Gut and Intestinal Health
Back Clinic Gut and Intestinal Health. The health of an individual’s gut determines what nutrients are absorbed along with what toxins, allergens, and microbes are kept out. It is directly linked to the health of the whole body. Intestinal health could be defined as optimal digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. But this is a job that depends on many other factors. More than 100 million Americans have digestive problems. Two of the top-selling drugs in America are for digestive problems, and they run in the billions. There are more than 200 over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for digestive disorders. And these can and do create additional digestive problems.
If an individual’s digestion is not working properly, the first thing is to understand what is sending the gut out-of-balance in the first place.
- A low-fiber, high-sugar, processed, nutrient-poor, high-calorie diet causes all the wrong bacteria and yeast to grow in the gut and damages the delicate ecosystem in your intestines.
- Overuse of medications that damage the gut or block normal digestive function, i.e., acid blockers (Prilosec, Nexium, etc.), anti-inflammatory medication (aspirin, Advil, and Aleve), antibiotics, steroids, and hormones.
- Undetected gluten intolerance, celiac disease, or low-grade food allergies to foods such as dairy, eggs, or corn.
- Chronic low-grade infections or gut imbalances with overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, yeast overgrowth, parasites.
- Toxins like mercury and mold toxins damage the gut.
- Lack of adequate digestive enzyme function from acid-blocking medications or zinc deficiency.
- Stress can alter the gut’s nervous system, cause a leaky gut, and change the normal bacteria.
Visits for intestinal disorders are among the most common trips to primary care doctors. Unfortunately, most, which also includes most doctors, do not recognize or know that digestive problems wreak havoc in the entire body. This leads to allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease, rashes, acne, chronic fatigue, mood disorders, autism, dementia, cancer, and more. Having proper gut and intestinal health is absolutely central to your health. It is connected to everything that happens in the body.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Vitamins, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Excessive belching, burping or bloating
- Gas immediately following a meal
- Stomach pain, burning or aching 1-4 hours after eating
- Feel hungry an hour or two after eating
- Digestive problems when lying down or bending forward
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you should try some micronutrients for your GI tract health.
GI Tract Health
Over two thousand years ago, Hippocrates recognized that the gut plays a significant role in overall health and that modern scientific research has substantiated and solidified this view. With GI (gastrointestinal) health, advanced testing, and intricate healing protocols focused a lot when it comes to the GI tract. Some patients may benefit from the precise analysis of the makeup from their gut flora or the specific food elimination and reintroduction strategies, but not to overlook the fundamentals. Addressing the basics like general micronutrient repletion or supplementation with the foundational nutrients can be targeted for therapeutic purposes and can go a long way for an individual�s healing.
The Micronutrients
These are some of the fundamental micronutrients that the body needs to perform the everyday task. These can mostly be found in foods or in supplements and vitamins that are consumed, and even though high restriction diets can deplete these nutrients, they are still crucial for not only our gut health but for the entire body system as well.
Glutamine
The amino acid glutamine is a trusty workhorse for a healthy gut function in the body. Even though it is technically not an essential amino acid, it serves as an energy source for epithelial cells that makes up the intestinal lining for the intestines. Various circumstances like trauma, burns, or recovery from significant operations or illnesses can increase the body’s demand for glutamine.
Glutamine can be found in all protein foods like:
- Eggs
- Beef
- Skim milk
- Tofu
- White rice
- Corn
Taurine
Another amino acid is taurine is beneficial for individuals who need help with the digestion of dietary fats. Taurine is unique due to not being used in any structural protein; however, it has other roles in the body. Taurine can be synthesized from cysteine and can be obtained from animal foods specifically, sadly though it is nonexistent in plant food. Bile acids that are bound with taurine are secreted by the liver; the making of this compound is critical for bile acid function and proper fat absorption in the body.
Taurine can provide these health benefits to the body, which includes:
- Improve blood sugar control and fight diabetes
- Stop the occurrence of epilepsy
- Reduces seizure attacks
- Prevents cardiovascular diseases
- Regulates muscle contractions
- Controls and calms the central nervous system
Potassium
Potassium is the core nutrient that plays a role in a healthy GI function, especially when it comes to intestinal motility. Some disorders like fatigue and cardiac arrhythmias can be the result of potassium deficiency, and inadequate potassium may lead to delayed gastric emptying and intestinal paralysis. If the body is not treated soon, it can lead to chronic illnesses in the GI, causing unpleasant effects like bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.
All food supplies have an abundance of potassium, but certain medications can reduce potassium levels. Factors like excessive alcohol consumption or strict chronic dieting for weight loss can be the result of inadequate potassium intake and the body status of a person.
