Back pain is a common condition that affects most people at some point in their lifetime, according to the NHS. But you could lower your risk of developing backache by simply eating more sweet potatoes, it’s been claimed.
Back pain could be caused by sleeping in the wrong position, having bad posture, or even by having a minor injury.
In most cases, back pain isn’t anything to worry about, and it’ll get better by itself within a few weeks or months.
But, you can speed up your recovery, or even prevent back pain from developing in the first place, by making a few changes to your diet plan.
One of the easiest ways to protect your back against niggly pains and aches is to start eating more sweet potatoes, it’s been revealed.
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“It might surprise you to learn that inflammatory foods exist,” said Dr Prpa.
“Eating these can make your back pain worse, but fortunately there are also some foods that can help you feel better.
“Sweet potatoes can also help you reduce inflammation. Some consider the sweet potato a ‘superfood’, which means that it’s packed with nutrients. That includes nutrients that can help you prevent inflammation.
“A sweet potato makes for an easy side dish for dinner. Pair it with fish like salmon for double the anti-inflammatory effectiveness.”
Meanwhile, you could also lower your risk of back pain by adding more thyme to your diet, it’s been claimed.
Thyme is a natural anti-inflammatory, which makes it the perfect herb for adding flavour to your dinner.
It also contains a number of active ingredients that inhibit the feeling of pain.
Thyme could therefore be used as a natural painkiller, according to ChiroCare of Florida’s chiropractor Dr Michael Levine.
Regular exercise and doing stretches could also help to prevent back pain from returning, said the NHS.
Those most at risk of developing back pain are people that are overweight.
You should see a GP or dial NHS 111 immediately if you have back pain, combined with a numbness or tingling around your genitals, a loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe chest pain.
These symptoms could be a sign of something more serious, and need to be checked immediately.