Clinic Wellness Team. A key factor to spine or back pain conditions is staying healthy. Overall wellness involves a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, physical activity, restful sleep, and a healthy lifestyle. The term has been applied in many ways. But overall, the definition is as follows.
It is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential. It is multidimensional, bringing together lifestyles both mental/spiritual and the environment in which one lives. It is positive and affirms that what we do is, in fact, correct.
It is an active process where people become aware and make choices towards a more successful lifestyle. This includes how a person contributes to their environment/community. They aim to build healthier living spaces and social networks. It helps in creating a person’s belief systems, values, and a positive world perspective.
Along with this comes the benefits of regular exercise, a healthy diet, personal self-care, and knowing when to seek medical attention. Dr. Jimenez’s message is to work towards being fit, being healthy, and staying aware of our collection of articles, blogs, and videos.
Can drinking parsley tea help improve overall health?
Parsley Tea
Parsley is commonly used as a garnish and to increase flavor in dishes. Some use parsley leaves instead of salt in their food to reduce their sodium intake. It is widely available in grocery stores and can be grown at home. Parsley tea is an herbal tea. Surprisingly, parsley tea benefits health, but not all of this is supported by scientific evidence. There are different kinds of parsley:
Curly leaf (Petroselinum crispum)
Flat leaf (Petroselinum neapolitanum) or Italian parsley.
Parsley is high in vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
Parsley also provides fiber, iron, copper, calcium, and potassium.
The kind used in tea is up to you, based on flavor preferences.
Benefits
Parsley is believed to have various benefits, some of which are derived from consuming parsley tea. For example, parsley is used to freshen breath; however, adding sugar reduces dental benefits. Many women also suggest that parsley helps to ease menstrual cramps, and others say that consuming parsley or tea helps them eliminate excess water weight. However, further research is needed to support its benefits that include: (Ganea M. et al., 2024)
Asthma
Cough
Digestive problems
Menstrual problems
Fluid retention and swelling (edema)
Urinary tract infections
Kidney stones
Cracked or chapped skin
Bruises
Insect bites
Liver disorders
Tumors
Preparation
The quickest way to enjoy parsley tea is to use a parsley tea bag. Brands are available online and in health food stores. Parsley tea bags are manufactured using dried leaves, which can be stored in a cool, dry place and last much longer than fresh parsley. The herb is inexpensive, and making parsley tea at home is also cheap and easy.
Choose Parsley
Flat or curly.
Remove the leaves from the stems.
Gather about 1/8-1/4 cups of leaves for each cup of tea.
Place the leaves at the bottom of your cup or in a tea infuser.
Note: you can also use a French press to make parsley tea.
To do so, place the loose leaves at the bottom of the French press.
Heat Water
Once boiling, fill the cup or press with hot water.
Allow the Leaves to Steep
For about four minutes.
Steep longer if you prefer a stronger cup.
If you are new to parsley tea, start with a weaker cup and gradually increase the strength as you get used to the taste.
Remove the Parsley Leaves
With a spoon, remove the infuser and discard the leaves.
If you use a press, place the plunger on top and slowly press down to separate the leaves from the tea.
Flavor your tea with lemon or a little sugar (optional).
Side Effects
The FDA generally recognizes parsley as safe (GRAS). However, consuming large amounts—more than you would typically consume in amounts commonly found in food—can be dangerous. Having a cup of tea daily is not considered a large amount, but if you make tea with parsley oil or ground parsley seeds, your intake could be much higher than normal. Individuals who consume too much parsley may experience anemia and liver or kidney problems. (Alyami F. A., & Rabah D. M. 2011) Individuals who have diabetes, fluid retention, high blood pressure, or kidney disease should talk to their doctor to see if consuming parsley is safe for them, as it may cause side effects that can worsen their condition. Patients who undergo surgery are advised to avoid parsley in the two weeks before their procedure.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic focuses on and treats injuries and chronic pain syndromes through personalized care plans that improve ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to relieve pain. Our providers use an integrated approach to create customized care plans for each patient and restore health and function to the body through nutrition and wellness, functional medicine, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and various medicine protocols. If the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, nutritionists, and health coaches to provide the most effective clinical treatments.
