Back Clinic Supplements. What is more fundamental to our existence than diet and nutrition? Most of us eat at least three times a day. This creates a cumulative effect, as either our diet help fuel our body or it harms it. Bad nutrition, diet, and obesity can lead to osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and chronic pain. Knowing dietary supplements such as vitamins and proper nutritional balance, and effective techniques to shed weight can help those striving to change their new healthy lives.
A dietary supplement is used to provide nutrients to increase their consumption or provide non-nutrient chemicals claimed to have biological/beneficial effects. Dietary supplements come in all shapes and sizes. There are capsules, drinks, energy bars, powders, and traditional tablets. The most popular are calcium, iron, vitamins D and E, herbs like echinacea and garlic, and specialty products like glucosamine, probiotics, and fish oils.
Insulin is an essential hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. It is naturally produced in the pancreas and helps move excess glucose from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy. When the pancreas recognizes high blood sugar levels, it creates more insulin to reduce glucose. However, this can diminish the pancreas of insulin-producing cells which can eventually cause insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity. If the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, it can lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. In the following article, we will discuss natural ways to improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity to prevent and regulate prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, among other health issues.
Foods to Avoid with Insulin Resistance
If you have insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity associated with prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or any other health issue, there are several types of foods that can increase blood sugar levels. Frequently eating foods with high glucose content can diminish the insulin-producing cells that can ultimately affect the human body’s ability to produce enough insulin. When this occurs, high blood sugar levels remain elevated which can ultimately cause prediabetes and type 2 diabetes as well as lead to a variety of other health issues, including damage to organs such as the eyes and kidneys or limbs (neuropathy). Avoid eating the following types of foods if you have insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity:
fried foods
processed snacks and foods
dairy products from cows, such as milk
foods high in saturated fats, such as butter, and salt pork
refined grains, such as white rice, pasta, bread, and flour-based foods
sugary sweets and pastries, such as ice cream, chocolate bars, and cupcakes
starchy vegetables, such as corn, potatoes and yams (without skin), and pumpkin
sweetened drinks or beverages, such as fruit juices, fountain drinks, and sodas
alcohol, such as beer and grain alcohol, in large quantities
Foods to Eat with Insulin Resistance
Many people are commonly deficient in essential nutrients, such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients are necessary for regulating blood sugar levels. People with insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity, or any other health issue, including prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, should eat foods that have plenty of these essential nutrients. According to the American Diabetes Association, people with insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity can eat from any of the basic food groups, however, it’s fundamental for individuals to understand which types of foods can increase blood glucose levels. Eat from the following types of foods if you have insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity:
antioxidant-rich foods, such as berries
citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, and limes
non-starchy vegetables, such as dark leafy greens, peppers, and broccoli
protein-rich foods, such as legumes, nuts, soy, fish, and lean meats
high-fiber foods, including beans, and lentils
omega-3 fatty acid-rich foods, such as sardines, herring, and salmon
certain types of whole grains, such as oats, quinoa, and barley
water, especially as a substitute for sweetened drinks and
unsweetened teas
Exercise to Improve Insulin Resistance
Eating good foods and avoiding bad foods can help improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity, however, there’s another natural way to improve this health issue: exercise. Participating and engaging in regular exercise helps improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity associated with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, among other health issues, by moving sugar from the bloodstream into the muscles to be used for energy. The American Heart Association recommends approximately 150 minutes of exercise every week for adults. Participating or engaging in exercise on a daily basis can improve high blood sugar levels as well as promote overall health and wellness.
For more information regarding how to naturally improve insulin resistance, please review this article:
Insulin is an essential hormone that is naturally produced in the pancreas to help regulate blood sugar levels and move excess sugar from the bloodstream into the cells to be used for energy. When the pancreas senses high blood sugar levels in the blood, it creates more insulin to help reduce glucose. However, this can decrease the amount of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas which can cause insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity. If the pancreas can’t produce enough insulin, it can ultimately lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, among other health issues. There are several natural ways to improve insulin resistance or impaired insulin sensitivity to prevent and regulate prediabetes and type 2 diabetes, including eating good foods, avoiding bad foods, and exercising. Furthermore, adding a variety of good foods to a smoothie can be a fast and easy way to add nutrients to your diet. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insights
Sweet and Spicy Juice
Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes
1 cup honeydew melons
3 cups spinach, rinsed
3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed
1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed
1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled, and chopped
2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled, and chopped
Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately.
Eat Mushrooms
One simple thing we can do to improve the microbiome!
Mushrooms feed bacteria in the gut. They are rich in chitin, hemicellulose, ? and ?-glucans, mannans, xylans, and galactans. They are also amazing prebiotics that promotes the growth of gut microbiota, equalling health benefits.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask�Dr. Alex Jimenez�or contact us at�915-850-0900.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
References:
Raman, Ryan. �14 Natural Ways to Improve Your Insulin Sensitivity.� Healthline, Healthline Media, 17 May 2017, www.healthline.com/nutrition/improve-insulin-sensitivity.
