Health
Back Clinic Health Team. The level of functional and metabolic efficiency of a living organism. In humans, it is the ability of individuals or communities to adapt and self-manage when facing physical, mental, psychological, and social changes in an environment. Dr.Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T, a clinical pain doctor who uses cutting-edge therapies and rehabilitation procedures focused on total health, strength training, and complete conditioning. We take a global functional fitness treatment approach to regain complete functional health.
Dr. Jimenez presents articles both from his own experience and from a variety of sources that pertain to a healthy lifestyle or general health issues. I have spent over 30+ years researching and testing methods with thousands of patients and understand what truly works. We strive to create fitness and better the body through researched methods and total health programs.
These programs and methods are natural and use the body’s own ability to achieve improvement goals, rather than introducing harmful chemicals, controversial hormone replacement, surgery, or addictive drugs. As a result, individuals live a fulfilled life with more energy, a positive attitude, better sleep, less pain, proper body weight, and education on maintaining this way of life.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness
Do you feel:
- That eating relieves fatigue?
- Hormone imbalances?
- Aches, pains, and swelling throughout the body?
- Bodily swelling for no reason?
- Inflammation on your body?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, you might be experiencing inflammation, and it might affect your endocrine system.
Inflammation and the Endocrine System
Inflammation is a defense mechanism in the body. The immune system can recognize the damaged cells, irritants, and pathogens that cause harm to the body and began the healing process. When the inflammation turns into chronic inflammation, it can cause several diseases and conditions in the body and can cause harm to an individual.
Inflammation can cause dysfunction when it is in the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a series of glands that produce and secretes hormones that the body needs and uses for a wide range of functions. When the endocrine glands produce hormones, they are sent into the bloodstream to the various tissues in the body. Once they are in the various tissues, the hormone signals the tissues to tell them what they are supposed to do. When the glands do not produce the right amount of hormones, various diseases like inflammation can affect the body.
Inflammation Symptoms and Causes
Two questions are asked concerning the interaction of the endocrine system with inflammation: How does inflammation influences the endocrine system, and does it influences disease? How do hormones influence inflammation and immune cells? A theory had integrated both questions and has recently been demonstrated in the context of chronic inflammation considering a rheumatic disease.
So how does inflammation influence the endocrine system? Inflammation symptoms can vary depending on if it is acute or chronic. The effects of acute inflammation are summed up by the acronym PRISH. They include:
- Pain: The inflamed area is most likely to be painful, especially during and after touching. The chemicals that stimulate the nerve endings are released, making the area more sensitive.
- Redness: This occurs due to the capillaries in the area that is filled with more blood than usual.
- Immobility: There may be some loss of function in the region of the inflammation where the injury has occurred.
- Swelling: A buildup of fluid causes this.
- Heat: Heat is caused by having more blood flow to the affected area and making it warm to the touch.
These acute inflammation signs only apply to an inflammation on the skin. If the inflammation occurs deep inside the body, like the endocrine system and the internal organs, some of the signs may be noticeable. Some internal organs may not have sensory nerve endings nearby; for example, they will not have pain.
With the effects of chronic inflammation, it is long term and can last for several months or even years. The results from chronic inflammation can be from:
- An autoimmune disorder that attacks normal healthy tissue and mistaking it for a pathogen that causes diseases like fibromyalgia.
- An industrial chemical that is exposed to a low level of a particular irritant over a long period.
- Failure to eliminate whatever was causing acute inflammation.
Some of the symptoms of chronic inflammation can be present in different ways. These can include:
- Fatigue
- Mouth sores
- Chest pains
- Abdominal pain
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
When inflammation affects the endocrine system, it can cause the body’s system to be unbalanced, and it can lead to chronic long term illnesses.
With the second question, it is asking how do hormones influence inflammation and the immune system? When the hormone levels are either too high or too low, it can have several effects on a person’s health. The signs and symptoms can depend on hormones that are out of balance.
Inflammation and Hormones
Research has shown that some of the conditions that are affecting the endocrine system can lead to autoimmune disorders. High levels of hormones can lead to hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome, and Graves disease. While low levels of hormones can lead to hypothyroidism and Addison disease. When the levels of the hormones are either too high or too low, the body fluctuates from either weight gain or weight loss and disrupting the glucose levels. This can cause a person to get diabetes and obesity.
Obesity is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes. During the development of obesity, subclinical inflammatory activity in the tissues are activated and involves the metabolism and energy homeostasis. In the body, intracellular serine/threonine kinases are activated in response to those inflammatory factors. They can catalyze the inhibitory phosphorylation of the key proteins of the insulin-signaling pathway, leading to insulin resistance in the body.
Studies have shown that inflammation is a general tissue response to a wide variety of stimuli. When inflammation is not adequately regulated, inflammatory responses may be exaggerated or ineffective, which can lead to immune dysfunction, recurring infections, and tissue damage, both locally and systemically. With various hormones, cytokines, vitamins, metabolites, and neurotransmitters being key meditators of the immune and inflammatory responses to the endocrine system.
Another study shows that aging, chronic psychological stress, and mental illnesses are also accompanied by chronic smoldering inflammation. Chronic smoldering inflammation in humans is already established with elevations of serum levels, leading to an increase in resting metabolic rate.
Conclusion
So inflammation is a double edge sword where it can heal the body but also cause the body harm if it is deep into the internal organs and body systems. With the endocrine system, the levels of the hormones can fluctuate from going too high or too low and affecting the tissues in the body, causing inflammation. �When an individual is suffering from chronic inflammation, it can change their lifestyle drastically. Some products are here to help counter the metabolic effects of temporary stress and make sure that the endocrine system is supported as well.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
References:
Coope, Andressa, et al. �MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Metabolic and Inflammatory Pathways on the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes.� European Journal of Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26646937.
