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.
Dr. Alex Jimenez Discusses What to Eat to Improve DNA Methylation
Methylation is an essential process which happens in every single cell of the human body. It is used to trigger a variety of bodily processes, such as creating and managing hormones and neurotransmitters, producing immune cells, and regulating the detoxification of exogenous chemicals, as well as developing histamine, among other fundamental processes. Methylation is important for cellular renewal to modify genetic expression.
By altering your nutrition and lifestyle habits you can improve your DNA methylation to promote your overall health and wellness. If people are diagnosed with a methylation deficit, such as an abnormal MTHFR gene or elevated homocysteine levels, you can safely and effectively increase your DNA methylation by eating a variety of healthy foods and drinks.
As previously mentioned, methylation support can be beneficial for a variety of health issues, including; aging, pregnancy preparation, pregnancy lactation, prolonged strenuous physical activity, ADD/ADHD, addiction, allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, asthma, atherosclerosis, autism, behavioral changes, bipolar disorder, cancer, chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue, cleft palate, diabetes, dementia, depression, Down syndrome, hypertension, fertility problems, fibromyalgia, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, neural tube defects, neuropathy, ocular disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and thyroid disease, among others.
What to Eat for Methylation Support
The following article will continue to focus on what you can eat and drink to promote methylation support. The use of supplements, as well as drugs and/or medications to improve DNA methylation, can cause many undesirable side-effects if these are not taken care of by doctors, functional medicine practitioners, and patients alike. In part 2, we demonstrate what you can eat to improve DNA methylation from the category of oils and fats, animal protein, dairy, condiments and sweeteners, as well as beverages. Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve optimal methylation support.
Oils and Fats
Consuming oils and fats is an essential part of improving DNA methylation. Oils and fats are fundamental for overall health and wellness because they provide essential cell membrane functions and they generate numerous signaling molecules which can control inflammation in the human body. As a matter of fact, the human brain is almost 60 percent fat, which demonstrated how important oils and fats are for DNA methylation.
It is also essential to choose the right types of oils and fats to support overall health and wellness. Several oils and fats should also be completely avoided, due to their pro-inflammatory effects, such as trans fats and refined vegetable oils like soybean oil, cottonseed oil, and canola oil.
The following oils and fats are recommended to improve DNA methylation. The goal is to balance how much you consume across these categories, choosing minimally processed alternatives and organic options, as much as possible. Oils and fats in the Omega-3 polyunsaturated category, as well as oils and fats containing medium-chain triglycerides, are highlighted in bold because they’re considerably important to promote methylation support.
Saturated fats: MCT oil, coconut oil, red palm oil, lard, tallow, and duck fat
Animal protein is fundamental because it offers us all the essential amino acids the human body requires, many of which are directly involved in DNA methylation. Eggs considerably help promote methylation support due to their increased levels of sulfur and choline. Liver is also considered to be the densest source of a wide array of methylation nutrients, such as folate, other B vitamins, choline, and trace minerals. That’s why liver is ultimately referred to as a “superfood”. Salmon and other oily fish are also excellent sources of DHA, which can improve MTHFR and methylation activity. Try to eat approximately 6 to 9 oz of animal protein every day. This amount may vary according to your size, age, current health issues, and total calorie requirements: protein needs range from 0.8 to 1.2 g/kg per body mass.
The following animal protein choices can help improve DNA methylation. Foods in bold are considered methylation superfoods because they are particularly rich in one or more methylation-related nutrient, including; anchovies, bee, bison/buffalo, chicken, duck, eggs, fish roe, liver, other fish and seafood, other organ meat, oysters, pork, quail, salmon, sardines, turkey, and whitefish.
Dairy
Eating dairy from cows, sheep, and goats can be excellent sources of methylation nutrients to promote methylation support. Cheese contains considerable amounts of methionine and B vitamins. However, dairy products are not necessarily considered an essential part of a diet to improve DNA methylation. Many people are sensitive to the casein proteins found in dairy. For those people with dairy sensitivities, ghee is a form of butter that has removed the dairy proteins. This renders it very hypoallergenic and is most often well-tolerated even by people who are sensitive to dairy. It is also a good source of butyrate, which nourishes cells in our gastrointestinal, or GI, tract and directly regulates genetic methylation to positively affect gene expression. If you tolerate dairy, small amounts of high-quality dairy products can be consumed.
