Back Clinic Functional Medicine Team. Functional medicine is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.
Practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.
By changing the disease-centered focus of medical practice to this patient-centered approach, our physicians are able to support the healing process by viewing health and illness as part of a cycle in which all components of the human biological system interact dynamically with the environment. This process helps to seek and identify genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that may shift a person’s health from illness to well-being.
The gut system is a massive ecosystem that helps modulate the body’s immune system and metabolic changes that the body itself is going through. The gut system provides the body with the necessary nutrients to function correctly and transports these nutrients to their respective sections like the endocrine system, the nervous system, and the musculoskeletal system to do their jobs. When gut disorders start to affect the intestinal walls, it can cause the inflammatory cytokines to attack the gut walls due to bacteria and nutrients leaking out of the tight junctions. Fortunately, there are therapeutic ways to help the gut system and prevent inflammation from causing more issues in the gut. Today’s article looks at gut metainflammation and how nutraceuticals can help many individuals with gut metainflammation. Referring patients to qualified, skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We provide guidance to our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
What Is Gut Metainflammation?
Does your gut system feel sore or tender to the touch? Do ordinary factors like stress, sleep problems, hormone imbalances, and cardiovascular issues affect you more than they should have? Have you experienced inflammatory gut issues like IBS or leaky gut? Having any gut disorder is no laughing matter for your health. When the gut system is experiencing chronic low‐grade inflammatory sequela, this is what gut metainflammation is in the body. Gut metainflammation is defined as an over‐activation of immunity in the gut that leads to increased production of inflammatory cytokines, thus referring to metabolism-induced inflammation. Research studies have shown that when the gut is experiencing metainflammation, it causes a disturbance to the neurometabolic pathways. This causes an increase in the aging processes and metabolic signaling issues the gut is trying to provide for the body. Other research studies have shown that metainflammation is one of the primary markers for metabolic disorders like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). Gut metainflammation also causes an increase in peripheral and central inflammation that can cause gut disorders like leaky gut to allow bacteria and toxins to enter the bloodstream, thus leading to peripheral and central inflammation of the body.
Treatments For GI Disorders-Video
Have you experienced a leaky gut? Do you feel tired throughout the entire day? Have you experienced any food sensitivities in your gut? These gut issues are due to gut metainflammation that can impact a person’s health and quality of life. When this occurs, the body will become dysfunctional, and other issues will arise unless it is treated right away. The video above shows how treatments are available for alleviating motility disorders and GI disorders affecting the gut system. Utilizing treatments beneficial to the gut system can help dampen the effects of metainflammation and other gut disorders from progressing in the body. Some treatments that can help with draining metainflammation in the gut system can be found by changing dietary lifestyles and incorporating nutraceuticals that are beneficial to the gut.
Controlling Gut Metainflammation Through Nutraceuticals
Research studies have shown that since trillions of microbial cells make up the gut microbiota when factors like obesity, metainflammation, and impaired insulin activity affect the gut, it can cause the immune cells to reactivate and reinforce the inflammatory process to attack the gut system. When the gut system becomes dysfunctional, many individuals try to find ways to alleviate gut inflammation. One of the treatments is by incorporating nutraceuticals to provide relief from gut metainflammation. Research studies have mentioned that combined with functional foods can help provide a positive influence on the body’s metabolism and the gut microbiota. Nutraceuticals help give the body the necessary nutrients it deserves and help dampen any effects from disorders affecting the body’s gut, immune, and metabolic components. Two nutraceuticals can help control gut metainflammation: curcumin and peptides.
Curcumin & Peptides For Gut Metainflammaion
From turmeric (Curcuma longa) root/rhizome and used traditionally for dyspeptic conditions, research studies have mentioned that curcumin and its anti-inflammatory metabolites can help influence the gut microbiota. What curcumin does to the gut is that it helps decrease the inflammasome signaling while decreasing oxidative stress via the Nrf2‐keap1 pathway. Curcumin can also help improve flexibility and mobility in the body while inhibiting the activation of a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma pathway. Additional information has provided that curcumin can help not only reduce oxidative stress and even prevent neurodegeneration.
