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Functional Medicine

Back Clinic Functional Medicine Team. Functional medicine is an evolution in the practice of medicine that better addresses the healthcare needs of the 21st century. By shifting the traditional disease-centered focus of medical practice to a more patient-centered approach, functional medicine addresses the whole person, not just an isolated set of symptoms.

Practitioners spend time with their patients, listening to their histories and looking at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease. In this way, functional medicine supports the unique expression of health and vitality for each individual.

By changing the disease-centered focus of medical practice to this patient-centered approach, our physicians are able to support the healing process by viewing health and illness as part of a cycle in which all components of the human biological system interact dynamically with the environment. This process helps to seek and identify genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that may shift a person’s health from illness to well-being.


Functional Medicine Treatment Approaches | Southwest Chiropractor

Functional Medicine Treatment Approaches | Southwest Chiropractor

According to the American College of Preventive Medicine, most chronic diseases are preventable and reversible if a comprehensive, individualized approach that addresses genetics, diet, stress, physical activity, and sleep is implemented through integrated functional medicine teams and based on empirical research.

 

What are the functional medicine treatment approaches?

 

In this way, health is perceived as more than the absence of illness, just as illness is more than the absence of health.�In order for the body to live up to this principle, it needs to be supplied with the necessary nutrients through a healthy diet, adequate sleep, movement/exercise, and management of stress.

 

Functional Medicine Approach #1 – A Elimination Diet

 

Remember that every time someone eats, that changes body chemistry. A functional medicine clinic often guides patients to implement a modified removal diet. Patients are educated to remove certain foods from their diet, such as those containing gluten or dairy, and are encouraged to adjust (increase) the consumption of fruits and vegetables that encompass every color of the rainbow. Patients are advised to remove all added sugars. This practice is often difficult for people; therefore, the FM team must work to encourage their compliance with the elimination diet.

 

Utilization of an elimination diet requires a patient to remove the most frequent causes of food sensitivity (milk, gluten, high saturated fats, highly processed foods) while tracking clinical symptoms to see if there’s an improvement. In addition, patients are advised to eat protein, healthy fats, nuts and seeds, beans, and beverages to support a more anti-inflammatory way of life. Whenever possible, we urge that individuals select meats that are wild-caught organic, and grass-fed. Basically, patients are directed to consume only “actual” food, not processed.

 

Patients are advised to follow this diet for 3 months (detoxification period) and log any changes that exist within their physique. Patients are taught to read and understand food labels, to ask questions of restaurants and manufacturers, and to ask their healthcare staff about any food ingredients of concern. At the end of 3 weeks, patients are given the choice to keep with the outlined diet or to go back to their dietary lifestyle.

 

Functional Medicine Approach #2 – Physical Exercise

 

The focus then is to review the individual’s improvement on her or his detoxification procedure during the elimination diet. Patients are encouraged to raise questions about any foods that they avoid, or need to have more or less of, add, or refrain from eating. Assessing a patient’s food logs, and directing the steps every patient plans to take with respect to dietary alterations during the week can further help achieve this.

 

This process is further eased using mindfulness eating techniques. Mindfulness is an exercise in consciousness, or only noticing. We believe that mindfulness is the basis that has been missing for a lot of people, and is the key to helping them conquer food cravings, addictive eating, binge eating, emotional eating, and stress eating, as well as immunity to or limits in their physical activity plan. This technique is also helpful in different aspects such as stress and sleep.

 

The objective of mindfulness is not to alter anything so much as to allow the mind to go where it wants, and also to be aware if it wanders. Being mindful entails the capacity to detect one’s ideas and sensations (eg, taste, smell, preferences). The aim of mindfulness is to raise patients’ awareness of feelings, their own body functions, and ideas.

 

The second pillar focuses on physical exercise. Physical exercise is any activity that includes stretching, strengthening, cardiovascular health, or other exercises, and enhances or preserves physical fitness and general wellness and health. In this session, we emphasize the need for strength knowing that aerobic exercises are generally promoted. Strengthening exercises work on muscles to help give equilibrium that is physical and added strength. Cardiovascular (aerobic) exercises may include walking, biking, and swimming, and needs to be carried out regularly for at least 30 minutes each or according to the person’s tolerance levels.

 

When working with people with chronic pain, it is important to adjust an exercise program to accomodate the patient’s requirements and capacities. While others could be stiff or sore, many chronic pain patients are deconditioned. Some people are prone to pushing though some could be preoccupied with dread of pain which causes an avoidance of the action altogether to complete a job. Often, people wait for a “great day” to finish rigorous activity. A cycle of overactivity can happen on a recurring basis and cause unwanted effects, such as injury or re-injury.

 

During this particular session, patients receive instruction on time-based actions to help them pace themselves while completing daily tasks. In pacing, time provides the guide for activity participation, instead of the feeling of pain. To put it differently, patients must measure the amount of time that they could engage before sensing pain, instead of waiting to grow to signal them to stop. Pacing helps to keep a consistent action level over time, which can be rehabilitative and involves taking breaks.

 

Functional Medicine Approach #3 – Sleep Hygiene

 

In the third session, the supplier starts with a review to assess a patient’s progress toward his or her personal objectives. The focus would be to introduce education about the psychology of proper sleep hygiene and stress control. Many patients that suffer with chronic pain normally have unsatisfactory or poor sleep patterns.

 

During this particular session, patients are educated about sleeping influencers and are invited to make changes to some element that may be impeding sleep in a negative way. Providers may also suggest stimulation control and provide guidance designed to associate bedtime with all the rapid onset of sleep and also to establish a normal sleep-wake schedule that’s consistent with the person’s circadian sleep cycle.

 

The psychologist and individual also identify any psychological issues and stressors that may exert a negative impact on sleep. Patients are taught to use relaxation techniques to help reduce anxiety and initiate sleep and are directed through a progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) workout which can be employed at home to promote sound sleep. PMR is a method which will help reduce muscle tension by alternately tensing and relaxing the muscles. PMR entails a physical and mental component. The component involves tensing and relaxing different muscle groups, whereas the mental component focuses on differentiating between feelings of anxiety and relaxation. With exercise, the patient learns how to effectively introduce relaxation to attain a decrease in muscle strain, which reduce stress as well as enhance sleep.

 

Functional Medicine Approach #4 – Stress Management

 

The group therapy protocol concludes from the fourth semester with a concise overview of important topics in the previous sessions, with an emphasis on progress made toward human goals, problem-solving against some barriers to treatment recommendations, and encouraging each player to make personal goals for posttreatment.

 

Patients are challenged to maintain their diet regime going ahead or opt to reintroduce foods back into their diets. Patients who opt to incorporate back foods are encouraged to include select foods, one at a time, each for one day. Patients are taught to integrate the food back into the diet if no detectable symptoms or sensitivity reactions happen.

 

This consideration is presented to reinforce the notion that incorporating back foods might come in the resurfacing of symptoms that were removed or greatly diminished when certain foods were removed from the diet, allowing the individual to create a decision regarding his or her priorities according to her or his level of commitment. Although this can be a 4-session application, patients are also encouraged to create follow-up appointments for individual consultation visits to explore targeted concerns and requirements. The goal of the program is to educate and support self-care for the length of the program, but also for a lifetime, not only among chronic pain sufferers.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: About Chiropractic

 

 

Functional Medicine and Chronic Pain Care | Central Chiropractor

Functional Medicine and Chronic Pain Care | Central Chiropractor

Functional Medicine can help with according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or the CDC, chronic diseases and ailments, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, type two diabetes, obesity, and arthritis, are the most common, expensive, and preventable of all health problems. The prevalence of chronic pain is higher than that of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease combined.

 

What is the prevalence of chronic pain?

 

In the USA, 86% of all healthcare spending in 2010 has been directed at people with one or more chronic ailments. Alarming projections indicate future generations may have shorter, less healthy lifestyles, and health care costs are estimated to grow to $4.153 trillion. Behaviours, such as being inadequate nutrition, sedentary, tobacco use, and alcohol intake, lead to much of distress, this illness, and death linked to chronic diseases and ailments.

