Hormone testing can now be done by using top of the line integrative methods and techniques. There are multiple reasons and benefits for an individual to complete a hormone test. These tests have the ability to help a patient understand their cycle, testosterone/ estrogen levels, why they are tired upon waking or throughout their day, and more.
Precision Analyical, Inc. has discovered a way to use scientists who have extensive experience and coupled them with the most advanced analytical methods and instruments. This allows them to achieve the best results when it comes to the dutchtest.
What is D.U.T.C.H?
D.U.T.C.H stands for ” Dried Urine for Comprehensive Hormones” and is comprised of multiple tests designed by Precision Analytical Inc. Dried urine samples allow scientists to see an entire day of hormones and measure multiple different aspects. There are different D.U.T.C.H tests that can be completed depending on the patient’s needs.�
Dutch Complete– This is a comprehensive assessment of sex and adrenal hormones and their metabolites. This test measures progesterone, androgen, estrogen metabolites, cortisol, cortisone, cortisol metabolites, creatine, DHEA-S.�
Dutch Sex and Hormone Metabolites– This test is focused on testing progesterone, androgen, estrogen metabolites
Dutch Adrenal– This is important to measure because it controls the stress hormone and the levels in the body to help with energy upon waking. This test specifically measures cortisol, cortisol metabolites, creatinine, DHEA-S
Dutch OATS “Organic Acid Tests”-� This test will give insights to symptoms such as mood and fatigue. This test measures 9-OHdG, melatonin.
Dutch Plus– This test uses 5 saliva samples to provide the up and down pattern of cortisol and cortisone throughout the day. This test adds salivary cortisol measurements of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) to the dutch complete to bring another important piece of the HPA axis into focus
Dutch Test Cycle Mapping– This test maps the progesterone and estrogen pattern throughout the menstrual cycle. It provides the full picture of a woman’s cycle to answer important questions for patients with month-long symptoms, infertility, and PCOS. This test is targeted to measure 9 estrogens and progesterone that are taken throughout the cycle to characterize the follicular, ovulatory, and luteal phases.�
How Does It Work?
One of the reasons that many practicing offices are starting to use the D.U.T.C.H tests is because they have an extremely simple sample collection. Patients will collect just 4-5 dried urine samples over a period of 24 hours. This makes transportation and collection of the sample hassle-free. The dried urine samples provide excellent results due to the fact that the collections offer a span of the entires day hormones. The time of testing looks as follows:
The patient obtains the first sample at approximately 5pm ( dinnertime)
The� second sample is to be taken around 10 pm ( bedtime)
This next sample is dependent upon each individual, but if the patient wakes to urinate during the night, a sample is to be collected at this time.
The third sample should be collected within 10 minutes of rising. It is very important that the patient does not lay in bed after waking and they collect this sample within those allotted 10 minute time frame.
Once the patient has collected their third sample upon rising, they should set an alarm for 2 hours, as this is when the fourth and final sample is to be collected.
As one can see above, these urine samples will be dry when sent off to the lab. Studies show that dried urine samples are stable for weeks and will give an accurate representation of the hormone levels that are being assessed. From here, the results are gone over with a team of clinicians from Precision Analytical with the doctor who ordered the test. This ensures that the best treatment protocol is created for the patient.��
What Is The Purpose?�
With the turn around time being just 7-10 business days, individuals can gain control fairly quickly. As mentioned, Precision Analytical uses the most advanced instruments to achieve the best results for patients. The main purpose is to create an understanding of what is going on inside the patient’s body and allows the treatment to be more specific and targeted to the individual’s needs. As Chiropractic Health Month approaches, there is no better time than now to get started!�
�I highly recommend the D.U.T.C.H test. Knowing and understanding your hormones and the times that they are rising and falling throughout the day opens so many doors. It allows an individual to have an understanding of why they are so tired or why they can not fall asleep and take distinctive steps towards correcting that issue, rather than shooting in the dark. In addition, it allows patients to have knowledge of what is occurring when it comes to their sex hormone metabolites. This test gives the ordering doctor a complete look at the patient’s hormones and ensures they can be confident in creating a treatment protocol. – Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
For anyone that has dealt with mold knows that it is mostly found in fresh produce when it hasn’t been eaten. It is even there is a new damp spot in the house, and it�s left untreated. Mold is a type of fungus that is presented everywhere, including the air. It can actually cause someone highly sensitive to mold exposure to have chronic raspatory illnesses like asthma and bronchitis.
Studies show that the most common species of mold is Stachybotrys chartarum or black mold. This type of fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, including the basement, the bathroom, and the kitchen. It releases toxins in the air that is irritating or harmful to individuals with existing health conditions and becoming mycotoxin.
What is Mycotoxin?
A mycotoxin is a secondary metabolite being produced by organisms of the fungal kingdom. It can move in and out of cells in the body, causing inflammation when it is indigested. Researchers suggest that mycotoxin can link to serious health problems to people who live in contaminated buildings, and it can have long-term results. In most cases, mycotoxin can cause problems in the gut by consuming moldy food; causing leaky gut and destroying the gut microflora.
Here are some of the symptoms of mycotoxin:
Aches and pains
Mood changes
Headaches
Brain fog
Asthma
Watery, red eyes
Runny or blocked nose
Gut inflammation
Sore throat
They are teratogenic, mutagenic, nephrotoxic, immunosuppressive, and carcinogenic. They can cause DNA damage, cancer, immune suppression, neurological issues, and a variety of adverse health effects on the human body. With mycotoxins, they have spores and pieces of hyphae that releases toxins into the air. They are tiny, but they are not easily detectable in the bloodstream since they can attach themselves to enzymes that are involved in insulin receptors. This results in dysfunction the in cells ability to intake and process glucose in the gut.
