The ketogenic diet, also known as a low carb diet is being talked about in various circles. And while science has proven over and over about the numerous health benefits, there are still those that want to disclaim it. This guide will explain the ketogenic diet, ketones, and the many health benefits that this way of eating provides.
Contents
What are Exogenous Ketones?
In order to understand exogenous ketones, it is important to first know what ketones are. Simply put, ketones are carbon-based, organic compounds that are produced in the liver. They are used by the mitochondria within the body to generate energy and can replace glucose as a fuel source, putting the body in a state of ketosis.
Exogenous ketones are ketones that are taken into the body as nutritional supplements. Endogenous ketones are produced in the body, specifically, the liver. Exogenous ketones are not produced in the body, rather are introduced into the body through supplements.
What is a Ketogenic Diet?
A ketogenic diet is characterized by three primary markers:
Low carbohydrate
Adequate protein
High fat
It is designed to put the body into a state of ketosis which means that instead of burning carbohydrates for energy, it is forced to burn fat.
When the body consumes foods that are high in carbs, it begins to produce insulin and glucose. Glucose happens to be the path of least resistance when it comes to energy conversion and usage, so the body will opt for that route before any utilizing another energy source.
What are the Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet?
There are several significant health benefits of a ketogenic diet. It was developed to be a way of life (WOL), not just a temporary diet and this was primarily due to the health benefits it provides. In fact, ketone diets were created to help allay or improve the symptoms of certain chronic health conditions, including epilepsy. Other benefits of the ketogenic diet include:
Weight loss
Lower insulin levels and reduced blood sugar
Lower triglycerides
Effectively treats metabolic syndrome
Forces the body to burn fat
Increased HDL (�good� cholesterol) levels
Improve LDL
Prevention of certain cancers
Potential to kill certain cancer cells
Lowered blood pressure
Improve epilepsy symptoms
Help treat Parkinson�s Disease
Reverse and treat symptoms of Alzheimer�s
The weight loss occurs from a ketogenic diet is largely fat loss – particularly abdominal fat (visceral fat). It is visceral fat that increases the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other health conditions.
A ketogenic diet helps to reduce many of the risks of some of the most debilitating and even deadly chronic health conditions that are so prevalent today. Exogenous ketones provide a powerful supplementation to the diet, improving its effectiveness.
A ketogenic diet is not a quick fix or fad diet; it is indeed a way of life. While many people do see very noticeable results quite quickly, the substantial health benefits that it provides make it worthy of a lifelong commitment. By adhering to this low carb lifestyle, you can reverse many health conditions and avoid others. In short, you will enjoy increased energy and better health for years to come.
Dr. Alex Jimenez Explains Methylation Status, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
As previously mentioned in the past series of articles, doctors can use a variety of clinical assessments to evaluate the methylation status of their patients. Although no assessment method or technique can accurately determine a patient’s methylation activity, current assessments can provide a better understanding of methylation-related genetic polymorphisms, nutrient status, methylation-related neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter metabolites, amino acids, hormones and metabolites, oxidative stress, and detoxification load. Each of these processes and substances can help doctors and patients understand their methylation status.
Understanding Methylation Status
Various assessment methods and techniques, including measures utilized to determine DNA methylation status, are usually exclusive to research studies and are not yet readily available to doctors. Until methylation status assessments become more widely available, further diagnosis is still required to understand diseases, especially since conflicting outcome measures have been found in research studies on the various methodologies. Although methods and techniques from research studies have rapidly started to evolve, patterns of DNA methylation status in humans across cells, tissues, age, populations, environmental factors like nutrition and lifestyle modifications, as well as disease, have only just started to become more widely recognized by researchers and doctors.
It is fundamental that we focus on a variety of these indicators and that we become aware of the restrictions of our interpretations and their misunderstood factors. Plasma homocysteine, by way of instance, can decrease as methylation activity increases, but, it can also decrease when oxidative stress levels increase, regardless if methylation activity increases. However, as we�ve previously mentioned, only several SNPs have known, quantifiable alterations in enzymatic function and their overall outcome measures on methylation remain unknown. Doctors must rely on a variety of clinical assessments to evaluate the methylation status of their patients. In the following articles, we will continue to discuss methylation status assessment options available to doctors for patients.
Understanding Inflammation
Inflammation increases the production of cytokine which can alter a patient’s methylation status in a variety of ways. DNA methylation activity is also tremendously affected by inflammation-related signaling molecules. Cytokines, chemokines, free radicals, prostaglandins, growth factors, and matrix metalloproteinases, are produced during inflammation, altering epigenetic changes in DNA methylation activity. IL-1?, by way of instance, suppresses p53 expression, creating a more favorable environment for tumorigenesis. NF?B is a central transcription factor triggered by inflammation which also regulates the expression of more than 400 genes.
Moreover, it directly regulates NK?B-dependent histone demethylase which in turn regulates the fate and transdifferentiation of tumor cells. IL-6, another inflammatory signaling molecule, regulates the activity of DNMTs, microRNAs and histone methyltransferases which affect the epigenetics of p53 tumor suppressor genes by reducing expression. TNF-alpha increases in mitotically-preserved and region-specific DNA methylation activity in a way that seems to include impaired cellular differentiation and renewal. In vitro outcome measures suggest that inflammation may also promote the production of methyl radicals which trigger DNA methylation activity in normal, unmethylated tumor suppressor genes, causing gene silencing and carcinogenesis.
Inflammation can also cause a metabolic milieu that drains methylation resources, by way of instance, through the dysregulation of glucose homeostasis. Pro-inflammatory molecules can also alter insulin signaling in peripheral tissues, reducing inflammatory mediators that promote insulin signaling. Insulin dysfunction and hyperglycemia promote elevated levels of oxidative stress which triggers increased utilization of glutathione and depleted homocysteine, methionine and SAMe. Furthermore, DNA methylation patterns affecting metabolism and inflammation were identified in adipose tissue from subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Understanding Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress is closely associated with inflammation. States of elevated, or chronic, oxidative stress can negatively alter DNA methylation through two mechanisms. First, oxidative stress increases the demand for glutathione synthesis, which pulls homocysteine towards transulfuration pathways, at the expense of methylation pathways and SAMe formation. Second, oxidative stress and increased hydroxyl radical formation can damage DNA and change the ability of DNA methyltransferase enzymes to appropriately methylate DNA. This is one of the most common causes of global DNA hypomethylation and specific areas of hypermethylation.
DNA guanine nucleotides are main regions of DNA damage caused by oxidative stress, which is why they are frequently utilized as a biomarker for DNA-level oxidative stress, or 8OHdG. Generally, guanine functions as a hydrogen bond acceptor to promote the creation of methyl binding protein, or MBP, DNA complexes. However, oxidation of guanine considerably decreases MBP binding when combined to the 5- methylcytosine nucleotide. Additionally, 5-methylcytosine, or 5-mC, may also experience oxidation or hydroxylation, forming 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, or 5-hmC, through oxidative stress. This can tremendously affect interactions with DNA-proteins that can prevent their binding affinity to MBPs, leading to potentially heritable epigenetic alterations.
The methods and techniques commonly utilized to determine DNA methylation can’t distinguish between 5-mC and 5-hmC, which may prove to be an essential distinction, especially in the brain, where most DNA hydroxymethylation can be found. There is outcome measures which demonstrate that acute psychological stress can increase DNA hydroxymethylation in the hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor gene. This epigenetic alteration can lead to the development of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Aging is also associated with increases in 5-hmC in the brain which may be prevented by caloric restriction and antioxidant upregulation.
A variety of research studies have found that DNA methylation can be affected by inflammation, most commonly caused due to oxidative stress. Increasing outcome measures have also demonstrated that methylation activity may become affected in response to both nutritional and environmental influences. Alterations in DNA methylation caused by inflammation and oxidative stress can lead to problems in gene expression, increasing the potential risk of disease. Understanding the effects of inflammation due to oxidative stress is fundamental when investigating epigenetic mechanisms. DNA methylation assessments based on inflammation and oxidative stress can help patients regulate their overall health and wellness.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.
Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed � 1/2 banana � 1 handful of kale or spinach � 1 handful of Swiss chard � 1/4 avocado � 2 teaspoons spirulina powder � 1 cup water � 3 or more ice cubes Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild) � 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed � 1 tablespoons almonds � Water (to desired consistency) � Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries) Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup honeydew melons � 3 cups spinach, rinsed � 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed � 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup pineapple cubes � 1 apple, sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped � 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced � 1 apple, washed and sliced � 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes � 1 scoop protein powder � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed � 1/2 banana � 1 kiwi, peeled � 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon � Pinch of cardamom � Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners may recommend higher doses of methyl donors in several patients, however, further research studies are needed to determine the proper amount of methylation supplementation. 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
Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Pinched nerves are a common complaint that can cause a wide variety of symptoms. In many cases the condition can be resolved quickly through chiropractic care; sometimes with just one session. However, chiropractic should be treated as an ongoing practice for better health and wellness.
Not only can chiropractic care help you better manage pain and resolve many health problems it can also help prevent injuries and certain conditions from developing. This often means that seeking chiropractic for a pinched nerve is a wise decision and can bring a quick resolution.
In the spine, a herniated disc can put pressure on the nerve root, causing pain and discomfort. In the wrist, it can cause a condition known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Why is a Pinched Nerve such a Challenge?
The issue with a pinched nerve is finding the source. When a nerve is pinched, the pain and other symptoms may not be at the actual site. Instead, the pain and other sensations can travel to other parts of the body, including down the leg or through the arm. This can make it difficult to treat, but an experienced, knowledgeable chiropractor can assess the situation and treat the condition, bringing relief to the patient.
Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve can manifest with many different symptoms, often depending on its location in the body. They may worsen while the patient is sleeping. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Pain that is aching or sharp
Lower or mid back pain
Neck pain
Shoulder pain
General spinal pain
Pain that radiates down the leg or arm
Numbness or tingling in the legs, arms, fingers, or toes
Burning sensation in the legs, arms, fingers, or toes
Muscle weakness in the legs or back
Headaches
Frequently feeling like a hand or food is �asleep�
When the nerve is not pinched for very long, it typically does not leave the patient with any permanent damage. When the pressure is relieved, normal function returns rather quickly. On the other hand, if the pressure is not relieved, it can cause permanent damage to the nerve, leading to chronic pain.
Causes of a Pinched Nerve?
A pinched nerve can have a number of causes. Wrist or rheumatoid arthritis is a common cause, but others may include:
Injury
Repetitive motion that places stress on parts of the body
Obesity
Sports activities
Certain hobbies that require repetitive motion
Treatments for a Pinched Nerve?
The first line of treatment for a pinched nerve is rest. Medications may be recommended or prescribed, such as NSAIDs and muscle relaxers, but remember every drug has side effects so make sure you talk to your medical doctor before moving forward.
Physical therapy is another common treatment. The patient is taught certain exercises that stretch and strengthen muscles around the pinched nerve so that it relieves pressure. They are also given self-management techniques that they can do at home to get relief. However, if the pinched nerve is do to a misalignment in the spine, it doesn�t matter how many exercises you do; they won�t fix the problem. In severe cases, surgery may be recommended. This is usually a last resort.
Does Chiropractic for a Pinched Nerve Really Work?
Chiropractic care is a very effective treatment for pinched nerve because it addresses the root cause and works toward fixing the problem through spinal manipulation and very specific chiropractic adjustments. By bringing the body into alignment, pressure on the nerves is relieved. This helps relieve the pain but also facilitates healing allowing the patient to return to their normal daily activities and experience less downtime.
El Paso, TX Piriformis Syndrome Chiropractic Treatment
Healthcare professionals can use several clinical assessments to examine the methylation status of their patients. But, there is not one type of assessment method or technique that can accurately show the complexity of methylation in the human body. Current assessments can help offer an understanding for methylation-related genetic polymorphisms, nutrient status, methylation-related neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter metabolites, amino acids, hormones and metabolites, oxidative stress, and detoxification load. The majority of these processes and substances can also help offer an understanding of a patient’s overall methylation status.
Contents
Understanding Methylation Status
Various assessment methods and techniques, such as measures used to determine DNA methylation status, are usually limited to research studies and are not yet available to healthcare professionals. As DNA methylation status assessments become more available, treatment is important to understand data since conflicting outcome measures have been found in research studies based on several methodologies as methylation is further examined. Furthermore, although methods and techniques, as well as research studies, are quickly evolving, patterns of DNA methylation status in humans across cells, tissues, age, populations, environmental factors such as nutrition and lifestyle modifications, and disease, are only just being recognized by a majority of healthcare professionals.
It is essential that we emphasize several of these indicators and be mindful of the limitations of our interpretations as well as their misunderstood factors. Plasma homocysteine, for example, can decrease as methylation activity increases, but, it can also decrease when oxidative stress levels increase, independently if methylation activity increases But, as we�ve previously discussed, only a few SNPs have known, quantifiable changes in enzymatic function, and even then, their overall outcome measures on methylation are unknown. Healthcare professionals must rely on a variety of clinical assessments to determine methylation health and wellness. In the following articles, we will discuss several methylation status clinical assessment options available to healthcare professionals.
Understanding Methylation Metabolites
To understand how DNA methylation status can be measured through the various assessment methods and techniques previously discussed, we must first understand how methylation metabolites influence methylation status. As demonstrated in Table 3, several laboratory-assessed metabolites are used in the assessment of methylation status. These have been recorded as follows.
Understanding Nutrient Assimilation Capability
In the previous article, we also discussed how nutrient status can depend on several factors. Although optimal nutrient status begins with the food we eat, it is through the process of digestion, absorption, transport, utilization, and metabolism of each nutrient which must function together to promote the necessary effect. Two of the most common problems occur in the process of digestion and absorption. Healthcare practitioners utilizing an MDL program may also examine and correct gastric function, pancreatic function, intestinal dysbiosis, intestinal permeability, food sensitivities, and malabsorption issues. The majority of these processes and substances can ultimately affect the absorption of essential nutrients necessary for DNA methylation status and activity.
Several methods and techniques have become widely available to healthcare professionals in order to show the DNA methylation status of patients. DNA methylation is identified by the combination of a methyl group to DNA. Healthcare professionals must first understand the good and the bad of these various methods and techniques which have become widely available to show methylation status and to allow them to make an informed choice when deciding which assessment will best suit their research study needs and the overall health and wellness of the patient.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.
Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed � 1/2 banana � 1 handful of kale or spinach � 1 handful of Swiss chard � 1/4 avocado � 2 teaspoons spirulina powder � 1 cup water � 3 or more ice cubes Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild) � 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed � 1 tablespoons almonds � Water (to desired consistency) � Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries) Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup honeydew melons � 3 cups spinach, rinsed � 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed � 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup pineapple cubes � 1 apple, sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped � 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced � 1 apple, washed and sliced � 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes � 1 scoop protein powder � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed � 1/2 banana � 1 kiwi, peeled � 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon � Pinch of cardamom � Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners may recommend higher doses of methyl donors in several patients, however, further research studies are needed to determine the proper amount of methylation supplementation. 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
Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Research shows that back pain is a common complaint for teachers. When you factor in the mental stress as well as the physical demands, it is easy to see how they could have problems with aches and pains. Chiropractic care offers a proactive approach to health care and overall wellness to keep teachers pain free.
Teachers go through a lot in a day. They spend hours on their feet. They bend, stoop, and lift, hunching over students� desks helping them and carrying heavy books. They sit at a desk, grading papers. It�s no wonder so many of our educators complain of neck and back pain! The good news is, regular chiropractic care can help alleviate those symptoms so that teachers can keep doing what they do best � sculpting young minds.
Contents
Why Teachers should Seek Chiropractic Care
When you are juggling home, family, and career, it is easy to put your health on the back burner. You may start out ignoring that twinge of pain in your lower back, or those headaches that you get now and then. But if left untreated, these problems can worsen.
That occasional back pain could turn into a full-time ordeal, affecting your arms, legs, even your feet. The occasional headaches could steadily increase in intensity and frequency until it seems you can�t go a day without one.
When your body is bombarded with pain it affects every aspect of your life. Even low-level pain that is constant can lower your performance on the job and at home. It can cause irritability, difficulty concentrating, and fatigue. Your students suffer; your family suffers. It is really worth it?
Chiropractic care is a proactive approach to better health both mentally and physically. It will help you stay on top of your game so that you function better in the classroom as well as at home.
When you feel better you will have more energy to do the things you enjoy. Even once a week or once every two weeks in a chiropractor�s office can make a world of difference in how you feel and how you function.
What Chiropractic won�t do for Teachers
Chiropractic is a natural approach to health care. It provides patients with a non-invasive, medication-free way to manage their pain. The teacher who seeks out chiropractic care will not be prescribed mind-numbing medications that upset the stomach and inhibit your performance in the classroom.
It won�t prescribe invasive procedures that require time off work and out of the class while you recuperate. Medical doctors often just treat just the symptoms without every addressing the root of the problem. This is an almost sure-fire guarantee that your problems will return because they were never resolved.
Chiropractic seeks to find the cause of the problem so that the pain can be managed, not just temporarily relieved.
How Chiropractic Benefits Teachers
When you visit a chiropractor, he or she will do much more than just adjust your neck and back. They may discuss with you the activities you enjoy, what your schedule is like, and how you spend your day.
While they will realign your spine and bring your body back into alignment, they will also help you in other areas as well. This translates to fewer sick days, less pain, and increased effectiveness in the classroom.
Chiropractic provides a whole-body approach to wellness. It sees the patient, treating the underlying causes, not just the symptoms.
Your chiropractor may offer nutrition and dietary advice, advising you to lose weight, eliminate certain foods from your diet, or add certain foods. They may recommend lifestyle changes like quitting smoking or incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
You may be given supplements that support your immunity, joints, or overall health. By treating the whole patient, chiropractic is more effective and will greatly improve the patient�s quality of life.
As mentioned in our previous article, doctors can use various clinical assessments to evaluate the methylation status of their patients. While no assessment method or technique can accurately demonstrate methylation, current assessments provide an understanding of methylation-related genetic polymorphisms, nutrient status, methylation-related neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter metabolites, amino acids, hormones and metabolites, oxidative stress, and detoxification load. Each of these processes and substances can ultimately help doctors and patients understand their methylation status and what this means for their overall health and wellness.
Contents
Understanding Methylation Status
Several assessment methods and techniques, such as measures utilized to determine DNA methylation status, are typically restricted to research studies and are not yet available to doctors. Until methylation status assessments become more widely available, further healthcare is still required to understand data, especially since conflicting outcome measures have been demonstrated in research studies based on various types of methodologies. Although methods and techniques, including research studies, have quickly started to evolve, patterns of DNA methylation status in humans across cells, tissues, age, populations, environmental factors such as nutrition and lifestyle modifications, and disease, have only just started to become more characterized by researchers and doctors.
It is fundamental that we focus on various of these indicators and that we become mindful of the limitations of our interpretations and their misunderstood factors. Plasma homocysteine, for example, can decrease as methylation activity increases, but, it can also decrease when oxidative stress levels increase, regardless of methylation activity improvements. However, as we�ve previously mentioned, only several SNPs have known, quantifiable changes in enzymatic function and their overall outcome measures on methylation remain unknown. Doctors must rely on various clinical assessments to evaluate the methylation status of their patients. In the following articles, we will continue to discuss methylation status assessment options available to many healthcare professionals.
Understanding Nutrient Status
Folate and vitamin B12 are some of the most well-known nutrients which play a primary role in methylation activity, but, there are a variety of other nutrients associated with methylation enzymes and pathways, either as substrates or cofactors, as demonstrated in Figure 4 above. There are various methods or techniques available for the assessment of nutrient status, as demonstrated in Table 2 below, including laboratory analytes and physical exam findings. Dietary intake assessment, through the evaluation of diet diaries, also provides nutrient intake date which can be a useful tool for evaluating nutrient inputs and as a basis for adjustment of nutrient intake. Many doctors routinely utilize nutrient intake evaluations together with laboratory and physical functional status assessments.
Research studies have demonstrated that DNA methylation can be affected by nutrient status. Increasing evidence has also found that methylation may change in response to both nutritional and environmental influences. Alterations in DNA methylation caused by nutrient status can lead to problems in gene expression, increasing the potential risk of disease. Nutrient status is fundamental when investigating epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding how important DNA methylation assessments based on nutrient status are can help patients regulate their overall health and wellness.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.
Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed � 1/2 banana � 1 handful of kale or spinach � 1 handful of Swiss chard � 1/4 avocado � 2 teaspoons spirulina powder � 1 cup water � 3 or more ice cubes Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild) � 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed � 1 tablespoons almonds � Water (to desired consistency) � Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries) Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup honeydew melons � 3 cups spinach, rinsed � 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed � 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup pineapple cubes � 1 apple, sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped � 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced � 1 apple, washed and sliced � 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes � 1 scoop protein powder � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed � 1/2 banana � 1 kiwi, peeled � 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon � Pinch of cardamom � Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners may recommend higher doses of methyl donors in several patients, however, further research studies are needed to determine the proper amount of methylation supplementation. 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
Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Truck driving can put serious stress on the body. Just spending hours behind the wheel can take its toll no matter what type of vehicle you are driving. When you factor in the shifting, steering, clutching, and constant monitoring that is required in a big truck, you have increased risk of neck, back, arm, hip, and leg pain.
If they drive a type of truck that requires loading, unloading, or tying down a load, the probability increases even more. Many drivers experience pain, difficulty in mobility, and decreased flexibility. This can impact how well they perform their job as well as how much they enjoy their downtime.
Contents
How Truck Driving Takes a Toll on the Body
Drivers spend a lot of time doing just that � driving. That is hard on the body in and of itself. With professional drivers, they do it every day for hours on end. Even local drivers who are home every night put in a lot of miles.
Often, drivers must also perform certain functions regarding what they are hauling. Some have to secure their load with straps and tie-downs, or have to handle heavy hoses and equipment to load and unload tankers.
Some drivers have to load and unload (known as �lumping�) their freight themselves. It can involve heavy lifting and repetitive movements. Loaded tanker trucks can be challenging to drive because of the slosh. Most big rigs require a lot of shifting. They may have to shift through 10, 15, or even 18 forward gears.
Team drivers have the added stress of being in a vehicle that is constantly in motion. Even while sleeping in the bunk, they can be subject to the constant vibrations and bouncing as the truck travels over the road. This can lead to impact trauma, often to the shoulder as the driver in the sleeper lays on his or her side. Roads that are poorly maintained can cause impact trauma to both the driver and the person in the bunk.
For all the physical exertion and exposure to a rough environment, though, drivers get very little exercise. They spend a lot of time sitting behind the wheel and making the same movements over and over.
This limited mobility can lead to structural problems like pain in the back, hip, knee, shoulder, arms, and legs. This is compounded by the fact that many prescription medications that are typically prescribed for these issues have side effects that can be dangerous for someone getting behind the wheel.
How Chiropractic can Help Truck Drivers
Chiropractic care provides truck drivers with a non-invasive, drug free way to treat injuries, manage conditions, and relieve pain. Regular chiropractic care can help correct postural habits that can expose the body to injury or move the body out of balance and the spine out of alignment. Often, it can identify emerging issues before they become a problem.
When a driver first visits a chiropractor�s office, he or she will go through a thorough check up and assessment to determine their needs and goals. The chiropractor may recommend certain lifestyle changes and show them some exercise they can do in the truck or while they are on the road as well as ways to minimize the effects of the activities their job requires.
Some of the larger truck stops are now offering drivers access to medical and chiropractic services which allows them to get treatment when they need it. Sometimes a driver is out for several weeks at a time and may not be able to get to their regular chiropractor for an adjustment. However, it is still a good idea to have a regular chiropractor at home and keep regular appointments so you can stay healthy and on the road.
18 Wheeler Accident Chiropractic Treatment El Paso, TX
April Hermosillo has achieved overall health and wellness by following proper nutrition and engaging in exercises/physical activities. As a regular fitness participant, April Hermosillo can experience low back pain which affects even her most basic tasks. April Hermosillo struggled with spine health issues and sciatica before receiving chiropractic care.
Dr. Alex Jimenez is a chiropractor in El Paso, TX who has helped April Hermosillo achieve pain relief so she can return to her everyday fitness routines. April Hermosillo describes how Dr. Jimenez has tremendously helped improve her overall symptoms. April Hermosillo highly recommends Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical choice for personalized spine and sciatica treatment and rehabilitation.
El Paso Back Clinic
We are blessed to present to you El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend us.
Fred Foreman is a basketball coach who depends on his overall health and wellness to be able to engage in his everyday responsibilities. As a result, coach Foreman started the 6 Day Detox Program from Xymogen, designed to help renew and enhance the human body’s cleansing and detoxification capabilities.
Fred Foreman discusses his experience with the 6 Day Detox Program, describing the benefits he developed as well as the effort he had to implement, to support his overall health and wellness through the detox. Fred Foreman feels a great sense of fulfillment with the 6 Day Detox Program and he encourages other people, who also wish to improve their well-being, to detox their body. Coach Foreman highly recommends the 6 Day Detox Program as an alternative treatment choice for overall health and wellness.
Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic
We are blessed to present to you El Paso�s Premier Wellness & Injury Care Clinic.
As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center, we passionately are focused on treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
We want you to live a life filled with more energy, positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight and educated on how to maintain this way of life.
I assure you, I will only accept the best for you�
If you have enjoyed this video and we have helped you in any way, please feel free to subscribe and recommend us.
A herniated disc is a common spinal disc issue. The spine is a very intricate structure, and when one component fails to function correctly, it can affect the entire body, causing pain and loss of mobility.
Tiny bones, called vertebrae, are stacked on each other to form the spine. They are joined in such a way to facilitate movement, flexibility, and a wide range of motion. There are small, fluid-filled discs that rest between each vertebra, providing a cushion between the bones. When one of these discs becomes damaged, it can affect the surrounding nerves, causing pain and making movement difficult.
Contents
What is It?
A herniated disc is a common spinal condition that typically affects the cervical spine (neck region) or the lumbar spine (lower back), although it can occur in any part of the spine. Most often, a herniated disc happens at the L4 � L5 and the L5 � S1. This is because this portion of the spine, the lumbar region, bears the bulk of the body�s weight.
It is often referred to as a ruptured disc or slipped disc and occurs when the disc moves or slips out of place. It can also be the result of a disc that has a small tear and is leaking the jelly-like substance that is inside. This can put pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing pain and discomfort.
The first two stages are called incomplete herniations while the last two stages are called complete herniations.
Symptoms of a herniated disc may increase or worsen as the condition progresses although some patients do not experience any at all Typical symptoms include:
Pain in the affected area
Tingling
Numbness
Weakness
Leg or arm pain
Loss of reflex
Loss of mobility
Loss of flexibility
Decreased range of motion
What Causes It?
There are several causes. The most common are aging and degeneration, overuse, and normal wear and tear on the body.
A herniated disc resulting from an injury or trauma, such as a blow to the back, is less common, but it does happen. Because the back does bear most of the body�s weight, it can put a significant amount of pressure on the spine and discs. Over time, the discs may begin to weaken and a herniation can occur.
Injury or trauma that results in a herniation may include a car accident that involves sudden jerking, or incorrectly lifting heaving objects can put excessive pressure on the spine, causing it to herniate.
How is it Diagnosed?
A physical examination is usually the first step in diagnosing a herniated disc. The physician or chiropractor will examine the spine while the patient is standing, then while they are lying down. Depending on the severity and location of the herniation, they may note a decrease in spinal curvature.
Radicular pain will also be assessed, when the spine is unmoving, while in motion, and when pressure is applied. Other tests may also be administered. X-rays may also be taken, but an MRI is usually more accurate and provides greater detail.
What are the Treatments?
Medications may be recommended or prescribed, including NSAIDs, narcotics, muscle relaxers, and anticonvulsants. Some doctors may advise cortisone injections to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy may be recommended as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunctions with other treatments. Surgery for herniated discs is rare and usually reserved as a last resort option.
Chiropractic has been very effective in helping patients manage their pain and regain their mobility so they can return to their normal life. Therefore, it should be your first option for treatment before you go down the road with drugs or surgery.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