 

According to the American College of Preventive Medicine, many chronic diseases are preventable and reversible in the event a comprehensive, individualized strategy that addresses genetics, diet, stress, physical activity, and sleep is executed through integrated functional medicine teams and based on empirical research. Health is perceived as more than just as illness is greater than the lack of health in the person’s body.

 

What’s Functional Medicine?

 

Functional medicine (FM) addresses the underlying causes of illness, using a systems-oriented approach and engaging both practitioner and patient at a healing partnership. The practitioner can support the healing process by viewing illness and health as part of a cycle, all components of the biological system interact dynamically with the surroundings by changing the attention of clinic to a patient-centered approach. Functional medicine also takes as its focus, one relationship: the sacred trust between the person and the doctor who chooses to be the patient of the provider. Functional medicine is further directed by 6 core fundamentals:

 

  • Recognizing the biochemical individuality of every Individual, based on the theories of genetics and environmental influence
  • Emphasis on a patient-centered rather than a disease-centered approach to remedy
  • Trying to find a dynamic equilibrium among the internal and external experiences
  • Familiarity with the intricate relations of internal physiological things
  • Identification of health as a positive vitality, not merely the absence of disorder
  • Promotion of organ preservation because the capacity to enhance the well-being span, not only the lifespan of every individual. The role of professionals would be to spend time listening to their histories and taking a look at the interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that could influence complicated and long-term health disease, such as chronic pain. Experiences can result in the upkeep of chronic pain, exercise, diet, thoughts, feelings, and environmental consequences.

 

Science has given support to what may be known unconsciously, how we live, the quality of our relationships, how the food that we eat, and how we use our own bodies, have a much bigger effect than genetics ever will. By fixing these poor habits, in other words, pain is treated by functional medicine. This is also a basic principle of health. Functioning correctly, FM helps practitioners treat patients, to prevent, and cure chronic conditions efficiently and at lower cost compared to traditional medical paradigm.

 

The “I” in disease underlines how disease affects the body or thoughts of the individual, and also the “w” in health leads us to work together to attain a condition of being in great physical and psychological health. Thus, the approach into the management of pain is delivered in a group format. The group therapy protocol includes 4 sessions which are approximately 60 to 75 minutes each in duration. The treatment team consists of a dietitian an osteopath doctor, and a health psychologist. Patients are coached to modify their surroundings and live an anti inflammatory lifestyle through 4 important pillars: 1) diet, 2) exercise, 3) stress control( and 4) sleep hygiene.

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

blog picture of cartoon paperboy big news

 

TRENDING TOPIC: EXTRA EXTRA: About Chiropractic

 

 

El Paso, TX Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense

El Paso, TX Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense

Science based Chiropractor Dr. Alexander Jimenez takes a look at oxidative stress, what it is, how it affects the body and the antioxidant defense to remedy the situation.

Esra Birben PhD,1 Umit Murat Sahiner MD,1 Cansin Sackesen MD,1 Serpil Erzurum MD,2 and Omer Kalayci, MD1

Abstract: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by living organisms as a result of normal cellular metabolism and environ- mental factors, such as air pollutants or cigarette smoke. ROS are highly reactive molecules and can damage cell structures such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins and alter their functions. The shift in the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in favor of oxidants is termed �oxidative stress.� Regulation of reducing and oxidizing (redox) state is critical for cell viability, activation, proliferation, and organ function. Aerobic organisms have integrated antioxidant systems, which include enzymatic and non- enzymatic antioxidants that are usually effective in blocking harmful effects of ROS. However, in pathological conditions, the antioxidant systems can be overwhelmed. Oxidative stress contributes to many pathological conditions and diseases, including cancer, neurological disorders, atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia/perfusion, diabetes, acute respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and asthma. In this review, we summarize the cellular oxidant and antioxidant systems and discuss the cellular effects and mechanisms of the oxidative stress.

Key Words: antioxidant, oxidant, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, redox

(WAO Journal 2012; 5:9�19)

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by living organisms as a result of normal cellular metabolism. At low to moderate concentrations, they function in physiological cell processes, but at high concentrations, they produce adverse modifications to cell components, such as lipids, proteins, and DNA.1�6 The shift in balance between oxidant/ antioxidant in favor of oxidants is termed �oxidative stress.� Oxidative stress contributes to many pathological conditions, including cancer, neurological disorders,7�10 atherosclerosis, hypertension, ischemia/perfusion,11�14 diabetes, acute respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,15 and asthma.16�21 Aerobic organisms have integrated antioxidant systems,� which include enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants that are usually effective in blocking harmful effects of ROS. However, in pathological conditions, the antioxidant systems can be overwhelmed. In this review, we summarize the cellular oxidant and antioxidant systems and regulation of the reducing and oxidizing (redox) state in health and disease states.

OXIDANTS

Endogenous Sources of ROS

ROS are produced from molecular oxygen as a result of normal cellular metabolism. ROS can be divided into 2 groups: free radicals and nonradicals. Molecules containing one or more unpaired electrons and thus giving reactivity to the molecule are called free radicals. When 2 free radicals share their unpaired electrons, nonradical forms are created. The 3 major ROS that are of physiological significance are superoxide anion (O22.), hydroxyl radical ( OH), and hydro- gen peroxide (H2O2). ROS are summarized in Table 1.

Superoxide anion is formed by the addition of 1 electron to the molecular oxygen.22 This process is mediated by nicotine adenine dinucleotide phosphate [NAD(P)H] oxidase or xanthine oxidase or by mitochondrial electron trans- port system. The major site for producing superoxide anion is the mitochondria, the machinery of the cell to produce adenosine triphosphate. Normally, electrons are transferred through mitochondrial electron transport chain for reduction of oxygen to water, but approximately 1 to 3% of all electrons leak from the system and produce superoxide. NAD(P)H oxidase is found in polymorphonuclear leukocytes, monocytes, and macrophages. Upon phagocytosis, these cells produce a burst of superoxide that lead to bactericidal activity. Superoxide is converted into hydrogen peroxide by the action of superoxide dismutases (SODs, EC 1.15.1.1). Hydrogen peroxide easily diffuses across the plasma membrane. Hydrogen peroxide is also produced by xanthine oxidase, amino acid oxidase, and NAD(P)H oxidase�23,24 and in peroxisomes by consumption of molecular oxygen in metabolic reactions. In a succession of reactions called Haber�Weiss and Fenton reactions,H2O2 can breakdown to OH2 in the presence of transmission metals like Fe21 or Cu21.25

Fe31 +�.O2�?Fe2 +�O2 Haber Weiss

Fe2 +�H2O2�?Fe3 +�OH�+ .OH Fenton reaction

O 2 �itself can also react with H2 O2 and generate OH�.26,27 Hydroxyl radical is the most reactive of ROS and can damage proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates and DNA. It can also start lipid peroxidation by taking an electron from polyunsaturated fatty acids.

Granulocytic enzymes further expand the reactivity of H2O2 via eosinophil peroxidase and myeloperoxidase (MPO). In activated neutrophils, H2O2 is consumed by MPO. In the presence of chloride ion, H2O2 is converted to hypochlorous acid (HOCl). HOCl is highly oxidative and plays an important role in killing of the pathogens in the airways.28 However, HOCl can also react with DNA and induce DNA�protein interactions and produce pyrimidine oxidation products and add chloride to DNA bases.29,30 Eosinophil peroxidase and MPO also contribute to the oxidative stress by modification of proteins by halogenations, nitration, and protein cross-links via tyrosyl radicals.31�33

Other oxygen-derived free radicals are the peroxyl radicals (ROO$ ). Simplest form of these radicals is hydro- peroxyl radical (HOO$ ) and has a role in fatty acid peroxidation. Free radicals can trigger lipid peroxidation chain reactions by abstracting a hydrogen atom from a side- chain methylene carbon. The lipid radical then reacts with oxygen to produce peroxyl radical. Peroxyl radical initiates a chain reaction and transforms polyunsaturated fatty acids into lipid hydroperoxides. Lipid hydroperoxides are very unstable and easily decompose to secondary products, such as aldehydes (such as 4-hydroxy-2,3-nonenal) and malondialdehydes (MDAs). Isoprostanes are another group of lipid peroxidation products that are generated via the peroxidation of arachidonic acid and have also been found to be elevated in plasma and breath condensates of asthmatics.34,35 Peroxidation of lipids disturbs the integrity of cell membranes and leads to rearrangement of membrane structure.

