Lumbar facet joint arthrosis, or simply facet joint arthritis, is a common condition that affects the joints of the lower spine. It causes chronic pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, which can significantly affect your quality of life. While there is no cure for this condition, there are several therapies that can help alleviate your symptoms, such as diet changes, physiotherapy, and chiropractic care. In this blog post, we will focus on foods that you should avoid if you have lumbar facet joint arthrosis.
Sugary and Processed Foods
Sugar is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to causing inflammation, and since lumbar facet joint arthrosis is an inflammatory condition, it’s essential to avoid sugary foods. Processed foods, such as cakes, cookies, and candy, are high in sugar, and they can increase the level of inflammation in the joints, which can worsen the pain and stiffness. Instead, opt for whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to reduce inflammation.
Fried and Fatty Foods
Although it’s okay to eat healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, too much fat from fried foods and fast food can increase inflammation in joints. For instance, animal fats in red meat and non-organic dairy products, and systems like trans fats in fried foods are more likely to trigger an inflammatory reaction in your body, even though they taste delicious. So, it’s time to ditch the fatty foods for better mobility and pain management.
Nightshade Vegetables
Certain vegetables such as tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and potatoes, are classified as nightshade vegetables, which are known to trigger inflammation in some people who have arthritis. These vegetables contain alkaloids, which can cause irritation and inflammation in the joints, making your symptoms worse. However, everyone reacts differently to these foods, and it may or may not affect your symptoms.
Processed Meats
Processed meats, such as bacon, sausages, and deli meat, are among the most highly processed foods. They are high in sodium, saturated fat, and preservatives, which can trigger inflammation in the joints. Moreover, processed meats are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, and excessive intake of these acids can also cause inflammation in the body. Instead, choose lean meats like poultry, fish, and plant-based protein sources like lentils and beans.
Dairy Products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are a source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones. However, dairy products also contain proteins that can irritate the joints and increase inflammation. If you suffer from lumbar facet joint arthrosis, you should try to avoid or at least reduce your intake of dairy products. Fortunately, there are several dairy substitutes available such as almond milk, soy milk, and plant-based cheese.
Lumbar facet joint arthrosis is a chronic condition that affects the spine’s lower joints, causing pain and mobility issues. Since nutrition is an essential factor in pain management, it’s vital to avoid foods that can increase inflammation and worsen your symptoms. Although there is no one-size-fits-all diet, avoiding the above-mentioned foods can be helpful for many people. By making these diet changes along with seeking the right therapy, such as naturopathy, physiotherapy and chiropractic care, you can significantly improve your overall health and reduce your pain levels.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Bhavin Mistry, BASc, MAN, RD or another Kitchener dietitian at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
