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Functional Medicine

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.

Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss

Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss

by | Health Coaching, Weight Loss

Understanding the difference between weight loss and fat loss will help promote a healthy change and improve an individual’s wellbeing. Fat loss can be a part of losing weight. However, individuals lose more than just fat. Fat loss is the goal for most individuals, so taking a deliberate, focused approach will generate the best results. Here we discuss how individuals can optimize for fat loss.  

 

Understanding The Difference

  • Weight loss is the overall reduction in body weight
  • Fat loss is a reduction in body fat

When losing weight, the body is not just losing body fat, and changes are being made to each component of body composition. This includes:

  • Body fat
  • Lean Body Mass
  • Body Water

This is also true for weight gain. An individual cannot control how much is lost but can influence what is lost.  

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss
 

Weight Loss

Hundreds of diet and exercise programs can help achieve fat loss, some better than others. The ones that tend to work better focus on the same thing: reducing energy intake from food/diet while increasing energy output through exercise and regular physical activity. This forces the body to compensate for the missing energy by breaking down the body’s tissues, including fat and muscle. As an individual loses weight, they will also lose some muscle in the form of Lean Body Mass in addition to body fat.  

Fat Loss

Body fat is a combination of essential fat and storage fat. Storage fat is adipose tissue that has accumulated for reserved energy. This type of fat changes with diet modification and regular exercise. Too much storage fat can negatively impact physical and mental wellbeing, so this should be the focus for better health.  

Focus on fat loss and not weight loss

There is a clear association between obesity and chronic disease. Focusing on weight loss can lead to unintended consequences like eating disorders. This is why focusing on weight loss, and healthy body composition is critical. This is the recommended approach because it encourages the individual to move more and eat healthily.  

Understanding health benefits of losing fat

Body fat percentage works better as a gauge of health than weight.

Weight is composed of lean body mass, body fat, and water, so any changes in these areas can lead to weight gain and not just fat loss. Excess body fat, specifically storage fat, has a close association with chronic diseases like:

  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Heart Disease
  • Various Cancers

The key is understanding that a healthy body fat percentage will help reduce the risk of these diseases and improve mental health and overall health.  

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss
 

Different ways to measure fat loss

Tracking body fat loss means having body composition tracked and monitored. There are devices and methods for determining body composition, including:

For genuinely accurate results, get tested by a highly skilled professional who uses medical-grade tools for assessment. Cheap plastic calipers and at-home scales don’t tend to be the best options.  

Metabolism changes with weight loss

 

When losing weight, there is more loss than fat. One loss can be Lean Body Mass, which is critical because the amount of Lean Body Mass has directly influenced Basal Metabolic Rate or the body’s metabolism. The Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) is the number of calories the body naturally burns when resting. When focusing on weight loss and not making changes to minimize lean body mass loss, the individual decrease the size of their metabolism. However, if an individual continues with the same eating habits, this could be a setup for weight regain.  

Weight loss can slow down metabolism.

Here is an example of a typical set of body composition results of someone who would be clinically diagnosed as obese.  

 

Along with weight and body fat mass measurements, the individual naturally developed muscles by carrying their body weight. This means that individuals that are obese also have relatively large metabolisms. Dramatic changes to Lean Body Mass and metabolism are not ideal, especially when the goal is maintaining a healthy body weight.

The weight and body fat bars on the above chart are significantly over average, and the Skeletal Muscle Mass bar. This is common for individuals that are obese. Individuals that are obese have developed this muscle by carrying a large amount of weight. Large amounts of muscle begin to build to move the heavy body. This is why it is essential to come up with a focused/customized approach for gaining strength, losing fat, and body recomposition, rather than just weight loss.  

 

Stopping weight regain

Focusing on body composition, developing muscle, and Lean Body Mass is crucial. With weight loss, there will be some Lean Body Mass loss. This means a low metabolism and non-regulated eating habits can lead to regaining weight. With no development of Lean Body Mass and skeletal muscle to help grow the metabolism, there is an increased chance of weight retrieval. Along with continued changing eating habits after an individual reaches their target weight.  

