Heart Health. The heart beats about 2.5 billion times over an individual’s lifetime, pushing millions of gallons of blood to every part of the body. This steady flow carries oxygen, fuel, hormones, other compounds, and essential cells. It also takes away the waste products of metabolism. However, when the heart stops, the essential functions fail.
Given the heart’s never-ending workload, it can also fail. It can be brought down by a poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, infection, unfortunate genes, and more. One of the key problems is atherosclerosis. This is the accumulation of cholesterol-rich plaque inside the arteries. This plaque can limit blood flow through the arteries, coronary arteries, and other arteries throughout the body. When a plaque breaks apart, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.
Although many develop some form of cardiovascular disease (diseases affecting the heart and blood vessels) as they get older, a healthy lifestyle, especially when starting early, goes a long way to prevent cardiovascular disease. In addition, lifestyle changes and medications can help heart-harming illnesses, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, before they cause damage. And there are medications, operations, and devices that can help support heart health if damage occurs.
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then there might be some dysfunction in your body�s system, including the immune system. Why not try the Chinese herb, astragalus to help alleviate the symptoms.
Astragalus
In traditional Chinese medicine, the herb astragalus has been used for thousands of years and has been known to strengthen chi or qi life force in the body. This herb has been known to be typically employed in conditions that are related to general weakness in the body like fatigue, anemia, a poor appetite, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions that can weaken the body. Surprisingly though, astragalus can be used to optimize kidney health and, with the combination of ginseng and echinacea, can boost up the body’s immune system. There is a variety of astragalus that are native to Northeast Asia, and its roots need to be dried and powdered to be transformed to be consumed as a capsule or as a tea.
Astragalus Beneficial Properties
Studies have found that astragalus�s beneficial pharmacological effects might contain phytochemical components, which include a host of saponins polysaccharides and flavonoids that the body’s immune system needs to function correctly. Another study found that astragalus contains about twenty trace minerals that are highly important for the body. With astragalus extract, it has immune-modulating properties in vivo and in vitro in both animals and humans, and research shows that the herb stimulates and influences on the immune response cytokines while also leaving the inflammatory cytokines unaffected.
Some of the beneficial properties that astragalus can have on the body are still being researched; however, this Chinese herb can help the body to function correctly and are effective.
Improving the Immune System
Studies have shown that astragalus contains some beneficial plant compounds that may enhance the body’s immune system. Studies show that the primary role for the immune system is that it helps protect the body from foreign pathogens like harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause a person to be ill. Research has found out that there is some evidence that astragalus can increase the body�s production of white blood cells, which will help prevent illnesses from entering the body. In other research studies, it has been found that astragalus root has been known to help the body kill bacteria and viruses caused by infections. Even though the research may be limited, there are still studies that show that astragalus can fight off viral infections like the common cold and liver infections in the human body.
Improving the Heart Function
Research shows that astragalus may be able to improve heart function by widening the blood vessels and increasing the amount of blood that is being pumped from the heart. In a clinical research study, it showed that patients were given at least 2.25 grams of astragalus for two weeks and have experienced a more significant improvement in their heart function. In another study, it shows that astragalus may help reduce the symptoms of myocarditis, which is an inflammatory condition in the heart.
Improving Kidney Function
Astragalus can help support kidney health in the body by improving the blood flow to the kidneys and measuring the protein in the urine. A study has shown that proteinuria is a condition where there is an abnormal amount of protein that is found in urine, and it can be a sign that the kidneys are not functioning normally or may be damaged. Surprisingly, there was another study that showed that astragalus could improve proteinuria symptoms in individuals that have kidney disease. Studies have even found that astragalus may also help prevent infections for anyone who has a reduce kidney function and reducing the risk of a kidney disorder known as nephrotic syndrome.
Conclusion
Astragalus is a unique herb that can help the body’s immune system to function correctly. Even though there is a limited amount of research on this herb, but the beneficial properties it provides in the body are truly amazing. Astragalus can be consumed by capsules or even be brewed as a tea, so that way, people can enjoy the beneficial properties and that their body is performing excellently in health and wellness. Some products offer support to the body’s immune system and help target the amino acids that are intended to support the intestines while offering more support to the metabolic system.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
References:
Block, Keith I, and Mark N Mead. �Immune System Effects of Echinacea, Ginseng, and Astragalus: a Review.� Integrative Cancer Therapies, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15035888.
Fu, Juan, et al. �Review of the Botanical Characteristics, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Astragalus Membranaceus (Huangqi).� Phytotherapy Research: PTR, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Sept. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25087616.
Gao, Xing-hua, et al. �Saponin Fraction from Astragalus Membranaceus Roots Protects Mice against Polymicrobial Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture by Inhibiting Inflammation and Upregulating Protein C Pathway.� Journal of Natural Medicines, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19548065.
Meixner, Makayla. �Astragalus: An Ancient Root With Health Benefits.� Healthline, 31 Oct. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/astragalus.
