Nutrigenomics, also known as nutritional genomics, is a branch of science that studies the relationship between the human genome, nutrition, and overall health and wellness. According to nutrigenomics, food can affect gene expression, the process by which instructions from a gene are utilized in the biosynthesis of a functional gene product, such as a protein.
Genomics is an interdisciplinary field of biology that focuses on the structure, function, evolution, mapping, and editing of genomes. Nutrigenomics utilizes that information to create a custom dietary program to help improve a person’s overall health and wellness with food.
Nutrigenetics is a branch of science that focuses on how the human body responds to nutrients based on their genetic variation. Due to the differences in people’s DNA, the absorption, transportation, and metabolization, among other functions, of nutrients can be different from one person to the other. People can have similar characteristics based on their genes but these genes are actually not identical. This is what is known as genetic variation.
Dr. Alex Jimenez Discusses Exercise and Methylation
A personalized, moderate exercise plan can promote methylation support. According to research studies, exercise can affect metabolic methylation-related activity and biomarkers. According to a 2014 systematic review, exercise is associated with lower homocysteine levels. In animal models, exercise has been demonstrated to prevent folate deficiency-induced hyperhomocysteinemia through increased BHMT expression in the kidney.
However, several research studies have also demonstrated that exercise can cause a temporary increase in plasma homocysteine, especially in untrained people, which is believed to be due to the increased proteins during exercise to make amino acids available for gluconeogenesis in the liver. This effect can also be triggered by low folate and vitamin B12 status, which is why nutrient repletion is essential for overall health and wellness.
Regular and moderate exercise is an effective treatment for factors which can decrease methyl donors or affect methylation activity, such as psychological stress, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Aerobic exercise and resistance training have also been associated with increased cellular glucose uptake and reduced blood glucose, which can also reduce oxidative stress caused by higher AGE-promoting glucose levels, among other factors.
How Exercise Improves DNA Methylation
The increased production of reactive oxygen species and free radicals during exercise as well as the increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines has been demonstrated in a variety of research studies. However, the effects of these changes can depend on a person’s nutrition and lifestyle habits. High-intensity or anaerobic exercise may have pro-oxidative effects, especially in untrained individuals. Endurance exercise, by way of instance, may produce circulating levels of IL-6, up to 120 times that of baseline, as well as increases in other predominantly pro-inflammatory cytokines.
A 2013 systematic review demonstrated the effect of exercise on oxidative stress in the brain. The outcome measures determined that regular, moderate, aerobic exercise increase the brain�s antioxidant capacity, however, high-intensity, anaerobic exercise decreased the antioxidant response. The results can be explained by a hormesis model of exercise (Figure 6), which discusses that low or high levels of exercise can produce negative effects. The gradual build-up of exercise, through regular practice or training, can change the hormesis curve to the right, meaning that exercise tolerance and benefits are highly personalized for each person.
Recent research studies have discussed that antioxidants provided by a diet rich in natural plant phytochemicals, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and beans, sprouts and seeds, are also an effective way to meet the antioxidant needs of the general population and athletes who participate in exercise, physical activities, and/or sports. As a matter of fact, dietary intervention is a much safer and effective treatment than antioxidant supplementation because research studies utilizing supplementation demonstrated insufficient and mixed results. Several researchers even believe that antioxidant supplementation can affect the beneficial hormetic effects of exercise, ultimately affecting well-being.
Exercise can ultimately affect DNA methylation, according to a recent review of literature. By way of instance, in a retrospective research study of 647 women, regular exercise throughout their lifetimes helped preserve the age-related depletion of global methylation status, where exercise and physical activity like sports and daily movement, such as climbing stairs, housework, and yardwork, which was greater than or equal to the average in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, did have a small yet considerable increase in global DNA methylation compared with participants who did not meet that level of exercise or physical activity in all three life stages.
Women who engaged in exercise or physical activity at or above the average in only one or two of those life stages also demonstrated increased DNA methylation, however, statistical importance was lost. The average level of exercise was determined at 9.8 hours per week in childhood, 5.9 hours per week in teenage years, and 12.5 hours per week in adulthood. Further research studies may be used to gather further outcome measures.
In a separate case-control research study of 500 females, long-term, tai-chi participants of at least one hour per week for 3 years or more, demonstrated a slowing of age-related DNA methylation losses, from 5 to 70 percent, compared with controls. During their research study, the researchers determined a considerable difference in methylation between the two groups at a number of specific sites which only occurred after 50 to 55 years of age, leading them to believe that tai-chi may be of particular benefit in this age-group. Further research studies are still required.
