Back Clinic Supplements. What is more fundamental to our existence than diet and nutrition? Most of us eat at least three times a day. This creates a cumulative effect, as either our diet help fuel our body or it harms it. Bad nutrition, diet, and obesity can lead to osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic pain. Knowing dietary supplements such as vitamins and proper nutritional balance, and effective techniques to shed weight can help those striving to change their new healthy lives.
A dietary supplement is used to provide nutrients to increase their consumption or provide non-nutrient chemicals claimed to have biological/beneficial effects. Dietary supplements come in all shapes and sizes. There are capsules, drinks, energy bars, powders, and traditional tablets. The most popular are calcium, iron, vitamins D and E, herbs like echinacea and garlic, and specialty products like glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils.
The body makes digestive enzymes to help break down food carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Healthy digestion and nutrient absorption depend on these enzymes, a protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the mouth, pancreas, and intestines. Certain health conditions like pancreatic insufficiency and lactose intolerance can cause low enzyme levels and insufficiency and may need replacement digestive enzymes to help prevent malabsorption. That’s where digestive enzyme supplements come in.
Digestive Enzymes
Digestive enzymes are a vital part of digestion; without them, the body can’t break foods down, and nutrients can’t be fully absorbed. A lack of digestive enzymes can lead to gastrointestinal/GI symptoms and cause malnourishment, even with a nutritious diet. The result is unpleasant digestive symptoms that can include:
Poor absorption of nutrients
Bloating
Stomach pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Digestive enzyme supplements have been used for treating common forms of gut irritation, heartburn, and other ailments.
Enzyme Types
The main digestive enzymes made in the pancreas include:
Amylase
It is also made in the mouth.
Breaks down carbohydrates, or starches, into sugar molecules.
Low amylase can lead to diarrhea.
Lipase
This works with liver bile to break down fats.
Lipase insufficiency causes decreased levels of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K.
Protease
This enzyme breaks down proteins into amino acids.
It also helps keep bacteria, yeast, and protozoa out of the intestines.
A shortage of protease can lead to allergies or toxicity in the intestines.
Enzymes made in the small intestine include:
Lactase
Breaks down lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.
Sucrase
Breaks down sucrose, a sugar found in fruits and vegetables.
Insufficiency
When the body does not produce enough digestive enzymes or doesn’t release them correctly. A few types include:
Lactose Intolerance
The body does not produce enough lactase, making digesting the natural sugar in milk and dairy products difficult.
Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
EPI is when the pancreas does not produce enough of the enzymes necessary to digest carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Congenital Sucrase-Isomaltase Deficiency
The body does not have enough sucrase to digest certain sugars.
Talking to a doctor if symptoms persist is recommended, as these could be signs of gut irritation or indicate a more serious condition.
Supplements
Prescription Enzymes
Depending on the severity, individuals diagnosed with enzyme insufficiency may need to take prescription digestive enzymes. These supplements assist in food breakdown and nutrient absorption. The most common enzyme replacement therapy is pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy or PERT. PERT is a prescribed medication that includes amylase, lipase, and protease. Individuals with cystic fibrosis often have pancreatic enzyme insufficiency, as the body can’t release the enzymes properly. And individuals with pancreatitis require PERT because their pancreas develops mucus and scar tissue over time.
Over-The-Counter Enzymes
Over-the-counter digestive enzyme supplements can contain amylase, lipase, and protease and can help with acid reflux, gas, bloating, and diarrhea. Some contain lactase and alpha-galactosidase. Alpha-galactosidase can help break down a non-absorbable fiber called galactooligosaccharides/GOS, mostly found in beans, root vegetables, and certain dairy products.
Certain foods contain digestive enzymes, including:
Supplementing the diet with some of these foods can help with digestion.
Functional Nutrition
References
Beliveau, Peter J H, et al. “An Investigation of Chiropractor-Directed Weight-Loss Interventions: Secondary Analysis of O-COAST.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 42,5 (2019): 353-365. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2018.11.015
Brennan, Gregory T, and Muhammad Wasif Saif. “Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy: A Concise Review.” JOP: Journal of the pancreas vol. 20,5 (2019): 121-125.
