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.
PODCAST: Ryan Welage and Alexander Jimenez, both medical students at the National University of Health Sciences, discuss the several new approaches that they developed in order to help people continue to engage and participate in exercise from the comfort of their own homes. Using their advanced understanding of functional medicine, biomechanics, and nutrition, they undertake explaining simple methods and techniques for complex movement protocols. Moreover, Alexander Jimenez and Ryan Welage discuss how diet can be an essential element in overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez offers additional guidelines with the Functional Fitness Fellas, among further advice. – Podcast Insight
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Dr. Alex Jimenez RN, DC, MSACP, CCST
PODCAST: Dr. Alex Jimenez, chiropractor in El Paso, TX, and Victoria Hahn discuss the fasting-mimicking diet and the ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet program developed by Dr. Valter D. Longo. The ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet is a high-fat, low-calorie intermittent fasting diet that may promote fat loss and reduce blood sugar, inflammation, and cholesterol, similar to other fasting methods. Valter D. Longo is an Italian-American biogerontologist and cell biologist known for his research studies on the role of fasting and nutrient response genes on cellular protection aging and diseases as well as for proposing that longevity is regulated by similar genes and mechanisms in many eukaryotes. Only a few research studies have been carried out to date regarding the fasting-mimicking diet and more research is needed to validate its benefits. �- Podcast Insight
If you have enjoyed this video and/or we have helped you in any way
please feel free to subscribe and share us.
Thank You & God Bless.
Dr. Alex Jimenez RN, DC, MSACP, CCST
Grains, legumes, and beans, such as kidney beans, lima beans, black beans, soybeans, and lentils, have high amounts of lectins. Other foods with high amounts of lectins include wheat and seeds of the grass family, such as barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, and rye, legumes, including peanuts, and soy, nightshade vegetables, such as peppers, eggplant, and potatoes as well as dairy products, especially those originating from grain-fed animals. In the following article, we will discuss the most harmful lectins.
Most Harmful Lectins to Avoid
Most lectins can trigger inflammation and develop what is known as “advanced glycation end-products. C-reactive protein, by way of instance, is one of many lectins found in the human body that is used as an inflammatory marker. Lectins are considered to be immunotoxic because they can stimulate a hyperimmune response. Lectins are also considered to be neurotoxic and cytotoxic because they can damage nerves and cells, ultimately causing apoptosis or cell death, among other well-known health issues.
Moreover, lectins can increase blood viscosity by attaching to red blood cells. This makes red blood cell “sticky” which can result in abnormal blood clotting. Several lectins, such as WGA, can also affect endocrine function and change gene expression. Lectins may even promote leptin resistance, ultimately increasing the risk of excess weight and obesity. These factors can increase the risk of developing other health issues. If you believe you may have any health issues caused by eating lectins, you may want to avoid:
Corn
Corn-fed meats including most meats sold in grocery stores. Avoid eating factory farmed, corn-fed meat by eating certified grass-fed meat labeled by the American Grass-fed Association.
Cashews, peanuts, and unfermented soybean products. Eat fermented varieties, such as miso, natto, tamari, and tempeh.
Milk with casein A1. Casein A2 is the normal protein found in milk from buffalo, goats, sheep and some Jersey cows. Unfortunately, most cows produce casein A1 and most store-bought milk has casein A1, even if it’s organic. Casein A1 proteins develop beta-casomorphin that can attach to beta cells in the pancreas and result in an autoimmune response. Drink raw milk from organic, grass-fed, casein A2-producing cows. Jersey cows may produce either casein A1 or A2, so make sure to check with the farmer to confirm the type of milk being produced. Avoid milk from Holsteins because they produce casein A1.
How to Make High-Lectin Foods Safe to Eat
After eliminating foods with high amounts of lectins from your diet, you can further decrease lectins in your diet by:�
Peeling and deseeding fruits and vegetables. The skin, or hull, and seeds of many fruits and vegetables have high amounts of lectins. By way of instance, you’ll want to remove the seeds from tomatoes and peppers before eating them.
Choosing white grains over brown grains. Healthcare professionals suggest that white rice is preferable over brown rice because �those who eat rice as their staple grain have always stripped the hull off brown rice before they eat it. That’s because the hull contains all the harmful lectins.� Avoid lectins by choosing organic grains and using yeast or sourdough which effectively breaks down gluten and other harmful lectins.