Some of the health benefits that potassium can provide are:
- Maintains constant blood pressure
- Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Maintains bone density
- Maintains muscle mass
Vitamin B6
B vitamins, especially vitamin B6, are highly essential to the GI tract because they make sure that the brain is also healthy as well. Deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause these symptoms:
- Tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet
- Anemia
- Seizures
- Depression
- Confusion
- Weak immune system
Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that produces the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine and forming myelin for the body. This vitamin can help boost brain function and can improve memory function. Some of the other benefits it can provide to the body are:
- Lowers the risk of dementia
- Reduce the severity of nausea during pregnancy
- Protection from air pollution
- Ensures the normal functioning of digestive enzymes
Conclusion
Even though these are the necessary foundational micronutrients and amino acids for their roles in the GI tract, it is crucial for individuals who have these micronutrient deficiencies. Even though the popularity of highly restrictive diets emphasizes on caloric restrictions for weight loss for individuals, it can limit the intake of certain nutrient-dense foods. It can cause disruptions to the gastrointestinal tract. When a person surrounds themselves with an abundance of foods with these micronutrients can live a healthy life. Some products combined with these micronutrient foods can provide support to the gastrointestinal system and help boost the sugar metabolism for the body.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Brazier, Yvette. �Vitamin B-6: Benefits, Dosage, Food Sources, and Deficiency Symptoms.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 Mar. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219662.php.
Cadman, Bethany. �L-Glutamine for IBS: Benefits, Side Effects, and Research.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 7 Feb. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320850.php.
Caporuscio, Jessica. �What Is Taurine? Benefits and Side Effects.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 26 Sept. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326476.php.
Higdon, Jane. �Potassium.� Linus Pauling Institute, 14 Oct. 2019, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/potassium#deficiency.
Mawer, Rudy. “What Is Taurine? Benefits, Side Effects, and More.” Healthline, 27 Nov. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-taurine.
Megan Ware, RDN. �Potassium: Health Benefits and Recommended Intake.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 10 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287212.php.
Team, DFH. �Micronutrients in GI Health.� Designs for Health, 11 Oct. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1123.
Tinsley, Grant. “Glutamine: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects.” Healthline, 13 Jan. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/glutamine.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Stomach pain
- Burning or aching after 1-4 hours of eating
- Use antacids frequently
- Heartburn
- Digestive problems subside with relaxation
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing problems with your stomach acid pH balance.
The pH Balance of the Stomach
The stomach produces gastric acids that help breakdown the food contents that a person eats. With the gastric acids, studies stated that its role is diverting the bile and pancreatic juice from the intestines. With humans, the stomach plays a significant role as a biological filter with moderate lifestyle changes. Whether it changes in a person’s diet, hygiene, and medical interventions can alter the stomach’s pH levels.
With the stomach acidity in the body, it is a double-edged sword. High acidity in the stomach can prevent pathogen exposure, but it can also decrease the likelihood of recolonization of beneficial microbes. Low acidity in the stomach is more likely to be colonized by pathogens and can cause gastric infections.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a common condition that features a burning pain in the lower chest area, and it occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe. Diseases that are the result of acid reflux is one of the most common gut complaints from individuals and seen by hospital departments in the United States. The stomach contains hydrochloric acid that helps breakdown food and protects it from pathogens such as bacteria.
Even though the lining of the stomach is specially adapted to protect it from hydrochloric acid, the esophagus is not protected from this powerful acid. The gastroesophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle that generally acts as a valve that lets food into the stomach but does not let the food back up into the esophagus. When it fails, the stomach contents will regurgitate into the esophagus, and the symptoms of acid reflux will be felt.
One of the risk factors that acid reflux causes that are not preventable are hiatal hernia. This hernia causes a hole in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to enter the chest cavity. Other risk factors include:
- Obesity
- Smoking (active or passive)
- Low levels of physical exercise
- Certain medication
- Poor diet
Some of the symptoms that acid reflux creates can cause heartburn, and it is uncomfortable when the sensation travels up to the neck and throat. When an individual lays down or bends over, it tends to get the worst and can last for several hours. Some of the symptoms caused by acid reflux include:
- Heartburn
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Regurgitation
- Dyspepsia
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Asthma symptoms
Hypochlorhydria
Hypochlorhydria is the medical term for low levels of stomach acid. Individuals with hypochlorhydria are unable to produce enough hydrochloric acid in their stomach and may experience digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, and gastrointestinal infections.
Some of the common causes of hypochlorhydria are:
- Age: Aging can make the stomach produce less acid in the body. A 2013 review stated that adults over the age of 65 are more susceptible to develop that hypochlorhydria.
- Stress: Even though everyday stress does not have much effect on the production of stomach acid, chronic stress, however, can contribute to hypochlorhydria.
- Medication: Individuals that use long-term antacids or other medication for acid reflux or heartburn may decrease the stomach acid that the body produces.
- Bacterial Infection: A bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is a widespread, yet under-appreciated pathogen that can alter the host physiology and subvert the host immune response. It is the primary cause of peptic ulcers and gastric cancers while contributing to a low level of stomach acid.
- Zinc deficiency: Zinc is a necessary mineral for stomach acid production. A lack of this mineral can contribute to hypochlorhydria to the body.
- Stomach surgery: Surgical procedures like gastric bypass surgery can reduce the amount of the stomach produces.