Felman, Adam. �Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 24 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php.
Salazar, Luis A., et al. �The Role of Endocrine System in the Inflammatory Process.� Mediators of Inflammation, Hindawi, 29 Sept. 2016, www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2016/6081752/.
Seladi-Schulman, Jill. �Endocrine System Overview.� Healthline, 22 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/the-endocrine-system.
Straub, Rainer H. �Interaction of the Endocrine System with Inflammation: a Function of Energy and Volume Regulation.� Arthritis Research & Therapy, BioMed Central, 13 Feb. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3978663/.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Chiropractic, Functional Medicine, Health, Health Coaching, Wellness
Health Coaching is a recent position that is being utilized by doctor offices around the country. Many doctors have realized that their patients are needing more one on one guidance but they are unable to provide this due to their hectic schedule. This is where they have created and utilized health coaches.
Health coaching is extremely beneficial for patients and can help them achieve their health goals. For more information about health coaches and a general overview of the essential role they play in the healthcare field, please see last week’s article linked here.
Health coaches use many different techniques depending on the patient they are working with, but the core values of their methods remain the same. These core values can be broken down into 6 different steps, with each individual step having smaller more detailed steps of their own. These steps can be identified as:
Identifying values and vision
Determining goals
Building a plan for action
Tracking progress
Visualizing one’s best self
Creating a plan for resiliency
Step 1: Identify Values
With this step being the first, it is one of the most crucial. When a patient comes to a physician or a health coach, it is usually because they have been recently diagnosed or are unhappy with their current health status. However, this does not mean that the patient is fully ready to accept their condition or understands it fully.
The patient will be asked to write down inventory in the categories of physical, emotional, spiritual, social, recreational, intellectual, and environmental. The purpose of this is so the patient is able to search and reflect on where they’re currently at and where they would like to be.
From here, there are different techniques and models that a coach may use. One being the transtheoretical model, in which the patient will use stages to move through a behavior change.
At this point, the conversation is less about treatment and more about obtaining an awareness of their health risks, experience with a current illness or any symptoms they�re experiencing. The patient is welcome and encouraged to express their emotions openly. The health coach will move through these next 6 steps to help outline the patient’s treatment and see what stage they are at.
1. Precontemplation: the patient does not intend to take action in the foreseeable future
2. Contemplation: intending to start introducing healthy behaviors within the next 6 months
3. Preparation: patients are ready to take action in the next 30 days
4. Action: the patient has recently changed their behavior and intends to keep moving forward
5. Maintenance: the patient has sustained their behavior change for 6 months and intends to maintain the behavior change for more than six months
6. Termination: the patient has grown and is now self-aware of their behaviors and has no desire to return to their previously unhealthy behaviors
As we all know, values are formed starting in early childhood. These values are then later consciously re-evaluated and may change. It is important for the patient to work with the health coach so they properly understand their personal values. This allows the patient to get clarity and build self-awareness to make intelligent decisions and keep a balance in life.
Actually sitting down identifying values might be difficult, as many individuals do not think about them often. If this is the case, the health coach might help by asking questions like:
What is more important in your life: Beyond basic human needs, what must you have in your life to experience fulfillment?
Take this time and consider a meaningful moment: What was happening to you and what values were you honoring?
Consider a time when you were angry or upset: What were you feeling and, if you flip those feelings around, what value is being suppressed?
These questions aid in triggering times that the patient might not have been connecting to values. After the patient has identifies values, the health coach will work with the patient to select between 5-10 of their core values and then rank them in order of importance. From here, the patient is able to evaluate their values and proceed to determining goals.
Step 2: Determine Goals
Once a patient has identified their values, the health coach will shift their focus and have them brainstorm what they would like to focus on in their healing plan. This step is important because it will determine what they specifically want to change or improve. Some patients may feel unsure or are apprehensive, but allowing the patient time to journal or write out everything they want to accomplish, big or small, as well as the known steps or tasks, will help the patient get there.
When determining goals, the health coach will encourage the patient to create goals for multiple areas in their life. Some of these areas may include, health, family, relationships, and recreation. The health coach will encourage the patient’s goals by having them consider the following questions:
What do I want to achieve?
How will I achieve this goal?
Why do I want to reach this goal?
Who will I need to work with to achieve this goal?
What are the conditions and limitations to achieving this goal?
Based on the core areas and goals, the health coach will work with the patient to determine SMART goals. A SMART goal is a goal-setting technique that brings structure and trackability to goals. SMART goals stand for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely. These create a verifiable trajectory towards a specific objective with clear milestones. By determining SMART goals, it clarifies how and when the goal will be achieved, rather than just stating a desire.
A health coach will help patients turn “I want to lose weight” into ” I want to lose 20 pounds to have more energy to play with my grandchildren. I will do so by exercising four times a week and eating less processed foods, and more fruits and vegetables. I will lose an average of two pounds every week for 10 weeks.”
By doing this, the health coach is working on a goal that immediately interests the patient and puts it into a way that is more attainable. The health coach can help the patient stay encouraged and motivated as they work together to achieve small successes, eventually leading to the patient being more willing to take on bigger challenges.
Using health coaching can be more beneficial than one might originally think. As one can see, they really go deep into one’s life and can help them in ways they might not have planned on originally. In the next article, the steps of building a plan for action and tracking progress and results will be discussed in great detail.