Felman, Adam. �Diet and Insulin Resistance: Foods to Eat and Diet Tips.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 Mar. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316569#foods-to-eat.
Researchers are trying to understand how nutrigenomics can affect a person’s health. Studies have shown that epigenetics increases the risk of several health issues. Other studies have also shown that nutrition can change the risk of disease. For many years, researchers have studied the way that traits in plants and animals are passed down between generations. However, this process is still not well understood. A recent study evaluated how epigenetic marks are passed down between generations of pregnant rats given personalized nutrition. The findings showed both genetic and characteristics changes in the rats’ offspring. This suggests that maternal traits and diet may send different signals to the fetus.
Another study showed methylation changes in mice given more methyl donor intakes over six generations. These findings demonstrated that genetic and characteristic changes passed down between generations may be how environmental factors affect genes in plants and animals to allow adaptation to different environments.�The purpose of the following article is to discuss how nutrigenomics and traits between generations can ultimately affect a person’s overall well-being.
Epigenetics, Nutrition, and Exercise
Researchers have determined that the role of epigenetics in health issues like cancer is caused by methylation changes in several different types of genes and it is commonly associated with aging. However, the increased risk of cancer may be due to factors in the person’s immediate course of life where changes in epigenetics may happen years before the development of health issues like cancer. One study found that methylation of the breast-cancer-related gene is associated with the increased risk of early-onset breast cancer. Other studies have shown that resveratrol prevents methylation changes while folic acid affected gene expression associated with changes in methylation and other functions.
Eicosapentaenoic acid also caused methylation changes in the tumor suppressor gene associated with leukemia cells. This study demonstrated the effect of a polyunsaturated fatty acid on epigenetics. Another study found that methylation increased in women diagnosed with human papillomavirus that didn’t have cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The changes in methylation were associated with higher concentrations of folate and cobalamin in the blood stream. Another study also found that methylation changes in the tumor suppressor gene L3MBTL1 were ultimately associated with overall health. Further studies are necessary to determine how nutrition can affect epigenetics and traits between generations.
Two studies evaluated the effects of exercise on methylation. One of the studies showed methylation changes in people who participated in physical activities for about 30 minutes every day compared with people who engaged in physical activities for less than 10 minutes every day. In the other study, volunteers who participated in exercise demonstrated changes in methylation and gene expression. These findings suggest that methylation is affected by physical activity.
Nutrigenomics and Risk of Health Issues
Numerous studies have evaluated the role of epigenetics in people with diabetes. According to researchers, changes in methylation of several genes have been shown to be associated with insulin resistance in patients with diabetes. A single change in gene expression caused significant methylation changes in people with diabetes compared to healthy controls. However, other studies found changes in traits between generations and obesity. Furthermore, methylation changes did happen in people with normal glucose metabolism which then developed impaired glucose homeostasis. Various genes have been shown to be different in people with diabetes compared to healthy controls, according to the studies.
According to numerous other studies, twins were found to have increased methylation associated with increased insulin resistance. These findings suggest that epigenetic marks associated with diabetes may occur before symptoms and determine the risk of disease. In conclusion, increasing evidence has demonstrated that nutrition can ultimately cause changes to a person’s epigenetics and how these are associated with the increased risk of developing health issues.
For more information regarding how epigenetics affects personalized nutrition, please review this article:
Healthcare professionals and researchers have demonstrated that we can change our epigenetics and gene expression as well as improve the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including inflammation and cancer, which can ultimately cause chronic pain, by controlling the food we eat and focusing on our nutrigenomics. Starting in the kitchen and then taking it directly to the genes, if we follow balanced nutrition, we will see a significant change in our overall health and well-being. At our clinic, we have the ability to assess your specific genetic factors and what dietary guidelines are best for you. One test we use for this is from DNA life, called DNA Diet. A sample of this report is shown below:�
Studies show that nutrition can affect methylation and gene expression. These studies have also found that balanced nutrition can improve how good food affects our overall health and well-being. The following article discussed how our epigenetics can affect traits passed down between generations, including methylation and the risk of disease. Although a good diet is essential it may be difficult for some people to follow. Drinking juices or smoothies can be easy ways to include the balanced nutrition we need to promote our health and well-being. Below, I’ve provided a smoothie recipe so you can address your nutrigenomics from the kitchen to your genes. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insights
Berry Bliss Smoothie
Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild)
1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed
1 tablespoons almonds
Water (to desired consistency)
Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries)Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask�Dr. Alex Jimenez�or contact us at�915-850-0900.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
References:
KA;, Burdge GC;Hoile SP;Lillycrop. �Epigenetics: Are There Implications for Personalised Nutrition?� Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Sept. 2012, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22878237/.