Corring, T. “The adaptation of digestive enzymes to the diet: its physiological significance.” Reproduction, nutrition, developpement vol. 20,4B (1980): 1217-35. doi:10.1051/rnd:19800713
Goodman, Barbara E. “Insights into digestion and absorption of major nutrients in humans.” Advances in physiology education vol. 34,2 (2010): 44-53. doi:10.1152/advan.00094.2009
Vogt, Günter. “Synthesis of digestive enzymes, food processing, and nutrient absorption in decapod crustaceans: a comparison to the mammalian model of digestion.” Zoology (Jena, Germany) vol. 147 (2021): 125945. doi:10.1016/j.zool.2021.125945
Whitcomb, David C, and Mark E Lowe. “Human pancreatic digestive enzymes.” Digestive diseases and sciences vol. 52,1 (2007): 1-17. doi:10.1007/s10620-006-9589-z
Nowadays, many individuals are incorporating various fruits, vegetables, lean portions of meat, and healthy fats and oils into their diet to get all the vitamins and minerals that their bodies need. The body needs these nutrients biotransformed into energy for the muscles, joints, and vital organs. When normal factors like eating unhealthy foods, not getting enough exercise, and underlying conditions affect the body, it can cause somato-visceral issues that correlate with disorders that push many individuals to feel unwell and miserable. Luckily, some supplements and vitamins like magnesium help with overall health and can reduce the effects of these environmental factors that are causing pain-like symptoms in the body. In this 3-part series, we will look at the impact of magnesium helping the body and what foods contain magnesium. Part 1 looks at how magnesium correlates with heart health. Part 2 looks at how magnesium helps with blood pressure. We refer our patients to certified medical providers that provide many available therapy treatments for individuals suffering from underlying conditions associated with low magnesium levels affecting the body and correlated to many underlying conditions affecting a person’s health and wellness. We encourage each patient when it is appropriate by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis. We accept that education is a marvelous way when asking our providers’ hard-hitting questions at the patient’s request and acknowledgment. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., only utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
An Overview Of Magnesium
Have you been experiencing muscle numbness in different locations in your body? What about muscle cramps or fatigue? Or have you been experiencing issues with your heart? Suppose you have been dealing with these overlapping issues that are affecting not only your body but your overall health. In that case, it could correlate with your body’s low magnesium levels. Studies reveal that this essential supplement is the body’s fourth most abundant cation when it comes to magnesium since it is a co-factor for multiple enzymic reactions. Magnesium helps with cellular energy metabolism, so the muscles and vital organs can function properly and helps replenish intracellular and extracellular water intake. Magnesium helps with the body’s metabolism, but it can also help reduce the effects of chronic conditions affecting the body.
How Magnesium Helps The Body
Additional studies reveal that magnesium is important in lowering chronic conditions’ effects on the body. Magnesium could help many individuals dealing with cardiovascular issues or chronic diseases associated with the heart or the muscles surrounding the upper and lower extremities of the body. How can magnesium help with overlapping health disorders that can affect the body? Studies show that taking magnesium can help prevent and treat many common health conditions:
Metabolic syndrome
Diabetes
Headaches
Cardiac arrhythmias
Many of these conditions are associated with everyday factors that can affect the body and lead to chronic disorders that can cause pain to the muscles, joints, and vital organs. So, taking magnesium can reduce pre-existing conditions from elevating the body and causing more harm.
Magnesium In Food
Biomedical physiologist Alex Jimenez mentions that magnesium supplementation usually causes diarrhea and explains what foods are high in magnesium. Surprisingly, avocados and nuts have a chaulk full of magnesium. One medium avocado has about 60 milligrams of magnesium, while nuts, especially cashews, have approximately 83 milligrams of magnesium. One cup of almonds has about 383 milligrams of magnesium. It also has 1000 milligrams of potassium, which we covered in an earlier video, and around 30 grams of protein. So this is a good snack to break up the cup into about half-cup serving throughout the day and snack on as you’re going. The second one is beans or legumes; for example, one cup of black beans cooked has around 120 milligrams of magnesium. And then wild rice is also a good source of magnesium. So what are the signs of low magnesium? The symptoms of low magnesium are muscle spasms, lethargy, irregular heartbeat, pins and needles in the hands or legs, high blood pressure, and depression. This video was informative for you regarding magnesium, where to find it, and the best supplemental forms to take it in. Thank you again, and tune in next time.
