For individuals, does knowing about food condiments nutritional values help with overall health?
Food Condiments
Condiment options go beyond the standard mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard. Today there are various options to use as toppers, to marinate, tenderize, increase flavor, and add an appeal to the dish. Most condiments don’t provide much nutrition, but some do contain healthy ingredients like herbs, spices, heart-healthy fats, and antioxidants.
Healthy
The food condiments that are made the healthiest are those that are low in calories and unhealthy fat and they are made with less or no processed additives and quality ingredients that provide health benefits.
Pico de Gallo
This is a low-calorie, low-fat, nutrient-dense salsa that can zest up any meal.
It is made with tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and lime.
Easily make your own to control sodium levels.
Top salads, vegetables, or protein with the salsa to add flavor.
Use as a dip for fresh raw vegetables as a snack.
Mustard
Mustard is a very low-calorie – 5 calories in 1 teaspoon, low-carbohydrate, and fat-free condiment that can increase the flavor of food by adding a sweet, sour, or spicy kick.
Most traditional mustards – yellow and spicy – are made with mustard seed, distilled vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, spices, and turmeric.
This means that mustard contains little or insignificant calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrate in one serving.
Studies have shown that turmeric can provide health benefits from a compound called curcumin.
Preclinical studies suggest that curcumin can act as an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. (Abrahams S, et al., 2019)
Flavored mustards, like honey flavor, can contain added sugars, therefore, it is recommended to read the label before eating.
Balsamic, red or white wine or apple cider vinegar can be used on side dishes, salads, sandwiches, and to marinate.
This condiment ranges from 0 calories to 10 calories per tablespoon and contains no sodium.
Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar can reduce fasting blood sugar in individuals at risk for type 2 diabetes. (Johnston CS, Quagliano S, White S. 2013)
Hot Sauce
Hot sauce is made from red chili peppers.
Top eggs, vegetables, or whole grains with a few dashes.
Studies suggest that adding spice can help satisfy hunger, help curb appetite and possibly speed up metabolism. (Emily Siebert, et al., 2022)
Read labels as sauces can contain added sugars.
Ketchup
Because of its carbohydrate and sugar content, ketchup is a condiment that needs to be portion-controlled, especially for individuals with diabetes who are following a modified nutritional plan.
Although much of the fat is unsaturated/healthy type, it can be hard to portion control this food condiment, which can result in excess calorie intake.
Barbecue Sauce
Barbecue sauce is moderate in calories, around 60 in two tablespoons, but it can contain a large amount of sodium and sugar.
Most brands can contain 10 to 13 grams of sugar/equivalent to 3 teaspoons and 280 to 350 milligrams of sodium.
The recommended serving size is two tablespoons.
Individuals trying to watch calorie and sugar intake are recommended to stick to one serving.
Sour Cream
Sour cream contains 60 calories and 6 grams of fat in two tablespoons.
Regularly consuming saturated fat has been linked with heart disease, high cholesterol, and diabetes.
A healthy substitute for sour cream can be a tablespoon or two of low-fat or non-fat plain Greek yogurt.
Regardless of the healthy or non-healthy food condiments, it is recommended not to drown the food in them and stick to the recommended serving sizes.
Benefits of Healthy Diet and Chiropractic Care
References
Abrahams, S., Haylett, W. L., Johnson, G., Carr, J. A., & Bardien, S. (2019). Antioxidant effects of curcumin in models of neurodegeneration, aging, oxidative and nitrosative stress: A review. Neuroscience, 406, 1–21. doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroscience.2019.02.020
Spicy brown mustard. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Johnston CS, Quagliano S, White S. Vinegar ingestion at mealtime reduced fasting blood glucose concentrations in healthy adults at risk for type 2 diabetes. J Funct Foods. 2013;5(4):2007-2011. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2013.08.003
Siebert, E., Lee, S. Y., & Prescott, M. P. (2022). Chili pepper preference development and its impact on dietary intake: A narrative review. Frontiers in nutrition, 9, 1039207. doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1039207
Ketchup. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Caesar dressing. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Vinaigrette. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Mayonnaise. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Sour cream, regular. FoodData Central. U.S. Department of Agriculture.
