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Mental Health

Mental Health includes an individual’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how one thinks, feels, and acts. It helps determine how an individual handles stress, relates to others, and makes choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

Over the course of one’s life, one may experience mental health problems, thinking, mood, and behavior can be affected. Many factors contribute to mental health problems which include:

  • Biological factors, i.e., genes or brain chemistry
  • Life experiences, i.e., trauma or abuse
  • Family history of mental health problems

Experiencing one or more of the following can be an early warning of a problem:

  • Eating or sleeping too much or too little
  • Pulling away from people and usual activities
  • Having low or no energy
  • Feeling numb or like nothing matters
  • Having unexplained aches and pains
  • Feeling helpless or hopeless
  • Smoking, drinking or using drugs more than usual
  • Feeling unusually confused, forgetful, on edge, angry, upset, worried, or scared
  • Yelling or fighting with family and friends
  • Experiencing severe mood swings that cause problems in relationships
  • Having persistent thoughts and memories that can’t get out of your head
  • Hearing voices or believing things that are not true
  • Thinking of harming oneself or others
  • Inability to perform daily tasks like getting to work or school

These problems are common, but treatment can help an individual get better and recover completely.


Functional Neurology: Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Health Issues

Functional Neurology: Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Health Issues

Heart disease is one of the most common health issues associated with metabolic syndrome. People with metabolic syndrome can have several conditions that may increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Approximately 50 million adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome, however, scientists believe that people with mental health issues like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have a higher chance of being diagnosed with the collection of health issues. Antipsychotic drugs/medications can also cause considerable weight gain. �

 

Other factors that may cause metabolic syndrome can include, poor diet, lack of exercise or physical activity, and smoking. Excess weight and obesity can ultimately lead to insulin resistance, a condition that occurs when the human body can’t use insulin or the essential hormone that helps convert sugar or glucose into energy. If left untreated, insulin resistance can cause the pancreas to work harder and become exhausted, causing tremendously high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the human body and increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. �

 

Risk of Developing Metabolic Syndrome with Mental Health Issues

People with mental health issues like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder have a higher chance of being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Although excess weight and obesity are becoming more prevalent in the general population, people with severe mental health issues have a higher chance of developing a variety of other health issues compared with the general population. Poverty, reduced access to medical attention, and side-effects caused by psychotropic drugs/medications can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and other health issues like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. �

 

Antipsychotic drugs/medications are also associated with weight gain and changes in lipid and sugar or glucose metabolism. Because of the increased risk of developing the collection of health issues in people with severe mental health issues, healthcare professionals recommend regular screening and monitoring of metabolic parameters, such as body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, blood pressure, and plasma lipids and sugar or glucose. Treatment should consider the increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome and other health issues in people with severe mental health issues. �

 

Metabolic Syndrome in People with Severe Mental Health Issues

Research studies evaluated changes in weight and other metabolic markers associated with antipsychotics. Olanzapine and clozapine tremendously increased metabolic markers while quetiapine and risperidone, as well as aripiprazole and ziprasidone, moderately increased metabolic markers. Long-term research studies demonstrated greater weight gain than short-term research studies and the weight gain rate was faster at the start until a peak plateau was reached. Increased risks are based on specific factors and the changes are often unpredictable, especially in antipsychotics with moderate effects. �

 

Aripiprazole and ziprasidone are least likely to contribute to metabolic syndrome. Excess weight and obesity are often considered to be the main factors in severe mental health issues, however, according to the International Diabetes Federation, factors for metabolic syndrome can include excess weight and obesity as well as elevated TG, LDL cholesterol, BP, and fasting plasma sugar or glucose. It is essential to remember that although BMI is important, central adiposity, or waist circumference and distribution of fat, can also increase the risk of metabolic syndrome in people with severe mental health issues. �

 

Treatment for Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Health Issues

Healthcare professionals prescribe the drug/medication metformin (Glucophage) to promote weight loss and improve insulin resistance in people with mental health issues. Metformin blocks the release of sugar or glucose from the liver into the bloodstream while decreasing the human body’s resistance to insulin. Only several research studies have evaluated the effects of the drug/medication on people with severe mental health issues. According to the research studies, metformin may also ultimately help people taking antipsychotics to lose weight and prevent insulin resistance from becoming worse. �

 

During a research study, people taking antipsychotics, who also took metformin, lost an average of 3 pounds while those taking placebo maintained the same weight. Moreover, insulin resistance remained unchanged in people who also took metformin but it increased in people taking placebo. In another research study, insulin resistance remained stable in people taking antipsychotics, who also took metformin, while it worsened considerably in people taking placebo. Other research studies have evaluated whether combining metformin with diet and lifestyle modifications may have even greater benefits. �

 

In one research study, scientists separated people with schizophrenia into four different groups: metformin alone, a placebo pill alone, diet and lifestyle modifications with metformin as well as diet and lifestyle modifications with placebo. Although both groups including diet and lifestyle modifications as well as the metformin alone helped improve metabolic syndrome and its associated health issues, the greatest improvement occurred in the combined treatment groups. The diet and lifestyle modifications with metformin group had 7 percent weight loss compared with 5 percent for the metformin alone. �

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image

People with metabolic syndrome can have several conditions that may increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Approximately 50 million adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome, however, scientists believe that people with mental health issues like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have a higher chance of being diagnosed with the collection of health issues. Excess weight and obesity can ultimately lead to insulin resistance, a condition that occurs when the human body can’t use insulin or the essential hormone that helps convert sugar or glucose into energy. If left untreated, insulin resistance can cause diabetes which can, in turn, damage blood vessels and increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke, especially in people with severe mental health issues like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

