Good nutrition is very important for the proper development of your skeletal and neurological systems, including your spinal cord and the backbone that protects it. Newborn babies, growing toddlers, children and adolescents all need wholesome nutrition to have healthy spines. Adults who may be facing spinal alignment problems may benefit from good nutrition to help their bodies maintain and even improve their current health status.
Nutrition and Your Development
Nutrition is a factor in how your body develops and grows. Poor nutrition affects skeletal development. Having poor nutrition can increase your chances for different spinal alignment problems. As children have growth spurts, curves of the spine can change quickly. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, higher levels of growth hormones, especially in girls, may be the reason for increased curving of the spine.
Spinal Alignment Problems
If you have a spinal alignment problem, you may experience chronic pain, physical disabilities like having difficulty walking and standing and overall constant fatigue. Other areas of your body may be compensating for the weakness in your spine. The Mayfield Clinic mentions several types of spinal alignment concerns, such as stenosis. Stenosis is when the spinal cord narrows and presses on the cord and nerves. This can cause swelling and inflammation around your spinal cord. Injuries or traumas can also cause alignment issues of your spine. The University of Southern California discusses scoliosis and kyphosis and their effects on your spine. Scoliosis causes an S-shaped curve of the back while kyphosis is a C-shaped curve of the back.
Considering Your Nutrition and Your Spine
Depending on the type of spinal alignment problem you may be experiencing, your body may need a certain type of nutrition to heal and maintain your body's functional levels. The National Spinal Cord Injury Association states it is important to have a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins as well as fiber in your diet. Following this suggestion may help prevent further health issues in those already compromised by a spinal alignment problem. Many with spine concerns are unable to exercise or at least are less active than they may like, so watching your cholesterol and salt intake is imperative. Eating about 25 to 35 g of fiber and drinking eight to 10 glasses of liquids every day will help your intestines and prevent constipation. The Association suggests that 50 to 60 percent of your daily caloric intake come from carbohydrates, 20 percent from proteins and 30 percent from fat.
Caution About Your Nutrition
If you have symptoms of a spinal alignment problem or have been diagnosed with one, always discuss your nutrition and diet with your health care provider. Your nutrition can certainly affect your body's overall health and your health care provider can address any specific concerns you may have regarding your health and possible alignment issue. If you do have spinal alignment problems and are considering nutrition changes, including any related to vitamins or herbs, be sure to tell your doctor.