Nalbantsoy, Ay?e, et al. �Evaluation of the Immunomodulatory Properties in Mice and in Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Cycloartane Type Saponins from Astragalus Species.� Journal of Ethnopharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 31 Jan. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22155389.
Peng, T Q, et al. �Effect and Mechanism of Astragalus Membranaceus on Coxsackie B3 Virus RNA in Mice.� Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi Jiehe Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 1994, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7703635.
Piao, Yuan-lin, and Xiao-chun Liang. �Astragalus Membranaceus Injection Combined with Conventional Treatment for Viral Myocarditis: a Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.� Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25098261.
Team, DFH. �Astragalus: Funny Name Serious Results.� Designs for Health, 9 Oct. 2018, blog.designsforhealth.com/astragalus-funny-name-serious-results.
Team, NCBI. �Astragalus Membranaceus. Monograph.� Alternative Medicine Review: a Journal of Clinical Therapeutic, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12611564.
Wang, Deqing, et al. �Study of the Effects of Total Flavonoids of Astragalus on Atherosclerosis Formation and Potential Mechanisms.� Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306992/.
Wu, Hong Mei, et al. �Interventions for Preventing Infection in Nephrotic Syndrome.� The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 18 Apr. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22513919.
Yang, Qing-you, et al. �Effects of Astragalus on Cardiac Function and Serum Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Level in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure.� Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi Jiehe Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20929124.
Zhang, Hong Wei, et al. �Astragalus (a Traditional Chinese Medicine) for Treating Chronic Kidney Disease.� The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 22 Oct. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25335553.
The University offers a wide variety of medical professions for functional and integrative medicine. Their goal is to inform individuals who want to make a difference in the functional medical fields with knowledgeable information that they can provide.
Metabolic Syndrome affects many people. In fact, more than a quarter of the United States has it! Metabolic Syndrome is not a disease, but instead a cluster of disorders. These disorders on their own are not necessarily alarming but when you have more than one, the body starts to feel the repercussions.
Symptoms
Those with metabolic syndrome often suffer from frequent headaches, inflammation, nausea, fatigue, joint pain, and many more. On top of these symptoms, metabolic syndrome can put individuals at a higher risk for Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, Obesity, Sleep Apnea, and Kidney Disease.
Risk Factors
Individuals who have an “apple or pear” body shape, are at an increased risk for developing metabolic syndrome. There are no “obvious” signs of metabolic syndrome, but rather one with metabolic syndrome has 3/5 of these risk factors.
A fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/DL
High Blood Pressure, measuring 130/85
High Triglycerides
Low HDL (Good Cholesterol)� measuring <40mg/DL Men & <50mg/DL Women
Excess Waist Fat (>40in Men & >35in Women)
What Can You Do About It?
Of course, no one wants to be left feeling sick and stranded. There are ways to help prevent metabolic syndrome at home. Below there are five tips for each risk factor and how to prevent/reduce your symptoms.
A Fasting Blood Glucose Level Of 100 mg/DL
Ketogenic Diet
Increase Fiber
Control Portions
Set “Carb Goals”
Choose complex carbs over simple carbs
High Blood Pressure, measuring 130/85
Reduce Sodium
Lower caffeine
DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
Boost Potassium
Read Food labels
High Triglycerides
Limit sugar intake
Increase fiber
Establish a regular eating pattern
Eat more “tree nuts” ( almonds, cashews, pecans)
Switch to unsaturated fats
Low HDL ( Good Cholesterol) measuring <40mg/DL Men & <50mg/DL Women
Reduce Alcohol
Do not smoke
Choose better fats
Purple Produce (antioxidants to help inflammation)
Increase fish consumption
Excess Waist Fat >40 in Men & >35 in Women
Ketogenic Diet
Exercise Daily
Walk after dinner
Grocery Shop without Aisles
Increase in Water Consumption
Solutions
Aside from doing these tricks and tips at home, a doctor or health coach will be able to further assist one in healing. The main goal is to take these symptoms and disorders and correct them before they become a full-blown diagnosis.
Rather than just running a basic blood panel, they now have tests that allow us to see multiple different levels and numbers. these elaborate blood tests provide great insight to allow us to see the full picture. By completing these labs, it allows the doctor to evaluate the patients better and provide a more specific treatment plan.
In addition to detailed lab work, there are all-natural supplements that have been shown to help improve these symptoms along with proper diet and exercise. Some of these supplements include Vitamin D, Berberine, and Ashwagandha.
On top of these things, there is also an app that is available to download. This app is called, “Dr. J Today”. This app connects you directly to our clinic and allows us to monitor your diet, supplements, activity, BMI, water weight, muscle mass, and more! This app also gives you a direct portal to message Dr.Jimenez or myself.
As stated before, our main goal is to help you decrease your symptoms before they turn into a full-blown diagnosis. One thing we want to surround our patients with is knowledge and a team atmosphere. With the right team, anything is possible and better health is more attainable than you think!