Symptoms of hypochlorhydria are related to impaired digestion, increase infection, and reduce the absorption of nutrients from food. Symptoms may include:
- Bloating
- Burping
- Upset stomach
- Heartburn
- Gas
- Indigestion
- Undigested food in stool
- Neurological issues like numbness, tingling, and vision changes
Conclusion
The stomach is producing gastric acids that help break down food components. When environmental factors are in effect, they can alter the stomach’s pH balance and can disrupt the hydrochloric acid. Since stomach acidity is a double edge sword, it can go back and forth on the pH levels. High acidity in the stomach can cause acid reflux to the esophagus and decrease the likelihood of recolonizing beneficial microbes in the gut. Low acidity in the stomach can cause hypochlorhydria and develop digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and gastrointestinal infections. These products can help support the gastrointestinal system, as well as supporting the pH-optimized enzymes in both the gastric and intestinal function in the body.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s proclamation on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Reference:
Beasley, DeAnna E, et al. �The Evolution of Stomach Acidity and Its Relevance to the Human Microbiome.� PloS One, Public Library of Science, 29 July 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4519257/.
Britton, Edward, and John T. McLaughlin. �Ageing and the Gut.� Cambridge Core, Cambridge University Press, 12 Nov. 2012, www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/ageing-and-the-gut/A85D096755F5F7652C262495ABF302A0/core-reader.
Dix, Megan. �What Is Hypochlorhydria?� Healthline, 12 Mar. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/hypochlorhydria.
Green, G M. �Role of Gastric Juice in Feedback Regulation of Rat Pancreatic Secretion by Luminal Proteases.� Pancreas, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 1990, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2199966.
Kines, Kasia, and Tina Krupczak. �Nutritional Interventions for Gastroesophageal Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Hypochlorhydria: A Case Report.� Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), InnoVision Professional Media, Aug. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991651/.
Leonard, Jayne. �Hypochlorhydria (Low Stomach Acid): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 17 July 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322491.php.
MacGill, Markus. �Acid Reflux: Causes, Treatment, and Symptoms.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 13 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146619.php.
Ramsay, Philip T, and Aaron Carr. �Gastric Acid and Digestive Physiology.� The Surgical Clinics of North America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21889024.
Team, Healthline Editorial. �Symptoms of Acid Reflux.� Healthline, 21 June, 2016, www.healthline.com/health/gerd/acid-reflux-symptoms.
Testerman, Traci L, and James Morris. “Beyond the Stomach: An Updated View of Helicobacter Pylori Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 28 Sept. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4177463/.
Wang, Yao-Kuang, et al. �Current Pharmacological Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.� Gastroenterology Research and Practice, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3710614/.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Difficulty digesting roughage and fiber
- Indigestion and fullness the last 2-4 hours
- Pain, tenderness, soreness on the left side, under the rib cage
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stool undigested, foul-smelling, mucus-like, greasy or poorly formed
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing pancreatic digestive disorders.
The Pancreas
The pancreas is a gland organ located in the abdomen. It is part of the digestive system, producing insulin and other vital enzymes and hormones that help break down food. It has an endocrine function, due to releasing juices directly into the bloodstream and has an exocrine function that releases juices into the ducts in the body.
One of its many jobs the pancreas does is that it secretes out enzymes into the small intestine and continues to break down that left in the stomach. Another job is that it produces insulin and secretes it into the bloodstream, where it can regulate the body’s glucose or sugar level. When there is a problem with insulin control in the body, it can lead a person to have diabetes. Other health problems include pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation in the pancreas. It occurs when the digestive enzymes become activated while irritating the cells in the pancreas. With repeated damages to the pancreas, it can cause either two forms of pancreatitis, which is acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Both are very painful and can form scar tissue in the pancreas, causing it to lose its function. A poorly functioning pancreas can cause digestion problems and diabetes. Here are the conditions that can lead to pancreatitis:
- Abdominal surgery
- Alcoholism
- Certain medications
- Cystic fibrosis
- Gallstones
- Obesity
Chronic Pancreatitis
Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term progressive inflammatory disease in the pancreas that can lead to a permanent breakdown of the structure and function of the pancreas in the body. Studies stated that the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is long term alcohol abuse, it is thought to account for between 70 to 80 percent for all cases, and significantly it affects more men than women.
Common signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:
- Severe upper abdominal pain that is more intense after a meal
- Nausea and vomiting
When the disease progresses, the episodes of pain will become more frequent and more severe to individuals. Some individuals eventually suffer from constant abdominal pain, and as chronic pancreatitis progresses, the ability of the pancreas to produce digestive juices will deteriorate, and the following symptoms appear:
- Smelly and greasy stool
- Bloating
- Abdominal cramps
- Flatulence
- Diabetes
There are numerous complications that an individual can potentially have with chronic pancreatitis. Nutrient malabsorption is one of the most complications since the pancreas is not producing enough digestive enzymes for the body to absorb the nutrients properly, leading to malnutrition. Another possible complication is the development of diabetes, where chronic pancreatitis damages the cells that produce insulin and glucagon to the body. Some individuals will also develop pseudocyst, which is fluid-filled that can form inside or outside the pancreas and can be very dangerous to the body since they can block the essential ducts and blood vessels.
Acute Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It causes the enzymes to be excessively produced, causing the pancreas gland to be swollen and inflamed. It will make digestion slow down and become painful, making the other body functions be affected as well as making the pancreas be permanently damaged and scarred.