From the following list of dairy products which can help promote DNA methylation, foods in bold are better choices, including; butter, cottage cheese, cream, ghee, goat cheese, gruyere cheese, kefir, milk, parmesan cheese, Romano cheese, and yogurt (unsweetened).
If you are avoiding dairy from cows, sheep or goats, you may instead choose from the following non-dairy options to improve DNA methylation. Also, always make sure to choose unsweetened alternatives, including; almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, flaxseed milk, hemp milk, and macadamia nut milk.
Condiments and Sweeteners
Condiments and sweeteners aren�t an official food category which can help improve DNA methylation, however, they’re also important to mention because many of us may inevitable have to include them in our cooking. Making your own condiments and sweeteners are recommended because they will be minimally processed and will contain the fewest additives.
In general, consuming increased amounts of sugars is not a good idea because it can increase oxidative stress and inflammation as well as weight gain and a variety of other health issues. When choosing one of the following condiments and/or sweeteners, always remember to keep your serving size to a maximum of 1 teaspoon, no more than 2 times per day.
The following condiments and sweeteners can promote methylation support, including; baker’s yeast, blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, cane sugar (unrefined), cocoa (70% dark, not Dutch processed), coconut aminos, erythritol (a few drops), honey, maple syrup, mustard, salsa (sugar-free), Stevia (a few drops), tamari/soy sauce (traditional, fermented), vinegars, and xylitol (a few drops).
Beverages
Finally, your choice of beverages can also help improve DNA methylation. When choosing water, ideally filtered with a carbon- block filter, to keep out a majority of toxins and keeping most essential minerals. The goal is to drink half your body weight, as measured in lbs, in fluid ounces. By way of instance, if you weigh 150 lbs, the goal is to drink for 75 oz of water, seltzer or herbal tea per day. Proper hydration is essential for reducing inflammation which can affect overall methylation status and activity.
Several herbal teas are also considered methylation adaptogens. You can also drink 1 to 2 cups of coffee per day, at most. If you frequently drink a lot of coffee, reduce your consumption gradually to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Switch to lower caffeine options, such as green tea or oolong tea.
The following list of beverages can help improve DNA methylation, with methylation super-drinks highlighted in bold, including; chamomile tea, coconut water (fresh), green tea, hibiscus tea, oolong tea, rooibos tea, seltzer water (limit to 2 per day), water.
DNA methylation is a fundamental process which carries out a variety of important bodily functions. Many people, however, can develop methylation activity deficits which can greatly affect their overall health and wellness. Supplements and medicines can be used to help improve DNA methylation, however, these may generally cause various undesirable side-effects, A balanced nutrition can help safely and effectively manage these deficits and promote methylation support. The purpose of the following articles is to easily demonstrate what you can eat to improve DNA methylation from a variety of different food groups. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed � 1/2 banana � 1 handful of kale or spinach � 1 handful of Swiss chard � 1/4 avocado � 2 teaspoons spirulina powder � 1 cup water � 3 or more ice cubes Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild) � 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed � 1 tablespoons almonds � Water (to desired consistency) � Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries) Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup honeydew melons � 3 cups spinach, rinsed � 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed � 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup pineapple cubes � 1 apple, sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped � 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced � 1 apple, washed and sliced � 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes � 1 scoop protein powder � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed � 1/2 banana � 1 kiwi, peeled � 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon � Pinch of cardamom � Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners can recommend nutritional advice and/or guidelines to help improve DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits can ultimately help improve DNA methylation. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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
Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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 the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Dr. Alex Jimenez Discusses What to Eat to Improve DNA Methylation
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Methylation is a fundamental process which occurs in every cell of the human body. It is utilized to promote a variety of bodily processes, such as producing and regulating hormones and neurotransmitters, developing immune cells, and managing the detoxification of exogenous substances, as well as clearing histamine, among other essential processes. Methylation is also important for cellular renewal to help modify genetic expression.
By changing your diet and lifestyle you can optimize your DNA methylation to improve your overall health and wellness. If you have a methylation deficit, such as an altered MTHFR gene or increased homocysteine levels, you can improve your DNA methylation by eating a variety of healthy foods.
