PT Health Life – Some studies confirm that nutrition plays an important role in wound healing, helping to reduce inflammation such as disc herniation.
1. The importance of diet for people with disc herniation
Recurrent inflammation and pain associated with disc herniation can benefit from a diet that incorporates anti-inflammatory ingredients that encourage the production and maintenance of healthy cartilage.
Disc herniation causes severe pain and a variety of other unpleasant symptoms. A suitable diet, choosing foods to eat and avoid, helps control this condition and reduce its impact on quality of life.
In addition to the medical treatment that patients need to follow, it is also important to eat properly while the disc injury is healing. Research has demonstrated that nutrition plays an important role in spine health.
2. Essential nutrients for people with disc herniation
If you are suffering from a disc injury, knowing which foods to choose and avoid will also have a good impact on the level of effective recovery.
Disc herniation involves rupture of the annulus fibrosus, which is made up of sturdy collagen fibers. Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing response but it causes a lot of discomfort. Therefore, patients should refer to the following foods and supplements:
2.1 Foods rich in calcium
To maintain health, bones need calcium. This is especially important for injured bones. Some of the best sources of calcium include: apricots, figs, milk, eggs, fish, nuts, soybeans, green leafy vegetables.
2.2 Arginine
Arginine is an amino acid the body produces in limited quantities during periods of growth, illness or injury. Research shows that arginine supplements may increase the body’s ability to fight infections.
Arginine is found naturally in nuts, beans, and meat, especially turkey.
2.3 Glutamine
Like arginine, glutamine is an amino acid the body produces in limited quantities. It is involved in biological processes that control cell growth and repair. Some clinical studies show that glutamine supplements may help reduce the risk of infection, reducing the number of days patients need to stay in the hospital after a major surgery or illness.
The list of foods rich in glutamine varies but research shows that beef, eggs, white rice, tofu, and corn are all rich in glutamine.
2.4 Fiber
Fiber is an important component of a healthy diet. Foods rich in fiber help support digestion. Digestive problems can cause pressure to build up in the abdomen, putting stress on damaged discs.
2.5 Drink a lot of water
The human body is 70% water. Water is essential for the repair, growth and function of all avascular cells, including joints, cartilage, ligaments, and spinal discs.
Many patients with musculoskeletal disorders are already dehydrated. Older patients often have bodies containing 50% water instead of 70%. To help ensure nutritional supply and at the same time remove waste from spinal discs and ligaments, you must drink enough water every day.
2.6 Glucosamine sulfate
Glucosamine sulfate is an essential chemical found naturally in the body. One of its jobs is to produce other chemicals that work together to maintain and repair collagen and the thick fluid that surrounds and protects the areas around joints. Although a person can consume it in supplement form, one of the best food sources of glucosamine sulfate is bone broth.
Glucosamine sulfate is often found in supplement form. This compound helps the body form chemicals that repair damaged cartilage.
2.7 Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids naturally reduce the body’s inflammatory response. Inflammation may be necessary in the healing process, but too much inflammation or chronic inflammation is destructive. Omega-3 supplements are thought to help reduce chronic inflammation. Since inflammation is a common cause of back pain, reduced inflammation is likely to reduce back pain.
Omega 3 fatty acids help the body prevent damage to cartilage and discs caused by inflammation. These fatty acids can also help repair damage that has already occurred. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include canola oil, chia seeds, flaxseeds, salmon, and walnuts. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in high concentrations in fish oil, which is an excellent anti-inflammatory ingredient.
2.8 Nucleotides
Every cell in the human body contains molecules called nucleotides, which help make and maintain DNA and RNA. Production of DNA and RNA is necessary for cell repair and regeneration.
When the body is facing a health stress, such as a lower back or neck problem, it needs more nucleotides than usual. The body regularly produces and recycles nucleotides in addition to absorbing them through food.
Since all cells contain nucleotides, all natural food sources of plant and animal origin contain nucleotides.
2.9 Antioxidants
Vitamin C helps the body form collagen, which binds and supports tissues.
Supplementing antioxidants while healing a disc injury is important. Antioxidants help increase the body’s collagen production. Foods that are good sources of antioxidants include artichokes, raspberries, blueberries, dark chocolate, kidney beans, and pecans.
Other great sources of antioxidants are green tea, garlic, and cayenne pepper.
2.10 Sulfur
Sulfur speeds up the production of collagen and protein, so foods rich in sulfur should be included in the appropriate diet while healing a disc injury.
Foods rich in sulfur are essential minerals that support collagen production. It can be found in cruciferous vegetables, arugula, milk, eggs, legumes.
The first type of food group that is high in sulfur is allium. Alliums include chives, garlic, leeks, onions, and shallots. The second food group is cruciferous vegetables. These are broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, and watercress. Finally, animal foods such as bone broth, grass-fed beef, organic eggs, and wild-caught fish contain high levels of sulfur.
3. Foods to avoid if you have a herniated disc
3.1 Avoid eating sugar
Eating too much sugar can worsen the inflammation and pain of lumbar disc herniation. Therefore, to reduce pain, reduce your sugar intake and stay away from soda, baked goods, sugary cereals, and candy. Instead, choose natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
3.2 Say no to processed foods
Processed foods, such as potato chips, canned soups, and frozen pizza, are inherently unhealthy for everyone, let alone those with herniated discs. These foods contain high levels of saturated fat and trans fat, which can increase inflammation, causing pain. So eat whole foods like fruits, vegetables, lean meats.
3.3 Limit sodium intake
Sodium can also worsen inflammation and lead to pain, which is why it’s a good idea to reduce your salt intake. Avoid foods high in sodium such as chips, canned and frozen foods. Instead, prepare your own meals with fresh ingredients and minimal salt.
3.4 Avoid eating fried and spicy foods
Fried, spicy foods can also worsen inflammation and affect disc herniation. You should limit foods such as fried chicken and spicy curry in your diet. Try grilling foods instead of frying and choose milder spices to flavor your dishes, like turmeric and cumin.
Diet plays an important role in controlling lumbar disc herniation. Adopting a diet low in sugar, dairy, fried and processed foods is an effective way to reduce inflammation and pain in the body. To take full advantage of the benefits of a healthy diet, seek guidance from a registered dietitian or therapist to help you develop a meal plan optimized to support spinal health. . Note, supplementing vitamins and minerals in addition to food needs to be prescribed by a treating doctor.
With the right diet and interventions like chiropractic care and physical therapy, you can control your lumbar disc herniation and live a better quality of life.