Building muscle, losing fat for healthy body composition

The main areas to focus on to change body composition, overall health, and wellbeing.

 

Focus on body composition, not on weight loss

Instead, track changes in body composition. This means optimizing programs for fat loss while minimizing Lean Body Mass loss. Weight loss will occur, but proper nutrition and strength training can reduce Lean Body Mass loss.  

Develop new eating habits

An important step is understanding how to improve eating habits by choosing a diet plan that will be enjoyable. When optimizing for fat loss, it will take longer than weight loss. Effective dietary strategies go for half to one pound of fat loss per week. This is a manageable and sustainable goal that will not cause adverse effects on metabolism. Slow and steady is the better option and will lead to long-term changes.  

Start strength training to increase metabolism.

Strength training/weight lifting is a great way to increase metabolism. Increased muscle benefits range from:

  • High ability to recover from disease/s
  • Reducing insulin resistance
  • Keeps the body mobile
  • Helps combat obesity by increasing BMR and metabolism
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Understanding The Difference Between Weight Loss and Fat Loss
 

Body composition in the long-term

Fat loss is more important than weight loss and will lead to long-term changes. Understanding that working out smarter and finding out body composition numbers will promote getting fit while keeping the fat off. It will take longer than expected, but dropping 30 pounds in less than a year and then regaining it all back is counterproductive. Take the time to make minor, impactful adjustments that will lead to a lifetime of optimal health.

InBody

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use public health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and 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. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*  

References

Hall, Kevin D et al.  Calorie for Calorie, Dietary Fat Restriction Results in More Body Fat Loss than Carbohydrate Restriction in People with Obesity. Cell metabolism vol. 22,3 (2015): 427-36. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2015.07.021

Merlotti, C et al.  Subcutaneous fat loss is more significant than visceral fat loss with diet and exercise, weight-loss promoting drugs and bariatric surgery: a critical review and meta-analysis. International journal of obesity (2005) vol. 41,5 (2017): 672-682. doi:10.1038/ijo.2017.31

Tobias, Deirdre K et al. Effect of low-fat diet interventions versus other diet interventions on long-term weight change in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet. Diabetes & endocrinology vol. 3,12 (2015): 968-79. doi:10.1016/S2213-8587(15)00367-8

Body Composition Terminology Guide

Body Composition Terminology Guide

by | Health Coaching, Weight Loss

The world of health and fitness has evolved with all kinds of technical jargon and terminology that can require a guide to get a handle on things. It can become confusing and terms like Lean Body Mass and Lean muscle can get mixed up. Body composition analysis allows an individual to understand their body in a much clearer way with insight into the body’s health. Here we break down this technical terminology to get a basic understanding of how it is relevant to the body’s health. Think of this as a combination glossary, and action guide. �

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Body Composition Terminology Guide
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Guide to Basic Body Composition

Percent Body Fat Body/Fat Percentage

  • Percent Body Fat is a reflection of how much of the body’s weight is made up of fat.
  • It is calculated by dividing the weight of body fat mass by total weight.
  • It helps to track progress whether trying to lose weight or gain muscle.
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Takeaway

  • This percentage can be applied to set percent body fat ranges.
  • The healthy ranges are around 10-20% percent body fat for men and 18-28% for women.

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Lean Body Mass/Fat-Free Mass Guide

Lean Body Mass is sometimes used interchangeably with Fat-Free Mass.

