Nutrition is definitely an environmental influence on idiopathic scoliosis, but its exact role and impact are not completely understood. The genetic weakness that predisposes a person to scoliosis can be activated or “turned on” by something. That “something” ranges from a trauma, postural stress (e.g. heavy book bags), exposure to specific types of bacteria, or the subject of this article; nutritional stress due to a “bad” diet, or nutritional deficiency.
Newer research indicates selenium deficiency may be a major player in the nutritional future of scoliosis treatment and studies have identified concerns with elevated levels of copper and zinc as well. Vitamin K also appears to have some sort of connection with scoliosis, but that is very unclear at this point.
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Here are some basic guidelines for a healthy diet that will also be beneficial to reduce the chance of activating the genetic weakness associated with scoliosis:
1. Foods to Eat:
- Fresh Fruit
- Fresh Vegetables
- Meat (protein) – No pork or packaged luncheon meats – Avoid meat with growth hormones or antibiotics (organic meat only)
2. Decrease:
- Citrus fruits and juices, especially tomato juice, orange juice and other acidic juices
3. Avoid:
- Soda (Including diet)
- Artificial Sweeteners (e.g. Nutrasweet, Splenda, Equal, Aspartame, Saccharin, Neotame, Acesulfame, Sucralose, etc)
- Corn Syrup, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Crystallized Corn Syrup
- Soy Milk and Soy Products
- Gelatin, Calcium Caseinate, Monosodium Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP), Textured Protein, Monopotassium Glutamate, Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP), Yeast Extract, Glutamate, Autolyzed Plant Protein, Yeast Food or Nutrient, Glutamic Acid, Sodium Caseinate, Autolyzed Yeast.
- Coffee
- Tea (herbal teas are okay)
- Alcohol
- Chocolate (dark Chocolate is okay)
- Sugar (stevia is okay)
- White Flour
- Salt (sea salt is okay)
- Chemical, Processed, greasy, Fried, Junk Food (french fries, Mcdonald’s, etc)
4. Supplements:
- Metagest (or Metaxyme if prefer vegetarian) digestive enzyme formula (1 after meal)
- EPA-DHA Complex-support of neurologic function (1/day with food)
- Collagenics – nutritional support for connective tissue reconstruction and repair (3/day)
- Probioplex – promotes “friendly” bacteria growth in the intestine. Iso D3 – unique antioxidant (1/day)
- Multigenics – comprehensive vitamin/mineral formula (2/day)
Disclaimer:
Medicine is an ever-changing science. As new research and clinical experience broadens our knowledge, changes in treatment and drug therapy are required. The authors have checked with sources believed to be reliable in their efforts to provide information that is complete and generally in accord with the standards accepted at the time of publication. However, in view of the possibility of human error or changes in medical sciences, neither the authors nor the Hudson Valley Scoliosis nor any other party who has been involved in the preparation or publication of this web site or the information it contains or refers to warrants that the information contained herein is in every respect accurate or complete, and they are not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of such information. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained herein with other sources and consult a professional about your dietary needs.