Optimizing Your Wellness
References
Ganea, M., Vicaș, L. G., Gligor, O., Sarac, I., Onisan, E., Nagy, C., Moisa, C., & Ghitea, T. C. (2024). Exploring the Therapeutic Efficacy of Parsley (Petroselinum crispum Mill.) as a Functional Food: Implications in Immunological Tolerability, Reduction of Muscle Cramps, and Treatment of Dermatitis. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 29(3), 608. doi.org/10.3390/molecules29030608
Alyami, F. A., & Rabah, D. M. (2011). Effect of drinking parsley leaf tea on urinary composition and urinary stones’ risk factors. Saudi journal of kidney diseases and transplantation: an official publication of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, Saudi Arabia, 22(3), 511–514.
Can incorporating rice noodles be a healthy alternative to traditional pasta for individuals looking to change their normal routine?
Rice Noodles
Several alternatives are available to replace wheat-based pasta, including:
Black beans
Chickpeas
Edamame
Lentils
Rice
Like gluten-free pasta, rice noodles are made with rice flour instead of semolina wheat. Different types of rice, such as brown and white, can be used to make rice noodles. The ingredients are typically rice flour, water, and tapioca starch for texture. Compared with wheat pasta, rice noodles have a mild flavor and texture.
Regular spaghetti noodles are made with semolina, which comes from durum wheat. Rice noodles are a healthy source of complex carbohydrates, with 41.8g of carbohydrates per serving. Individuals who follow a low-carb diet or track their carb intake should consider portion sizes when enjoying rice noodle dishes.
Fats
Rice noodles contain less than 1g of fat per serving. However, the fat content of meals may vary depending on the other ingredients, sauces, and toppings. Foods high in fat, such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados, fish, and eggs, will increase the total fat.
Protein
Rice noodles have 3.1g of protein per serving. Although they are not a significant source of protein, they can be paired with other protein sources, such as meat, fish, or tofu, to make high-protein meals.
Vitamins and Minerals
Rice noodles contain small amounts of:
Calcium
Iron
Magnesium
Zinc
Health Benefits
The noodles are an alternative to regular pasta, which can be a healthful addition to a well-balanced diet and make for a great gluten-free pasta alternative.
Energy Levels
Because they are predominantly made of carbohydrate calories, they are beneficial for increasing and sustaining energy levels.
Gluten-Free Alternative
Rice noodles are especially beneficial for individuals who follow a gluten-free diet.
Individuals with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity should read rice noodle packaging carefully to ensure it is gluten-free.
The noodles are also suitable for vegan, vegetarian, low-fat, and low-calorie diets.
Allergies
The noodles are inherently gluten-free because the main ingredient is rice flour. However, individuals with gluten intolerance should ensure no cross-contamination occurs with other non-gluten-free ingredients. Individuals with dietary allergies should check the label to see if cross-contamination may have occurred during processing or if a rice noodle product contains added allergens. Rice noodles are also free of other common allergens, including dairy, soy, eggs, fish, nuts, and wheat.
Preparation
They are cooked by boiling them in water, which rehydrates them. Once cooked, they can be used like regular pasta noodles. They are commonly used in stir-fries and Italian pasta dishes and can be used as substitutes for wheat, egg, and ramen noodles. If a recipe calls for any noodles, use rice noodles instead to change up the texture and flavor.
Storage and Safety
The noodles should be stored in a cool, dry place like the pantry. They come in vacuum-sealed packaging or boxes, so they do not need refrigeration until cooked.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic focuses on and treats injuries and chronic pain syndromes through personalized care plans that improve ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to relieve pain. Our providers use an integrated approach to create customized care plans for each patient and restore health and function to the body through nutrition and wellness, functional medicine, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and various medicine protocols. If the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, nutritionists, and health coaches to provide the most effective clinical treatments.
Can coconut be a healthier alternative food option for individuals trying to improve their health and wellness?