Be sure to talk with your provider before taking or combining dietary and herbal supplements with prescription meds or over the counter medications. Individuals with chronic back/neck pain but want to get away from medication/s, and pain relievers, dietary and herbal supplements could be an option. There are dietary supplements as well as, herbal supplements that although used in nutrition, also have added benefits for pain and inflammation relief.
Individuals have found herbs and supplements to be helpful in reducing and alleviating their pain. It is important to understand that these are not a cure-all that will take the pain away or the depression that accompanies chronic spine-related conditions. These are made to help to manage back pain symptoms.
Nutrition and Dietary
A healthy diet includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains which keeps the body in top form. Antioxidant foods like green leafy vegetables and berries help in fighting inflammation. Dietary and herbal supplements that research has found helpful in reducing inflammation and pain are listed. However, we must point out that several of these supplements can increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore have a discussion with your health care provider before taking any type of supplement.
Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids
Flaxseed and Fish Oils
Omega-3 fatty acids can increase the risk of bleeding and conflict with blood-thinning medications like warfarin coumadin and aspirin.
Glucosamine/Chondroitin
Studies show these supplements can help relieve arthritis pain but have not been studied as a treatment for back pain.
Glucosamine and chondroitin can interfere with blood-thinning medications like warfarin coumadin and aspirin.
It can increase the risk of bleeding, so do not take this without consulting a health care provider
It can interact/interfere with antibiotic meds
Do not take if have a peptic ulcer
Herbal Supplements
Herbal supplements have been used by many cultures for health and dietary benefits for a very long time. These supplements are literally made from herbs/plants valued for their flavor, scent, and medicinal qualities. Examples of herbal supplements for pain include:
Cayenne reduces pain signal intensity
Devil’s claw relieves inflammation
Eucalyptus clears chest congestion
Benefits of Herbs
People prefer dietary and herbal supplements instead of standard/traditional drugs and medications for a variety of reasons.
Some because they provide pain relief without the side effects associated with medications. An example is white willow bark, that has been used for years for its anti-inflammatory benefits. And it doesn’t upset the stomach the way medications the way aspirin does.
Some prefer herbal supplements because they are natural.
Herbs come in pill, capsule, tablets, teas, and liquid extracts.
Turmeric
Reduces inflammation and pain
Turmeric can increase the risk of bleeding, especially for those taking blood-thinning medication
Devil’s claw
Reduces pain
Can increase the risk of bleeding and interact with diabetes meds
Can affect the heart and can cause issues for those with gallstones
Willow bark
Relieves pain
Do not take if taking aspirin or blood-thinning meds
Do not take if are allergic to aspirin or salicylates
Do not give to children under eighteen
Capsaicin cream
Reduces pain and inflammation
It is one of the main components in chili peppers
Things to Remember
Dietary and herbal supplements do not have to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before they are sold.
Herbs can have medication-like effects on the body
Products sold as dietary supplements and promoted as a treatment, prevention, and/or cure for a disease or condition is considered an unapproved and illegal drug
While dietary supplements and herbal supplements are primarily used to help nutritional needs, these supplements can serve medicinal purposes. Explore alternatives from conventional medications with herbal supplements, as this could be an option. Check with your health care provider before taking supplements if you are pregnant, nursing a baby, or have a chronic medical condition like diabetes, hypertension, or heart disease.
Grains, legumes, and beans, such as kidney beans, lima beans, black beans, soybeans, and lentils, have high amounts of lectins. Other foods with high amounts of lectins include wheat and seeds of the grass family, such as barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, and rye, legumes, including peanuts, and soy, nightshade vegetables, such as peppers, eggplant, and potatoes as well as dairy products, especially those originating from grain-fed animals. In the following article, we will discuss the most harmful lectins.
Most Harmful Lectins to Avoid
Most lectins can trigger inflammation and develop what is known as “advanced glycation end-products. C-reactive protein, by way of instance, is one of many lectins found in the human body that is used as an inflammatory marker. Lectins are considered to be immunotoxic because they can stimulate a hyperimmune response. Lectins are also considered to be neurotoxic and cytotoxic because they can damage nerves and cells, ultimately causing apoptosis or cell death, among other well-known health issues.
Moreover, lectins can increase blood viscosity by attaching to red blood cells. This makes red blood cell “sticky” which can result in abnormal blood clotting. Several lectins, such as WGA, can also affect endocrine function and change gene expression. Lectins may even promote leptin resistance, ultimately increasing the risk of excess weight and obesity. These factors can increase the risk of developing other health issues. If you believe you may have any health issues caused by eating lectins, you may want to avoid:
Corn
Corn-fed meats including most meats sold in grocery stores. Avoid eating factory farmed, corn-fed meat by eating certified grass-fed meat labeled by the American Grass-fed Association.
