Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly known as sciatica is a condition that causes pain and numbness in the lower back, hips and legs. It occurs when pressure is placed on the sciatic nerve which runs from the lower back to the legs. While it is important to understand the best treatment for lumbar radiculopathy, such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care can help with relief, diet plays a crucial role in managing your symptoms. Certain foods can exacerbate symptoms leading to even more discomfort. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the foods to avoid with lumbar radiculopathy and provide tips on how to modify your diet to achieve relief.
Avoid Inflammatory Foods: The first step in managing lumbar radiculopathy through diet is to eliminate or reduce inflammatory foods. Inflammation can exacerbate pain and discomfort, leading to even more discomfort. Foods high in sugar, refined grains, and saturated fats can trigger inflammation. Some of the foods to avoid include processed snacks, white bread, sugary drinks, and fried foods.
Limit Oxalate-Rich Foods: Oxalates are natural compounds found in many foods, such as spinach, kale, and rhubarb. While oxalates are not harmful, some people with lumbar radiculopathy may find that oxalate-rich foods trigger their symptoms. This is because oxalates can contribute to inflammation and nerve irritation. Some of the other foods to limit or avoid include almonds, beets, chocolate, peanuts, and soy products.
Avoid Trigger Foods: Everyone’s trigger foods are different and can worsen lumbar radiculopathy symptoms. These foods can vary from person to person. For example, some people may be sensitive to nightshade vegetables, including tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers. Others may be sensitive to gluten, dairy, or even certain fruits. It’s crucial to keep track of what you eat and how it affects your symptoms to identify your trigger foods accurately.
Increase Anti-Inflammatory Foods: While it’s essential to limit inflammatory foods, it’s equally important to increase anti-inflammatory foods. These foods can help reduce inflammation and provide natural relief. Some of the foods to include in your diet include fatty fish, such as salmon and mackerel, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds, and anti-inflammatory herbs and spices, such as ginger and turmeric.
Stay Hydrated: Finally, it’s crucial to stay hydrated. Dehydration can worsen lumbar radiculopathy symptoms, contributing to muscle soreness and stiffness. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day. If you find plain water boring, add lemon or other fruits to make it more palatable.
In conclusion, managing lumbar radiculopathy requires a multifaceted approach. While treatments such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care and massage can help relieve symptoms of lumbar radiculopathy, dietary modifications can provide much-needed relief. Avoiding inflammatory and trigger foods, limiting oxalate-rich foods, increasing anti-inflammatory foods, and staying hydrated can all help manage symptoms and provide natural relief. Of course, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian or naturopathic doctor, before making any significant dietary changes. With the right diet and self-care routine, you can manage lumbar radiculopathy and live life to the fullest.
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!