Methylation support can benefit many health issues, including; aging, pregnancy preparation, pregnancy lactation, prolonged strenuous physical activity, ADD/ADHD, addiction, allergies, Alzheimer’s disease, anxiety, asthma, atherosclerosis, autism, behavioral changes, bipolar disorder, cancer, chemical sensitivities, chronic fatigue, cleft palate, diabetes, dementia, depression, Down syndrome, hypertension, fertility problems, fibromyalgia, insomnia, multiple sclerosis, neural tube defects, neuropathy, ocular disease, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and thyroid disease.
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What to Eat for Methylation Support
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The following articles will focus on what you can eat to promote methylation support. The utilization of supplements as well as drugs and/or medications to improve DNA methylation can cause a variety of undesirable side-effects if these are not monitored accordingly by healthcare professionals and patients alike. In part 1, we will demonstrate what you can eat to improve DNA methylation from the category of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, legumes, and grains, as well as herbs and spices. Our ultimate goal is to help you achieve optimal methylation support.
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Fruits
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Fruits are an excellent source of nutrients which can provide a variety of methylation adaptogens. Fruits with a low-glycemic index, such as wild berries, have less sugar than their larger, commercially-produced counterparts.
The following list of fruits can promote methylation support while those in bold are especially high in methylation adaptogens, including; apples, apricots, avocado, bananas, blackberries, blackcurrant, blueberries, cantaloupe, cherries, clementines, coconut, cranberries, elderberries, figs, gooseberries, grapefruit, grapes, guava, honeydew melon, kiwi, kumquat, lemons, limes, lychees, mandarins, mango, mulberries, nectarines, olives, oranges, papaya, passion fruit, peaches, pears, persimmon, pineapple, plums, pomegranate, quince, raspberries, rhubarb, strawberries, tamarind, tangerines, and watermelon.
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Vegetables
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Vegetables are a key component for methylation support because they provide many nutrients and flavonoids which are methylation adaptogens. Methylation adaptogens help regulate methylation status in the human body, particularly at our DNA level. These adaptogens have been demonstrated to prevent or reverse over-methylation as well as support healthy methylation activity. Moreover, dietary fiber is essential to promote a balanced microbiome as well as the efficient removal of toxins. The healthy microbes in our gut actually produce considerable amounts of methylation nutrients. But only when consuming a proper diet that includes fiber. Low-glycemic vegetables are an excellent source of fiber. Color variation will provide the most diverse amount of flavonoid methylation adaptogens.
The following list of vegetables can promote methylation support while those in bold are especially supportive of methylation activity, including; alfalfa sprouts, artichokes, arugula, asparagus, bamboo shoots, basil, beet leaves, beets, bok choy, broccoflower, broccoli, broccoli leaves, broccoli raab, rapini, broccoli sprouts, brussels sprouts, cabbage, capers, carrots, cauliflower, celeriac, celery, chicory, collard greens, daikon radish, dandelion greens, eggplant, endive, escarole, fennel, garlic, grape leaves, green beans, heart of palm, horseradish, jerusalem artichokes, jicama, kale, kohlrabi, lambsquarters, leeks, lettuces, mushrooms (all other), mustard greens, okra, olives, onions, parsnips, peppers, pumpkin, pumpkin Flower, purslane, radicchio, radish sprouts, radishes, rutabaga, scallion, sea vegetables (e.g. kelp, kombu, nori, bladderwrack, wakame), shallots, shiitake mushrooms, snap peas, snow peas, spinach, summer squash, sun-dried tomatoes, swiss chard, tomatillos, tomatoes, turnip greens, turnips, water chestnut, watercress, winter squash, yam, and zucchini.
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Nuts and Seeds
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Nuts and seeds are an important factor to improve DNA methylation. They are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and B vitamins as well as fiber and antioxidants. Raw, unprocessed nuts and seeds, with skins where appropriate (e.g. almonds), are more densely concentrated with antioxidants.
The following list of nuts and seeds can promote methylation support while those in bold are considered methylation superfoods, including; almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, chestnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, hazelnuts, hemp seeds, macadamia nuts, pecans, pine nuts, poppy seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and walnuts.
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Legumes
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Legumes can be valuable sources of a variety of methylation-associated nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, folate, choline, and sulfur. They are also an excellent source of fiber to support a healthy microbiome.