Foods Containing Magnesium
When it comes to taking magnesium, there are many ways to incorporate magnesium into the body’s system. Some people take it in supplemental form, while others eat healthy, nutritious foods with a chaulk full of magnesium to get the recommended amount. Some of the foods that are riched in magnesium include:
Dark Chocolate=65 mg of magnesium
Avocados=58 mg of magnesium
Legumes=120 mg of magnesium
Tofu= 35 mg of magnesium
What is great about getting these magnesium riched foods is that they can be in any dishes we consume for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Incorporating magnesium in a healthy diet can help boost the body’s energy levels and help support the major organs, joints, and muscles from various disorders.
Conclusion
Magnesium is an essential supplement that the body needs to boost energy levels and help reduce the effects of pain-like symptoms that can cause dysfunction in the body. Whether it is in supplemental form or eating it in healthy dishes, magnesium is an important supplement that the body needs to function properly.
References
Fiorentini, Diana, et al. “Magnesium: Biochemistry, Nutrition, Detection, and Social Impact of Diseases Linked to Its Deficiency.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Mar. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8065437/.
Schwalfenberg, Gerry K, and Stephen J Genuis. “The Importance of Magnesium in Clinical Healthcare.” Scientifica, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5637834/.
As more and more people start to keep track of their health, many often try to figure out what foods contain the right amount of vitamins and supplements to benefit their bodies and support the vital organs and the body’s gene levels. Many fruits and vegetables have a chock-full of vitamins and minerals that the body needs for energy and to prevent chronic issues from affecting the body. Today’s article looks at the most beneficial mineral the body needs, potassium, its benefits, and what kind of foods have potassium for the body. We refer our patients to certified providers that consolidate many available treatments for many individuals suffering from low potassium levels affecting a person’s body and correlating to chronic conditions that can cause overlapping risk profiles. We encourage each patient by referring them to associated medical providers based on their diagnosis when it is appropriate. We understand that education is a fantastic way when asking our providers intricated questions at the patient’s request and understanding. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., only utilizes this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
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What Is Potassium?
Have you been experiencing muscle cramps and aches throughout your entire body? What about feeling tired constantly or experiencing low energy? Or have you noticed that your blood pressure is elevated? Many of these chronic issues are correlated with low levels of potassium in the body. Studies reveal that potassium is an essential mineral that the human body needs to function properly. Potassium is important since it is an electrolyte to replenish the body when a person sweats. Many athletic people need to fill their bodies with electrolytes after an intense workout session to ensure that the extracellular and intracellular compartments are hydrated. Additional studies also mentioned that potassium is one of the shortfall nutrients that many people often forget because of the adequate intake that needs to be met for the body to have the recommended amount of potassium to function throughout the entire day. However, incorporating different types of food that have potassium can provide the recommended amount that the individual needs and provide beneficial results.
The Benefits Of Potassium
When it comes to the body and potassium, there are many beneficial factors that this essential mineral can provide. Research studies have revealed that increasing potassium intake with healthy, nutritious foods can benefit body health. Some of the beneficial properties that potassium can provide include the following:
Lowering blood pressure
Reduce the progression of renal disease
Decrease the risk of osteoporosis
Manages hypercalciuria
Prevent diabetes development
All these chronic issues that can affect the body are correlated with low potassium levels. When the body doesn’t have the right amount of vitamins and supplements to help prevent these issues, it can lead to pain-like symptoms associated with the muscles, joints, and vital organs. So when pain specialists like chiropractors or functional medicine doctors thoroughly examine patients and ask questions to determine if the patient’s body has low potassium levels. When the body has low potassium levels, studies reveal that chronic issues like hypertension and elevated glucose levels could potentially lead to cardiovascular problems associated with chest pain and diabetes. When these overlapping issues affect the body, it is known as somato-visceral pain. Somato-visceral pain is when the affected organs are causing problems to the body’s muscles and causing referred pain in different locations.