Changing your lifestyle can be difficult and does not happen overnight. Those who work with a coach to reach their goals are more successful and less likely to give up when things get difficult. Coaches are amazing for accountability, advice, health help, goal setting, and organizing expectations in a realistic timeline. Look at it this way: People use a wedding coordinator to help them oragnize food, timelines, expectations, etc. and that is for an event that lasts 1 day. So why are you not using a health coach to help you organize all of these same things for something that will last a lifetime? In addition you’re getting to help decide your future and gain a deeper undestanding of what lies ahead. Investing in yourself is one of the best things you can do for yourself. – Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
The information from this article was found in an article written by Integrative Practioner. The sources can be found listed below.
Resources:
American Psychological Association (2019). The Road to Resilience. Retrieved from: www.apa.org/helpcenter/road-resilience
Jonas, W. (2019). Empowering patients with chronic diseases to live healthier through health coaching: Integrative primary care case study. Samueli Integrative Health Programs.Retrieved from: www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/give-yourself-a-health-self-assessment
Miller, W. and Rose, G. (1991). Motivational Interviewing: Preparing People to Change Addictive Behavior. Guilford Publications.
Pecoraro, Wendy. �A Six-Step Approach To Health And Wellness Coaching: A Toolkit for Practice Implementation.� Integrative Practitioner.Com, 2019.
Trzeciak, S. and Mazzarelli, A. (2019). Compassionomics. Studer Group. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Stages of Change.�Retrieved from: www.cpe.vt.edu/gttc/presentations/8eStagesofChange.pdf
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Health, Nutrition, Supplements, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Complicated, infrequent bowel movements?
- Frequent urination?
- Poor bowel function?
- Have more than three bowel movements daily?
- Feeling that bowels do not empty completely?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might want to consider these six supplements for your kidneys.
It is estimated that 31 million Americans have suffered from chronic kidney disease. It might be due to the misery of the production of kidney stones. It is more common that 9 out of 10 individuals that have moderately decreased kidney function will not even know that they have it. Chronic kidney disease does not get much recognition, but it does kill more people than either breast or prostate cancer.
One reason that chronic kidney disease is not on the radar for most people is that there are no symptoms until the disease is in the advanced stage. When it does appear in the body, they include a range of symptoms that can stay in the body for a long time. Since many of the symptoms do not set off the alarms in the body, it is easy to ignore them until the person is diagnosed with kidney failure. Fortunately, with a little awareness and some natural kidney support, individuals can prevent the symptoms from escalating on the body.
Good Kidney Health
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are located behind the lower rib cage on either side of the spine in the body. Vital to the overall health, the kidneys filter waste and toxins out of the blood and moving them to the bladder so they can be excreted out of the body as urine. The kidneys also regulate the body�s fluid balance, the minerals balance in the bloodstream, and activating vitamin D, so that way the body can use it. The kidneys also release hormone production directly to the bloodstream and regulating blood pressure.
It is essential to take the necessary steps to maintain kidney health, especially if an individual has an increased risk of chronic kidney disease. Factors can affect the body and can cause individuals to have a higher risk of chronic kidney disease. Some of these factors include:
- Being diabetic
- Someone in the family that has a history of kidney disease, diabetes or high blood pressure
- Someone having some form of cardiovascular disease
- Obesity
- Diagnosed with chronic urinary tract infections
While some of these risks are beyond a person’s control, it is crucial to adopt a few healthy lifestyle habits and adding kidney supporting supplements to prevent the spread of chronic kidney diseases and other ailments that have damaged the kidneys in the body.
The Best Ways for Kidney Health
When optimizing kidney health, changing lifestyle habits is highly essential. While quitting smoking, moderate alcohol consumption, and increasing physical activity is beneficial for the body and can boost kidney health overall. Improving the diet is one of the most accessible lifestyle modifications anyone can make.
For decades, doctors have recommended patients with CKD, a renal diet that limits dietary potassium, and phosphorus intake. The only problem with this type of diet is that it reduced some of the essential foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts. However, recent studies pointed out that well-rounded diets like the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet are the way to go for those who are with or want to prevent CDK. With these healthier diets, they focus on whole-minimally-processed foods and low, moderate amounts of protein and as a result, they support kidney health and help reduce the risk of related health issues like high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.
It is also a smart move to stay hydrated with fluids, especially water, since it helps clear the sodium and toxins from the kidneys.
The 6 Supplements For Healthy Kidneys
When a person is at risk for kidney disease or wants to optimize these amazing filters, these six supplements are excellent for playing a supportive role in helping the kidneys.
Alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant that is made inside the mitochondria, where it helps key enzymes turn into nutrients and energy for the body. This antioxidant plays another crucial role by protecting the cells from oxidative damage, including those in the kidneys. A study showed that alpha-lipoic acid produces a significant uptick in two other antioxidants, SOD (superoxide dismutase) and CAT (catalase) in kidney tissue. This can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidneys as well as preventing kidney stones from forming.
Andrographis
Andrographis is a kidney supporting herb that people do not think about when they are indulging in their favorite alcoholic beverage; however, it should be. In the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that the two compounds that are in Andrographis, which is andrographolide and arabinogalactan proteins; help protect the kidneys from alcohol toxicity. For anyone that is enjoying a glass wine with dinner, having a beer or two with friends, or drinking the occasional cocktail, taking a dose of Andrographis before consuming alcohol can provide the protection the kidneys need.
Moringa
Moringa is a superfood that comes from the leaves of the moringa tree that is essential parts of Asia, Central and South America, Africa, and Australia. These medicinal plants have possessed the ability to protect SOD and CAT levels in the kidneys. Studies have been shown using a model of acetaminophen toxicity and found that the moringa supplementation has reversed both the oxidative damage and inflammation in the kidneys.
