If you are struggling with back pain you are not alone. Spine problems are estimated to regularly affect a whopping 65 million Americans. Despite how common spine disorders are, most healthcare providers and patients resort to medications immediately, overlooking the pivotal role nutrition plays in spine health.
Merging targeted exercises with nutritional strategies – such as a grain-free diet – amplifies your path to a healthier spine and helps you improve your musculoskeletal health without having to endure the side effects of medications. Let’s cover all you need to know below.
Before We Start:Grain-Free Diet and Its Impact on Spine Health
Let’s start by covering the basics. A grain-free diet eliminates all grains from your nutrition plan, while keeping ingredients like meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and legumes. This kind of diet is not just about avoiding gluten but also about excluding grains that don’t contain gluten. Here’s a brief look at what’s off the table:
- Grains that contain gluten: Wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale.
- Grains without gluten: Rice, corn, quinoa, oats, millet, sorghum.
- Foods that contain grains: A few examples include: bread, pasta, oatmeal, rice cakes, pastries, cookies, etc.
Although studies are still investigating the benefits of a grain-free diet, some studies show that decreasing grains can decrease inflammation, thus relieving pain and improving spine health. However, it’s critical to acknowledge that, although nutrition can significantly influence health, some patients require ad hoc spine procedures and treatments to alleviate pain and boost mobility.
Who Is a Grain-Free Diet For?
A grain-free diet may have some benefits, such as decreasing inflammation and promoting weight loss. Although this diet could be lower in carbohydrates, this isn’t necessarily the case, as consumers may switch to carbs-rich foods such as legumes and potatoes.
Generally, this diet is recommended for specific demographics, including:
- Patients suffering from Celiac Disease
- Those with gluten intolerance
- Those with gluten sensitivity
- Those with a gluten allergy
Nonetheless, it is important to notice that a grain-free diet also excludes grains that don’t contain gluten. Because of this, working with a nutrition specialist can help you better understand how to avoid nutritional imbalances and deficiencies.
5 Exercises To Improve Your Spine Health
If you are intolerant to gluten or looking to experience the benefits of a grain-free diet on your spine health, don’t forget about the importance of combining your nutritional efforts with spine-friendly exercises. These include:
- Core-Stabilizing Planks
Planks are a simple exercise that can be done anywhere. Start by assuming a push-up position but rest on your forearms instead of your hands. Keep your body straight from heels to head. This exercise strengthens the entire core, which supports proper spine alignment and reduces back pain.
- Spine-Lengthening Stretch Sessions
Engage in daily stretching routines focusing on the back and side muscles. Studies suggest whole grain-rich diets may reduce systemic inflammation – and, grain-free diets might offer similar benefits. Combined with stretching, these diets may help ease muscle tension, inflammation, and compressed nerves, addressing common causes of back pain.
- Balancing Exercises on a Stability Ball
For this exercise, sit or lie on a stability ball, engaging your core to maintain balance. This action strengthens the muscles supporting your spine. Begin by sitting for short periods, then progress to exercises like ball rolls or back extensions as your balance improves.
- Resistance Band Rows for Back Strengthening
If you love to go to the gym or you have resistance bands at home, try this exercise by positioning yourself with feet shoulder-width apart. Then, start by securing the band under your feet, and pull the ends towards your waist, keeping elbows close to your body. Start with light resistance to ensure proper form and avoid injuries. Done consistently, this exercise can strengthen your back muscles, improving spine support and posture.
- Yoga Poses for Spinal Alignment
Whether you are new to yoga or an expert practitioner, this discipline can work wonders for your spine and for your musculoskeletal health as a whole. Opt for poses like the Child’s Pose, Cat-Cow, or the Sphinx, focusing on gentle movements and spine alignment. Start with shorter sessions, building up as flexibility improves. Yoga not only aids in aligning the spine but also in reducing stress, which is often linked to back issues.
Partner With a Nutrition and Spine Health Specialist
Partnering with a nutrition and spine health specialist can guide your dietary choices and provide assistance with your physical exercises. Experts can tailor a grain-free diet alongside targeted exercises to maximize spine health benefits and avoid pitfalls like nutritional imbalances and injuries.
Remember, overcoming chronic back pain is a journey that combines nutrition, exercise, and sometimes medical procedures for optimal results – don’t be afraid to partner with a specialist you can trust.