Acute pancreatitis is painful and can develop quickly. It can trigger potentially fatal complications as the mortality rate can range from less than 5 percent to over 30 percent, depending on the severity of the condition and if it reaches to the other organs beyond the pancreas. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is the production of gallstones in the gallbladder, alcohol misuse, and infections.
When a person has acute pancreatitis, they feel the pain in the lower abdomen and then feel it more gradually as the pain intensified until it is a constant ache. Other symptoms include:
- Vomiting and nausea
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Pain with coughing, vigorous movements, and deep breathing
- Tenderness when the abdomen is touched
- Fever
- Jaundice, yellowish tinge on the skin and the whites of the eyes
Pancreatic Cancer
Also known as �the silent disease,” pancreatic cancer happens when uncontrolled cell growth begins to form in a part of the pancreas. Tumors develop and interfere with the way the pancreas works. Pancreatic cancer often shows any symptoms until the later stages, and it can be challenging to manage. The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:
- Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back
- Unintended weight loss or loss of appetite
- Pale or grey fatty stool
- Jaundice
- New-onset diabetes
- Blood clots
- Depression
- Fatigue
Conclusion
The pancreas is located in the abdomen, and its primary function is to produce insulin and necessary enzymes and hormone to aid the digestion of food. When complications are attacking the pancreas like pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, it can damage the pancreas to stop producing insulin and can lead to chronic illnesses to spread all over the body. Some products can help support the sugar metabolism that the pancreas creates and offer nutrients and enzymatic cofactors to the gastrointestinal system in the body.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s proclamation on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Reference:
Banks, Peter A, et al. �The Management of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis.� Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Millennium Medical Publishing, Feb. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2886461/.
Bartel, Michael. �Acute Pancreatitis – Gastrointestinal Disorders.� MSD Manual Professional Edition, MSD Manuals, July 2019, www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/pancreatitis/acute-pancreatitis.
Brazier, Yvette. �Acute Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, and Complications.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 19 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160427.php.
Brazier, Yvette. �Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 23 Oct. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323423.php.
Colledge, Helen, et al. �Chronic Pancreatitis.� Healthline, 14 Sept. 2017, www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pancreatitis.
Crosta, Peter. �Pancreas: Functions and Disorders.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 26 May 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10011.php.
Felman, Adam. �Chronic Pancreatitis: Treatments, Symptoms, and Causes.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 19 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160459.php.
Health Publishing, Harvard. �Acute Pancreatitis.� Harvard Health, July 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/acute-pancreatitis-a-to-z.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. �Pancreatic Cancer.� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355421.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. �Pancreatitis.� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20360227.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Excessive belching, burping or bloating
- A sense of fullness during and after meals
- Gas immediately after a meal
- Offensive breath
- Difficulty digesting proteins and meats
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing some stomach digestive disorders.
The Stomach
The human stomach�s core function is to aid food to digest when an individual eats. The four critical components of the gastric digestive function are:
- A reservoir capacity
- Acid secretion
- Enzyme secretion
- Gastrointestinal motility
These four components help the stomach function properly in the digestive system and help the body absorb essential nutrients and are responsible for getting rid of waste out of the body. Any disorders like GERD, gallstones, and Crohn’s disease are a few of the many illnesses that can affect not only the stomach but the entire digestive system. It can cause a person to feel discomfort and can be long term if the individual has not treated it.
GERD
GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease when the contents from the stomach move up into the esophagus, causing acid reflux. Researchers at the NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) stated that about 20% of individuals are affected by GERD, if it is left untreated, it can sometimes cause serious complications.
One of the main symptoms that GERD causes is heartburn. Heartburn is a discomfort feeling that is felt from behind the breastbone as a burning sensation. It tends to get worse on a person if they lay down, bend over, after eating food. Not all individuals with GERD experiences heartburn, there are other possible symptoms such as:
- Chest pains
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bad breath
- The sensation of a lump in the throat
- Sour taste in the mouth
- Respiratory problems
- Tooth decay
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluids that can form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that’s located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. It also holds bile fluid that releases into the small intestines. Gallstones can range in sizes from as small as sand to as large as a golf ball. According to Harvard Health Publications, about 80% of gallstones are made of cholesterol, while the other 20% is made up of calcium salts and bilirubin.
Gallstones can lead to pain in the upper right abdomen. An individual may start to feel gallbladder pains when they eat foods that are high in fat, especially fried foods. Furthermore, if the pain continues, it may lead to an inflamed gallbladder or cholecystitis. They may also experience symptoms like:
- Pain on the right-hand side of the body, just below the ribs
- Back pain between the shoulder blades
- Pain in the right shoulder
- Nausea
- Dark urine
- Clay-colored stool
- Stomach pain
Researchers stated that some people develop the chemical imbalance in their gallbladders causes gallstones while others do not. Gallstones are more common among people with obesity, and studies revealed that women can develop gallstones and may require surgery to remove them.
Crohn�s Disease
Crohn�s disease is an inflammatory disease. It causes inflammation in the body’s digestive tract and can cause several chronic illnesses. Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can be in different areas of the digestive tract in different people. The inflammation often spreads deep into the layers of the affected bowel tissue, causing pain, and sometimes lead to life-threating complications.