Hydrogen peroxide, superoxide radical, oxidized glutathione (GSSG), MDAs, isoprostanes, carbonyls, and nitrotyrosine can be easily measured from plasma, blood, or bronchoalveolar lavage samples as biomarkers of oxidation by standardized assays.

Exogenous Source of Oxidants

Cigarette Smoke

Cigarette smoke contains many oxidants and free radicals and organic compounds, such as superoxide and nitric oxide.36 In addition, inhalation of cigarette smoke into the lung also activates some endogenous mechanisms, such as accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages, which further increase the oxidant injury.

Ozone Exposure

Ozone exposure can cause lipid peroxidation and induce influx of neutrophils into the airway epithelium. Short-term exposure to ozone also causes the release of inflammatory mediators, such as MPO, eosinophil cationic proteins and also lactate dehydrogenase and albumin.37 Even in healthy subjects, ozone exposure causes a reduction in pulmonary functions.38 Cho et al39 have shown that particulate matter (mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air) catalyzes the reduction of oxygen.

Hyperoxia

Hyperoxia refers to conditions of higher oxygen levels than normal partial pressure of oxygen in the lungs or other body tissues. It leads to greater production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.40,41

Ionizing Radiation

Ionizing radiation, in the presence of O2, converts hydroxyl radical, superoxide, and organic radicals to hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides. These hydroperoxide species react with redox active metal ions, such as Fe and Cu, via Fenton reactions and thus induce oxidative stress.42,43 Narayanan et al44 showed that fibroblasts that were exposed to alpha particles had significant increases in intracellular O2 2. and H2O2 production via plasma membrane-bound NADPH oxidase.44 Signal transduction molecules, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, and transcription factors, such as activator protein-1 (AP-1), nuclear factor-kB (NF-kB), and p53, are activated, which result in the expression of radiation response�related genes.45�50 Ultraviolet A (UVA) photons trigger oxidative reactions by excitation of endogenous photosensitizers, such as porphyrins, NADPH oxidase, and riboflavins. 8-Oxo-7,8- dihydroguanine (8-oxoGua) is the main UVA-mediated DNA oxidation product formed by the oxidation of OH radical, 1-electron oxidants, and singlet oxygen that mainly reacts with guanine.51 The formation of guanine radical cation in isolated DNA has been shown to efficiently occur through the direct effect of ionizing radiation.52,53 After exposure to ionizing radiation, intracellular level of glutathione (GSH) decreases for a short term but then increases again.54

Heavy Metal Ions

Heavy metal ions, such as iron, copper, cadmium, mercury, nickel, lead, and arsenic, can induce generation of reactive radicals and cause cellular damage via depletion of enzyme activities through lipid peroxidation and reaction with nuclear proteins and DNA.55

One of the most important mechanisms of metal- mediated free radical generation is via a Fenton-type reaction. Superoxide ion and hydrogen peroxide can interact with transition metals, such as iron and copper, via the metal catalyzed Haber�Weiss/Fenton reaction to form OH radicals.

Metal31 1 $O2 /Metal21 1 O2 Haber Weiss Metal21 1 H2 O2 /Metal31 1 OH 2 1 $OH Fenton reaction

Besides the Fenton-type and Haber�Weiss-type mechanisms, certain metal ions can react directly with cellular molecules to generate free radicals, such as thiol radicals, or induce cell signaling pathways. These radicals may also react with other thiol molecules to generate O22.. O22. is converted to H2O2, which causes additional oxygen radical generation. Some metals, such as arsenite, induce ROS formation indirectly by activation of radical producing systems in cells.56

Arsenic is a highly toxic element that produces a variety of ROS, including superoxide (O2 2), singlet oxygen (1O2), peroxyl radical (ROO ), nitric oxide (NO ), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and dimethylarsinic peroxyl radicals [(CH3)2AsOO ].57�59 Arsenic (III) compounds can inhibit antioxidant enzymes, especially the GSH-dependent enzymes, such as glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and GSH reductase, via bind- ing to their sulfhydryl (�SH) groups.60,61

Lead increases lipid peroxidation.62 Significant decreases in the activity of tissue SOD and brain GPx have been reported after lead exposure.63,64 Replacement of zinc, which serves as a cofactor for many enzymes by lead, leads to inactivation of such enzymes. Lead exposure may cause inhibition of GST by affecting tissue thiols.

ROS generated by metal-catalyzed reactions can mod- ify DNA bases. Three base substitutions, G / C, G / T, and C / T, can occur as a result of oxidative damage by metal ions, such as Fe21, Cu21, and Ni21. Reid et al65 showed that G / C was predominantly produced by Fe21 while C / T substitution was by Cu21 and Ni21.

ANTIOXIDANTS

The human body is equipped with a variety of antioxidants that serve to counterbalance the effect of oxidants. For all practical purposes, these can be divided into 2 categories: enzymatic (Table 2) and nonenzymatic (Table 3).

Enzymatic Antioxidants

The major enzymatic antioxidants of the lungs are SODs (EC 1.15.1.11), catalase (EC 1.11.1.6), and GSH-Px (EC 1.11.1.9). In addition to these major enzymes, other antioxidants, including heme oxygenase-1 (EC 1.14.99.3), and redox proteins, such as thioredoxins (TRXs, EC 1.8.4.10), peroxiredoxins (PRXs, EC 1.11.1.15), and glutaredoxins, have also been found to play crucial roles in the pulmonary antioxidant defenses.

Since superoxide is the primary ROS produced from a variety of sources, its dismutation by SOD is of primary importance for each cell. All 3 forms of SOD, that is, CuZn- SOD, Mn-SOD, and EC-SOD, are widely expressed in the human lung. Mn-SOD is localized in the mitochondria matrix. EC-SOD is primarily localized in the extracellular matrix, especially in areas containing high amounts of type I collagen fibers and around pulmonary and systemic vessels. It has also been detected in the bronchial epithelium, alveolar epithelium, and alveolar macrophages.66,67 Overall, CuZn- SOD and Mn-SOD are generally thought to act as bulk scavengers of superoxide radicals. The relatively high EC-SOD level in the lung with its specific binding to the extracellular matrix components may represent a fundamental component of lung matrix protection.68

H2O2 that is produced by the action of SODs or the action of oxidases, such as xanthine oxidase, is reduced to water by catalase and the GSH-Px. Catalase exists as a tetra- mer composed of 4 identical monomers, each of which con- tains a heme group at the active site. Degradation of H2O2 is accomplished via the conversion between 2 conformations of catalase-ferricatalase (iron coordinated to water) and com- pound I (iron complexed with an oxygen atom). Catalase also binds NADPH as a reducing equivalent to prevent oxidative inactivation of the enzyme (formation of compound II) by H2O2 as it is reduced to water.69

Enzymes in the redox cycle responsible for the reduction of H2O2 and lipid hydroperoxides (generated as a result of membrane lipid peroxidation) include the GSH-Pxs.70 The GSH-Pxs are a family of tetrameric enzymes that contain the unique amino acid selenocysteine within the active sites and use low-molecular-weight thiols, such as GSH, to reduce H2O2 and lipid peroxides to their corresponding alcohols. Four GSH- Pxs have been described, encoded by different genes: GSH- Px-1 (cellular GSH-Px) is ubiquitous and reduces H2O2 and fatty acid peroxides, but not esterified peroxyl lipids.71 Esterified lipids are reduced by membrane-bound GSH-Px-4 (phospholipid hydroperoxide GSH-Px), which can use several different low-molecular-weight thiols as reducing equivalents. GSH-Px-2 (gastrointestinal GSH-Px) is localized in gastrointestinal epithelial cells where it serves to reduce dietary peroxides.72 GSH-Px-3 (extracellular GSH-Px) is the only member of the GSH-Px family that resides in the extracellular compartment and is believed to be one of the most important extracellular antioxidant enzyme in mammals. Of these, extracellular GSH-Px is most widely investigated in the human lung.73