 

Heart disease is one of the most common health issues associated with metabolic syndrome. People with metabolic syndrome can have several conditions that may increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Approximately 50 million adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome, however, scientists believe that people with mental health issues like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder have a higher chance of being diagnosed with the collection of health issues. Antipsychotic drugs/medications can also cause considerable weight gain. �

 

Other factors that may cause metabolic syndrome can include, poor diet, lack of exercise or physical activity, and smoking. Excess weight and obesity can ultimately lead to insulin resistance, a condition that occurs when the human body can’t use insulin or the essential hormone that helps convert sugar or glucose into energy. If left untreated, insulin resistance can cause the pancreas to work harder and become exhausted, causing tremendously high blood sugar levels. Diabetes can damage blood vessels throughout the human body and increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke. �

 

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.�

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �

 

References:

  1. Newcomer, John W. �Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Illness.� AJMC, AJMC Media, 1 Nov. 2007, www.ajmc.com/journals/supplement/2007/2007-11-vol13-n7suppl/nov07-2657ps170-s177.
  2. Harvard Health Publishing. �Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Illness.� Harvard Health, Harvard Health Media, Aug. 2011, www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/metabolic-syndrome-and-mental-illness.
  3. Demler, Tammie Lee. �Metabolic Challenges in Mental Health.� U.S. Pharmacist � The Leading Journal in Pharmacy, 17 Nov. 2017, www.uspharmacist.com/article/metabolic-challenges-in-mental-health.

 


 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

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The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue. �

 


 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance. �

 

 


 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �

 

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with a variety of food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs. �

 

Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders. �

 


Dunwoody Labs: Comprehensive Stool with Parasitology | El Paso, TX Chiropractor


GI-MAP: GI Microbial Assay Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor


 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.

Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.

Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.

If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.

xymogen el paso, tx

For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download

 

* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.

 


 

 


 

Modern Integrated Medicine

The National University of Health Sciences is an institution that offers a variety of rewarding professions to attendees. Students can practice their passion for helping other people achieve overall health and wellness through the institution’s mission. The National University of Health Sciences prepares students to become leaders in the forefront of modern integrated medicine, including chiropractic care. Students have an opportunity to gain unparalleled experience at the National University of Health Sciences to help restore the natural integrity of the patient and define the future of modern integrated medicine. �

 

 

Functional Endocrinology: Blood-Brain Barrier and The Endocrine System

Functional Endocrinology: Blood-Brain Barrier and The Endocrine System

Do you feel:

  • Hormone imbalances?
  • Craving sweets during the day?
  • Weight gain?
  • Overall sense of bloating?
  • Shaky, jittery, or have tremors throughout your body?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then it might be your blood-brain barrier and your endocrine system that may be imbalanced.

The brain in the human body is the primary control system that makes sure that each of the body’s system is working correctly. This includes the gastrointestinal system, the hepatic system, the neurological system, and, most importantly, the endocrine system. In the brain, however, there is a tissue known as the blood-brain barrier, it is connected to the endocrine system. It is essential to make sure that the blood-brain barrier and the endocrine system are healthy in the human body.

The Blood-Brain Barrier

The blood-brain barrier in the body separates the central nervous system from peripheral tissue. Even though the blood-brain barrier separates the nervous system, it does not prevent hormones from entering the brain. Research shows that the brain can bind and secretes any circulating substances and can be qualified as an endocrine organ. When this happens, it can be one of the largest and most metabolically active of the endocrine organs by acting as both the target and secretor of hormones.

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With the blood-brain barrier, it conveys the blood vessels by transporting the blood from the heart to every tissue and organs throughout the body. It then delivers oxygen and the nutrients to all the tissues and removing the carbon dioxide and metabolic waste from the tissues. The blood vessels also convey hormonal signals to the tissues and is a mediator for interacting with the peripheral immune system with each tissue. Research shows that since the blood-brain barrier is an endocrine tissue, the substances that are being carried in the blood can emerge in a hormone-like fashion. The research stated that the blood-brain barrier could exhibit the endocrine system properties as well as being a target for hormones that can affect many of the blood-brain functions in the body.

The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a collection of glands that secretes out and produces hormones that can regulate not only the body but makes sure that it regulates the body’s metabolism and many other functions that the body needs to function correctly. When the body’s hormone levels fluctuate, it can be very good or horrible, depending on the situation. If the body produces an abundance of hormones, it can cause a person to have hyperthyroidism, and when the body produces a low abundance of hormones, the body can have complications and cause the body to develop chronic illnesses. Stress, infections, and diabetes can influence the body’s hormone levels by making hormones either too much or too little. By making sure that the body’s hormones are at a balanced level is essential because eating right and doing daily exercises can make the body function properly and feel good as well.

Since the body can produce hormones naturally, the job of the primary hormone is to make sure that it is traveling in the bloodstream and making it to the various organs and tissues that need the hormone levels. The hormone levels can tell every organ and tissues what to do and how to function. When the hormone levels get crazy by being produced too much or too little, it causes those organs and tissues to malfunction.

For the blood-brain barrier, since it is an endocrine tissue, it can divide the hormone receptors. The research found out that the blood-brain barrier can respond to circulate the hormone substances and secrete those hormone substances into the blood circulation and the central nervous system. It can also make sure that when the hormone receptors are being divided that it goes to the central nervous tissues and the peripheral tissues. The research also found out that insulin levels can also affect the brain’s endothelial cell function through several parameters and modulating amino acids, leptin, and p-glycoprotein transporters in the body.