Cashews, peanuts, and unfermented soybean products. Eat fermented varieties, such as miso, natto, tamari, and tempeh.
Milk with casein A1. Casein A2 is the normal protein found in milk from buffalo, goats, sheep and some Jersey cows. Unfortunately, most cows produce casein A1 and most store-bought milk has casein A1, even if it’s organic. Casein A1 proteins develop beta-casomorphin that can attach to beta cells in the pancreas and result in an autoimmune response. Drink raw milk from organic, grass-fed, casein A2-producing cows. Jersey cows may produce either casein A1 or A2, so make sure to check with the farmer to confirm the type of milk being produced. Avoid milk from Holsteins because they produce casein A1.
How to Make High-Lectin Foods Safe to Eat
After eliminating foods with high amounts of lectins from your diet, you can further decrease lectins in your diet by:�
Peeling and deseeding fruits and vegetables. The skin, or hull, and seeds of many fruits and vegetables have high amounts of lectins. By way of instance, you’ll want to remove the seeds from tomatoes and peppers before eating them.
Choosing white grains over brown grains. Healthcare professionals suggest that white rice is preferable over brown rice because �those who eat rice as their staple grain have always stripped the hull off brown rice before they eat it. That’s because the hull contains all the harmful lectins.� Avoid lectins by choosing organic grains and using yeast or sourdough which effectively breaks down gluten and other harmful lectins.
Sprouting grains, beans, and seeds. Sprouting deactivates lectins although there are several exceptions. Do not sprout legumes. By way of instance, lectins are actually enhanced when sprouting alfalfa.
Eating fermented foods. Fermentation effectively decreases harmful lectins. A wide variety of vegetables can be fermented, ultimately boosting their health benefits.
Using a pressure cooker. The best way to neutralize lectins when cooking is to use a pressure cooker. Healthcare professionals recommend that, �If you’re cooking with beans, tomatoes, potatoes and quinoa, the pressure cooker is your best bet however, it won’t even touch the lectins in wheat, oats, rye, barley or spelt.� Avoid slow cookers since the low cooking temperatures are insufficient to remove lectins.
Tips to Decrease Lectins in Beans and Potatoes
If you choose to eat beans, it’s important to prepare and cook them properly because eating raw or undercooked beans can be harmful towards your overall health. Phytohemagglutinin is a toxin commonly found in many varieties of beans and they are especially high in raw, red kidney beans. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) eating as few as four or five raw beans may cause phytohemagglutinin toxicity. To decrease lectins in high-lectin foods, consider doing the following including:
Soaking beans in water for at least 12 hours before cooking, making sure to change the water frequently. Adding baking soda to the soaking water will further neutralize lectins in beans.
Discarding the soaking water and rinsing the beans.
Cooking for at least 15 minutes on high heat or using a pressure cooker.
Lectins in potatoes, which are a member of the nightshade family, can also be reduced by cooking, although only by 50 to 60 percent. On a positive note, however, most potatoes have digestive-resistant starch which consists of complex starch molecules that resist digestion in your small intestine. These starches slowly ferment in the large intestine where they act as prebiotics that feed healthy gut bacteria. Because of this, healthcare professionals believe that we should only limit and not eliminate lectins from our diet.
Why You Should Only Limit & Not Eliminate Lectins
Healthcare professionals believe that lectin damage is associated with glyphosate contamination. Scientists make a strong case against lectins due to their potential to be harmful to your overall health. Given the number of foods with high amounts of lectins, however, it would be almost impossible to completely eliminate them from your diet. The list of lectins found in vegetables alone is lengthy and several lectins can actually provide a variety of health benefits if these are consumed in moderation.
Many vegetables with high amounts of lectins also have polyphenols which are micronutrients with antioxidants that play a fundamental role in preventing and reducing the progression of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. Polyphenols are also considered to be prebiotics because they increase the ratio of beneficial bacteria in your gut, which is another important factor for disease prevention and weight management, among providing various other well-known health benefits.
Lectins are proteins in plant- and animal-sources that can be harmful to a person’s overall health because they can attach to cell membranes. Grains, legumes, and beans, such as kidney beans, lima beans, black beans, soybeans, and lentils, have high amounts of lectins. Other foods with high amounts of lectins include wheat and seeds of the grass family, such as barley, buckwheat, corn, millet, oats, and rye, legumes, including peanuts, and soy, nightshade vegetables, such as peppers, eggplant, and potatoes as well as dairy products, especially those originating from grain-fed animals.According to healthcare professionals, eating too many foods with high amounts of lectins can cause nerve damage, lead to cell death, and even promote inflammation while others can change blood viscosity, interrupt endocrine function, and even affect gene expression. However, healthcare professionals argue that eating some foods with lectins can be beneficial as long as these are cooked and consumed properly.�– Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.�
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
References:
1. Bulletproof.com, Revenge of the Beans
2, 9, 17, 18, 22. Precision Nutrition, All About Lectins: Here’s What You Need to Know
