How your eating habits influence your posture

There are so many things that can influence your posture, including your eating habits. Surprising as it may seem, this is actually true. Your weight also affects your posture, and the food that you eat contributes to the weight which you gain.

If you weight is high, you are more likely to strain your body

Are you overweight? Well, if you eat the right diet, you can avoid this. Generally, if your weight is on the higher side, it will have a greater influence on your posture. How does your body maintain an upright posture, and support the entire weight? This is the function of the lumbar curve.

If your weight is beyond a healthy range, your muscles, joints and bones will be subjected to stress. If your stomach is too bulky, it can pull your pelvis forwards, straining your lower back in turn. Thus, you may feel pain in your back, and your spine may also curve unnaturally.

The foods that you eat play their part

Your weight isn’t the only thing. The food that you eat or avoid can also affect your posture. For instance, kyphosis is a term used when the upper back rounds in a forward position. There are several known causes, one of which is osteoporosis, a condition that weakens your spinal bones. What puts you at a risk of osteoporosis? When you don’t take enough calcium and vitamin D; the health of your bones, and consequently your posture, are affected by the nutrients you consume.

Vitamin D is important in the sense that it allows you body to absorb calcium, which improves your bone health and muscle performance. You also maintain a better balance, and are less prone to falling down. Vitamin D is produced by the sun, but can also be found in food such as egg yolk, cereals, salt water fish and fortified milk. Similarly, calcium is present in several leafy veggies and dairy products.

Are there any foods that can have a negative affect? Too much of coffee, caffeine, soda drinks and alcohol limit calcium absorption, which leads to poor bone health, and ultimately, bone loss.

The way you eat

How do you sit when you eat your food? Sit straight, and as close to the table as possible, so that you don’t have to stretch to reach towards your food. Avoid slouching, slumping or leaning towards your plate so as to prevent abdomen pressure. When you bring food towards your mouth, your shoulders and hips should be aligned so that your jaws and muscles in your mouth are more controlled. Don’t talk when chewing. Once you are done, your stay in a seating position for around 20 minutes or so.

Want more nutritional coaching, and understand how it affects your weight, posture and health? Reach out to On the Go Fitness Pro, who are among the best personal trainers in Fairfax.

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