Peptides or BPC‐157 (Body Protection Compound) are derived from human gastric juice that is cytoprotective and anti‐inflammatory that helps support the gut mucosal lining. Research studies have shown that peptides play a critical role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis while being effective in decreasing metainflammatory signaling in the gut microbiota. When there is metainflammation in the gut, peptides can help improve cell survival under oxidative stress conditions by downregulating TNF‐alpha in the body. Incorporating peptides can help improve GI mucosal integrity from meta inflammation and help the gut function normally.
Conclusion
The gut is home to trillions of microorganisms that help keep the body’s functionality and regulate immunity from various diseases. When unwanted factors like metainflammation start to infiltrate the gut, it can lead to dysbiosis and wreck the intestinal walls. Nutraceuticals like curcumin and peptides have beneficial properties that help repair the intestinal walls while dampening inflammatory effects from progressing further in the gut system. Incorporating nutraceuticals is helpful for many individuals who suffer from gut disorders and improve their health by replenishing their nutrients in the body.
References
Boulangé, Claire L, et al. “Impact of the Gut Microbiota on Inflammation, Obesity, and Metabolic Disease.” Genome Medicine, BioMed Central, 20 Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4839080/.
Gubatan, John, et al. “Antimicrobial Peptides and the Gut Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 21 Nov. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8613745/.
Laparra, J M, and Y Sanz. “Interactions of Gut Microbiota with Functional Food Components and Nutraceuticals.” Pharmacological Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 13 Nov. 2009, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19914380/.
Scazzocchio, Beatrice, et al. “Interaction between Gut Microbiota and Curcumin: A New Key of Understanding for the Health Effects of Curcumin.” Nutrients, MDPI, 19 Aug. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7551052/.
Scheithauer, Torsten P M, et al. “Gut Microbiota as a Trigger for Metabolic Inflammation in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes.” Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media S.A., 16 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7596417/.
Tilg, Herbert, et al. “The Intestinal Microbiota Fuelling Metabolic Inflammation.” Nature Reviews. Immunology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 6 Aug. 2019, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31388093/.
When it comes to the gut system, its main priority is to ensure that the body is supplied with nutrients and digests the consumed food that a person is eating. The beneficial nutrients help the body stay in motion, while the gut system constantly communicates with the immune and the central nervous system. The gut microbiota also harbors beneficial bacteria that helps keeps the gut staying functional and turns the consumed food into nutrients and vitamins to be distributed to the rest of the body. When disruptive factors start to affect the gut microbiota, it can cause unwanted symptoms, causing the body to become dysfunctional. Today’s article post will discuss how the gut microbiota helps the body and how healthy nutrients like probiotics and fermented foods help support the gut system. Referring patients to qualified, skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We provide guidance to our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
How Does The Gut Microbiota Help The Body?
Have you felt discomfort in your gut? In your gut microbiota, do you experience inflammatory discomforts like IBS, SIBO, or GERD? Do you feel low energy or feeling sluggish throughout the entire day? Many of these symptoms that a person has encountered are associated with the gut system and can become chronic over time when it is not treated right away. Research studies have defined the gut microbiota as a complex organ system with a dynamic population of microorganisms that influences the body during homeostasis and diseases it encounters. The body needs the gut system since it plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s immunity and metabolic stasis while protecting it from infections. Additional studies have shown that when the body is going through different changes like dietary habits, lifestyle changes, or physical activities can influence the gut microbiota. Any of these changes can affect the gut system by changing the composition and density of the gut. When the changes are harmful to the gut, they can cause unwanted symptoms that cause dysfunction in the gut; however, when the changes are good, they can help the gut system in so many ways that help the body.
Tips For Keeping A Healthy Microbiota-Video
Feeling tired throughout the entire day? Have you become sensitive to the food you eat? Have you experienced inflammatory gut systems like GERD, IBS, or SIBO that affect your life? Many individuals with some gut issues try to find ways to alleviate them and change their dietary habits. Sometimes incorporating gut-healthy foods and supplements is beneficial in regrowing the gut flora in the intestines while also dampening the inflammatory effects caused by gut-related issues. Healthy nutrition and nutraceuticals that help the gut microbiota can also repair the intestinal wall lining from inflammatory factors attacking the gut. The video above gives an excellent presentation on five tips for keeping a healthy gut microbiota. When many individuals start changing their dietary habits to improve their gut system, they will experience more energy and a happy gut.
