Ep 2. Nutrition

In this episode of Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions for Back Pain, viewers will learn about the critical role that nutrition plays in maintaining a healthy back. Hosted by Dr. Brent Bauer, a medical doctor and Director of the Complementary and Integrative Medicine Program at Mayo Clinic, this episode is designed to provide practical advice and guidance for anyone who wants to reduce their back pain.

The episode begins with an overview of how the back is structured and how it works. Dr. Bauer explains how the spine is made up of vertebrae that sit on top of each other, with intervertebral discs in between, and how the various muscles and ligaments work to provide stability and flexibility. He also discusses the common causes of back pain, including poor posture, lack of exercise, and injury.

The bulk of the episode focuses on the role that nutrition plays in back health. Dr. Bauer is joined by Mayo Clinic dietician Katherine Zeratsky, who provides expert advice on how to eat a balanced, healthy diet that can help prevent and manage back pain.

Zeratsky explains how certain nutrients are particularly important for back health. For example, calcium and vitamin D are essential for building strong bones, including the vertebrae in the spine. She discusses how much of these nutrients people need, and where they can be found in the diet.

She also discusses the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, as excess weight can put extra strain on the back. Zeratsky explains how to calculate a healthy weight range, and suggests strategies for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, such as portion control and regular exercise.

In addition, Zeratsky discusses the role of anti-inflammatory foods in back health. Inflammation is a major contributor to chronic pain, including back pain, and Zeratsky explains how certain foods can help reduce inflammation in the body. She recommends foods like fatty fish, nuts, berries, and greens as part of an anti-inflammatory diet.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Bauer and Zeratsky provide practical tips and advice for incorporating healthy eating habits into daily life. They discuss how to plan healthy meals, how to read nutrition labels, and how to make healthy choices when eating out or on the go.

The episode also includes interviews with patients who have successfully used nutrition to manage their back pain. Viewers will hear from individuals who have made changes to their diets and seen significant improvements in their pain levels and overall health.

Overall, this episode of Mayo Clinic Wellness Solutions for Back Pain provides a comprehensive overview of the role that nutrition plays in back health. With practical advice and expert guidance, viewers will come away with a deeper understanding of how to incorporate healthy eating habits into their daily lives in order to manage and prevent back pain.