The Coconut
Located in the tropical regions around the world, especially in Southeast Asia, the Pacific islands, sunny coastal states in the U.S., and India, the coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is a monoecious perennial palm that has many uses for people who are looking for alternatives in their dietary needs. Known as the “tree of life,” the coconut has numerous utilities that people can incorporate from food, medicine, and household products. (Beveridge et al., 2022) The outer coconut husk is used in household items, while the coconut fruit is used for food and medicinal purposes, from antibacterial and antioxidant to containing microminerals and nutrients. (DebMandal & Mandal, 2011) This tropical fruit can be used in baked goods, skin products, and food dishes and can help restore the body’s electrolytes. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of the importance of incorporating healthy foods like coconut into a healthy diet. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate small changes into their daily dietary intake to feel good. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Nutritional Facts
With coconut being a versatile fruit, it has many nutritional benefits. It is classified as a medium-chaired saturated fat absorbed by the body differently and can help reduce LDL-Cs (low-density lipoproteins, reduce cardiovascular diseases, and improve cognitive function. (Hewlings, 2020) When it comes to the nutritional facts of eating one piece of coconut is about:
1 piece of coconut: 45g
Calories: 159
Total Fats: 15g
Saturated fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 9mg
Potassium: 160mg
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Dietary fibers: 4.1
Sugar: 2.8g
Protein: 1.5g
Coconuts are high in saturated fats and medium-chain fatty, so they can cross the blood-brain barrier and be absorbed, transported, and utilized for energy production for the body. They can also provide beneficial properties to the gut microbiome. (Fan et al., 2022) At the same time, if people drink the water from the coconut, its nutritional facts include:
1 cup of coconut water: 240g
Calories: 45
Total Fats: 0.5g
Saturated fat: 0.4g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 252mg
Potassium: 600mg
Total Carbohydrate: 9g
Dietary fiber: 2.6g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 1.7g
Food As Medicine- Video
The Health Benefits Of The Coconut
With the coconut tree being “the tree of life,” the fruit has many beneficial properties for health and wellness. For instance, using coconut oil for cooking has many advantages, such as being resistant to oxidation and polymerization due to its high saturated fatty acid content, being consumed at low levels, and reducing cardiovascular diseases. (Schwingshackl & Schlesinger, 2023) At the same time, when people start to use coconut oil for part of their cooking, they will notice that their body weight decreases. (Duarte et al., 2022). Below are other beneficial properties when people start incorporating coconut into their diet.
Replenish Electrolytes
Many people starting to work out or are physically active can utilize coconut water to replace sports drinks to replenish their electrolytes. When a person is exercising and sweating profusely, water and sodium levels are depleted, thus compromising the cardiovascular system’s ability to maintain a person’s exercise performance. (O’Brien et al., 2023) Hence, drinking coconut water can help rehydrate the body and replenish those electrolytes. At the same time, incorporating a bit of citrus fruit can provide extra health benefits and enhance the flavor of coconut water.
Reduces Blood Sugar
Coconuts can also help lower blood sugar levels, and for diabetic individuals, it can help reduce their blood glucose to healthy levels, regulate their carbohydrate metabolism, and improve their antioxidant capacity to reduce any comorbidities associated with diabetes. (Dai et al., 2021) Additionally, many diabetic individuals can substitute regular sugar with coconut sugar as it has a high nutritional value and a low glycemic index that can be beneficial to moderate glucose absorption. (Saraiva et al., 2023)
Adding Coconut To Your Diet
Many people can incorporate coconut into their diet by eating the fruit, drinking the coconut water, and utilizing it for smoothies and baked goods. By adding coconut to a healthy diet, many people can get their healthy fats in moderation, their electrolytes replenished, and enjoy eating clean, healthy foods. Making small changes by incorporating foods that have antioxidants into a healthy diet can help many people eat healthier and have more energy. At the same time, when people incorporate physical activity with their diet, they will begin to notice small positive changes in themselves and their bodies, thus leading happy, healthier lives.
