Avoid Inflammation and Back Pain
Video by Dr. Bryan Stephens
When looking at ways to avoid pain and inflammation in our patients in East Dallas, nutrition is paramount in making sure we stay healthy. This means keeping a wide variety of micronutrients and macronutrients available for the body to use in its daily function. This helps lower the chronic inflammation that leads to neck pain, back pain, headaches, and chronic diseases (cancer, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and obesity). One ingredient I occasionally incorporate in my smoothies is beets.
One of the key benefits of incorporating beets into a green smoothie is their ability to improve blood circulation. Beets are rich in nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. This compound helps relax and dilate blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing blood pressure. As a result, consuming beets may support cardiovascular health, reduce the risk of hypertension, and enhance overall heart function.
In addition to cardiovascular benefits, beets are also known for their detoxifying properties. Beets contain betalains, a group of antioxidants that help protect cells from oxidative stress and inflammation. These antioxidants also support the liver, promoting detoxification by aiding in the breakdown of toxins and waste products in the body. By adding beets to a green smoothie, you can enhance your body’s natural detox processes and help maintain healthy liver function.
In summary, adding beets to your green smoothie not only enhances the flavor with their earthy sweetness but also offers a variety of health benefits, from improved circulation and detoxification to better digestion and increased nutrient intake.
“[beet root juice] supplementation should be promoted as a key component of a healthy lifestyle to control blood pressure in healthy and hypertensive individuals.”
Bonilla Ocampo DA, Paipilla AF, Marín E, Vargas-Molina S, Petro JL, Pérez-Idárraga A. Dietary Nitrate from Beetroot Juice for Hypertension: A Systematic Review. Biomolecules. 2018 Nov 2;8(4):134. doi: 10.3390/biom8040134. PMID: 30400267; PMCID: PMC6316347.
“Although both forms of beetroot were effective in improving blood pressure, endothelial function and systemic inflammation, the raw beetroot juice had greater antihypertensive effects. Also, more improvement was observed in endothelial function and systemic inflammation with raw beet juice compared with cooked beets.”
Asgary S, Afshani MR, Sahebkar A, Keshvari M, Taheri M, Jahanian E, Rafieian-Kopaei M, Malekian F, Sarrafzadegan N. Improvement of hypertension, endothelial function and systemic inflammation following short-term supplementation with red beet (Beta vulgaris L.) juice: a randomized crossover pilot study. J Hum Hypertens. 2016 Oct;30(10):627-32. doi: 10.1038/jhh.2016.34. Epub 2016 Jun 9. PMID: 27278926.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup beet (peeled and sliced)
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 banana
- ½ apple
- ¼ cup almond
Use organic options when available and freeze produce or add ice. Blend with water to desired consistency and enjoy!
Our Message
We love to help our patients in East Dallas stay healthy. We are here to relieve back pain, neck pain and headaches while also teaching about how our diet and stress effects our over all health. By improving these areas of our lives we can become healthier, stay out of pain and reduce risk of diseases. Our Chiropractors located in Lakewood, near the corner of Mockingbird Ln. and Abrams Rd., want to help you stay healthy and out of pain!
