Bone spurs are bony projections that can manifest in certain parts of your body, including your heels, shoulders and spine. Bone spurs, also known as osteophytes, develop over a prolonged period. The Cedars-Sinai Medical Center states that bone spurs are not usually painful, although they can affect nearby tissues and structures, such as nerves. Before using diet and nutrition to help treat or prevent bone spurs, talk with your doctor about the effectiveness of this health measure in treating this problem.
About Bone Spurs
Bone spurs often go undetected for many years, until they start interfering with other nearby structures. MayoClinic.com states that bone spurs may indicate the presence of an underlying health problem such as spinal stenosis, or narrowing of your spinal canal, osteoarthritis, plantar fasciitis or diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis -- a condition in which bony growths manifest on your spinal ligaments. Bone spurs are commonly seen in older individuals and may help stabilize joints in these individuals.
Appropriate Dietary Practices
Certain dietary practices may be helpful in preventing bone spurs or treating bone spur-related symptoms. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," you should eliminate the following foods, beverages or substances: citrus fruits, alcohol, coffee and refined sugar. These substances impair your body's healing process or upset your body's mineral balance. Consider increasing your consumption of foods containing significant amounts of vitamin B-6, such as tuna, banana, calf's liver and turkey. Further scientific research evidence may be required to assess the true health effects of these substances on bone spurs.
Highlighted Food
Tuna may be one of the most helpful foods in treating or preventing your bone spurs. Tuna contains significant amount of vitamin B-6, or pyridoxine, as well as vitamins B-1 and B-3, selenium and phosphorus, notes nutritionist and biologist George Mateljan, author of "The World's Healthiest Foods." Foods rich in vitamin B-6 may help increase your body's production of hydrochloric acid -- a substance that helps prevent bone spurs by encouraging proper calcium absorption. More randomized controlled research trials may be necessary to determine the effectiveness of tuna in treating or preventing your bone spurs.
Disclaimer
Bone spurs are a non-life-threatening health problem, but if your bone spurs are causing you discomfort or other health problems, seek care from a licensed health-care practitioner. Dietary changes are unlikely to cure your bone spurs, although a proper diet and nutrition may help prevent the growth of these bony projections. Certain foods and dietary practices may not be appropriate for you or your health problem. Ask your doctor about the merits, drawbacks and limitations of nutrition therapy for this health purpose.
References
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)
- MayoClinic.com: Bone Spurs
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The World's Healthiest Foods"; George Mateljan; 2007