When mycotoxin is in the gut, it damages the intestinal barrier. It can cause malabsorption of food and disrupts the protein synthesis. When that happens, the individual�s autoimmunity will rise up, causing their bodies to go into overdrive to fight the problem.
Mycotoxin can actually grow in grains such as rice. The fungal mycotoxin has been known to cause liver damage since the contaminated food is being consumed by people, and it creates a rise in inflammation. When this happens, individuals start being sensitive to the contaminated foods that they are consuming. There is still more research to mycotoxin that is being produced to create a resistance to mycotoxin exposure.
Diagnosing Mycotoxin
Mycotoxin can�t be diagnosed by the symptoms themselves, doctors can perform one of these tests to determine the severity of mycotoxins in individuals.
Blood test: Physicians can take a patient�s blood sample and send it to a testing lab to test. This is to see if there is a reaction of specific antibodies in the patient�s immune system. A blood test can even check the individual�s biotoxins in their blood to see if mycotoxin present.
Skin prick test: Healthcare professionals can take tiny amounts of mold and use a small needle to apply it onto the patient�s skin. This is to determine if the individual is breaking out in bumps, a rash or hives, then they are allergic to any mold species.
Diagnosing mycotoxin is known by many names, but it is mostly called mast cell disorder. Even though they are different and have different manifestations, diagnosing them in the body is essential to help individuals to heal their ailments. With technology getting better, healthcare physicians can detect mycotoxins in the body much faster.
Treating Mycotoxin
There are many ways to treat mycotoxin. Options include:
Avoiding the mold whenever possible.
A nasal rinse to flush out the mold spores that are in the nose.
Antihistamines to stop the itchiness, runny noses, and sneezing due to mold exposure.
A short term remedy for congestion is using decongestant nasal spray.
Montelukast is an oral medication to reduce the mucus in a patent�s airways to lower the symptoms for both mold allergies and asthma.
Doctors can recommend patients an allergy shot to build up the patient�s immunity to mycotoxin if the exposure is long term.
How to check for mycotoxin?
When individuals are checking for mycotoxins in their environment, it is best to hire professionals to help identify and remove it. A lot of individuals can look for black clusters growing in warm, moist rooms and can search for the causes of mold growth like any leaks, old food, papers, or wood. People can throw away the items that are affected by mold or that are contributing to mold growth. They can also remove the things that are not affected by mold exposure.
Wearing a mold-resistant suit, mask, gloves, and boots can protect individuals as they are getting rid of mildew and mold from their environment. Even purchasing a HEPA air purifier can help get rid of the spores to ensure that no allergens will affect the body�s immune system. When individuals are removing the mold exposure out of the affected area, they can cover the non-affected surfaces with bleach or a fungicidal agent. Then let it dry to prevent the mold from reproducing on the same area it has infected.
Conclusion
Since researchers are still doing a test on mycotoxin, mold exposure is still all around the world and in many forms. It can even contaminate food and places where it can thrive and grow. Individuals can prevent it from locating the source and can take precautions when they are exposed to the spores. If the individual is exposed to mycotoxin, going to the doctors to get tested is the best route to go. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References
Borchers, Andrea T, et al. �Mold and Human Health: a Reality Check.� Clinical Reviews in Allergy & Immunology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28299723.
Do�en, Ina, et al. �Stachybotrys Mycotoxins: from Culture Extracts to Dust Samples.� Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Aug. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4939167/.
Gautier, C, et al. �Non-Allergenic Impact of Indoor Mold Exposure.� Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29983225.
Hurra�, Julia, et al. �Medical Diagnostics for Indoor Mold Exposure.� International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27986496.
Jewell, Tim. �Black Mold Spores and More.� Black Mold Exposure, 1 June, 2018, www.healthline.com/health/black-mold-exposure.
Leonard, Jayne. �Black Mold Exposure: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 17 Sept. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323419.php.
Pitt, John I, and J David Miller. �A Concise History of Mycotoxin Research.� Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 23 Aug. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27960261.
Sun, Xiang Dong, et al. �Mycotoxin Contamination of Rice in China.� Journal of Food Science, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28135406.
Sciatica doesn�t have to prevent you from being able to travel.
Sometimes a journey can create a series of challenges for people with sciatic nerve pain in the low back and leg.
A common issue among individuals is to prevent sciatica from flaring up when on the road or in the air.
A solution for this is to find ways to keep moving. However, easier said than done, but it can be done!
Flying and driving often mean long periods of sitting and sitting in a position typically not friendly with sciatic pain.
“When we drive or fly for an extended trip, it means long sitting times, and sitting in a position that can cause sciatica to flare up at any time,” says Dr. Alexander Jimenez, D.C. in El Paso, Texas, and member of the American Chiropractic Association (ACA).
Dr. Jimenez shares some basic tips for keeping mobility up, all the while pain-free, when flying and driving with sciatica.
He also offers additional advice to keep radiating pain from starting, upon arrival.
Flying with Sciatica
Sciatica pain radiates through the lower body meaning:
The low back
Hips
Buttocks
Legs
So when a flight anchors you to a seat, this can aggravate the area and cause pain.
The first thing to consider is the seat choice.
An aisle seat allows you the easiest access out of the seat, allowing you to move more during the flight.
Also when flying with sciatica, tell the flight crew about your condition.
When the seatbelt off light comes on, get up, stretch your legs and move around anywhere you can find room.
With a good portion of the population suffering from sciatica, most crews have seen people with this condition, and will usually let you do some stretching if they’re not busy.
A good sciatica stretch is to put your hands on something stable and do some deep knee bends.
This will use the upper body weight to stretch the lumbar spine comfortably.
Do a few and make sure you feel and return to your seat stretched and refreshed.
When taking a long flight, do this every hour to feel better when landing.
Sciatica Road Trip
Road trips, on the other hand, are easier to stop and move around. However, it can also create over-concentration on the drive and forgetting how much you are hurting until the pain is unbearable.
