Diet Tips To Introduce Today For A Healthy Spine Part 2

When staying healthy, we all know that diet plays a crucial role in your overall immunity. Last month we talked about key vitamins and minerals for ultimate back health in Diet Tips To Introduce Today For A Healthy Spine Part 1. This month we’d like to talk about additional nutrients that help keep your back happy and healthy when introduced into your daily nutrition for several months and as a part of a well-balanced diet.

Iron

Insufficient iron leads to many dangerous symptoms in the human body. Anemia, not enough red blood cells in the body, can cause fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Iron deficiency can cause developmental delays in newborns if their mothers are lacking the key nutrient. 

Iron intake is not something to take lightly, and while there are so many concerns for the lack of iron, once having the right amount of iron intake in your diet and proper hemoglobin levels, you may find that your joint pain, headaches, and muscle aches subside. Healthy iron-rich foods include baked potatoes, spinach and other dark leafy green vegetables, cashews, lentils, and beans.

Vitamin K2

Mostly found in leafy greens, like Swiss chard and kale, Vitamin K2 is often a forgotten nutrient that can reduce back pain. It’s commonly associated with the substantial role it plays in reducing blood clots. Vitamin K2 isn’t as effective for bone health as proper calcium intake but works alongside calcium in protecting your bones and body. People with osteoporosis may have already been told to introduce more K2 into their diet because of its role in calcium metabolism. Prevention is key, so introducing healthful doses of K2 may prevent bone fractures and osteoporosis, or porous bones,  throughout the body.

Vitamin B12

Long being the nemesis of most vegans, B12 is almost only found in animal sources, such as eggs, meat, fish, poultry and most dairy products. Vitamin B12 can be supplemented but the effects aren’t nearly as beneficial. Nearly all of the B Vitamins, B1, B6, B12, are associated with healing and preventing further damage to the nervous system. Research has shown that B Vitamins may reduce lower back pain and aid inflammation. 

Protein

The proper amount of protein intake can and will be argued for many years to come. Some doctors say that the more protein the better, while others may argue that we are getting more than we can actually process healthfully or not the right kinds of protein in our bodies. Definitively adequate protein plays a crucial role in back and bone health. A lack of protein affects muscle tissue and bone strength. It can cause bone fracture and stop muscles from properly rebuilding. All of this highly affects how your back muscles, spine, and the rest of your body operates. 

Protein is a key component in back health and is found in most foods, so don’t feel the need to run out to the store and buy a big steak. Back health-supporting protein is mostly found in the following foods, beans, legumes, cage-free eggs, and fish.

Introducing more leafy greens, copious vegetables, and healthful proteins into your diet support back health. Your back will thank you, but even too much of a good thing can have its negative effects. It’s always a balance when it comes to diet and well-being. We suggest consulting your doctor prior to taking on any new diets or increased nutrient intake. If you are interested in learning more about how to improve the health of your back and spine, we are just a phone call away.