Proper Nutrition For Diseases Of The Musculoskeletal System
In modern society, diseases of the musculoskeletal system are not uncommon. But with proper nutrition, they can be prevented and treated.
Statistics show that in recent years these types of diseases have become more frequent even in relatively young people.
In the past, these diseases were more common among older people. But with the lifestyle of modern man, which is far from normal, these diseases are present in younger people too.
Lack of mobility, improper position of the body during work, the load on the joints caused by excessive weight – all these are the causes of diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
So what are the most common diseases of the musculoskeletal system today and what are they? Let’s find out below!
The Most Common Diseases Of The Musculoskeletal System
Musculoskeletal system – is the musculoskeletal system, that is, all those organs and tissues that help a person to move in space: first of all the skeleton, but also muscles, joints, and connective tissue.
In addition to its motor function, the musculoskeletal system, the skeleton, has a protective function, that is, it protects our internal organs from damage.
Because of the importance of the musculoskeletal system for human health, diseases of the musculoskeletal system cause a lot of discomforts.
All diseases of the musculoskeletal system is divided into:
1. Inflammatory
Inflammatory diseases are diseases caused by various infectious agents. These are primarily inflammations of the joints, bones (osteomyelitis, bone tuberculosis).
2. Dystrophic
The most common dystrophic diseases are:
- Osteochondrosis;
- Scoliosis;
- Rickets;
- Various curvatures and problems with the spine;
- Arthritis;
- Arthrosis;
- Radiculitis;
- And other joint problems.
3. Diseases Of Tumor Origin
Tumor diseases are diseases caused by benign or malignant tumors.
Impact Of Nutrition On Spine And Joint Diseases
Of course, nutrition affects our entire body, this cannot be denied. From an early age, the health of the human body, and its musculoskeletal system, in particular, depends on the food consumed.
From the first days of life, the child drinks the mother’s milk or adapted formula, which contains lots of essential elements and minerals, especially calcium.
Scientists have long been proven that calcium is one of the most important elements for the human body.
Calcium is responsible for the formation of the skeleton bones and the normal growth and development of the human body.
This is why a dairy-based diet in the first years of life is so important, or a diet containing alternative sources of calcium.
In the first months and years of life there is rapid growth and formation of the musculoskeletal system, and elements such as calcium and phosphorus, which help the formation of bone tissue, must be present in the diet.
Studies conducted by Ruth E. Black et al. showed that children who consumed about 210-600 mg/day of calcium, significantly less than the daily norm for children (800-1100 mg/day), were shorter than their peers (p<0.01) and had lower bone mineralization (p<0.01).
However, adults should also consume foods containing these essential elements every day, especially older adults.
Diet and good nutrition cannot cure pre-existing musculoskeletal disorders. However, as many scientists and physicians have pointed out, proper nutrition and a specific diet can be an excellent preventative measure for diseases of the musculoskeletal system, as well as alleviating the symptoms of existing conditions.
Common musculoskeletal diseases such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, arthritis, and rheumatism can be prevented by following certain dietary recommendations.
Nutritional Peculiarities In Spinal Diseases
One of the main reasons that aggravate musculoskeletal system diseases is overweight. It is known that excessive body weight greatly increases the load on the bones, joints, cartilage, and ligaments.
Constantly experiencing stress, sooner or later the joints and bones make themselves felt. Most often such diseases as arthritis, arthrosis, rheumatism, affect the elderly. And being overweight only worsens the course of the disease.
That’s why the first thing to know when choosing a diet plan or diet for musculoskeletal system diseases is that the diet should focus on weight loss.
The next feature of a musculoskeletal system disease prevention diet is the high content of chondroprotectors.
Chondroprotectors are special substances that are responsible for the health and strength of bones and cartilage. These can include collagen, a special protein of cartilage tissue, glucosamine, and chondroitin.
That is why doctors recommend including in your diet such dishes as cold cuts and casseroles.
The fact that such a special consistency of jelly in these dishes gives gelatin, which is partially hydrolyzed collagen, which is the very substance that is the chondroprotector.
Collagen is produced in the tissues themselves under the influence of glucosamine.
Various studies, including those by Russian scientists Nikolaeva T.I. and Shekhovtsov P.V., proved that the use of collagen hydrolysates is necessary for the prevention and treatment of joint diseases.
Protein is an important factor in the formation of joint and ligament tissues. Therefore, the diet of a person suffering from musculoskeletal system diseases should include a large amount of high-protein products, but remember that these should be low-calorie meals.
The diet should include dietary meat (rabbit, chicken, turkey), fish, plenty of legumes (peas, lentils, mung bean, chickpeas, soybeans), and dairy products.
In addition, a weakened immune system and, consequently, the lack of a protective barrier against various pathogens can also cause inflammation of ligaments and joints.
That is why it is important in periods of exacerbation of diseases of the spine and joints, as well as in chronic diseases, to take sufficient amounts of vitamins or vitamin complexes.
Mandatory inclusion in the diet of fruits, vegetables, cereals, which are sources of all essential vitamins.