Healthy Nutrients For The Gut
When it comes to the gut system and trying to keep it healthy, the best way that a person can do that is by figuring out which healthy foods are beneficial to the gut and provide energy to the body. Since many people want to change their dietary habits from eating processed foods to nutritional whole foods, research studies have found that since the gut microbiota is a changing ecosystem, dietary strategies that a person goes under can help prevent diseases and maintain a healthy gut. One of the best ways that a person can do to ensure a healthy gut is by consuming prebiotic-rich foods, fermented, and cultured food to balance out the gut microbes. These two nutrients help stabilize the gut when the harmful bacteria start to overpopulate inside the intestines and diminish the beneficial bacteria in the gut system.
Probiotics & Fermented Foods
Probiotics are defined as a substrate that is selectively utilized by host microorganisms that are conferring a health benefit to the gut system. Research studies have also defined probiotics are live beneficial bacteria that help dampen the inflammatory effects in the intestinal walls and help replenish the gut flora in the gut system. Additional research has also shown that pro and prebiotics help stimulate the beneficial growth of microorganisms in the gut. Probiotics can also alleviate many disorders affecting the immune, cardiovascular, and gut issues that a person is experiencing.
Just like probiotics, fermented foods can also promote a healthy gut microbiome. Fermented foods are more digestible while producing bioactive peptides such as CLA and bacteriocins in the gut. Fermented foods also allow polyphenols into an active state that incorporates vitamins, enzyme activity, and amino acid production while enhancing mineral absorption. Research studies have shown that fermented foods help balance gut microbial and brain functionality. Fermented foods also improve the balance with the intestinal permeability functions while filling with antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory factors. Additional information has shown that when people incorporate fermented foods into their diets, it can enhance a person’s health by changing the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut system. This will help restore the gut flora functionality and help reduce the gut inflammation that a person is experiencing.
Conclusion
The gut system helps keep the body functional by releasing nutrients and minerals to the vital organs, tissues, and muscles that help keep the body moving. The gut system also communicates with the immune and brain system in transmitting the information that the food is being transformed into nutrients. When a person is suffering from gut issues and inflammatory effects, the best way to alleviate these symptoms is to slowly change dietary habits by incorporating probiotics and fermented foods into a healthy diet to repair the gut system and the intestinal walls. When people make these small changes to their diets, their gut system will replenish the gut flora and have a happy gut.
Rinninella, Emanuele, et al. “Food Components and Dietary Habits: Keys for a Healthy Gut Microbiota Composition.” Nutrients, MDPI, 7 Oct. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835969/.
Stiemsma, Leah T, et al. “Does Consumption of Fermented Foods Modify the Human Gut Microbiota?” The Journal of Nutrition, Oxford University Press, 1 July 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330458/.
Thursby, Elizabeth, and Nathalie Juge. “Introduction to the Human Gut Microbiota.” The Biochemical Journal, Portland Press Ltd., 16 May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5433529/.
Wieërs, Grégoire, et al. “How Probiotics Affect the Microbiota.” Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, Frontiers Media S.A., 15 Jan. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6974441/.
The human body requires nutritional healthy foods to provide energy for each component, like the muscles and tissues to move around. The gut system takes the nutrients and transports them to the different organs, systems, and body parts that need these nutrients to function correctly. The gut system is also in communication with the brain and the immune system, where they send information to each other back and forth and help the body stay healthy. When chronic issues start attacking the gut system, they can throw the body off course by causing inflammation, an overflow of gut bacteria, and other gut issues that can affect the gut and the body. Today’s article looks at how finding the proper diet can help the gut microbiome and the body and how different dietary components affect the gut microbiome. Referring patients to qualified, skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
How Does A Diet Help The Gut?