In addition, disposal of H2O2 is closely associated with several thiol-containing enzymes, namely, TRXs (TRX1 and TRX2), thioredoxin reductases (EC 1.8.1.9) (TRRs), PRXs (which are thioredoxin peroxidases), and glutaredoxins.74

Two TRXs and TRRs have been characterized in human cells, existing in both cytosol and mitochondria. In the lung, TRX and TRR are expressed in bronchial and alveolar epithelium and macrophages. Six different PRXs have been found in human cells, differing in their ultrastructural compartmentalization. Experimental studies have revealed the importance of PRX VI in the protection of alveolar epithelium. Human lung expresses all PRXs in bronchial epithelium, alveolar epithelium, and macrophages.75 PRX V has recently been found to function as a peroxynitrite reductase,76 which means that it may function as a potential protective compound in the development of ROS-mediated lung injury.77

Common to these antioxidants is the requirement of NADPH as a reducing equivalent. NADPH maintains catalase in the active form and is used as a cofactor by TRX and GSH reductase (EC 1.6.4.2), which converts GSSG to GSH, a co-substrate for the GSH-Pxs. Intracellular NADPH, in turn, is generated by the reduction of NADP1 by glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the pen- tose phosphate pathway, during the conversion of glucose- 6-phosphate to 6-phosphogluconolactone. By generating NADPH, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase is a critical determinant of cytosolic GSH buffering capacity (GSH/ GSSG) and, therefore, can be considered an essential, regulatory antioxidant enzyme.78,79

GSTs (EC 2.5.1.18), another antioxidant enzyme family, inactivate secondary metabolites, such as unsaturated aldehydes, epoxides, and hydroperoxides. Three major families of GSTs have been described: cytosolic GST, mitochondrial GST,80,81 and membrane-associated microsomal GST that has a role in eicosanoid and GSH metabolism.82 Seven classes of cytosolic GST are identified in mammalian, designated Alpha, Mu, Pi, Sigma, Theta, Omega, and Zeta.83�86 During non-stressed conditions, class Mu and Pi GSTs interact with kinases Ask1 and JNK, respectively, and inhibit these kinases.87�89 It has been shown that GSTP1 dissociates from JNK in response to oxidative stress.89 GSTP1 also physically interacts with PRX VI and leads to recovery of PRX enzyme activity via glutathionylation of the oxidized protein.90

Nonenzymatic Antioxidants

Nonenzymatic antioxidants include low-molecular-weight compounds, such as vitamins (vitamins C and E), b-carotene, uric acid, and GSH, a tripeptide (L-g-glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-L- glycine) that comprise a thiol (sulfhydryl) group.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Water-soluble vitamin C (ascorbic acid) provides intracellular and extracellular aqueous-phase antioxidant capacity primarily by scavenging oxygen free radicals. It converts vitamin E free radicals back to vitamin E. Its plasma levels have been shown to decrease with age.91,92

Vitamin E (a-Tocopherol)

Lipid-soluble vitamin E is concentrated in the hydrophobic interior site of cell membrane and is the principal defense against oxidant-induced membrane injury. Vitamin E donates electron to peroxyl radical, which is produced during lipid peroxidation. a-Tocopherol is the most active form of vitamin E and the major membrane-bound antioxidant in cell. Vitamin E triggers apoptosis of cancer cells and inhibits free radical formations.93

Glutathione

GSH is highly abundant in all cell compartments and is the major soluble antioxidant. GSH/GSSG ratio is a major determinant of oxidative stress. GSH shows its antioxidant effects in several ways.94 It detoxifies hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxides via action of GSH-Px. GSH donates its electron to H2O2 to reduce it into H2O and O2. GSSG is again reduced into GSH by GSH reductase that uses NAD(P)H as the electron donor. GSH-Pxs are also important for the pro- tection of cell membrane from lipid peroxidation. Reduced glutathione donates protons to membrane lipids and protects them from oxidant attacks.95

GSH is a cofactor for several detoxifying enzymes, such as GSH-Px and transferase. It has a role in converting vitamin C and E back to their active forms. GSH protects cells against apoptosis by interacting with proapoptotic and antiapoptotic signaling pathways.94 It also regulates and activates several transcription factors, such as AP-1, NF-kB, and Sp-1.

Carotenoids (b-Carotene)

Carotenoids are pigments found in plants. Primarily, b-carotene has been found to react with peroxyl (ROO ), hydroxyl ( OH), and superoxide (O22.) radicals.96 Carotenoids show their antioxidant effects in low oxygen partial pressure but may have pro-oxidant effects at higher oxygen concentrations.97 Both carotenoids and retinoic acids (RAs) are capable of regulating transcription factors.98 b-Carotene inhibits the oxidant-induced NF-kB activation and interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-a production. Carotenoids also affect apoptosis of cells. Antiproliferative effects of RA have been shown in several studies. This effect of RA is mediated mainly by retinoic acid receptors and vary among cell types. In mammary carcinoma cells, retinoic acid receptor was shown to trigger growth inhibition by inducing cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, or both.99,100

THE EFFECT OF OXIDATIVE STRESS: GENETIC, PHYSIOLOGICAL, & BIOCHEMICAL MECHANISMS

Oxidative stress occurs when the balance between antioxidants and ROS are disrupted because of either depletion of antioxidants or accumulation of ROS. When oxidative stress occurs, cells attempt to counteract the oxidant effects and restore the redox balance by activation or silencing of genes encoding defensive enzymes, tran- scription factors, and structural proteins.101,102 Ratio between oxidized and reduced glutathione (2GSH/GSSG) is one of the important determinants of oxidative stress in the body. Higher production of ROS in body may change DNA structure, result in modification of proteins and lipids, activation of several stress-induced transcription factors, and production of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Effects Of Oxidative Stress On DNA

ROS can lead to DNA modifications in several ways, which involves degradation of bases, single- or double- stranded DNA breaks, purine, pyrimidine or sugar-bound modifications, mutations, deletions or translocations, and cross-linking with proteins. Most of these DNA modifications (Fig. 1) are highly relevant to carcinogenesis, aging, and neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, and autoimmune diseases. Tobacco smoke, redox metals, and nonredox metals, such as iron, cadmium, chrome, and arsenic, are also involved in carcinogenesis and aging by generating free radicals or bind- ing with thiol groups. Formation of 8-OH-G is the best- known DNA damage occurring via oxidative stress and is a potential biomarker for carcinogenesis.

Promoter regions of genes contain consensus sequences for transcription factors. These transcription factor�binding sites contain GC-rich sequences that are susceptible for oxidant attacks. Formation of 8-OH-G DNA in transcription factor binding sites can modify binding of transcription factors and thus change the expression of related genes as has been shown for AP-1 and Sp-1 target sequences.103 Besides 8-OH-G, 8,59 -cyclo-29 -deoxyadenosine (cyclo-dA) has also been shown to inhibit transcription from a reporter gene in a cell system if located in a TATA box.104 The TATA-binding protein initiates transcription by changing the bending of DNA. The binding of TATA-binding protein may be impaired by the presence of cyclo-dA.

Oxidative stress causes instability of microsatellite (short tandem repeats) regions. Redox active metal ions, hydroxyl radicals increase microsatellite instability.105 Even though single-stranded DNA breaks caused by oxidant injury can easily be tolerated by cells, double-stranded DNA breaks induced by ionizing radiation can be a significant threat for the cell survival.106

Methylation at CpG islands in DNA is an important epigenetic mechanism that may result in gene silencing. Oxidation of 5-MeCyt to 5-hydroxymethyl uracil (5-OHMeUra) can occur via deamination/oxidation reactions of thymine or 5-hydroxymethyl cytosine intermediates.107 In addition to the modulating gene expression, DNA methylation also seems to affect chromatin organization.108 Aberrant DNA methylation patterns induced by oxidative attacks also affect DNA repair activity.

