CNM: your questions about natural health answered

Your queries about natural health answered by Jacquie Lane for the College of Naturopathic Medicine

Dear Jacquie
My osteopath says there may be foods I can eat or avoid to help my back pain. What are they?
C.S, Hove

As a fellow back pain sufferer, I can confirm that the anti-inflammatory properties of some foods are very useful in pain management, as are some key herbs such as Devil’s Claw and Willow Bark, in supplement form.

You would need to see a nutritional therapist to get advice on the best supplements to use, so I will focus on foods here.

Omega 3 oils may be particularly useful for inflammation, which often occurs with chronic back pain. You can find omega 3 in oily fish such as salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel and anchovies. If you don’t eat fish then buy organic linseeds/flaxseeds from a good health food shop. Choose the crushed and ground variety unless you have a grinder at home. They are better absorbed that way, and the great level of fibre in them can be useful for preventing constipation, something which can be an extra pain for the back if you strain!

Various nuts and seeds also contain omega 3 oils and the little black seeds called Chia have a great content of oil. Make sure your bones get enough calcium and vitamin D; natural probiotic yoghurts and green leafy vegetables are good sources. If you have a specific bone strength issue identified by your osteopath see your nutritional therapist about supplements.

Cutting down on sugar and having lots of lovely vibrant colourful fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, kale, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, blueberries, organic English apples (there are lots around all through winter), which all contain plant chemicals called phytonutrients, is essential for good muscle, ligament and tendon health as well as bones, all areas connected with the back.
Keeping weight within height ratio, and especially keeping weight around the middle down, is essential so as not to put added strain onto the spine. Take gentle exercise in the fresh air; walking along the seafront or around a beautiful park are good ways of getting relatively pollution-free fresh air.

See your health professional for advice.

CNM open evening
Wednesday 4th December
6.30pm–8.30pm
Free Open Evening: Find out about CNM training to become a nutritional therapist.

Wednesday 11th December 6.30pm–8.30pm
Free Health Talk: Herbs for Winter Wellness, by Lisa Marie Davies.
More info: 01342 410505 www.naturopathy-uk.com

Jacquie Lane is both a lecturer and the Director of Studies at CNM, (College of Naturopathic Medicine) in Brighton. Jacquie also runs her own nutrition clinic and manages a biological testing lab specialising in digestive issues. Email Jacquie at: sunshinenutrition@hotmail.co.uk