  • Lean Body Mass is the weight of everything in the body that is not fat.
  • This includes muscles, organs, bones, and body water.
  • Lean Body Mass is not the same as muscle.
  • Lean Body Mass is a collection of different types of body tissues that includes muscle.
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Takeaway

  • Lean Body Mass plus Body Fat Mass make up entire body weight.
  • If the Lean Body Mass value is in pounds subtract this number from total body weight to get an approximation of Body Fat Mass.
  • Divide this number by body weight, results are percent body fat.
  • Lean Body Mass is closely related to the total number of calories the body needs every day.
  • The Lean Body Mass forms the core of the body’s metabolism, and this number can be used to help determine unique dietary needs.
  • No more basing nutrition off the 2,000-calorie diet. This is a poor one-size-fits-all approach to food intake.

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Skeletal Muscle Mass Guide

  • Skeletal muscle is one of four major muscle types and governs all the movements that are consciously controlled. Everything from texting to deadlifting a barbell.
  • It is the muscle group that grows/builds when exercising.
  • Increased Skeletal Muscle Mass translates into increased strength.
  • When trying to build up the body and grow in size, this is the value to track and watch increase over time.
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  • However, muscle is not just for strength.
  • Muscle is made up primarily of protein and can act as protein storage.
  • When the body is under severe stress like a traumatic injury, the recovery process is triggered and needs added protein, up to four times the amount.
  • When the body is not able to get the proper amount of protein from a normal diet, the body begins to get what it needs from the protein storage/muscles.

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Basal Metabolic Rate/BMR

  • The Basal Metabolic Rate, or BMR, is the number of calories that the body needs to maintain Lean Body Mass. It is a significant component of overall metabolism.
  • An individual with more Lean Body Mass will have a higher Basal Metabolic Rate.
  • This is the reason why a 250-pound athlete needs to eat more than a 150-pound sedentary adult. Because the athlete has more Lean Body Mass.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Body Composition Terminology Guide
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  • BMR can help make a healthy diet plan designed for fat loss or muscle gain by helping understand how much energy/calories from food the body needs.
  • Multiplying the BMR with activity factor will estimate Total Daily Energy Expenditure or TDEE.
  • Using the TDEE as a baseline an individual can develop a nutritional plan based on body composition goals.

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Body Water Guide

  • Body Water includes all the water in the body. This means everything from:
  1. The water in the blood
  2. Water in the organs
  3. The water inside the bones

Body water can be subdivided into two types:

  • Intracellular
  • Extracellular
  • Intracellular means inside the cells and includes the water in the organs, muscles, composing 2/3 of total body water.
  • The remaining 1/3 is extracellular outside the cells and includes the water in the blood.
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Takeaway

  • When the body is generally healthy it maintains a healthy balance of intracellular to extracellular water with a ratio of around 3:2.
  • When the balance becomes unbalanced or falls apart water monitoring becomes important.
  • For example, individuals with severe health problems, like kidney ailments/failure, are unable to rid the body of extracellular water. This causes a buildup of water and requires removal through procedures like dialysis.

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Dry Lean Mass

  • Lean Body Mass includes everything that�s not body fat and includes body water.
  • When all the water has been taken out what remains is known as Dry Lean Mass.

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Lean Body Mass – Body Water = Dry Lean Mass

  • This amounts to the protein content of the muscles and the mineral content of the bones.
  • Most Dry Lean Mass will be found in these areas.
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Takeaway

  • Water monitoring can help track real, physical changes in the body.
  • Lean Body Mass contains body water, and body water levels can be influenced by different factors like a recent workout or being low on carbohydrates.
  • Changes in body water are considered technical changes in Lean Body Mass.
  • When building muscle, the body is actually building new physical protein stores and reflects in Dry Lean Mass.
  • An increase in Lean Body Mass can signal muscle growth, or not.
  • However, an increase in Dry Lean Mass is a more favorable indicator that there is muscle growth.

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Visceral Fat

  • Two major categories of body fat.
  • Subcutaneous fat is the fat under the skin and is the type that can be seen.
  • The second type is called visceral fat.
  • This fat collects inside the abdomen and wraps around the internal organs.
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Body Composition Terminology Guide
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Takeaway

  • Just because it cannot be seen does not mean it is not there.
  • If it is there it is something definitely worth knowing about.
  • This is because visceral fat is not just extra pounds but an active organ that secretes harmful hormones into the body that triggers never-ending inflammation.
  • The more visceral fat, the greater risk of inflammation.
  • Inflammation over time places added stress on the heart that can lead to cardiovascular problems.