A nerve becomes pinched/compressed when added pressure is placed on it by surrounding structures that can include muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, or a combination. This injures and damages the nerve causing function problems and symptoms and sensations in that area or other parts of the body that are supplied by that nerve. Medical practitioners refer to this as nerve compression or entrapment. Although compressed nerves are more commonly associated with the neck, arms, hands, elbows, and lower back, any nerve in the body can experience irritation, spasms, inflammation, and compression. The causes and treatment of a compressed nerve in the knee.
Compressed Nerve In The Knee
There’s only one nerve that goes through the knee that has an increased risk of getting compressed. It’s a branch of the sciatic nerve called the peroneal nerve. The nerve goes around the outside of the knee before traveling down the outside of the lower leg. At the bottom of the knee, it lies between the bone and skin, making it vulnerable to irritation or compression by anything that can put pressure on the outside of the knee.
Causes
Traumatic injuries over time can lead to pressure on the nerve from inside the knee. Common causes of a compressed nerve in the knee include:
Frequently Crossing Legs
Compression by the opposite knee, while the legs are crossed is the most common cause.
Knee Brace
A too-tight or strong brace can compress the leg and nerve.
Thigh-High Compression Stockings
Designed to maintain pressure on the legs, if too tight these stockings can compress the nerve.
Squatting Posture For Long Periods
This position places pressure on the side of the knee.
Fractures
A fracture of the large lower leg bone/tibia or sometimes the small bone/fibula near the knee can entrap the nerve.
Lower Leg Cast
The portion of the cast around the knee can be tight and compress the nerve.
Tell the doctor if a cast or brace feels tight or is causing numbness or pain in the leg.
Knee-High Boots
The top of a boot can land right below the knee and be too tight pinching the nerve.
Knee Ligament Injury
The nerve can become compressed due to bleeding or inflammation from an injured ligament.
Knee Surgery Complications
This is rare, but the nerve can inadvertently get pinched during knee replacement surgery or an arthroscopic procedure.
Prolonged Bed Rest
When lying down the legs tend to rotate outward and the knees flex.
In this position, the mattress can place pressure on the nerve.
Tumors or Cysts
Tumors or cysts can develop right on top or next to a nerve irritating and compressing the area.
Abdominal or Gynecologic Surgery
The equipment used to keep the legs rotated outward and the knees flexed for gynecologic and abdominal surgeries can compress the nerve.
Symptoms
The peroneal nerve supplies sensation and movement to the outside of the lower leg and the top of the foot. When compressed, it becomes inflamed, which causes the symptoms of a compressed nerve. Usually, only the lining/myelin sheath around the nerve is what gets injured. However, when the nerve gets damaged, the symptoms are similar but more severe. Common symptoms include:
Weakness that limits the ability to lift the foot toward the leg aka dorsiflexion.
This causes dragging the foot when walking.
The ability to turn the foot outward and extend the big toe is also affected.
Symptoms can be felt on the outside of the lower leg and on the top of the foot and include:
Tingling or pins and needles sensations.
Numbness.
Loss of sensation.
Pain.
Burning.
For individuals that have had a pinched nerve for two or more weeks, the muscles supplied by the nerve can begin to waste away or atrophy.
Symptoms can be intermittent or continuous depending on the cause.
The other common cause is a pinched nerve in the lumbar/lower spine.
When this is the cause, sensations, and pain will present in the lower back or the back and outside of the thigh.
Diagnosis
A doctor will look at medical history and perform an examination to make a diagnosis, determine the cause, and lay out a personalized treatment plan. The nerve in the knee can be felt as it travels around the top of the tibia, so a doctor may tap on it. If there is shooting pain down the leg, a pinched nerve may be present. Tests a doctor may order can include:
Knee X-ray
Shows any bone fractures or abnormal masses.
