Sehajpal.com

Back pain is one of the most common complaints among people of all classes, affecting both men and women. Earlier the vanguard for old age, back pain has now become a major cause for concern for the late 20’s to 40’s age group. Back pain affects any of the 26 bones connected by muscles, ligaments and discs that constitute the spine.

Back pain?

Back pain is mainly of three types. When the soft tissues in the spinal column get stressed due to poor posture, it is called Postural Syndrome. When the fluid nucleus in the disc gets pushed out of the normal position, or ‘slipped disc’, the other tissues come under tremendous pressure. This is called Derangement Syndrome. Dysfunction Syndrome is the shortening of the muscles, joints, ligaments and other soft tissues resulting in limited movement and sporadic back pain.

Dr Kaushal Malhan, Joint Replacement Surgeon says, “75 per cent to 80 per cent patients today complain of severe back pain due to poor posture. The changes in occupation, a more sedentary lifestyle, long hours of sitting in offices, minimal exercising are the chief reasons for this ailment. 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the cases involve the overuse of the back.” Not surprisingly, office-goers form the bulk of those afflicted. Rehanna B., 24, a bank employee, says “I have been suffering from back pain for the last three months.” She agrees that this could be a lifestyle problem.

In addition to this, the weakening of the core muscle group that comprises Transverse Abdominus (TA) and the Multifidus, lessens the stability of the back. “The TA is the deepest layer of muscle in the abdomen and takes maximum weight strain off the spine. When you strengthen this core group, backache reduces,” says Dr Crystal, Physiotherapist.

But help is at hand. Most doctors agree that most back pain can be cured by some simple exercises and precautions, along with some clinical guidance. Walking, hip-rolls, stretching help a great deal. Pilates, the choice of stars like Madonna and Melanie Griffith strengthens the abdominal muscles and the spine. “It helps you connect with the muscles close to your spine”, says Richard Ruia, health expert.

The benefits of a good diet cannot be overlooked. She says, “Calcium and magnesium are key minerals in the strengthening of the bone. Fish, grains, pumpkin, til seeds (sesame) and leafy vegetables are a good source of these. Drinking a lot of water and having a balanced diet go a long way in preventing backache. Mariah Setalvad, nutrition expert recommends vitamin D3 and Vitamin C, calcium and phosphate to strengthen the spine. “Ragi or nachni, sesame seeds, dried figs, beet and prunes are all good for the back.”

Not to be forgotten, yoga has proven its worth innumerable times. Rick Stevenson, a 67-year-old man, says, “I have been doing yoga since the past 3-4 years. Also, walking for an hour daily and eating meals at the right time helps a lot.” Currently, surgeries like the minimally invasive surgery, spine fusion and navigation are recommended by doctors for severe cases of back pain. However, the pros and cons of these surgeries need to be considered. Apart from these, simple stretching exercises can help.

Spinach - The ultimate veggie

Rather than a suntan, a vegetarian diet will help you score more with the opposite sex, claim scientists.

Soaking up the sunrays won’t make you as popular with the opposite sex, as will a healthy glow which ” a fruit and vegetable diet gives you.

Research shows the English Rose skin of model Rosie Huntington Whiteley gets temperatures rising much faster than the perma-tan of celebs like Kate Price, 32.

The study at Bristol University is the first of its kind that establishes a link between sex appeal and a healthier lifestyle.

TV babes Holly Willoughby, 29, and Louise Redknapp, 35, set the trend for healthy skin.

Excessive suntan can cause “leathering” of the skin – which is a major turn off. Instead a diet of fruit, vegetables and snacks such as cereal and salads – which Willoughby is following currently, can do wonders for your skin.

“We find people prefer the golden effect from diet, rather than the darker effect from the sun,” The Daily Star quoted Scientist Ian Stephen as saying.

A healthy amount of sun plus a vegetable and fruit-rich diet are the key to a beautiful skin.

The top fruits for skin care include melons, apricots, and grapefruit.

Best veggies are peppers, chillies and spinach.

The meal you choose tonight could mean the difference between counting sheep and getting some serious shut-eye. So order the salmon. Stop taking too much salt !!

There are certain nutrients in salmon, as well as in beans, yogurt, and spinach that help you sleep better.

Salmon
The healthy fats in this fish (namely docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA for short) may boost levels of the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin.

Beans
Beans and other legumes provide a nice sampling of B vitamins, including B6, B12, and folic acid, all of which help the body regulate sleep cycles and produce relaxing serotonin. In fact, studies have shown that boosting B vitamins may help people with insomnia.

Low-fat yogurt
Yogurt is a good source of calcium and magnesium – two important sleep-supporting minerals that together help you fall asleep faster and ratchet up your deep-sleep time. And skimping on both may lead to muscle cramps, higher stress levels, and worse sleep.

Spinach
Dark leafy greens are a great source of iron – a nutrient that may help protect against the sleep robber known as restless legs syndrome.

Chilled Water
Born enemy of insomnia. Drink chilled water until your abdomen says “Dude ! it’s enough for today.”

Leafy vegetables
It is not possible to meet your nutritional needs without having leafy vegetables in your diet. Spinach, legumes, asparagus, lettuce, fenugreek leaves, broccoli are available in abundance and are huge sources of fibre, Vitamin C and K, folic acid. It is also a vision protector and provides four essential minerals, i.e. calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. Try to have it daily in your diet and darker the better.

Whole grains
Whole grains have up to 96 per cent more fibre and essential nutrients and vitamins than refined grains. Advises diet expert Honey Shah, “I advise my clients to have whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and brown rice as they are high in essential nutrients and do not contribute to weight gain. You can start your day with whole wheat cereal or a whole wheat bread toast.”

Nuts
Make nuts an essential ingredient in your diet. Sprinkle it on salads or breakfast cereals or stir them into yoghurt because they are an excellent source of protein, magnesium and B & E vitamins. They are useful in fighting heart disease and cancer. Nuts are high in fat calories, but their fat is the heart-healthy kind. You can also eat them as an evening snack. But make sure you don’t overdo them. About a quarter cup or about 15-20 almonds, cashews, walnuts are good enough a week.

Yoghurt
Low fat or plain yoghurt is a great source of vitamins, protein and calcium. It also has healthy bacteria which can fight diseases. “Three to four cups a week is good enough for your diet. But make sure you don’t add sugar to it. Instead choose plain yoghurt and add fruits or berries to it,” suggests famous dietitian.

Berries
Ever wondered why most of the diet fibre products have berries in them? Reason being berries are high in fill-you-up fibre and also helps curb weight. Berries have more protective plant antioxidants than almost any other food. These antioxidants not only lower your disease risks, but also help prevent memory loss. You can have a bowl full of them thrice a week. It could be fresh or frozen, benefits stay!