Crohn�s disease symptoms can vary depending on which part of the gut is affected in the body. Specific symptoms can often develop gradually and become worse over time, and it is rare for the symptoms of Crohn’s disease to develop suddenly and dramatically. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:
- Pain
- Ulcers in the gut
- Mouth ulcers
- Diarrhea
- A fever
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Rectal bleeding and anal fissures
- Anemia
The exact causes of Crohn’s disease are still unclear, but researchers theorized that it stems from an abnormal reaction in the immune system. The theory stated that the immune system attacks food, good bacteria, and beneficial substances as if they are unwanted substances. During the attack, the body’s white cells start building up in the lining of the gut and triggers inflammation. It is still unclear whether the abnormal immune system causes Crohn’s disease, but there are environmental factors that can increase the risk of inflammation.
Conclusion
The stomach’s primary function is to digest the food that a person consumes. Four components help aid the stomach to function correctly. When the stomach is dealing with chronic illnesses like Crohn’s disease, gallstones, and GERD, it can lead to inflammation on the intestinal barriers. When it is left untreated, it can lead to life long complicated problems in the body. Some products can help aid the stomach digestion as they help support the gastrointestinal system as well.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s bill on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
AAAS, EurekAlert. �A Bulging Midriff Roughly Doubles Women’s Chances of Gallstone Surgery.� EurekAlert!, 13 Feb. 2006, www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-02/bsj-abm021006.php.
Brazier, Yvette. �Cholecystitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 22 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172067.php.
Brazier, Yvette. �Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms, Diet, Treatment, and Causes.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 11 Jan. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151620.php.
Editorial Team, Healthline, and Heather Cruickshank. �Everything You Need to Know About Acid Reflux and GERD.� Healthline, 7 Dec. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/gerd.
Holland, Kimberly. �Understanding Crohn’s Disease.� Healthline, 2 May, 2019, www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease.
MacGill, Markus. �GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085.php.
Macon, Brindles Lee, et al. �Understanding Gallstones: Types, Pain, and More.� Healthline, 1 June, 2017, www.healthline.com/health/gallstones.
O’Connor, Anthony, and Colm O’Mor�in. �Digestive Function of the Stomach.� Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24732181.
Publishing, Harvard Health. �What to Do about Gallstones.� Harvard Health, 2011, www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-gallstones.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. �Crohn’s Disease.� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353304.
Staff, Mayo Clinic. �Gallstones.� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Aug. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214.
Unknown, Unknown. �Definition & Facts for GER & GERD.� National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Nov. 2014, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness
Do you feel the following:
- Feeling those bowels do not empty completely
- Lower abdominal pain relieved by passing stool or gas
- Alternating constipation and diarrhea
- A hard, dry, or small stool
- Use laxatives frequently
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you must be experiencing gastrointestinal impairments in your body.
Gastrointestinal Impairments
The digestive system is consisting of the gastrointestinal tract, which is home to the intestines, the liver, the colon, the gallbladder, the pancreas, and the stomach. When there is a disruption in the gastrointestinal tract, it can cause inflammation and chronic illnesses that can harm the body. Functional disorders in the digestive tract (GI tract) can look normal in the body, but it doesn’t work correctly.
Many factors can upset the GI tract and its motility, including:
- Eating a diet low in fiber
- Not getting enough exercise
- Traveling or changes in a routine
- Eating large amounts of dairy blankets
- Stress
- Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
- Overusing laxatives
- Taking certain medicines
Some of the most common problems that can affect the GI tract are constipation, IBS, and colon cancer.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a long term gastrointestinal disorder. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating, mucus in the stool, irregular bowel habits, and can alternate diarrhea and constipation. IBS can cause persistent discomfort to individuals, but they can improve the symptoms over time as they learn to manage the condition.
Some of the symptoms caused by IBS are:
- Changes in bowel habits
- Abdominal pain and cramping that lessens after using the bathroom
- A feeling that the bowels not fully emptied after using the bathroom
- Excess gas
- The passing of mucus from the rectum
- The sudden urgent need to use the bathroom
- Swelling or bloating from the abdomen.
Signs and symptoms of IBS can vary between individuals and can often resemble other diseases and conditions. IBS symptoms can often get worst after earing, and a flare-up may last about 2 to 4 days, then the symptoms may either improve or go away entirely, but IBS symptoms can affect different body parts.
These can include:
- Frequent urination
- Bad breath
- Headaches
- Joint or muscle pain
- Persistent fatigue
- Anxiety
- Depression
Constipation
Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems that affects around 2.5 million individuals. It is a syndrome that is defined by bowel symptoms (painful or infrequent passage of stool, the hardness of stool, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation) that may occur either in isolation or secondary to another underlying disease like for example, Parkinson’s disease.
The cause of constipation is through the colon. The colon’s main job is to absorb water from leftover food as it passes through the digestive system and creates waste. When the waste is ready to be excreted out, the colon’s muscles propel the waste out through the rectum to eliminate from the body. If the debris remains in the colon for too long, though, it can be tough and challenging to excrete it out of the body.