An Overview Of Potassium
Biomedical physiologist expert Alex Jimenez is going to be going over potassium. He mentions that potassium is a cat ion that is positively charged. So potassium is important for a few different reasons. It helps us regulate our heartbeat. It helps us regulate how our muscle and nervous tissue work, and it’s important for synthesizing protein and metabolizing carbohydrates. The recommended daily amount of potassium is 4.7 grams for the U.S. and 3.5 for the U.K. So, an average of three and a half grams. When we think about potassium and what foods are high in potassium, what’s the first that comes to mind? The banana, right? A banana only has 420 or 422 milligrams of potassium. So to get our daily amount of potassium, that’s going to require us to eat eight and a half bananas. I don’t know anybody eating eight and a half bananas unless you’re a monkey. So let’s look at other foods high in potassium to help counterbalance the nutritional amount instead of just eating eight and a half bananas. Some foods high in potassium are dried fruits, specifically dried apricots and raisins, which have about 250 milligrams per half-cup serving.
Foods That Are High In Potassium
It is easy to incorporate potassium into a person’s daily habits. Many pain specialists like chiropractors work with associated medical providers like nutritionists and physical therapists to restore the body, prevent chronic conditions from progressing further, and reduce muscle and joint pain. Everybody knows that bananas are one of the more known fruits with potassium; however, eating bananas alone can be tiresome. So many fruits and vegetables have higher potassium levels and can help replenish the body’s electrolytes. Some of the nutritious foods that have potassium include:
Banana
Avocado
Sweet Potatoes
Spinach
Dried Fruits (Apricots, Raisins, Peaches, Prunes)
Now eating potassium-riched foods can help the body’s intra- and extracellular water intake but combined with treatments and exercises can prevent chronic issues associated with muscle and joint pain. When people utilize these healthy habits in their daily lives, they can feel better and function throughout the day.
Conclusion
Trying to be healthier should not be difficult and can begin small with the right motivation. Incorporating a healthy diet combined with exercises and therapy treatments can restore the body to its healthier version and prevent overlapping issues affecting the muscles, joints, vital organs, and gene levels. Eating whole, nutritional foods filled with potassium can help restore lost electrolytes and help prevent chronic disorders from progressing further in the body to avoid muscle and joint pain.
References
He, Feng J, and Graham A MacGregor. “Beneficial Effects of Potassium on Human Health.” Physiologia Plantarum, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2008, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18724413/.
Stone, Michael S, et al. “Potassium Intake, Bioavailability, Hypertension, and Glucose Control.” Nutrients, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 July 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4963920/.
Sur, Moushumi, and Shamim S Mohiuddin. “Potassium – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf.” In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL), StatPearls Publishing, 11 May 2022, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539791/.
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents how anti-inflammatory phytochemicals can reduce inflammation and treat other chronic conditions that inflammation is correlated with. We dive into what medicines can trigger inflammatory cytokines and some treatments that work together to reduce chronic inflammation. We refer our patients to certified medical providers incorporating multiple therapies for many individuals suffering from chronic inflammation and its correlating symptoms affecting the body. We encourage each of our patients by mentioning them to associated medical providers based on their analysis appropriately. We understand that education is a delightful way when asking our providers questions at the patient’s request and understanding. Dr. Jimenez, D.C., only makes use of this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
How Medications Associate With Inflammation
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: When it comes to a person’s health and wellness, it is important to know that when you are introducing them to potential antigenic medication, that person’s immune system is already imbalanced and much more likely to make abnormal immune responses, which then can lead to inflammatory effects in the body’s system. You see them mostly with chimeric human marine antibodies, which are the ones that make antibodies for the immune system, to that point, will elicit a much higher immune response. When this happens, it becomes a challenge to long-term pharmacotherapy. So when people go to their doctors for a prescription, about 20-30% of medication prescriptions are never filled because, most of the time, the prescription will never fill them in the drugstore, which can cascade into various issues.
And when people follow their prescription, sometimes they’ll take it for a little while, and after six months, they stop taking it. So the drop in prescriptions taken for longer than six months is quite low. In the last article, we discussed NSAIDs, DMARDs, and biologics, and we will touch base with acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is another one that’s just really widely used, and it’s because it’s put into all of these different cold and flu, and pain products. They sneak it into many other medications; you must read the labels. This is because some people metabolize acetaminophen quickly, which can become toxic. This can lead to individuals getting random headaches throughout the day and causes their glutathiones to be used promptly. So when looking for cold and flu medicine, it is best to look at the labels for acetaminophen because it doesn’t have anti-inflammatory responses since it is used for pain control.