Healthcare professionals recommend that you soak and sprout your legumes before cooking to improve their digestibility and nutrient bioavailability. This also reduces leptin levels, which can be helpful for people with gut symptoms and/or worsened autoimmune symptoms. You can do this by soaking the legumes overnight in plenty of water, then drain, rinse, and return them to their container. Leave loosely covered with a clean tea towel between 6 to 24 hours until you see tiny sprout ends starting to appear. They are now ready to cook.
The following list of vegetables can promote methylation support while those in bold are especially supportive of methylation activity, including; adzuki beans, black beans, black lentils, black-eyed peas, brown lentils, cannellini beans, fava beans, garbanzo beans, great northern beans, green lentils, kidney beans, lima beans, mung beans, navy beans, pinto beans, red beans, red lentils, soy/soybeans (especially fermented varieties such as tempeh, miso, tamari, natto, pickled tofu), split peas, and turtle beans.
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Grains
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Grains can also be an excellent source of magnesium, B vitamins and chromium, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Some grains, such as oats, provide sulfur which can help decrease the depletion of methylation nutrients to support sulfur detoxification. Whole grains are also an excellent source of fiber. However, many individuals do not tolerate grains. Gluten-sensitivity or Celiac Disease, by way of instance, requires avoiding the consumption of grains with gluten, such as barley, bulgur, Kamut, regular oats, rye, spelt, and wheat. Grains, especially whole grains, also contain leptin, which some individuals may not tolerate. Moreover, the consumption of grains can make it difficult to control blood sugar levels.
If you are going to eat grains, always make sure to choose whole grains. Furthermore, decrease or completely avoid grains which have been ground into flour because the human body can absorb their glucose too rapidly when they have been milled. You can also soak your grains before cooking them to improve their digestibility and nutrient bioavailability. Some soaked grains, such as quinoa, can also be sprouted before cooking, to further improve their nutrient levels and help reduce their leptin content.
The following list of grains can promote methylation support while those in bold are especially good choices for methylation support, including; amaranth, barley, buckwheat, bulgur, corn, Kamut, millet, quinoa, oats, rice (basmati, bran, brown, wild), rye (dark rye), sorghum, spelt, tapioca, teff, and wheat.
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Herbs and Spices
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Herbs and spices are ultimately an important additional category of methylation adaptogens. As a matter of fact, they are extremely important and effective even in seemingly-small quantities. There are a variety of ways in which people can incorporate herbs and spices into their cooking, such as in marinades, rubs, dressings, drinks, and even sprinkled into and/or onto dishes.
The following list of herbs and spices can promote methylation support while those in bold are especially rich in methylation adaptogens, including; allspice, anise, basil, bay leaves, black pepper, caraway, cardamom, cayenne pepper, chamomile, chili, chives, cilantro (coriander leaves), cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, cumin, curry leaves, dill, fennel seeds, fenugreek, garlic, ginger, lemongrass, marjoram, methi, mint, mustard seeds, nigella seeds (black cumin), nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, sumac, tarragon, thyme, turmeric, and vanilla bean.
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DNA methylation is a fundamental process in charge of a variety of essential bodily functions. Many individuals, however, can develop methylation activity deficits which can tremendously affect their overall health and wellness. Supplements and medicines can be utilized to help improve DNA methylations but these may often cause several undesirable side-effects, A balanced nutrition can help safely and effectively treat these deficits and improve methylation support. The purpose of the following articles is to easily demonstrate what you can eat to improve DNA methylation from a variety of different food groups. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
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Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
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While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.
Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed � 1/2 banana � 1 handful of kale or spinach � 1 handful of Swiss chard � 1/4 avocado � 2 teaspoons spirulina powder � 1 cup water � 3 or more ice cubes Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild) � 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed � 1 tablespoons almonds � Water (to desired consistency) � Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries) Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup honeydew melons � 3 cups spinach, rinsed � 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed � 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup pineapple cubes � 1 apple, sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped � 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced � 1 apple, washed and sliced � 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes � 1 scoop protein powder � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed � 1/2 banana � 1 kiwi, peeled � 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon � Pinch of cardamom � Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
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ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
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Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
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Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners can recommend nutritional advice and/or guidelines to help improve DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits can ultimately help improve DNA methylation. In part 2 of this article, we will continue to discuss what you can eat to improve DNA methylation. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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
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Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain
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Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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Formulas for Methylation Support
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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.