Although the effects of exercise on DNA methylation are not well understood, research studies have demonstrated that this may actually be true due to the inflammation-lowering effects of exercise and physical activity through changes in sex hormone levels that can affect DNA methylation. Mind-body exercises, such as tai-chi, may also be beneficial due to their effects on stress hormone levels and stress responsiveness.
Nutrition and lifestyle habits, such as exercise and physical activity, can help improve DNA methylation. Regardless of your age, research studies have demonstrated that participating in exercise, sports, or any other physical activity can enhance your overall health and wellness. Recent research studies have also determined that proper nutrition and lifestyle habits can improve methylation, a fundamental process of the human body involved in a variety of functions.
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 healthcare professionals can recommend a variety of treatment options to help improve DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits, such as exercise and physical activity, can ultimately help improve DNA methylation. 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.
According to research studies, stress management can promote methylation support. High levels psychological and physiological stress can increase the production of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine, both of which depend on methylation for their biosynthesis, metabolism, and excretion. DNA methylation activity utilizes SAMe and it can lower the availability of this methyl donor for other processes. Stress management is, therefore, a fundamental treatment option to promote methylation support.
Stress can also affect DNA methylation status through different mechanisms rather than through the utilization of methyl donors. Although a variety of research studies have been conducted regarding the effects of stress on methylation, our understanding of the complex association between stress management and methylation support is still tremendously limited. Methylation of the promoter genes for glucocorticoid, an essential regulator of the HPA axis and stress response, has been demonstrated to be affected differently through various states of stress, including early-life stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
How Stress Affects Methylation
We do understand, however, that stress-mediated epigenetic “priming” through methylation during fundamental developmental stages has been associated with a variety of health issues. By way of instance, and as we’ve previously discussed, low levels of maternal nurturing can affect DNA methylation status in the glucocorticoid receptor promoter and gene expression. This ultimately suggests that traumatic experiences, especially during essential stages of development, may “prime” high levels of stress. Several researchers believe that the connection between stress and methylation may explain the association of health issues, such as asthma.
Furthermore, research studies determined that prenatal maternal stress, as evaluated after the January 1998 Quebec ice storm, correlates with increased central adiposity and BMI in offspring at age 13 1?2. These changes are regulated through DNA methylation. Traumatic childhood experiences, including maltreatment, and parental death or desertion, outside of the prenatal and perinatal stages of development can also affect methylation of the promoter genes for glucocorticoid, associated with increased cortisol production.
Research studies have also demonstrated that acute and chronic stress can increase circulating inflammatory factors, including IL-1?, CRP, and IL-6, which are commonly regulated through the NLRP3 inflammasome. This may be a considerable way in which stress affects epigenetic changes. The effects of inflammation on DNA methylation status and activity have been discussed in previous articles. Doctors and functional medicine practitioners can recommend stress management techniques for methylation support.
Stress is a natural response to any type of demand or threat, it is the human body’s way of protecting you. However, chronic stress can cause a variety of health issues and recent research studies have demonstrated that stress can even affect an individual’s DNA methylation status. Doctor and functional medicine practitioners can recommend several stress management techniques, whether through nutrition and/or lifestyle modifications, to help promote methylation support. According to the article above, stress can affect methylation in several ways.
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 healthcare professionals can recommend a variety of treatment options to help with stress management and help prevent health issues associated with DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits, can improve methylation. 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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez Discusses How Detox Helps Methylation
Reducing our exposure to environmental toxins and promoting biotransformation and elimination are several guidelines recommended by healthcare professionals to improve the human body’s detoxification process. However, proper nutrition and lifestyle habits can also help improve detoxification. In addition, improving methylation can help improve the detoxification process.
Methylation is an essential detoxification pathway. Our increased exposure to environmental toxins, such as heavy metals and chemicals, can ultimately affect DNA methylation and prevent their safe and effective use. Environmental toxins may also affect DNA methylation through other structures and functions, including endocrine disruption, inflammation, and oxidative stress, among others.