Dr. Jimenez advises frequentstops, if possible every hour is best to prevent pain.
On the stops walk two or three laps around the car/Suv/truck.
Rear bumper stretching prop
Place one foot on the bumper, and the other a few feet behind, lean into the bumper and square the hips with the lead foot.
This is like a hurdle stretch.
Stretch both legs on each break.
Regular stretching helps relieve the pressure on the low back so you can drive comfortably.
Arrival
Packing light is a healthy tip because hauling heavy luggage will aggravate sciatic nerve pain.
There are a few things that Dr. Jimenez recommends packing or getting upon arrival.
Gel ice pack you can keep in the refrigerator or freezer in a hotel.
Apply the cold pack to the low back for 20-minute increments will go a long way toward relieving pain.
Topical agent/cream/gel that has menthol or camphor, that you can apply to any area of tenderness or pain before the ice gel pack.
This increases the ice pack’s power by helping relax muscles and decreasing pain.
Supportive shoes or custom foot orthotics
People with sciatica should choose footwear or orthotics that support all three arches of the foot.
Leg length is usually not equal on each side, and proper arch supports can be custom made for you by your chiropractor to compensate for the difference.
Even a 5mm difference can cause chronic back pain.
And if possible, ask your chiropractor or primary physician if they can recommend a chiropractor, physical/massage therapist,� or acupuncturist that you can see in case you need emergency treatment.
This can give you some peace of mind.
Keep Your Exercise/Stretching Routine When Traveling
When we travel especially on vacations it can be easy to let healthy lifestyle habits you practice at home slide.
All are sciatica�s natural enemies make sure to bring these healthy practices with you to your destination.
Use the same good sense when you travel just like at home getting:
Get plenty of rest
Drink plenty of water
Don’t overeat
You will need more rest when you travel and don’t forget when you travel to:
Walk
Stretch
Stay mobile
Difference Foot Orthotics Make to *REDUCE FOOT PAIN* & Correct Posture | El Paso, TX (2019)
Custom made foot orthotics can help control foot motion and posture. Healthcare professionals prescribe custom foot orthotics to help patients focus on their foot posture and mobility control. Research studies have ascertained that using custom foot orthotics for posture and mobility control can help fix excessive foot pronation and supination to prevent a variety of foot health problems. The subsequent video describes how custom foot orthotics will help control foot posture and mobility to improve health and wellness.
NCBI Resources
Sciatica is generally caused by the compression of lumbar or sacral nerves or by compression of the sciatic nerve. When sciatica is caused by compression of a dorsal nerve root, it’s known as lumbar radiculopathy. This can occur because of a spinal disk bulge or spinal disk herniation (a herniated intervertebral disc), or by roughening, enlarging, or misalignment (spondylolisthesis) of the fascia, or as a consequence of degenerated discs which can reduce the diameter of the lateral foramen by which nerve roots exit the spine.
L-glutamate is one of the main excitatory neurotransmitters in the human brain and it plays an essential role in practically all activities of the nervous system. In the following article, we will discuss the general principles of L-glutamate signaling in the brain. Then, we will demonstrate this scheme by describing the different pools of extracellular glutamate, including the synaptic, the perisynaptic, and the extrasynaptic, resulting from vesicular and non-vesicular sources or abnormally located glutamate receptors outside of synapses as well as discuss their possible physiological functions in the human brain. �
Glutamate Signaling in the Brain
According to research studies, the human brain has about a 6 to 7 ?mol/g wet weight of L-glutamate. L-glutamate, together with glutamine, is one of the most abundant free amino acids in the central nervous system (CNS). More than five decades ago, several research studies demonstrated that L-glutamate has an excitatory response on nerve cells. Since then, its role as an excitatory neurotransmitter as well as its cerebral metabolism has been evaluated in numerous research studies. �
L-glutamate is commonly found throughout synaptic vesicles in the presynaptic terminal through the process of vesicular glutamate transporters. Additionally, several of the L-glutamate in the vesicles may develop by a vesicle-associated aspartate amino-transferase from 2-oxoglutarate utilizing L-aspartate as the amino group donor. During the depolarization of the presynaptic membrane, L-glutamate is released into the synaptic cleft and connects to ionotropic glutamate receptors, known as iGluRs, at the postsynaptic membrane, as shown in Figure 1. According to research studies, iGluRs are characterized as ligand-gated ion channels which include receptors of the ?-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA), kainate, and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) types. While AMPA and kainate receptors primarily regulate and maintain sodium influx, NMDA receptors actually have a high calcium conductivity. Moreover, the activation of NMDA receptors plays a fundamental role in synaptic plasticity and learning. In contrast to the other iGluRs, the activity of NMDA receptors is ultimately restricted by an Mg+2 block at the regular membrane potential, however, the ion channel is immediately unblocked by membrane depolarization which eliminates Mg+2 from the pore. Furthermore, NMDA receptors are tetramers that have two NR1 subunits and two NR2 or NR3 subunits, according to several research studies. �
Additionally to iGluRs, there are also eight isoforms of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) which belong to the family of G-protein-coupled receptors, where they don’t develop ion channels but instead signal through a variety of second messenger systems. L-glutamate-associated depolarization causes a postsynaptic excitatory potential which eases the development of an action potential at the axon hillock. The glutamatergic synapse is activated by astrocytic processes that demonstrate high levels of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs). There are five different EAATs, EAAT1 to 5, of which EAAT1 and 2 are the primary astrocytic EAATs, whereas EAAT3 shows a predominantly neuronal expression. Approximately 90 percent of the L-glutamate transport is regulated and maintained by EAAT2 such as GLT-1 in rodent models. These transporters then co-transport 2 or 3 molecules of Na+ and a proton with each molecule of L-glutamate or L-aspartate together with the counter-transport of a K+ ion. Therefore, by utilizing the electrochemical gradient of these ions throughout the plasma membrane as an energy source, the transporters are able to safely and effectively accumulate L-glutamate and L-aspartate in cells against their sudden intra- to extracellular concentration gradients. This allows the brain to control a very low extracellular L-glutamate concentration in the low micromolar range. It is generally believed that L-glutamate taken up by astrocytes is turned to glutamine by the enzyme glutamine synthetase, the glutamine is then released, taken up by neurons and turned to L-glutamate, where it is ultimately utilized once again for neurotransmission. �
Extrasynaptic Glutamate in the Brain
Aside from the essential role of L-glutamate as the primary excitatory neurotransmitter released from glutamatergic presynapses, as previously mentioned above, it has become evident that L-glutamate receptors outside the synaptic cleft also play an essential role in brain physiology. In the cerebellum, it was demonstrated by evaluating AMPA receptor-mediated currents in Bergmann glia that synaptically released L-glutamate concentrations can reach extrasynaptic concentrations of up to 190 ?M while concentrations in the synaptic cleft can exceed 1 mM. Moreover, several mGluRs have been shown to demonstrate a different localization in proximity to the postsynaptic density which would allow them to immediately recognize L-glutamate escaping from the synaptic cleft, as shown in Figure 1. However, current research studies have demonstrated that iGluRs, especially of the NMDA type, are also found at extrasynaptic regions in the neuronal cell membrane. Utilizing light and electron microscopy, other research studies also demonstrated that extrasynaptic NMDA receptors gather at different regions of close contact in the dendritic shaft with axons, axon terminals, or astrocytic processes. The proportion of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors was estimated to be as high as 36 percent of the dendritic NMDA receptor pool in rat hippocampal slices. Although extrasynaptic NMDA receptors were associated with similar scaffolding proteins as synaptic NMDA receptors, an in vitro research study suggested that extrasynaptic and synaptic NMDA receptors may ultimately activate different downstream signaling pathways with a variety of results, including the suppression of CREB activity by extrasynaptic NMDA receptor activation as well as activation by synaptic NMDA receptors. Furthermore, NMDA receptors localized extrasynaptically on dendritic shafts connect extrasynaptic L-glutamate as well as regulate and maintain Ca2+ influx during the elimination of the Mg+2 block by dendrite depolarization throughout the backfiring of action potentials. Research studies demonstrated that L-glutamate release from astrocytes can activate slow inward currents through extrasynaptic NMDAR receptors in CA1 neurons which can also be ultimately synchronized. The mechanisms through which glial cells release L-glutamate as well as how the extrasynaptic L-glutamate concentrations are controlled are vital towards understanding how the activity of extrasynaptic NMDA receptors is controlled. �
Different mechanisms through which astrocytes can release L-glutamate have been suggested, including vesicular L-glutamate release and non-vesicular release through anion channels as well as connexin hemichannels and release through the cystine/glutamate antiporter system x?c. Several research studies strongly suggest that vesicular release from astrocytes plays a minor role because the Ca+2-associated release of L-glutamate was still present in astrocytes created from dominant-negative SNARE mice where vesicular release can be blocked by doxycycline withdrawal. System x?c is a cystine/glutamate antiporter which is characterized as heterodimeric amino acid transporters, made up of xCT as the specific subunit and 4F2hc as the promiscuous heavy chain. This transporter is demonstrated in the brain, especially in astroglial and microglial cells, as shown in Figure 1. The fact that extrasynaptic L-glutamate levels in different regions of the human brain are downregulated by approximately 60 percent to 70 percent in xCT knock out mice, research studies demonstrated that system x?c releases L-glutamate into the extrasynaptic space and suggests that this transporter is essential in the regulation of extrasynaptic L-glutamate levels. This is further supported by the observation that when measured by in vivo microdialysis, the increase in extrasynaptic L-glutamate developed by EAAT inhibitors is neutralized by blocking system x?c while blocking neuronal vesicular L-glutamate release is ineffective. Further research studies are still required. �
Taken together, glutamatergic neurotransmissions don’t simply happen through classical excitatory synapses but also through extrasynaptic L-glutamate receptors, as shown in Figure 1. Finally, the levels of extrasynaptic L-glutamate are determined, at least partially, by glial non-vesicular L-glutamate release, as also shown in Figure 1. However, the regulation of extrasynaptic L-glutamate levels, as well as its temporal-spatial dynamics and its effect on neuronal function, neurodegeneration, and behavior, are far from being fully understood by researchers, healthcare professionals, and patients. �
Glutamate, together with aspartate, is one of the main excitatory neurotransmitters in the human brain. Although it plays a fundamental role in the overall structure and function of the nervous system, excessive amounts of glutamate can ultimately cause excitotoxicity which may lead to a variety of health issues, such as Alzheimer’s disease and other types of neurological diseases. The following article describes the role of glutamate in the human brain. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
L-glutamate is one of the main excitatory neurotransmitters in the human brain and it plays an essential role in practically all activities of the nervous system. In the article above, we discussed the general principles of L-glutamate signaling in the brain. Then, we demonstrated this scheme by describing the different pools of extracellular glutamate, including the synaptic, the perisynaptic, and the extrasynaptic, resulting from vesicular and non-vesicular sources or abnormally located glutamate receptors outside of synapses as well as discussed their possible physiological functions in the human brain. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
References �
Lewerenz, Jan, and Pamela Maher. �Chronic Glutamate Toxicity in Neurodegenerative Diseases-What Is the Evidence?� Frontiers in Neuroscience, Frontiers Media S.A., 16 Dec. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4679930/.
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
�
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
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For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download �
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Myofascial syndrome, what is it? You’re probably thinking I don’t have that, but more than likely, you have.
Myo means muscle and fascia refer to the tissue bands that cover and connect the muscles/organs.