�
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For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
As demonstrated in previous articles, research studies have determined that promoting methylation support with nutrition by following a diet food plan includes different nutrient needs and avoids factors which can negatively affect DNA methylation status and activity. A diet food plan for methylation support should be nutritionally replete, anti-inflammatory, low-glycemic, antioxidant-rich, and supportive of detoxification processes.
A balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, complete proteins, and whole grains can help provide enough nutrients to support optimal methylation. Moreover, superfoods, such as beets, spinach, sea vegetables, daikon radish, shiitake mushrooms, salmon, fish roe, whitefish, oysters, eggs, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds, provide increased levels of nutrients for DNA methylation. Organ meats, such as liver, are also good sources of nutrients, including vitamin B2, B3, B6, folate, choline, and betaine, to promote methylation support.
Following a diet food plan is essential to continue to achieve proper nutrient intake. Even “healthy” diets can be lacking in nutrients or they may fail to provide treatment nutrient levels if they are utilized incorrectly. Healthcare professionals can also recommend regular nutrient intake evaluations, especially in the early stages of following a diet food plan, to make any changes which may be required to optimize a patients methylation support and help promote overall health and wellness. The following menu plans (Table 9.1 and 9.2) offer guidelines of what patients can eat throughout their day to improve methylation through nutrition.
Menu Plan Samples for DNA Methylation
Evaluating Nutrients in Menu Plans
Both menu plan samples provided above demonstrate a wide variety of nutrients which are ultimately essential for DNA methylation status and activity (Table 14). Doctors and functional medicine practitioners may also recommend regular nutrient intake evaluations on patients following a long-term, diet food plan to make sure that patients are able to maintain appropriate levels of nutrient intake throughout the treatment. It’s essential for patients to communicate accordingly with their healthcare professionals so they can customize their diet food plan as necessary.
Supplements and medications used to promote methylation support may often cause side-effects if they’re not managed accordingly by doctors and functional medicine practitioners. A diet food plan is a safe and effective alternative treatment option which can help promote methylation support without the side-effects of supplements and medications. In addition, a qualified doctor and functional medicine practitioner can customize a patient’s diet food plan and provide advice and guidelines to help promote overall health and wellness. Menu plan samples, such as those provided in the article, are several examples of a diet food plan which can help improve methylation status and activity. Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed � 1/2 banana � 1 handful of kale or spinach � 1 handful of Swiss chard � 1/4 avocado � 2 teaspoons spirulina powder � 1 cup water � 3 or more ice cubes Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild) � 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed � 1 tablespoons almonds � Water (to desired consistency) � Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries) Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup honeydew melons � 3 cups spinach, rinsed � 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed � 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup pineapple cubes � 1 apple, sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped � 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced � 1 apple, washed and sliced � 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes � 1 scoop protein powder � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed � 1/2 banana � 1 kiwi, peeled � 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon � Pinch of cardamom � Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners can recommend nutritional advice and/or guidelines to help improve DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits can ultimately help improve DNA methylation. Following menu plans or samples can promote methylation support. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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
Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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 the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
According to research studies, understanding possible nutraceutical interactions for methylation support with the utilization of long-term supraphysiological supplementation of niacin, selenium, and phosphatidylethanolamine can ultimately help promote overall health and wellness. Doctors and functional medicine practitioners must be aware of the nutraceutical interactions for methylation through supplementation.
Nutraceutical supplements utilized in integrative functional medicine as well as in nutrition practice can have tremendously powerful effects on physiology. Nutraceutical supplements are one of the primary tools which healthcare professionals utilize to help their patients achieve optimal well-being. However, as mentioned above, healthcare professionals must be aware of possible nutraceutical interactions, especially those which may negatively affect methylation. These are listed in Table 9 below.
Nutrients are metabolized in the human body through methylation, such as niacin, selenium, and phosphatidylethanolamine. Therefore, high dose supplemental regimens of these nutrients can ultimately decrease available methyl donors and cause a methylation deficit. Niacin can also prevent the production of pyridoxal kinase, which is generally known to trigger vitamin B6. High doses of this nutrient may affect overall vitamin B6 status.