Having Type 1 Diabetes, I have experienced metabolic syndrome before. It is one of my least favorite feelings that exist. I want our patients to know that they do not have to feel that way and there are treatment plans that can help! I will help to create a personalized plan that is tailed to you, so success is the only option. – Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach�
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
Research has found about 35% of Americans experience symptoms of a warning stroke. However, only 3% seek out immediate medical attention. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, which deprives brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients. Within minutes, brain cells start to die.
Adults who have had a sign of a�temporary blockage aka, a Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)waited/rested until symptoms had subsided instead of calling 911. This is according to the research from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA).
Only a formal medical diagnosis with brain imaging can determine whether someone is having a TIA or stroke. If you or someone experiences warning signs that come on suddenly or go away,�CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!
Stroke: Early Signs
Ischemic strokes occur when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain.
This type may be treated immediately with a special clot-busting drug
A device called a stent retriever may also be used to remove the clot and help prevent long-term disability.
TIA precedes about 15% of strokes
People who have had TIA are at greater risk for stroke within three months
Use The Acronym F.A.S.T. To Help Remember Common Signs:
�
Face Drooping
Arm Weakness
Speech Difficulty
Time To Call 911
Other Warnings Signs:
Confusion
Dizziness
Loss Of Balance/Coordination
Numbness Or Weakness Of Face, Arm or Leg, Particularly On One Side Of The Body
Trouble Speaking Or Understanding
Trouble Walking
Unexplained Severe Headache
Vision Loss In One Or Both Eyes
Injury Medical Clinic: Stress Management Care & Treatments
A majority of individuals today are aware about the gut-brain connection and how approximately 90 percent of their body’s serotonin is really generated in the gastrointestinal, or GI, tract as well as the way the gut-brain axis is associated with depression. Overall gut health involving a healthy population of gut microbiota can affect many facets of our well-being, therefore, it’s no mystery that the connection between the gut and chronic health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases, are also significantly strong.
Berberine, an ancient mixture frequently utilized in a variety of medicinal herbs throughout several traditional treatments has been demonstrated to benefit as well as link the gut and the heart. Berberine is an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid found in numerous herbs. Although these berberine-containing herbs aren’t traditionally utilized in food preparations, the active ingredient has been identified and may be isolated from a variety of plant sources, such as Coptis chinensis, or Coptis or Goldthread, Hydrastis canadensis, or goldenseal, Berberis aquifolium, or Oregon grape, Berberis aristata, or Tree Turmeric, Berberis vulgaris, or Barberry, and Arcangelisia flava.
Berberine is most favorably known for its function in gut health, demonstrating activity which can help support gut microbial balance. In fact, scientists have shown a growing interest in many plant-derived compounds which affect bacterial direction and berberine is a pioneer in the group. Additionally, its a botanical proven to influence blood glucose, blood lipids and also the immune system. Researchers today have learned how berberine can provide these tremendous benefits.
Gut Health Equals Heart Health
According to evidence from a 2016 research study, the gut’s immune system is fundamental towards preventing a variety of diseases and it may often contribute to metabolic disorders. However, it might also help provide a treatment goal when observing systemic inflammation in insulin resistance. Moreover, modified gut immunity has been linked with changes to the gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function, gut-residing immune cells, and resistance to antigens which enter the gastrointestinal, or GI, system. Although this has been previously believed to raise the danger of esophageal ailments including, pathogenic infections and chronic inflammation, which may ultimately lead to chronic health issues.
In our currently hectic and stressful world, a growth in the numbers of chronic disease has begun to negatively affect our overall health health. The best instance of this increase in chronic illness is type 2 diabetes, abbreviated in this article as T2DM, which often coexists with hypertension and causes individuals to pursue nutritional advice in order to achieve healthy blood sugar levels. The information viewing T2DM alone are shocking. As of 2015, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention reported that over 30 million people in the United States had diabetes, where approximately three times as many had pre-diabetes. According to statistics, 70 percent of individuals with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes.
Natural remedies and botanicals utilized as herbal treatments which have been previously used to promote healthy blood sugar levels have been strongly evaluated in order to determine their safety and effectiveness. Numerous berberine research studies are being conducted, though these are mostly in vitro, or in cell cultures. A majority of in vivo research studies have used animals for the analysis. Despite the quality and size of those research studies, virtually all of the outcome measures throughout the last two decades are positive. One research study from 2012 looked at in vitro results to thoroughly assess the assumed mechanism of action by which berberine affects fat storage. The outcome measures using clinical therapeutics of berberine to observe participants with metabolic syndrome appeared promising.
Another research study evaluated and analyzed the use of berberine in human cell cultures to ascertain how it influenced preadipocyte, a precursor to fat cells, comparison and fat hormone as well as cell activity in patients with metabolic disease. The researchers demonstrated that preadipocyte differentiation was restricted by berberine, while leptin, adiponectin, PPAR?2, or the nuclear receptor known as the master regulator of fat cell biology and target of many diabetes drugs and/or medications, and C/EBP?, a protein necessary for fat cell differentiation, diminished. After several months, participants demonstrated a drop in their BMI and leptin/adiponectin ratio, showing that berberine could boost insulin sensitivity by limiting fat storage, which may also have beneficial effects in the regulation of blood lipid levels.