Sprouting grains, beans, and seeds. Sprouting deactivates lectins although there are several exceptions. Do not sprout legumes. By way of instance, lectins are actually enhanced when sprouting alfalfa.
Eating fermented foods. Fermentation effectively decreases harmful lectins. A wide variety of vegetables can be fermented, ultimately boosting their health benefits.
Using a pressure cooker. The best way to neutralize lectins when cooking is to use a pressure cooker. Healthcare professionals recommend that, �If you’re cooking with beans, tomatoes, potatoes and quinoa, the pressure cooker is your best bet however, it won’t even touch the lectins in wheat, oats, rye, barley or spelt.� Avoid slow cookers since the low cooking temperatures are insufficient to remove lectins.
Tips to Decrease Lectins in Beans and Potatoes
If you choose to eat beans, it’s important to prepare and cook them properly because eating raw or undercooked beans can be harmful towards your overall health. Phytohemagglutinin is a toxin commonly found in many varieties of beans and they are especially high in raw, red kidney beans. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) eating as few as four or five raw beans may cause phytohemagglutinin toxicity. To decrease lectins in high-lectin foods, consider doing the following including:
Soaking beans in water for at least 12 hours before cooking, making sure to change the water frequently. Adding baking soda to the soaking water will further neutralize lectins in beans.
Discarding the soaking water and rinsing the beans.
Cooking for at least 15 minutes on high heat or using a pressure cooker.
Lectins in potatoes, which are a member of the nightshade family, can also be reduced by cooking, although only by 50 to 60 percent. On a positive note, however, most potatoes have digestive-resistant starch which consists of complex starch molecules that resist digestion in your small intestine. These starches slowly ferment in the large intestine where they act as prebiotics that feed healthy gut bacteria. Because of this, healthcare professionals believe that we should only limit and not eliminate lectins from our diet.
Why You Should Only Limit & Not Eliminate Lectins
Healthcare professionals believe that lectin damage is associated with glyphosate contamination. Scientists make a strong case against lectins due to their potential to be harmful to your overall health. Given the number of foods with high amounts of lectins, however, it would be almost impossible to completely eliminate them from your diet. The list of lectins found in vegetables alone is lengthy and several lectins can actually provide a variety of health benefits if these are consumed in moderation.
Many vegetables with high amounts of lectins also have polyphenols which are micronutrients with antioxidants that play a fundamental role in preventing and reducing the progression of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. Polyphenols are also considered to be prebiotics because they increase the ratio of beneficial bacteria in your gut, which is another important factor for disease prevention and weight management, among providing various other well-known health benefits.
Lectins are proteins in plant- and animal-sources that can be harmful to a person’s overall health because they can attach to cell membranes. Grains, legumes, and beans, such as kidney beans, lima beans, black beans, soybeans, and lentils, have high amounts of lectins. Other foods with high amounts of lectins include wheat and seeds of the grass family, such as barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, and rye, legumes, including peanuts, and soy, nightshade vegetables, such as peppers, eggplant, and potatoes as well as dairy products, especially those originating from grain-fed animals.According to healthcare professionals, eating too many foods with high amounts of lectins can cause nerve damage, lead to cell death, and even promote inflammation while others can change blood viscosity, interrupt endocrine function, and even affect gene expression. However, healthcare professionals argue that eating some foods with lectins can be beneficial as long as these are cooked and consumed properly.�– Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
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 D.C., C.C.S.T.
References:
1. Bulletproof.com, Revenge of the Beans
2, 9, 17, 18, 22. Precision Nutrition, All About Lectins: Here’s What You Need to Know
3. Healthline April 1, 2015
4. Authority Diet, Dietary Lectins: What Are They and Should You Be Concerned?
5, 8. My Domaine June 25, 2017
6. Krispin.com October 18, 2017
7. Gundry MD May 23, 2017
10. Carbohydrate Research February 1980; 78: 349-363
11. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 2000; 20(4): 293-334
12. Krispin.com October 18, 2017
13. Superfoodly October 8, 2017
14, 15, 16, 19. Gundry MD May 23, 2017
20, 21. U.S. Food and Drug Administration August 20, 2015
23. Youngmeagher.com, InstaPot Review 2017
24. Today’s Dietitian September 2012; 14(9): 22
Podcast: Metabolic Syndrome Explained
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that can ultimately increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other problems. Central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL are the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Having at least three of the five risk factors may suggest the presence of metabolic syndrome. Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja explain the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, in further detail, as they recommend diet and lifestyle modification advice and guidelines to help people with metabolic syndrome improve their overall health and wellness. From eating fiber and staying hydrated to exercise and better sleep, Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja discuss how diet and lifestyle modifications can help improve the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome to ultimately prevent the risk of developing a variety of other health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. – Podcast Insight
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
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
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)
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.