References
Beveridge, F. C., Kalaipandian, S., Yang, C., & Adkins, S. W. (2022). Fruit Biology of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.). Plants (Basel), 11(23). doi.org/10.3390/plants11233293
Dai, Y., Peng, L., Zhang, X., Wu, Q., Yao, J., Xing, Q., Zheng, Y., Huang, X., Chen, S., & Xie, Q. (2021). Effects of coconut water on blood sugar and retina of rats with diabetes. PeerJ, 9, e10667. doi.org/10.7717/peerj.10667
DebMandal, M., & Mandal, S. (2011). Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.: Arecaceae): in health promotion and disease prevention. Asian Pac J Trop Med, 4(3), 241-247. doi.org/10.1016/S1995-7645(11)60078-3
Duarte, A. C., Spiazzi, B. F., Zingano, C. P., Merello, E. N., Wayerbacher, L. F., Teixeira, P. P., Farenzena, L. P., de Araujo, C., Amazarray, C. R., Colpani, V., & Gerchman, F. (2022). The effects of coconut oil on the cardiometabolic profile: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Lipids Health Dis, 21(1), 83. doi.org/10.1186/s12944-022-01685-z
Fan, L., Zhu, X., Sun, S., Yu, C., Huang, X., Ness, R., Dugan, L. L., Shu, L., Seidner, D. L., Murff, H. J., Fodor, A. A., Azcarate-Peril, M. A., Shrubsole, M. J., & Dai, Q. (2022). Ca:Mg ratio, medium-chain fatty acids, and the gut microbiome. Clin Nutr, 41(11), 2490-2499. doi.org/10.1016/j.clnu.2022.08.031
Hewlings, S. (2020). Coconuts and Health: Different Chain Lengths of Saturated Fats Require Different Consideration. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis, 7(4). doi.org/10.3390/jcdd7040059
O’Brien, B. J., Bell, L. R., Hennessy, D., Denham, J., & Paton, C. D. (2023). Coconut Water: A Sports Drink Alternative? Sports (Basel), 11(9). doi.org/10.3390/sports11090183
Saraiva, A., Carrascosa, C., Ramos, F., Raheem, D., Lopes, M., & Raposo, A. (2023). Coconut Sugar: Chemical Analysis and Nutritional Profile; Health Impacts; Safety and Quality Control; Food Industry Applications. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 20(4). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043671
Schwingshackl, L., & Schlesinger, S. (2023). Coconut Oil and Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Curr Atheroscler Rep, 25(5), 231-236. doi.org/10.1007/s11883-023-01098-y
Can individuals incorporate nutritional snacks to consume before and after to have an effective workout and abundant energy?
How Can Exercise Help The Body?
When many people start thinking about their health and how to improve it, they usually begin exercising and eating healthier around the last week before the new year to jumpstart their health and wellness journey. These small changes can help the body tremendously as environmental factors like stress, physical inactivity, and various lifestyles can negatively impact the body, thus leading to stress and environmental factors. For individuals dealing with musculoskeletal disorders or autoimmune disorders, exercises and a healthy diet filled with nutritional foods can help mitigate pain-like symptoms and overlapping risk profiles. For individuals with low back pain, core stabilization exercises can help reduce pain and disability while improving core muscle activation to strengthen weak muscles. (Nayyab et al., 2021) As a non-surgical therapy, everyone can exercise for the body, which can help many people reduce any chronic diseases and issues they are dealing with. (Vina et al., 2012) At the same time, a person can exercise at any fitness level by incorporating the right amount of healthy snacks before and after a good workout. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of the importance of having healthy snacks before and after working out to replenish the body and have energy throughout the day. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate small changes into their daily routine to restore energy through healthy snacking. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Secrets of Optimal Wellness- Video
Pre- & Post Workout Benefits
When starting to work out, it is important to ensure that the body is properly fueled with the proper carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats that can be converted into energy to perform any exercise routines at full capacity. For athletic individuals, nutrition is closely connected with physical activity and the timing of when the body uses that energy. (Januszko & Lange, 2021) Hence, it is important for individuals starting to work out to consume enough energy through nutritional foods in a pre-workout environment. Pre-workout supplementation can help significantly improve greater changes in body composition and strength. (Cabre et al., 2022) Pre-workouts have benefited from increasing energy, enhancing strength and endurance, and reducing muscle fatigue through supplementation and healthy snacks that give people energy. Post-workouts can help with muscle recovery, and post-workout snacks can help maintain the body’s energy levels throughout the day.
