Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (109 page)

AVOID

Peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and white potatoes. They may promote congestion in the kidneys due to the release of the compound solanine. In weak individuals, solanine can interfere with the enzymes in the back muscles, causing pain.

Saturated fats and trans fats found in margarine and baked goods because these can increase inflammation.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Teas of mint, chamomile, sage, thyme, yarrow, and elderflower can induce a free flow of perspiration. This should help to release a buildup of lactic acid that can cause pain.

Take the herb St. John’s wort or hypericum for pain caused by nerve injury.

Teas of ginger, cinnamon bark, fenugreek, raspberry, blackberry, rose hips, dandelion, and uva ursi (15 drops in hot water) all help to nourish the kidneys.

Take three drops of pine tincture four times daily to relieve nerve pain.

Tincture of willow bark can be a natural pain reliever, as can the herb horsetail.

Magnesium supplements are important for bone and muscle strength, and magnesium is a natural muscle and nerve relaxant. Magnesium is the mineral that mobilizes calcium into the bones, so make sure that you get enough of it as well as adequate calcium and vitamin D.

Vitamin B
₁₂
injections have been shown to reduce lower-back pain.

Silica can also help bone structure. You can get silica in liquid form or as capsules and tablets.