Tightness
Twitching areas
Painful knots
In the neck/back, then myofascial pain syndrome could be the cause.
Myofascial syndrome is a very common condition. It affects about 44 million people in the United States.
Trigger Points The Areas Where Pain Can Develop
Myofascial pain is associated with trigger points. These are areas that can become tender and stiff inside muscle tissue that reduce the range of motion.
Myofascial pain syndrome can happen when you have several active trigger points.
Trigger points are often referred to as knots because they feel tight and balled up compared to the softer relaxed surrounding muscle/s.
If the muscle becomes tight, it can cut off its blood supply, that can trigger:
Muscle tenderness
Pain
Spasm
Tightness
Trigger points can form all over the body which includes:
Neck
Mid-back
Low back
Common characteristics of trigger points are that they cause pain that travels or spreads to the surrounding area. For example, shoulder pain can radiate across the upper back.
The muscles can also twitch when touched.
Pretty much everyone has trigger points, but not all triggers cause symptoms.
Dormant or latent��trigger points can reduce the range of motion but only cause pain when directly palpated or compressed,
Active trigger points are painful any time, even when at rest.
Lifestyle factors like:
Stress
Poor posture
Can make a dormant trigger point become active.
Trigger Point Causes in the Spine
Spinal injury or trauma can result in myofascial pain syndrome, but lifestyle factors usually have a hand in the condition.
Poor posture over a long period, for example, sleeping in an awkward position can cause physical muscular stress on the spinal muscles.
Mental and emotional stress can present itself through muscle tension that helps the development of trigger points.
The trapezius muscle, that extends from the back of the neck down the shoulders and upper back, is the most common site of spinal trigger points and myofascial pain because of the significant amount of pressure that the muscle has to bear and its susceptibility to whiplash.
The Difference Myofascial Syndrome and Fibromyalgia
Because myofascial syndrome is linked to triggering points, fibromyalgia and its tender points bring out a comparison of the two.
Myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia are two distinct conditions, and the table below outlines the primary differences.
Because they are unique conditions, there is a possibility to develop both conditions.
Doctor(s) can help craft a treatment approach that addresses the pain of both trigger points and tender points.
Diagnosis can be difficult
Myofascial pain syndrome is common but can be difficult to diagnose.
The challengingreasons behind diagnosing include:
Scientists are not sure how these trigger points cause pain.
The condition is often confused for other spinal disorders and conditions.
An example is having low back pain caused by myofascial syndrome in the lumbar spine. But low back pain brought on by arthritis can cause similar pain. That’s when the cause needs to be carefully and properly assessed.
There is no standard test for myofascial pain syndrome diagnosis yet.
There�s no standard diagnosing protocol but manual palpation or use of the hands to feel for:
Tenderness
Twitching
Tightness around the area
Is the most common way doctors diagnose the condition.
Some doctors might only utilize manual palpation but ultrasound is emerging as a diagnostic tool for myofascial pain syndrome.
Ultrasound produces clean images of the soft tissues and shows the active trigger points.
However, more research is needed to secure its place as a diagnostic method and tool.
A personal or primary care doctor can diagnose myofascial syndrome, but they may refer you to a pain specialist or a spine specialist like:
Doctors and researchers are still learning about myofascial syndrome, therefore, treatment options differ from doctor to doctor.
But most doctors do support a multidisciplinary treatment approach that is, using a variety of therapies and employing lifestyle changes to manage trigger point pain and prevent it from coming back.
Below are common treatments for myofascial pain syndrome.
Release Therapy
Myofascial release is a broad treatment option that consists of manual or instrument-guided therapydesigned to release the muscles and fascia by use of applying pressure.
Practitioners and clinicians are trained in myofascial release therapy, including:
Massage therapists
Physical therapists
Chiropractors
Physiatrists
The goal is the same:
Put pressure on the trigger point and release it.
Myofascial release technique might sound like a massage, but it is a distinct method compared to massage.
Massage moves muscles up and down,� myofascial release utilizes direct pressure into the stiff fascia and muscle.
Repeated pressure on the tight areas is not soothing, and patients tell of soreness during and after the treatment.
Once the trigger point loosens up, blood flow and nerve function begin to return to the area.
Then the pain is gone, hallelujah!
Additional Care Options
Myofascial release therapy is just one option for trigger point pain.
Other common treatments to manage spine-related pain include:
Home
If you know the location of the trigger points you can treat them at home with simple tools.
Rolling the trigger point over a:
Foam roller
Golf ball
Tennis ball
Can help loosen any of the tight areas.
Over-the-counter medication
If doctor-approved, then taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) can help with spine pain and allow daily activities.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy like:
Massage
Chiropractic
Heat
Electrical stimulation
Ultrasound
There are also stretches/exercises to keep muscles warm and flexible to help any future trigger points from forming.
Massage therapy
Licensed massage therapists practice myofascial release therapy, but also include other forms of massage
Deep tissue massage
Swedish massage
Can also help relieve trigger point pain.
Massage can also help to relax, and this is very important in preventing myofascial pain syndrome.
Also, learn how to keep stress and anxiety in check, and avoid tension that can turn into trigger points.
Dry needling/acupuncture
While both therapies use needles, dry needling and acupuncture are different treatments that can reduce the pain.
There is not a lot of research on dry needling like acupuncture, but it can help increase blood flow to the trigger point area.
Acupuncture means inserting needles into specific points on the body.
These needles help stimulate the body’s energy and help in sending signals to the nervous system to release chemicals into the body to help with the pain, which means less pain.
Trigger point injections
If any of these treatments don’t seem to be working, then you might want to talk to your doctor about trigger point injections.
Many people who have trigger points or myofascial pain syndrome in their spine have knots and tightness throughout their back and neck.
To prevent myofascial pain syndrome one needs to practice a healthy lifestyle that promotes good spine health.
