Eating Right: Become Your Own Miracle Worker

By Donna Kostiew

There have been times in the past when I have been in terrible pain and have gone to see my chiropractor. I walk in feeling not so well, and I walk out feeling lighter, happier, and so much better. I have referred to my chiropractor at these times as my “miracle-worker” … kind of joking, kind of not, but I think you would understand this if you have been in a similar situation. The chiropractors I see at The Joint Chiropractic are caring and smart, yet oh so humble. They push aside all of my gratitude and remind me that without my help, they would have a much harder job to do.

You see, the lifestyle choices that we make outside of the chiropractor’s office can have a tremendous influence on the effectiveness of their treatments. Are we exercising, sleeping well, and drinking enough water? Is our diet contributing to our health problems or is it making a positive impact? The nutrition that we get from our food choices has a definite effect on the health of our spine, so if we aren’t already, let’s start choosing foods that our chiropractors will approve of!

Healthy Eating

Mom was right about what to eat. 

• Broccoli/Green leafy vegetables – These vegetables contain magnesium, which helps in maintaining muscle function and bone density. It’s necessary for preventing back problems and for strengthening the muscles that support the spine. Magnesium has also been known to help with headaches and is a great anti-inflammatory agent.
• Salmon/Coldwater fish – We’ve all been told about the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, so this shouldn’t come as a surprise. Omega-3’s improve our blood flow and decrease the inflammation in joints, blood vessels and nerves.
• Brightly colored fruits and vegetables – Grapes, pomegranate, cherries and berries are important components of our diet. They have been shown to reduce the inflammation in the spine, which helps to improve back pain and stiffness, and they help support the formation of collagen, which keeps ligaments, tendons, and discs flexible. Carrots and sweet potatoes are two of the best sources for Vitamin A and beets contain high levels of potassium and magnesium.
• Chicken/Eggs/Grass-fed red meat – The muscles of the spine are important to take care of because they control its movement and provide support. Protein is the primary source of nutrition for our muscles, so make sure you are including it in your diet every day.
• Dairy products – Calcium prevents bones from becoming weak or brittle and helps to maintain the integrity of our back and neck. It can come from natural sources such as milk, yogurt, cheese, and vegetables such as kale and broccoli.

By making the correct lifestyle choices in regards to exercise and nutrition, your chiropractic treatments will become more effective and will have a longer lasting impact on your pain management.

To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Franklin, Tenn.