Concerning how berberine affects cardiovascular biomarkers, many assessments can be found in the literature. The administration of berberine in one analysis generated a substantial decrease in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, with a marked rise in high-density lipoprotein. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of this anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic and anti-inflammatory effects of berberine were reviewed in twenty-seven randomized controlled clinical trials. The researchers have concluded that berberine is safe and effective due to its support of the cardiovascular system and the maintenance of healthy blood sugar levels, without any severe adverse reactions found in some of the other research studies. Berberine has also been demonstrated to restrict complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, leading to a growth of 5′ adenosine monophosphate, or AMP and 5′ adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, or AMPK activation. This seems to have a direct impact on energy metabolism as well as that in other structures and functions.
The neurological health effects of berberine have also been considered, particularly from the modulation of the dopaminergic system. Berberine has also demonstrated a possibility in the successful management of seizures, diabetes-induced memory malfunction and hyperexcitability. One animal research study investigating obsessive-compulsive disease found that berberine can promote anti-compulsive and/or anxiolytic effects because of its ability to boost brain monoamine levels. Another review from 2016 demonstrated berberine’s ability to reduce oxidative stress and supply neuroprotective benefits. The review further cites research studies which examine the botanical’s function in the evolution of amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. Berberine has found its function in the gastrointestinal, cardiovascular as well as brain worlds. Truly offering a wholesome dose of gut-heart-brain link, berberine is definitely one to consider.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
Research studies have found that the relationship between a healthy gut, brain and heart is fundamental towards overall well-being. Natural remedies and botanicals, such as berberine, can help promote as well as support this gut-brain-heart connection, while other alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can restore balance and encourage the human body’s natural healing abilities by correcting spinal misalignments of the spine. Furthermore, by establishing the proper relationship between the brain, the spinal chord and the rest of the body, chiropractic care can help regulate the proper structure and function of each system in the human body.
With the increasing number of gut health issues, it’s become a priority to find safe and effective treatment options to properly address these common problems. More and more research studies have found a connection between the gut, brain and heart. As previously mentioned, by both supporting and promoting the well-being of the gastrointestinal, or GI, system, the structure and function of a variety of other systems can be sustained. Natural remedies and botanicals, such as berberine, have been utilized for centuries as herbal treatments, however, other alternative treatment options can also be used to help improve gut health. Chiropractic care is a well-known, alternative treatment option which has been demonstrated to help promote the natural healing of the human body through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations as well as other therapeutic techniques to correct spinal misalignments, or subluxations. Moreover, a doctor of chiropractic, or chiropractor, can recommend a series of lifestyle modifications, including exercise and nutritional advice, in order to help further improve the overall health and wellness of the human body. Maintaining the well-being of the gut can help boost brain and heart health as well.
Berberine Warnings
In large doses, berberine may lead to gastrointestinal irritation. Thus, it’s typically administered in divided doses and taken with a meal. In addition, researchers have revealed that berberine can limit particular cytochrome enzymes that also target a lot of different kinds of drugs and/or medications, including certain antibiotics. Inhibiting cytochrome enzymes influences the liver’s detoxification system, which will be required to metabolize and, finally, clear drugs and/or medications. For this reason, it’s essential to carefully monitor those patients that are using berberine if other medicines are used concomitantly. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, 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.
Calcium is one of the most omnipresent mineral in the human body. An average-sized adult’s body, for instance, can contain approximately 1000 to 1200 grams of calcium, which is generally, invisibly integrated into bones and teeth by the widely available type of mineral, identified as calcium-hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) crystals. The rest circulates throughout the blood and soft tissues, as it plays fundamental roles in cell conduction, muscle function, hormone regulation and vitamin K-dependent pathways, as well as for proper cardiac and blood vessel function.
What role does calcium play in heart health?
Several research studies indicate that just about 30 percent of the United States population consumes the Recommended Dietary Allowance of calcium, which calls for approximately 1000 to 1200 milligrams on a regular daily basis. Furthermore, humans can absorb only about 30 percent of calcium from foods, based on the particular source. The body will in turn, demineralize its own skeletal system to maintain the proper serum calcium levels in scenarios where dietary calcium is inadequate and/or absorption is decreased, and/or excretion is increased.
Epidemic of Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
Starting at around the age of 50 years old, postmenopausal women lose about 0.7 to 2 percent of their bone mass each year, while men over age 50 years lose 0.5 to 0.7 % annually. Between ages 45 and 75 years of age, women lose 30 percent bone mass, whereas men lose 15 percent.
