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Spinal Arthritis Diet

According to information from the medical information website Spine Universe, spinal arthritis that is a specific type of arthritis that is primarily confined to the spinal column. This can result in a number of symptoms such as transient back pain, stiffness in the spinal column, discomfort or feelings of numbness in the neck and radiating pain that travels from the spine into the hips or legs. While diet cannot cure spinal arthritis, a healthy diet can help to manage symptoms and improve your overall quality of life while dealing with this condition.

  1. Spinal Arthritis Diet

    • Follow a healthy, balanced diet that is low in fat and rich in nutrient-dense food while eating to combat the symptoms of spinal arthritis. This advice comes courtesy of Dr. John J. Regan, an orthopedic surgeon and member of the Spine Universe editorial board who stresses the importance of quality nutrition while battling arthritis. Consume a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, along with consuming adequate amounts of lean protein. Quality lean protein sources include cuts of red meat that are low in fat, poultry, and seafood. Avoid consumption of excessive amounts of saturated fat, processed foods, trans fats, fried foods, sugars and alcohols. Ideally, you should strive to ensure that each meal you consume while eating to treat spinal arthritis is balanced, aiming to consume a fruit, vegetable, grain and a protein source with each and every meal. A couple of sample meals that comply with these requirements might include grilled chicken with whole-wheat pasta, mixed vegetables and berries for dessert, or lobster served with brown rice, broccoli and a fruit salad.

    Vitamin Supplementation

    • Consume a daily dose of vitamins in order to round out your approach to treatment of spinal arthritis through dietary means. The important vitamins for treating arthritis are C, D, and calcium, so supplement your intake with additional sources if you are not consuming an adequate amount through your normal diet. Aim to consume between 500 and 1,000mg of vitamin C per day, 2,000mg of vitamin D daily, and take a calcium supplement if you are in the habit of neglecting dairy intake through distaste for diary products or lactose intolerance.

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