Some factors can cause constipation; this can include:
- Stress
- Low-fiber diet
- Lack of exercise
- Certain medications
- Particular diseases like a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes
- Problems with the colon or rectum
- Hormonal issues
Everyone’s definition of a regular bowel movement may be different. Some people can go about three times a day, while others can go to relieve themselves about three times a week. Some of the symptoms of constipation included are:
- Fewer than three bowel movements a week
- Passing hard, dry stools
- Straining or pain during bowel movements
- Still feeling full after a bowel movement
- Experiencing a rectal blockage
Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer. When tumorous growths develop in the large intestine or the colon, it develops colon cancer in the GI tract. The colon, the one organ where the body draws out water and salt from solid wastes. The waste then moves through the rectum and excretes out of the body through the anus.
Even though colon cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms in the earliest stages, but it can become more noticeable as the disease progresses. Some of the sign and symptoms of colon cancer include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Changes in stool consistency
- Loose, narrow stools
- Blood in the stool
- Abdominal pain
- Weakness and fatigue
- Iron deficiency
If colon cancer spreads to a new location the gastrointestinal system, it can cause additional problems in the new area.
Conclusion
Having gastrointestinal impairments can cause the body to develop chronic illnesses. There are ways to make sure that the digestive tract is functioning correctly. An individual can change their diets and lifestyle and can make sure that their gut is working properly. When there is a disruption in the GI tract like IBS, constipation, and colon cancer, it can lead to many health problems if the individual is not careful. If an individual prolongs the symptoms, then they will develop life-long issues for their body. Some products help support the intestinal tract and help strengthens the natural defenses and support the intestinal immune function.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Bharucha, Adil E, et al. �American Gastroenterological Association Technical Review on Constipation.� Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3531555/.
Brazier, Yvette. �Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Symptoms, Diet, Causes, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37063.php.
Crosta, Peter. �Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 28 Aug. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150496.php.
Sethi, Saurabh. �What You Should Know About Constipation.� Healthline, 23 Aug. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/constipation.
Unknown, Unknown. �Digestive Disorders & Gastrointestinal Diseases.� Cleveland Clinic, 2017, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-disorders.
Whitfield, K Lynette, and Robert J Shulman. �Treatment Options for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: from Empiric to Complementary Approaches.� Pediatric Annals, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2830707/.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gut and Intestinal Health, Hormone Balance, Wellness
Microbes have multicellular hosts and can have many effects on the host�s health and well-being. Researchers have stated that microbes influence metabolism, immunity, and behavior on the human body. One of the most important but understudied mechanisms that microbes have is that they can involve hormones. In the presence of gut microbiota, specific changes in hormone levels can correlate in the gut. The gut microbiota can produce and secrete hormones, respond to the host hormones, and regulate their expression levels. There is also a link between the endocrine system and the gut microbiota as more information is still being researched.
The Gut to Hormone Connection
Since the human microbiome contains a vast array of microbes and genes that shows a higher complexity. Unlike other organs in the body, the gut microbiota’s function is not fully understood yet but can be disrupted easily by antibiotics, diet, or surgery. The best-characterized function is how the gut microbiota interacts with the endocrine system in the body.
Emerging research has indicated that the gut microbiome plays a central role in regulating estrogen levels within the body. When the estrogen hormone levels are too high or too low, it can lead to the risk of developing estrogen-related diseases like endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome, breast cancer, and prostate cancer to males and females.
The gut to hormone connection is essential since the gut is one of the producers to create hormones that travel through the entire body system. With the endocrine system is being involved, it is the first network to produce and transport hormones to the organs that need the hormones to function. When there is an imbalance of hormones in the human body, it can disrupt all the other hormones.
The gut microbiota influences nearly every hormone that the endocrine system creates, including:
- The thyroid hormones
- Estrogen hormones
- Stress hormones
Thyroid Hormones
If the gut has inflammation, then the hormones in the body will create an excessive or low quantity in the body. If the endocrine glands like thyroid, are producing a low quantity of hormones and the gut can be imbalanced and lead to hypothyroidism. When there is low microbial diversity in the gut, studies have shown that the low microbial diversity is linked to high TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels. The excessive quantity of thyroid hormones can lead to hyperthyroidism. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause symptoms like irritability, anxiety, poor memory, and many symptoms that can affect the body.
“If you are experiencing excessive belching, burping, bloating, difficult bowel movements difficulty digesting proteins and meats; undigested food found in stools, digestive problems subside with rest and relaxation or any symptoms. Then this article will give you a better understand what is happening with the gut and how hormones can affect the gut system.”
Estrogen Hormones
The gut and an individual’s hormones are meant to be in communication with each other. They not only support each other, but they also work together to make sure the body is running smoothly. Studies have found out that the gut’s intestinal cells have special receptors for hormones that allow them to detect any hormonal shifts that affect the body.
Since estrogen is typically associated with women, it is common that men need the right amount of estrogen levels to function. The gut microbiota is the key regulator of leveling and circulating estrogen in the body. The microbes produce an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase, which then converts the estrogen hormone to its active form.