Formulas for Methylation Support
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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.
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.
That eating sweets does not relieve cravings for sugar?
That you must have sweets after meals?
Hormone imbalances?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then your blood glucose levels are dramatically fluctuating up and down. It might be an early indication of hyperinsulinemia in your body.
When it comes to the body, many people often try to make sure that their body is healthy and strong by eating the right food, exercising regularly, and even getting a routine check-up from their primary healthcare providers. Even though people can achieve this, sometimes harmful pathogens like autoimmune diseases, metabolic syndrome, and chronic illnesses can affect the body. When harmful pathogens attack the body from the inside, it can cause the body to dysfunction, especially the body’s system. Many people have found ways to dampen the effects that harmful pathogens have caused in their bodies. However, there are some people who are autoimmune compromises or even have diabetes have taken the necessary precautions to make sure that they are in control of their bodies.
It is surprising that when people are controlling their insulin levels, they are accustomed to think that insulin is a blood sugar-regulating hormone. Research shows that when the blood glucose rises in the body, insulin is being secreted in the body to help bring the blood glucose down a bit. This is a partial stimulation known as insulin-sensitive glucose transporters, and this is one of the many roles that insulin provides that are unrelated to the body’s blood glucose. When the blood glucose levels are rising and falling dramatically in the body, it can cause anyone who has diabetes to go into DKA or diabetic ketoacidosis.
Chronic Hyperinsulinemia
Studies have found that when diabetic individuals are keeping an eye on their blood glucose levels, they go on a ketogenic diet to keep their ketones under control. It is a surprise to many people that insulin is not required for cellular glucose uptake. The research study mentioned that when individuals are in a deficient carbohydrate diet, their bodies can regulate and control the production of the ketone bodies, causing a harmless physiological state known as dietary ketosis. The study even mentioned that when ketone bodies are flowing from the liver to the brain, it can be used as fuel. When this happens, spare glucose metabolism is very similar to the mechanism of spare glucose that is oxidizing fatty acids as an alternative fuel.
There is another study that shows that the use of exogenous insulin in individuals who have type 1 diabetes may need to suppress the free glucagon secretion that facilitates glucose transport into their cells. The hormone glucagon has a stimulatory effect on fuel production from the liver and can even modulate the hepatic glucose uptake and the hepatic glycogen synthesis in the body. The study even shows that the hormone glucagon has been longed dismissed as a minor contributor to metabolic diseases in the body. Not only that, but glucagon can even increase hepatic glucose from the liver to the brain and ketone production in the body.
Research on Hyperinsulinemia
What is interesting is that when insulin�s myopic focus is related to blood glucose. Research shows that many people have missed a host of health problems that can occur in the presence of average glucose in the body, but it is known as chronically elevated insulin. The research study showed that when there is a lack of insulin in the liver, it causes glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis are being activated. When this happens, it can further enhance an overproduction of hormones like glucagon and cortisol, which can stimulate the process of insulin deficiency. A study has found that when a person has chronically elevated insulin or hyperinsulinemia, it can develop cardiometabolic diseases even if elevated glucose is absent. This is due to fasting glucose being part of a routine check-up and chronically elevated glucose.
Studies have shown that chronic hyperinsulinemia is the main factor in POS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and that there is a high prevalence of undiagnosed insulin resistance with patients who have Parkinson’s disease. Chronic hyperinsulinemia can contribute to insulin resistance, as studies show that this factor can alter lipid metabolism in the body. The research study even shows that insulin sensitivity can be determined by hyper-insulinemic and can lead to weight gain, raised plasma triglycerides, and free fatty acids in the body.