According to research studies, the list of environmental toxins below has been demonstrated to affect DNA methylation, including:
Pesticides
Fertilizer
Automobile fumes
Bisphenol A
Phthalates
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Jet fuel
Benzene
Mold toxins (aflatoxin, fumonisin)
Arsenic
Mercury
Lead
Cadmium
Nickel
Increased exposure to heavy metals can cause a variety of health issues. Specific DNMT restriction and decreased DNMT gene expression have also been demonstrated to occur with increased lead exposure. Cadmium also seems to cause DNA hypomethylation through DNMT restriction, however, it may actually have the opposite effect of hypermethylation with increased exposure.
How Detoxification Can Help Improve DNA Methylation
In vitro research studies suggests that one process involved in abnormal DNA hypermethylation occurs through the induction of toxin or inflammation-mediated methyl radicals from oxidized methionine which trigger the development of DNA hypermethylation tumor-suppressing genes that promote gene silencing and oncogenesis. The development of oxidized methionine occurs in smokers, often due to inflammation and aging. Furthermore, inorganic arsenic is detoxified in the human body through methylation, which ultimately leads researchers to believe that increased exposure to arsenic may drain the endogenous pool of methylation donors available.
Total exposure to toxins, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals, may also have cumulative and long-lasting effects, according to research studies. Manikkam et al. (2012), evaluated the effects of bisphenol A, phthalates, digoxin and jet fuel (as listed above) on DNA methylation. It was also demonstrated that the epigenetic changes continued throughout multiple generations while it appeared to cause early onset puberty four generations later in rodents. Further research studies are being conducted.
Exposure to environmental toxins may also restrict healthy methylation by affecting other folate processes. Fumonisins, a type of mold toxin, by way of instance, has been demonstrated to restrict the proper function of folate binding proteins, such as human folate receptor alpha. By understanding how toxin exposure affects methylation, reducing these where possible is extremely important.
This may include the evaluation and treatment of exposures to mold, lead, and mercury amalgams, by way of instance, decreasing the utilization of plastic food containers, avoiding high-mercury fish, and switching to non-toxic household and personal care products. The Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) provides an excellent resource to further understand sources of toxin exposure.
Supporting endogenous biotransformation through Phase I and Phase II detoxification pathways and well-functioning elimination is also essential to improve DNA methylation through detoxification. Short term use of supplement protocols for detoxification is generally utilized in functional medicine, where an excessive toxic burden has been found. Nutrition and lifestyle habits can also help promote detoxification for methylation support. The list below are basic principles to follow for everyday detoxification support:
Proper hydration
Adequate fiber sources
Low-toxin foods including organic, and antibiotic and hormone-free High intake of colorful plant foods, especially deep greens and berries Regular intake of cruciferous vegetables
Adequate protein intake
Maintain micronutrient intake
Detoxification, or “detox”, refers to the removal of toxins from the human body. Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners utilize a series of alternative treatment methods to help people detox from harmful toxic substance exposure. According to research studies, increased exposure to toxins can also affect DNA methylation. Moreover, healthy methylation is fundamental to help promote the human body’s natural detoxification process. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits which can help improve DNA methylation can ultimately help promote detoxification and improve 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 healthcare professionals recommend a variety of treatment options to help improve detoxification and help prevent health issues associated with DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits, can improve methylation. 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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez Explains How Inflammation and Oxidative Stress Affects Methylation
DNA methylation activity is in charge of a variety of essential bodily functions, however, this process can be easily interrupted. According to healthcare professionals, proper nutrition and lifestyle habits can help decrease inflammation and oxidative stress which can affect methylation. Although a complete research study on the treatments which can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress is beyond the scope of this article, the following list offers common treatments utilized to help promote methylation support.
Inflammation
Regulating blood glucose levels can help manage inflammation in the human body. Increased circulating glucose levels as well as acute, postprandial glucose spikes can ultimately trigger oxidative stress, demonstrating that glucose should be controlled. Excess weight can also develop pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-alpha and IL-6, which has been associated with abnormal DNA methylation patterns. An increased body-mass index, or BMI, and especially central adiposity, can ultimately trigger chronic inflammation.
Excessive levels of bacteria or dysbiosis in an individual’s gastrointestinal, or GI, tract can also promote higher levels of local and systemic inflammation. Bacterial pro-inflammatory compounds with systemic effects can originate from both the small and large intestine as well as in the stomach and oral cavity. Pro-inflammatory pathogenic bacterial species may also be found in internal tissues, such as atherosclerotic plaque. Helicobacter pylori, potentially located in the stomach, is also associated with abnormal methylation.