The gut microbiome can regulate estrogen levels by functioning a specific bacteria in the microbiome called estrobolome. Estrobolome is the aggregates of enteric bacterial genes that are capable of metabolizing estrogen. It might affect women’s risk of developing postmenopausal estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. The estrobolome is highly essential to keep estrogen levels in the body at a stable state.
In the gut microbiota, both the estrogen and progesterone hormones can impact the guts’ motility and peristalsis ( The rhythmic movement of the intestines that move food through the stomach and out of the body) by playing opposing roles in the guts� motility. Progesterone helps slow down the gut�s motility by relaxing the smooth and slowing transit the time the food is moving out of the body. Estrogen helps increase the contraction of the smooth muscles in the intestines. When the estrogen hormones are leveled right, it can help keep the gut moving smoothly and help increase the diversity of the body�s microbiomes, which is a good thing for the immune system.
Stress Hormones
Stress hormones or cortisol plays a massive part in the gut microbiota. Since cortisol hormones connect to the brain, it sends the signals to the gut and vice versa. If it is a short stressor like getting ready for a presentation or a job interview, the person will feel “butterflies” in their gut. The longer stressors, for example, like having a highly stressful job or feeling anxious consistently, can lead to chronic illnesses in the gut like inflammation or leaky gut. Since the hormone and gut connection is in sync with the gut and brain connection, it is crucial to lowering the cortisol levels to a stable state for a healthy functional body.
Conclusion
The gut and hormone connections are profoundly meaningful since they are linked closely together. When there is a disruption on the gut, it can cause hormones to be imbalanced, causing many disruptions like inflammation and leaky gut. When there is a disruption in the hormones, it can disrupt the gut as well by negatively shifting the gut’s microbiome. So to ensure that the gut is functioning correctly, it is crucial to eat food that contains probiotics and is fermented to keep the gut flora healthy. Some products can help counter the metabolic effects of temporary stress and supporting estrogen metabolism by incorporating other essential nutrients and cofactors to support the endocrine system.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Author, Guest. �How Your Gut Microbiome Influences Your Hormones.� Bulletproof, 21 Aug. 2019, www.bulletproof.com/gut-health/gut-microbiome-hormones/.
Evans, James M, et al. �The Gut Microbiome: the Role of a Virtual Organ in the Endocrinology of the Host.� The Journal of Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 28 Aug. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23833275.
Kresser, Chris. �The Gut�Hormone Connection: How Gut Microbes Influence Estrogen Levels.� Kresser Institute, Kresserinstitute.com, 10 Oct. 2019, kresserinstitute.com/gut-hormone-connection-gut-microbes-influence-estrogen-levels/.
Kwa, Maryann, et al. �The Intestinal Microbiome and Estrogen Receptor-Positive Female Breast Cancer.� Journal of the National Cancer Institute, Oxford University Press, 22 Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5017946/.
Neuman, Hadar, et al. �Microbial Endocrinology: the Interplay between the Microbiota and the Endocrine System.� OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 20 Feb. 2015, academic.oup.com/femsre/article/39/4/509/2467625.
Publishing, Harvard Health. �The Gut-Brain Connection.� Harvard Health, 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/the-gut-brain-connection.
Szkudlinski, Mariusz W, et al. �Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone and Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor Structure-Function Relationships.� Physiological Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2002, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11917095.
Wieselman, Brie. �Why Your Gut Health and Microbiome Make-or-Break Your Hormone Balance.� Brie Wieselman, 28 Sept. 2018, briewieselman.com/why-your-gut-health-and-microbiome-make-or-break-your-hormone-balance/.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Hormone Balance, Wellness
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that may interfere with the body’s endocrine system and produce adverse developmental, reproductive, neurological, and immune effects in humans. It can be pesticides, plasticizers, antimicrobials, and flame retardants that can be EDCs. EDCs (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) can disrupt the hormonal balance and can result in developmental and reproductive abnormalities in the body.
There are four points about endocrine disruption:
- Low dose matters
- Wide range of health benefits
- Persistence of biological effects
- Ubiquitous exposure
EDC can cause significant risks to humans by targeting different organs and systems in the body. The interactions and the mechanisms of toxicity created by EDC and environmental factors can be concerning a person’s general health problems. Including endocrine disturbances in the body since many factors can cause endocrine disruptors, one of the disruptors in the food contaminated with PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl esters) in fish meat and dairy.
Researchers also pointed out that once the contaminated foods eliminated from a person’s diet, then the endocrine disruptors decline, and the body began to heal properly. When a person eliminates the food that is causing discomfort to their bodies, they are more aware of reading the food labels to prevent discomfort anymore to the body systems.
Obesogen
Obesogen is a subclass of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDC) that might predispose individuals to the development of obesity. Their structure is mainly lipophilic, and they can increase fat deposition. Since the fat cell’s primary role is to store and release energy, researchers have found that different obesogenic compounds may have different mechanisms of action.
Some of these actions can affect the number of fat cells that are producing, while others affect the size of the fat cells, and some obesogenic compounds can affect the hormones. These compounds will affect the appetite, satiety, food preferences, and energy metabolism when the endocrine system plays a fundamental role in the body to regulate the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Any alternations in the body can result in an imbalance in the metabolism and causing endocrine disorders.
