Food & Inflammation: Eat the Right Foods to Help with Back Pain

At Branko PRPA M.D. we employ a wide range of techniques to help our patients with back pain live more fulfilling, healthier lives. We can often help with surgical methods, but there are also other ways to reduce inflammation and fight back against chronic pain. For example, it might surprise you to learn that inflammatory foods exist. Eating these can make your back pain worse, but fortunately, there are also some foods that can help you feel better.

Foods That Can Help Prevent Inflammation

Changing your diet and finding some anti-inflammatory food to eat can help combat back pain.

Tuna

This fish offers some nutrients that can help you keep inflammation at bay. It’s also full of many nutrients that you need anyway, making it a great addition to your anti-inflammatory food list.

Salmon

Just like tuna, salmon can give you many of the nutrients you need, including omega-3s, while helping reduce inflammation. Many other types of fish that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also help. Try adding some sardines, black cod, and herring to your anti-inflammatory diet. All of these fish can help improve blood flow to your back and keep you healthier.

Carrots

Carrots can also help reduce inflammation. Like many “deep-colored” vegetables, carrots possess a ton of nutrients that can help fight inflammation and chronic back pain. Try adding chopped carrots to your salad or snacking on baby carrots. They’re crunchy like potato chips but far better for you.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes can also help you reduce inflammation. Some consider the sweet potato a “superfood,” which means that it’s packed with nutrients. That includes nutrients that can help you prevent inflammation. Sweet potato makes for an easy side dish for dinner. Pair it with fish like salmon for double the anti-inflammatory effectiveness!

Red Wine

You don’t have to cut out everything you love when you embark on an anti-inflammatory diet. Red wine can actually help cut down on inflammation too. That’s because grapes offer many of the antioxidants and nutrients you need to fight off back pain. Having a glass of red wine with dinner could be helpful if you’re otherwise healthy enough to consume alcohol.

Nuts

We all know that nuts are a healthy snack, but did you know that they can also be a crucial part of an anti-inflammatory diet? Food like almonds and cashews contain good fats and other nutrients that are important for anyone trying to live a healthy lifestyle.

Olive Oil

This common cooking oil can also be an important part of an anti-inflammatory diet. This is a healthy alternative to other types of cooking oil. If you’re frequently cooking with some kinds of vegetable oils, like corn oil or safflower oil, think about switching to olive oil.

Green Tea

If you need your caffeine in the morning, opt for green tea occasionally. In addition to the other health benefits it offers, it can be an important part of an anti-inflammatory diet.

Spices and Seasonings

Some common cooking spices and seasonings can also help you reduce back pain. Try adding some more 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.

These are just a few of the anti-inflammatory foods that can help you. Contact us at 414-939-5447 or make an appointment at our office to learn more about how we can help you alleviate your back pain.