Effects Of Oxidative Stress On Lipids

ROS can induce lipid peroxidation and disrupt the membrane lipid bilayer arrangement that may inactivate membrane-bound receptors and enzymes and increase tissue permeability.109 Products of lipid peroxidation, such as MDA and unsaturated aldehydes, are capable of inactivating many cellular proteins by forming protein cross-linkages.110�112 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal causes depletion of intracellular GSH and induces of peroxide production,113,114 activates epidermal growth factor receptor,115 and induces fibronectin production.116 Lipid peroxidation products, such as isoprostanes and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, have been used as indirect biomarkers of oxidative stress, and increased levels were shown in the exhaled breath condensate or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or lung of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients or smokers.117�119

Effects Of Oxidative Stress on Proteins

ROS can cause fragmentation of the peptide chain, alteration of electrical charge of proteins, cross-linking of proteins, and oxidation of specific amino acids and therefore lead to increased susceptibility to proteolysis by degradation by specific proteases.120 Cysteine and methionine residues in proteins are particularly more susceptible to oxidation.121 Oxidation of sulfhydryl groups or methionine residues of proteins cause conformational changes, protein unfolding, and degradation.8,121�123 Enzymes that have metals on or close to their active sites are especially more sensitive to metal catalyzed oxidation. Oxidative modification of enzymes has been shown to inhibit their activities.124,125

In some cases, specific oxidation of proteins may take place. For example, methionine can be oxidized methionine sulfoxide126 and phenylalanine to o-tyrosine127; sulfhydryl groups can be oxidized to form disulfide bonds;128 and carbonyl groups may be introduced into the side chains of proteins. Gamma rays, metal-catalyzed oxidation, HOCl, and ozone can cause formation of carbonyl groups.129

Effects of Oxidative Stress on Signal Transduction

ROS can induce expression of several genes involved in signal transduction.1,130 A high ratio for GSH/GSSG is important for the protection of the cell from oxidative dam- age. Disruption of this ratio causes activation of redox sensitive transcription factors, such as NF-kB, AP-1, nuclear factor of activated T cells and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 , that are involved in the inflammatory response. Activation of transcription factors via ROS is achieved by signal transduction cascades that transmit the information from outside to the inside of cell. Tyrosine kinase receptors, most of the growth factor receptors, such as epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and receptor for platelet-derived growth factor, protein tyrosine phosphatases, and serine/threonine kinases are targets of ROS.131�133 Extra- cellular signal-regulated kinases, JNK, and p38, which are the members of mitogen-activated protein kinase family and involved in several processes in cell including proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, also can be regulated by oxidants.

Under oxidative stress conditions, cysteine residues in the DNA-binding site of c-Jun, some AP-1 subunits, and inhibitory k-B kinase undergo reversible S-glutathiolation. Glutaredoxin and TRX have been reported to play an important role in regulation of redox-sensitive signaling pathways, such as NF-kB and AP-1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and JNK.134�137

NF-kB can be activated in response to oxidative stress conditions, such as ROS, free radicals, and UV irradiation.138 Phosphorylation of IkB frees NF-kB and allows it to enter the nucleus to activate gene transcription.139 A number of kinases have been reported to phosphorylate IkBs at the serine residues. These kinases are the targets of oxidative signals for activation of NF-kB.140 Reducing agents enhance NF-kB DNA binding, whereas oxidizing agents inhibit DNA binding of NF-kB. TRX may exert 2 opposite actions in regulation of NF-kB: in the cytoplasm, it blocks degradation of IkB and inhibits NF-kB activation but enhances NF-kB DNA binding in the nucleus.141 Activation of NF-kB via oxidation-related degradation of IkB results in the activation of several antioxidant defense�related genes. NF-kB regulates the expression of several genes that participate in immune response, such as IL-1b, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-a, IL-8, and several adhesion molecules.142,143 NF-kB also regulates angiogenesis and proliferation and differentiation of cells.

AP-1 is also regulated by redox state. In the presence of H2O2, some metal ions can induce activation of AP-1. Increase in the ratio of GSH/GSSG enhances AP-1 binding while GSSG inhibits the DNA binding of AP-1.144 DNA binding of the Fos/Jun heterodimer is increased by the reduction of a single conserved cysteine in the DNA-binding domain of each of the proteins,145 while DNA binding of AP-1 can be inhibited by GSSG in many cell types, suggesting that disulphide bond formation by cysteine residues inhibits AP-1 DNA binding.146,147 Signal transduction via oxidative stress is summarized in Figure 2.

 

CONCLUSIONS

Oxidative stress can arise from overproduction of ROS by metabolic reactions that use oxygen and shift the balance between oxidant/antioxidant statuses in favor of the oxidants. ROS are produced by cellular metabolic activities and environmental factors, such as air pollutants or cigarette smoke. ROS are highly reactive molecules because of unpaired electrons in their structure and react with several biological macromolecules in cell, such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, lipids, and proteins, and alter their functions. ROS also affects the expression of several genes by upregulation of redox-sensitive transcription factors and chromatin remodeling via alteration in histone acetylation/ deacetylation. Regulation of redox state is critical for cell viability, activation, proliferation, and organ function.

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What Is Functional Medicine: An Introduction

What Is Functional Medicine: An Introduction

El Paso, Tx. Wellness chiropractor, Dr. Alexander Jimenez examines Functional Medicine.�What it�is and how it can help in having a healthy lifestyle.

The Challenge

Of total healthcare costs in the United States, more than 86% is due to chronic conditions.1 In 2015, health care spending reached $3.2 trillion, accounting for 17.8% of GDP.2 This exceeded the combined federal expenditures for national defense, homeland security, education, and welfare. By 2023, if we don�t change how we confront this challenge, annual healthcare costs in the U.S. will rise to over $4 trillion,3,4 the equivalent�in a single year�of four Iraq wars, making the cost of care using the current model economically unsustainable. If our health outcomes were commensurate with such costs, we might decide they were worth it. Unfortunately, the U.S. spends twice the median per-capita costs of other industrialized countries, as calculated by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD),5 despite having relatively poor outcomes for such a massive investment.6

Our current healthcare model fails to confront both the causes of and solutions for chronic disease and must be replaced with a model of comprehensive care geared to effectively treating and reversing this escalating crisis.This transformation requires something different than is usually available in our very expensive healthcare system.7

A Contributing Factor�Outdated Clinical Model

Despite notable advances in treating and preventing infectious disease and trauma, the acute-care model that dominated 20th century medicine has not been effective in treating and preventing chronic disease.

Adopting a new operating system for 21st century medicine requires that we:

  • Recognize and validate more appropriate and successful clinical models
  • Re-shape the education and clinical practices of health professionals to help them achieve proficiency in the assessment, treatment, and prevention of chronic disease
  • Reimburse equitably for lifestyle medicine and expanded preventive strategies, acknowledging that the greatest health threats now arise from how we live, work, eat, play, and move

This problem can�t be solved by drugs and surgery, however helpful those tools may be in managing acute signs and symptoms. It can�t be solved be adding new or unconventional tools, such as botanical medicine and acupuncture, to a failing model. It can�t be solved by pharmacogenomics (although advances in that discipline should help reduce deaths from inappropriately prescribed medication�estimated to be the fourth leading cause of hospital deaths12). The costly riddle of chronic disease can only be solved by shifting our focus from suppression and management of symptoms to addressing their underlying causes. Specifically, we must integrate what we know about how the human body works with individualized, patient-centered, science-based care that addresses the causes of complex, chronic disease, which are rooted in lifestyle choices, environmental exposures, and genetic influences.

This perspective is completely congruent with what we might call the �omics� revolution. Formerly, scientists believed that once we deciphered the human genome we would be able to answer almost all the questions about the origins of disease.What we actually learned, however, is that human biology is far more complex than that. In fact, humans are not genetically hardwired for most diseases; instead, gene expression is altered by myriad influences, including environment, lifestyle, diet, activity patterns, psycho-social-spiritual factors, and stress.These lifestyle choices and environmental exposures can push us toward (or away from) disease by turning on�or o � certain genes.That insight has helped to fuel the global interest in Functional Medicine, which has that principle at its very core.

A Strategic Response

Functional Medicine directly addresses the underlying causes of disease by using a systems-oriented approach with transformative clinical concepts, original tools, an advanced process of care (see box below), and by engaging both patient and practitioner in a therapeutic partnership.

