When you are suffering from sciatica, it’s important to eat a healthy diet. By choosing to eat healthy foods, your body will have more resources to promote healing. Many unhealthy foods can slow down the healing process and even cause inflammation or weight gain, which can make pain worse. By choosing healthy foods such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean meats, you will aid your body in the healing process. Here is a look at a few foods that can have a negative impact on sciatica as well as some alternatives.

It is always important to limit sugar intake, and it’s especially important to avoid sugar and foods with artificial sweeteners in them when you are healing. Sugary foods can trigger inflammation and weight gain, both of which can make your back pain worse. Try to appease your sweet tooth with natural sugars, like those present in fruit.

Foods to Avoid when Radiculopathy Is a Concern

Vegetable oil and refined grains can trigger an inflammatory response. If you choose to use vegetable oil while cooking, use only a very small amount. A better alternative is olive oil, which is one of the healthiest available because it has monounsaturated fats. When it comes to grains, choose products that are composed of whole grains, not refined grains. White bread, pizza, and cereal are all high in refined grains, do your best to avoid these foods.

Another food that those with radiculopathy should avoid is red meat. You may think that red meat would be a good choice to promote healing because it’s high in protein, but it also has a substance called neu5gc. This substance causes inflammation . As an alternative, consider chicken or other non-red meats. By utilizing diagnostic tools such as EMG/NCS testing, as well as healthy diet, physical therapy, and exercise, you can help your body have the best chance at healing.