According to the US Surgeon General’s Report, one in two Americans over the age of 50 are expected to have an increased risk of developing osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes 8.9 million fractures annually, with an estimated cumulative cost of incident fractures predicted at US $474 billion over the next 20 years. Among mature women over the age of 45, osteoporosis accounts for more days spent in the hospital than many other conditions and diseaes, such as diabetes, myocardial infarction (MI), chronic obstructive airway disease and even breast cancer. Fragility fractures are the primary cause of hospitalization and/or death for US adults age 65 years and older; and 44 percent of nursing home admissions are caused by fractures.
A Mayo Clinic study noted that compared to 30 years ago, forearm fractures have increased more than 32 percent in men and 56 percent in women. The authors of the research study concluded that dietary changes, such as inadequate calcium and extra phosphate, were considerably associated with increased fractures. Public health approaches are critical to prevent symptomatic bone disease, however, widespread psychiatric prophylaxis is prohibitively costly and carries potentially serious adverse effects.
Cardiovascular Disease and Bone Disease
Strong epidemiological associations exist between decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and increased risk of the cardiovascular disease (CVD) and CVD death. For instance, individuals with osteoporosis have been reported to have a higher risk of developing coronary heart disease (CHD), as well as cardiovascular disease. This issue will be magnified if the remedies for osteoporosis (eg, calcium supplements) separately increase the risk of MI.
Issues with Dairy as Primary Source of Calcium
Dairy foods and drinks account for about 70 percent of dietary calcium intake among Americans. Dozens of epidemiological and randomized controlled trials in adults and children have utilized dairy products as the main source of calcium, and have credited dairy intake with preventive benefits on study end points such as bone mass, fractures and osteoporosis. A current meta-analysis of over 270,000 people revealed a strong trend for dairy intake protecting against hip fracture; the relative risk (RR) of hip fracture each day glass of milk was 0.91, 95 percent CI 0.81 to 1.01.
In most industrialized countries, milk is frequently the most cost-effective strategy for achieving recommended levels of calcium consumption in a population level. However, legitimate concerns exist regarding potential deleterious effects of chronic dairy intake on health. Dairy foods, on a time scale, are relative new-comers to the hominin diet. Domestication of cattle, sheep and goats first happened approximately 11,000 to 10,000 years ago. Furthermore, it seems that an estimated 65 percent of the global population expresses the pheno-type of lactase non-persistence.
Consumption of cow’s milk has been inconsistently associated with cataracts, ovarian and prostate cancers, and Parkinson’s disease, as it’s also been implicated in certain autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Overall, the evidence for dairy-induced human diseases seems to be consistent for prostate cancer and for type 1 diabetes. A recent study of over 106,000 adults followed for 20 years showed that drinking three or more glasses of milk per day was associated with increased risks for bone fracture and higher mortality rates in comparison to ingesting more than 1 glass of milk every day. By comparison, for the women in that study, daily serving of cheese and/or other fermented milk products such as yogurt was associated with a 10 to 15 percent decrease in the rates of mortality and hip fractures (p<0.001). However, this was an observational study with inherent constraints such as residual confounding and reverse causation. In conclusion, solid results cannot be drawn in the data.
The sugar in milk, lactose, is broken down in the gastrointestinal tract into d-galactose and d-glucose. D-Galactose has been proven to increase inflammation and oxidation in adult humans, and in mature animals this sugar triggers accelerated ageing, neurodegeneration, and a shortened life span. Therefore, cow’s milk, even though rich in many nutrients,including sodium, has issues that leave it less than ideal as a dietary staple for most adults. On the contrary, fermented milk foods, such as cheese and yogurt, appear to be safer than milk, perhaps because the mostor all of d-galactose has been metabolized by bacteria, to make these staple food products.
Calcium, as with many other vitamins and minerals, is a fundamental compound needed to support the proper function of the human body, particularly when it comes to cardiovascular disease and heart health. Although these results have been displayed in several research studies, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to discuss your nutritional options. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, ranks among the best selling nutritional supplements, with global sales forecast to reach $849 million by 2020, according to a recent study. Researchers report that Coenzyme Q10 may have important benefits for those who have cardiovascular disease, or CVD, from reducing the risk of repeated heart attacks and improving outcomes in patients with heart failure, to reducing high blood pressure, or BP, and helping combat side ramifications of cholesterol-lowering statins.
What are the heart health benefits of Coenzyme Q10?
There’s also evidence that CoQ10 might have “important protective heart health effects” that might help prevent CVD, the world’s leading cause of death, reports a recent study published in Cardiovascular Pharmacology: Open Access. As these are fascinating findings, messaging to individuals around CoQ10, especially in the popular media, is frequently confusing, resulting in less than optimum results and inadequate supplement option. Here’s a guide to the most recent discoveries about the heart health benefits of CoQ10 and how to make smart choices in selecting supplements.
What is Coenzyme Q10?
Found in almost every cell of the body, Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like substance that helps convert food into energy. A potent antioxidant that protects against harm from toxic free radicals, CoQ10 is naturally created by the human body and can also be found in many foods, with high levels found in organ meats, like liver or kidneys; as well as in sardines, mackerel, chicken, cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus.
What are the Different Forms of CoQ10?
