Nutrition plays a crucial role in helping patients with disc herniation reduce pain and restore disc damage. Disc herniation occurs when discs between the back and neck vertebrae are damaged, causing them to slide out of place and press on the spinal cord and nerves. This can result in symptoms such as back pain, radiating pain in the legs and arms, muscle weakness, and bladder and bowel incontinence.
Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong from Nutrihome Nutrition Center emphasizes the importance of a scientific diet in improving symptoms and enhancing treatment effectiveness for patients with disc herniation. Consuming foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, B12, and omega-3 can benefit patients in various ways.
Calcium-rich foods like milk, dairy products, beans, nuts, and green vegetables promote strong bones and can help reduce pain and numbness in the limbs, improving mobility. Vitamin D-rich foods such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and tofu aid in calcium absorption, improve bone health, and slow down spinal degeneration. Patients should also get some sunlight exposure to boost their vitamin D levels.
Moreover, vitamin B12-rich foods like animal liver, red meat, and dairy products promote bone and red blood cell formation, crucial for the recovery process in herniated disc patients. For those following a vegan diet, regular check-ups and vitamin B12 supplements are recommended to prevent complications.
Including omega-3 rich foods such as fatty fish, nuts, and avocados can help reduce inflammation, pain, and regenerate damaged discs. Patients are advised to maintain a healthy weight, avoid heavy lifting, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption, and engage in moderate exercises like swimming and yoga to improve bone and joint flexibility.
Regular visits to healthcare professionals for examinations and following prescribed treatment plans are essential for the management of disc herniation. Additionally, incorporating natural supplements like Eggshell Membrane and Turmeric Root can further support joint health and bone regeneration. By focusing on a nutritious diet and lifestyle habits, individuals with disc herniation can potentially alleviate their symptoms and improve their quality of life.