If you have lower back pain, stay a mile away from this food item

Struggling with lower back pain? This unsuspecting ingredient in your diet may be exacerbating the issue! According to digital creator Dr Jeff Winternheimer DC, you need to stay away from corn and its derivatives—like syrup, sugar, chips, and oil—if you want to relieve your spine. But how are the two connected? indianexpress.com spoke to a health expert to uncover the link.

“While natural, unprocessed corn is healthy, it loses its nutrients during processing and affects our bodies differently. So, if you include corn in your diet, make sure it’s whole and unrefined,” said Dr Siddhant Bhargava, fitness and nutritional scientist, and co-founder of Food Darzee. “Processed corn can trigger an inflammatory response in the body that significantly contributes to pain, including lower back pain.”

According to him, inflammation can slow down the healing process and exacerbate conditions like lower back pain. “Moreover, processed corn can cause a rapid spike in insulin levels, leading to further inflammation and weight gain. Excess weight puts additional strain on the spine, worsening lower back pain,” Dr Bhargava said.

“Corn has B vitamins and minerals as well as dietary fiber that can be good for overall health if consumed in moderation. Whole corn also contains antioxidants which may help reduce oxidative stress in the body,” said Bhargava.

Processed corn can cause a rapid spike in insulin levels (Source: Freepik)

Can your diet help in reducing lower back pain?

An anti-inflammatory diet helps ease lower back pain, according to the doctor. It is important to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants – like berries, dark green leafy vegetables and cruciferous veggies.

“Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), nuts, and seeds should also be added in the diet. For blood sugar stabilisation, choose whole grains over refined ones. Protein from legumes like beans or lentils supply fiber without the inflammatory effects associated with red meat consumption,” he said.

“Adding turmeric or ginger while cooking can offer powerful anti-inflammatory benefits too. Also, drinking plenty of water keeps our body hydrated thus promoting overall wellbeing while reducing stiffness in muscles,” Dr Bhargava said.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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