How Does What You Eat Affect Your Spine?
There are many ways to maintain the health of your spine. Nutrition is one of them. Balanced diets that include an adequate amount of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients help support the musculoskeletal system and maintain the integrity of spinal structures. This is important as it helps prevent or reduce the severity of spinal disorders and injuries.
For example, a sufficient intake of calcium and vitamin D is essential for maintaining bone health. Bones health is very important as it provides the framework for the spinal column by supporting the spinal vertebrae and preventing fractures or other damage.
Nutrition can also impact spinal health by reducing inflammation. Inflammation can cause spinal pain and degeneration. A diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can help to reduce inflammation and protect the spine from damage.
Protein is also essential for maintaining muscle health and function. The muscles surrounding the spine play a crucial role in supporting the spine and preventing injury. The lack of an adequate amount of protein has shown to decrease muscle strength and increase muscle loss, which can increase the risk of spinal disorders.
Hydration is essential for spinal discs, the spinal disc requires sufficient water content to maintain their elasticity and shock-absorbing properties. Dehydration can lead to disc degeneration and other spinal disorders.
These are just some of the many ways a balanced diet that includes an ample amount of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients can help support the spine and its surrounding structures.
Why is Spine Health Important?
Maintaining spine health is essential for the health of your entire body. It plays a crucial role in your ability to support and control your entire body. A healthy spine means more mobility, which helps us perform everyday tasks. It also reduces pain in your back and other areas of your body. The spine is connected to many other systems in your body, such as your nervous system, circulatory system, etc… Therefore, any issues in your spine can affect these other systems. It is important to maintain spine health to protect and support your body. Having a balanced nutritious diet is beneficial!
References:
Farkas, G.J., Pitot, M.A., Berg, A.S. et al. Nutritional status in chronic spinal cord injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Spinal Cord 57, 3–17 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41393-018-0218-4
Tang, Yuchen et al. “Systemic immune-inflammation index and bone mineral density in postmenopausal women: A cross-sectional study of the national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) 2007-2018.” Frontiers in immunology vol. 13 975400. 8 Sep. 2022, doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.975400
Carballo-Casla, Adrián, et al. “Dietary Vitamin D Intake, Pain Incidence, and Pain Changes in Older Adults: The Seniors-ENRICA-1 Cohort.” Nutrients, vol. 14, no. 18, Sept. 2022, p., doi:10.3390/nu14183776.