Chronic hyperinsulinemia can be present long before there is a rise in blood glucose. Research shows that there are at least five stages in the progression of diabetes, and it can indicate any metabolic dysfunction that is happening in the body. In one study, it showed that there is an association between hyperinsulinemia in the fasting state and the development of diabetes. The study mentioned that basal hyperinsulinemia in adults who are normoglycemic could constitute an independent risk factor for metabolic deterioration to dysglycemia and can even help identify healthy subjects that may have an increased risk for diabetes.
Conclusion
All in all, if someone wants to make sure that their insulin levels are functioning correctly, they will have to be in a very low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet and keep an eye on their blood glucose levels. Individuals that are living with a condition due to chronic hyperinsulinemia, there are effective ways to manage this condition and even preventing it. Many people should start eating healthy, nutritional food, exercise regularly, and start developing healthy habits in order to achieve an overall sense of health and wellness. Some products are beneficial to regulate blood glucose by providing support to sugar metabolism with hypoallergenic nutrients, enzymatic cofactors, metabolic precursors, and phytonutrients.
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:
Dankner, R, et al. �Basal State Hyperinsulinemia in Healthy Normoglycemic Adults Heralds Dysglycemia After More Than Two Decades of Follow Up.� Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2012, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22865584/.
Hogg, Elliot, et al. �High Prevalence of Undiagnosed Insulin Resistance in Non-Diabetic Subjects With Parkinson’s Disease.� Journal of Parkinson’s Disease, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2018, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29614702/.
Manninen, Anssi H. �Metabolic Effects of the Very-Low-Carbohydrate Diets: Misunderstood �Villains� of Human Metabolism.� Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, BioMed Central, 31 Dec. 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2129159/.
Morita, Ippei, et al. �Chronic Hyperinsulinemia Contributes to Insulin Resistance under Dietary Restriction in Association with Altered Lipid Metabolism in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats.� American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Apr. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28143857.
Sonksen, P., and J. Sonksen. �Insulin: Understanding Its Action in Health and Disease.� British Journal of Anaesthesia, 1 July 2000, bjanaesthesia.org/article/S0007-0912(17)37337-3/fulltext.
Team, DFH. �Hyperinsulinemia: An Early Indicator of Metabolic Dysfunction.� Designs for Health, 12 Mar. 2020, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1212.
Unger, Roger H, and Alan D Cherrington. �Glucagonocentric Restructuring of Diabetes: a Pathophysiologic and Therapeutic Makeover.� The Journal of Clinical Investigation, American Society for Clinical Investigation, Jan. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3248306/.
Weir, Gordon C, and Susan Bonner-Weir. �Five Stages of Evolving Beta-Cell Dysfunction During Progression to Diabetes.� Diabetes, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2004, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15561905/.
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.
Lectins found in plant-sources are a defense mechanism that can trigger a negative response in humans because they can attach to cell membranes, ultimately affecting your health and wellness. Research studies have found that some lectins can cause nerve damage, lead to cell death, and even promote inflammation while others can change blood viscosity, interrupt endocrine function, and even affect gene expression. In the following article, we will discuss if lectins are good or bad for your health and wellness.
Lectins and Health Overview
Although it is almost impossible to avoid eating lectins because they can be found in many foods, following a lectin-restricted diet may be beneficial if you are struggling with inflammation, an autoimmune disease, or any other chronic health issue.
Grains, legumes, beans, and members of the nightshade family, such as peppers, eggplants, and potatoes, are well-known foods with harmful lectins. However, properly soaking and cooking as well as sprouting and fermenting foods with high amounts of lectins can help make them safe to eat, according to research studies. Utilizing a pressure cooker is also ultimately beneficial for beans.
Lectins may be an underlying source of weight gain and other health issues, even if you follow a proper diet. Scientists have associated lectins with inflammation and autoimmune disease. Moreover, many lectins are harmful to your cells and nerves. Several types of lectins may also change your blood viscosity, disrupt your endocrine function, and even affect your gene expression.
As previously mentioned above, if you are struggling with inflammation, an autoimmune disease, or any other chronic health issue, you will need to be careful with the amount of lectins you consume and you may ultimately benefit from following a lectin-restricted diet. However, it is almost impossible to avoid eating lectins. Scientists do not recommend following a lectin-free diet because you may miss out on antioxidants and other essential nutrients found in foods with lectins, including many types of vegetables.