Stretching and exercising regularly can help keep stress under control and prevent tension from building up, which makes it harder for trigger points to activate and cause pain.
El Paso Chiropractic Back Pain Therapy
Andres “Andy” Martinez first came to see Dr. Alex Jimenez in Push Fitness after undergoing back pain and knee issues. Following a period of physical therapy and rehabilitation, Andy became engaged in Crossfit, where he learned everything he needed to know about health and wellness from the coaches at Push. Andres Martinez expresses how grateful he is to receive the amount of care he does against the staff and he clarifies how much his perspective of fitness has shifted from the first time he walked into Push Fitness. Andy has seen a family at Push who led him to a healthy, clean life and both the trainers and staff mean everything to Andres Martinez.
NCBI Resources
The knots you have probably felt in your muscles or had others identify are also known as trigger points. These tight spots are often sensitive to the touch and can be found in any muscle in your body. As they develop, they may produce symptoms like numbness, burning, weakness, pain, and tingling. Trigger points are caused by trauma to the body, such as an accident in a car or during athletics. They can also be caused by more mild, long-term trauma, such as working at a desk without proper ergonomics or making a repetitive motion over a long period of time. Chiropractors are not only good at finding trigger points, but they are also good at treating them.
For people who love drinking diet sodas, recent research studies have found that diet drinks can increase the risk of stroke and dementia. Although diet drinks have been previously advertised as a much more healthier, low-calorie alternative than regular carbonated drinks, a closer look at the results of these recent research studies ultimately suggests otherwise. �
One research study, consisting of 2,888 participants, ages 45 and older, in the Framingham Heart Study, asked for diet entries to be filled out up to three times within a seven-year period. According to the research study, participants who said they drank one diet soda a day were roughly twice as likely to have a stroke within the next decade than individuals who didn’t drink diet soda. Drinking regular, sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks did not seem to increase the risk of stroke. �
However, these types of research studies have only been able to prove an association between diet drinks, stroke, and dementia. “Also, only 97 people (about 3 percent) had strokes during the follow-up, which means that only two or even three of those strokes may be associated to drinking diet soda,” stated Dr. Kathryn Rexrode, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital which co-authored a research study on soda intake and stroke risk. �
Risk of Stroke Associated with Diet Drinks
The research study found a slightly increased risk of stroke in people who drank more than one soda per day, whether or not it contained any type of artificial sweetener. Although the research study didn’t particularly show a considerable increase in stroke risk, that doesn’t necessarily suggest that they’re a better option than diet sodas. Research studies have shown that drinking carbonated drinks may lead to weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke, ” she stated. �
As a matter of fact, researchers believe that one possible explanation as to why regular, sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks weren’t associated with stroke in the recent research study is a phenomenon known as the survival bias. In this instance, it would mean that individuals who drink a lot of carbonated drinks may have died from health issues such as heart disease. �
Conversely, diet drinks may be associated with an increased risk of stroke due to a variety of health issues known as reverse causation. In an attempt to be healthier, individuals who are overweight or have diabetes may be more inclined to select diet drinks over regular drinks. Their increased risk of stroke may come from their health issues rather than their drink option. “We may ultimately only be measuring the residual effect of weight gain, obesity, and diabetes,” says Dr. Rexrode. �
Artificial Sweeteners and Stroke
� Although researchers need further evidence to determine why artificial sweeteners may increase stroke risk, there are other reasons as to why these should be avoided. Research studies show that artificial sweeteners can make individuals crave sugary, high-calorie meals, therefore, decreasing the artificial sweetener’s purpose of cutting your total calorie consumption. �
Moreover, many researchers believe that people who use these artificial sweeteners, which can be many times sweeter than sugar, can come to find naturally sweet foods, such as fruits, to be less appealing and less-sweet foods, such as vegetables, to be entirely unpalatable. Furthermore, individuals may be missing out on the many nutrients found in fresh, natural foods. �
“I encourage my patients to stop drinking soda and other sugar-sweetened carbonated drinks regularly to prevent empty calories,” she says. “However, if someone says that they can’t do without soda in the morning to wake up, I will encourage them to switch to diet soda.” Water is a much better choice, however. “There are plenty of ways to make it more attractive, both visually and taste-wise.” She adds. Try flavoring sparkling or flat water or add crushed mint, cucumber, or frozen fruit. �
Risk of Dementia Associated with Diet Drinks
In another research study, people who drank diet soda were associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. “The research study can’t prove a connection between drinking habits and health issues, however, it does strongly suggest an association,” Stated Dr. Matthew Pase, neurology fellow at Boston University School of Medicine and contributing author. �
The initial research study evaluated food questionnaires, MRI scans, and cognitive tests of approximately 4,000 people ages 30 and up. Researchers found that individuals who consumed over three diet sodas per week were more likely to have memory problems, a reduced brain volume, and a smaller hippocampus, an area of the brain used in memory and learning. In the research study, drinking a minimum of one diet soda per day was also associated with a reduced brain volume. �
During a second research study, the researchers tracked two different groups of adults for ten years. According to the research study, out of almost 3,000 adults over age 45, approximately 97 adults suffered a stroke during that time and from almost 1,500 adults over age 60, approximately 81 adults developed Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia. �
Past research studies have connected diet drinks to an increased risk of weight gain and stroke. Researchers believe that artificial sweeteners may ultimately affect the human body in many different ways, such as by transforming gut bacteria and tricking the brain into craving more calories. This is the first-time diet sodas have been associated with dementia. Because people with diabetes drink more diet soda, researchers believe that the health issue may partly explain the rise in dementia, although not completely. When people with diabetes were excluded from the research study, the association stayed. �
As stated by the United States Department of Agriculture, Americans consumed 11 million metric tons of sugar in 2016, much of it in the form of sugary, sweetened carbonated drinks. Because it would have been difficult to measure total sugar consumption from all type of different food sources, the research study focused on sugary, sweetened carbonated drinks. �
A growing number of research studies suggest that diet drinks may not be a safe alternative to sugary, sweetened drinks. Even small causal effects can have much bigger consequences on health, given the popularity of both diet and regular sodas. The research study concluded that both glucose and artificially sweetened soft drinks “may be hard on the brain.” �
Diet soda is basically a mixture of carbonated water, natural or artificial sweetener, colors, flavors, and other food additives. Although diet drinks generally have very few to no calories, these essentially have no significant nutritional value. Many research studies have demonstrated that drinking diet soda is associated with an increased risk of stroke and dementia. Researchers have also found that diet drinks can cause a variety of other health issues. It’s essential for to avoid drinking too much diet soda. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Recent research studies have found that diet drinks are associated with an increased risk of stroke and dementia. Although diet drinks are advertised as a much more healthier, low-calorie alternative than regular carbonated drinks, a closer look at the results of these recent research studies ultimately suggests otherwise. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 . �
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �
References �
Corliss, Julie. �Does Drinking Diet Soda Raise the Risk of a Stroke?� Harvard Health Blog, 31 July 2017, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/drinking-diet-soda-raise-risk-stroke-2017073112109.
