Gut Health and Inflammation

Shared by Dr. Trent Yeomans

One thing I talk about a lot with my patients especially those dealing with chronic inflammation, back pain, or headaches is gut health. Many of our East Dallas patients focus on exercise and chiropractic care to improve their health, but nutrition—and specifically gut health—can be just as important for reducing inflammation and supporting recovery. What you eat directly impacts how your body heals, moves, and feels day to day. Recently, I’ve been adding more pickled foods like pickled onions and cucumbers into my meals, not just because they taste good, but because of what they do for the body.

Pickled foods, when prepared properly, are rich in natural probiotics, which help support the gut microbiome. Your gut plays a huge role in inflammation, immune function, and even how your body processes stress. If your gut is off, I see it show up in my office as tight joints, poor recovery, and lingering pain.

Quotes (Research Support)

“Fermented foods contain live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host.”

(Hill et al., 2014)

“Regular consumption of fermented foods has been associated with increased microbial diversity and decreased markers of inflammation.”

(Wastyk et al., 2021)

“Probiotics can improve intestinal barrier function and modulate immune responses, reducing systemic inflammation.”

(Sanders et al., 2019)

At the end of the day, eating well isn’t about being perfect—it’s about giving your body tools to heal. Adding simple foods like pickled onions or cucumbers can support your gut, reduce inflammation, and help your body recover better. In my office, I see it all the time—when patients clean up their nutrition and support their gut, their back pain, neck pain, and headaches improve faster.

If you’re dealing with pain or just not feeling your best, it’s not always just about adjustments—it’s about what you’re putting into your body daily. That’s why we focus on eating well, moving well, and thinking well here. If you’ve got questions about where to start, I’m always here to help.

Simple Pickled Red Onions

Ingredients

• 1 large red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp sugar or honey
• 1 ½ tsp salt
• Optional: garlic cloves, peppercorns

Instructions

1. Thinly slice the red onion and place in a jar.
2. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Heat until dissolved.
3. Pour mixture over onions in jar.
4. Let cool, then refrigerate.
5. Ready to eat in about 1 hour (best after 24 hours).

References

Hill C, et al. The International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics consensus statement. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2014.

Wastyk HC, et al. Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status. Cell. 2021.

Sanders ME, et al. Probiotics and prebiotics in intestinal health and disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2019.

Our Message

If you’re searching for a trusted chiropractor near you, look for a provider who does more than simply address back pain, neck pain, or headaches. The right chiropractor should also help you build habits that support long-term health and prevent future discomfort. Our East Dallas Chiropractors located in Lakewood, near the corner of Mockingbird Ln. and Abrams Rd., emphasize that lasting wellness comes from a combination of chiropractic care, mental well-being, and proper nutrition.