Have you been feeling low on energy throughout the entire day? Have you felt inflammatory symptoms like acid reflux or IBS occurring in your gut? Or have you felt that you could be sensitive to your favorite type of food? When experiencing these symptoms constantly, it happens to affect your gut microbiome. Numerous factors can influence the gut microbiome; some are good while others are bad. One of the good influences for a healthy gut microbiome is a nutritional diet. A diet plays a massive role in the gut microbiota as it helps determine the gut’s composition and changes. Since diets have the most powerful influence on gut microbial communities in healthy human bodies, research studies have found gut microbiota is considered a dynamic system. Incorporating the proper diet can have a significant influence.
Since about 75% of the food in a typical Western diet is limited or has no beneficial nutrients to the microbiota in the lower gut, most of it is explicitly comprised of refined carbohydrates that are already absorbed in the upper GI tract. After the food has been consumed, it will eventually reach the large intestines containing only small amounts of the necessary minerals and vitamins to maintain the gut microbiota. Additional research studies have found that since various dietary patterns do correspond with gut microbiota composition, it is up to the person’s habits to see what works for them and what doesn’t when it comes to eating healthy.
How Does It Impact The Body?
Research studies have mentioned that with the many microorganisms in the GI tract, having a proper diet with the right amount of nutritional food group can help modulate and influence the microbial body profile. Let’s say, for example, that two different groups ate meat, eggs, and cheese for one day and switched to whole grains, vegetables, and legumes the next day. What happens is that within about 1-2 days, there were significant alterations in the gut microbiome that were measured by 16S rRNA sequence in both groups. The microbial activity mirrors the differences between herbivorous and carnivorous diets, and it reflects the trade-offs between carbohydrate and protein fermentation in the body. Other research studies have also mentioned that long-term nutritional habits are fundamental for a person’s health status and how it shapes their gut microbiota.
What Role Does The Gut Play In A Healthy Diet-Video
Have you been trying to eat healthier? Do you feel sluggish and lose energy quickly? Have you experienced food sensitivity from your favorite type of food? The video above explains how the gut microbiome play’s its role when a person eats healthier. Since various nutritional diets do go together with the gut microbiota, it is essential to know that incorporating healthy foods into the gut can provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients for the rest of the body. When bad choices influence lifestyle habits, it becomes challenging to get the motivation to reset the body and incorporate the beneficial nutrients the body needs. Unhealthy habits can also affect the gut by causing inflammation and other gut issues that can cause a person to be under constant stress and pain. By figuring out what causes these issues and eating the necessary foods filled with nutrients like vitamins and minerals, the body and the gut can begin to heal themselves properly.
The Dietary Components That Affect The Gut
Since the gut microbiota is responsible for influencing the body, it is essential to know which components are being digested in the gut that can directly affect a person. Since research studies have found that a healthy diet is one of the critical modulators that directly influences the gut microbial composition by thoroughly changing the biological process of fermenting the nutrients and impacting the intestinal barrier functions. Increased fruits, vegetables, and higher fiber consumption are associated with high gut bacteria richness. Additional research has provided that the diverse population in the gut microbial can even mediate the beneficial effect of fermenting the dietary fibers to produce SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) to reduce inflammatory effects in the gut. Other nutritional components that can affect the gut include:
Incorporating a healthy diet can provide a beneficial influence on the gut microbial system. When unwanted factors like a poor, unhealthy diet, stress, and gut issues begin to affect the body, it can cause the person to be in pain and affect their overall health. Making small changes can have a massive impact on the individual when trying to become healthier and take back their life. When incorporating whole foods, the body will begin to heal itself properly, and the individual will have more energy in their health and wellness journey.
References
Conlon, Michael A, and Anthony R Bird. “The Impact of Diet and Lifestyle on Gut Microbiota and Human Health.” Nutrients, MDPI, 24 Dec. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303825/.
Moszak, Małgorzata, et al. “You Are What You Eat-the Relationship between Diet, Microbiota, and Metabolic Disorders-A Review.” Nutrients, MDPI, 15 Apr. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230850/.
Rinninella, Emanuele, et al. “Food Components and Dietary Habits: Keys for a Healthy Gut Microbiota Composition.” Nutrients, MDPI, 7 Oct. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835969/.