Knee MRI
Can confirm the diagnosis
Shows masses within the nerve.
Shows details of fractures or other problems in the bones.
Electromyogram – EMG
Tests electrical activity in the muscles.
Nerve Conduction Test
Tests the signal speed of the nerve.
Treatment
Treatment is aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility.
Over-the-Counter Pain Medication
OTC medication can reduce inflammation and improve symptoms short term.
Ice and Heat
Applying either heat or ice for 15 to 20 minutes at a time can provide relief from the symptoms.
An ice pack can make symptoms worse if it adds more pressure on the nerve.
Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
Chiropractic and physical therapy can release the compressed nerve, realign the structures, strengthen the muscles, and provide gait training.
Orthotic Boot
If walking gait is affected because the foot cannot bend, an orthotic boot can help.
This is a support that maintains the foot in a neutral position to walk normally.
Corticosteroid Injection
A corticosteroid injection can reduce inflammation and relieve pressure on the nerve.
Surgery
The nerve can suffer permanent damage if it has been pinched for a long time.
If that happens, surgery cannot repair the damage.
A doctor can perform surgery to correct a fracture, tumor, or other invasive problem causing a compressed nerve.
If conservative treatment doesn’t work, a peroneal nerve decompression procedure can be done to remove the pressure.
If surgery is needed, symptoms can disappear immediately, but it takes around four months to recover and rehabilitate.
Injury Rehabilitation
References
Krych, Aaron J et al. “Is peroneal nerve injury associated with worse function after knee dislocation?.” Clinical orthopedics and related research vol. 472,9 (2014): 2630-6. doi:10.1007/s11999-014-3542-9
Lezak B, Massel DH, Varacallo M. Peroneal Nerve Injury. [Updated 2022 Nov 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549859/
Soltani Mohammadi, Sussan, et al. “Comparing the squatting position and traditional sitting position for ease of spinal needle placement: a randomized clinical trial.” Anesthesiology and pain medicine vol. 4,2 e13969. 5 Apr. 2014, doi:10.5812/aapm.13969
Stanitski, C L. “Rehabilitation following knee injury.” Clinics in sports medicine vol. 4,3 (1985): 495-511.
Xu, Lin, et al. Zhongguo gu Shang = China Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology vol. 33,11 (2020): 1071-5. doi:10.12200/j.issn.1003-0034.2020.11.017
Yacub, Jennifer N et al. “Nerve injury in patients after hip and knee arthroplasties and knee arthroscopy.” American Journal of physical medicine & Rehabilitation vol. 88,8 (2009): 635-41; quiz 642-4, 691. doi:10.1097/PHM.0b013e3181ae0c9d
The human body is about 60% to 75% water. Adequate hydration is necessary to flush toxins from the body, is essential for cognition, prevents dehydration, and provides energy. It can reduce headache onset and aid in weight management. With the summer heat kicking in, it is imperative to replenish the body’s systems from lost sources with water, other rehydrating beverages, and fruits and vegetables. It can be difficult for individuals to drink enough water, making it feel like a chore. Drinking lime water by adding a slice of lime or lime juice can add flavor with beneficial properties for everyday health, nutritional properties, and only a trace amount of sugar.
Lime Water
Citrus fruits offer anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and can help protect the cardiovascular system. Limes can provide a sour boost and a refreshing twist to a cold glass of water.
Lime Nutrition
Limes provide an excellent source of antioxidants that protect the body by preventing or stopping cell damage caused by free radicals or chemicals. Limes contain:
Calcium
Potassium
Magnesium
Vitamins A, B, C, and D
Digestion and Gut Health
Drinking lime water improves digestion.
The acidic nature of limes causes salivation, which is good for breaking down food for better digestion.
Flavonoids in limes stimulate the secretion of digestive juices to regulate different gut physiology in the gastrointestinal tract. They also stimulate the secretion of:
Gut hormones
Digestive juices
Gut microbiota
These play an important role in immune function to fight the growth of certain harmful bacteria that can lead to infection.
