Good & Bad Foods for Spinal Arthritis

Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi

foods for spinal arthritis

Arthritis can impact any part of the musculoskeletal system, including the spine. Spinal arthritis can be incredibly painful and lead to decreased mobility and a reduced quality of life. There are many ways to treat the symptoms of spinal arthritis, but many people like to start simple. In this article, we are going to talk about some of the best and worst foods for spinal arthritis.

Good Foods for Spinal Arthritis

Diet has a huge impact on your overall health, and can also increase of decrease symptoms of various conditions like arthritis. Here are a few foods that can help combat the symptoms of spinal arthritis:

  • The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish are great at reducing inflammation.
  • Low-fat dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk provide a lot of vitamin D that keeps the bones in your spine strong.
  • Broccoli contains sulforaphane, which has been shown to slow the progression of osteoarthritis.
  • Green Tea has antioxidants that reduce inflammation.
  • Nuts are rich in protein, zinc, calcium, and other good elements that help fight arthritis.

Note: It should go without saying but if you are allergic to any of these foods you should avoid them.

Bad Foods for Spinal Arthritis

Just as some foods can decrease the symptoms of spinal arthritis, others can exacerbate the symptoms. Here are a few foods that spinal arthritis sufferers should avoid:

  • Processed sugars are notorious for causing inflammation.
  • Saturated fats trigger fat tissue inflammation.
  • Arthritis sufferers should imbibe in moderation or cut out alcohol entirely.
  • Found in a lot of Asian dishes, MSG is known to trigger inflammation.

Many patients find relief in these arthritis-fighting foods, but sometimes the arthritis progresses to a point where no dietary changes can help. That’s when you should contact a spine specialist to diagnose the extent of your arthritis and make a plan for treating the condition effectively.

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