Back pain due to herniated disc, what foods should be limited to prevent pain?

1. The role of nutrition in the treatment of herniated disc

Herniated disc is a common disease that often occurs in middle age. Over time, the outer cartilage ring becomes fibrotic, the nucleus pulposus of the disc dries out, loses elasticity, herniates into the spinal canal and compresses the nerve.

The cause of pain due to herniated disc is often due to degeneration and tearing of the fibrous ring of the disc, the nucleus pulposus will herniate through the tear and come out behind, causing nerve compression.

People with herniated discs will have typical symptoms such as pain from the lower back spreading to the buttocks, thighs, calves, and even the toes. Numbness in the limbs and muscle weakness. Severe cases of herniated discs have symptoms of cauda equina disorder or cauda equina compression such as incontinence or muscle atrophy.

When suffering from a herniated disc, the patient needs to be treated properly, have a reasonable exercise and rest regimen. In addition, adjustments to the diet are also necessary to limit and prevent recurrence of pain.

An effective way to reduce the pain associated with a herniated disc is to adjust your diet. Patients should eat foods that naturally reduce inflammation such as green vegetables, ripe fruits, nuts such as almonds and walnuts; olive oil… At the same time, they should avoid foods that tend to worsen inflammation.

According to Dr. Nguyen Trong Hung, Center for Examination, Nutritional Rehabilitation and Obesity Control, National Institute of Nutrition, the foods we eat every day play an important role in the health of the spine and discs. To have a healthy body, keep bones strong and prevent the disease from progressing, we need to have a scientific and reasonable diet.

In addition, people with herniated discs should also pay attention to avoid unhealthy foods such as avoiding eating too much protein and foods rich in fat, fatty meat, fried foods with a lot of oil, etc. Foods containing purines such as animal organs, alcoholic beverages and stimulants such as beer, wine, coffee, spicy foods, spices, etc. should be limited as much as possible because when used, they can stimulate inflammatory reactions in the joints, making the pain worse.

2. Some inflammatory foods should be limited when suffering from back pain:

Limit refined sugar

Eating too much sugar can aggravate inflammation and pain caused by a herniated lumbar disc. Therefore, to reduce pain, you should reduce your sugar intake. Unhealthy sugary foods include: candy, soft drinks, soda, sugary cereals, etc.

Say no to processed foods

Processed foods like fried chicken, french fries, canned foods and pizza… are not good for everyone’s health, not just those with lumbar disc herniation.

This is because they are high in saturated and trans fats, which can increase inflammation and cause pain. Instead, we should eat whole foods such as fruits, vegetables and lean meats.

Limit high-fat dairy products

High-fat dairy products such as cheese, butter, and cream can increase inflammation in the body, leading to pain and discomfort for people with lumbar disc herniation. So if you experience pain or stiffness in your muscles, you should cut back on dairy products. Choose non-dairy alternatives such as almond or soy milk.

Limit salt

Eating too much salt can aggravate inflammation and lead to increased pain. People should avoid foods high in sodium, such as canned foods, pickled foods, and processed foods. It is best to prepare your own meals using fresh ingredients and minimal salt.

Avoid eating spicy foods

Foods that are highly spiced can also aggravate inflammation and increase the pain of a herniated disc in the lower back. Choose foods that are lightly spiced, steamed, boiled, or choose milder spices to flavor the dish, such as turmeric and cumin.

Avoid foods containing purines

Meats and animal organs with high purine content such as red meat, liver, heart, kidney, brain; anchovies, cod, herring... are foods that have negative effects on people with herniated discs because they stimulate inflammatory reactions in the joints, making the pain worse.

Limit alcohol and caffeine as much as possible

Both alcohol and caffeine can dehydrate the body, which can worsen pain symptoms. Therefore, people with herniated discs should limit alcohol consumption as much as possible and choose caffeine-free drinks./.