3. Healthline April 1, 2015
4. Authority Diet, Dietary Lectins: What Are They and Should You Be Concerned?
5, 8. My Domaine June 25, 2017
6. Krispin.com October 18, 2017
7. Gundry MD May 23, 2017
10. Carbohydrate Research February 1980; 78: 349-363
11. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 2000; 20(4): 293-334
12. Krispin.com October 18, 2017
13. Superfoodly October 8, 2017
14, 15, 16, 19. Gundry MD May 23, 2017
20, 21. U.S. Food and Drug Administration August 20, 2015
23. Youngmeagher.com, InstaPot Review 2017
24. Today’s Dietitian September 2012; 14(9): 22
Podcast: Metabolic Syndrome Explained
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that can ultimately increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other problems. Central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL are the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Having at least three of the five risk factors may suggest the presence of metabolic syndrome. Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja explain the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, in further detail, as they recommend diet and lifestyle modification advice and guidelines to help people with metabolic syndrome improve their overall health and wellness. From eating fiber and staying hydrated to exercise and better sleep, Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja discuss how diet and lifestyle modifications can help improve the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome to ultimately prevent the risk of developing a variety of other health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. – Podcast Insight
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.
Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with a variety of food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs.
Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Modern Integrated Medicine
The National University of Health Sciences is an institution that offers a variety of rewarding professions to attendees. Students can practice their passion for helping other people achieve overall health and wellness through the institution’s mission. The National University of Health Sciences prepares students to become leaders in the forefront of modern integrated medicine, including chiropractic care. Students have an opportunity to gain unparalleled experience at the National University of Health Sciences to help restore the natural integrity of the patient and define the future of modern integrated medicine.
Lectins found in plant-sources are a defense mechanism that can trigger a negative response in humans because they can attach to cell membranes, ultimately affecting your health and wellness. Research studies have found that some lectins can cause nerve damage, lead to cell death, and even promote inflammation while others can change blood viscosity, interrupt endocrine function, and even affect gene expression. In the following article, we will discuss if lectins are good or bad for your health and wellness.
Lectins and Health Overview
Although it is almost impossible to avoid eating lectins because they can be found in many foods, following a lectin-restricted diet may be beneficial if you are struggling with inflammation, an autoimmune disease, or any other chronic health issue.
Grains, legumes, beans, and members of the nightshade family, such as peppers, eggplants, and potatoes, are well-known foods with harmful lectins. However, properly soaking and cooking as well as sprouting and fermenting foods with high amounts of lectins can help make them safe to eat, according to research studies. Utilizing a pressure cooker is also ultimately beneficial for beans.
Lectins may be an underlying source of weight gain and other health issues, even if you follow a proper diet. Scientists have associated lectins with inflammation and autoimmune disease. Moreover, many lectins are harmful to your cells and nerves. Several types of lectins may also change your blood viscosity, disrupt your endocrine function, and even affect your gene expression.
As previously mentioned above, if you are struggling with inflammation, an autoimmune disease, or any other chronic health issue, you will need to be careful with the amount of lectins you consume and you may ultimately benefit from following a lectin-restricted diet. However, it is almost impossible to avoid eating lectins. Scientists do not recommend following a lectin-free diet because you may miss out on antioxidants and other essential nutrients found in foods with lectins, including many types of vegetables.
Instead, research studies recommend to make sure you only eat lectins occasionally and pay attention to how they affect your health and wellness. If you are constantly experiencing gas, bloating, and even joint pain after eating grains, legumes, beans, and members of the nightshade family, such as peppers, eggplants, and potatoes, to name a few, your body may be reacting to lectins.
Properly preparing foods with high amounts of lectins and using a pressure cooker can help make these foods safe to eat. If you’ve been following a whole-food diet and you’ve experienced weight gain and other health issues, you may want to limit lectins.
What are Lectins?
Lectins are a type of protein found in a variety of plant- and animal-sources that can attach to cell membranes. Scientists consider them to be a low-level toxin. Lectins are a defense mechanism that trigger a negative reaction in predators that are commonly found in grains, raw legumes, and beans as well as in the part of the seed that becomes the leaves when a plant sprouts, known as the cotyledon, and on the seed coat. Lectins are also commonly found in several different types of vegetables and dairy products.
There are a wide variety of lectins. Scientists believe that plants developed these natural pesticides and repellents to protect themselves and their seeds from predators. They may have also developed lectins as a way for seeds to remain intact as they passed through predators’ digestive systems. Lectins are resistant to human digestion and they enter the blood unchanged.
According to research studies, it’s this “stickiness” of lectins that makes them attach to cell membranes. Furthermore, the same stickiness may be the main reason why eating too many lectins can cause digestive health issues and many other problems.
