A common cause of sciatica is inflammation, resulting in a sharp pain that extends from your lower back to your legs and feet. Unfortunately, eating the wrong foods can make this condition worse. As such, you have to know these foods and eliminate them from your diet. So, what are the foods to avoid when you have sciatica?
1. Sugary Products
Sugary products are among the most common foods to avoid when you have sciatica. The reason is that high sugar consumption for a long period can eventually result in weight gain and inflammation. Aside from that, it may also lead to various health conditions, such as type-2 diabetes and heart diseases.
Unfortunately, a lot of products have high sugar content, such as sauces, breakfast cereals, and other processed foods. The reason is that sugar is the so-called “secret” ingredient to make foods more flavorful. Because of this, you should always check product labels and avoid those with corn syrup, cane juice, and substances ending in -ose (glucose and dextrose).
2. Refined Carbohydrates
People with sciatica should avoid refined carbohydrates, like pasta and white bread, because these food products contain various compounds that can cause inflammation, such as gluten and sugar. Aside from that, refined carbohydrates are digested quickly, leading to a spike in your blood sugar. As a result, your body will create an inflammatory response to remove excess sugar in your blood.
Unfortunately, eliminating carbohydrates is not an option because they are your body’s primary source of energy. As a solution, you can opt for whole grains or gluten-free products instead of refined carbohydrates.
3. Vegetable Oils
Aside from those food products, people with sciatica should also avoid vegetable oils, such as corn, canola, and safflower oil. The reason is due to the high amounts of omega-6 fatty acids present in these oils. Keep in mind that your body needs omega-6 fatty acids; however, there should be a balance between the omega-6 and omega-3 in your body. Having high amounts of omega-6 will eventually cause inflammation.
An excellent alternative for vegetable oils is olive oil. The reason is that olive oil has anti-inflammatory agents that can help ease your pain.
4. Red Meat
Finally, the last foods to avoid when you have sciatica are red meat. As you know, all kinds of red meat have high amounts of saturated fat, which can cause inflammation. Instead of red meat, you can opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids because they have anti-inflammatory properties. The best plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids are nuts and seeds.
All in all, avoiding the foods mentioned above will not only ease sciatic pain but good for your overall health as well. Remember, most of these foods can also cause ailments, such as heart diseases.
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