Studies even stated that exposure to obesogens could be found either before birth on utero or in the neonatal period. Obesogens can even cause a decrease in male fertility. When this disruption happens to the male body, environmental compounds can cause a predispose to weight gain, and obesogens can appoint as one of the contributors because of their actions as endocrine disruptors. Obesogens can even change the functioning of the male reproductive axis and testicular physiology. The metabolism in the male human body can be pivotal for spermatogenesis due to these changes.
Endocrine Disruptors and Obesity
Some endocrine disruptors that can affect the body can be through pharmaceutical drugs that can cause weight gain. A variety of prescription drugs can have an adverse effect that can result in weight gain since the chemicals found in prescription drugs have similar structures, and modes of action might have a role in obesity. Prescription medicine can stimulate the gut to consume more food, thus involving the body to gain weight.
Another endocrine disruptor is PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons). These are a family of environmental chemicals that occur in oil, coal, and tar deposits. They produce as by-products of fuel-burning like fossil fuel, biomass, cigarette smoke, and diesel exhaust. PAHs can either be manufactured to be used as medicines and pesticides or be released naturally from forest fires and volcanoes.
There are standard ways a person can be exposed to PAHs. One is through eating grilled, charred, or charcoal-broiled meats that a person eats. The other is through inhalation of smoke from cigarettes, vehicle exhaust, or emissions from fossil fuels that can irritate the eyes and breathing passageways in the body.
Coping with EDC Exposure
Even though obesity can adversely affect the body in a variety of health outcomes, there are ways to cope and minimize the exposure of EDC. Research shows that a person can minimize EDC exposure by consuming organic fruits, vegetables, and grain products insofar as possible. This includes an increasing number of fungicides routinely applied to fruits and vegetables that are being identified as obesogens and metabolic disruptors in the body.
Xenoestrogen vs. Phytoestrogen
When a person has an endocrine disorder, it might be due to the food they are consuming. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that are in a wide variety of food, mostly in soy. They are presented in numerous dietary supplements and widely marketed as a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy.
There is a health impact on phytoestrogen, and the plant-derived compound can either mimic, modulate, or disrupt the actions of endogenous estrogen. Xenoestrogen�are synthetically derived chemical agents from certain drugs, pesticides, and industrial by-products that mimic endogenous hormones or can interfere with endocrine disruptors. These chemical compounds can cause an effect on several developmental anomalies to humans. It can also interfere with the production and metabolism of ovarian estrogen in females.
Conclusion
Endocrine disruptors can interfere with the body’s endocrine system causing a health risk to an individual. EDC (endocrine-disrupting chemicals) can target many different organs and systems of the body by various factors that the human body is being exposed to. One of the EDC factors is obesogen, and it can cause a person to gain weight and be obese. Another factor is the exposure of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) through environmental factors like smoke inhalation or consuming charcoal-broiled meats. There are ways to cope with EDC exposure, and one is eating organic foods, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Another is products that target the endocrine system and helps support the liver, intestines, body metabolism, and estrogen metabolism to ensure not only a healthy endocrine system but also a healthy body to function correctly.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott’s proclamation on our website to get full details on this historic event.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Cardoso, A M, et al. �Obesogens and Male Fertility.� Obesity Reviews : an Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of Obesity, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27776203.
Darbre, Philippa D. �Endocrine Disruptors and Obesity.� Current Obesity Reports, Springer US, Mar. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5359373/.
Holtcamp, Wendee. �Obesogens: an Environmental Link to Obesity.� Environmental Health Perspectives, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Feb. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279464/.
Janesick, Amanda S, and Bruce Blumberg. �Obesogens: an Emerging Threat to Public Health.� American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851574/.
Janesick, Amanda S, and Bruce Blumberg. �Obesogens: an Emerging Threat to Public Health.� American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26829510.
Kyle, Ted, and Bonnie Kuehl. �Prescription Medications & Weight Gain.� Obesity Action Coalition, 2013, www.obesityaction.org/community/article-library/prescription-medications-weight-gain/.
L�r�nd, T, et al. �Hormonal Action of Plant Derived and Anthropogenic Non-Steroidal Estrogenic Compounds: Phytoestrogens and Xenoestrogens.� Current Medicinal Chemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20738246.
Patisaul, Heather B, and Wendy Jefferson. �The Pros and Cons of Phytoestrogens.� Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3074428/.
Singleton, David W, and Sohaib A Khan. �Xenoestrogen Exposure and Mechanisms of Endocrine Disruption.� Frontiers in Bioscience : a Journal and Virtual Library, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12456297.
Unknown, Unknown. �Endocrine Disruptors.� National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2015, www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/endocrine/index.cfm.
Unknown, Unknown. �Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Your Environment, Your Health | National Library of Medicine.� U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, 31 Apr. 2017, toxtown.nlm.nih.gov/chemicals-and-contaminants/polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons-pahs.
Yang, Oneyeol, et al. �Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals: Review of Toxicological Mechanisms Using Molecular Pathway Analysis.� Journal of Cancer Prevention, Korean Society of Cancer Prevention, 30 Mar. 2015, www.jcpjournal.org/journal/view.html?doi=10.15430%2FJCP.2015.20.1.12.