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Get Tested Today

Hopefully, this guide has clarified some of the common body composition terminology. This is a basic overview designed to provide essential information about body composition and how it applies. A general understanding can help in making healthy lifestyle choices, like deciding to lose weight or dietary adjustments.

Body Health

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

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. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

References

Westerterp, Klaas R. �Exercise, energy balance, and body composition.� European journal of clinical nutrition�vol. 72,9 (2018): 1246-1250. doi:10.1038/s41430-018-0180-4

Borga, Magnus et al. �Advanced body composition assessment: from body mass index to body composition profiling.��Journal of investigative medicine: the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research�vol. 66,5 (2018): 1-9. doi:10.1136/jim-2018-000722

Mental Strategy Exercises For Chronic Pain Relief and Improvement

Mental Strategy Exercises For Chronic Pain Relief and Improvement

by | Back Pain, Mental Health

Mental strategy exercises for chronic pain relief and improvement. Living with chronic pain is difficult especially if a doctor is saying that it is all taking place in an individual’s head. However, the pain is very real and happening in the brain, literally. Neuroimaging studies show that certain areas of the brain become active when chronic pain presents. This is not the only way to know the brain’s role in how an individual experiences pain. What is also known is:
  • Anxiety, depression, and pain activate similar areas of the brain.
  • Certain psychiatric drugs used to relieve pain can also alter an individual’s mental state.
  • Chronic pain can lead to depression.
  • Clinical depression can cause physical symptoms, including back pain.
A health care provider could recommend/suggest psychological support for chronic pain. Psychological help and mental strategy exercises for chronic pain are not about how to reduce the pain, but more on how to reduce the dominance, interference, and impact of the pain and getting a healthy quality of life back. Consider a few evidence-based, psychological approaches to reduce back pain.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Mental Strategy Exercises For Chronic Pain Relief and Improvement
 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT trains an individual to modify specific thoughts and behaviors. Experts consider this approach a gold standard of psychological interventions for pain. It helps:
  • Reduce pain
  • Improves function
  • Improves quality of life
Individuals work on:
  • Pain coping strategies
  • Relaxation skills
  • Setting goals
  • Shifting perspectives on pain
A study found that two years after a two-week, intensive course of cognitive-behavioral therapy, patients took fewer pain meds than they did before the therapy.  
 

Mindfulness meditation

Meditation is not all about sitting with crossed legs, hands resting on the knees, although this is a recommended pose for meditative purposes. A modern approach can be done anywhere, in any position that�s comfortable and will help soothe back pain. By oneself or with help from a therapist mental strategies can include
  • Incorporating breathing techniques
  • Guided imagery
  • Intense focus on thoughts and feelings
A study suggests that mindfulness meditation can be highly beneficial for older adults that are not as able to get an adequate amount of physical activity to improve pain levels. A group of older adults that participated in eight weeks of a mindfulness program, which consisted of four days a week for 30 minutes per session physical function and pain reduction improved.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Mental Strategy Exercises For Chronic Pain Relief and Improvement
 

Mindfulness stress reduction

Mindfulness stress reduction is a program that teaches individuals meditation techniques, that include basic stretches and postures. It teaches how to separate the physical and psychological aspects of pain. Medical centers across offer this treatment option for a range of disorders, including chronic back pain. It helps reduce pain intensity and improves function in individuals with arthritis as well as back and neck pain from various causes. It has also been found to be effective for fibromyalgia, which can cause intense widespread pain. A study found that mindfulness stress reduction improved:
  • Wellbeing
  • Pain episodes
  • Sleep problems
  • Fatigue in participants with fibromyalgia
  • More than half reported significant improvement
 

Acceptance and commitment therapy

Acceptance and commitment therapy or ACT teaches acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior mental strategies, to change the way pain is experienced. Numerous studies along with the American Psychological Association validate this approach as an established treatment for chronic pain.  
 

