Slipped disks are technically known as herniated disks, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons that result in pain affecting the neck, back, legs and arms. Vitamins and minerals for a slipped disk can strengthen and improve your bone disk health while aiding a proper recovery. Eating a healthy diet, exercising and living a healthy lifestyle also play roles in healing slipped disks. Check with your doctor first since not all vitamins and minerals may agree with your individual medical condition.
Zinc
Zinc plays an essential role in renewing bone tissue and depositing minerals into your bones, according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation and the Women to Women website. Depending upon the degree of deficiency, lack of zinc can result in impaired bone growth in children, protein malnutrition and calorie intake deficiencies. Elderly individuals are particularly susceptible to mild levels of deficiency that results in poor bone density.
Slipped disks may improve with the proper amount of zinc. Consume a daily multimineral/vitamin supplement or eat zinc-rich foods including lamb, beef, pork veal and poultry, as well as legumes, beans, split peas, lentils and whole grains.
Vitamin K
Vitamins and minerals for a slipped disk need to include vitamin K. Vitamin K plays a role in fracture healing and bone formation and synthesizes the bone protein, osteocalcin, needed to crystallize calcium in the body, according to Women to Women. Osteocalcin keeps your bone tissue density levels intact since lack of it results in frail, brittle bones. Vitamin K operates as a glue that binds calcium to your bones. When bones become injured, as in slipped disks, vitamin K levels fall since the nutrient naturally directs itself away from other parts of your body to the injury site. Taking a daily supplement or eating vitamin K-rich foods will aid in consuming efficient amounts of this bone nutrient. Foods rich in vitamin K include leafy greens, organ meats such as liver, soybean products and cheeses.
Vitamin D
Vitamins and minerals for a slipped disk need to include vitamin D. Without proper amounts of vitamin D, your body cannot absorb enough calcium from your dietary sources. Your body needs the active form of vitamin D to form calcitriol, a hormone needed to absorb calcium, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease. Insufficient calcium decreases bone density and hinders new bone growth. Obtain vitamin D through your skin via sunshine, supplements or dietary sources. Dietary sources include organ meats such as liver, fortified milk, egg yolks and saltwater fish.
Calcium
Calcium is a mineral that plays an essential role in bone health. Calcium keeps bones strong and healthy. Inadequate calcium intake can result in weak bones or low bone mass, development of osteoporosis and increased risks of fractures throughout your body. Increase your calcium consumption to help your slipped disk by taking daily calcium supplements or multimineral/vitamin supplements containing calcium. Consuming calcium via dietary sources offers another option for improving bone health. Rich dietary sources include dairy products such as milk, hard and soft cheeses, yogurt, puddings made with milk, milkshakes, ice cream and ice milk, frozen delicacies, cream, buttermilk and soy or ice milk. Other calcium-rich foods include fortified oatmeal, sardines, fortified cereals, salmon, baked beans and leafy greens, including broccoli, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
References
- International Osteoporosis Foundation: Other Foods and Nutrients, 2011
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease:Vitamin A and Bone Health, 2011
- Women to Women: Key vitamins for bone health --- vitamins K1 and K2, 2011
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease: Calcium and Vitamin D: Important at Every Age, 2011
- American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: Herniated Disk, 2007
- Womentowomen.com: Bone Health, Bone health Across the Lifespan --- Our Ever-Changing Bones, 2011
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