How Lectins Can Affect Your Health
Because lectins are resistant to human digestion, they are considered to be anti-nutrients and they can ultimately affect your gut microbiome and even impact the balance of your bacterial flora. According to research studies, one of the most “harmful” lectins is believed to be wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) which is commonly found in wheat and other seeds in the grass family.
Research studies have also found that several lectins from plant-sources are associated with a leaky gut because they can attach to intestinal mucosal cells, ultimately affecting the absorption of nutrients accross your intestinal wall. WGA has also been found to cause heart disease in animal models. Because of their negative inflammatory and autoimmune effects, lectins are especially toxic for people with an autoimmune disorder. People with autoimmune disorders may want to reduce their intake of foods with lectins.
Another way that lectins can affect your overall health and wellness is through molecular mimicry. By way of instance, lectins can trick the body into attacking the thyroid gland and can even lead to rheumatoid arthritis by mimicking proteins in your thyroid or joints. This can also cause lipopolysaccharides, known as endotoxins, to penetrate your gut wall and cause an immune response.
Should You Avoid Eating Foods with Lectins?
If you are struggling with inflammation or if you have an autoimmune disease or any other chronic health issue, you may need to be careful with foods that have high amounts of lectins, such as grains, legumes, beans, and nightshade vegetables. Lectins can cause diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, autoimmune disease, and even dementia. A lectin-restricted diet may ultimately help with:
Are All Foods with Lectins Bad for Your Health?
In small amounts, however, lectins can provide valuable health benefits. Lectins play a fundamental role in body fat regulation, cell growth and cell death, as well as immune function. It appears that the majority of problems occur due to overconsumption or continued consumption, even in small amounts, of certain lectins that your body simply cannot tolerate.
From a healthcare professional’s perspective, it would be a mistake to assume that all lectins are bad for your health and wellness. As a matter of fact, avocados, contain the lectin agglutinin (persea Americana agglutinin), and these are considered to be a super food. Research studies have found that the agglutinin found in avocados actually interacts with proteins and polyamino acids.
Although tomatoes are also part of the nightshade family and they are often listed among the most harmful foods with lectins, cooking them can have some positive benefits. The antioxidant lycopene found in tomatoes develops an enhanced bioavailability due to heating which can make tomatoes healthy in other ways. Lectins found in beans, however, can ultimately have much more potentially toxic or allergenic effects. Besides their high amounts of lectins, beans are also high sources of net carbs.
The choice to eat or avoid lectins focuses on the particular food in question and the effects these lectins may have on the consumer. Although controversial, lectins in foods are by no means a sole determinant of the overall value of a particular food in your diet.
Lectins are a type of protein found in plant- and animal-sources that can be harmful to an individual’s overall health and wellness because they can attach to cell membranes. According to research studies, eating too many foods with high amounts of lectins can cause nerve damage, lead to cell death, and even promote inflammation while others can change blood viscosity, interrupt endocrine function, and even affect gene expression. However, healthcare professionals argue that eating some foods with lectins can be beneficial as long as these are cooked and consumed properly.� – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.�
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T.
References:
1. Bulletproof.com, Revenge of the Beans
2, 9, 17, 18, 22. Precision Nutrition, All About Lectins: Here’s What You Need to Know
3. Healthline April 1, 2015
4. Authority Diet, Dietary Lectins: What Are They and Should You Be Concerned?
5, 8. My Domaine June 25, 2017
6. Krispin.com October 18, 2017
7. Gundry MD May 23, 2017
10. Carbohydrate Research February 1980; 78: 349-363
11. Critical Reviews in Biotechnology 2000; 20(4): 293-334
12. Krispin.com October 18, 2017
13. Superfoodly October 8, 2017
14, 15, 16, 19. Gundry MD May 23, 2017
20, 21. U.S. Food and Drug Administration August 20, 2015
23. Youngmeagher.com, InstaPot Review 2017
24. Today’s Dietitian September 2012; 14(9): 22
Podcast: Metabolic Syndrome Explained
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors that can ultimately increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other problems. Central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL are the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Having at least three of the five risk factors may suggest the presence of metabolic syndrome. Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja explain the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, in further detail, as they recommend diet and lifestyle modification advice and guidelines to help people with metabolic syndrome improve their overall health and wellness. From eating fiber and staying hydrated to exercise and better sleep, Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja discuss how diet and lifestyle modifications can help improve the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome to ultimately prevent the risk of developing a variety of other health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. – Podcast Insight
Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.
Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with a variety of food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs.
Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
Modern Integrated Medicine
The National University of Health Sciences is an institution that offers a variety of rewarding professions to attendees. Students can practice their passion for helping other people achieve overall health and wellness through the institution’s mission. The National University of Health Sciences prepares students to become leaders in the forefront of modern integrated medicine, including chiropractic care. Students have an opportunity to gain unparalleled experience at the National University of Health Sciences to help restore the natural integrity of the patient and define the future of modern integrated medicine.