How Acetaminophen Affects the Immune System
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: So even though we do not know how exactly how the analgesic effects work when people take cold and flu medicines, however, we do know that when people take a ubiquitous amount of acetaminophen, it could increase the pain threshold by inhibiting nitric oxide pathways in the body through mediation through the receptors for NMDA and substance P. We still don’t have a great handle on that, but that’s how it works. So, these drugs can be quite useful in the short term, but long-term use has serious side effects.
When looking for medications, it is important to read the labels that have a black box warning, which is the highest warning that the FDA issues for any potential overlapping risk profiles that the FDA issues. This can include severe liver injuries or serious possible allergic reactions that can develop into chronic inflammation of the muscles and joints. Now there are ways to reduce inflammation and prevent the body from being in more pain by slowly introducing anti-inflammatory botanicals and phytochemicals to detoxify the medication causing these complications.
Some individuals may not realize that constant medication for various pains and issues affecting the body can mask other problems involving the body’s systems. This can include:
Endocrine system
Cardiovascular system
Gastrointestinal system
Reproductive system
When these systems have been affected by medications, they can develop inflammatory markers in the vital organs and cause lead to visceral-somatic dysfunction in the body. When pain medications target pain localized in one location, but the issue is in a different area, this is known as referred pain. Referred pain is where the pain is in one muscle group location but is felt in another area of the body. When the organs are involved, it can cause inflammatory symptoms in the system. To that point, this causes the immune system to be induced into autoimmunity.
How The Immune System Is Induced Into Autoimmunity
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: When the immune system has been induced with autoimmunity, the corticosteroids can develop side effects that can be long termed and delay the healing process. Some of the physical symptoms that are visible with autoimmunity include:
Muscle weakness
Diabetes
High blood pressure
Thin bones
Delay wound healing
Flare-ups
Rheumatoid arthritis
Mood changes
When dealing with these inflammatory symptoms associated with pain, there are fundamental functional treatment approaches that can reduce the inflammatory cytokines causing joint and muscle pain.
Treatments To Target Inflammation
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Some of the treatments that target inflammation include the following:
Slowly incorporating healthy lifestyle choices into a person’s daily lifestyle can reduce the effects of inflammatory cytokines affecting the vital organs, muscles, and joints. It is important to know that incorporating antioxidants, phytonutrients, and anti-inflammatory supplements can reduce residual symptoms in the body. All these treatments are some of the foundations that can address these inflammatory triggers and help reduce muscle and joint pain associated with inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Vitamins & Supplements
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Another important note about these treatments is that vitamins and supplements can combine to help treat inflammatory effects that are causing issues in the body. These anti-inflammatory botanicals and phytochemical agents can not only act on the different pathways in the body but also have different mechanisms similar to healthy nutritional foods. Incorporating anti-inflammatory botanicals and phytochemical agents into the body will help modulate the inflammatory cascades and provide multiple synergistic activities to the body.
These agents down-regulate the inflammatory pathways caused by NF-kappaB. They can act as modulators that dissociate the cytokines from causing more issues like oxidative stress or infections triggering inflammation. However, we need inflammation to heal the body from wounds and infections. We mustn’t want the cytokines too high to cause inflammatory effects. So incorporating anti-inflammatory botanicals and phytochemicals provides a much safer option to the body and can be used in many chronic inflammatory conditions.
Conclusion
Since many botanicals and phytochemicals have anti-inflammatory properties, it can be difficult to find a good amount that the body needs to reduce chronic inflammation. Since many cultures and places have used many nutritional plants and herbs for years worldwide, it can be exhausting. Some of the botanical supplements include:
Zinc
Green tea extract
Capsaicin
S-adenosylmethionine
Ginger
To summarize how it is important to know which supplements have anti-inflammatory properties, doing research and incorporating small changes into a daily lifestyle can provide amazing results and allow the individual to be pain-free and have good health when combining botanicals and phytonutrients.
Winter is when most children and adults are prone to catching colds, the flu, etc. The excitement of the holiday season can also take a toll on the body’s neuromusculoskeletal system, leaving the individual more susceptible to illness. Digestive issues such as bloating, cramping, and constipation are also common. Certain supplements can help maintain body, gut, and brain holiday health. Here are a few recommended supplements to take during the holidays.
Holiday Health
To help fill in the gaps from the holiday foods and increase energy, holiday health supplements to consider adding include:
Probiotics
Probiotics are healthy bacteria and microbes that populate the gut or microbiome.