There are two kinds of CoQ10: ubiquinone and ubiquinol. Ubiquinol, the active antioxidant form of Coenzyme Q10, is created within the human body from ubiquinone. As we age, the amounts of both kinds drop. As early as age 20, the quantity of ubiquinone our own bodies produce starts to drop. Compounding the issue, the entire body also loses its ability to generate ubiquinol out of ubiquinone. Most dietary supplements comprise ubiquinone and therefore are relatively economical, whilst ubiquinol nutritional supplements, which may be of most benefit as we age, may be harder to find and more expensive.
A simple blood test can be obtained to measure CoQ10 levels. A shortage of this antioxidant may result in oxidative stress, which raises the risk of a variety of disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Recent research links low blood levels of CoQ10 with reduced levels of heart-protective “good” cholesterol which in turn can further increase risk for heart disease. Cholesterol-lowering statins may also reduce blood levels of CoQ10.
What’s the Physiological Role of Coenzyme Q10?
Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, best referred to as ubiquinone, can possibly enhance function by means of many different mechanisms. CoQ10 is a highly lipophilic molecule made up of a 1,4-benzoquinone. The Q describes the quinone chemical groups and the 10 describes the amount of isoprenyl chemical subunits in its tail. CoQ10 belongs to a group of chemicals which are characterized by their quinone moieties along with the length and composition of their hydrophobic tails. Even though being a frequent element of most cellular membranes, CoQ10’s most prominent role is to facilitate the production of ATP by participating in redox reactions within the electron transport chain in the mitochondria. Over the electron transfer chain, CoQ10 accepts electrons from complexes I and II and transports them to complex III. Now, it is ready to be decreased by complexes I and II again.
Along with its crucial role as a component of the electron transport chain, CoQ10 can be safely considered to be a potent antioxidant. CoQ10 was shown to inhibit the peroxidation of cell membrane lipids and reduces the oxidation of circulating lipolipids. In vitro analysis demonstrated that supplementation with CoQ10 inhibited low-density lipoprotein oxidation into a significantly greater level compared with other natural antioxidants, such as ?-carotene or ?-tocopherol. In apolipoprotein E–deficient mice fed with a high fat diet, CoQ10 supplementation decreased the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides in atherosclerotic lesions and reduced the size of atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta.
As well as its antioxidant action, Coenzyme Q10 also appears to enhance endothelial function. In vitro investigations in human umbilical vein endothelial cells revealed that Coenzyme Q10 supplementation reduced oxidized low-density lipoprotein–triggered endothelin-1 (a known potent vasoconstrictor) secretion. Furthermore, CoQ10 supplementation enhanced nitric oxide bioavailability and decreased cytochrome c (necessary for activation of proapototic proteins) secretion.
How Does CoQ10 Directly Affect Heart Health?
Recent research indicates that Coenzyme Q10, either alone or blended with other therapies, may be good for the following conditions. However, as with all supplements, patients should consult a healthcare professional prior to taking CoQ10 to assess if it’s suitable for them.
Cardiovascular disease, or CVD. Recent studies indicate that CoQ10 supplements can significantly raise HDL-C and ApoA1 levels, even in individuals taking statins, and may decrease risk for CVD. CoQ10 supplementation reduces levels of inflammatory biomarkers shown to be risk factors for CVD, for example high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Finally, low CoQ10 levels have been associated with greater tissue damage to the heart during a heart attack and also the brain during stroke.
Statin-related muscle symptoms. Though statin therapy can significantly reduce heart attack and stroke risk, up to 25 percent of individuals quit treatment within six months as a result of unwanted effects, such as muscular aches and weakness. In a 2014 randomized clinical research published in Medical Science Monitor, 75 percent of statin users with muscular symptoms reported reduced pain after taking CoQ10 twice daily for 30 days, compared to zero progress in the placebo group. The researchers reasoned that combining statin treatment with Coenzyme Q10 supplements could cause greater compliance with treatment.
Heart failure, abbreviated as HF. CoQ10 was hailed as “the first new medication to improve heart failure mortality in over a decade” after a multi-center randomized study of 420 patients discovered that taking it reduced deaths in patients with acute HF by half, in comparison to a control group. The researchers tracked the patients for two years. The analysis was presented in the Heart Failure 2013 congress in Lisbon and later published in Journal of the American College of Cardiology Heart Failure.
After a heart attack. In a randomized clinical trial, patients that received CoQ10 soon after a heart attack had a much lower rate of subsequent cardiac events during the next year than a control group (24.6 percent versus 45 percent). About half the patients in both groups were also taking a statin drug, prompting the researchers to report that, “therapy with Coenzyme Q10 in patients with recent heart attacks could be beneficial in patients with higher risk of atherothrombosis, despite optimum lipid lowering treatment.”
High blood pressure. In a study of 12 clinical studies, researchers noted that CoQ10 has the potential to lower systolic blood pressure (the top number in a blood pressure reading) by up to 17 millimeter Hg and diastolic pressure by 10 mm Hg without significant side effects.