Functional Medicine practitioners look closely at the myriad interactions among genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors that can influence long-term health and complex, chronic disease (see Figure 1).A major premise of Functional Medicine is that, with science, clinical wisdom, and innovative tools, we can identify many of the underlying causes of chronic disease and intervene to remediate the clinical imbalances, even before overt disease is present.

Functional Medicine exemplifies just the kind of systems-oriented, personalized medicine that is needed to transform clinical practice.The Functional Medicine model of comprehensive care and primary prevention for complex, chronic illness is grounded in both science (evidence about common underlying mechanisms and pathways of disease as well as evidence about the contributions of environmental and lifestyle factors to disease) and art (the healing partnership and the search for insight in the therapeutic encounter).

What Is Functional Medicine?

Functional Medicine asks how and why illness occurs and restores health by addressing the root causes of disease for each individual. It is an approach to health care that conceptualizes health and illness as part of a continuum in which all components of the human biological system interact dynamically with the environment, producing patterns and effects that change over time. Functional Medicine helps clinicians identify and ameliorate dysfunctions in the physiology and biochemistry of the human body as a primary method of improving patient health. Chronic disease is almost always preceded by a period of declining function in one or more of the body�s systems. Functional Medicine is often described as the clinical application of systems biology. Restoring health requires reversing (or substantially improving) the specific dysfunctions that have contributed to the disease state. Each patient represents a unique, complex, and interwoven set of environmental and lifestyle influences on intrinsic functionality (their genetic vulnerabilities) that have set the stage for the development of disease or the maintenance of health.

To manage the complexity inherent in this approach, IFM has created practical models for obtaining and evaluating clinical information that lead to individualized, patient-centered, science-based therapies. Functional Medicine concepts, practices, and tools have evolved considerably over a 30-year period, reflecting the dramatic growth in the evidence base concerning the key common pathways to disease (e.g., inflammation, oxidative stress); the role of diet, stress, and physical activity; the emerging sciences of genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics; and the effects of environmental toxins (in the air, water, soil, etc.) on health.

Elements Of Functional Medicine

The knowledge base�or �footprint��of Functional Medicine is shaped by six core foundations:

  • Gene-Environment Interaction: Functional Medicine is based on understanding the metabolic processes of each individual at the cellular level. By knowing how each person�s genes and environment interact to create their unique biochemical phenotype, it is possible to design targeted interventions that correct the specific issues that lead to destructive processes such as inflammation and oxidation, which are at the root of many diseases.
  • Upstream Signal Modulation: Functional Medicine interventions seek to influence biochemical pathways �upstream� and prevent the overproduction of damaging end products, rather than blocking the effects of those end products. For example, instead of using drugs that block the last step in the production of inflammatory mediators (NSAIDs, etc.), Functional Medicine treatments seek to prevent the upregulation of those mediators in the first place.
  • Multimodal Treatment Plans: The Functional Medicine approach uses a broad range of interventions to achieve optimal health including diet, nutrition, exercise and movement; stress management; sleep and rest, phytonutrient, nutritional and pharmaceutical supplementation; and various other restorative and reparative therapies.These interventions are all tailored to address the antecedents, triggers, and mediators of disease or dysfunction in each individual patient.
  • Understanding the Patient in Context: Functional Medicine uses a structured process to uncover the significant life events of each patient�s history to gain a better understanding of who they are as an individual. IFM tools (the �Timeline� and the �Matrix� model) are integral to this process for the role they play in organizing clinical data and mediating clinical insights.This approach to the clinical encounter ensures that the patient is heard, engenders the therapeutic relationship, expands therapeutic options, and improves the collaboration between patient and clinician.
  • Systems Biology-Based Approach: Functional Medicine uses systems biology to understand and identify how core imbalances in specific biological systems can manifest in other parts of the body. Rather than an organ systems-based approach, Functional Medicine addresses core physiological processes that cross anatomical boundaries including: assimilation of nutrients, cellular defense and repair, structural integrity, cellular communication and transport mechanisms, energy production, and biotransformation.The �Functional Medicine Matrix� is the clinician�s key tool for understanding these network effects and provides the basis for the design of effective multimodal treatment strategies.
  • Patient-Centered and Directed: Functional Medicine practitioners work with the patient to find the most appropriate and acceptable treatment plan to correct, balance, and optimize the fundamental underlying issues in the realms of mind, body, and spirit. Beginning with a detailed and personalized history, the patient is welcomed into the process of exploring their story and the potential causes of their health issues. Patients and providers work together to determine the diagnostic process, set achievable health goals, and design an appropriate therapeutic approach.

To assist clinicians in understanding and applying Functional Medicine, IFM has created a highly innovative way of representing the patient�s signs, symptoms, and common pathways of disease. Adapting, organizing, and integrating into the Functional Medicine Matrix the seven biological systems in which core clinical imbalances are found actually creates an intellectual bridge between the rich basic science literature concerning physiological mechanisms of disease and the clinical studies, clinical diagnoses, and clinical experience acquired during medical training.These core clinical imbalances serve to marry the mechanisms of disease with the manifestations and diagnoses of disease.

  • Assimilation: digestion, absorption, microbiota/GI, respiration
  • Defense and repair: immune, inflammation, infection/microbiota
  • Energy: energy regulation, mitochondrial function
  • Biotransformation and elimination: toxicity, detoxification
  • Transport: cardiovascular and lymphatic systems
  • Communication: endocrine, neurotransmitters, immune messengers
  • Structural integrity: sub-cellular membranes to musculoskeletal integrity

Using this construct, it is possible to see that one disease/condition may have multiple causes (i.e., multiple clinical imbalances), just as one fundamental imbalance may be at the root of many seemingly disparate conditions (see Figure 2).

Constructing The Model & Putting It Into Practice

The scientific community has made incredible strides in helping practitioners understand how environment and lifestyle, interacting continuously through an individual�s genetic heritage, psychosocial experiences, and personal beliefs, can impair one or all of the seven core clinical imbalances. IFM has developed concepts and tools that help to collect, organize, and make sense of the data gathered from an expanded history, physical exam, and laboratory evaluation, including:

The GOTOIT system, which presents a logical method for eliciting the patient�s whole story and ensuring that assessment and treatment are in accord with that story:

G = Gather Information

O = Organization Information

T = Tell the Complete Story Back to the Patient

O = Order and Prioritize

I = InitiateTreatment

T = Track Outcomes

  • The Functional Medicine Timeline, which helps to connect key events in the patient�s life with the onset of symptoms of dysfunction.
  • The Functional Medicine Matrix, which provides a unique and succinct way to organize and analyze all of a patient�s health data (see Figure 3).

The patient�s lifestyle influences are entered across the bottom of the Matrix, and the Antecedents,Triggers, and Mediators (ATMs) of disease/dysfunction are entered in the upper left corner.The centrality of the patient�s mind, spirit, and emotions, with which all other elements interact, is clearly shown in the figure. Using this information architecture, the clinician can create a comprehensive snapshot of the patient�s story and visualize the most important clinical elements of Functional Medicine:

1. Identifying each patient�s ATMs of disease and dysfunction.

2. Discovering the factors in the patient�s lifestyle and environment that influence the expression of health or disease.

3. Applying all the data collected about a patient to a matrix of biological systems, within which disturbances in function originate and are expressed.

4. Integrating all this information to create a comprehensive picture of what is causing the patient�s problems, where they are originating, what has influenced their development, and�as a result of this critical analysis�where to intervene to begin reversing the disease process or substantially improving health.

A Functional Medicine treatment plan may involve one or more of a broad range of therapies, including many different dietary interventions (e.g., elimination diet, high phytonutrient diversity diet, low glycemic-load diet), nutraceuticals (e.g., vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, botanicals), and lifestyle changes (e.g., improving sleep quality/quantity, increasing physical activity, decreasing stress and learning stress management techniques, quitting smoking). Nutrition is so vital to the practice of Functional Medicine that IFM has established a core emphasis on Functional Nutrition and has funded the development of a set of unique, innovative tools for developing and applying dietary recommendations.