Food allergies and food sensitivities have also been demonstrated to increase inflammation through innate immune activation. Follow an anti-inflammatory diet which avoids the consumption of pro-inflammatory foods, such as sugars, refined carbohydrates, conventionally-raised animal products, refined vegetable oils, hydrogenated fats, and phytonutrient-rich whole plant foods and omega-3 fatty acids. Furthermore, pro-inflammatory lifestyle factors, such as stress and sedentary behavior, can be regulated through stress management techniques and physical activity. Lifestyle factors also affect DNA methylation, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Oxidative Stress
Oxidative stress can be caused due to metabolic, dietary or environmental factors, including excessive calories, excessive sugars/refined carbohydrates, too little or too much exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, tobacco smoke, air pollutants, fungal toxins, charbroiled foods and other advanced glycation end products, ionizing radiation, chronic infections, poor sleep, and gut dysbiosis, can all contribute to oxidative stress which may lead to inflammation and affect DNA methylation activity.
Regulating oxidative stress, and therefore inflammation and DNA methylation activity, includes decreasing pro-inflammatory sources as well as increasing support in the form of antioxidants found in a high plant-food diet, herbs, spices, nuts, seeds, and unrefined oils. Specific supplements such as N-acetylcysteine, alpha lipoic acid and coenzyme Q10 may also be useful. The process by which oxidative stress can lead to inflammation and affect methylation is demonstrated by a variety of processes in the diagram below.
Inflammation is the human body’s natural response to injury, infection, or disease. Although it plays a fundamental role by signaling the immune system to heal and repair damaged tissue as well as to defend itself against foreign invaders, chronic inflammation caused by oxidative stress can affect DNA methylation. As mentioned in the article above, proper nutrition and lifestyle habits can help reduce inflammation caused by oxidative stress, ultimately improving methylation and 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 healthcare professionals recommend a variety of treatment options to help regulate oxidate stress and inflammation to prevent health issues associated with DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits, can improve methylation. 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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez Discusses Microbiome and Methylation
Research studies have demonstrated that our microbiome can help regulate our DNA methylation. The human microbiome is considered to be a counterpart to the human genome. In current research studies, the methylation of intestinal epithelial cells was determined to be considerably abnormal in germ-free mouse models when compared with conventional controls. This research study also demonstrated that bacteria introduced through fecal transplants considerably increased CpG methylation.
Moreover, research studies have determined that gut microbes may also produce butyrate, which can potently prevent the development of histone deacetylase, ultimately affecting the function of DNA methylation. Researchers have discussed that these outcome measures suggest our microbiome may play a fundamental role in host epigenetic regulation, beyond digestive health.
Specific types of bacteria may also cause different effects on DNA methylation. In one human pilot research study, increased levels of the bacterial phylum Firmicutes, compared to the bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes, were associated with the increased methylation of 568 genes as well as the decreased methylation of 245 genes (P=0.05). The affected genes were associated with a variety of health issues, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Previous research studies in humans have also identified various ratios of the bacterial phylum Firmicutes and the bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes in overweight and obese individuals.
Gut Microbiota and Nutrient Status
Our gut microbiota can also affect our nutrient status and this may also indirectly affect our or DNA methylation. The majority of Lactobacillus species are in vitro consumers of folate with the exception of L. plantarum strains which can produce folate in the presence of para-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA. Many Bifidobacteria species, including strains of B. bifidum and B. infantis, can also produce folate, along with B. breve, B. longum, B. adolescentis, and B. pseudocatenulatum. Many of these species also produce folate in both its THF and 5mTHF forms, with B. adolescentis producing the highest levels of methylated folate.
In vivo, the administration of B. adolescentis, referred to as MB 227 and MB 239, and B. pseudocatenulatum, referred to as MB 116, increased serum folate levels in folate-deficient rats and the co-administration of prebiotic fructans increased serum folate levels further in folate-deficient rats. While human folate absorption generally occurs in the small intestine, it can also occur in the colon. By way of instance, the administration of B. longum in hemodialysis patients decreased serum homocysteine levels the same as serum folate levels increased in folate-deficient through the administration of a variety of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.
Furthermore, abnormal populations of bacteria in the small intestine can prevent normal nutrient absorption and appetite signaling, ultimately affecting DNA methylation. An abnormal microbiome may also cause inflammation which, as we have previously discussed, can also affect methylation. A healthy microbiome can ultimately be achieved through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits. Smoothies and juices, such as those described below, can also help improve DNA methylation as well as promote a healthy microbiome.
