Reduce Inflammation That Causes Back Pain
Video by Dr. Bryan Stephens
Broccoli to Reduce Inflammation That Causes Back Pain
I see people all the time struggling with neck pain, back pain, headaches…you name it. At the center of all the pain is inflammation. This inflammation always comes from a variety of causes stemming from three sources – what we eat, how we move, and how we manage our stress. We equate these stresses and allostatic load to adding rocks to your back pack. The more rocks you have, the more your body is struggling to overcome inflammation and the higher chance you are experiencing pain. Getting proper nutrition is one way to start eliminating these rocks from your back pack along with exercise and managing stress.
These green smoothies are a fantastic way to keep the inflammation down by giving our bodies the resources it needs to stay healthy. I know broccoli isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when doing green smoothies, but it is very nutrient dense as it contains high amounts of vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and other minerals. Even when cooked, broccoli still keeps a high vitamin C content, but not as much as when eating it raw. This is why a green smoothie is the perfect way to prepare the broccoli. It is also a good antioxidant itself which lowers the effects of accumulated oxidative stress on our body. This mixed with all of the nutrients found in blueberries and you have a nutrient dense smoothie!
I will give a warning. This green smoothie is not very green color wise, but don’t be off put by the color as the flavor is quite tasty. And let’s be honest, you’re not drinking these because you like the color green. At the end of the day, you’re drinking these because they help lower inflammation which helps keep you away from back pain and headaches. So raise a glass to your health and enjoy your broccoli!
Ingredients
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- ½ cup Blueberries (frozen)
- ½ Apple (frozen)
- ½ Banana (frozen)
- ½ cup Almonds
- Water
References
Vallejo, .F., Tomás-Barberán, .F. & García-Viguera, .C. Glucosinolates and vitamin C content in edible parts of broccoli florets after domestic cooking. Eur Food Res Technol 215, 310–316 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00217-002-0560-8
Our Message
We love to help our patients in Minneapolis stay healthy. We are here to relieve mid back pain, low back pain, neck pain and headaches while also teaching about how our diet and stress effects our over all health. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as the chiropractic adjustment and getting the proper nutrients to stay healthy. Our Doctors, near the corner of MN-100 S & Lake Rd./Westside Dr., want to help you stay healthy and out of pain!