Back pain - the 35p ‘superfood’ vegetable that could prevent lower backache
BACK pain could be prevented by watching your diet, changing your sleep position, or by making avoiding bad posture. You could also lower the risk of lower back pain symptoms by eating more of this cheap vegetable.
NHS advise on causes and treatment for back pain
Back pain is a common condition that affects most people at some point in their lifetime.
It’s usually nothing to worry about, and should get better by itself within a few months, said the NHS.
But making just a few changes to your diet could help to reduce back pain, or prevent it from coming back.
One of the best foods for avoiding back pain is sweet potatoes, a nutritionist has claimed.
Changing your diet and finding some anti-inflammatory food to eat can help combat back pain
Eating sweet potatoes can help to reduce inflammation - one of the key causes of back pain, said Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Branko Prpa.
The root vegetable contains beta-carotene, which works to inhibit inflammation in the body, scientists have found.
It also contains powerful antioxidants that have an anti-inflammatory effect.
“Changing your diet and finding some anti-inflammatory food to eat can help combat back pain,” said Dr Prpa.
“Sweet potatoes can also help you reduce inflammation. Some consider the sweet potato a ‘superfood’, which means that it’s packed with nutrients.
“That includes nutrients that can help you prevent inflammation. A sweet potato makes for an easy side dish for dinner.
“Pair it with fish like salmon for double the anti-inflammatory effectiveness.”
Salmon could help to reduce back pain due to its anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, he said.
Omega-3s are also found in other types of fish, including tuna, sardines, black cod and herring.
They work by relieving inflammation and boosting the blood flow to the back, he added.
You could also get rid of back pain by keeping as active as possible, said the NHS.
Exercise is one of the most important things patients can do to prevent back pain from returning, it said.
Resting for long periods of time is likely to make the pain worse.
Walking, swimming, yoga and pilates are all great choices of exercise for people with back pain.
Anti-inflammatory painkillers, like ibuprofen, may help to provide some temporary relief.
Alternatively, try using hot or cold compression packs. A bag of frozen vegetables will work just as well.