Pre-Workout Snacks
Many dietary supplements for pre-workouts can help with health and performance improvement as they help increase muscle mass and strength while providing energy when exercising. (Brisebois et al., 2022) At the same time, incorporating carbohydrates can provide glycogen energy stored in the liver to provide muscle energy. (Henselmans et al., 2022) It is important to note that eating an hour before working out can give beneficial results. Some of the snacks many people can make and eat before working out include:
Chocolate milk with banana
Frozen grapes
Granola bar
Pretzels
Post Workout Snacks
It is important to restore and maintain that energy in the body when it comes to post-workout snacks after an intense workout. Many athletic and non-athletic individuals can incorporate nutritional carbohydrates and proteins to improve their physiological and biochemical adaptations to promote faster recovery and maintain the body’s hydration status. (Baroni et al., 2023) For instance, coconut water can be an alternative to sports drinks to replenish the body’s electrolytes. (O’Brien et al., 2023) Some of the post-workout snacks that are packed with protein and healthy carbs include:
Smoothies made with fruits, Greek yogurt, and protein powders
Chocolate milk with almonds
Crackers with string cheese
Cottage cheese
References
Baroni, L., Pelosi, E., Giampieri, F., & Battino, M. (2023). The VegPlate for Sports: A Plant-Based Food Guide for Athletes. Nutrients, 15(7). doi.org/10.3390/nu15071746
Brisebois, M., Kramer, S., Lindsay, K. G., Wu, C. T., & Kamla, J. (2022). Dietary practices and supplement use among CrossFit(R) participants. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 19(1), 316-335. doi.org/10.1080/15502783.2022.2086016
Cabre, H. E., Gordon, A. N., Patterson, N. D., & Smith-Ryan, A. E. (2022). Evaluation of pre-workout and recovery formulations on body composition and performance after a 6-week high-intensity training program. Front Nutr, 9, 1016310. doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1016310
Henselmans, M., Bjornsen, T., Hedderman, R., & Varvik, F. T. (2022). The Effect of Carbohydrate Intake on Strength and Resistance Training Performance: A Systematic Review. Nutrients, 14(4). doi.org/10.3390/nu14040856
Januszko, P., & Lange, E. (2021). Nutrition, supplementation and weight reduction in combat sports: a review. AIMS Public Health, 8(3), 485-498. doi.org/10.3934/publichealth.2021038
Nayyab, I., Ghous, M., Shakil Ur Rehman, S., & Yaqoob, I. (2021). The effects of an exercise programme for core muscle strengthening in patients with low back pain after Caesarian-section: A single blind randomized controlled trial. J Pak Med Assoc, 71(5), 1319-1325. doi.org/10.47391/JPMA.596
O’Brien, B. J., Bell, L. R., Hennessy, D., Denham, J., & Paton, C. D. (2023). Coconut Water: A Sports Drink Alternative? Sports (Basel), 11(9). doi.org/10.3390/sports11090183
Vina, J., Sanchis-Gomar, F., Martinez-Bello, V., & Gomez-Cabrera, M. C. (2012). Exercise acts as a drug; the pharmacological benefits of exercise. Br J Pharmacol, 167(1), 1-12. doi.org/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2012.01970.x
Can mustard be a low-calorie alternative to higher-fat condiments for individuals trying to reduce calorie intake?
Mustard
Prepared mustard is a common condiment used around the country. It is a low-calorie, highly flavored condiment that can replace more calorie-dense options. The familiar condiment combines mustard seeds with vinegar, salt, lemon, and other ingredients. There are also different varieties made from brown or black mustard seeds.
Health Benefits
Mustard is considered healthy because it contains antioxidants that provide various health benefits, including anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. (Mazumder A., Dwivedi A., & du Plessis J. 2016) Although not associated with significant health benefits, mustard is a low-calorie alternative to many higher-fat condiments, like mayonnaise. Different types of mustard seeds are used for health purposes. For example, some herbalists use white mustard seeds to clear the throat when mixed with honey (Ewing, Sarah, 1999). Antioxidants include isothiocyanates and sinigrin.
Isothiocyanates, the oil that gives mustard its pungent taste, have anti-cancer properties for breast, lung, GI tract, and prostate cancers.
However, the mechanism remains unclear, and more research is needed to determine the efficacy of mustard’s health benefits for cancer.
Isothiocyanates may also help manage diabetes and reduce unhealthy cholesterol, providing cardiovascular protection and neurological benefits that may help autistic individuals. More research is needed. (Palliyaguru D. et al., 2018)
Sinigrin is another antioxidant. Research shows this antioxidant has anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. (Mazumder A., Dwivedi A., & du Plessis J. 2016)
Nutrition
A single serving is usually about a teaspoon. A serving of prepared yellow and spicy mustard provides only about three calories. (U.S. Department of Agriculture, 2019) Its nutritional profile includes a rich supply of essential minerals, including calcium, iron, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. It is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, tryptophan, phosphorus, iron, and protein. The seeds are also a very good source of selenium. Most calories come from carbohydrates, but because the calorie count is so low, these carbohydrates are not likely to significantly affect daily intake. Dijon mustard may provide more calories. A single serving of Dijon may contain up to 10 calories.
Preparation and Storage
Yellow mustard and Dijon are easy to find. Try course mustard varieties with distinct textures and seeds. Buy in small quantities, as mustard can lose flavor with time. Once opened, store in the refrigerator for up to one year. Mustard imparts a strong, spicy taste that pairs well with meat and seafood and can also be used to make salad dressings.