The acidity of limes can clear the excretory system and stimulate bowel activity for individuals experiencing constipation.
For individuals with frequent heartburn or acid reflux, drinking a glass of warm water with two teaspoons of lime juice 30 minutes before meals can help prevent reflux symptoms.
Fight Infections
The body’s risk of infection is higher during cold and flu season.
Vitamin C and antioxidants can strengthen the immune system to help the body fight off infections like the cold and flu virus.
Individuals who take vitamin C regularly may see milder symptoms and shorten the duration of a cold.
Improve Cardiovascular Health
Limes are a good source of magnesium and potassium for heart health.
Potassium can naturally lower blood pressure and improve blood circulation, which reduces the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
Research is ongoing on lime compounds called limonins that could help reduce cholesterol levels.
Lower Blood Sugar
Limes can be helpful for individuals with diabetes.
Limes have a low glycemic index.
They help regulate how the body absorbs sugar into the blood.
As a result, individuals may experience fewer spikes.
Reduce Inflammation
Arthritis, gout, and other joint problems are caused by inflammation.
Vitamin C can reduce inflammation to help relieve symptoms of arthritis and similar conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness.
To start the day and increase metabolism, drink a glass of lime water in the morning or have the juice of a lime wedge before meals.
Nutrition Fundamentals
References
Bucher A, White N. Vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2016;10(3):181-183. doi:10.1177/1559827616629092
Fan, Shunming et al. “Limonin: A Review of Its Pharmacology, Toxicity, and Pharmacokinetics.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) vol. 24,20 3679. 12 Oct. 2019, doi:10.3390/molecules24203679
Iorgulescu, Gabriela. “Saliva between normal and pathological. Important factors in determining systemic and oral health.” Journal of Medicine and Life vol. 2,3 (2009): 303-7.
Oteiza PI, Fraga CG, Mills DA, Taft DH. Flavonoids and the gastrointestinal tract: Local and systemic effects. Mol Aspects Med. 2018;61:41-49. doi:10.1016/j.mam.2018.01.001
Panche, A N et al. “Flavonoids: an overview.” Journal of nutritional science vol. 5 e47. 29 Dec. 2016, doi:10.1017/jns.2016.41
Pattison, D J et al. “Vitamin C and the risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis: a prospective nested case-control study.” Annals of the rheumatic diseases vol. 63,7 (2004): 843-7. doi:10.1136/ard.2003.016097
Peyrot des Gachons, Catherine, and Paul A S Breslin. “Salivary Amylase: Digestion and Metabolic Syndrome.” Current diabetes reports vol. 16,10 (2016): 102. doi:10.1007/s11892-016-0794-7
The immune system is crucial in protecting the body from foreign pathogens that cause inflammation in the affected area. Cytokines produce inflammation in the body to fight off infections or bacteria. However, inflammation can be beneficial or harmful, depending on the severity of the affected area. Acute inflammation is a natural healing process that causes redness, swelling, and heat in the affected area, and it usually resolves within a few days. In contrast, chronic inflammation causes pain and damages healthy tissues, mistaking them for foreign invaders. Environmental factors can trigger chronic inflammation, leading to muscle and joint pain and other chronic conditions. Fortunately, an anti-inflammatory diet combined with soft tissue therapy can help reduce the effects of chronic inflammation. Our article today discusses how these diets work and how they can be combined with MET therapy to restore the body. We utilize and incorporate valuable information about our patients to certified medical providers using MET therapy to relieve chronic inflammation associated with the musculoskeletal system through dieting. We encourage and refer patients to associated medical providers based on their findings while supporting that education is a remarkable and fantastic way to ask our providers the essential questions at the patient’s acknowledgment. Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., comprises this information as an educational service. Disclaimer
What Are Anti-Inflammatory Diets?