Changing expectations

In one study several chiropractic patients who expected their back pain to improve were 58% more likely to improve than those who did not expect favorable outcomes. This mental strategy of manifesting a positive outcome through the power of positive thinking and beliefs about pain influence an individual’s actions. For example, when thinking that physical activity will cause back pain, individuals are less likely to be active. This is known as fear avoidance. For most individuals with back and neck pain, gentle physical activity is essential because avoiding it will worsen the pain. Having the right mental strategy can go a long way in battling chronic pain, at Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic we can help individuals experiencing/dealing with chronic pain.

Body Composition

 

Depression and physical health

Depression is debilitating and, in severe cases, a life-threatening disease that affects over 16 million people nationwide. Depression causes are not always clear and can be brought on by:
  • Biological factors – genetics
  • Individual brain chemistry
  • Certain medications
  • Stress
  • Unhealthy diet/nutrition
Mental illness and becoming overweight or obese often happen in conjunction, whether as a result of each other or from common risk factors that include:
  • Smoking
  • Poor diet
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Alcohol consumption
Prescribed medications for depression and anxiety disorders are have been shown to be successful in maintaining mental health. However, a side effect of these medications is weight gain. Like genetics, being educated on the potential side effects will help in reducing the risk of, and controlling weight gain when taking medication.  

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* 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. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*  
References
Pain and Therapy.�(Jun 2020) �Rehabilitation for Low Back Pain: A Narrative Review for Managing Pain and Improving Function in Acute and Chronic Conditions.��www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7203283/ Journal of Psychosomatic Research. (Jan 2010) �Mindfulness-based stress reduction for chronic pain conditions: variation in treatment outcomes and role of home meditation practice.� European Journal of Pain.�(Jan 2019.) �Beliefs about back pain and pain management behaviors, and their associations in the general population: A systematic review.��www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6492285/
The Body’s Metabolism and Body Composition

The Body’s Metabolism and Body Composition

by | Metabolic Syndrome, Weight Loss

The body’s metabolism along with body composition go hand in hand. The higher the metabolism the faster the body burns calories. The slower the metabolism the longer it takes and leads to fat storage as well as other issues, which include:
  • Excess gas
  • Sugar cravings
  • Continued weight gain
  • Weight loss difficulties
  • Constant Feeling of Bloatedness
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Easy cellulite development
  • High blood sugar
Metabolism is linked with weight gain and loss because it is a biological process involved with energy and calories. The process of the body converting food and drink into energy. The process involves the calories in food and drinks that get combined with oxygen to release energy that the body needs to operate.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 The Body's Metabolism and Body Composition
 

Body Composition Linked To Body’s Metabolism

Metabolism varies for every individual. Here are two body composition profiles.  

Individual A

 

Individual B

 
Individual A has a much smaller Basal Metabolic Rate than Individual B. This means individual B needs more calories than individual A to provide the body with the proper energy to function without losing weight. Because the Basal Metabolic Rate is bigger, the metabolism is bigger. The most important factor playing into Basal Metabolic Rate is the amount of Lean Body Mass every individual has. The more Lean Body Mass the greater the Basal Metabolic Rate will be. Strength training for muscle gain will increase lean body mass and is recommended to increase metabolism. For example: Take a look at Jane and Sarah, two individuals who are similar in age, height, weight, and gender.  

Jane

 

Sarah

 
Despite being similar in age, height, weight, and gender, these two individuals have very different body compositions, as well as have different Basal Metabolic Rates.  

