Tendons -- thick, ropy tissue that connects your muscles to your bones -- are commonly injured during sports or occupational activities. In some cases, your tendon may become inflamed, strained or torn -- all injuries that may cause reduced tendon strength. The American Academy of Family Physicians states that acute trauma or repetitive loading are among the most common causes of tendon problems. Certain dietary changes may be helpful in improving the health and function of your tendons. Ask your doctor if this natural healing approach is appropriate for you.
Tendinopathy
A tendinopathy is an injury to your tendon. Most tendinopathies, notes the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, occur in tendons located near your shoulder, ankle and knee joints. Tendinopathies are classified as either tendinitis, or tendon inflammation, or tendinosis, which involves tearing of your tendon tissues, pain and a long recovery period. Both types of tendinopathy may reduce the strength of your tendons. Common locations for tendinopathies include your Achilles tendon, rotator cuff tendons and the biceps tendon in your shoulder.
A Useful Diet
Certain dietary changes may be helpful in healing your tendon injury and improving the strength of your tendons. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," turmeric, pineapple and foods containing significant amounts of essential fatty acids, such as scallops, snapper, halibut, walnuts and flaxseeds, may be helpful for these health purposes. Foods that contain manganese -- garbanzo beans, spinach, brown rice, tempeh -- may also be useful, as manganese helps to strengthen damaged ligaments and tendons.
A Beneficial Food
Garbanzo beans are a beneficial food for treating your tendon injuries and strengthening your tendons, due to their high manganese content. Other nutrients contained in garbanzo beans include molybdenum, folate, copper, phosphorus and iron. Garbanzo beans are also rich in protein and dietary fiber. George Mateljan, a nutritionist, biologist and author of "The World's Healthiest Foods," states that garbanzo beans have historically been used to help balance blood sugar levels and provide antioxidant protection.
Warning
Most tendon injuries will self-resolve over time, although severe tendon injuries, such as tendon ruptures, may require surgery. Diet and nutrition have long been used in treating weak tendons and tendon injuries, although the use of these natural healing measures does not guarantee a favorable health outcome. Consult a physician who has extensive training in clinical nutrition to better understand the risks, benefits and limitations of diet and nutrition in treating tendon injuries.
References
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Common Overuse Tendon Problems
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: Tendinopathy
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
