Healthy Diet for Disc

Disc and Spine Problem, What to eat what not to eat and why?

Eat Right for making Spine Right

Calcium is an important mineral for faster healing of bones and joints. Following diet is beneficial in making faster recovery from disc related problems:-

·         Milk

·         low-fat yoghurt

·         Cheese

·         Vegetables like Lady's finger( Bhindi), curly kale, Rajma(red kidney beans), baked beans

·         nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and sesame(til) seeds/ tahini(grounded til) paste

·         figs and apricots

·         tofu, soy bean, eggs

·         For Non Veg takers:  fish like whitebait, sardines (in oil, tinned) and salmon

The nutritional effect of various diet is as under:-

Glucosamine sulfate-  Found naturally in the body, is essential for the maintenance and repair of collagen (the primary component of discs). The body uses glucosamine sulfate to form the chemicals it needs to repair cartilage, tendons and ligaments, and synovial fluid (the naturally occurring fluid that bathes the spinal joints). Collagen helps to maintain and repair spinal joint cartilage

Antioxidants-  increase naturally occurring collagen.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids-  have collagen-forming properties and are used by the body to repair and prevent damage to cartilage and discs caused by inflammation

Sulphur rich foods which accelerate protein and collagen production

Anti-inflammatories naturally reduce swelling

Soy products are high in genistein (a substance called an isoflavone). Genistein is believed to be responsible for collagen production and also acts to block any naturally occurring enzyme responsible for breaking down collagen.

Fibre helps digestion to remain smooth and not place strain on the discs that are vulnerable to increases in pressure in the abdomen.

Eat a diet which has less carbodydrate and more of protien.

Reduce sugar,white flour, fried, refined or processed food, additives such as colouring, flavouring, preservatives and vinegar, alcohol, salt, coffee, cola, chocolate, cakes, biscuits, ice cream, canned fruit or juice, citrus fruits,butter milk etc. Eat plenty of vegetable salads, fresh fruits, whole grain cereals, beans, brown rice, yoghurt, skimmed milk, baked potato, banana, apple, dates, fig, garlic, sesame seeds, fenugreek. Vitamin B complex and Vitamin C are recommended.

Boost healing of your spine at the cellular level with such super foods as:

·         Shellfish: crab, shrimp, prawns and oysters

·         Dark green vegetables: kale ( a type of a cabbage), spinach(palak), collards (relative to Kale), asparagus

·         Red Fruits and Vegetables: red peppers, beets, stewed or fresh tomatoes, dark berries like blueberries and blackberries

·         Soy Products: soy milk, soy cheese and tofu

·         Black olives

·         Red onions and apples (naturally high in a substance called quercitin which has natural anti-inflammatory properties)

·         Flaxseeds, chia seeds

·         Beans: navy beans, kidney beans, soy beans etc.

·         Cold Water oily Fishes: anchovies, herring, sardines, salmon and mackerel

·         Winter Squash

·         Olive oil

·         Fruits, nuts, vegetables and grains

·         Clear Water: Keep yourself super-hydrated. It’s always important to give your body water necessary for the re-hydration process in the healing of degenerated discs. Ideally, drink 8 10-ounce cups of clear water per day.

Diet which should not be taken if you are suffering from Disc degeneration of spine problem:-

  ·         Processed foods high in nitrites (think, processed meats).

·         Foods high in sugar, saturated and trans fats.

·         Any foods containing high fructose corn syrup.