We are all aware of what to eat and what to avoid throughout the day because eating well and exercising regularly are essential to improve and maintain our health.
Diet even becomes more important when someone experiences a spinal cord injury because of its effects on digestion, energy levels, and overall body composition. In addition, according to the best spine surgeon in Rawalpindi, a healthy diet can also help minimize the risks of secondary complications and healthy foods ensure that the body is in the best condition to tackle rehabilitation.
When someone experiences a spinal cord injury, then he/she likely experiences some form of paralysis. And in this case, it is almost impossible to do an exercise. So here is the question: how to stay healthy during this situation? The answer is to choose the best foods after a spinal cord injury.
Table of Contents
Foods for Spinal Cord Injury
Many foods influence spinal cord injury recovery and some factors that affect this injury can’t be controlled, while diet can help to control these factors.
Below, there is a detail of the foods that can play an essential role in promoting optimal functioning after spinal cord injuries.
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Berries
Berries such as strawberries, raspberries, and strawberries possess antioxidant properties that should be added to any spinal cord injury.
Antioxidants are effective to remove toxins from the body and protect cells, which can be helpful to prevent further damage to the central nervous system. In addition, these berries almost contain 85% water which is also helpful in purifying the blood and improving blood circulation.
Berries also possess resveratrol. Resveratrol is also effective to reduce oxidative stress and protect the spinal cord after injuries.
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Dark Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and spinach are full of nutrients that help promote recovery after spinal cord injury. These leafy greens are a great source of magnesium which is important for regulating muscle and nerve function. Including a higher amount of magnesium in the diet can help promote better sleep quality and muscle relaxation.
Dark leafy greens are also a good source of vitamin B9 (folate) which helps promote neurological and bone health. In fact, vitamin B9 also plays an essential role in the development of the spinal cord and brain.
Other essential vitamins that are found in dark leafy greens are vitamins K, E, C, and A. These vitamins are effective to provide antioxidants that play a role in fighting off damage-causing free radicals in the body.
Lastly, these leafy greens are also a rich source of fiber which is effective to regulate bowel movements in spinal cord injury people with neurogenic bowel.
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Oily Fish
Oily fish is amongst the best foods to include in your diet after spinal cord injury. Oily fishes such as mackerel and salmon are good sources of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. A study indicates that omega-3 fatty acids may protect nerves from injuries and help promote regeneration.
Fatty fish is one of the few sources of vitamin D and also contains selenium. These both are effective for bone health. Due to limited mobility or movements, patients with spinal cord injury have a great risk of experiencing osteoporosis. Therefore, including such foods in your diet is essential to maintaining bone density and is also important for spinal cord injury rehabilitation.
Fatty fishes are also a great source of protein, which is essential for promoting healing and maintaining muscle mass.
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Orange Vegetables
Orange vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and pumpkins are all great sources of vitamin A. These vegetables possess orange color due to beta-carotene. Your body transfers beta-carotene into vitamin A, which keeps your eyes, skin, and immune system healthy.
People with spinal cord injuries are more prone to pressure sores; these orange vegetables are one of the best foods to maintain the integrity of the skin.
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Dairy Products
Dairy products like cheese, yogurt, and milk are all great sources of calcium. Vitamin D along with calcium plays an important role in building and maintaining healthy bones. If you do not get enough calcium, then the body takes it from the bones. If the body takes calcium from the bones, then there are higher risks of developing osteoporosis after spinal cord injury.
Calcium is also necessary because it plays a role in regulating muscle contractions and signaling between cells in the nervous system. A diet low in calcium can cause cramps and spasms in people with spinal cord injury.
Dairy products also contain a good amount of vitamin B12 which helps to produce myelin, a fatty substance responsible for protecting nerving cells.
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Nuts
Patients with spinal cord injury should need to include more nuts such as walnuts and almonds into their diets. Almonds are a rich source of magnesium, vitamin E, and calcium. They also contain phosphorus, responsible for forming and strengthening the bones.
In addition, walnuts contain a good amount of essential omega-3s, which help to reduce inflammation in the body. All nuts are also a good source of protein.
Conclusion
Spinal cord injury is a serious health condition; therefore, it is mandatory for you to keep precautionary measures for quick and healthy recovery. The above-mentioned foods can be effective after a spinal cord injury.
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