How Eating Healthier Affects the Health of Your Spine
Posted by Danny Goldberg on Mon, May 23, 2011 @ 10:28 AM
Written By:
Meredith Geller, H.H.C. Holistic Health and Lifestyle Consultant.
We have all heard this a million times before: you are what you eat. However, there is much wisdom to gain from these five little words.
If you want to reduce your pain, it is pretty simple:
- Stop eating processed, fat-producing foods.
Processed, refined foods are degenerative, break down healthy cells, weaken structures in the body, and of course add extra pounds. Carrying excess weight adds extra pressure on the spine.
What are refined foods? Anything processed: white sugar, corn syrup, white flour, fast food, fried food, table salt, and many soy-based products.
- Eat foods rich in anti-oxidants.
Foods rich in anti-oxidants are regenerative and therefore support the integrity of all the systems in the body. Anti-oxidants are found in fresh fruits and vegetables and protect against oxidation, or the ‘rusting’ of cells.
Remember that what you eat is creating your cells, blood, tissues, and bones. The body replaces and heals its tissues using the foods that are ingested and assimilated. 
- Eat foods that are anti-inflammatory.
There are certain known health - supportive foods that will decrease inflammation and therefore decrease pain, if used in conjunction with other health-sustaining foods and lifestyle practices. Some examples below:
Fresh greens: (to name a few: arugula, spinach, romaine, kale)
Turmeric: in an Indian herb that has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown turmeric to be quite effective.
Aloe Vera: ultimate anti-inflammatory and high in anti-oxidants, this plant is a true healer of the digestive system, which in turn aids in systemic health.
Bromelain: high concentrations found in fresh pineapple; a well-known compound in reducing inflammation.
Chamomile tea: best had at night; helps relax muscles in the back.
Natural Calm: contains pure magnesium in powder form; helps calm the nervous system and muscle spasms.
The body is made up of 70% water so it is vital to stay hydrated to keep all internal structures functioning properly and flushes waste from the system.
Note: Eating healthy should be an enjoyable experience. It is an old story that food which is good for you tastes terrible.
You just have to know what to buy, where to find it (in stores and when dining out), what to prepare…
Other holistic practices, which are highly beneficial: 
Exercise: oxygenate the body!
Stress Relievers: massage, acupuncture, meditation.
Detox baths: adding Epsom salts to a hot bath is a great way to release tension, cramping, and pain caused by inflammation.
*If you have any allergies to sulfur this type of bath should be avoided!
Inversion Boards: takes pressure off the spine.
When all elements are in place, back pain can be dramatically reduced and the overall vitality enormously increases.
To learn more about Meredith Geller's health programs, please visit her website:
www.meredithgeller.com or contact her at meredith.geller1@gmail.com
If you are someone you know is suffering from back, neck or spine pain, please contact us so that we can help.