Diet for a hernia in the lumbar spine

A therapeutic diet for a hernia of the lumbar spine is prescribed after surgery and in a serious condition of the patient, but there is always a need for proper nutrition, regardless of the period of the disease. Damage to the intervertebral disc often occurs as a result of a metabolic disorder, and is the direct cause of many other pathologies of the musculoskeletal system.

It is natural that for prevention and during the treatment period it is important to normalize the intake of all substances important to the body, and not through drugs and vitamin complexes, but with food.

A balanced and healthy diet for a hernia of the lumbar spine is an important step in the restoration of the disc at an early stage of the disease and already in the rehabilitation period after surgery. In order to stop the pathological processes of the intervertebral disc and restore good health, you will have to give up many foods, but this will not be so noticeable if you add other, no less tasty, but already healthy dishes to the diet.

What happens with a hernia

Protrusion or prolapse of the nucleus pulposus of the disc occurs through a defect in the fibrous ring. The latter appears against the background of the physiological aging of the body, when cartilage and bone tissue wear out and lose their former elasticity, another reason is traumatic injury. A disc herniation is often preceded by osteochondrosis, because, like any injury, it leads to a violation of the integrity of the disc. This disease is often diagnosed in men over the age of 35 who are involved in power sports and heavy physical work.

Not everyone seeks to change their diet as soon as possible with an intervertebral hernia of the lumbar, believing that the diet can in no way affect the disease. In fact, weakened tissues of the spinal column with such a disease are in dire need of sufficient intake of vitamins and trace elements. Without these "building materials" there is no question of resolving the hernia and strengthening the bone and cartilage.

Irreversible disorders in the intervertebral disc begin with a violation of diffusion, because only in this way is it nourished. The cause of the failure is the lack of movement of the spine and the deficiency of certain substances, in particular vitamins A and D, calcium, phosphorus and iron.

Other irreversible changes and disorders begin with

• degenerative-dystrophic processes lead to cartilage deformation , microcracks appear on the outside;
• the stability of the entire spine is disturbed , which is why the load on it is already unevenly distributed;
• pulposus of the disc is displaced backward , which occurs due to excessive pressure on the joints;
• compression of the discs is aggravated during physical activity , especially when lifting weights, and it is enough to overload the back once so that the fibrous ring breaks;
• the defect of the disc becomes the area of ​​the exit of the pulp, and this condition will already be the initial stage of the hernia;
• pathological processes do not stop , the fallen pulp can come off and migrate along the spinal canal;
• formed disc sequesters compress the internal structures of the spine , namely the nerve roots and spinal cord.

All these processes are recognized as trauma, therefore scarring of damaged structures begins. Active formation of connective tissue can cause spinal stenosis, and then surgery is already needed.

Why you need a diet

The lumbar spine is the most mobile, it is at rest only in the supine position. In this regard, it requires more nutrition for the normal regeneration process. The joints of the lumbar region need both nutrients and trace elements.

What is needed for a sore lower back with a hernia to recover:

1. Liquid . Maintaining water balance is essential. As part of the cartilage, the fluid provides a normal tone. You also need to drink plenty of water to quickly remove toxic substances and toxins that appear as a result of disk destruction.
2. In itamines and minerals . They provide energy exchange in bone tissue, contributing to high strength and density.
3. Glycosaminoglycans . _ These are natural polymers that can be obtained from food of animal origin. With a hernia, it is recommended to increase the consumption of meat, milk, eggs, because glycosaminoglycans are poorly absorbed in the intestines, and their intake into the body must be in excess for the normal restoration of injured cartilage.
4. B Christmas trees . It is necessary for the regeneration of a damaged disc, and it is extremely important to distribute high-calorie food over several meals a day so that the recovery processes proceed continuously.

Vitamins and trace elements

When compiling a menu for every day, it is important to take into account the need for all vitamins and trace elements. You also need to understand that a hernia diet will be a lifelong measure, but it is not strict, and the body will get used to the changes gradually, without stress. It is the phased rejection of your favorite, but harmful foods and a smooth change in diet will be the key to good health.

Strict restrictions will only contribute to the weakening of the body against the background of psychological oppression.

to start proper nutrition with the inclusion of vitamins of different groups in the diet:

1. To normalize osteogenesis.
2. To improve neuromuscular activity.
3. To stimulate metabolism and tissue regeneration.
4. To slow down the destruction of bone and cartilage.

The first group of drugs for accelerating and normalizing the formation of bone tissue includes calcium and vitamin D. In combination, they are well absorbed, promoting bone formation. This group also includes phosphorus, which is an integral element of joints and bones.

The second group of funds is the B vitamins, namely B1, B6 and B12. They have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system, and vitamin B6 takes part in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. B12 is important for the formation of muscle fibers, in addition, it takes part in oxidative processes. Together, these vitamins have a positive effect on the entire musculoskeletal system. With a hernia, this is manifested by an analgesic effect due to the regeneration of nerves and smoothing of the muscles.

The third group - substances that promote the synthesis of collagen. It is extremely important for the elasticity of cartilage, and its deficiency leads to the appearance of a hernia precursor, osteochondrosis. For normal collagen production, vitamins C and E are needed . This group of substances also includes glucosamine and chondroitin, which cartilage and bone tissue receive from chondroprotectors of natural or synthetic origin.

The fourth group is a complex of vitamins to slow down the aging process and the destruction of cartilage tissue. They eliminate free radicals that contribute to degenerative changes. The composition of such preparations contains antioxidants: vitamins A, C, E and selenium.

Vitamin A must be taken in combination with vitamin E. The latter destroys free radicals, provides joint strength and synthesizes collagen. Selenium is necessary to improve the process of self-healing, and vitamin C improves metabolism and eliminates the inflammatory process.

Contraindications in the menu

In rare for the health of the spine will be such products :

• salt - its excessive use leads to the accumulation of subcutaneous fluid, which causes edema, this also has a bad effect on the spinal cord, because edematous tissues begin to squeeze it, compression of nerves and blood vessels occurs;
• strong coffee, tea, soda - these drinks contribute to the excretion of calcium, and without it, the vertebrae lose their elasticity, which increases the risk of a crack;
• fatty meat - contains a lot of cholesterol, which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels, which leads to impaired blood circulation and a failure in the supply of nutrients to the tissues of the spine;
• alcohol  - leads to vasospasm, frequent use poisons the body, disrupts the trophism of the intervertebral disc.

Healthy foods

The diet for intervertebral hernia includes the following products:

• seafood and fatty fish - they contain polyunsaturated acids and phosphorus, which are important for the strength of the vertebrae;
• garlic and onions - products are natural antibacterial agents, preventing infectious diseases of soft tissues;
• egg yolk and liver - contain a lot of vitamin D, which stores calcium in bone tissue;
• olive oil and herring - products contain anti-inflammatory substances;
• milk, cottage cheese, cheese - contain calcium, which does not have the property of being deposited, but is immediately consumed, which prevents bone fragility;
• Carrot is an antioxidant, helps to slow down the aging of the body, and together with dairy products activates the processes of regeneration of damaged tissues.

Recommendations for prevention

Diet will be a good addition to comprehensive prevention , which includes:

• exercise therapy - physiotherapy exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back;
• massage and manual therapy;
• sleeping on a hard surface;
• exclusion of stressful situations;
• regular examination by a vertebrologist and a neurologist.

A hernia in the lumbar region can be complicated, which will be indicated by a strong pain syndrome, limitation of movement and neurological symptoms.

In this case, surgical treatment may be considered. After the operation, the diet will also become an important part of rehabilitation for the speedy recovery of the body and improvement of well-being.