Scientific support for the Functional Medicine approach to treatment can be found in a large and rapidly expanding evidence base about the therapeutic effects of nutrition (including both dietary choices and the clinical use of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients such as sh oils)13,15,15; botanicals16,17,18; exercise19 (aerobics, strength training, flexibility); stress management 20; detoxification 21,22,23; acupuncture�24,25,26; manual medicine (massage, manipulation)27,28,29; and mind/body techniques 30,31,32 such as meditation, guided imagery, and biofeedback.

All of this work is done within the context of an equal partnership between the practitioner and patient.The practitioner engages the patient in a collaborative relationship, respecting the patient�s role and knowledge of self, and ensuring that the patient learns to take responsibility for their own choices and for complying with the recommended interventions. Learning to assess a patient�s readiness to change and then providing the necessary guidance, training, and support are just as important as ordering the right lab tests and prescribing the right therapies.

Summary

The practice of Functional Medicine involves four essential components: (1) eliciting the patient�s complete story during the Functional Medicine intake; (2) identifying and addressing the challenges of the patient�s modifiable lifestyle factors and environmental exposures; (3) organizing the patient�s clinical imbalances by underlying causes of disease in a systems biology matrix framework; and (4) establishing a mutually empowering partnership between practitioner and patient.

A great strength of Functional Medicine is its relevance to all healthcare disciplines and medical specialties, any of which can�to the degree allowed by their training and licensure�apply a Functional Medicine approach, using the Matrix as a basic template for organizing and coupling knowledge and data. In addition to providing a more effective approach to preventing, treating, and reversing complex chronic disease, Functional Medicine can also provide a common language and a uni ed model that can be applied across a wide variety of health professions to facilitate integrated care.

Functional Medicine is playing a key role in the effort to solve the modern epidemic of chronic disease that is creating a health crisis both nationally and globally. Because chronic disease is a food- and lifestyle-driven, environment- and genetics-influenced phenomenon, we must have an approach to care that integrates all these elements in the context of the patient�s complete story. Functional Medicine does just that and provides an original and creative approach to the collection and analysis of this broad array of information. Using all the concepts and tools that IFM has developed, Functional Medicine practitioners contribute vital skills for treating and reversing complex, chronic disease.

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The Global Leader in Functional Medicine

References
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Ketogenic Diet: Preventive for Insulin Resistance and Cancer? | Nutrition

Ketogenic Diet: Preventive for Insulin Resistance and Cancer? | Nutrition

Only about 5 to 10 percent of cancer is hereditary, although most cancer scientists have thought that cancer was a disease, states Dr D’Agostino.

 

A metabolic disorder is one that interrupts normal metabolism, the process of converting food to energy on a cellular level. The mitochondria create the energy that our cells will need to perform their job, and these are usually known as the powerhouses of the cells.

 

When carbohydrates (composed of glucose) are consumed, they cause the blood glucose levels to rise. The hormone insulin, responsible for regulating energy use, is secreted by the pancreas because it damages the structure of all proteins, as a high blood sugar concentration is toxic for human tissues.

 

Based on Dr Fettke, we could simply metabolise about one teaspoon (4 grams) of glucose at once and the remainder is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen, or if this cannot happen, it’s stored as fat.

 

The longer carbs are ingested, the more glucose is produced, the more our body becomes resistant.
Insulin resistance occurs when the body does not respond to insulin properly. This results in increased blood glucose levels, which can not be saved in muscles or the liver must store it as fat, as discussed by Prof Noakes.

 

Relation of Insulin and Health

 

Insulin is consequently the fat storing hormone, which leads to an expanding waist. In case a high carb diet is followed, and if unchecked, it can cause obesity, metabolic syndrome (a combination of hypertension, obesity and hypertension) and to type 2 Diabetes.

 

The long-term impairment which occurs in Diabetes is because of the effect of always high blood glucose levels on a lot of different organs. If blood glucose levels are high, so too will insulin amounts be, and will consequently add to the damage.

 

“The more I read the more I’m convinced of the connection between diet and cancer. A lot hinges on stimulating factors involved in metabolism and cellular division, says Dr Gary Fettkesaid

 

In his study, Dr Elio Riboli notes the higher risk of late onset breast cancer, colon, rectum, endometrial, oesophageal and kidney disorders together with obesity. He explains the link between endometrial cancer and obesity: “Essentially, endometrial cancer is quite closely connected with oestrogen levels. So the tissue there is, the more oestrogens. So there are two outcomes. One is that in the obese, oestrogens are produced by the tissue, converts androgens to oestrogens. The second one is that down-regulating sex hormone binding globulin, insulin, makes oestrogen more bioavailable.

 

According to Dr Gary Fettke, in his lecture at the LCHF Convention before this season, cancer could be tied up with sugar metabolism. Cancer cells cannot use any additional fuel for growth, except for sugar. Without sugar they starve to death. This theory is based upon the Warburg effect, by Dr Otto Warburg, who won the 1931 Nobel Prize for discovering aerobic glycolysis – a flaw in subcutaneous sugar metabolism which diverts glucose away from energy production to cell development and causes fermentation of sugar. In other words, he discovered that cancer cells thrive on glucose and have mitochondria. Dr Gary Fettke also thinks that the problem with modern cancer treatment is that it ignores the glucose metabolism.

 

“We also haven’t fully recognised the institution of diet in the causation of cancer. The problem is sugar, especially fructose, refined fats and polyunsaturated seed oils. The modern diet is inflammatory and it generates masses of oxygen free radicals.”

 

Ketogenic Diet Health Benefits

 

A low carb, high fat Ketogenic diet (that is in nature the Banting diet, but with carb consumption below 25g per day) has successfully treated many different ailments like obesity, epilepsy, Diabetes, Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease. Dr Seyfried requires it a single metabolic procedure for a profusion of ailments that are distinct.

 

By maintaining carbs below 25g a day, your system moves from a carb burning state to a fat burning state. Ketones are formed when the liver for energy breaks down fatty acids. Ketosis is reached when ketones are formed through withdrawal of carbs within the body. These compounds are generated throughout metabolism — and are a sign that your body is presently using fat for energy. This process forces the body. Prof Noakes explains this in more detail in the Beginner Banting Online Program, in which you may find the tools to stick to a way of life.

 

“Virtually all the wholesome cells in our body have the metabolic versatility to utilize glucose, fat and ketones to survive, but cancer cells lack this metabolic versatility and require large quantities of sugar and can’t survive on ketones. Therefore by limiting carbohydrates, we could reduce insulin and glucose, and thus limit the key fuel for cancer cell growth.” Says Dr Seyfried. Dr Gary Fettke has a vested interest in this study as he had brain cancer 15 decades ago. He switched to a diet plan and shattered the cancer.

 

Prof Noakes says, “When fighting cancer, just the finest will do. Grass-fed beef, pasture-reared chickens, organic vegetables, etc.. Since hormones and tainted foods have been fed to animals, pesticides sprayed on veg and genetically modified soya and corn is routinely fed to cows and livestock, one must be dedicated to quality in order to avoid the dangers of the substances, highly carcinogenic independently.”

 

What to eat and drink on a Ketogenic diet

 

  • Animal protein
  • Saturated fat
  • Olive oil
  • Avocado
  • Above the ground vegetables
  • Water

 

What to avoid on a Ketogenic diet

 

  • Processed food
  • Fizzy drinks
  • Toxic oils
  • Processed meat
  • Fast food

 

Cancer Fighting Foods

 

  • Tomatoes: cooking enhances cancer-fighting and anti inflammatory properties. Lycopene was found to prevent cancer cell growth in a study in Cancer and Nutrition.
  • Chilli: capsaicin that gives chillies their powerful, spicy personality is anti-bacterial, anti-carcinogenic and anti-diabetic.
  • Cruciferous vegetables: such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, Brussels sprouts and kale have powerful anti-carcinogens. Cabbage in particular contain anti-oxidants known to help protect against prostate, colon and breast cancers. Broccoli is the only one having a sizable quantity of sulforaphane, an especially potent chemical that boosts the body enzymes and flushes compounds out .
  • Mushrooms: include the amino acid ergothioneine, which is an anti-oxidant and an anti-inflammatory, it protects against free radicals and boosts the immune system.
  • Aubergine: that the epidermis is rich in anti-oxidants known as anthocyanins, which are believed to fight cancer, inflammation, aging and neurological diseases.
  • Turmeric: includes curcumin that’s a powerful anti-oxidant and anti inflammatory. According to Cancer Research UK, it seems to have the ability to kill cancer cells and stop more from growing. It’s the very best consequences on breast cancer, bowel cancer, stomach cancer and skin cancer cells.
  • Berries: the idea of berries as anticarcinogens began in the late 1980s, when it was discovered that berries, and specifically black peppers, comprised ellagic acid, which is believed to inhibited the genesis of tumours.
  • Garlic: belongs to the Allium class of bulb-shaped plants, which also includes onions, chives, leeks, and scallions. It’s an strong and excellent neutraliser of free radicals. It contains good levels of selenium and, in several studies, selenium has been shown to decrease cancers. Phytochemicals in garlic have been found to stop the formation of nitrosamines, carcinogens formed in the stomach.

