Good Diet and Nutrition for Scoliosis Patients

Scoliosis is a bone disorder that is characterized by the abnormal curvature of the spinal column. Both adults and children can be diagnosed with scoliosis at any point in their life, though the condition usually manifests during childhood and is usually more prevalent in women than men.

While the causes of scoliosis are relatively unknown, proper bone and body nutrition can help alleviate the condition. Good nutrition can help strengthen bones and promote healthy bone growth, which is especially important for children with scoliosis, as stunted bone growth is often a concern for them.  Regardless of age, however, once a person is diagnosed with scoliosis, not only is it important to seek treatment immediately, but it is also important to incorporate a healthy diet into their daily regimen.  Good bone nutrition can also help a patient feel good in spite of the scoliosis symptoms they endure. Following scoliosis treatment, for example, it can help ease the accompanying stress, tension, and weariness because stronger bones can better endure the physical exercise and stress placed on the spine.

Good nutrition alone is not an adequate treatment and will not be able to cure a patient’s scoliosis condition; however, following a vitamin-rich diet will aid proper bone growth and help prevent osteoporosis. Below are three essential nutrients that a scoliosis patient should strive to include in every meal:

• Calcium

Calcium helps build bone mass and is an important mineral for muscles and nerves, which require it to function properly.  A deficiency in calcium can result in osteoporosis later in life, so this is an especially important mineral for women, who tend to be more than men to develop osteoporosis.

• Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another important nutrient in the body because it helps the body to absorb calcium and phosphorus.  It is also important for bone growth and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. For scoliosis patients, Vitamin D also helps regulate the body’s immune system and strengthen cells that are often broken down by the condition.

• Vitamin E

Vitamin E works wonders in the body by acting as an antioxidant and fighting harmful free radicals. It is important for people with scoliosis to boost their immune system as much as possible because their condition naturally tends to weaken it.  In addition, Vitamin E also helps strengthen the muscles and maintain a healthy muscle tissue.

-Dr Sid
Esprit Wellness (Find us on Facebook)