Are you experiencing inflammation in your muscles, joints, or vital organs? Do you feel musculoskeletal pain or have uncertain symptoms after eating certain foods? Chronic stress, obesity, autoimmune disorders, and abdominal pain can cause chronic inflammation. These conditions may be caused by environmental factors leading to chronic inflammation. Research shows that certain dietary components can contribute to inflammation, which can be beneficial and harmful. While additional research studies reveal that incorporating lean meats, omega-3s, antioxidants, fruits, and vegetables can help minimize inflammasome activation and its negative effects on the muscles, joints, and vital organs to reduce chronic inflammation.
How Anti-Inflammatory Diets Help The Body?
Did you know that adopting an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce the effects of chronic inflammation in the body? Research studies reveal that lowering the intake of pro-inflammatory foods and increasing the consumption of unsaturated fats, fruits, and vegetables can effectively combat inflammation. While inflammation is a natural defense mechanism, excessive production of inflammatory cytokines can lead to chronic conditions. However, combining an anti-inflammatory diet with exercise or physical therapy can help reduce these cytokines and identify the underlying causes of inflammation. By consuming specific foods and vitamins, an individual can effectively reduce the progression of inflammation and prevent further damage to the body.
Understanding Inflammation- Video
Are you experiencing muscle or joint pain, tenderness, or redness in certain body areas? Do you notice that certain foods cause issues with your organs? These symptoms may be caused by inflammation affecting your body. Inflammation is a natural immune system response that releases cytokines to affected areas. When cytokines are released onto healthy tissue can lead to aggravating issues such as autoimmune disorders and chronic pain. However, there is hope. You can understand the root cause of inflammation and reduce its effects on your body. The video above provides an excellent overview of how environmental factors can cause inflammatory impacts on the body and how whole-nutritional foods and vitamins with antioxidants can help reduce pain associated with inflammation.
Anti-Inflammatory Diets & MET Therapy
According to “Clinical Application of Neuromuscular Techniques” by Judith Walker DeLany, L.M.T. and Leon Chaitow, N.D., D.O., inflammation can be a normal part of healing. Still, if left untreated, it can cause soft tissue injuries. Muscle energy techniques (MET) can help reduce inflammation by stretching soft tissues, improving joint mobility, and draining the lymphatic system. Combining MET with an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce inflammation and heal the body naturally. Here are some diets to consider merging with MET.
The Exclusion Diet
The exclusion diet is a way to identify which foods are causing negative symptoms in the body. By listing foods that cause allergic or inflammatory reactions, the doctor can create a personalized dietary plan for the patient, excluding these problem foods. After at least 3-4 weeks of avoiding these foods, reintroduce them to see if symptoms return. If they do, remove the food from the diet. This anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce muscle and joint pain associated with inflammation and is effective for many people with food sensitivities/allergies.
The Oligoantigenic Diet
The oligoantigenic diet is an anti-inflammatory diet involving whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals to reduce inflammation in individuals with severe food allergies. This diet allows the person to identify which foods are causing inflammation by removing them from their diet for a few weeks and then reintroducing them one at a time. If the symptoms return, the food can be eliminated from the diet.
Conclusion
Inflammation is a double-edged sword as it can have beneficial and harmful effects on the body depending on environmental factors and can result in musculoskeletal pain. Nevertheless, one can aid the body’s natural recovery process by consuming whole foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties and undergoing therapies that can alleviate the effects of inflammation in the musculoskeletal system. By adopting these approaches, individuals can eliminate foods and other environmental factors that may trigger chronic inflammation, enhancing their quality of life.
References
Chaitow, Leon, and Judith Walker DeLany. Clinical Applications of Neuromuscular Techniques. Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Dragan, Simona, et al. “Dietary Patterns and Interventions to Alleviate Chronic Pain.” Nutrients, 19 Aug. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551034/.
Kiecolt-Glaser, Janice K. “Stress, Food, and Inflammation: Psychoneuroimmunology and Nutrition at The Cutting Edge.” Psychosomatic Medicine, May 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2868080/.
Sears, Barry, and Asish K Saha. “Dietary Control of Inflammation and Resolution.” Frontiers in Nutrition, 10 Aug. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8382877/.
