By Sugary Beverages
Sugary drinks, such as soft drinks, energy drinks, and fruit-flavored drinks, could be hazardous to your spine health. Sugar may cause an inflammatory reaction in your body and result in weight gain. This could worsen any existing spinal problems like spinal stenosis, sciatica, and arthritis.
Let’s check out the possible hazards of sugary beverages and the healthier drinks you can have to avoid spine pain:
Sodas
Sodas and other sugary drinks are highly acidic. They contain concentrations of phosphorus which can worsen pain and inflammation in the spine. One 12-ounce can has up to 36 grams of sugar – making sodas the number one source of added sugar in the USA.
The acidity affects the spine by breaking down disc tissue faster. This causes more damage. Phosphoric acid is in many sodas. It competes with calcium for absorption. This makes it hard for your body to absorb important nutrients.
If phosphorus is absorbed, it interferes with bone building. This increases fragility – something to avoid for healthy spinal health. To quench thirst, try healthier alternatives like water or unsweetened sparkling water. These provide hydration without the added sugar and acidity of sodas.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are sugary drinks with stimulants like caffeine, taurine, guarana, and sugar or sweeteners. Caffeine is the most used drug in the world. It is said to make alert and faster reactions, but too much of it can cause health issues like hypertension and insomnia. Taurine is an amino acid found in the body and can be calming. However, drinking too much of it can make you dehydrated. Guarana is an Amazonian plant with double the caffeine in coffee beans. The sugar or artificial sweeteners in energy drinks will make your blood sugar spike and give you a rush, but it will leave you tired and restless soon after.
In addition, energy drinks can cause spine issues like headaches and neck pain. High levels of sodium in these drinks can make you dehydrated or raise blood pressure. Those with spine problems should stop drinking energy drinks since they can be addictive, cause heart palpitations, make you agitated, and even worse conditions.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices may seem healthier than sodas, but they are still packed with sugar and can lead to nutrient deficiencies and health issues. Most juices contain a lot of Fructose, a type of sugar found in fruits.
When juice is extracted from fruit, it loses many of the essential vitamins and minerals. Plus, any beneficial fiber is gone. Unconsumed juice can spoil due to bacteria growth, so it is often pasteurized. This reduces nutrients and adds preservatives, as well as sugar to make it sweeter.
Many juices are just watered-down sugary drinks with extra sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup or beet sugar and cane syrup added. So, if you thought you were drinking a healthier option, it’s time to reconsider. Instead of juice, opt for whole fruits as a snack; this will help you feel fuller faster, too!
Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are often seen as a healthier option than sugary sodas and energy drinks. But in fact, they have high sugar levels, plus additives such as sodium. They are usually made of water, artificial coloring, citric acid and high fructose corn syrup. They don’t offer many benefits, apart from particular electrolytes. A bottle of 16 fl oz can contain up to 33g of added sugar. Too much sugar can cause weight gain and body pain.
If your goal is to stay hydrated, drinking plain water or unsweetened drinks like herbal tea or sparkling flavored club soda is better for your health.
Caffeinated Beverages
Coffee, soft drinks, and most energy drinks contain a lot of caffeine. It is a stimulant and can make you dehydrated. Dehydration can cause more pain and stiffness in the spine. So, it’s best to avoid caffeinated beverages.
Let’s look at some other drinks that are not suitable for a sore spine:
Coffee
Coffee can be a tricky thing for those with spine pain. Caffeine can give temporary relief, but also be a problem. So, many professionals suggest avoiding coffee. But if your doctor okay’s it, you can have it in moderation.
Choose wisely – those with lumbar stenosis should go for low-fat, no dairy drinks. Also, don’t drink coffee within two hours of taking opioids. And, if you’re prone to nerve irritation, go with mild coffees – no synthetics or flavors. Note that even ‘decaf’ coffee has small amounts of caffeine that can build up.
So, if you have chronic spine pain, take it slow and find out what works best for you!
Tea
Tea is often viewed as a healthier, caffeine-free alternative to coffee. However, green and black teas contain caffeine. How this stimulant affects people varies. Some feel the same jolt as coffee whereas others are unaffected.
The caffeine content depends on how long it’s brewed. Generally, green tea has the least amount of caffeine – around 25 mg in 8 ounces. Matcha can contain up to 130 mg in the same portion.
Black teas usually contain 40-50 mg per 8 ounces. Herbal and fruit tisanes have no caffeine. Nonetheless, their content may differ depending on the type and time brewed.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks have become a hit in recent years. Companies say they will boost performance. These drinks normally contain chemical additives and a lot of caffeine. This can cause a high blood pressure, a fast heart rate, and palpitations. It may also lead to dehydration, back and neck pain, and worse – heart palpitations or seizures.
Be aware when selecting an energy drink. Some popular brands like Red Bull, Monster, 5 Hour Energy Shots, and Rockstar have more caffeine than coffee or tea. If you have an energy drink, limit the amount per day to avoid caffeine-related health issues. Pick drinks with low or no sugar for better health.
Chocolate Drinks
Chocolate drinks are a great, low-caffeine option. A cup of hot chocolate has only 2 milligrams of caffeine, while mocha espresso has 27-72 milligrams. Coffee has 95 milligrams per 8 oz.
If you buy drinks from the store, consider RC Cola, which has 32 milligrams in one liter. A 16 oz Starbucks Frappuccino light has 15 milligrams. 8 oz of hot chocolate mix with water has only 2.
Be aware that many drinks are high in sugar, fat, and sodium. 8 oz of Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa mix has 23 grams of sugar per serving. So, if you’re having more than one cup, consider the amount of sugar you’re drinking.
