"BACK" TO BASICS... We are what we eat (and then some!)

So — ever have one of those days when you eat all the wrong stuff? Maybe you’re traveling and have to go with the flow, all fast food and overly processed rest-stop grabs. Maybe it rained all day and those leftover brownies were calling out to you. Or quite possibly, you just gave in to comfort food.

Don’t beat yourself up — we’ve all been there. But it’s a given that after one of those days, you’ll probably feel off: lethargic, bloated, a little guilty. Your body is talking to you.

Listen. It is no coincidence that eating poorly affects your health, and ongoing studies confirm that those effects reach further than we might have imagined. BBC Health News continues to spread the word about eating and back pain.

Think about this: lower back pain is often caused by degenerative discs, and according to the BBC, “80% of the active population suffers from lower back pain at some point in their lives.” Bending, twisting, and lifting can actually reduce the flow of nutrients to the disc cells.

This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t exercise — exercise is critical for strength and circulation. It means the body needs continual replenishment of all the right stuff. Proper nutrition contributes to stable alkalinity in the body, which in turn helps with the pains tied to herniation, arthritis, and all sorts of back and neck discomfort. Go, Pilates!

I love this advice from Dr Brian Hammond, chair of the U.K. charity BackCare: “We are what we eat and the spine is no exception. A balanced diet, adequate fluid intake, and regular exercise are essential for a healthy back and neck.”

We absolutely become, and live the results of, what we eat. So today’s food for thought? Get back to basics. Care for your back with healthy, nutritious foods, invigorating workouts — the kind of movement you look forward to rather than endure — and lots of water. A healthy back is a gift, and this one is yours for the taking.