Additional Clinical Research
Coenzyme Q10 has persistent and significant antihypertensive consequences in patients with hypertension. The literature is outlined below: (1) Compared to normotensive patients, essential hypertensive patients have a greater incidence (6 fold) of Coenzyme Q10 deficiency recorded by serum levels; (2) Doses of 120 to 225 mg/d of CoQ10, depending upon the delivery procedure or the concomitant ingestion with a greasy meal, are essential to reach a therapeutic level of 3 ug/mL. This dose is generally 3 to 5 mg/kg every day of coenzyme Q10. Oral dosing levels may become lower with nanoparticle and emulsion delivery methods meant to facilitate absorption. Adverse effects have not been characterized in the literature; (3) Patients with the cheapest Coenzyme Q10 serum levels might have the best antihypertensive response to supplementation; (4) The ordinary reduction in BP is roughly 15/10 mmHg and heart rate drops 5 beats/min based on reported studies and meta-analysis; (5) The antihypertensive effect takes time to achieve its peak level at 4 weeks. Then the blood pressure, or BP stays stable during long-term treatment. The antihypertensive effect is gone over two weeks following discontinuation of all CoQ10. The reduction in BP and SVR are connected using the pretreatment and post treatment serum levels of CoQ10. About 50 percent of patients respond to oral CoQ10 supplementation for BP; (6) Approximately 50 percent of patients on antihypertensive drugs may be able to stop between one and three agents. Both entire dose and frequency of administration could be reduced. (7) Doctors administered Coenzyme Q10 with enalapril enhanced the 24 hour ABM better compared to enalapril mono-therapy and also normalized endothelial function; also (8) CoQ10 is a lipid phase antioxidant and free radical scavenger, raises eNOS and NO, reduces inflammation and NF-?B and enhances endothelial func-tion and vascular elasticity.
Other positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors include improvement in the serum lipid profile and carbohydrate metabolism with reduced glucose and enhanced insulin sensitivity, decreased oxidative stress, re-duced heartbeat, enhanced myocardial LV function and oxygen reduction and decreased catecholamine levels.�Although these results have been displayed in several research studies, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to discuss your options. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
Sesame seeds are among the most ancient foods in the world. In fact, sesame plants are the earliest known plant species to be produced mostly for their seeds (pods) and oils instead of for their leaves, fruit or vegetables. Highly appreciated in Asian, African and Mediterranean cultures, sesame seeds (Sesamum indicum) have been used for centuries to flavor foods as well as to provide essential fats and improve skin health.
What is the significance of sesame seeds towards health?
Sesame has among the highest oil contents of any seed along with a rich, nutty flavor. These flexible seeds have long been used by different civilizations around the world, but many people are unaware of their healthy qualities. Evidence demonstrates the benefits of these very small seeds in helping manage common health issues, such as cardiovascular disease, which gives us a lot of reasons to incorporate them into our everyday diet.
Sesame Seed Nutrition Facts
Sesame seeds come out of a flowering plant from the genus Sesamum. Sesame seed pods burst open when they reach full maturity. The actual seeds of the sesame plant are utilized to extract the valuable oils. Sesame seeds contain up to 55 percent oil and 20 percent protein, making them a rich supply of both essential fatty acids and certain amino acids. The seeds contain approximately 50 percent to 60 percent of a fatty oil that’s characterized by two positive members of the lignan family: sesamin and sesamolin. Sesame oil also contains two additional phenolic compounds, sesamol and sesaminol, that are formed through the refining procedure. Oil derived from polyunsaturated is high in linoleic and oleic acids, the vast majority of that are gamma-tocopherol, in addition to other isomers of vitamin. Sesame proteins (amino acids) include lysine, tryptophan and methionine.
One tablespoon of sesame seeds contains approximately:
52 calories
4 grams fat
1 gram carbs
2 grams of protein
4 milligrams copper (18 percent DV)
2 milligrams manganese (11 percent DV)
87 milligrams calcium (9 percent DV)
31 milligrams magnesium (8 percent DV)
3 milligrams iron (7 percent DV)
57 milligrams phosphorus (6 percent DV)
7 milligrams zinc (5 percent DV)
1 milligrams thiamine (5 percent DV)
High Supply of Cholesterol-Lowering Phytosterols
Sesame seeds rank highest in cholesterol-lowering phytosterols from almost all seeds, nuts, legumes and grains. Phytosterols are plant sterols structurally similar to cholesterol that act in the intestine to reduce cholesterol absorption. Phytosterols displace cholesterol inside the gastrointestinal tract, reducing the heart of accessible absorbable cholesterol. Some research has revealed that among 27 distinct nuts and seeds tested, sesame seeds have come out on top (along with wheat germ) as having the highest phytosterol content of them all. They feature approximately 400 grams of phytosterols with each 200 g of seeds. The phytosterol they supply is called beta-sitosterol, which can be tied to improved prostate health and arterial function.