Metabolism and Weight Gain

Take a deeper look at slow metabolism. It is not about being fast or slow but weight gain is almost always the result of caloric imbalance that goes on over a period of time. Two major factors are:
  • An individual’s energy level and how active they are
  • The thermic effect of food or the energy the body uses when digesting food
  • These taken together with Basal Metabolic Rate provide Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE). This is the number of calories the body burns in a day.
To take a closer look into the body’s metabolism and weight gain, take the two individuals above, Jane and Sarah, and see what could happen in real treatment development that includes diet and exercise. First, the TDEE for Jane and Sarah needs to be estimated, using their BMRs as a guide. Based on their compositions, it’s fair to assume that Jane is involved in less physical activity/exercise than Sarah. So an activity level of sedentary for Jane will be assigned and light activity will be assigned for Sarah.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 The Body's Metabolism and Body Composition
 
Using these numbers and multiplying them by the appropriate activity factor, Jane�s TDEE can be estimated to be 1573 calories and Sarah�s 1953 calories, a difference of 380 calories. When activity levels are factored in, the difference in actual caloric needs gets magnified. This is an estimate of the calories Jane and Sarah will need to burn in a day. The nutritionist and/or health coach place both of them on a diet of 1,800 calories a day. This is the estimated calorie intake recommended by the USDA for sedentary women between 26-30 years of age. Let’s say they both follow the diet perfectly without any extra, high-calorie snacks/treats. Jane will end each day with a surplus of 227 calories, while Sarah ends each day with a slight calorie deficit of 153 calories a day. When in a calorie surplus taking more calories and living a sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, specifically, fat storage will be experienced. 227 extra calories a day doesn’t seem like a lot, but that is a single soda. However, over time, 227 calories a day becomes 1,589 extra calories a week and 7,037 extra calories a month, which is around 2 pounds of fat gain every month.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 The Body's Metabolism and Body Composition
 
So despite the same height, gender, similar weight, and similar ages, the difference between Jane and Sarah is their body compositions. Jane will experience weight gain over time while Sarah might experience some weight loss because of the calorie deficit, even though the diets are the same. This is because each individual’s caloric needs are different and may seem small at first, but increases to significant differences over time.  

Making The Body’s Metabolism Work

With the correct exercise and dietary plan, an individual can make their metabolism work for them. Because the body needs more energy to support itself when it has more Lean Body Mass, working to increase Lean Body Mass will increase Basal Metabolic Rate. Avoiding a decrease in metabolism can be done by maintaining the Lean Body Mass that is already present and also means maintaining Skeletal Muscle Mass. Skeletal Muscle Mass is not the same as Lean Body Mass but is the overall largest contributor. It is the muscles that will grow and develop through exercise.  
 
Skeletal Muscle Mass is effectively developed through strength training, resistance exercise, and a healthy diet. This will help maintain Skeletal Muscle Mass. This is especially important as the body ages. Activity levels tend to drop and a healthy diet can become harder to maintain as responsibilities increase. Poor nutrition can lead to loss of Lean Body Mass over time, which leads to a decrease in overall metabolism. Balancing diet and metabolism. The example of Jane shows a well-intentioned dietary plan that does not match the metabolism of the person practicing it. Even though Jane was told that 1,800 calories are right for her based on age and gender, her metabolism does not require that calorie intake. This will cause weight gain despite any efforts to eat a healthy diet. This is where a health coach and nutritionist come in. The first step is to get the information needed to get the answers by getting an accurate body composition analysis.

InBody Composition

 
 

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* 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. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*  
References
Westerterp, Klaas R. �Exercise, energy balance, and body composition.��European journal of clinical nutrition�vol. 72,9 (2018): 1246-1250. doi:10.1038/s41430-018-0180-4 Mazzoccoli, Gianluigi. �Body composition: Where and when.��European journal of radiology�vol. 85,8 (2016): 1456-60. doi:10.1016/j.ejrad.2015.10.020
Support Full Body Detox With Chiropractic