MacMillan, Amanda. �A Daily Diet Soda Habit May Be Linked to Dementia.� Health.com, 21 Apr. 2017, www.health.com/alzheimers/diet-soda-linked-to-dementia-stroke.
Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain
Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �
Formulas for Methylation Support
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Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
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If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
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Supplements are essential as we take them for our overall health. Since we can�t produce supplements naturally, we make it in pill form or eat whole, nutritious food. When we don�t take our supplements, our bodies will not function properly, and we can have a severe health risk. In the last article, we took a look at what vitamins does to our micronutrients in our bodies to perform functional and healthy. Today we will discuss what some supplement that will help our micronutrients in our bodies.
The Supplements
Since supplements can come in many types of foods and can be found as pills in whole food stores in the vitamin section.� Here are some of the leading supplements to ensure that your body’s micronutrients are getting the essentials to promote a long healthy life.
Vitamin K1 and K2
Vitamin K is known for its role in blood clotting. With vitamin K1 and K2, they can provide the health benefits that will help you from getting a blood clot. Vitamin K was accidentally discovered in the 1920s and 1930s after researchers found that animals having a restricted diet leads to excessive bleeding.
Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) is found in plants foods like leafy green vegetables. With K2, it is found in fermented foods and animal products. Vitamin K2 (menaquinones) can be produced by gut bacteria and help promote a healthy gut. These two vitamins are fat-soluble that share the same chemical structure and have different effects on your health.
Vitamin K1 can be absorbed quickly than vitamin K2 and can stay in the bloodstream for hours. Vitamin K1 is transported primarily to and used by the liver. Even though vitamin K1 is mostly found in plant foods, here are some of the food sources that are caulked filled with this vitamin and amazing when cooked.
Kale
Collard greens
Spinach
Turnip greens
Broccoli
Brussel sprouts
Vitamin K2 is mostly found in animal products that contain fat. Even though it provides fatty compounds, vitamin K2�s long side-chain allows it to circulate the blood longer than K1 can remain in the blood for days.� Here are some fermented food sources and animal products that vitamin K2 as MK-10 and MK-11.
Natto
Pork sausage
Hard cheeses
Porkchop (with the bone)
Chicken (leg/thigh)
Soft cheeses
Egg yolk
Calcium
Calcium is one of the most essential supplements that is for all living organisms. It is found naturally in many foods and added to certain products like supplements. Calcium promotes bone health, and without it, bone density can happen when we don�t take in the supplement. It also helps regulate muscle contractions, including the beating of the heart muscle. When that happens, calcium helps the proteins in the muscle to carry out the work of the contraction. Here are some of the foods and drinks that are richly filled with calcium.
Milk
Cheese
Yogurt
Seaweed
Beans
Figs
Tofu
Manganese
Manganese is an essential supplement for your brain and nervous system as well as many of your body�s enzyme system. Our body stores up to 20 mg of manganese in our kidneys, liver, pancreas, and bones. In a 2011 study, manganese helps form an antioxidant enzyme called SOD (superoxide dismutase). It helps break down one of the most dangerous free radicals called superoxide; into smaller components that are not harmful. Researchers also suggested that SOD is beneficial as a therapeutic agent for inflammatory diseases. Small amounts of manganese are present in these food sources.
Raw pineapple and pineapple juice
Pinto beans
Spinach
Black and green teas
Sweet potato
Almonds
Instant oatmeal
Copper
Copper is an essential trace supplement that is necessary for survival. It is found in all the body tissues and plays a vital role in making red blood cells, maintaining nerve cells and the immune system. When you have sufficient copper in your diet, it may help prevent cardiovascular diseases and osteoporosis. Copper deficiency is a rare case, but low levels of copper can lead to anemia, loss of skin pigmentation, thyroid problems, and the rare disease Menkes disease. Since copper is found in a wide variety of foods, here are some excellent food sources that contain it.
Oysters and other shellfish
Whole grains
Cocoa
Black pepper
Organ meats (liver and kidneys)
Potatoes
Dried fruit
Chromium
Also known as chromium picolinate, this supplement does serve several vital functions in the body. Chromium can improve your body�s blood sugar by impacting on the hormone insulin. Several studies indicate that people with diabetes take the chromium supplement to improve their blood sugar. While another study researched that people who are overweight or obese, taking the chromium supplement can lose weight.
Iron
Iron is one of the essential supplements that are vital to the human body. It helps hemoglobin function properly by transporting oxygen in the blood. Iron also plays a huge role as it functions in a variety of other vital processes in the body. With iron�s health benefits, the supplement can promote a healthy pregnancy, regulate body temperature, preserve universal energy and focus, help the gastrointestinal process, and support the immune system.