Having and maintaining flexibility in the joints depends on the connective tissues surrounding the muscles. Proper lubrication in the connective tissues enables the fibers to slide over one another easily. Naturally occurring proteins collagen and elastin are key components of connective tissue that provide strength and elasticity. The more elastic the connective tissue, the more flexibility around the joint. If it is becoming difficult to stretch out or there is chronic stiffness and tightness, there are foods that help maintain flexibility and enhance overall health.
Foods That Help Maintain Flexibility
Joint flexibility means functioning connective tissues that join the skeleton and muscles and the ability of different body parts to extend and complete motions. Connecting tissues assists with movement and stabilization. These issues include:
Ligaments
Ligamentscan be band-shaped or string-shaped collagen fibers that connect bones.
Tendons
Tendonsare similar to ligaments and are band or string shaped but connect muscles to the bones.
Fascia
Fascia is a densely woven mesh that wraps around the blood vessels, bones, muscles, organs, and nerves.
Flexibility keeps the muscles active and mobile as they are necessary for daily physical activities. When these tissues become stiff from inactivity or an unhealthy diet, it limits the body’s range of movement and increases the risk of injury. Stretching improves flexibility, and adding foods to a nutrition plan will help maintain limberness.
Nutrition
A nutrition plan full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants will nourish connecting tissues and cells and increase collagen production. Foods rich in essential fatty acids/EFAs, vitamin C, sulfur, and water will promote healthy connective tissue for enhanced flexibility.
Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids include omega-3 and omega-6, primarily found in fish, flax seeds, and liquid oils.
These fatty acids are essential because they cannot be made in the body.
Foods likefatty fish, flax seeds, walnuts, or supplements, can help achieve the proper ratio.
For individuals not too keen on fish, consider omega-3 supplements.
Collagen
Collagen is the main protein from connective tissue, and vitamin C is essential for collagen production.
Vitamin C-rich foods – oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, leafy green vegetables, raspberries, pineapple, cruciferous vegetables, parsley, and watermelon.
Make various smoothie recipes for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Sulfur helps maintain the flexible bonds in connective tissues.
Animal proteins that provide sulfur include fish, poultry, beef, and eggs.
Vegetable sources include Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, and garlic.
Hydration
Water is not considered food as it contains no calories, but it is vital as it makes up 76 percent of the muscles. A high percentage of water content is the key to muscle elasticity. When the body is dehydrated, it holds onto water, causing fluid retention and stiffness. The more the muscles stay dehydrated, the more they have trouble recovering from physical activities, fatigue levels increase, the range of motion decreases, and the risk of injury increases. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Stay hydrated throughout the day to keep the joints lubricated and energy levels high.
Fruits high in water include:
Strawberries
Watermelon
Cantaloupe
Peaches
Grapefruit
Pineapple
Apples
Pears
Vegetables high in water include:
Cucumber
Lettuce
Zucchini
Celery
Eggplant
Limit Salt and Sugar Intake
Processed foods tend to have a high salt content.
Too much salt causes the joints to swell as the body retains fluid.
Keeping sugar intake low is important in enhancing flexibility.
This is because sugar breaks down the collagen in the skin and connective tissues.
This means avoiding processed foods, ready meals, and junk food.
Flexibility can be improved by eliminating foods that destroy collagen, focusing on foods that reduce insulin spikes, and maintaining hydration in the connective tissues. A nutritionist can develop a personalized nutrition plan for optimal neuromusculoskeletal health.
Foods That Help Maintain Flexibility
References
Beba, Mohammad et al. “The effect of curcumin supplementation on delayed-onset muscle soreness, inflammation, muscle strength, and joint flexibility: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.” Phytotherapy research: PTR vol. 36,7 (2022): 2767-2778. doi:10.1002/ptr.7477
Kviatkovsky, Shiloah A et al. “Collagen peptide supplementation for pain and function: is it effective?.” Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care vol. 25,6 (2022): 401-406. doi:10.1097/MCO.0000000000000870
MacKay, Douglas, and Alan L Miller. “Nutritional support for wound healing.” Alternative medicine review: a journal of clinical therapeutic vol. 8,4 (2003): 359-77.
