5 Effective Diet Tips For TMJ Treatment

After the Steven Spielberg thriller, Jaws, the word “jaws” may make you shudder only in the case of a TMJ disorder ! Medically, TMJ is the acronym of Temporomandibular Joint, and TMJ disorder is an umbrella term for a number of connective tissue abnormalities associated with the muscles responsible for the movement of your jaw.

In its less severe form, this disease causes minor pain, which can be treated at home; in greater severity, it can be quite debilitating and a valid reason for panic. Imagine yourself not being able to open your mouth or being able to open it partially, upon waking up one fine morning! Not being able to speak or eat something can be a nightmare in the waking hours! Medical help is the obvious requirement. It should be supplemented with appropriate diet and exercise to help the TMJ sufferer overcome the condition.

Various Diet For TMJ Treatment

Salicylates

Avoid foods that are high in salicylates, as these will block the vitamin K absorption by the body. A Vitamin K deficiency is seen to be one of the primary causes of connective tissue disorder.

Fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, dairy products, meat, grain, commercially processed foods, alcohols and beverages all contain salicylates at different concentrations. Some examples of foods high in salicylates are citrus fruits, tomato sauce, mint flavorings and berries. The foods in which these are used as flavorings also contain salicylates. It is better to avoid them.

Saturated Fats

Contrary to popular belief, saturated fats are not entirely bad. In fact, they should be consumed in moderate amounts to repair the connective tissue of your joints, which includes your TMJ joint.

You can include moderate quantities of butter, meat or whole milk products in your diet.

Red Meat

Eating red meat is particularly beneficial for your TMJ, as it contains vitamin B12, iron and zinc which help in repairing the connective tissue of your joints.

Organ meats can also be included in your diet, as they also provide micronutrients to the body.

Gelatin And Hyaluronic Acid

Gelatin and Hyaluronic acid are important for the healthy building of the joints by the body. Gelatin contains the amino acids proline and glycine, which provide nourishment to your TMJ.

Gelatin and hyaluronic acid can be obtained from bone broth which can be made at home. Commercial supplements of hyaluronic acid and gelatin should not be used, as they are poor in nutrients.

Vegetable Soup

Vegetable soup is one of the best diets for persons with TMJ disorder, as being a liquid it does not require much effort for “eating” it. One simply gulps down the soup without any efforts on chewing the food by the jaws.

Moreover, it is loaded with nutrients, especially magnesium. Magnesium helps in keeping calcium in a fluid state in the blood, thus preventing it from depositing in the joints leading to joint pains.

In general, have foods that are soft and require lesser amount of chewing. Hard foods may elicit unbearable pain from your jaws.