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Richmond 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 types of recipes. (And if they’re not in your family recipe, put them in them this year!) Research links the gut and the brain, so it makes sense that if the brain is stressed, the gut is, too. Researchers now report on the effects of calming the gut and the stomach to calm the brain. Johnson Chiropractic invites our Richmond stressed-out patients, families, and friends to try eating some walnuts (unless you’re allergic to them!) to find their calm! The Richmond chiropractic care plan embraces all sorts of good tips like this!

THE GUT BRAIN AXIS AND STRESS

A recent study based on previous studies that connected the brain, the gut and the gut microbiota and the beneficial effect of consuming walnuts on mental health tested stressed out college students. Academic stress was linked with poorer mental health in college students, with their diet and food choices, their worse gut microbiota, and their moods. More females than males participated, but researchers found that walnut consumption improved these metabolic and stress markers. Researchers concluded that eating walnuts may well be protective against academic stress. (1) Let’s find out how well it works on holiday stress!

BENEFITS OF WALNUTS ON OTHER HEALTH ISSUES

Holiday parties and events affect normal eating patterns for many of us, influencing our blood tests and other issues. Johnson Chiropractic knows! An analysis of published research on walnut consumption since 2017 reported that eating walnuts improved lipid profiles and reduced cardiovascular disease risk. Further, more and more studies are being published about other benefits like enhanced cognitive health, inflammation decrease, glucose level regulation, body weight reduction, etc. (2) Fortunately, walnuts appear in many holiday goodies!

WALNUTS AND COGNITION

Other research has reported on 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. Consuming walnuts for a long-time may postpone or slow their onset due to walnuts’ protective role against inflammation and oxidative stress. (3) There is actually a Walnuts and Health Aging study based on prior research documenting that walnut consumption counteracted 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 seem to impact healthy elders but suggested a delay in subgroups at higher risk of cognitive decline. (4) A delay in cognitive decline is good!

ADD SOME WALNUTS TO YOUR CHIROPRACTIC HEALTH PLAN

Let the researchers keep doing their research while we do our own! Try the theory yourself. Enjoy a few walnuts this Richmond holiday season. Plain. Candied. Spicy. Cinnamon coated. Choose your favorite! Like they say: “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Johnson 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 Johnson 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 incorporation on the nervous system.

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

 
Johnson Chiropractic shares a picture of a walnut which is said to be good for the gut and reduce stress. 
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."