Medication Interactions
According to research studies, doctors and functional medicine practitioners must also understand possible medication interactions for methylation support. Moreover, healthcare professionals must be aware that medication interactions can ultimately affect methylation status. Several medications have been demonstrated to affect methylation status in a variety of ways. Several medications may even prevent proper nutrient absorption, while several others may restrict enzyme function, and several others still may decrease SAMe. An understanding of these medication interactions is essential to promote optimal methylation support.
Doctors and functional medicine practitioners can recommend a variety of supplements and/or medications to promote methylation support, however, these can also cause a variety of side-effects on every individual. Healthcare professionals must be aware of these nutraceutical and medication interactions and their use must be carefully considered for each patient. Nutrition and lifestyle habits are safe and effective treatment options which can help promote methylation support without the chance of developing side effects.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.
Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed � 1/2 banana � 1 handful of kale or spinach � 1 handful of Swiss chard � 1/4 avocado � 2 teaspoons spirulina powder � 1 cup water � 3 or more ice cubes Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild) � 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed � 1 tablespoons almonds � Water (to desired consistency) � Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries) Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup honeydew melons � 3 cups spinach, rinsed � 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed � 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup pineapple cubes � 1 apple, sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped � 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced � 1 apple, washed and sliced � 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes � 1 scoop protein powder � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed � 1/2 banana � 1 kiwi, peeled � 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon � Pinch of cardamom � Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
Many healthcare professionals can recommend a variety of nutraceutical and medication interactions to help improve DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits can ultimately help improve DNA methylation. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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
Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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 the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Dr. Alex Jimenez Discusses Exercise and Methylation
A personalized, moderate exercise plan can promote methylation support. According to research studies, exercise can affect metabolic methylation-related activity and biomarkers. According to a 2014 systematic review, exercise is associated with lower homocysteine levels. In animal models, exercise has been demonstrated to prevent folate deficiency-induced hyperhomocysteinemia through increased BHMT expression in the kidney.
However, several research studies have also demonstrated that exercise can cause a temporary increase in plasma homocysteine, especially in untrained people, which is believed to be due to the increased proteins during exercise to make amino acids available for gluconeogenesis in the liver. This effect can also be triggered by low folate and vitamin B12 status, which is why nutrient repletion is essential for overall health and wellness.
Regular and moderate exercise is an effective treatment for factors which can decrease methyl donors or affect methylation activity, such as psychological stress, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Aerobic exercise and resistance training have also been associated with increased cellular glucose uptake and reduced blood glucose, which can also reduce oxidative stress caused by higher AGE-promoting glucose levels, among other factors.
How Exercise Improves DNA Methylation
The increased production of reactive oxygen species and free radicals during exercise as well as the increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines has been demonstrated in a variety of research studies. However, the effects of these changes can depend on a person’s nutrition and lifestyle habits. High-intensity or anaerobic exercise may have pro-oxidative effects, especially in untrained individuals. Endurance exercise, by way of instance, may produce circulating levels of IL-6, up to 120 times that of baseline, as well as increases in other predominantly pro-inflammatory cytokines.
A 2013 systematic review demonstrated the effect of exercise on oxidative stress in the brain. The outcome measures determined that regular, moderate, aerobic exercise increase the brain�s antioxidant capacity, however, high-intensity, anaerobic exercise decreased the antioxidant response. The results can be explained by a hormesis model of exercise (Figure 6), which discusses that low or high levels of exercise can produce negative effects. The gradual build-up of exercise, through regular practice or training, can change the hormesis curve to the right, meaning that exercise tolerance and benefits are highly personalized for each person.
Recent research studies have discussed that antioxidants provided by a diet rich in natural plant phytochemicals, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and beans, sprouts and seeds, are also an effective way to meet the antioxidant needs of the general population and athletes who participate in exercise, physical activities, and/or sports. As a matter of fact, dietary intervention is a much safer and effective treatment than antioxidant supplementation because research studies utilizing supplementation demonstrated insufficient and mixed results. Several researchers even believe that antioxidant supplementation can affect the beneficial hormetic effects of exercise, ultimately affecting well-being.
Exercise can ultimately affect DNA methylation, according to a recent review of literature. By way of instance, in a retrospective research study of 647 women, regular exercise throughout their lifetimes helped preserve the age-related depletion of global methylation status, where exercise and physical activity like sports and daily movement, such as climbing stairs, housework, and yardwork, which was greater than or equal to the average in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, did have a small yet considerable increase in global DNA methylation compared with participants who did not meet that level of exercise or physical activity in all three life stages.