They help digest nutrients, support proper digestion and elimination, and manage appetite and mood.
A quality probiotic supplement supports healthy digestion and immune health.
It can help reduce diarrhea, constipation, gas, and bloating while protecting the immune system against pathogens.
For the most benefits, it is recommended to take a supplement with a high CFU count, diverse probiotic strains, and a delivery method that ensures the probiotics will survive once consumed.
The body produces melatonin naturally, especially at night, since this promotes sleep.
Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate the body’s circadian rhythm, which makes you feel tired or alert at the right times of the day.
Taking melatonin can help decrease jet lag symptoms.
Consider taking melatonin to help promote healthy sleep.
However, it’s usually only recommended for short-term use, so consult your doctor.
Vitamin D
During the winter, when less sunlight is available, low vitamin D levels are very common among adults.
The body naturally makes vitamin D when the skin is exposed to the sun’s UV light rays; however, most spend nearly all their time indoors once the weather becomes cold.
Vitamin D is responsible for hundreds of reactions related to brain function, hormone production, and immune defenses.
A vitamin D supplement can help maintain healthy levels, which is important for maintaining a strong immune system, cardiovascular and bone health, and mood.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral and electrolyte providing cardiovascular and bone support, improved sleep, healthy muscle and nerve function, and healthy digestion.
A magnesium supplement can help with aches and pains, restlessness, headaches, and constipation.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C intake protects against colds and other illnesses.
It supports healthy immune defenses, healthy nervous system function, antioxidant activity, neuron function, and skin health.
A vitamin C supplement combined with probiotics further helps support healthy gastrointestinal function and absorption.
Chiropractic For Digestive Health
Chiropractic care supports the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
The vagus nerve extends from the brain stem and innervates digestive system organs.
Sympathetic nerves in the thoracic and lumbar regions and the parasympathetic nerves near the sacrum also support digestion.
Decompressing the spine and correcting posture allow room for the muscles to contract, open up the spine to circulate fluids throughout the body, and expand and properly circulate food and waste.
Ernst, Edzard. “Chiropractic treatment for gastrointestinal problems: a systematic review of clinical trials.” Canadian journal of gastroenterology = Journal canadien de gastroenterology vol. 25,1 (2011): 39-40. doi:10.1155/2011/910469
Govender, Mershen et al. “A review of the advancements in probiotic delivery: Conventional vs. non-conventional formulations for intestinal flora supplementation.” AAPS PharmSciTech vol. 15,1 (2014): 29-43. doi:10.1208/s12249-013-0027-1
Leboeuf-Yde, Charlotte, et al. “Self-reported nonmusculoskeletal responses to chiropractic intervention: a multination survey.” Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics vol. 28,5 (2005): 294-302; discussion 365-6. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.04.010
Peterson, Caroline. “A case study of chiropractic management of pregnancy-related heartburn with postulated fetal epigenome implications.” Explore (New York, N.Y.) vol. 8,5 (2012): 304-8. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2012.06.001
Qu, Liuxin, et al. “Irritable bowel syndrome treated by traditional Chinese spinal orthopedic manipulation.” Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan vol. 32,4 (2012): 565-70. doi:10.1016/s0254-6272(13)60072-2
Immune system health and keeping the system strong and healthy can be accomplished by maintaining healthy eating habits. Eating foods rich in specific vitamins and supplements can help the immune system fight off illness, maintain energy levels, and help during injury recovery. Here we look at choosing foods with the right vitamins to build and strengthen the immune system throughout the year.
Immune System Health
The immune system consists of complex cells, processes, and chemicals that constantly defend the body against invading pathogens, including viruses, toxins, and bacteria. Keeping the immune system healthy year-round is key to infection and disease prevention. Healthy lifestyle choices consist of the following:
Nutritious food, healthy sleep, physical activity, and exercise are the most important ways to strengthen the immune system.
Supplementing certain vitamins, minerals, and herbs can help improve immune response.
However, some supplements can interact with prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Certain supplements may not be recommended for individuals with certain health conditions.
Research has found that selenium activates the immune system when there is a threat and signals when to slow or shut down immune responses.
Selenium keeps the immune system from overworking.
Selenium protects from chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and psoriasis.
