Food for back pain

"Pain in the musculoskeletal system is in many cases related to inflammatory processes in the body. Unfortunately, we cannot eat ourselves pain-free. But there are foods that have an anti-inflammatory effect, nourish our supporting connective tissue and support bone and muscle function.

In this way we reduce the risk of osteoporosis and thus also of bone fractures, such as vertebral fractures, and consequently chronic back pain," knows Dr. Irene Brunhuber, specialist in internal medicine and former Mayr doctor at the Park Igls Medical Spa Resort.

A balanced acid-alkaline balance not only keeps the gut healthy, but also reduces the risk of inflammation. This means including alkaline sources such as vegetables, potatoes, fruit and herbs in your diet. Reduce cereals, meat and fish (with the exception of omega-3 acid sources). Avoid alcohol, sugar and coffee as much as possible when eating to combat back pain.

Foods rich in tryptophan, a precursor of the happiness hormone serotonin, lift the mood and reduce the perception of pain. Nuts, especially cashew nuts, seeds, bananas and dark chocolate contain the highest amounts.

Calcium: Keep bones strong and resilient with a diet rich in hard cheeses, leafy vegetables and pulses. And avoid fast and convenience foods: these can contain high levels of phosphorus which dissolves calcium in bones.

Magnesium: Magic mineral magnesium is an allrounder and, unsurprisingly, it’s great for bone health too as it helps assimilate calcium into the bone and activates vitamin D. It also helps to lower the risk of osteoporosis in women after menopause.