Best Nutrients To Combat Stress

How to Use Nutrition to Fight Stress and Boost Immunity

Feeling extra stress from ongoing life challenges like work, family, and limited free time is common. Many people feel overwhelmed by conflicting advice about how to eat healthily and support their immune system. At Electra Chiropractic in Tokyo, we know that chiropractic care from a U.S.-trained and licensed chiropractor; exercise; and good nutrition are key foundations for health. But with so much information out there, it can be hard to know where to start.

Understanding Stress: Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

The main stressors on our bodies are inflammation and oxidative stress. Inflammation is the body’s natural way to respond to injury or infection by sending blood, hormones, and immune cells to the affected area. This helps heal injuries but becomes a problem when inflammation lasts too long and becomes chronic.

Oxidative stress happens when cells produce reactive oxygen species as a byproduct of creating energy. Normally, antioxidants in the body neutralize these harmful molecules. But when nutrition, movement, and overall health are poor, oxidative stress can build up. This can damage cells, tissues, and even DNA, contributing to diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, asthma, and COPD.

Nutrients as Your Body’s Protective Gear

Recent studies emphasize the importance of getting enough key nutrients to create a strong internal environment that helps prevent infections and eliminate chronic inflammation. Think of these nutrients as personal protective equipment for your cells. If improving your diet feels challenging, consider talking with your chiropractor about supplements.

Seven Essential Nutrients for Stress Relief and Immune Support

• Protein, including glutamine, arginine, and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs)

• Vitamin A

• Zinc

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin E

• Phytonutrients (natural antioxidants found in colorful fruits and vegetables)

• Vitamin D

• Omega-3 fatty acids

• Fiber

  
  

Healing Chronic Inflammation

It is important to remember that inflammation itself is not always bad. Our bodies need to send inflammation to heal when necessary. The key is not letting it stick around too long. Over time, chronic inflammation can lead to stiff, achy joints; back pain; neck pain; and headaches. Chiropractic care can help your body heal from this state. Book a consultation with a Doctor of Chiropractic today. Dr. Ariel Thorpe, D.C., is an American chiropractor in Tokyo, providing holistic care at Electra Chiropractic.