in avocado help reduce inflammation, relieving back aches and joints. Potassium reduces swelling and contributes to the overall health of the body.

3. Dairy products

Dairy products are rich in calcium which helps keep our bones strong. Weaker bones can heighten the vulnerability of the spinal cord to injuries and other complications. A glass of milk every day can provide you with the right amount of calcium to give you a healthy spine and stronger bones. Incorporate more cheese, milk, and yogurt into your daily food intake, helping you maintain healthy calcium levels.

4. Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds contain omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, minerals such as zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamins. These fatty acids and minerals fight against inflammation and promote bone health. Walnuts, peanuts, and flaxseeds have high amino acids levels vital in the formation of bones.

5. Dark Green Leafy Vegetables

Leafy green vegetables are well known for having high levels of antioxidants that support immunity, making them particularly beneficial to patients recovering from spinal injuries. Besides this, dark green leafy vegetables stand out for their abundance of vitamins D and K, magnesium, potassium, silica, iron, and calcium. These minerals play a vital role in promoting bone growth and health. Spinach, lettuce, dandelion greens, arugula, collard greens, and kales are excellent choices for dark green leafy vegetables promoting optimum spine health.

6. Oats

If you’re not a fan of oats, you might want to start liking them, as these whole grain cereals are one of the most nutritious cereals you can ever have. They are a source of high-quality protein, magnesium, copper, iron, zinc, and beta-glucan, supporting spine health. In addition, oats are rich in polyphenols, a group of antioxidants with anti-inflammatory and anti-itching effects.

7. Water

Water is essential to keep you hydrated and prevent the spine discs from being herniated. Besides, water plays a vital role in detoxifying the body and providing regular bowel movement, making it beneficial to patients with back aches and spinal cord injuries. Consuming the right amount of water assists in absorbing minerals and vitamins into the body, which is necessary for optimal spine function.

Summary

Most people know that proper nutrition, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a certain level of physical activity are crucial for general health. However, more emphasis should be placed on the importance of diet on our spinal health. The proper diet will not only maintain a healthy spine but also help those with back problems in their recovery.

Another overlooked aspect of spinal health is the maintenance of a healthy BMI. Having the right weight reduces strain on your spine, and diet is critical to maintaining the right body mass index.