It’s no secret that back pain and inflammation affect many of us daily. What many don’t realize,
though, is that the food we consume can contribute to chronic back pain and inflammation.
Fortunately, we can combat this by making healthier food decisions. In order to help fight
against inflammation and back pain, the team at Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery has carefully
created a list of our top 5 foods to incorporate into your diet.
1. Fruits and vegetables
While incorporating fruits and vegetables into our diet is overall good for our health,
there are some anti-inflammatory options that can tremendously cut down on chronic
back pain. Tomatoes, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, apples, oranges, and leafy
greens are some of the best anti-inflammatory foods because they are all high in natural
antioxidants.
2. Fatty fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are great options for reducing
inflammation that can lead to back pain. These types of fish contain a high amount of
Omega-3 fatty acids, and can help improve blood flow to your back.
3. Nuts
Almonds, walnuts, and cashews contain good fats and other nutrients that are important
for anyone trying to live a healthy lifestyle. These nuts are high in alpha linoleic acid
(ALA), magnesium, and vitamin E, which help keep inflammation causing back pain
under control. One serving of nuts a day can increase anti-inflammatory proteins while
lowering inflammation-causing molecules.
4. Drinks
Coffee and green tea are two great options to include in an anti-inflammatory diet.
Coffee is also rich in antioxidants and can lower your risk of other conditions like type 2
diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer.
5. Spices and seasonings
Some cooking spices and seasonings can also help to reduce back pain. We suggest
adding basil, cinnamon, and turmeric to your diet. Each one has anti-inflammatory
properties that can help you live a more active life with less back pain and inflammation.
These are just a few of the anti-inflammatory foods that can help with back pain. Piedmont
Athens Neurosurgery is here to help you learn more about how we can help alleviate your back
pain with non-surgical options.