The gut system is home to many beneficial bacteria that ensure that everything is working correctly. The organs that make up the gut system help transport the nutrients and oxygenated blood to the muscles, tissues, vessels, and nerve roots that allow the body to function. The gut also communicates with the brain and the immune system to provide the necessary energy to make the body move from one place to another. When disruptive factors start to mess with the gut microbiota, it can cause inflammatory factors and other gut-related issues to wreck the intestinal walls of the gut and affect the overall health of a person. Today’s article post will focus on the gut microbiome’s role in the body, the metabolic functioning of gut bacteria, and how different factors can affect the gut from functioning correctly. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
The Gut Microbiome’s Role In The Body
Have you been feeling sick to your stomach? Do you feel bloated around the mid-section of your body? Have you been feeling sensitive to the food you have been consuming? Many of these symptoms are gut-related issues that affect the gut microbiome. The gut microbiota plays a critical metabolic role in many systems that help keep the body functional by maintaining delicate balance and cross-talking with the immune system. Research studies have shown that the gut microbiome is homed to a very complex and dynamic population of gut flora that influences the body. Since the gut microbial ecosystem is considered the largest endocrine organ in the body, it can produce various biologically active compounds that are the same as hormones. These compounds are carried in circulation and distributed to distant sections within the host, influencing different essential biological processes. Other research studies have mentioned that the intestinal tract in the body has an integrated resilient ecosystem that can be influenced by the many factors that affect the gut microbiome in its composition and changes. Some of these changes benefit good bacterial growth in the gut microbiota.
The Metabolic Function Of Gut Bacteria
When a person consumes nutritional foods, it travels into the gut to be biotransformed into nutrients. It makes its way into the intestines, where it is stored and ready to be distributed to the rest of the body. When digestive food is sitting in the intestines, that is where the beneficial gut bacteria comes in and helps shape the gut microbiota. Research studies have shown that the beneficial bacteria in the intestines play a critical role in the gut microbiome as it helps maintain immune and metabolic homeostasis. The gut bacteria’s metabolic function to the body helps break down dietary fibers that then get turned into SCFAs (short-chained fatty acids). Other tasks that gut bacteria do for the gut microbiome include:
Production of Phenols
Breakdown of oligosaccharides
Helps regulate Fats, TG, and Cholesterol
Vitamin absorption
Mucous production
Detoxification
An Overview Of a Diverse Gut-Video
Have you been feeling sluggish throughout the entire day? Do you feel constipated or bloated? Have you become sensitive to your favorite foods? If you have been experiencing these issues throughout your whole life, it could be due to your gut microbiome talking to you. The video above explains how the gut microbiome is one of the essential organs in the body since it helps with biodiversity in the gut system. The importance of greater microbial diversity is associated with the body’s ability to deal with stressors, such as opportunistic pathogens or dietary perturbations affecting the digestive system. When individuals have gut-related diseases, they are more likely to alter their gut microbiome than healthy individuals. Multiple associations between reduced microbial diversity and illness are recorded in the literature for people to find out what is going on in their gut system. Keeping a healthy gut can prevent risk factors like metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), SIBO, and other gut risk factors from affecting the gut.
Factors That Can Affect The Gut
When there is a state of imbalanced microbial ecology that contributes to affecting the gut bacteria ratio, it can cause many chronic diseases that cause the body to be dysfunctional. The overgrowth of micro-organisms in low intrinsic virulence induces disease by altering:
The nutritional status
The immune response
The elimination capacity of the host
Research studies have found that factors affecting the gut microbiome can trigger the inflammatory pathways attacking the gut intestinal walls and letting the bacteria leak out. Other factors like stress or emotional outburst can cause the growth of harmful bacteria to overpopulate the good bacteria. This causes the gut microbiome to become dysfunctional and progress to chronic gut issues. Other research studies have shown that environmental factors also play a role in altering the gut microbiome. These factors cause unwanted changes that can harm a person without even knowing. Figuring out which factors affect the gut can be prevented when a person puts in the work to better their health.
Conclusion
As stated earlier in today’s article, the gut microbiome is considered the largest endocrine organ that helps metabolize the immune system and homeostasis in the body. Therefore, replenishing the gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria can help solve the majority of chronic issues affecting the body. When environmental factors cause havoc to the gut system, it can affect the entire body if it is not treated right away. Eliminating the harmful environmental elements from a person’s daily lifestyle can provide the much-needed relief they have been searching for.
