We recently wrote about the impact of Vitamin K2 on such health issues as lower back pain. But did you know that the role of nutrition in relieving (or worsening) your back pain extends well beyond Vitamin K2? This is why Clancey Chiropractic, PC is proud to offer nutrition counseling along with lower back pain treatment in Longmont, CO.

Seven Basic Tips for Eating Healthy in Longmont

Here is a rundown of seven basic tips to help you ensure you are eating the best things possible for your back pain:

1. Vegetables: Most of the rules regarding nutrition and back pain relate back to inflammation: any foods that increase inflammation are bad, and any foods that decrease it are good. Most vegetables are proven to have anti-inflammatory effects, though the jury is still out on whether dark vegetables, such as eggplants and tomatoes, are good or bad for back pain.
2. Herbal teas: Herbal teas are helpful for back pain sufferers for two reasons: first of all, they can contain relaxing ingredients like lavender or valerian, which can reduce tension. Second (and perhaps most importantly), herbs are known to be very effective at reducing inflammation.
3. Processed foods: White bread, fast food, pasta, rice, soda, trans-fats-anything you try to limit in the diet of your children is probably bad for your back pain, as well. This is because processed foods increase inflammation, which is the root cause of much lower back pain.
4. Alcohol: During a particularly bad spell of back pain, you might be tempted to have a drink to relieve the tension. While one serving might not hurt, alcohol is highly inflammatory, so try to keep the drinking to a minimum when experiencing back pain.
5. Caffeine: You guessed it! Caffeine is also highly inflammatory, which makes it a problem for anyone suffering from back pain. We know that many adults are reliant on caffeine, but once you beat this dependency, you will likely feel better all around.
6. Calcium: Remember when your parents told you to drink your milk so you would grow up big and strong? It turns out that this is also good advice for those suffering from back pain, as calcium can help you keep your bone mass up as you age, which will help you to avoid pain in your back and in your joints. If you don't like milk or are lactose intolerant, try taking a calcium supplement, or eating leafy greens and seafood.
7. Pay attention: Finally, each body is different, and food that works wonders for someone else could cause nothing but pain for you. Try keeping a daily diary of which foods you eat and how severe your back pain is, and be on the lookout for patterns.

If you would like to learn more about how nutrition can affect your back pain-for good or ill-please get in touch with Clancey Chiropractic, PC, your source for lower back pain treatment in Longmont, CO. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you manage your back pain!