Women who engaged in exercise or physical activity at or above the average in only one or two of those life stages also demonstrated increased DNA methylation, however, statistical importance was lost. The average level of exercise was determined at 9.8 hours per week in childhood, 5.9 hours per week in teenage years, and 12.5 hours per week in adulthood. Further research studies may be used to gather further outcome measures.
In a separate case-control research study of 500 females, long-term, tai-chi participants of at least one hour per week for 3 years or more, demonstrated a slowing of age-related DNA methylation losses, from 5 to 70 percent, compared with controls. During their research study, the researchers determined a considerable difference in methylation between the two groups at a number of specific sites which only occurred after 50 to 55 years of age, leading them to believe that tai-chi may be of particular benefit in this age-group. Further research studies are still required.
Although the effects of exercise on DNA methylation are not well understood, research studies have demonstrated that this may actually be true due to the inflammation-lowering effects of exercise and physical activity through changes in sex hormone levels that can affect DNA methylation. Mind-body exercises, such as tai-chi, may also be beneficial due to their effects on stress hormone levels and stress responsiveness.
Nutrition and lifestyle habits, such as exercise and physical activity, can help improve DNA methylation. Regardless of your age, research studies have demonstrated that participating in exercise, sports, or any other physical activity can enhance your overall health and wellness. Recent research studies have also determined that proper nutrition and lifestyle habits can improve methylation, a fundamental process of the human body involved in a variety of functions.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.
Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed � 1/2 banana � 1 handful of kale or spinach � 1 handful of Swiss chard � 1/4 avocado � 2 teaspoons spirulina powder � 1 cup water � 3 or more ice cubes Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild) � 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed � 1 tablespoons almonds � Water (to desired consistency) � Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries) Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup honeydew melons � 3 cups spinach, rinsed � 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed � 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup pineapple cubes � 1 apple, sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped � 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced � 1 apple, washed and sliced � 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes � 1 scoop protein powder � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed � 1/2 banana � 1 kiwi, peeled � 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon � Pinch of cardamom � Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
Many healthcare professionals can recommend a variety of treatment options to help improve DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits, such as exercise and physical activity, can ultimately help improve DNA methylation. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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
Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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 the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
According to research studies, stress management can promote methylation support. High levels psychological and physiological stress can increase the production of the catecholamines epinephrine and norepinephrine, both of which depend on methylation for their biosynthesis, metabolism, and excretion. DNA methylation activity utilizes SAMe and it can lower the availability of this methyl donor for other processes. Stress management is, therefore, a fundamental treatment option to promote methylation support.
Stress can also affect DNA methylation status through different mechanisms rather than through the utilization of methyl donors. Although a variety of research studies have been conducted regarding the effects of stress on methylation, our understanding of the complex association between stress management and methylation support is still tremendously limited. Methylation of the promoter genes for glucocorticoid, an essential regulator of the HPA axis and stress response, has been demonstrated to be affected differently through various states of stress, including early-life stress, post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and chronic fatigue syndrome.
How Stress Affects Methylation
We do understand, however, that stress-mediated epigenetic “priming” through methylation during fundamental developmental stages has been associated with a variety of health issues. By way of instance, and as we’ve previously discussed, low levels of maternal nurturing can affect DNA methylation status in the glucocorticoid receptor promoter and gene expression. This ultimately suggests that traumatic experiences, especially during essential stages of development, may “prime” high levels of stress. Several researchers believe that the connection between stress and methylation may explain the association of health issues, such as asthma.
Furthermore, research studies determined that prenatal maternal stress, as evaluated after the January 1998 Quebec ice storm, correlates with increased central adiposity and BMI in offspring at age 13 1?2. These changes are regulated through DNA methylation. Traumatic childhood experiences, including maltreatment, and parental death or desertion, outside of the prenatal and perinatal stages of development can also affect methylation of the promoter genes for glucocorticoid, associated with increased cortisol production.
Research studies have also demonstrated that acute and chronic stress can increase circulating inflammatory factors, including IL-1?, CRP, and IL-6, which are commonly regulated through the NLRP3 inflammasome. This may be a considerable way in which stress affects epigenetic changes. The effects of inflammation on DNA methylation status and activity have been discussed in previous articles. Doctors and functional medicine practitioners can recommend stress management techniques for methylation support.