The human microbiota is made up of 10 to 100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells, most of these which primarily consist of gut bacteria. The role of our microbiome is fundamental towards our overall health and wellness, especially when it comes to DNA methylation activity and status, according to research studies. The human microbiota is important for a variety of bodily functions and recent research studies have demonstrated that an abnormal microbiome can tremendously affect methylation, a chemical process which affects the function of genes as well as gene expression and promotes several essential functions.
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 suggest evaluating a patient’s microbiome to determine their DNA methylation status. Through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits, a healthy microbiome can improve methylation. 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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez Explains Methylation, Nutrition & Lifestyle Habits
A variety of healthcare professionals recommend full MDL or portions of the program to their patients. Research studies report that participants have responded well to the diet plan. By way of instance, a 57-year-old male diagnosed with diffuse myalgia and arthralgia as well as a history of toxic mold exposure, who had a methyl donor intolerance and who had a baseline homocysteine of 15.7. After one month of the MDL program, his follow-up homocysteine was 11.8, which reduced his symptoms. No additional modifications were made to his diet plan. Functional medicine practitioners and doctors may utilize the MDL program in a variety of ways, including:
As a treatment for long-term methylation support
Together with folate and other supplements to improve effectiveness
As an alternative treatment option for people with methyl donor intolerance
In this article, however, we will discuss the importance of obtaining nutrients from food rather than with supplementation. The following information reviews the foundational interventions which are relevant to the Methylation Diet and Lifestyle, or MDL, program. We will also provide a collection of smoothies and juices which can help promote methylation support and effectiveness. According to healthcare professionals, nutrients from foods improve methylation support and address significant genetic SNPs.
Food-Based Nutrients
Improving methylation through non-fortified whole foods is a safe and effective treatment, as long as enough of the relevant nutrients are consumed. During a 16-week human placebo-controlled trial, an increase of 200 mcg/d folate from folate-rich foods demonstrated the same capability to increase plasma and erythrocyte folate levels as well as to lower homocysteine compared with an equal amount of supplemental folic acid or 5-mTHF as Metafolin�. Dietary folate, along with changes to lifestyle habits, can improve methylation.
There is currently no limit set for folate intake from non-fortified foods and no research studies have found side-effects from folates and other methylation nutrients from foods. But, what amount of nutrient intake is enough to optimize methylation status? This will inevitably be different for each individual based on their genetic fingerprint and environmental factors. A Cochrane systematic review, published in 2014, demonstrated that food-sourced folate could protect against the risk of cancer, specifically breast cancer, within the range of 153 � 400 mcg/d, suggesting that increased supplementation is not necessarily beneficial for the general population.
However, specific populations may have genetic or environmental factors which may need them to have higher nutrient intakes. There are a variety of nutrients involved with methylation enzymes and pathways, demonstrated as either substrates or cofactors. Table 6 below, lists these important nutrients and their dietary sources, including methionine, cysteine, taurine, DHA, zinc, magnesium, potassium, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, folate, vitamin B12, betaine, choline, and sulfur. Several of these nutrients have previously been utilized as targeted supplements by many functional medicine practitioners or doctors for a wide variety of diet plans.
Depending on the genotype of the individual, nutrient intake needs can be further customized to support an individual’s potential enzyme deficiencies. Individuals with specific SNPs may benefit from increased intake of cofactor nutrients used by the associated enzyme because it has been demonstrated that increased cofactor intake can push the rate of enzymatic reactions forward. Table 7 below, lists commonly examined methylation-related genes and the nutrients that can be used to support activity and status, including MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, MAT1A, MAO, COMT, CBS, MTRR, and BHMT, as well as their cofactor nutrient support.
Nutrient Assimilation
If an individual’s needs are determined either by laboratory testing or physical exam findings, the Five-R Protocol utilized as a part of the MDL program, is outlined in Table 8 as an ideal way to improve nutrient assimilation and functional status. It can be done together with a short-term course of methylation supplementation with subsequent transition to the MDL or with the MDL from the start. Functional medicine practitioners or doctors may recommend changes to nutrition and lifestyle habits for methylation support.
Nutrient supplementation is commonly used to help promote methylation support, however, research studies have demonstrated that the best way to improve methylation activity and its overall status is through food-based nutrient intake. High doses of supplements have been known to cause side-effects but eating nutrient-rich foods provides the same if not greater benefits than supplementation. Smoothies and juices such as those listed below can promote methylation support.
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.
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.
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