Instead, research studies recommend to make sure you only eat lectins occasionally and pay attention to how they affect your health and wellness. If you are constantly experiencing gas, bloating, and even joint pain after eating grains, legumes, beans, and members of the nightshade family, such as peppers, eggplants, and potatoes, to name a few, your body may be reacting to lectins.
Properly preparing foods with high amounts of lectins and using a pressure cooker can help make these foods safe to eat. If you’ve been following a whole-food diet and you’ve experienced weight gain and other health issues, you may want to limit lectins.
What are Lectins?
Lectins are a type of protein found in a variety of plant- and animal-sources that can attach to cell membranes. Scientists consider them to be a low-level toxin. Lectins are a defense mechanism that trigger a negative reaction in predators that are commonly found in grains, raw legumes, and beans as well as in the part of the seed that becomes the leaves when a plant sprouts, known as the cotyledon, and on the seed coat. Lectins are also commonly found in several different types of vegetables and dairy products.
There are a wide variety of lectins. Scientists believe that plants developed these natural pesticides and repellents to protect themselves and their seeds from predators. They may have also developed lectins as a way for seeds to remain intact as they passed through predators’ digestive systems. Lectins are resistant to human digestion and they enter the blood unchanged.
According to research studies, it’s this “stickiness” of lectins that makes them attach to cell membranes. Furthermore, the same stickiness may be the main reason why eating too many lectins can cause digestive health issues and many other problems.
How Lectins Can Affect Your Health
Because lectins are resistant to human digestion, they are considered to be anti-nutrients and they can ultimately affect your gut microbiome and even impact the balance of your bacterial flora. According to research studies, one of the most “harmful” lectins is believed to be wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) which is commonly found in wheat and other seeds in the grass family.
Research studies have also found that several lectins from plant-sources are associated with a leaky gut because they can attach to intestinal mucosal cells, ultimately affecting the absorption of nutrients accross your intestinal wall. WGA has also been found to cause heart disease in animal models. Because of their negative inflammatory and autoimmune effects, lectins are especially toxic for people with an autoimmune disorder. People with autoimmune disorders may want to reduce their intake of foods with lectins.
Another way that lectins can affect your overall health and wellness is through molecular mimicry. By way of instance, lectins can trick the body into attacking the thyroid gland and can even lead to rheumatoid arthritis by mimicking proteins in your thyroid or joints. This can also cause lipopolysaccharides, known as endotoxins, to penetrate your gut wall and cause an immune response.
Should You Avoid Eating Foods with Lectins?
If you are struggling with inflammation or if you have an autoimmune disease or any other chronic health issue, you may need to be careful with foods that have high amounts of lectins, such as grains, legumes, beans, and nightshade vegetables. Lectins can cause diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, autoimmune disease, and even dementia. A lectin-restricted diet may ultimately help with:
Are All Foods with Lectins Bad for Your Health?
In small amounts, however, lectins can provide valuable health benefits. Lectins play a fundamental role in body fat regulation, cell growth and cell death, as well as immune function. It appears that the majority of problems occur due to overconsumption or continued consumption, even in small amounts, of certain lectins that your body simply cannot tolerate.
From a healthcare professional’s perspective, it would be a mistake to assume that all lectins are bad for your health and wellness. As a matter of fact, avocados, contain the lectin agglutinin (persea Americana agglutinin), and these are considered to be a super food. Research studies have found that the agglutinin found in avocados actually interacts with proteins and polyamino acids.
Although tomatoes are also part of the nightshade family and they are often listed among the most harmful foods with lectins, cooking them can have some positive benefits. The antioxidant lycopene found in tomatoes develops an enhanced bioavailability due to heating which can make tomatoes healthy in other ways. Lectins found in beans, however, can ultimately have much more potentially toxic or allergenic effects. Besides their high amounts of lectins, beans are also high sources of net carbs.
The choice to eat or avoid lectins focuses on the particular food in question and the effects these lectins may have on the consumer. Although controversial, lectins in foods are by no means a sole determinant of the overall value of a particular food in your diet.
Lectins are a type of protein found in plant- and animal-sources that can be harmful to an individual’s overall health and wellness because they can attach to cell membranes. According to research studies, eating too many foods with high amounts of lectins can cause nerve damage, lead to cell death, and even promote inflammation while others can change blood viscosity, interrupt endocrine function, and even affect gene expression. However, healthcare professionals argue that eating some foods with lectins can be beneficial as long as these are cooked and consumed properly.� – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
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 D.C., C.C.S.T.