Support Full Body Detox With Chiropractic

by | Detoxification

If dealing with chronic disease, condition, or just poor overall health, detox support combined with chiropractic/health coaching is definitely an option that will help. Toxicity in the body can initiate or worsen existing health conditions. A detox is not about a massive diet overhaul or spending a lot of time at some clinic. Detox support involves making small changes/adjustments that will help support the body�s natural detoxing process without radical changes. One way that a detox is supported is with chiropractic.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128. Support Full Body Detox With Chiropractic
 

Detoxing the Body

The body is exposed to chemicals/toxins every day from food, air, and other particles that the body comes in contact with. However, the body has a natural ability for managing exposure to toxins to maintain overall health. If the toxins become too much to handle it can lead to a range of symptoms. Symptoms can range from:

Methods

Reducing the toxic load can be accomplished by supporting the body�s natural detox pathways. The body has organs/systems that detoxify and keep the body in balance. These support detoxification and include:
 
Reducing toxin exposure is a long term strategy for improved health. Detox options include:
  • Increased water intake
  • Nutritional adjustments that focus on increased nutrient whole foods and reduced processed chemical foods
  • Regular exercise
  • More sleep
  • Improved stress management skills/techniques
  • Reducing environmental exposure with hygiene and cleaning product awareness
  • Cleansing supplements
  • Lifestyle changes
  • Fasting, intermittent or longer with nutritionist/health coach supervision

Chiropractic Can Help

When the body struggles with toxin overload, the body can begin storing some of these toxins. Common areas include visceral fat and joints, like the spine. If toxins buildup in the spine, spinal misalignment can be exacerbated as it affects blood and nerve circulation. Spinal alignment restoration will help open and support the body’s natural detox abilities and prevent unnecessary storage of toxins.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128. Support Full Body Detox With Chiropractic
 
A chiropractic practitioner specializes in naturally restoring spinal alignment and the body’s balance. This supplies the body with the energy it needs to process and rid itself of toxins. When the body is optimally supported and its detox pathways cleared overall optimal health can be achieved. Contact Injury Medical Chiropractic Clinic and experience what chiropractic support can do.

Body Composition Support

 

Food

Neutralizing oxidative stress, lowering inflammation, and boosting metallothionein expression, food can support the body when detoxifying and countering the effects like brain fog, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, foods and nutrients that detoxify can be a part of a healthy diet and lifestyle that includes a regular fitness routine.
References
Klein, A V, and H Kiat. �Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence.��Journal of human nutrition and dietetics: the official journal of the British Dietetic Association�vol. 28,6 (2015): 675-86. doi:10.1111/jhn.12286
Heart Health, The Spine, and The Chiropractic Connection

Heart Health, The Spine, and The Chiropractic Connection

by | Chiropractic, Heart Health

Heart health and proper function circulate millions of gallons of blood to the entire body. The circulation moves:
  • Oxygen
  • Fuel
  • Hormones
  • Essential cells
  • Other compounds
  • Removes metabolic waste products
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Heart Health, The Spine, and The Chiropractic Connection
 
If the heart stops, vital functions can fail almost instantly. Family history and genetics play a role in the development of heart disease, but lifestyle choices also play a part. Heart health disease prevention focuses on: Chiropractic treatment can help improve overall heart health.

Heart Health

If every nerve was disconnected, the heart would continue to beat. There is a small node of the heart muscle that rhythmically contracts and relaxes inherently, and sets the heartbeat pace. It can be thought of as a natural pacemaker and is called the sinoatrial node.  
 
In an average adult, the node maintains a rhythm of around 70 beats per minute. This natural pacemaker keeps the heart working, while the nerves that accelerate and decelerate (the sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves) can affect the sinoatrial node affecting the heartbeat.  

