Inflammation Cause by Stress
Video by Dr. Bryan Stephens
Our body’s immune system is down regulated when we are dealing with chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise. This leve us more prone to getting sick from various viruses and bacteria we are exposed to. In addition to the essential nutrients we always discuss (vitamin D3, omega 3 fatty acids, probiotics, and movement) people often look for what else they can add to overcome their symptoms quicker. While there is no magic pill to being healthy, (only eating better, moving better, and managing stress) there are some things that can give a short term help at times.
I have been receiving more and more questions about elderberry syrup recently and I began to dig in to it a bit deeper in order to answer how elderberry syrup helps with the immune system. Elderberries are very high antioxidants which helps the body fight off the inflammation that comes from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress surrounds us in our environment. Car exhaust, cigarette smoke, and chemicals in our food and drinks are just a few examples of these environmental toxins. By being exposed to these, our body undergoes reactions that create free radicals which can damage our cells when left unchecked. Anti-oxidants bind to these free radicals so we can eliminate them from the body. Elderberries are also high in vitamin C.
“Vitamin C accumulates in phagocytic cells, such as neutrophils, and can enhance chemotaxis, phagocytosis, generation of reactive oxygen species, and ultimately microbial killing.”
Carr, Anitra C., and Silvia Maggini. “Vitamin C and immune function.” Nutrients 9.11 (2017): 1211.
“[Elderberries] can greatly affect the course of disease processes by counteracting oxidative stress, exerting beneficial effects on blood pressure, glycaemia reduction, immune system stimulation, antitumour potential, increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood plasma, including also glutathione, and the reduction of uric acid levels.”
Andrzej Sidor, Anna Gramza-Michałowska, Advanced research on the antioxidant and health benefit of elderberry (Sambucus nigra) in food – a review, Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 18, Part B, 2015, Pages 941-958, ISSN 1756-4646, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2014.07.012.
While it is not a deficiency of elderberries that causes poor health, they can certainly assist the body’s immune system in the fight against pathogens. That, and they have a nice, sweet flavor to add to the smoothie. Add some in to try it out and continue the fight against chronic inflammation.
Recipe
All produce organic and frozen
- Handful of Spinach
- Half an Apple
- 1/4 Cup Blueberries
- 1/4 Cup Almonds
- 1/2 Tsp Elderberry Syrup
- 1 Cup Filtered Water
Blend until smooth and enjoy!
Our Message
When you are looking for a Chiropractor near you that you can trust, choose one who will not only get rid of your back pain, neck pain, or headaches but who will also guide you to living a healthier lifestyle to keep you out of pain. Our Chiropractors located in East Dallas, near the corner of Mockingbird Ln. and Abrams Rd., will teach you what the research says about how and why we should eat a better diet, move more and have more positive thoughts. By improving these areas of our lives we can become healthier and stay out of pain and avoid inflammation caused by stress!