Stress is a natural response to any type of demand or threat, it is the human body’s way of protecting you. However, chronic stress can cause a variety of health issues and recent research studies have demonstrated that stress can even affect an individual’s DNA methylation status. Doctor and functional medicine practitioners can recommend several stress management techniques, whether through nutrition and/or lifestyle modifications, to help promote methylation support. According to the article above, stress can affect methylation in several ways.
Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.
Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed � 1/2 banana � 1 handful of kale or spinach � 1 handful of Swiss chard � 1/4 avocado � 2 teaspoons spirulina powder � 1 cup water � 3 or more ice cubes Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
Berry Bliss Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild) � 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed � 1 tablespoons almonds � Water (to desired consistency) � Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries) Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup honeydew melons � 3 cups spinach, rinsed � 3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed � 1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 cup pineapple cubes � 1 apple, sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped � 3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped � 5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes � 1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced � 1 apple, washed and sliced � 1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced � 1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes � 1 scoop protein powder � 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed � 1/2 banana � 1 kiwi, peeled � 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon � Pinch of cardamom � Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
Many healthcare professionals can recommend a variety of treatment options to help with stress management and help prevent health issues associated with DNA methylation. Proper nutrition and lifestyle habits, can improve methylation. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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
Additional Topic Discussion: Acute Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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 the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
People from all walks of life can have hormonal imbalances and don�t realize it. Medical tests for abnormal thyroid function don�t always pick up on a thyroid that isn’t working correctly.
Adrenals have the same issues. When overworked, the hormonal imbalance that follows can become a nightmare. Fortunately, there are excellent natural remedies for hormonal imbalance.
Hormones Not Balanced
Glands that are under-producing will have some symptoms that are different from glands that are over-producing. However, some symptoms are shared across the board. If you notice that you experience several of these symptoms, it could point to a hormonal imbalance:
Weight loss or gain (without trying or doing anything different)
Swelling
Confusion, difficulty finding the �right� word, lack of mental clarity
Your chiropractor, naturopath, or specialist can help you determine if you have a hormonal imbalance. Many medical doctors tend to prescribe medications, but in most cases, the problem can be corrected through natural means. These three treatments are very beneficial in treating hormonal imbalances in the body. They can be done separately or combined for added benefits.
Herbs and Essential Oils
There are several herbs and essential oils that are exceptional when it comes to balancing hormones. Ashwagandha tops the list for treating overactive or sluggish thyroid as well as overtaxed adrenals. You can take it as a tablet or capsule, in powder form, or as a liquid. Mixing � to � teaspoons of powder into some milk with honey and taking just before bedtime can help you sleep as well as calm your stress and balance your hormones.
Several essential oils like clary sage, lavender, and sandalwood help reduce stress and promote a sense of wellbeing. Hormonal balance is a natural result. To use essential oils, put 3 to 5 drops in a diffuser and breathe it in.
Nutrition Balances Hormones
Hormonal imbalance is often the result of stress, whether it is emotional stress from difficulties in life or physical stress from poor health habits like not getting enough sleep and not maintaining a healthy diet. Omega 3 and six fatty acids are vital for everything from heart health to vibrant skin to hormonal balance. Extra nutrients you should be getting include vitamin D, B complex, and magnesium. If you aren�t getting enough in the foods that you eat, then consider supplements. Yes, it�s that important.
You can also give your body a significant boost by taking probiotics and enjoying the marvelous healing properties of bone broth. Bone broth is available in powder or liquid � or you can make it yourself. It packs a serious nutritional punch so incorporating it into your diet is a brilliant move.
Chiropractic Balances Hormones
Chiropractic care is an excellent treatment for hormonal imbalance. It goes right to the heart of many of the factors that cause the body to get out of balance and treats the problem at its root.
It helps to relieve stress in the body and reduce or eliminate pain, both of which can contribute to hormonal imbalances. It is one of the best natural treatments for hormonal imbalance because it brings the body itself back into balance.
What�s more, the whole-body approach that chiropractic offers means that you get recommendations on healthy eating, exercise, and positive lifestyle changes. All of these things work together to balance your body and balance your hormones for a healthier, happier you.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine