Easley Holiday Stress? Eat Walnuts!

Stressed out over the holidays? Eat walnuts! They are a holiday type of nut. They come in all types of flavors and in all varieties of holiday treats. (And if they are not in your family recipe, put them in them this year!) Research connects the gut and the brain, so it seems logical that if the brain is stressed, the gut is, too. Researchers now watch the effects of calming the gut and the stomach to calm the brain. Young Chiropractic tempts our Easley stressed-out patients, families, and friends to try eating some walnuts (unless you’re allergic to them!) to find their calm! The Easley chiropractic care plan embraces all sorts of good info like this!

THE GUT BRAIN AXIS AND STRESS

A recent study based on prior studies that connected the brain, the gut and the gut microbiota and the beneficial effect of eating walnuts on mental health tested stressed out college students. Academic stress was associated with poorer mental health in college students, with their choices of foods, their poorer gut microbiota, and their moods. More females than males took part, but researchers documented that walnut consumption enhanced these metabolic and stress markers. Researchers concluded that eating walnuts may well be protective against academic stress. (1) Young Chiropractic and our chiropractic family can see how well it works on holiday stress!

BENEFITS OF WALNUTS ON OTHER HEALTH ISSUES

Holiday parties and events change normal eating patterns for many of us, influencing our blood tests and other issues. Young Chiropractic knows! An analysis of published research on walnut consumption since 2017 reported that eating walnuts improved lipid profiles and decreased cardiovascular disease risk. Further, more and more studies are being published about other benefits like improved cognitive health, reduced inflammation, glucose level regulation, body weight reduction, etc. (2) It’s a good thing walnuts are in many holiday foods!

WALNUTS AND COGNITION

Other research has documented the influence of oxidative stress and neuroinflammation on aging, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s another brain disorders, all issues that arise over a long period of time. Eating walnuts for a long-time may postpone or slow their appearance due to walnuts’ protective role against inflammation and oxidative stress. (3) There is actually a Walnuts and Health Aging study based on previous research documenting that walnut consumption lessened oxidative stress and inflammation, well-known contributors to cognitive decline. An fMRI study of participants after 2 years’ consumption found that the trial didn’t appear to impact healthy elders but suggested a delay in those who were at higher risk of cognitive decline. (4) A delay in cognitive decline is a good outcome!

ADD SOME WALNUTS TO YOUR CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH PLAN

Let the researchers continue their research while we do our own! Try the theory yourself. Enjoy a few walnuts this Easley holiday season. Plain. Candied. Spicy. Cinnamon coated. Take your pick! Like they say: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Young Chiropractic might suggest “A walnut a holi-day may well calm you and maintain your health and happiness this and future holiday season(s)!” Happy holidays!

CONTACT Young Chiropractic

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the benefits of gentle, safe chiropractic treatment with The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management integration on the nervous system.

Make your Easley chiropractic appointment now. Bring us your holiday stress…and your favorite tasty walnut recipe!