Shaw, Gregory, et al. “Vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis.” The American journal of clinical nutrition vol. 105,1 (2017): 136-143. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.138594
Zdzieblik, Denise, et al. “Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides.” Applied physiology, nutrition, and metabolism = Physiologie applique, nutrition et metabolism vol. 42,6 (2017): 588-595. doi:10.1139/apnm-2016-0390
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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents how anti-inflammatory botanicals and phytochemicals can reduce inflammatory cytokines that can cause pain-like issues in the body. We dive into how different pharmaceuticals could influence NF-kappaB and how chronic conditions can affect inflammation. We refer our patients to certified providers that incorporate techniques and multiple therapies for many individuals suffering from inflammation, and its correlating symptoms can affect the musculoskeletal system. We encourage and appreciate 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
How Does The Body Deal With Inflammation
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: Our objectives are to look at the evidence for using selective phytochemicals and botanicals as anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Controlled studies have grown into mass numbers over the years, and we can feel more confident in some of their findings because a lot of these studies have been done with good-quality investigators and well-designed studies. And even though we get those studies published, the problem is that we rarely hear about them. The media needs to pick them up, and they usually don’t make it into the medical community despite their studies. If you compare that to when pharmaceutical research is done, you know it often makes the headlines and news. Let’s look at some of these botanicals and phytochemicals today.
In autoimmune conditions, pain is a huge issue in the body, and we also want to use its analgesic properties. And then, we have to identify the most appropriate phytochemicals and botanicals for specific inflammatory and pain conditions. So, before we jump into that, we want to review some of the mechanisms of the pharmaceuticals that are very commonly prescribed for inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Even some of the newer biologics we’ve referred to a little bit, we want to look into them and, and look at how they work and some of their drawbacks, and then we’ll delve into these botanicals that are at our disposal. So it is important to remind anyone that all degenerative diseases have this pro-inflammatory state or inflammation as part of their underlying biochemical ideology. And that inflammation is a final common pathway for all these different dysfunctions. Diabetes, Alzheimer’s, atherosclerosis, cancer, and even some psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression all have inflammation as one of their root causes. Now in this module, we’re focusing on the ones that are in the circles and these.
As you know, most chronic diseases are linked to excessive, persistent inflammation. We’ve pounded that point home well enough, as chronic inflammation occurs when the injury is ongoing or when a predisposed immune system just doesn’t shut off. It fails at counter-regulation and acute inflammation, which is beneficial; however, it can turn into a chronic inflammation if left untreated. Many chronic diseases have been associated with excessive or persistent inflammation. When it comes to chronic inflammation develops when an injury or traumatic event is ongoing, causing the muscles to tense up or when the immune system begins to attack the body when there are no pathogens that are affecting the body. And that the conventional pharmacological treatment focuses on specific pathways that are often really downstream in that inflammatory process, and from a functional medicine perspective, we want to look a bit more upstream to figure out what is the cause of chronic inflammation that is causing this many issues to this person and how anti-inflammatory botanicals and phytochemicals can dampen these inflammatory effects in the body.
How Do Pharmaceuticals Affect The Body?
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: One of the factors that can enhance inflammatory markers is pharmaceutical drugs. So, for example, pharmacologic controls like NSAIDs can inhibit the COX enzyme, while leukotriene inhibitors inhibit the LOX enzyme. DMARDs can affect various immune mechanisms that can influence the development of chronic inflammation. Biologics can inhibit multiple cytokines in the body, including the TNF-alpha and steroids, which can affect NF-kappaB and phospholipase-A2. So there are numerous ways to influence the inflammatory pathway and cause muscle and joint pain issues.