Alcoholic Beverages
Beware of alcoholic drinks if you want to keep your spine healthy and without pain. These drinks can have a bad effect on your spine’s health. So let’s take a closer look at what alcoholic beverages can do and why it is better to stay away from them:
Beer
Beer is a popular alcoholic drink, seen as healthier than many others. But, drinking too much can harm your spine health. Beer has polyphenol antioxidants that are good for the heart. But, it’s high in sugar and carbohydrates, causing weight gain and extra pressure on your spine.
Also, beer contains phosphorus, which over time decreases calcium in the bones, making them weak and easily broken.
Moderation is essential when it comes to beer. If you choose to have it, go for light beers and take breaks between them to let your body process the alcohol. Knowing how different types and amounts of beer affect your spine health helps you make smarter decisions when it comes to drinking responsibly. So, remember: moderation is key!
Wine
Beer is often blamed for spinal health risks, while wine is usually seen as a less-risky option. Wine is made from fruit and has less sugar, calories and carbs than other alcoholic drinks. It also contains heart-friendly compounds like resveratrol. A serving size is 5 oz and has 120-125 calories.
Moderation is key. Women should have no more than one glass per day. Men can have two. Ask your doctor about any potential health benefits. People prone to back pain should abstain from alcohol, as it can interact with medications used for pain relief.
Hard Liquor
Hard liquors are types of alcohol with high concentrations of alcohol, usually 30-50% ABV. Spirits like vodka, whiskey, rum, tequila and gin fall into this category. These drinks can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, without mixers, which keeps calories low. Cocktails can be made by pairing with sodas or juices.
It’s important to know the calorie content of alcohol. Calories in hard liquor come from alcohol, not carbs or protein like beer or wine. For example:
- 1oz of 40% vodka has 97 calories
- 1oz of 40% bourbon has 104
- 1oz of 40% tequila has 104
- 12oz of beer has 153 calories
- 5oz of champagne has 85
So, to improve spine health and lose weight, choose light spirits like vodka or gin with calorie-free mixers such as tomato juice or sparkling water. Don’t be fooled by bar myths that adding soda to hard liquor makes it healthier – all it does is add more liquid calories!
Alternatives
Prevent discomfort and further complications by keeping your spine healthy and pain-free. To do this, avoid certain beverages. This article will explore better choices for optimal spine health.
Water
Hydration is essential for joint and disc health. Water is the best beverage to support healthy spines as it is free of excess sugar, calories and sodium. This can help to prevent extra weight which can cause pain and discomfort in the spine.
Carbonated water such as sparkling or mineral water promote digestion. It also provides essential minerals like magnesium and calcium for optimal spines health.
Varieties of water such as
- reverse osmosis
- distilled
- spring/artesian
are all purification processes that can help keep your spine happy and healthy!
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a great dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk. It’s made from ground almonds and has a mild nutty flavor and creamy texture. It’s perfect for smoothies and baked goods.
One advantage is its low acid content. High acid levels may cause acid reflux and stomach pain. It’s also low in fat, cholesterol and allergens like wheat, gluten and soy. So it’s great for those with food sensitivities.
It has loads of vitamins E and D, plus calcium. These are essential for strong bones and protecting against back pain. Check the label for added calcium and vitamin D3. Unsweetened varieties have less sugar too.
Coconut Water
Coconut water is a natural, refreshing drink. Not only does it keep you hydrated, it’s also great for your spine! It’s full of electrolytic minerals, like potassium, which reduces inflammation around joints. Plus, it’s rich in magnesium, which increases flexibility, mobility, and reduces pain.
Coconut water has low calories. It’s also packed with minerals, vitamins, and folate. You can leave it plain or sweeten it with fresh fruit like pineapple or strawberries. It’s a great morning alternative if coffee isn’t doing it for your back pain. If coconut water isn’t accessible, try freezing organic coconut milk for a fun and healthy spine treat!
Herbal Teas
Herbal teas, aka tisanes or infusions, are totally caffeine-free and full of antioxidants. Chamomile tea is popular for its calming effects. But there are heaps of other herbal teas to try such as peppermint and ginger. They don’t ferment like black and green tea, so their natural health benefits stick around. Blends of herbs, spices, flowers and fruits offer deep flavors.
Herbal teas may also have multiple health benefits, from headache relief to better digestion. And since they don’t have caffeine or other stimulants, you can drink them anytime without worrying about being kept awake.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are some beverages I should avoid for a healthier spine?
A: Sugary drinks like soda and sweetened juices can cause inflammation that can worsen pain in the spine. Caffeine and alcohol should also be consumed in moderation.
2. What should I drink instead?
A: Water is the best choice to maintain overall spine health. Herbal teas and fresh vegetable or fruit juices can also provide nutrients needed for a healthier spine.
3. Can drinking too much coffee affect my spine health?
A: Excessive caffeine consumption can lead to dehydration, which can cause inflammation and pain in the spine. It’s best to limit caffeine intake and drink plenty of water.
4. How does alcohol affect the spine?
A: Alcohol can dehydrate the body, which can cause inflammation and pain in the spine. Heavy drinking can also weaken bones, making them more prone to fractures.
5. Are sports drinks and energy drinks bad for the spine?
A: These drinks often contain high levels of sugar and caffeine, which can lead to inflammation and pain in the spine. They should be consumed in moderation, if at all.
6. Do carbonated beverages negatively affect spine health?
A: Carbonated beverages like soda can lead to dehydration and inflammation, which can worsen spine pain. It’s best to avoid them and stick to water or herbal teas.