Surprisingly there is a unique feature that the blood-brain barrier possesses. The blood-brain relies on its cell membrane surfaces facing into the bloodstream and the interstitial fluid of the central nervous system so that way it can receive signals for the body. The research found out that the blood-brain barrier’s properties are primarily manifested within the brain’s endothelial cells. They can be induced and maintained through critical interactions with the cells that are interacting in the neurovascular unit in the brain. With these endocrine-like mechanisms that the blood-brain barrier has, it can help dampen the effects of endocrine diseases like neurodegenerative conditions and Alzheimer’s disease.

Conclusion

The blood-brain barrier is an essential tissue in the brain as it functions as an endocrine tissue and does play a role by interacting with the hormone levels that the endocrine system secreted out to the body. When the hormone levels start to malfunction by either producing an abundance or too little amount of hormones, it can cause the body to have chronic illnesses and the blood-brain barrier to dysfunction in the brain, causing degenerative neurological disorders in the brain as well. Some products can help the endocrine system by making sure the hormone levels are balanced as well as products for a healthy brain function for a healthy body.

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:

Banks, William A. �Brain Meets Body: the Blood-Brain Barrier as an Endocrine Interface.� Endocrinology, Endocrine Society, Sept. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3423627/.

Banks, William A. �The Blood-Brain Barrier as an Endocrine Tissue.� Nature Reviews. Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31127254.

Daneman, Richard, and Alexandre Prat. �The Blood-Brain Barrier.� Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 5 Jan. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4292164/.

Zimmermann, Kim Ann. �Endocrine System: Facts, Functions and Diseases.� LiveScience, Purch, 18 Feb. 2018, www.livescience.com/26496-endocrine-system.html.


Modern Integrative Wellness- Esse Quam Videri

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.

 

 

 

Functional Neurology: Differences Between Dopamine and Serotonin

Functional Neurology: Differences Between Dopamine and Serotonin

Dopamine and serotonin are known as the “happy chemicals” because they play a fundamental role in regulating our mood. These two neurotransmitters or chemical messengers control a variety of functions in the brain and body, including digestion and sleep. Although dopamine and serotonin are in charge of many of the same things, these happy chemicals do so in slightly different ways. Dopamine and serotonin deficiencies can also cause a variety of health issues, including mood changes and depression. In the following article, we will ultimately discuss the differences between dopamine and serotonin. �

 

What is a Neurotransmitter?

As previously mentioned, a neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger in the brain that sends signals to other areas of the body. Dopamine and serotonin are two of the many different types of neurotransmitters in the brain and body. Below is a list of some of the most well-known neurotransmitters, including:

 

  • Dopamine
  • Serotonin
  • Norepinephrine
  • Acetylcholine
  • Glycine
  • Glutamate
  • GABA

 

Understanding Neurotransmitters

Our brain is one of the most complex organs in the human body. The nervous system contains more than 100 billion nerves which are continuously sending signals from the brain to the rest of the body, ultimately regulating our mental and physical health. However, various factors can cause many problems. Dopamine and serotonin deficiencies, by way of instance, can cause a variety of mental and physical health issues, such as depression. While these two neurotransmitters are both commonly referred to as “happy chemicals”, it’s important to understand that dopamine and serotonin also play different roles. �

 

What is Dopamine?

Dopamine is a well-known neurotransmitter released in the brain to send signals between nerve cells. Our brain and body use dopamine to produce other compounds known as norepinephrine and epinephrine. Dopamine plays a fundamental role in the “pleasure and reward center” in the brain, or a collection of functions in the brain that control mood, motivation, and movement. Healthy dopamine levels can also affect a variety of other functions, including:

 

  • alertness
  • learning
  • mood
  • motivation
  • movement
  • blood circulation
  • urine output
  • sleep

 

What is Serotonin?

Serotonin is another neurotransmitter used to send signals between nerve cells. However, about 90 percent of the human body’s serotonin can be found in the gut, where it helps control a variety of functions in the digestive system. Healthy serotonin levels can also affect a variety of other functions, including:

 

  • focus and concentration
  • mood, emotions, and feelings
  • appetite and digestion
  • hormonal activity
  • circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle
  • blood clotting
  • body temperature

 

Dopamine, Serotonin, and Depression

Depression is one of the most common and well-known mental health issues which is ultimately caused by a variety of factors, such as dopamine and serotonin deficiencies. Both of these neurotransmitters or chemical messengers can also play a fundamental role in depression, however, many healthcare professionals are still trying to understand the true cause of depression. Research studies have demonstrated that dopamine and serotonin deficiencies caused by other underlying health issues may be associated with depression. Several common symptoms of depression can ultimately include:

 

  • decreased or reduced motivation
  • feelings of helplessness
  • loss of interest in things that used to interest you

 

Dopamine, Serotonin, and Other Health Issues

Because dopamine and serotonin play a fundamental role in a variety of functions in the brain and body, it is no surprise that these “happy chemicals” are also essential in our mental and physical health. When both of these neurotransmitters are functioning accordingly, they can ultimately help us feel happy and more emotionally balanced. As previously mentioned, however, dopamine and serotonin deficiencies can also cause various other health issues. � Doing anything that we find enjoyable, from eating a good meal to having sex, can trigger the release of dopamine in the brain and body. That release is what makes several things addicting like drugs and gambling. Scientists have determined that it doesn’t take long for the brain to associate several of these things with a release of dopamine. Research studies have also found that dopamine deficiencies may be associated with other health issues, such as:

 

  • Parkinson’s disease
  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • schizophrenia
  • bipolar disorder

 

Furthermore, according to several research studies in 2014, serotonin deficiencies were also associated with a variety of other health issues, including:

 

  • anxiety disorders
  • obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • autism
  • bipolar disorder

 

What are the Differences Between Dopamine and Serotonin?