Protect Heart Health
Research shows that lignans help improve lipid profiles and may normalize cholesterol and blood pressure levels. Lignans help naturally lower cholesterol in a couple of ways, they can lower both serum liver and blood cholesterol. Researchers occasionally refer to sesame seed phytochemicals as “hypocholesterolemic agents” for this particular reason. Fifty grams of sesame seed powder taken daily for more than five weeks by healthy adults has revealed favorable effects on total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratios and antioxidant status.
In an early study, hypercholesterolemic subjects treated with 32 mg/day of sesamin diminished their levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) following eight weeks, compared to control subjects from whom these levels remained unchanged. In another study, 21 subjects with hypercholesterolemia showed reductions in total cholesterol and LDL by 6.4 percent and 9.5 percent respectively, following the consumption of 40 gram of sesame seeds for four weeks. The decrease in cholesterol vanished, however, once the individuals resumed their normal diet for over four weeks. Sesame ingestion also exerts an antioxidant impact by multiplying the lag phase of LDL oxidation (the stage where oxidation proceeds very slowly).
Recent studies have confirmed these findings. Similar persistent reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides, as well as the LDL:HDL ratio are detected when sesame extracts were given to people with elevated blood pressure and also to postmenopausal women. What’s more, in the analysis of hypertensive patients, which contrasted the cholesterol-lowering capability of sesame oil with sunflower and groundnut oils, sesame oil revealed superior antioxidant activity and better protection against lipid peroxidation compared to comparators.
Lipid peroxidation is a harmful free radical-generating procedure which frequently precedes the build up of plaque from the arteries (atherosclerosis). Sesame oil has just been shown to directly inhibit atherosclerosis lesion production, while beneficially altering the lipid profile. It’s believed that one potential mechanism whereby sesame lignans exert their beneficial effects may be by working synergistically with vitamin E in the body to improve blood and tissue levels of this biologically significant antioxidant.
Boost Blood Pressure
Sesame oil is thought to be a powerful antihypertensive as it helps stabilize blood pressure levels. One 2006 study published in The Yale Journal of Biological Medicine investigated the effects of hypertensive adults supplementing with sesame oil daily for 45 days and found that sesame could possibly be a great way to reduce blood pressure. After tracking various health markers of 32 hypertensive patients aged 35 to 60 years that was supplied sesame oil (Idhayam gingelly oil) to utilize it as the only edible oil for 45 days, the investigators discovered that sesame oil helped considerably lower high blood pressure, reduce lipid peroxidation and boost antioxidant status in the majority of individuals.
A recent human study to the effects of various edible oils in hypertensive patients being treated with nifedipine, an anti inflammatory therapy, revealed that sesame oil offered better protection, more than blood pressure, lipid profiles, and lipid peroxidation than either sunflower or groundnut oils. Sesame oil also positively improved both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants as well as all the other oils.
Other research has shown that the sesame lignans also have a beneficial impact on nitric oxide, a potent vasodilator with anti-atherosclerotic and antithrombotic properties. Dilation of blood vessels makes it a lot easier for blood to flow through, thus lowering the pressure inside the vessels. In one study, sesamol increased the release of nitric oxide in umbilical vein endothelial cells, while another study found that sesamin metabolites enhanced vasorelaxation too. The authors concluded that sesamin’s antihypertensive effects were directly associated with this vessel relaxation.
Further Clinical Research
Sesame was shown to reduce blood pressure at several small randomized, placebo controlled human research within 30 to 60 days. Sesame lowers BP independently or together with nifedipine diuretics and beta blockers. In several 13 mild hypertensive subjects, 60 mg of sesamin for 4 weeks lowered SBP 3.5 mmHg (de < 0.044) and DBP 1.9 mmHg (p < 0.045). Black sesame meal at 2.52 g/d more than 4 weeks in 15 subjects decreased SBP from 8.3 mmHg (p < 0.05) but there was a non-significant decrease in DBP of 4.2 mmHg[259]. Sesame oil in 35 g/d significantly lowered central blood pressure within 1 hour and also claimed blood pressure reduction chronically in 30 hypertensive areas, reduced heart rate, reduced arterial stiffness, decreased augmentation index and pulse wave velocity, decreased HSCRP, improved NO, diminished endothelin-Iand improved antioxidant ability.
In addition sesame lowers serum sugar, HgbAIC and LDL-C, raises HDL, reduces oxidative stress markers and in-creases glutathione, SOD, GPx, CAT, vitamins C, E and A. The active ingredients are organic ACEI’s such as sesamin, sesamolin, sesaminol glucosides, furou-furan lignans which also suppressors of NF-?B. Each of these effects lower inflammation and oxidative stress, improve oxidative defense and reduce blood pressure.
Many clinical research and evidence-based findings have demonstrated the benefits of sesame oil for cardiovascular disease, where the consumption of sesame can protect overall heart health as well as lower cholesterol and boost blood pressure levels. Although these results have been displayed in several research studies, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to discuss your options. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Wellness
Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.
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