References:
1. Bulletproof.com, Revenge of the Beans
2, 9, 17, 18, 22. Precision Nutrition, All About Lectins: Here’s What You Need to Know
3. Healthline April 1, 2015
4. Authority Diet, Dietary Lectins: What Are They and Should You Be Concerned?
5, 8. My Domaine June 25, 2017
6. Krispin.com October 18, 2017
7. Gundry MD May 23, 2017
10. Carbohydrate Research February 1980; 78: 349-363
11. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 2000; 20(4): 293-334
12. Krispin.com October 18, 2017
13. Superfoodly October 8, 2017
14, 15, 16, 19. Gundry MD May 23, 2017
20, 21. U.S. Food and Drug Administration August 20, 2015
23. Youngmeagher.com, InstaPot Review 2017
24. Today’s Dietitian September 2012; 14(9): 22
Podcast: Metabolic Syndrome Explained
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that can ultimately increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other problems. Central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL are the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Having at least three of the five risk factors may suggest the presence of metabolic syndrome. Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja explain the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, in further detail, as they recommend diet and lifestyle modification advice and guidelines to help people with metabolic syndrome improve their overall health and wellness. From eating fiber and staying hydrated to exercise and better sleep, Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja discuss how diet and lifestyle modifications can help improve the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome to ultimately prevent the risk of developing a variety of other health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. – Podcast Insight
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
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
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)
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.
Formulas for Methylation Support
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.
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.
Stomach pains, burning, or aching, 1-4 hours after eating?
Digestive problems subside with rest and relaxation?
Unpredictable abdominal swelling?
An overall sense of bloating?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then something might be wrong in your body, especially in the gut. Why not try to add some thyme into your food.
Thyme
In the culinary world, thyme is usually associated with savory dishes that compliment the flavors. This leafy herb can be combined with chicken and can give food dishes like stuffing, sauces, stews and soups a boost in the flavor department. Even though thyme is a culinary herb, surprisingly, there is some history with this leafy herb that not everyone knows about yet. History shows that thyme was used as an embalmment by Ancient Egyptians, while Ancient Greece was using thyme as incense for their temples. History even showed that thyme has a �purifying� aroma that helped people ward off nightmares in the Middle Ages. In today’s world, thyme is well-known for its ability to enhance the flavors in the cooking world. However, it is even better known for its medicinal purifying properties for functional medicine.
Studies have found out that about approximately 1/3 of all deaths in the world are due to infectious diseases. In contrast, an alarming number of microorganisms have now become resistant to antibiotic therapy. Surprisingly though, scientists are trying to find ways to look for alternative antimicrobial therapies with thyme. Since plants have a natural defense mechanism that is built into them since they can protect themselves from harsh environmental factors. So, with thyme being a Mediterranean herb, its health properties are beneficial for the body and can dampen the effect of harmful bacterial pathogens.
Beneficial Properties Thyme Possess
Some of the beneficial properties that thyme has to offer are amazing since it has been used for medicinal usages. Thyme has a naturally occurring class of compounds known as biocides. Studies show that these compounds are known to destroy any harmful organisms like infectious bacteria, while also having powerful antimicrobial properties. In a 2010 research study, it suggested that thyme can reduce bacterial resistance to some of the common drugs, including penicillin. Some other beneficial properties that thyme presents include:
Blood Pressure
Thyme has been found to help reduce high blood pressure in individuals. Researchers in Serbia have found that wild thyme can reduce the individual�s blood pressure through animal studies. It even showed how rodents are similar to people when they are dealing with hypertension in the body. While another study found out that thyme extract can reduce a raised heart rate while also lowering the bad cholesterol. The study even showed that thyme had been used for treating a variety of various diseases that can harm the body in traditional medicine. It is even possible for thyme to be used as a substitute for salt for food.
Prevent Intestinal Infections
Studies have found out thyme can neutralize certain enteric bacteria that have been associated with some intestinal diseases. In a 2017 research study, scientists have discovered that when subjects have been in contact with the Clostridium perfringens, a harmful bacterium that can harm the intestines, can be treated with thyme. The result shows that the subjects had fewer bacterial infections in their intestines while also having fewer lesions and fewer C. perfringens related deaths.