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then it might be something that may be attacking your immune system. Why not try to add some beta-glucan into your diet and overall health.
Throughout the last several years, beta-glucans have been gaining much attention due to the emergence of medicinal mushrooms in Western cultures. Across the country, studies have found that beta-glucans have been ubiquitous in the health food stores due to their immunomodulatory properties and cancer-protective effects. Since edible fungi have been known as the main source for beta-glucans, surprisingly though beta-glucan can be presented in a variety of foods like oats, barley, seaweeds, and yeast. Beta-glucan can also be found in dietary supplements for the body to consume.
Beta-glucans
Beta-glucan is technically a non-starch polysaccharide, a prebiotic fiber that is formed by ?-1,3 and 1,6 glycosidic bonds. With beta-glucan, it can possess numerous health benefits depending on the molecular structure of each type of bond. Studies have shown that beta-glucans that are found in cereal grains can help lower cholesterol levels and can effectively bind serum cholesterol. Beta-glucans can even play a beneficial role in obesity, metabolic disorders, and other chronic non-communicable diseases. Since beta-glucans are a prebiotic fiber, research shows that they can play a significant role in promoting a healthy microbiome in the body. It means that beta-glucan can stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria species, mitigating pathogenic ones, and even modulating inflammation to optimize the gut environment in the body.
Beta-glucans for Immune Support
In a 2019 study, it stated that �the relationship between immunity and nutrition is considered to be completely interconnected.� More studies have shown that beta-glucan can act on several immune receptors that can stimulate immune cell activity. This includes T-cells, macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, and dendritic cells. One of the studies showed how beta-glucans could pose modulatory effects on both the innate and adaptable branches of the immune system. One of the protein receptors is known as dectin-1; this protein receptor is on the surface of macrophages and dendritic cells.
What dectin-1 can do is that they can initiate and regulate the innate immune response by insoluble binding ?-1,3, and 1,6 glucans, plus it has become essential for controlling infections in the body. While water-soluble ?-glucan can bind to the CR3 receptors, thus triggering the adaptive immune response to the body. With ?-glucans, they can enhance phagocytosis while also triggering the release of various interleukins and cytokines, thus possessing cytotoxic anti-cancer properties. Studies have shown that TNF-?, IFN-?, and NF-??, can help to support the regulation of the T-helper cell 1 and Th-2 balance for immunological homeostasis for the body. Surprisingly in other articles, they talked about how yeast-derived ?-1,3/1,6 glucan can be delivered as an oral supplement for the winter months. The article study showed how it demonstrates its protective effects against upper respiratory tract infections in the body. The study even showed how it could reduce the upper respiratory tract infection symptoms that are already in older adults that have been infected. Another study showed that ?-glucan have cytoprotective abilities from viral infections and provide immunomodulatory properties to the body and the immune system.
With the population of many individuals, it turns out that the elderly population can benefit from the ?-glucan compound. With this compound, everyone can have a healthy immune system, especially during the cold and flu season. Having a healthy immune system is important because that way, the body can protect itself from harmful pathogens through functional medicine, healthy nutritious food, and supplements. By using these options, the body can heal itself and can dampen the effects of cold and flu symptoms.
More Research on Beta-glucan
Research studies have shown that ?-1,3 glucan from the fungal cell wall is one of the key ingredients for vaccines. The research shows as well that ?-glucan can produce robust humoral and cellular immune responses for the body when it is exposed to antigens. What is interesting is that ?-glucan is known to exert antioxidant activities in the body. With their reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging abilities, they can exert the antioxidants into the circulatory system and the mucosal immune system. There is a study that shows that ?-glucan in barley can possess a higher total of antioxidants significantly at a better capacity than oats and yeast. The study showed that ?-glucan could be subdivided into two groups depending on whether specific receptors are involved or not. It also stated that ?-glucan could be validated as a functional food ingredient.
Conclusion
All in all, ?-glucan is an amazing non-starch polysaccharide prebiotic fiber that has amazing properties that can help the body. ?-glucan can be found in mushrooms and a variety of other foods like seaweed and oats. This compound can help boost up the body’s immune system and can dampen any harmful pathogens effects that the body has come in contact with. This compound�s beneficial properties are amazing for anyone that consumes it and even added it to their daily diet. Some products combined with ?-glucan can support the immune system with hypoallergenic nutrients and targets amino acids.
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:
Bacha, Umar, et al. �Nutraceutical, Anti-Inflammatory, and Immune Modulatory Effects of ?-Glucan Isolated from Yeast.� BioMed Research International, Hindawi, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5587958/.
Chan, Godfrey Chi-Fung, et al. �The Effects of Beta-Glucan on Human Immune and Cancer Cells.� Journal of Hematology & Oncology, BioMed Central, 10 June 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2704234/.
Fuller, Richard, et al. �Yeast-Derived ?-1,3/1,6 Glucan, Upper Respiratory Tract Infection and Innate Immunity in Older Adults.� Nutrition, Elsevier, 23 Mar. 2017, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900717300539.