Sympathetic and Parasympathetic Nerves

The sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves are located in the thoracic and upper cervical spine. With chiropractic, any spinal misalignments, pressure, stress, and restrictions are properly addressed, and able to normalize the cardiac rhythm and heart rate. Corrective treatment of the cervical spine will also help lower blood pressure and remove any stress on the cardiovascular system. Heart and spinal health are vital, contact a local chiropractor today.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Heart Health, The Spine, and The Chiropractic Connection

Healthy Body Composition

 

Aerobic Training Strengthens The Heart

Aerobic exercise will strengthen the heart, as well as, train the heart to be more efficient in circulating blood. The chamber of the heart that pumps blood to the rest of the body literally gets larger and squeezes out more blood with each pump, meaning the stroke volume gets increased. This improves cardiac output, which is the quantity of blood pumped by the heart per minute. A strong, efficient heart is the objective to live a long and healthy life. When the heart is stronger and pumps more blood it doesn�t have to beat as much and as rapidly. Lowering the resting heart rate is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiac adaptations are helped with an increase in blood volume that happens with aerobic exercise training. What happens is the expanded blood volume improves the heart�s contractility/fill capacity pumping more blood per beat. The heart contracts to move blood throughout the body. By making it stronger and more efficient, the heart�s responsibilities are lightened by decreasing the different types of resistance.

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* 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. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Yang, Jian et al. �Physical Exercise Is a Potential “Medicine” for Atherosclerosis.��Advances in experimental medicine and biology�vol. 999 (2017): 269-286. doi:10.1007/978-981-10-4307-9_15
Tired Of Being Sick Chiropractic and Health Coaching Wellness Benefits

Tired Of Being Sick Chiropractic and Health Coaching Wellness Benefits

by | Chiropractic, Health Coaching

Individuals are tired of feeling sick. Many doctors prescribe medications to just control the symptoms of the various ailments.
  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Nausea
  • Fatigue
  • Acid reflux
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Tired Of Being Sick Chiropractic and Health Coaching Wellness Benefits
 
Chiropractic care combined with Health coaching will:
  • Bring the body back into balance
  • Restore optimal circulation
  • Detox the body
  • Increase immune system response

Tired Nervous System

Many of these problems are rooted deep within the nervous system. This system controls pain, movement, organ function, and action/reaction in the body and needs consistent maintenance to continue to operate at an optimal level. Chiropractors are trained to detect nerve interference brought on from spinal misalignment. Chiropractic along with body scanning/imaging can detect nerve interference, and help identify any issues.  
11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Tired Of Being Sick Chiropractic and Health Coaching Wellness Benefits
 

Nerve Interference

Nerve interference along the spine can lead to being tired, weakness, pain, discomfort, organ dysfunction, and disease if it is not addressed by a professional chiropractor. The interference can be a result of poor postural habits that have caused the spine to misalign. This places added and dangerous pressure on the delicate nerves flowing throughout the spine.  
 
Chiropractors can determine the root cause back to the region of the spine that is causing any type of impediments. Spinal rehabilitation and realignment will restore the spine back to health eliminating nerve interference. As the body is realigned health coaching recommendations that include diet, supplements, and learning healthy habits will enhance chiropractic maintenance. The end result is a healthy energetic body free of disease, dysfunction, and pain.

Body Composition

 
Body composition is a way of breaking down the body into components, which are: fat, protein, minerals, and body water. It describes an individual’s accurate weight and provides a new perspective on overall health than traditional methods. Proper body composition analysis will show changes in fat mass, muscle mass, and body fat percentage.
inbodyusa.com-Body-Composition-101-The-Beginners-GuideDownload

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* 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. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*
References
Stochkendahl, Mette Jensen, et al. �Can chiropractors contribute to work disability prevention through sickness absence management for musculoskeletal disorders? – a comparative qualitative case study in the Scandinavian context.� Chiropractic & manual therapies�vol. 26 15. 26 Apr. 2018, doi:10.1186/s12998-018-0184-0 Westerterp, Klaas R. �Exercise, energy balance, and body composition.��European journal of clinical nutrition�vol. 72,9 (2018): 1246-1250. doi:10.1038/s41430-018-0180-4