References
Al Bander, Zahraa, et al. “The Gut Microbiota and Inflammation: An Overview.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, MDPI, 19 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7589951/.
Durack, Juliana, and Susan V Lynch. “The Gut Microbiome: Relationships with Disease and Opportunities for Therapy.” The Journal of Experimental Medicine, Rockefeller University Press, 7 Jan. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6314516/.
Lobionda, Stefani, et al. “The Role of Gut Microbiota in Intestinal Inflammation with Respect to Diet and Extrinsic Stressors.” Microorganisms, MDPI, 19 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722800/.
Thursby, Elizabeth, and Nathalie Juge. “Introduction to the Human Gut Microbiota.” The Biochemical Journal, Portland Press Ltd., 16 May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5433529/.
The central nervous system – CNScontrols body and mind functions, voluntary movements, including walking, and involuntary movements, specifically the breakdown of foods and waste removal. Studies have found associations between spinal problems and gastrointestinal-GI tract/stomach issues that include:
Abdominal pain
Constipation
Difficulty controlling bowel movements
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Treating the underlying cause through chiropractic, non-surgical spinal decompression, and health coaching can bring pain relief, realign/heal the spine and alleviate stomach issues.
Spinal Problems and Stomach Issues
The spinal cord sends nerve signals throughout the body, including to and from the digestive system. Two types of nerves control the digestive system, extrinsic and intrinsic.
Extrinsic nerves
Connect the digestive organs with the brain and spinal cord.
Release chemicals that contract or relax the digestive system muscles.
The nerves relay signals to speed up or slow down the food’s movement through the gut.
The intrinsic system can function independently and work without communication from the extrinsic nerves. However, the stomach and esophagus/food pipe depends on information from the extrinsic nerves. If there is injury, damage, or interference with the extrinsic nerve supply to the stomach, it can lead to stomach issues. Spinal cord injuries and compressed or herniated discs interrupt the communication between nerves/systems, which can lead to digestive and bowel problems, including:
Feeling full quickly after eating.
Stomach pain
Constipation
Decreased appetite
Difficulty moving waste through the colon or large intestine
Hard stools
Tenesmus – the sensation/feeling of having to have a bowel movement even though there is none.
Herniated Discs
Herniated disc/s usually occurs in the neck or low back spinal area. Symptoms include:
Neck pain
Back pain
Pain spreads from the lower back through the buttocks, legs, and feet.
Pain spreads from the neck through the shoulders, arms, and hands.
Muscle weakness
Muscle spasms
Tingling or burning sensations
Numbness
Chiropractic Spinal Decompression
Chiropractic decompression therapy stretches the spine and manipulates its position to take pressure off the nerves and spinal discs. The decompression process creates negative pressure in the discs that retract herniated or bulging discs, allowing oxygen, water, and other healing nutrients to enter the disc and throughout the spine. The spinal decompression will help alleviate the stomach issues. Consultation from a health coach/nutritionist will recommend a diet that will aid in the disc/s healing, which is anti-inflammatory and easily digestible until the stomach problems are fully resolved.