Side Effects
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recognizes mustard as safe (GRAS). Eating too much can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and gut inflammation. However, mustard and mustard seed allergies are not uncommon. Symptoms may be mild or severe and generally appear shortly after consuming the product. Individuals may experience a rash or a tingly, itchy feeling in the mouth. Difficulty breathing is also possible. Other foods derived from the mustard plant, including leaves, seeds, flowers, sprouted seeds, oil, and foods that contain these, are likely to cause reactions in those with mustard allergies.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic focuses on and treats injuries and chronic pain syndromes through personalized care plans that improve ability through flexibility, mobility, and agility programs to relieve pain. Our providers use an integrated approach to create customized care plans for each patient and restore health and function to the body through nutrition and wellness, functional medicine, acupuncture, Electroacupuncture, and sports medicine protocols. If the individual needs other treatment, they will be referred to a clinic or physician best suited for them. Dr. Jimenez has teamed up with top surgeons, clinical specialists, medical researchers, nutritionists, and health coaches to provide the most effective clinical treatments.
Enhancing Health Together
References
Mazumder, A., Dwivedi, A., & du Plessis, J. (2016). Sinigrin and Its Therapeutic Benefits. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 21(4), 416. doi.org/10.3390/molecules21040416
Palliyaguru, D. L., Yuan, J. M., Kensler, T. W., & Fahey, J. W. (2018). Isothiocyanates: Translating the Power of Plants to People. Molecular nutrition & food research, 62(18), e1700965. doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201700965
Can individuals dealing with gut issues incorporate the beneficial properties of probiotics and prebiotics to improve body function?
How The Gut Works Together With The Body
When many individuals are dealing with chronic issues that are causing referred pain in their bodies, it could be an issue that is affecting their gut system. Have you experienced unpredictable food reactions that make you unable to enjoy your favorite meal or food item anymore? Do you notice any abdominal swelling after a heavy meal? Or have you been more constipated and found it difficult to go to the bathroom? This is because the gut system is the second brain of the human body. The gastrointestinal (GI) system provides many beneficial properties to the host and the human body. It helps strengthen the gut’s integrity, harvest and give energy, protect the body from foreign pathogens, and regulate the immune system. (Thursby & Juge, 2017) Inside the gut system is home to trillions of bacteria that help transport the nutrients and vitamins of food to different areas of the body. This, in turn, gives the individual the energy to be mobile and complete their daily activities. However, environmental factors like illnesses, stress, bad dietary habits, and lifestyles can cause the gut ecosystem to undergo abnormal changes, causing gut dysbiosis. (Zhang et al., 2015)
When environmental factors impact the body, especially the gut system, the immune system produces inflammatory cytokines caused by certain bacteria. Once certain structural component bacteria strains trigger inflammation, it can cause a cascade of inflammatory pathways to affect the entire body, causing the individual to experience pain and discomfort. (Al Bander et al., 2020) Additionally, gut dysbiosis can also be associated with the occurrence of several chronic metabolic diseases that are developed. (Xiong et al., 2023) Fortunately, there are numerous ways people can reduce the impact of gut dysbiosis and help restore normal body function by including probiotics and prebiotics. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of how the gut system can affect the body when environmental factors impact it. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate various probiotic and prebiotic foods to help regulate healthy bacteria back to the gut and reduce pain and discomfort in the body. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Nutrition Fundamentals- Video
Probiotic & Prebiotic Foods For The Gut
Now, when it comes to the gut system, it is important to know that trillions of bacteria help with gut regulation. When environmental factors cause various issues, it can cause pain and discomfort to the rest of the body. Hence, incorporating probiotics and prebiotics can help regulate the gut and reduce the impact of harmful bacteria from affecting the body. As part of a healthy diet, probiotics have the potential to regulate gut microbiota by affecting the intestinal microbial dynamics and homeostasis, thus influencing the intestines and distill organs physiology. (Kim et al., 2021) Additionally, when a person is incorporating probiotics and prebiotics to regulate their gut, it can be used to help manipulate the host’s microbiota while being used for potential therapeutic strategies. (Radford-Smith & Anthony, 2023) Some of the foods that have probiotics and prebiotics include:
Jicama
Bananas
Garlic
Miso
Kimchi
Yogurt
How Probiotics & Prebiotics Improve Body Function
When people start to incorporate prebiotics and probiotics, they will notice an increased abundance of health-promoting bacteria that can increase microbiome diversity and metabolic pathways that can affect the qualitative and quantitative changes of the gut composition. (Jager et al., 2019) Different bacterial strains can have various properties that can help with the gastrointestinal microbiome diversity and improve the body through metabolic support.