 

In summary, from the evidence that we have collected from all of the various sources, it’s obvious to see that the link between diet and health is a serious one and that what we consume really has an impact in the long term. Dr D’Agostino goes as far as to state, “let food be thy medicine.”

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic and spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss options on the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .�
 

By Dr. Alex Jimenez

 

Additional Topics: Wellness

 

Overall health and wellness are essential towards maintaining the proper mental and physical balance in the body. From eating a balanced nutrition as well as exercising and participating in physical activities, to sleeping a healthy amount of time on a regular basis, following the best health and wellness tips can ultimately help maintain overall well-being. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables can go a long way towards helping people become healthy.

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Too Much Exercise Harms GI Function: Study

Too Much Exercise Harms GI Function: Study

When it comes to stomach discomfort during exercise, forget that old adage “no pain, no gain.” New research suggests that excessive strenuous exercise may lead to gut damage.

“The stress response of prolonged vigorous exercise shuts down gut function,” said lead author Ricardo Costa.

“The redistribution of blood flow away from the gut and towards working muscles creates gut cell injury that may lead to cell death, leaky gut, and systemic immune responses due to intestinal bacteria entering general circulation,” Costa added. He’s a senior researcher with the department of nutrition, dietetics and food at Monash University in Australia.

Researchers observed that the risk of gut injury and impaired function seems to increase along with the intensity and duration of exercise.

The problem is dubbed “exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome.” The researchers reviewed eight previously done studies that looked at this issue.

Two hours appears to be the threshold, the researchers said. After two hours of continuous endurance exercise when 60 percent of an individual’s maximum intensity level is reached, gut damage may occur. Costa said that examples of such exercise are running and cycling.

He said heat stress appears to be an exacerbating factor. People with a predisposition to gut diseases or disorders may be more susceptible to such exercise-related health problems, he added.

Dr. Elena Ivanina is a senior gastroenterology fellow at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. She wasn’t involved with this research but reviewed the study. She said that normal blood flow to the gut keeps cells oxygenated and healthy to ensure appropriate metabolism and function.

If the gut loses a significant supply of blood during exercise, it can lead to inflammation that damages the protective gut lining. With a weakened gastrointestinal (GI) immune system, toxins in the gut can leak out into the systemic circulation — the so-called “leaky gut” phenomenon, Ivanina said.

But, she underscored that exercise in moderation has been shown to have many protective benefits to the gut.

“Specifically, through exercise, patients can maintain a healthy weight and avoid the consequences of obesity,” she said. Obesity has been associated with many GI diseases, such as gallbladder disease; fatty liver disease; gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); and cancer of the esophagus, stomach, liver and colon. Regular moderate physical activity also lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and depression.

To prevent exercise-related gut problems, Costa advised maintaining hydration throughout physical activity, and possibly consuming small amounts of carbohydrates and protein before and during exercise.

Ivanina said preventive measures might help keep abdominal troubles in check. These include resting and drinking enough water. She also suggested discussing any symptoms with a doctor to ensure there is no underlying gastrointestinal disorder.

Costa recommended that people exercise within their comfort zone. If you have stomach or abdominal pain, “this is a sign that something is not right,” he said.

Individuals with symptoms of gut disturbances during exercise should see their doctor.

The study authors advised against taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) — before working out.

Costa said there’s emerging evidence that a special diet — called a low FODMAP diet — leading up to heavy training and competition may reduce gut symptoms. FODMAP stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. FODMAPs are specific types of carbohydrates (sugars) that pull water into the intestinal tract.

The International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders suggests consulting a dietitian familiar with FODMAP diets. Such diets can be difficult to initiate properly on your own, the foundation says.

Costa also said there’s no clear evidence that dietary supplements — such as antioxidants, glutamine, bovine colostrum and/or probiotics — prevent or reduce exercise-associated gut disturbances.

The study results were published online recently in the journal Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics.

10 Home Remedies That Beat Skin Creams for Sunburn

10 Home Remedies That Beat Skin Creams for Sunburn

Summer’s officially just a week away, and millions of Americans are facing high odds of suffering from sunburn in coming months.

If you catch too many rays and wind up looking like a lobster, head straight to your kitchen. No kidding. Here are some surprising home remedies to soothe the burn that are as good as — or better than — commercially available skin creams and lotions:

Cucumbers: These vegetables are rich in vitamin C and caffeic acid, both of which help to soothe irritated skin and reduce swelling. Cukes also have compounds with analgesic properties to numb pain. You can slice cold cucumbers and apply them to burned areas. Better yet, make a paste by mashing or blending a couple of cucumbers and apply it chilled.

Lettuce: The greens have painkilling compounds that can take the sting out of sunburn. Boil the leaves in water, then strain and chill the liquid. Apply the fluid with cotton balls.

Potatoes: These tubers have been used throughout history to ease burns, bites, scrapes, and other skin problems. Blend one or two until they get pasty — you may have to add a splash of water — then chill the paste and apply via cotton balls.

Honey: This remedy for burns goes back to ancient Egyptian times. Honey reduces inflammation, provides nutrients to the damaged tissue and seals in moisture. It also has antiseptic properties. Just spread some of the sweet stuff where it hurts.

Apple cider vinegar: A common home remedy for a variety of problems from poison ivy to acid reflux to allergies, the cider also works on sunburn. You may want to dilute it a little since one of the active ingredients, acetic acid, may sting when applied. Use cotton balls or soak a washcloth in the solution for more coverage.

Coconut oil: You can use this for both protection — it has a sun protection factor (SPF) somewhere between 5 and 10 — and relief if you just stay out too long without any other sunscreen. Apply it directly to sunburned areas and you can feel its soothing effects as its medium-chain fats are absorbed into your skin and work their healing magic.

Oatmeal: Regular rolled oats will do just fine as the oatmeal’s polysaccharides will help to heal your skin. Put about 2 cups into a clean tube sock and add it to a tub of tepid water. Let it soak a few minutes, then climb in. Squeeze out the sock every few minutes, which will turn the water cloudy. When you’re done, air dry or pat yourself off gently with a soft towel.

Yogurt: Yogurt contains probiotics and proteins that will help to heal your skin. Make sure the yogurt is plain with no flavoring and also that it has live, active cultures. Spread it around the burned areas, let it sit for about five minutes, then rinse it off with tepid water.

Witch hazel: The tannins from the plant’s liquid extract reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and repair damaged skin. Use cotton balls or a clean cloth to dab it on sore areas. Reapply as needed.

Aloe vera: The gel from the fleshy leaves of this plant is rich in glyconutrients that soothe and heal all kinds of skin problems, including burns. Slice open a leaf and the gel will ooze out. Apply it directly to sunburned areas.

When suffering from sunburn, also be sure to drink plenty of water, because you’re probably dehydrated too. And try to avoid harsh soaps that will wash away the natural oils of your skin and further dry it out.

Of course, the best sunburn remedy is prevention. That means staying out of the sun during peak hours, typically between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. And dermatologists strongly recommend wearing a hat, covering exposed areas with clothing and using sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher.

Look for sunscreen labeled “full spectrum” to make sure it screens out both UVA and UVB rays. But beware that a lot of sunscreens have toxic chemicals. Your best bet is to check out the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database online to find the safest products.