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References
Browning, Kirsteen N, and R Alberto Travagli. “Central nervous system control of gastrointestinal motility and secretion and modulation of gastrointestinal functions.” Comprehensive Physiology vol. 4,4 (2014): 1339-68. doi:10.1002/cphy.c130055
Holmes, Gregory M, and Emily N Blanke. “Gastrointestinal dysfunction after spinal cord injury.” Experimental neurology vol. 320 (2019): 113009. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113009
Lara, F J Pérez, et al. “Thoracic disk herniation, a not infrequent cause of chronic abdominal pain.” International surgery vol. 97,1 (2012): 27-33. doi:10.9738/CC98.1
Papadakos, Nikolaos, et al. “Thoracic disc prolapse presenting with abdominal pain: case report and review of the literature.” Annals of the Royal College of Surgeons of England vol. 91,5 (2009): W4-6. doi:10.1308/147870809X401038
Inside the body lies the internal organs that provide the nutrients and energy for the body to stay in motion. The gut system helps the body energy by digesting the consumed food that gets turned into energy and nutrients beneficial for the vital organs, muscles, tissues, and growth that the body needs. The gut system also helps regulate the other body systems like the musculoskeletal system, the immune system, central nervous system, and the endocrine system. The gut system operates by transporting these nutrients to make the body operational, to name a few needs. When unwanted issues start to enter the gut system and cause havoc, it can lead to many chronic problems that will cause the body to be in constant pain while causing other issues that affect the entire body. Today’s article will look at how different gut issues start to affect the body and how an amino acid named glutamine can provide beneficial relief to various gut issues. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
How Gut Issues Affect The Body
Have you been experiencing pain located in your gut? Does your gut seem to be extra sensitive after consuming food? Have you been anxious or stressed that it has been affecting your body? Experiencing these symptoms are signs that you might have some gut issues that are affecting your body. Research studies have found that gut issues or disorders usually develop when the gut has either underproduced or overproduced the beneficial gut bacteria that can influence harmful bacteria to attack the gut’s intestinal walls. Gut issues can also be influenced due to lifestyle choices or autoimmune disorders that affect the gut and the rest of the body and its systems. Additional information has found that when the microbiome is being challenged with factors that change the physiology of the gut microbiome. These changes will cause an increase in the intestinal permeability, which allows the harmful bacteria to leak out, causing the immune system to attack the exposed bacteria at the intestinal walls leading to inflammatory issues.
Other research studies have found that gut bacteria provides an essential role in the body as it helps supply the vital nutrients beneficial for the body’s health. When abnormal changes affect gut bacteria, the gut ecosystem accelerates dysbiosis, causing many chronic issues. Many individuals will begin to lose their quality of life due to pain. Fortunately, there are ways to alleviate the chronic issues affecting the gut and even help lower the harmful bacteria by replenishing the beneficial bacteria while reducing inflammatory markers.
An Overview About Glutamine-Video
Have you been experiencing issues that are affecting your gut? Has your torso area been feeling tender to the touch? How about random pain spots that are in your abdomen? You could be experiencing gut issues affecting your overall health and wellness. Why not incorporate glutamine into your daily supplementation. Research studies mentioned that glutamine is an amino acid with beneficial properties in replenishing the immune system and metabolizing in the gut and other vital organs that need glutamine to nourish the cellular structure for the body to feel better and provide energy for many individuals. The video above includes information about the benefits of glutamine and how it can help the body.
How Glutamine Helps The Gut
As stated earlier, glutamine is an amino acid with beneficial properties that are utilized to provide energy for the entire body. Research studies have shown that glutamine in the gut system can maintain the intestinal structure and function as the body ages while regulating the tight junction proteins. Glutamine has also helped modulate the gut intestinal permeability effects of HPA-axis stress that affects the gut and protects the cells from apoptosis and cellular stress. Additional research studies have provided that when individuals take glutamine as part of their daily regime, they will have a better inflammatory response and redox balance in the gut with the combination of physical activities. Utilizing glutamine for gut health can help improve the gut function and gastrointestinal permeability function for many athletic individuals.
Conclusion
Overall, the gut system utilizes glutamine for optimal gut health in dampening the effects of gut issues and disorders that will affect the body. The gut provides the transportation of the essential nutrients for the rest of the body systems that need them to function correctly. When unwanted factors or unhealthy lifestyles affect the gut system, it can increase the harmful bacteria in the gut and diminish the beneficial bacteria. This will cause the inflammatory cytokines to attack the intestinal permeability walls and cause more issues that will affect the body. Beneficial supplements and nutrients that help alleviate inflammatory factors or alleviate gut issues are there to provide relief by dampening these harmful effects and repairing the body. Incorporating glutamine into your gut will help the body recover over time and become pain-free.
References
Almeida, Ewin B, et al. “L-Glutamine Supplementation Improves the Benefits of Combined-Exercise Training on Oral Redox Balance and Inflammatory Status in Elderly Individuals.” Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Hindawi, 22 Jan. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204202/.
Clapp, Megan, et al. “Gut Microbiota’s Effect on Mental Health: The Gut-Brain Axis.” Clinics and Practice, PAGEPress Scientific Publications, Pavia, Italy, 15 Sept. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/.