Conclusion
So, when people think about their health and wellness, the best place to start is with the gut by adding prebiotics and probiotics as part of a healthy diet. This, in turn, can help the loss of beneficial bacteria that have been affected by environmental factors and can help reduce the inflammatory effects of chronic illnesses. Making these small changes can be helpful to one’s health and well-being and allow many people to come up with tasty food combinations to improve gut health and metabolic pathways.
References
Al Bander, Z., Nitert, M. D., Mousa, A., & Naderpoor, N. (2020). The Gut Microbiota and Inflammation: An Overview. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 17(20). doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17207618
Jager, R., Mohr, A. E., Carpenter, K. C., Kerksick, C. M., Purpura, M., Moussa, A., Townsend, J. R., Lamprecht, M., West, N. P., Black, K., Gleeson, M., Pyne, D. B., Wells, S. D., Arent, S. M., Smith-Ryan, A. E., Kreider, R. B., Campbell, B. I., Bannock, L., Scheiman, J.,…Antonio, J. (2019). International Society of Sports Nutrition Position Stand: Probiotics. J Int Soc Sports Nutr, 16(1), 62. doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0329-0
Kim, C. S., Cha, L., Sim, M., Jung, S., Chun, W. Y., Baik, H. W., & Shin, D. M. (2021). Probiotic Supplementation Improves Cognitive Function and Mood with Changes in Gut Microbiota in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Trial. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 76(1), 32-40. doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaa090
Radford-Smith, D. E., & Anthony, D. C. (2023). Prebiotic and Probiotic Modulation of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Depression. Nutrients, 15(8). doi.org/10.3390/nu15081880
Thursby, E., & Juge, N. (2017). Introduction to the human gut microbiota. Biochem J, 474(11), 1823-1836. doi.org/10.1042/BCJ20160510
Xiong, R. G., Li, J., Cheng, J., Zhou, D. D., Wu, S. X., Huang, S. Y., Saimaiti, A., Yang, Z. J., Gan, R. Y., & Li, H. B. (2023). The Role of Gut Microbiota in Anxiety, Depression, and Other Mental Disorders as Well as the Protective Effects of Dietary Components. Nutrients, 15(14). doi.org/10.3390/nu15143258
Zhang, Y. J., Li, S., Gan, R. Y., Zhou, T., Xu, D. P., & Li, H. B. (2015). Impacts of gut bacteria on human health and diseases. Int J Mol Sci, 16(4), 7493-7519. doi.org/10.3390/ijms16047493
Can many individuals with sleep issues incorporate natural botanicals to get a good night’s sleep and reduce stress?
Why Sleep Is Important?
Often, many people are constantly on the move and trying to find ways to rest and relax; however, in today’s world, many individuals are still experiencing various sleep issues that are not fulfilling them to achieve the full 8 hours of restful sleep. How often have you experienced fatigue throughout the day due to staying up late working on a project? Do you doom scroll on your phone while lying in bed at night that you accidentally stayed up late? Or do chronic health issues keep you up at night, which makes sleep difficult? When it comes to understanding why sleep is important, many people do not realize that sleep plays a huge role in cognitive functioning, mental health, and creativity. (Charest & Grandner, 2020) When environmental factors start to impact the body over time, it can lead to the development of sleep disorders. Environmental factors like stress can affect the circadian rhythm, causing dysregulation and sleep disorders. (Agorastos & Olff, 2021) However, there is some good news: there are various natural ways to help relax the body, get the full recommended amount of sleep without medications, and even help many people stay asleep longer. We associate with certified medical providers who inform our patients of the benefits of getting the full recommended amounts of sleep to reduce the stress affecting the body. While asking important questions to our associated medical providers, we advise patients to integrate natural ways to reduce stress and sleep disorders to ensure proper sleeping habits. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., envisions this information as an academic service. Disclaimer.
Balancing Body & Metabolism- Video
Natural Botanicals & Remedies To Promote Sleep
When it comes to incorporating healthy sleeping habits, many individuals have found natural remedies to not only stay asleep but also reduce any stressors associated with environmental factors. Many people trying to make small changes in their sleeping habits can do some of the following:
Have the room be in a comfortable, cool temperature
Additionally, herbal botanicals can help relax the body and ensure proper sleep. Almost all natural botanicals are found in teas and supplements at the local grocery store. Below are some botanicals that can help many individuals get quality sleep.