NAC
Also known as n-acetylcysteine, NAC is the precursor to glutathione, the body�s master antioxidant. NAC is an antioxidant in its rights by protecting the kidney cells from heavy metals and other damaging toxins. Research has shown that NAC can also limit the damage from AGEs (advanced glycation end production.) AGEs are formed when glucose reacts with the proteins in the blood vessel walls, including the blood vessels within the kidneys. The resulting damage caused by AGE includes oxidative damage that can be a contributing factor to chronic kidney disease, but proactively including NAC as part of the person’s supplement routine that can help protect the harmful effects of AGEs.
Probiotics
Beneficial bacteria found in probiotics can do more than just enhancing the body’s gut health. Probiotics can also help protect against the complication of CKD by decreasing inflammation and the production of uremic toxin. This dual-action helps the kidney function. Probiotics can protect the body from the leaky gut syndrome, which is a common condition people with CKD, allowing harmful bacteria to “leak” from the intestinal tract into the blood. Supplementing with probiotics can improve the bacterial balance in the gut, lessening the permeability of the intestinal barrier, and reducing the complications of CKD.
Resveratrol
Resveratrol is found in grapes, berries, and peanuts. Only making the headlines a few years ago, due to its heart-healthy properties and new evidence has been found that resveratrol can protect the kidneys from a variety of toxins, including heavy metals, drugs, and alcohol that can cause renal injury. This antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound can help fortify the kidneys against injury and improves renal function once the injury has occurred.
Conclusion
With these six supplements, they can provide anyone the help they need to prevent chronic kidney disease. Even though the symptoms of chronic kidney disease do not show at a later date, individuals must add these supplements to their diet and lifestyle to prevent chronic kidney disease.�Some products can help with inflammation in the body system by containing collagen-based proteins and targeting amino acids that can offer support to the gastrointestinal system.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
References:
Al, H S. �Protective Effect of Resveratrol against Aluminum Chloride Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats.� Saudi Medical Journal., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=27052279.
Albertoni, G, and N Schor. �Resveratrol Plays Important Role in Protective Mechanisms in Renal Disease–Mini-Review.� Jornal Brasileiro De Nefrologia: ‘Orgao Oficial De Sociedades Brasileira e Latino-Americana De Nefrologia., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=25923757.
Chauveau, Philippe, et al. �Mediterranean Diet as the Diet of Choice for Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.� Nephrology, Dialysis, Transplantation: Official Publication of the European Dialysis and Transplant Association – European Renal Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 May 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29106612.
Cigarran, S, et al. �Gut Microbiota in Chronic Kidney Disease.� Nefrologia: Publicacion Oficial De La Sociedad Espanola Nefrologia., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=27553986.
Gallieni, Maurizio, and Adamasco Cupisti. �DASH and Mediterranean Diets as Nutritional Interventions for CKD Patients.� American Journal of Kidney Diseases: the Official Journal of the National Kidney Foundation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27884277.
Karthivashan, G, et al. �The Modulatory Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Extract on Endogenous Antioxidant Systems and Inflammatory Markers in an Acetaminophen-Induced Nephrotoxic Mice Model.� PeerJ., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 July 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=27441110.
Ko, Gang Jee, et al. �Dietary Protein Intake and Chronic Kidney Disease.� Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27801685.
Petronilho, F, et al. �Alpha-Lipoic Acid Attenuates Oxidative Damage in Organs After Sepsis.� Inflammation., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=26431839.
Singha, P K, et al. �Protective Activity of Andrographolide and Arabinogalactan Proteins from Andrographis Paniculata Nees. against Ethanol-Induced Toxicity in Mice.� Journal of Ethnopharmacology., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Apr. 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=17127022.
Unknown, Unknown. �6 Supplements That Improve Your Kidney Health.� Fullscript, 1 Oct. 2019, fullscript.com/blog/kidney-health.
Unknown, Unknown. �Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease.� National Kidney Foundation, 19 July 2019, www.kidney.org/atoz/content/about-chronic-kidney-disease.
Unknown, Unknown. �Kidney Disease Statistics for the United States.� National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Dec. 2016, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/kidney-disease.
Xia, Q, et al. �N-Acetylcysteine Ameliorates Contrast?Induced Kidney Injury in Rats with Unilateral Hydronephrosis.� Molecular Medicine Reports., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=29207099.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Inflammation on your joints or all over the body?
- Stomach pain, burning, or aching 1-4 hours after eating?
- Unpredictable abdominal pain?
- Gas immediately following after a meal?
- Excessive belching, burping, or bloating?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then try these top ten superfoods to prevent inflammation in your body.
Superfoods lack any formal criteria, and people wonder what makes a food a superfood. Medical experts agreed that foods with the title “superfood” have health benefits that go far beyond what is listed on their nutrition labels. There is a wide range of health-promoting superfoods that can be incorporated into a person’s diet in several different ways. Eating superfood alone will not make anyone healthier overnight, but adding them to an already balanced diet can give anyone a mega-dose of added health benefits to their body.
Getting to Know Superfoods
According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a superfood is defined as “a food that rich in compounds and considered beneficial to a person’s health. It can be any foods that have antioxidants, fatty acids, or fibers in their nutrient compounds. While the Oxford Dictionary defines a superfood as �a nutrient-rich food that is considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.�
Here are the top ten superfoods that have been scientifically proven to help optimize the body’s ability to function correctly. These superfoods are not only super healthy, but they are affordable and readily available in the grocery stores, online, and at farmer’s markets.
A�ai Berries
A�ai berries are high in antioxidants. They also contain B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, healthy fats, and phosphorus. The a�ai berry is one of the most well-known superfoods that is beneficial for the body’s microbiome. Studies have shown that a�ai berries have anti-inflammatory properties, help improve the cognitive function, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and protect against heart diseases. The berries themselves have also been suggested to help slow down age-related memory loss in individuals.