Cruzat, Vinicius, et al. “Glutamine: Metabolism and Immune Function, Supplementation and Clinical Translation.” Nutrients, MDPI, 23 Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6266414/.
Kim, Min-Hyun, and Hyeyoung Kim. “The Roles of Glutamine in the Intestine and Its Implication in Intestinal Diseases.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 12 May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454963/.
Nouvenne, Antonio, et al. “Digestive Disorders and Intestinal Microbiota.” Acta Bio-Medica : Atenei Parmensis, Mattioli 1885, 17 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6502202/.
Zhang, Yu-Jie, et al. “Impacts of Gut Bacteria on Human Health and Diseases.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 2 Apr. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425030/.
Spinal decompression and Digestion. No one wants to worry about stomach issues. A rich and unhealthy diet can cause digestive issues, stomach pain, and back pain. This can turn into a severe chronic condition; studies have found links between spinal problems and gastrointestinal tract symptoms, which include:
Abdominal pain that radiates.
Constipation.
Difficulty controlling bowel movements.
Diarrhea.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Chiropractic treats the spine that is essential to the function of the central nervous system, which is responsible for digestion. When the nervous system is not functioning correctly, the other systems begin to malfunction. Chiropractic manual and motorized spinal decompression can help with digestion by releasing trapped gas from joints while improving blood circulation that is natural and non-invasive.
Spinal Decompression and Digestion
Spinal alignment and digestion are closely connected. The nerves in the thoracic and lumbar regions affect digestion. When the spine is out of alignment, it stresses the nerves. Nerves that are pinched or constricted are inhibited/disrupted from sending the proper signals to the digestive system. This can lead to new or worsening digestive problems. Spinal conditions that can cause digestive issues:
Herniated discs
Ankylosing spondylosis
Spinal cord injuries
Tumors
Studies have found that digestive issues, including discomfort, heartburn, and bloating, have decreased with regular chiropractic and spinal decompression and decreased constipation and irregular bowel movements. This comes from chiropractic reactivating the body’s natural ability to heal itself.
Increased Circulation
When the spine gets decompressed, it opens up the spine to circulate fluids throughout the body.
This flushes the lymphatic system, increasing the immune system’s function.
Increasing the circulation also provides additional oxygen and nutrients to the brain, improving signaling, memory, and concentration.
Improved Digestion
Poor posture compresses the abdomen and cramps the space the gastrointestinal tract needs to process food properly.
Decompressing the spine and correcting posture allows room for the muscles to contract, expand, and properly circulate waste.
Bowel Program
Treatment focuses on preventing further injuries and helping improve the individual’s quality of life. A doctor, chiropractor, health coach, or nutritionist can recommend a bowel program to help retrain the body to maintain regular bowel movements. These programs are personalized to the individual’s specific condition that takes into account:
Level of the spine injury or condition
Food and drink intake
Bowel movement pattern
Digestive problems
General health
Individual preferences
A bowel program sets up the timing of food intake, fluid intake, medications, and techniques to help bowel movements. The objective is to prevent spontaneous bowel movements, help pass stools regularly, and empty the rectum daily.
Spinal Decompression Reduced Disc Herniation UP To 90%
DRX9000 Decompression Treatment
References
Browning, Kirsteen N, and R Alberto Travagli. “Central nervous system control of gastrointestinal motility and secretion and modulation of gastrointestinal functions.” Comprehensive Physiology vol. 4,4 (2014): 1339-68. doi:10.1002/cphy.c130055
Holmes, Gregory M, and Emily N Blanke. “Gastrointestinal dysfunction after spinal cord injury.” Experimental neurology vol. 320 (2019): 113009. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2019.113009
Kehl, Amy S et al. “Relationship between the gut and the spine: a pilot study of first-degree relatives of patients with ankylosing spondylitis.” RMD open vol. 3,2 e000437. 16 Aug. 2017, doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2017-000437
Lara, Francisco Javier Pérez et al. “Chronic abdominal syndrome due to nervous compression. Study of 100 cases and proposed diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm.” Journal of gastrointestinal surgery: official journal of the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract vol. 19,6 (2015): 1059-71. doi:10.1007/s11605-015-2801-8
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