Selenium Foods
Foods from highest to lowest levels of selenium.
Brazil nuts
Tuna
Halibut
Canned sardines
Lean meats
Cottage cheese
Brown rice
Eggs
Oatmeal
Milk
Yogurt
Lentils
Nuts
Seeds
Peas
Increase Water Intake
Maintaining healthy hydration can increase immune health.
Water helps the body produce lymph, which carries white blood cells and other immune system cells.
Try to balance out dehydrating beverages, like coffee and soda.
Try eating more hydrating foods like cucumbers, celery, lettuce, and strawberries.
Immune System Health
References
Chaplin, David D. “Overview of the immune response.” The Journal of allergy and clinical immunology vol. 125,2 Suppl 2 (2010): S3-23. doi:10.1016/j.jaci.2009.12.980
Halliwell, B. “Antioxidants in human health and disease.” Annual review of nutrition vol. 16 (1996): 33-50. doi:10.1146/annurev.nu.16.070196.000341
Lewis, Erin Diane, et al. “Regulatory role of vitamin E in the immune system and inflammation.” IUBMB life vol. 71,4 (2019): 487-494. doi:10.1002/iub.1976
Mora, J Rodrigo, et al. “Vitamin effects on the immune system: vitamins A and D take center stage.” Nature reviews. Immunology vol. 8,9 (2008): 685-98. doi:10.1038/nri2378
Nicholson, Lindsay B. “The immune system.” Essays in biochemistry vol. 60,3 (2016): 275-301. doi:10.1042/EBC20160017
Shakoor, Hira, et al. “Immune-boosting role of vitamins D, C, E, zinc, selenium and omega-3 fatty acids: Could they help against COVID-19?.” Maturitas vol. 143 (2021): 1-9. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2020.08.003
Workout recovery is as important as working out. Pushing muscle past its normal levels creates tiny tears in the muscle tissue. It is the repairing process that generates muscle growth. Muscles that aren’t allowed to recover will not grow or gain muscle mass, and muscle strength could be reduced, making working out a struggle and hindering health goal progress. The body needs time to repair the muscles to reduce the risk of injury. Allowing enough time for recovery reduces overuse-related muscle breakdown and injuries. Muscle recovery supplements can expedite the healing process.
Muscle Recovery Supplements
Reasons for taking supplements include their ability to heal damaged muscles faster, aid in injury recovery, reduce muscle soreness, reduce muscle fatigue, and provide the muscle cells with energy during recovery.
Some studies have found that taking a creatine supplement may aid muscle recovery and greater muscle strength during recovery.
Citrulline Malate
Citrulline is a non-essential amino acid found in watermelon that converts into nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide helps open blood vessels and improve blood circulation.
This allows oxygen and nutrients to reach the muscle faster, speeding the recovery process.
Citrulline also improves the bioavailability of L-arginine, another amino acid that aids protein synthesis.
Magnesium
Magnesium assists with muscle recovery by helping the muscles relax.
When the body doesn’t have enough magnesium, there is a greater chance of muscle cramps.
Magnesium helps support healthy muscle contraction.
Tart Cherry Juice Extract
This extract works by reducing inflammation in the muscle.
Inflammation is normal, but too much can increase muscle soreness and the risk of injury.
One study found that cherry juice helps minimize post-exercise muscle pain.
Supplement Plan
After selecting a supplement plan that is the most beneficial for the individual, the next step is to devise a schedule for taking them.
When using a muscle recovery supplement can either be a pre-workout supplement or a post-workout supplement.
The recommended time to take a specific supplement is based on the type.
Individuals should talk with their doctor and a nutritionist before starting any new supplement regimen.
This helps ensure the supplements are safe and minimize negative side effects given health and medical conditions.
Nutrition In Recovery
References
Cooke, M.B., Rybalka, E., Williams, A.D. et al. Creatine supplementation enhances muscle force recovery after eccentrically-induced muscle damage in healthy individuals. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 6, 13 (2009). doi.org/10.1186/1550-2783-6-13
DiNicolantonio, James J et al. “Subclinical magnesium deficiency: a principal driver of cardiovascular disease and a public health crisis.” Open heart vol. 5,1 e000668. 13 Jan. 2018, doi:10.1136/openhrt-2017-000668
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Digestive Enzymes