Studies have shown that the health benefits of the a�ai berries are that the berries contain a range of polyphenols that protects cellular oxidative damage in vitro and can provide ant-inflammatory signaling in the body by reducing the production of free radicals by inflammatory cells. Chronic inflammation in the body can lead to diseases like fibromyalgia. So consuming this berry can help lower the risk of inflammation in the body.
Plant-based protein
Plant proteins are abundant, branched-chain containing essential amino acids, and are exceptionally high in lysine. Research has been shown that lysine can help balance blood glucose in the body. Lysine even can increase muscle strength and combat anxiety in the body.
Plant-based proteins that contain carotenoids and flavonoids can modulate inflammatory responses in the body as well as the immunological process as well. Plant foods have anti-inflammatory potential that everyone needs in their diet to reduce inflammatory responses that is in the body.
Salmon
Salmon is a superfood that has one of the highest sources for omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower the risk of developing coronary heart diseases, lowers metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Studies have been shown that fish oil has also been known to help combat late-onset Alzheimer�s disease.
Consuming salmon or any foods that contain omega-3s may help alleviate oxidative stress that the body may have picked up. Omega-3s even play a role in lowering the risk of inflammation on individuals who have to develop fibromyalgia. Since it associates with pro-inflammatory cytokines, eating omega-3 fatty foods can help lower the inflammation and alleviate it as well.
Avocados
Avocados are a nutrient-rich superfood, high fiber fruits that play a significant role in combating chronic diseases in the body. Eating avocados regularly have been known to lower the risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Since avocados are a nutrient-dense source of MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids), the fruit can be used to replace SFA (saturated fatty acids) in a diet to lower LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) in the body.
Kale
Kale has an excellent source of nutrients like zinc, folate, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, fiber, and iron. Research has shown that dark leafy greens can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Olive oil
Olive oil is a superfood that has been shown to provide a range of various health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil is associated with reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality on individuals that have a high cardiovascular risk.
Olive oil has a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which helps reduce inflammation in the body.
Sweet potato
Sweet potato is the superfood root vegetable that is full of nutrients that are beneficial to the body. They are an excellent source of carotenoids, fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.
Consuming sweet potato is beneficial for the body due to reducing the risk of inflammation and DNA damage. Since it contains high levels of antioxidants, it may also prevent cell damage as well in the body.
Fermented Foods
Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir sauerkraut, and many others are heavily sought after superfoods by consumers. This is because fermented foods have a range of fantastic health benefits like antioxidants, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, andante-diabetic properties.
Green tea
Green tea is a lightly caffeinated beverage that has a broad spectrum of health benefits for the body. It is rich with antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds that can protect the body against chronic diseases and be a useful tool for bodyweight management.
Seaweed
Seaweed is packed with several nutrients like folate, vitamin K iodine, and fiber that is beneficial for the body. It plays an essential role by helping lowering blood pressure and to treat several chronic illnesses. Studies have shown that due to their potential beneficial activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects that are beneficial to prevent flare-ups in the white adipose tissue and systemic IR.
Conclusion
Superfoods are an essential additive boost to any healthy diet. These ten superfoods contain anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to the body to prevent the risk of inflammation in the body. Eating these foods combine with these products will provide relief from oxidative stress and inflammation that the body may encounter, as well as providing support to the endocrine system.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
References:
Basu, Arpita, et al. �Dietary Factors That Promote or Retard Inflammation.� Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16484595.
Dellwo, Adrienne. �The Potential Benefits of Omega-3 for Fibromyalgia & CFS.� Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 7 July 2019, www.verywellhealth.com/omega-3-for-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-715987.
Felman, Adam. �Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 5 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147083.php.
Jensen, Gitte S, et al. �Pain Reduction and Improvement in Range of Motion after Daily Consumption of an A�ai (Euterpe Oleracea Mart.) Pulp-Fortified Polyphenolic-Rich Fruit and Berry Juice Blend.� Journal of Medicinal Food, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3133683/.
Oh, Ji-Hyun, et al. �Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Diabetic Effects of Brown Seaweeds in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.� Nutrition Research and Practice, The Korean Nutrition Society and the Korean Society of Community Nutrition, Feb. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4742310/.
Smriga, Miro, et al. �Lysine Fortification Reduces Anxiety and Lessens Stress in Family Members in Economically Weak Communities in Northwest Syria.� Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, National Academy of Sciences, 1 June 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15159538.
Tanaka, Takuji, et al. �Cancer Chemoprevention by Carotenoids.� Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 14 Mar. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22418926.
Unknown, Unknown. �What Are Superfoods? Top 10 Superfoods.� Fullscript, 4 Mar. 2019, fullscript.com/blog/superfoods.
Unni, Uma S, et al. �The Effect of a Controlled 8-Week Metabolic Ward Based Lysine Supplementation on Muscle Function, Insulin Sensitivity and Leucine Kinetics in Young Men.� Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22524975.
Wang, Li, et al. �Effect of a Moderate Fat Diet with and without Avocados on Lipoprotein Particle Number, Size and Subclasses in Overweight and Obese Adults: a Randomized, Controlled Trial.� Journal of the American Heart Association, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 7 Jan. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25567051.
Wang, Ping-Yu, et al. �Higher Intake of Fruits, Vegetables or Their Fiber Reduces the Risk of Type�2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis.� Journal of Diabetes Investigation, John Wiley and Sons Inc., Jan. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26816602.
Watzl, Bernhard. �Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Plant-Based Foods and of Their Constituents.� International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift Fur Vitamin- Und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International De Vitaminologie Et De Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19685439.
?anlier, Nevin, et al. �Health Benefits of Fermented Foods.� Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28945458.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Fasting, Functional Medicine, Health, Weight Loss, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Hungry in an hour or two after eating?
- Unexplained weight gain?
- Hormonal imbalances?
- An overall sense of bloating?
- A sense of fullness during and after meals?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then try considering intermittent fasting.
Since becoming popular in recent years, intermittent fasting is a dietary approach that lots of individuals have been using in their healthy lifestyle. During the time of the hunter-gatherer society, people have used this method for centuries as a way of survival. Studies have been shown that people used it for medicinal purposes throughout history as a medicinal remedy. Ancient Rome, Greek and Chinese civilizations used intermittent fasting in their daily lives. Fasting has even been used for spiritual reasons in certain religions, like Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity as individuals use it as a way to reflect on themselves and be closer to their deities.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is where a person does not consume food or beverages at least for twelve hours during the day. When a person starts fasting, they will notice that their metabolism and their hormones will change in their bodies. There is upcoming research that intermittent fasting can promote amazing health benefits to the body. The health benefits that intermittent fasting provides are weight loss, protective effects in the brain, decreased inflammation and improving blood glucose and insulin levels in the body.
The Different Methods
There are other methods of fasting that involves fasting from food for several days or weeks. With these different methods, they involve a shorter period that is between 16 to 24 hours. Several types of intermittent fasting are determined by the feeding window duration (when to eat the food) and the fasting window (when to avoid the food). Here are some of the other methods of fasting, which includes:
- Time-restricted feeding (TRF): This type of fasting has a feeding window period from 4 to 12 hours. For the remainder of the day, water is the only thing that is allowed to be consumed. The common variation to eat this type of fasting is 16/8. This means that a person has to fast at least 16 hours every day.
- Early time-restricted feeding (eTRF): This is a different variety of time-restricted fasting that is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. After the 6 hours are up, the rest of the day is made up of this fasting period.
- Alternate day fasting (ADF): This type of fasting involves a person eating one day and the next day they completely fast. They alternate between eating and fasting each day to get the benefits.
- Period fasting (cycling fasting): This type of fasting involves one or two days fasting per week and for the fifth or sixth days of eating as much as a person desire. The variety of period fasting can be a 5:2 or a 6:1.
- Modified fasting: This type of fasting has some methods of intermittent fasting that are similar to alternate-day fasting, but this fasting can be modified for anyone. A person can consume very-low-calorie substances during the fasting window period.
How Does It Work?
Intermittent fasting is the result of changes in the body as the hormone patterns and energy metabolism are being affected. Once a person finishes consuming food, the contents are being broken down and transforming into nutrients, so it can be absorbed into the digestive tract. What happens is that the carbohydrates are broken down and turn into glucose and absorb into the bloodstream, distributing it into the body’s tissue as the essential source of energy. The insulin hormone then helps regulate the blood glucose levels by signaling cells to take the sugars from the blood and turning into fuel for the body to function properly.
With intermittent fasting, a person is done with a meal and their glucose levels are depleted from the body. For the energy to meet its requirements the body has to break down the glycogen that is found in the liver and skeletal muscles causing gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis is when the liver produces glucose sugars from non-carbohydrate sources in the body. Then once the insulin levels are low after 18 hours of fasting, a process called lipolysis begins. What lipolysis does is that the body begins to break down the fat components into free fatty acids. When there is a low quantity of glucose for the body to consume for energy, the body itself with start using fatty acids and ketones for energy. Ketosis is a metabolic state where liver cells start to help fatty acids breakdown and converting them into ketone acetoacetate and beta-hydro butyrate.
The muscle cells and neuron cells use these ketones to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is the main carrier for energy. Research has stated that the usage and availability of fatty acids combined with ketones as an energy replacement for glucose are beneficial for vital body tissues. This includes the heart, the liver, the pancreas, and the brain.
The four metabolic states are induced by fasting are referred to as the fast-fed cycle, and they are:
- The fed state
- The post-absorptive state
- The fasting state
- The starvation state
The physiological effect of intermittent fasting can also be achieved by following a ketogenic diet, which is very high fat and low carbohydrate diet. This diet’s purpose is to shift the body’s metabolic state into ketosis.
The Benefits of Fasting
There are tons of research that have demonstrated how intermittent fasting has a wide variety of health benefits, including:
- Weight loss
- Type 2 diabetes prevention and management
- Improved cardiometabolic risk factors
- Cellular cleansing
- Decreased inflammation
- Neuroprotection
Studies have been shown that several proposed mechanisms are responsible for these health effects of intermittent fasting and have proven to be beneficial to a person’s lifestyle.
Conclusion
Intermittent fasting has been practiced for centuries and has gain popularity in recent years. It involves abstaining from consuming foods for at least 12 consecutive hours by turning the fat cells into energy for the body to function. The health benefits that intermittent fasting provides is beneficial for an individual who is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some products help provide support to the gastrointestinal system as well as making sure that sugar metabolism is at a healthy level for the body to function.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
References:
Dhillon, Kiranjit K. �Biochemistry, Ketogenesis.� StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 Apr. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493179/#article-36345.
Hue, Louis, and Heinrich Taegtmeyer. �The Randle Cycle Revisited: a New Head for an Old Hat.� American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism, American Physiological Society, Sept. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2739696/.
Stockman, Mary-Catherine, et al. �Intermittent Fasting: Is the Wait Worth the Weight?� Current Obesity Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5959807/.
Zubrzycki, A, et al. �The Role of Low-Calorie Diets and Intermittent Fasting in the Treatment of Obesity and Type-2 Diabetes.� Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology: an Official Journal of the Polish Physiological Society, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30683819.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Anti Aging, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Like you have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis, or Leaky Gut Syndrome?
- Excessive belching, burping, or bloating?
- Abnormal distention after certain probiotics or natural supplements?
- Suspicion of nutritional malabsorption?
- Do digestive problems subside with relaxation?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing gut problems and might have to try the 4R Program.
Food sensitivities, rheumatoid arthritis, and anxiety have been associated with impaired gastrointestinal permeability. These various conditions can happen from many factors that can impact the digestive tract. If left untreated it can potentially be the result of dysfunction of the intestinal permeability barrier, causing inflammation, and severe health conditions that the gut can develop. The 4R program is used to restore a healthy gut in the body and involves four steps. They are: remove, replace, reinoculated, and repair.
Intestinal Permeability
The intestinal permeability helps protects the body and makes sure that harmful bacteria do not enter the gut. It protects the body from potential environmental factors that can be harmful and are entering through the digestive tract. It can be either toxin, pathogenic microorganisms, and other antigens that can harm the digestive tract causing problems. The intestinal lining is consisting of a layer of epithelial cells that are separated by tight junctions. In a healthy gut, the tight junction regulates the intestinal permeability by selectively allowing substances to enter and travel across the intestinal barrier and preventing harmful factors from being absorbed.
Certain environmental factors can damage the tight junction, and the result is that it can increase the intestinal permeability, which causes intestinal hyperpermeability or leaky gut in the body. Contributing factors can increase intestinal permeability like an excessive amount of saturated fats and alcohol, deficiencies in nutrients, chronic stress, and infectious diseases.
With an increased intestinal permeability in the gut, it can enable antigens to cross the gut mucosa and enter the bloodstream causing an immune response and inflammation to the body. There are certain gastrointestinal conditions that are associated with intestinal hyperpermeability and if left untreated it can trigger certain autoimmune conditions that can cause harm to the body.
4Rs Program
The 4Rs is a program that healthcare professionals advise their patients to use when they are addressing disruptive digestive issues and help support gut healing.
Removing the Problem
The first step in the 4Rs program is to remove harmful pathogens and inflammation triggers that are associated with increased intestinal permeability. Triggers like stress and chronic alcohol consumption can do much harm to an individual’s body. So targeting these harmful factors from the body is to treat it with medication, antibiotics, supplements, and the removal of inflammatory foods from the diet is advised, including:
- – Alcohol
- – Gluten
- – Food additives
- – Starches
- – Certain fatty acids
- – Certain foods that a person is sensitive to
Replacing the Nutrients
The second step of the 4Rs program is to replace the nutrients that are causing the gut problems through inflammation. Certain nutrients can help reducing inflammation in the gut while making sure that the digestive tract is being supported. There are some anti-inflammatory foods that are nutritious. These include:
- – High-fiber foods
- – Omega-3s
- – Olive oil
- – Mushrooms
- – Anti-inflammatory herbs
There are certain supplements can be used to support digestive function by assisting and absorbing the nutrients to promote a healthy gut. What the digestive enzymes do is that they assist in helping to break down fats, proteins, and carbohydrates in the gut. This will help benefit individuals that have an impaired digestive tract, food intolerances, or having celiac disease. Supplements like bile acid supplements can help assist in nutrient absorption by merging lipids together. Studies have stated that bile acids have been used to treat the liver, gallbladder, and bile duct while preventing gallstone formation after bariatric surgery.
Reinoculated The Gut
The third step is of the 4rs program to reinoculated the gut microbe with beneficial bacteria to promote a healthy gut function. Studies have been shown that probiotic supplements have been used to improve the gut by restoring beneficial bacteria. With these supplements, they provide the gut an enhancement by secreting anti-inflammatory substances into the body, help support the immune system, altering the body’s microbial composition, and reducing the intestinal permeability in the gut system.
Since probiotics are found in fermented foods and are considered as a transient since they are not persistent in the gastrointestinal tract and are beneficial. Surprisingly, they still have an impact on human health due to influencing the gut by producing vitamins and anti-microbial compounds, thus providing diversity and gut function.
Repairing the Gut
The last step of the 4Rs program is to repair the gut. This step involves repairing the intestinal lining of the gut with specific nutrients and herbs. These herbs and supplements can help decrease intestinal permeability and inflammation in the body. Some of these herbs and supplements include:
- – Aloe vera
- – Chios mastic gum
- – DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
- – Marshmallow root
- – L-glutamine
- – Omega-3s
- � Polyphenols
- – Vitamin D
- – Zinc
Conclusion
Since many factors can adversely affect the digestive system in a harmful way and can be the contributor to several health conditions. The main goal of the 4Rs program is to minimize these factors that are harming the gut and reducing inflammation and increased intestinal permeability. When the patient is being introduced to the beneficial factors that the 4Rs provide, it can lead to a healthy, healed gut. Some products are here to help support the gastrointestinal system by supporting the intestines, improving the sugar metabolism, and targeting the amino acids that are intended to support the intestines.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
References:
De Santis, Stefania, et al. �Nutritional Keys for Intestinal Barrier Modulation.� Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media S.A., 7 Dec. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4670985/.
Ianiro, Gianluca, et al. �Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases.� Current Drug Metabolism, Bentham Science Publishers, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923703/.
Mu, Qinghui, et al. �Leaky Gut As a Danger Signal for Autoimmune Diseases.� Frontiers, Frontiers, 5 May 2017, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2017.00598/full.
Rezac, Shannon, et al. �Fermented Foods as a Dietary Source of Live Organisms.� Frontiers in Microbiology, Frontiers Media S.A., 24 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6117398/.