Boost the Immune System
Even though everyone can try to live a healthy lifestyle, sometimes it is hard to get all the vitamins that the body needs to maintain itself both inside and out. Research has shown that thyme can provide the body a healthy dosage of vitamins C and A. Whenever it is the cold or flu season, thyme can be beneficial to anyone who wants to prevent the cold or flu from happening or at least dampen the symptoms. One of the beneficial properties that thyme can also do for the immune system is that it can be a good source of minerals like copper, fiber, iron, and manganese that the body does need in order to function properly.
Antimicrobial and Antifungal Properties
Thyme has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that are beneficial to the body. A Portugal study had found that thyme can provide anti-cancer activity properties to people who have colon cancer. The study even showed that thyme�s chemical constituents could identify the colon cancer cytotoxicity activities and shortening its process to become worst. Another study found in Turkey showed that wild thyme could have a positive effect on breast cancer activity. The study found that wild thyme extract can be used in novel therapeutic drugs for breast cancer treatment.
For antifungal properties, studies have found that thyme can be beneficial to combatting fungal bacteria in the body like yeast infections. Researchers in Italy have found the fungus Candida albicans is common to cause yeast infections in the mouth and vaginal area. Another study found that thyme essential oil can significantly enhance the destruction of C. Albicans in the body and preventing the fungus from spreading. The results showed that the fungal strands had a biofilm production, and only thyme oil was the only one to be the most inhibitory oil to affect biofilm production of the fungal strands.
Conclusion
There are many beneficial properties that thyme can posses to help not only the body but also the immune system and the gut system as well. It is truly amazing that this herb can have purifying effects on the body and even enhance the flavors of food dishes.�Since more people are using thyme in their culinary dishes, it is no wonder that thyme is a truly, magical herb that can help the body achieve an overall sense of health and wellness. Some products that can be beneficial to the body, including the immune system, by providing support to the intestines for greater stability, bioavailability, and digestive comfort.
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:
Laboratories, Medical Oncology Research. �Effects of Thymus Serpyllum Extract on Cell Proliferation, Apoptosis and Epigenetic Events in Human Breast Cancer Cells.� Taylor & Francis, 19 Nov. 2012, www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01635581.2012.719658#.Ul_MYWTk-z5.
Team, Biotics Education. �Thyme for Gut Health.� Biotics Research Blog, 2017, blog.bioticsresearch.com/thyme-for-gut-health.
Alamgeer, et al. �Pharmacological Evaluation of Antihypertensive Effect of Aerial Parts of Thymus Linearis Benth.� Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25272894.
Fanous, Summer. �9 Health Benefits of Thyme.� Healthline, 5 May, 2016, www.healthline.com/health/health-benefits-of-thyme.
Felman, Adam. �What Are the Benefits of Thyme?� MedicalNewsToday, 23 Aug. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266016.
Gordo, Joana, et al. �Thymus Mastichina: Chemical Constituents and Their Anti-Cancer Activity.� Natural Product Communications, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23285814.
Khan, Mohd S A, et al. �Sub-MICs of Carum Copticum and Thymus Vulgaris Influence Virulence Factors and Biofilm Formation in Candida Spp.� BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, BioMed Central, 15 Sept. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25220750.
Kim, Gil-Hah, et al. �Chemical Composition, Larvicidal Action, and Adult Repellency of Thymus Magnus Against Aedes Albopictus.� Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association, The American Mosquito Control Association, 1 Sept. 2012, www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.2987/12-6250R.1.
Palaniappan, Kavitha, and Richard A. Holley. �Use of Natural Antimicrobials to Increase Antibiotic Susceptibility of Drug Resistant Bacteria.� International Journal of Food Microbiology, Elsevier, 13 Apr. 2010, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168160510001868.
Team, WHO. �The Top 10 Causes of Death.� World Health Organization, World Health Organization, 24 May 2018, www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs310/en/.
Wong, Cathy. �The Use of Thyme in Alternative Medicine.� Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2020, www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-thymus-vulgaris-88803.
Yin, D., Du, E., Yuan, J.�et al.�Supplemental thymol and carvacrol increases ileum�Lactobacillus�population and reduces effect of necrotic enteritis caused by�Clostridium perfringes�in chickens.�Sci Rep�7,�7334 (2017). doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-07420-4
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