Pharmaceuticals are not the only factors that can cause inflammatory triggers to affect the body; it can be the food we eat or the environment that we live in that can trigger NF-kappaB, which disassociates from I-kappaB while going into the nucleus and binding to the DNA. That point leads to the transcription of many different genes. The body’s genes not only make DNA but can make RNA. When the body makes RNA, it is then biotransformed into DNA, leading to the turning of different inflammatory pathways. So when the pharmaceutical starts entering the body, it can inhibit the other cytokines and enzymes from turning on and cause chronic inflammation, thus causing the anti-inflammatory markers to dampen and causing the immune system to focus on the NF-kappaB.
NSAIDs
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: So let’s start looking at the non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or NSAIDs, which are ubiquitous as they are very common for many people to reach for when they are in pain. And the reason they use them is that they do work. NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes and prevent those inflammatory prostaglandins, which cause inflammation and pain in the muscles or joints. Now paracetamol is on here, or acetaminophen is not technically an NSAID, but we will look at that separately.
But these NSAIDs, you know, aren’t without issues, as 70 million prescriptions for NSAIDs are written in the U.S. annually. And that over-the-counter uses included 30 billion doses of NSAIDs. That’s an enormous amount, and it’s no wonder most of us have taken them; we’re part of that 30 billion. However, that amount can lead to a leaky gut in our body system. We know their association with peptic ulcers and G.I. bleeding while inhibiting that resolving pathway, which is important to shut off the inflammatory response. So let’s look at DMARDs or disease-modifying anti-rheumatic agents. They’re the first-line therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. And one of the reasons they’re the first line of treatment is that they’re inexpensive but are slow acting and do decrease inflammation, but they don’t work very well to relieve pain directly.
So methotrexate is hydroxychloroquine, or Plaquenil is a very well-known one right now, especially with its use today. Still, methotrexate inhibits RNA and DNA synthesis, which has been used as a chemotherapy agent in cancer. And when it inhibits, it affects the dihydrofolate reductase, which is needed to make DNA and RNA; however, it also suppresses T and B-cell activation while inhibiting IL1 beta from binding to its receptors. So, unfortunately, even though they’re the first-line therapy, they come with several fairly severe side effects. But we keep talking about this idea of side effects; it’s no side effects. They’re the direct effects of the medication.
The Effects Of Pharmaceuticals
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: You know, they may be unwanted effects like rashes, stomach upset, liver, bone marrow, toxicity, congenital disabilities, and, of course, which we’ll see repeatedly. Any time that you shut down your immune system, you open yourself up for infections. So you become much more susceptible to infections. So, look at these biological DMARDs, which work as TNF-alpha blockers. These biological DMARDs work by curbing either T-cell activation or blocking TNF, which is the most common one, but they also can stop things like IL-six, deplete T-cells, and work in other ways. These biologics are called biologics because they’re actually monoclonal antibodies. And so these monoclonal antibodies, as antibodies do, they have very strong specific binding affinities.
And so, using antibodies as medications has been a great advance. Now, as we’re going to see, they may not be the ultimate solution for treating autoimmune disease, but they hold a lot of promise, especially when we need their specificity. So there are many chronic conditions that NSAIDs DMARDs or Biologic DMARDs that can mask inflammation and cause pain to the muscles and joints. Some of the chronic conditions include:
Ankylosing-spondylitis
Arthritis
Crohn’s disease
Endometriosis
Psoriasis
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Fibromyalgia
Lupus
Conclusion
Dr. Alex Jimenez, D.C., presents: These pharmaceuticals can reduce the pain that the person is experiencing with these conditions, but they are short-termed and only mask the issue until a person goes into treatment. When a person has an autoimmune or chronic disorder associated with inflammation, the cost of any medication is high. Even though good pharmaceuticals are important, we need to look at treatments that can examine the lesser-known or rarer conditions that can reduce the inflammatory effects that cause joint and muscle pain. Incorporating anti-inflammatory botanicals and supplements like:
Fish oil
Curcumin
Ginger extract
Green Tea Extract
Resveratrol
All have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammatory cytokines from the muscle and joints and combine with physical therapy. Physical therapy can allow the body to heal itself and will enable the individual to be pain-free naturally.
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