Jurgelewicz, Michael. �New Study Demonstrates Novel Yeast-Derived Beta-Glucan Provides Immunomodulatory Effects in Older Adults.� Designs for Health, 21 Oct. 2018, blog.designsforhealth.com/si-42214/new-study-demonstrates-zinc-supplementation-improves-clinical-outcomes-from-traumatic-brain-injury.
Levitz, Stuart M, et al. �Exploiting Fungal Cell Wall Components in Vaccines.� Seminars in Immunopathology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4329074/.
Nakashima, Ayaka, et al. �?-Glucan in Foods and Its Physiological Functions.� Euglena, Co., Ltd., 14 Aug. 2017.
Nakashima, Ayaka, et al. �?-Glucan in Foods and Its Physiological Functions.� Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29491277.
Team, DFH. �Modulators of Immune Health: Beta-Glucans.� Designs for Health, 26 Mar. 2020, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1219.
Team, DFH. �Mushrooms for Nutritional Medicine.� Designs for Health, 14 Feb. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/952.
Vetvicka, Vaclav, et al. �Beta Glucan: Supplement or Drug? From Laboratory to Clinical Trials.� Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 30 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6479769/.
The University offers a wide variety of medical professions for functional and integrative medicine. Their goal is to inform individuals who want to make a difference in the functional medical fields with knowledgeable information that they can provide.
Smart supplementation along with proper nutrition is one of the biggest factors and plays a large role in an individual’s health. You are what you eat is true. Feeding the body with vital vitamins and minerals promotes growth and healing. Filling up on processed, fatty foods does the opposite. The bones in the spine and throughout the body need nutrients to continue to rebuild and maintain strength throughout life.
A balanced diet rich in:
�Calcium
Vitamin D
Magnesium
This is the best way to nourish the body’s bones and ward off spinal problems, like spinal fractures, and osteoporosis. Inadequate diets or medical issues can create nutritional gaps. This is where vitamins or mineral supplements come in. Supplements are not a cure-all, but they can create a safetyhealth net when taken properly.
Supplement Smart
These supplements for bone health, fill in nutritional gaps. They are not necessary if the key nutrients the body needs from a proper diet are already there. However, individuals use supplements as a replacement for certain foods, this is not how they should be used. Actual food supplies multiple nutrients, along with minerals, and vitamins that are beneficial for health and are not found in supplements.
Taking a Supplement to Strengthen the Spine
The body’s dietary needs change throughout life, so adding supplements as you age or during pregnancy can help maintain health. Calcium and vitamin D requirements vary based on age and sex.When it comes to protecting spine bone health, certain individuals may need supplements to ensure their bodies are processing calcium and vitamin D properly.
This includes:
Individuals who had intestinal bypass procedure
Those with food absorption conditions, like Celiac or Crohn�s disease
People who eat few or no dairy products, like vegans or those that are lactose intolerant
Is a calcium supplement right for you?
The only way to definitively know is by having a conversation with your doctor. Then you can supplement smart.
Supplement Safety
Because nutritional supplements can be purchased over the counter, individuals assume�incorrectly�that they are completely safe. Dietary supplements can interfere with absorption, other supplements, medications, and can be toxic if taken in high doses.
For example:
Calcium and iron supplements can prevent each other from being fully absorbed when taken together. This is true of many minerals, including magnesium, because they get into�absorption�competition with each other and so are best taken separately.
Supplements taken together can cause too much of either one to be absorbed. This is the case with high-dose vitamin D supplements, which can cause too much calcium absorption.
Too much calcium can increase raise the risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Taking more than 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium per day is pointless because the body cannot process that much calcium at once.
Are your supplements helping or hurting you? The best way to know is to talk to your doctor whenever you change medication or a supplement program, even when just adding a new vitamin to the mix. An underused resource for supplement advice is a pharmacist. They will know whether the mix of supplements and medicines being taken pose any risk of negative interaction. And a pharmacist can help recommend a trustworthy product.
Supplement Success
Here are a few tips to get the most benefits if you and your doctor think a calcium supplement can help support spinal bone health.
Buy supplements with the USP symbol. This indicates that the supplement has been independently evaluated and certified.
Take your supplement as directed, ideally with a meal.
Take doses no higher than 500-600 mg, no more than 2-3 times a day, for a maximum of 1,000-1,200 mg.
Drink plenty of water as some supplements can cause constipation.
Do not take calcium supplements with a high-fiber meal or laxative. This can interfere with calcium absorption.
Supplements Support Spine Health
Remember that supplements are exactly that supplements. Eating foods rich in calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium is the best way to build/maintain strong healthy spinal bones and prevent debilitating health problems. If you are concerned about your diet, talk with your doctor or a health coach about a smart supplementation regimen to meet your nutritional needs.
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