Sander, Guy R., et al. �Rapid Disruption of Intestinal Barrier Function by Gliadin Involves Altered Expression of Apical Junctional Proteins.� FEBS Press, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 8 Aug. 2005, febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1016/j.febslet.2005.07.066.
Sartor, R Balfour. �Therapeutic Manipulation of the Enteric Microflora in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Antibiotics, Probiotics, and Prebiotics.� Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15168372.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness
Do you have:
- Itchy watery eyes?
- Unexplained itchy skin?
- Aches, pains, and swelling throughout the body?
- Unpredictable food reaction?
- Redden skin, especially in the palms?
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, then you might be experiencing an allergy attack in your body.
The Rise of Allergies
The rise of allergies has not gone unnoticed amongst the young and the old. The allergy disease has affected over 30% of individuals in many communities, particularly young children, have underscored the need for effective prevention strategies in their early lives. Some individuals will blame the increase in toxin exposure while others blame the food, but mostly everyone will admit that the answers to how the allergy disease comes from are still unclear. Whether it be food, environmental factors, or skin allergies, the common denominator that causes the allergies to develop is in the immune system, especially in its inflammatory department.
The body�s immune system is linked to the entire body microbiome, and it also resides in the gastrointestinal tract. It has been said that the health and function of the immune system are directly associated with the diversity as well as the health of the microbiome. So it is reasonable to consider the microbiome when healthcare professionals are seeking to solve the allergy enigma.
Types of Allergic Reactions
With most allergy reactions, they are manifested in either the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, or the skin. It is not a surprise that these organ systems are also where the body’s microbiome is the most heavily concentrated. A variety of bacterial species make their homes in these organ systems since these three organ systems represent the primary portals of entry for these pathogens.
It is logically that the microbiome of the body is so heavily concentrated as it functions as the first line of defense against invading pathogens and antigens. When there is a weak microbiome, or it lacks biodiversity, it will become a weak defense system, and the immune system is required to “pick up the slack” by identifying and protecting the body against these foreign invaders, which includes the common allergens that a person can get.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are where the skin becomes red, bumpy, and itchy rashes to become irritating, painful, and embarrassing for some people. Rashes can be caused by many factors, including exposure to certain plants, an allergic reaction to specific medication or food, or by illnesses like measles or chickenpox. Eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis are the three types of skin rashes. Eczema and hives are the two most common types of skin rashes and are related to allergies.
- Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, can affect between 10 to 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent of adults. People with eczema will experience dry, red, irritated, and itchy skin. When it is infected, the skin may have small fluid-filled bumps that can ooze clear or yellowish liquid. Anyone with eczema can often have a family history of allergies.
- Hives: Also known as urticaria, this skin rash is raised, red bumps or welts that appear on the body. Hives can cause two conditions, and they are acute urticaria and chronic urticaria. Acute urticaria is most commonly caused by exposure to an allergen or by an infection, while the causes of chronic urticaria are still mostly unknown.
- Contact dermatitis: This skin rash is a reaction that appears when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or an allergen. Soaps, laundry products, shampoos, Excessive exposure to water, or the sun are some of the factors that can cause contact dermatitis. The symptoms can include rashes, blisters, itching, and burning.
Food Allergies
Anyone with a food allergy has an immune system that reacts to specific proteins found in food. Their immune system starts attacking these compounds as if they were harmful pathogens like a bacterium or a virus. Food allergies can affect 250 million to 550 million people in developed and developing countries.
The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect individuals differently. The most common signs and symptoms of an individual’s experience include:
- The skin may become itchy or blotchy
- Lips and face might swell
- Tingling in the mouth
- Burning sensation on the lips and mouth
- Wheezing
- Runny nose
Studies have found out that many people who think they have a food allergy may have a food intolerance. These two are entirely different because food intolerances do not involve the IgE antibodies, and the symptoms may be immediate, delayed, or similar to food allergies. Food intolerances occur due to proteins, chemicals, and other factors that can compromise the intestinal permeability. While food allergies mean that even a small amount of food is going to trigger the immune system, causing an allergic reaction.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are one of the most common allergic reactions that people get. About 8 percent of Americans experience it, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and it is commonly known as hay fever. Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to outdoor allergens like pollen, weeds, cut grasses, and wind-pollinated plants.� Seasonal allergies are less common in the winter; however, it is possible to experience allergic rhinitis year-round, depending on where the individual lives and on the allergy triggers they may have.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies can range from mild to severe, including:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Water and itchy eyes
- Itchy throat
- Ear congestion
- Postnasal drainage
Conclusion
Allergies are a disease that attacks the immune system and can be triggered by many factors, whether it be from food, environmental factors, or the toxins that a person is exposed to. There are ways to lower the allergy symptoms through medicine or foods that have prebiotics and probiotic nutrients that can reduce the reactions. Some products can help support the immune system and can offer nutrients to the gastrointestinal tract and metabolic support.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Brosseau, Carole, et al. �Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Preventive Effects in Allergy.� Nutrients, MDPI, 8 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31398959.
Kerr, Michael. �Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.� Healthline, 7 May, 2018, www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies.
Molinari, Giuliano, et al. �Respiratory Allergies: a General Overview of Remedies, Delivery Systems, and the Need to Progress.� ISRN Allergy, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 12 Mar. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972928/.
Newman, Tim. �Food Allergies: Symptoms, Treatments, and Causes.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 17 July 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14384.php.
Team, DFH. �Attack Allergies with Prebiotics.� Designs for health, 24 Oct. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1133.
Unknown, Unknown. �Skin Allergies: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.� ACAAI Public Website, 2019, acaai.org/allergies/types/skin-allergies.
