Back pain is a common condition that affects most people at some point in their lifetime, according to the NHS. But you could lower your risk of developing backache by simply eating more bananas, it’s been claimed.

Back pain could be caused by sleeping in the wrong position, having bad posture, or even by having a minor injury.

In most cases, back pain isn’t anything to worry about, and it’ll get better by itself within a few weeks or months.

But, you can speed up your recovery, or even prevent back pain from developing in the first place, by making a few changes to your diet plan.

Adding more bananas to your diet is one of the easiest ways to protect against backache, it’s been claimed.

Bananas are an ideal snack for people with back pain, as they are rich in magnesium.

If you have a magnesium deficiency, your body may top up on the mineral by taking some from your bones, according to chiropractor Dr Kelly Andrews.

Magnesium could also boost the strength of your muscles, which is crucial for supporting the spine.

If you’re not entirely keen on bananas, you could also top up on magnesium by eating more green, leafy vegetables and avocado.

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“As most people are well aware, good nutrition and a balanced diet are important components of overall health,” said Andrews.

She wrote for medical website Spine-health: “What may surprise people with back problems is that diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight also play a major role specific to back health—including the prevention of many problems and improved healing.

“Magnesium is a key mineral in the structure of the bone matrix and is also required for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body. If blood magnesium levels drop, magnesium will be pulled from the bones.

“Magnesium deficiency is common and supplementation can assist in maintaining bone density and preventing back problems. This nutrient also helps in relaxing and contracting muscles, making it necessary for strengthening the muscles that support the spine.”

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You could also lower your risk of lower back pain by regularly drinking green tea.

Green tea has more beneficial antioxidants than a regular cup of black tea.

These antioxidants protect the body against harmful diseases, while also helping to reduce inflammation.

Green tea has also been claimed to boost weight loss diet plans. Losing weight may help to protect against back pain, if you’re overweight, it’s been claimed.

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Regular exercise and doing stretches could also help to prevent back pain from returning, said the NHS. Speak to a GP or physiotherapist for advice on which exercises to try, said the NHS.

Those most at risk of developing back pain are people that are overweight.

You should see a GP or dial NHS 111 immediately if you have back pain, combined with a numbness or tingling around your genitals, a loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe chest pain.

These symptoms could be a sign of something more serious, and need to be checked immediately.

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