When we don�t get enough iron in our system, we do suffer from anemia, which causes fatigue, heart palpitations, pale skin, and breathless. So it is crucial that when we eat iron-rich foods so that way, we won�t have that deficiency. There are two types of dietary iron that we consumed, and they are known as heme and non-heme. These two forms are both animal source food and plant food, and here are what the food sources contain.
Canned clams
Cooked Pacific oysters
Beef liver
Lean ground beef
Cooked spinach
Dark chocolate
Firm tofu
Medium baked potato
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that is found in the earth, sea, plants, animals, and humans. In our body, there is about 60% of magnesium in our bones. While the rest is in the muscles, soft tissues, and fluids, including blood. Magnesium helps to prevent problems with our bones, the cardiovascular system, diabetes and fights depression.
The recommended intake amount to take magnesium is 300-420mg per day for men and 310-320mg per day for women. We can get it from both food sources and supplements, here are some of the food sources that contain magnesium.
Dark chocolate (70-85% cocoa)
Cashews
Quinoa, cooked
Avocado
Spinach, boiled
Mackeral
Selenium
Selenium is an essential supplement that can help contribute thyroid hormone metabolism, process a healthy immune system, and protect against oxidative damage and infections in the body. Selenium deficiency is rare, but the supplement can be found in whole grains and animal products than fresh fruits and vegetables. Here are some of the food sources that contain selenium.
Brazil nuts
Tuna
Brown rice
White bread
Egg
Halibut
Omegas
The Omega supplements are very well known, especially Omega-3; which can help us with our brain, eyes, and immune health. Without the supplement, it can lead to reduced energy, loss of attention and concentration, dry, irritated skin problems, and many more symptoms. It is mostly found in fish and seafood as well as some vegetables and seed oils. Here are some of the omega supplements to help promote a healthy body.
DPA (docosapentaenoic acid): This omega supplement is the most influential on reducing inflammation and helping people who are profiled for cardiac risk.
EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid): This omega supplement is vital to boost the brain and moods.
LA (linoleic acid): This omega supplement can�t be synthesized in the body, but does help fight cancer. It is needed to help out with omega 3 and is primarily found in beef.
Conclusion
Granted that these are only some of the supplements here that can help your body function properly. There are many supplements and vitamins out there in the world that are in both pill and food form to help our bodies grow and overall makes us healthier. These supplements and vitamins help us by making sure that our bodies don�t get sick and suffer from chronic diseases that we may encounter. So go out there and enjoy some whole, nutritious food that oozing with beneficial vitamins and supplements.
Cites:
Almquist, H J. �Early History of Vitamin K.� OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 1 June 1975, academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/28/6/656/4716361?redirectedFrom=fulltext.
Beulens, Joline W J, et al. �The Role of Menaquinones (Vitamin K?) in Human Health.� The British Journal of Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23590754.
Brinton, Eliot A, and R Preston Mason. �Prescription Omega-3 Fatty Acid Products Containing Highly Purified Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA).� Lipids in Health and Disease, BioMed Central, 31 Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28137294.
Calder, Philip C. �Docosahexaenoic Acid.� Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27842299.
DeLoughery, Thomas G. �Iron Deficiency Anemia.� The Medical Clinics of North America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28189173.
Di Bona, Kristin R, et al. �Chromium Is Not an Essential Trace Element for Mammals: Effects of a �Low-Chromium� Diet.� Journal of Biological Inorganic Chemistry: JBIC: a Publication of the Society of Biological Inorganic Chemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21086001.
Fu, Xueyan, et al. �Measurement of Multiple Vitamin K Forms in Processed and Fresh-Cut Pork Products in the U.S. Food Supply.� Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8 June 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27191033.
Goodson, Amy. �10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Manganese.� Healthline, Healthline Media, 31 Aug. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/manganese-benefits.
Gr�ber, Uwe, et al. �Magnesium in Prevention and Therapy.� Nutrients, MDPI, 23 Sept. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26404370.
Harshman, Stephanie G, et al. �Vegetables and Mixed Dishes Are Top Contributors to Phylloquinone Intake in US Adults: Data from the 2011-2012 NHANES.� The Journal of Nutrition, Oxford University Press, July 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28566528.
Kaur, Gunveen, et al. �Short Update on Docosapentaenoic Acid: a Bioactive Long-Chain n-3 Fatty Acid.� Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26808265.
Li, Chang, and Hai-Meng Zhou. �The Role of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase in Inflammation Defense.� Enzyme Research, SAGE-Hindawi Access to Research, 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3185262/.
Megan Ware, RDN. �Copper: Health Benefits, Recommended Intake, Sources, and Risks.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 23 Oct. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288165.php.
Naughton, Shaan S, et al. �Linoleic Acid and the Pathogenesis of Obesity.� Prostaglandins & Other Lipid Mediators, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27350414.
Newman, Tim. �Calcium: Health Benefits, Foods, and Deficiency.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 21 Aug. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248958.php.
Schurgers, Leon J, et al. �Vitamin K-Containing Dietary Supplements: Comparison of Synthetic Vitamin K1 and Natto-Derived Menaquinone-7.� Blood, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Apr. 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17158229.
Serefko, Anna, et al. �Magnesium in Depression.� Pharmacological Reports: PR, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23950577.
Suksomboon, N, et al. �Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy and Safety of Chromium Supplementation in Diabetes.� Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK), June 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24635480.
Tian, Hongliang, et al. �Chromium Picolinate Supplementation for Overweight or Obese Adults.� The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 29 Nov. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24293292.
Yasui, K, and A Baba. �Therapeutic Potential of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) for Resolution of Inflammation.� Inflammation Research: Official Journal of the European Histamine Research Society … [Et Al.], U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17122956.
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