Dopamine and serotonin are both neurotransmitters or chemical messengers that send signals between the brain and body. However, the primary functions of these well-known “happy chemicals” are very different. Dopamine is associated with the pleasure and reward center in the brain while serotonin is associated with our mood and it is more of a stabilizer than a booster. Also, dopamine controls movement while serotonin controls digestion and sleep. �

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image

Dopamine and serotonin are two well-known neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, that play a fundamental role in our mood and a variety of other functions in the brain and body. Dopamine helps control mood, motivation, and movement while serotonin helps control positive feelings and social behavior, learning and memory, appetite as well as our circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Dopamine and serotonin deficiencies can cause a variety of mental and physical health issues, including anxiety, depression, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder. In this article, we will discuss the differences between the release of dopamine and serotonin in the brain and body.�- Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

 

Dopamine and serotonin are known as the “happy chemicals” because they play a fundamental role in regulating our mood. These two neurotransmitters or chemical messengers control a variety of functions in the brain and body, including digestion and sleep. Although dopamine and serotonin are in charge of many of the same things, these happy chemicals do so in slightly different ways. Dopamine and serotonin deficiencies can also cause a variety of health issues, including mood changes and depression. In the article above, we ultimately discussed the differences between dopamine and serotonin. �

 

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.�

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �

 

References:

  1. Eske, Jamie. �Dopamine vs. Serotonin: Similarities, Differences, and Relationship.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 19 Aug. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326090.php.
  2. Vandergriendt, Carly. �What’s the Difference Between Dopamine and Serotonin?� Healthline, Healthline Media, 5 Dec. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/dopamine-vs-serotonin.
  3. Puskar, Michael. �What Is The Difference Between Serotonin And Dopamine?� Betterhelp, BetterHelp, 6 May 2018, www.betterhelp.com/advice/medication/what-is-the-difference-between-serotonin-and-dopamine/.

 


 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

 

The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue. �

 


 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance. �

 

 


 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �

 

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with a variety of food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs. �

 

Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders. �

 


Dunwoody Labs: Comprehensive Stool with Parasitology | El Paso, TX Chiropractor


GI-MAP: GI Microbial Assay Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor


 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.

Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.

Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.

If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.

xymogen el paso, tx

For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download

 

* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.

 


 

 


 

Modern Integrated Medicine

The National University of Health Sciences is an institution that offers a variety of rewarding professions to attendees. Students can practice their passion for helping other people achieve overall health and wellness through the institution’s mission. The National University of Health Sciences prepares students to become leaders in the forefront of modern integrated medicine, including chiropractic care. Students have an opportunity to gain unparalleled experience at the National University of Health Sciences to help restore the natural integrity of the patient and define the future of modern integrated medicine. �

 

 

Functional Endocrinology: The Gut and “Chemo-Brain” Connection

Functional Endocrinology: The Gut and “Chemo-Brain” Connection

Do you feel:

  • Nausea or feel like vomiting?
  • Agitated, easily upset, or nervous?
  • Poor muscle endurance?
  • Waking up tired after six or more hours of sleep?
  • Depression or a lack of motivation?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then something might be wrong with your gut and brain connection in your body.

Gut-Brain Connection

The gut and brain connection go hand in hand as they send signals back and forth to make sure that that human body starts functioning correctly. The gut makes sure that its entire gastrointestinal system, the endocrine system, and the hepatic system is functioning correctly. While the brain makes sure that its neurological system is working but also sending out signals to the entire body as well as making sure that the hormones are distributed to the essential organs.

Fitness-diet-soups-to-soothe-an-upset-stomach-THS1

Chemo-Brain and Gut Connection

Even though the gut and brain connection is vital for a healthy body, however, when it comes to a person who has cancer may have a �chemo-brain� and gut connection when they are getting treatments from chemotherapy. Since chemotherapy is the conventional standard of care for treating cancer by consistently combining particular drugs that kills cancer cells. Throughout the world, there are over 100 types of cancer that can attack the cells and then spread out through the different organs and tissues in the human body. According to research from the CDC, it stated that cancer is the second leading cause of death in the US.

There is more information about what chemotherapy does to the body since chemotherapy works by putting a stop on cancer cells from proliferating or even slowing down the rate of cancer cell growth. Sadly though, even though chemotherapy can target fast-growing cancer cells, it can also kill the body’s healthy cells as well. When the healthy cells are being attacked by chemotherapy, the cells can cause a long list of painful side effects. For example, the epithelial cells in the GI tract can be damaged, and it can cause many cancer patients to stop the chemo treatment prematurely.

In a recent study that was published in Frontier in Pharmacology, it showed that scientists had discovered a new method to deliver chemotherapy that can attack the malignant cells in the body while leaving the healthy cells alone. With this technique, it can provide a little bit of hope by allowing doctors to lower the dosages of the chemo treatment to reduce the patients� suffering from any of the harsher adverse effects of chemo, which can increase compliance and improve the overall prognosis for the patients.

In a recent journal study, a research scientist from Ohio State University has discovered a possible solution to help improve the undesirable gastrointestinal and cognitive side effects that were caused by chemotherapy. According to the research, the model showed how the link between the gut and brain symptoms perform in chemotherapy treatment. The results showed how the chemo drugs entirely altered the human gut microbiome. They stated that the gut bacteria and the body tissue changed while the blood and brain in the body show signs of inflammation-causing fatigue and cognitive impairment. When chemo treatments cause inflammation is in the neurological system, it can make the entire system be correlated with disruptive colonic and bacterial homeostasis in the body.

With chemotherapy, it can cause intestinal permeability. It can trigger the immune system in the body to over activating and signaling the brain’s immune cells to be inflamed while also be the culprit to “chemo brain.” Chemo-brain is defined as cognitive impairment and causing the person to have mental fogginess that can linger for months or even years after the cancer is gone. Surprisingly with this new phenomenon, chemo-brain has affected more than half of the cancer survivors while becoming a common thing as cancer therapies can extend the patient�s lifespan.

With this type of research, it can shed some light on how the gut microbiome’s health can be more affected than the digestive tract, since the gut plays a hugely critical role in all the other systems in the body, especially in the immune and nervous system. By looking at the existing evidence, they show how the health and wellbeing of the body’s gut and brain are connected. It can lead to better interventions for many cancer patients by promoting a beneficial bacterial composition for the gut and can protect against any neuroinflammation to reduce any symptoms of chemo-brain.

Probiotics and Prebiotics Benefits

Hippocrates was right when he stated that “all diseases begin in the gut.” The information paved the way for many functional medicine practitioners to help many cancer patients. By adding any anti-inflammatory foods in a person’s diet like the Mediterranean diet or even a plant-based ketogenic diet is excellent for cancer patients. It is recommended for cancer patients to increase their intake of prebiotics and probiotic-rich food. It is proven that probiotics and prebiotics can help reduce the negative side effect that most patients go through during their chemotherapy experience. With prebiotics and probiotics, they are fiber-rich foods that can be fermented and be consumed so people can get the beneficial and commensal bacteria that are residing in the gut and can improve the gut microbiome composition.

Conclusion

With the gut and brain connection, they work together by making sure the body is functioning correctly. When it is chemo-brain, however, it can cause dysfunction in the body by impairing the body’s entire system through chemotherapy. By adding probiotics and prebiotics to a cancer patient’s diet can help them at least get their body the nutrition and beneficial properties they need. Some products are beneficial to the body by supporting not only the gut but also making sure that the brain is being supported as well.

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:

Arora, Malika, et al. �Impact of Probiotics and Prebiotics on Colon Cancer: Mechanistic Insights and Future Approaches.� Latest TOC RSS, Bentham Science Publishers, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ben/cctr/2019/00000015/00000001/art00005.

Caldwell, Emily. �A Possible Gut-Brain Connection to ‘Chemo Brain’.� Medical Xpress – Medical Research Advances and Health News, Medical Xpress, 23 Oct. 2019, medicalxpress.com/news/2019-10-gut-brain-chemo-brain.html.

Caldwell, Emily. �The Gut May Be the Ticket to Reducing Chemo’s Side Effects.� Medical Xpress – Medical Research Advances and Health News, Medical Xpress, 11 Nov. 2019, medicalxpress.com/news/2019-11-gut-ticket-chemo-side-effects.html?utm_source=nwletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily-nwletter.

Loman, B. R., et al. �Chemotherapy-Induced Neuroinflammation Is Associated with Disrupted Colonic and Bacterial Homeostasis in Female Mice.� Nature News, Nature Publishing Group, 11 Nov. 2019, www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-52893-0.

Neumann-Raizel, Hagit, et al. �2-APB and CBD-Mediated Targeting of Charged Cytotoxic Compounds Into Tumor Cells Suggests the Involvement of TRPV2 Channels.� Frontiers, Frontiers, 17 Sept. 2019, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.01198/full.

staff, Science X. �’Chemo Brain’ Caused by Malfunction in Three Types of Brain Cells, Study Finds.� Medical Xpress – Medical Research Advances and Health News, Medical Xpress, 6 Dec. 2018, medicalxpress.com/news/2018-12-chemo-brain-malfunction-cells.html.

staff, Science X. �Technique Targets Cancer Cells and Leaves Healthy Ones Alone.� Medical Xpress – Medical Research Advances and Health News, Medical Xpress, 27 Nov. 2019, medicalxpress.com/news/2019-11-technique-cancer-cells-healthy.html.

Team, DFH. �New Research – Gut Solutions to Chemotherapy.� Designs for Health, 2 Jan. 2020, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1179.


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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.

Functional Neurology: Serotonin and Brain Health

Functional Neurology: Serotonin and Brain Health

Serotonin, also known as the “happy chemical”, is a substance associated with mood, happiness, and well-being as well as a variety of other structures and functions in the human body. Scientifically referred to as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, this essential substance is commonly found in the brain, blood platelets, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Serotonin is another “chemical messenger” that controls mood and movement. It also helps to regulate and manage our circadian rhythm, or the human body’s sleep-and-wake cycle. Serotonin also controls appetite, cognitive, autonomic, and motor functions.   Serotonin is produced by a biochemical conversion process in the brain that involves several components of proteins, including tryptophan and its chemical reactor, known as tryptophan hydroxylase. Most scientists believe that this essential substance is a neurotransmitter while some scientists believe that serotonin is a hormone. The “happy chemical”, As previously mentioned above, is produced in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood platelets, and brain as well as in the central nervous system (CNS). In the following article, we will discuss the role of serotonin and its effect on overall brain and mental health.  

What is the Role of Serotonin?

  According to research studies, serotonin may play a fundamental role in a variety of brain and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, and even epilepsy. Moreover, this substance is produced by the brain and body for appetite and digestion, including bowel movements, bone health, sex, and sleep. Serotonin is also a precursor to melatonin, another important chemical that helps regulate and manage our circadian rhythm, or sleep-and-wake cycle. Abnormal “happy chemical” levels can cause various other health issues.   Abnormal serotonin levels have been associated with other health issues, such as heart disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and osteoporosis, a disease that weakens the bones. This essential substance ultimately plays a much bigger role in the central nervous system (CNS) and in the general structure and function of the human body, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Serotonin is also associated with cell division, bone metabolism, liver regeneration, and breast milk production. As a neurotransmitter, serotonin sends signals between brain cells or neurons. Serotonin affects the brain and body in several ways.  
  • Mood: Serotonin affects mood, anxiety, depression, and happiness. Certain drugs and/or medications can considerably increase serotonin.
  • Bone density: Scientists have associated excess serotonin in the bones with osteoporosis. But, further research studies are still required.
  • Clotting: Serotonin causes blood clots, which are released by blood platelets after an open wound. Then, the essential substance will send signals between the brain cells, or neurons, to cause vasoconstriction, or narrowing of the blood vessels, to reduce blood flow and produce blood clots.
  • Nausea: If we consume something harmful, the gut produces serotonin to increase bowel functions and movements, often in diarrhea. When serotonin is produced in the brain after consuming something harmful, it can stimulate a certain region in the brain which causes nausea.
  • Bowel function: Serotonin regulates and manages bowel functions and movements. It also helps control our appetite while we are eating.
  • Sexual function: Serotonin seems to affect sexual function. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin levels in people with depression, but between 20 and 70 percent of people who take them experience a range of symptoms associated with sexual dysfunction.
 

Serotonin and Mental Health

  Serotonin, also known as the “happy chemical” ultimately helps naturally control your mood. According to a research study in 2007, people with depression as well as other brain and mental health issues generally have abnormal serotonin levels. Serotonin deficiencies have also been associated with anxiety and insomnia. Another research study in 2016 evaluated how a group of mice lacking serotonin autoreceptors inhibited serotonin secretion. Without these autoreceptors, the group of mice had increased serotonin levels. Scientists found that this group of mice also demonstrated less anxiety and depression.   It is not yet clear what exactly causes depression and other brain and mental health issues, but scientists believe that it may be associated with an imbalance of neurotransmitters or hormones in the brain and body. Normally, once a neurotransmitter has transmitted its neural impulse is reabsorbed into the body. SSRIs prevent the serotonin from being reabsorbed, leading to higher levels of serotonin in the synapses. In recent research studies, scientists have also found that gut bacteria may help produce serotonin and that most serotonin can actually be found in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Furthermore, scientists believe that most serotonin in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract may stimulate the vagus nerve, the long nerve that connects the gut and brain.   Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image
Serotonin, also known as the “happy chemical”, is a substance associated with mood, happiness, and a variety of other structures and functions in the human body. Scientifically referred to as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, this essential substance is commonly found in the brain, blood platelets, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It ultimately helps to regulate and manage our circadian rhythm, or the human body’s sleep-and-wake cycle. Serotonin also controls appetite, cognitive, autonomic, and motor functions. Most scientists believe that this essential substance is a neurotransmitter while some scientists believe that serotonin is a hormone. In the following article, we will discuss the role of serotonin and its effect on overall brain and mental health.�- Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
  Serotonin, also known as the “happy chemical”, is a substance associated with mood, happiness, and well-being as well as a variety of other structures and functions in the human body. Scientifically referred to as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, this essential substance is commonly found in the brain, blood platelets, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Serotonin is another “chemical messenger” that controls mood and movement. It also helps to regulate and manage our circadian rhythm, or the human body’s sleep-and-wake cycle. Serotonin also controls appetite, cognitive, autonomic, and motor functions.   Serotonin is produced by a biochemical conversion process in the brain that involves several components of proteins, including tryptophan and its chemical reactor, known as tryptophan hydroxylase. Most scientists believe that this essential substance is a neurotransmitter while some scientists believe that serotonin is a hormone. The “happy chemical”, As previously mentioned above, is produced in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, blood platelets, and brain as well as in the central nervous system (CNS). In the following article, we discussed the role of serotonin and its effect on overall brain and mental health.  

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.�

  Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez   References:
  1. McIntosh, James. �Serotonin: Facts, Uses, SSRIs, and Sources.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 2 Feb. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232248.php.
  2. Konkel, Lindsey. �Serotonin: What to Know: Everyday Health.� EverydayHealth.com, Everyday Health Media, 15 Aug. 2018, www.everydayhealth.com/serotonin/guide/.
  3. Scaccia, Annamarya. �Serotonin: Functions, Normal Range, Side Effects, and More.� Healthline, Healthline Media, 26 Mar. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/serotonin.
 
 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”1050px” download=”all” download-text=”” attachment_id=”52657″ /]   The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue.  
 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.    
 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.  

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with a variety of food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs.  

Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.  
Dunwoody Labs: Comprehensive Stool with Parasitology | El Paso, TX Chiropractor
GI-MAP: GI Microbial Assay Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor
 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

  XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.

 

Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.

 

Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.