Valerian
As a native to Europe and Asia, valerian is a perennial flowering plant with a unique and long history in traditional medicine, as it is used as a sedative and an anxiolytic. However, it has many sleep-promoting effects. (Yeom & Cho, 2024) The unique characteristic of valerian is that it interacts with the neurotransmitter GABA, as it is used to reduce sleep onset latency and increase sleep quality. (Bruni et al., 2021) The valerian plant can be utilized in a tea or a supplement as it is given to individuals for about 2 weeks at a time for its beneficial effects to start to work.
Ashwagandha
Known as winter cherry and located in India, ashwagandha has numerous health properties that can help many people with multiple ailments. The entire plant has been marketed in many forms and is common in pills and capsules as it possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. (Cheah et al., 2021) Additionally, ashwagandha in small dosages can help improve cognitive function and immunity and reduce cortisol levels to help relax the body. (Park et al., 2023) Sleep can come easily to the individual when the body is relaxed after taking ashwagandha.
Chamomile
A common herb that can be used in teas, oils, or extracts, chamomile has been used as a sedative, mild analgesic, and sleep medication as it induces relaxation. (“Chamomile,” 2012) In tea form, this herb can become the most relaxing drink to sip at night and make a person sleepy. At the same time, when people drink chamomile, its soothing, beneficial properties can relieve and target the receptors in their central nervous system, causing them to be stressed and anxious, thus calming them down.
Lavender
As one of the most popular herbs everyone uses, from teas to aromatherapy, lavender is a multipurpose plant with many beneficial properties that can help anyone. Lavender has two main components, linalool, and linalyl, with sedative, antinociceptive, and anti-spasmolytic effects to stimulate the parasympathetic system. (Hamzeh et al., 2020) This, in turn, can help relax the body with its calming aroma and provide beneficial results for individuals dealing with insomnia. In its essential oil form, lavender can help increase the total amount of NREM (non-rapid eye movement) and reinforce a person’s sleep ability. (Ren et al., 2025) By making small changes and incorporating these natural botanicals to provide better sleep quality, many people will notice their bodies becoming more relaxed, their minds less anxious, and finally get that full 8 hours of sleep they deserve because sleep is for everyone, not the weak.
References
Agorastos, A., & Olff, M. (2021). Sleep, circadian system and traumatic stress. Eur J Psychotraumatol, 12(1), 1956746. doi.org/10.1080/20008198.2021.1956746
Bruni, O., Ferini-Strambi, L., Giacomoni, E., & Pellegrino, P. (2021). Herbal Remedies and Their Possible Effect on the GABAergic System and Sleep. Nutrients, 13(2). doi.org/10.3390/nu13020530
Charest, J., & Grandner, M. A. (2020). Sleep and Athletic Performance: Impacts on Physical Performance, Mental Performance, Injury Risk and Recovery, and Mental Health. Sleep Med Clin, 15(1), 41-57. doi.org/10.1016/j.jsmc.2019.11.005
Cheah, K. L., Norhayati, M. N., Husniati Yaacob, L., & Abdul Rahman, R. (2021). Effect of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) extract on sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE, 16(9), e0257843. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257843
Hamzeh, S., Safari-Faramani, R., & Khatony, A. (2020). Effects of Aromatherapy with Lavender and Peppermint Essential Oils on the Sleep Quality of Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med, 2020, 7480204. doi.org/10.1155/2020/7480204
Park, C. W., Hong, K. B., Suh, H. J., & Ahn, Y. (2023). Sleep-promoting activity of amylase-treated Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal) root extract via GABA receptors. J Food Drug Anal, 31(2), 278-288. doi.org/10.38212/2224-6614.3456
Ren, Y. L., Chu, W. W., Yang, X. W., Xin, L., Gao, J. X., Yan, G. Z., Wang, C., Chen, Y. N., Xie, J. F., Spruyt, K., Lin, J. S., Hou, Y. P., & Shao, Y. F. (2025). Lavender improves sleep through olfactory perception and GABAergic neurons of the central amygdala. J Ethnopharmacol, 337(Pt 3), 118942. doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118942
Yeom, J. W., & Cho, C. H. (2024). Herbal and Natural Supplements for Improving Sleep: A Literature Review. Psychiatry Investig, 21(8), 810-821. doi.org/10.30773/pi.2024.0121
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