 

If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900. xymogen el paso, tx   For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download   * All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.  
   
 

Modern Integrated Medicine

The National University of Health Sciences is an institution that offers a variety of rewarding professions to attendees. Students can practice their passion for helping other people achieve overall health and wellness through the institution’s mission. The National University of Health Sciences prepares students to become leaders in the forefront of modern integrated medicine, including chiropractic care. Students have an opportunity to gain unparalleled experience at the National University of Health Sciences to help restore the natural integrity of the patient and define the future of modern integrated medicine.    
Functional Endocrinology: Cortisol and Melatonin Circadian Rhythm

Functional Endocrinology: Cortisol and Melatonin Circadian Rhythm

Do you feel:

  • You cannot stay asleep at night?
  • You have a slow start in the morning?
  • Afternoon fatigue?
  • Waking up tired even after getting six or more hours of sleep?
  • Under a high amount of stress?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then it might be due to your melatonin and cortisol levels affecting your body and circadian rhythm.

Across the world, millions of people have trouble sleeping. In the United States, there are roughly about 50-70 million people who have a poor quality of sleep. When a person has slept for less than eight hours, they become tired, and many problems can come to them, especially if their lives are hectic. With a hectic lifestyle and poor sleep, it can cause the body to have low energy to get any task done, the cortisol stress hormone will be raised, and diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes can cause problems that can be chronic if it is not treated.

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In functional endocrinology, melatonin and cortisol are hormones that the body produces naturally. The cortisol hormone or the stress hormone helps the body be in a state of “fight or flight” mode, which can be a good thing for anyone who is doing a project or going for a job interview. Although when cortisol hormone levels are high, it can lead the body to have complications like inflammation, chronic oxidative stress, and high blood pressure.

The Melatonin Circadian Rhythm

With the melatonin hormone, this hormone tells the body when it is time to sleep. Sometimes though, people do have a hard time sleeping, and taking melatonin supplements can actually relax the body and thus making the person fall asleep. Since the pineal gland produces melatonin from the brain, it can also be found in the eyes, the bone marrow, and the gut to relax the body and making the person fall asleep naturally. Some studies show that the circadian rhythm of the pineal gland that is producing melatonin. By doing this, the research shows that the administration of melatonin can:

  • One: induce sleep on individuals who have trouble falling asleep.
  • Two: inhibits the body to wake up naturally from the circadian pacemaker.
  • Three: shift the circadian biological clocks to increase sleep intake when a person is trying to sleep at an earlier time to get the full eight-hour benefits of sleep.

When a person is working at a 9 to 5 job, they are rising with their bodies and relaxing their bodies after a hard day at work. Studies found out that the melatonin and cortisol hormones help regulate the 24-hour pattern of the body’s function and responses tremendously. With the body’s hormone production cycle, it can be disturbed if the person is staying awake late at night or sleeping during the day. When this happens, the person can get disruptive disorders like mood swings, dizziness, be irritable and depressed, and have metabolic disorders. Not only that, but the body’s immune system and its endocrine system can also be damaged as well, causing the body to be a host to infections and diseases.

There have been more studies on the circadian rhythms in the body, as the studies show how people who work in the night shift have been associated with a vast number of adverse health problems that attack the cardiovascular and gastrointestinal system as well as disturbing the metabolic system. Anyone who has worked the night shift has to change their sleep schedule and adapt to the rapid reorientation in their sleep/wake schedule to go to work and do their job. Since everyone is working at a shift schedule, it can be stressful and can affect a worker’s body performance as well as affecting melatonin and cortisol secretion.

Ways To Support Cortisol and Melatonin

Surprisingly though, there are ways to lower cortisol levels and make sure that melatonin levels are working correctly for the body to function. For cortisol levels to be lowered, a person should do meditative practices, find an enjoyable hobby, and, most importantly, try deep breathing exercises to relax the body from unwanted stress. With deep breathing exercises, it can help the body to release any tension that a person is holding, and the muscles in the body began to relax, and the blood starts to flow. With the melatonin levels, they work together with the body’s circadian rhythm and make sure the body knows when it is time to wake up, sleep and eat. The melatonin hormone can also help regulate the body’s temperature, blood pressure, and hormone levels to make sure it is functioning correctly. When there are high levels of these systems, it can cause the body to develop chronic illnesses and harm the body in the process.

Research shows that melatonin hormones can bind to neurological receptors in the body, thus promoting relaxation. Since melatonin binds to neurological receptors, it can also reduce nerve activity and dopamine levels to make the eyes heavy, thus making the person fall asleep.

Conclusion

With the body being able to naturally produce melatonin and cortisol levels to make sure that the body does not get overly stressed throughout the entire day. Since melatonin is partnered with the body’s circadian rhythm, the body knows when to stay up and fall asleep. Since everyone has a hectic schedule, it is essential to take time and relax and get on a healthy sleep schedule so the body can be healthy and functioning. Some products are here to make sure that the endocrine system is functioning properly and supporting the adrenal glands and sugar metabolism.

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:

Cajochen, C, et al. �Role of Melatonin in the Regulation of Human Circadian Rhythms and Sleep.� Journal of Neuroendocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12622846.

James, Francine O, et al. �Circadian Rhythms of Melatonin, Cortisol, and Clock Gene Expression during Simulated Night Shift Work.� Sleep, Associated Professional Sleep Societies, LLC, Nov. 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2082093/.

Monteleone, P, et al. �Temporal Relationship between Melatonin and Cortisol Responses to Nighttime Physical Stress in Humans.� Psychoneuroendocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1992, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1609019.

Raman, Ryan. �How Melatonin Can Help You Sleep and Feel Better.� Healthline, Healthline Media, 3 Sept. 2017, www.healthline.com/nutrition/melatonin-and-sleep.

Zamanian, Zahra, et al. �Outline of Changes in Cortisol and Melatonin Circadian Rhythms in the Security Guards of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences.� International Journal of Preventive Medicine, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, July 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775223/.


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Functional Endocrinology: The Mind-Body Connection and Stress Part 1

Functional Endocrinology: The Mind-Body Connection and Stress Part 1

Do you feel:

  • Stressed out after a long day?
  • Irritable if meals are missed?
  • Shaky, jittery, or have tremors?
  • Agitated, easily upset, or nervous?
  • Hormone imbalance?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then your mind-body connection might be unbalanced.

Throughout history, there have been studies and theories that the mind and body are separate. This theory has been accepted by many; however, there is so much evidence showing the mind, and the body having a bidirectional relationship in the body like the gut system that sends signals to the brain and vise versa. Since each organ sends its signals to the brain, the endocrine system sends out signals to the brain in the form of hormones, which can alter the person’s perception of the world through their eyes.

With that in mind, neuroplasticity has shown people that when they are in their environment, it can be altered the physical make up of the environment. Many modern scientists have acquired very sophisticated tools that can monitor the body’s brainwaves, the microbes, and many other factors that can change the body’s mind. Since stress is a full-body response, it can be both a good thing and a bad thing for the body. Good stress in the body gives the “fight or flight” response while the bad stress can become chronic and can lead the body to be dysfunctional. So the idea of having the mind and the body being a separate function seems to be a bit outdated but also informational.

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By exploring the science and psychology of the mind-body disconnect, researchers can see how a person�s hormones can affect their perception of the world. By diving into the body, researchers can also see how stress can produce any visible changes in the brain as well.

How Experiences Alters the Mind

Many experiences can alter the mind. Whether it be good experiences that can be used in the work atmosphere or it can be bad experiences like being traumatized from horrible events. Studies show that trauma can alter the mind and depend on the situation. Even though the damage that is caused by trauma can be healed if it is minor. In some cases, it can scar a person even though the physical damage is healed. The mental damage is affected as a person can relive the traumatic experience that they encountered.

With good experience, they can be useful to a person if the damage has minored. If a person accidentally hurt themselves from any activities, they know not to do that again. Although if a person practices on specific activities and get better at it with time, it becomes a skill they can use. Sometimes a person can have a set of specific skills that are beneficial when they are working in the job they are in. So depending on the experiences that a person is dealing with, it can be either good or bad, but their brains will remember it.

The Difference Between Dualism and Monism

There has always been a philosophical debate on the mind and body. There are different ways to look at the mind-body connection, as many researchers have debated whether the mind is part of the body or that the body is part of the mind. Thus the difference between Dualism and Monism has different views on the mind-body connection.

Dualism is defined as being born out of the body as a physical object, and the mind or the consciousness is being constructed. The origins of dualism started with the Cartesian ways of thinking, where people started to argue that there was a two-way relationship between the mental and physical substances in the body. Surprisingly, the belief of the physical and mental systems are compartmentalized and not inter-related like what some people think.

French philosopher Ren� Descartes stated that the mind interacts with the body through the pineal glands and that the mind controls the body. He also summed his thoughts with one of his famous statements: �I think therefore I am.� With this statement, it tells researchers that the mind is a nonphysical and non-spatial substance that is being identified with consciousness and self-awareness in the body.

With monism, it is defined as a material point of view and that all humans are just merely complex physiological organisms. There is another type of monism known as phenomenalism. It also goes by subject idealism, and the concept of this monism is that the mind and the body are two separate entities. With each type of monism, the concepts always seem to be the same, which shows that each type of monism seems to ignore either the mind or the body. It is always one or the other, never together at the same time.

How Stress Hormones Influences the Brain

When it comes to stress and hormones, there has been a lot of scientific advancements on how the stress hormone affects the brain in the body. Since hormones have been found to alter the hippocampal neurons with stress hormones, they can give the body the burst of energy that it needs. Although, if there is a long-term activation of the stress hormone can wear the brain down and kill the brain’s cells. If someone has any psychological disorders that cause prolonged stress, it can impair cognitive function, and the results can be enhanced emotionally.

Conclusion

With the mind-body connection, they can send signals to each other and make sure that the human body is functioning correctly. When there is prolonged stress in the body, it can disrupt the signals and cause the body to dysfunction. The next article will be discussing how stress can rewire the brain in the body. Some products can help the body by supporting the endocrine system as well as helping the body to relieve temporary stress.

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:

Perry, Bruce D., et al. �Childhood Trauma, the Neurobiology of Adaptation, and �Use?Dependent� Development of the Brain: How �States� Become �Traits.�� Semantic Scholar, 1 Jan. 1995, www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Childhood-trauma%2C-the-neurobiology-of-adaptation%2C-Perry-Pollard/1d6ef0f4601a9f437910deaabc09fd2ce2e2d31e.

Team, Biotics Education. �Stress – The Mind-Body Connection Part 1.� Biotics Research Blog, 9 Dec. 2019, blog.bioticsresearch.com/stress-the-mind-body-connection-part-1.

Woolley, C S, and P A Schwartzkroin. �Hormonal Effects on the Brain.� Epilepsia, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1998, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9915614.


Modern Integrative Medicine