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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.


Podcast: BIA and Basal Metabolic Rate Explained

Podcast: BIA and Basal Metabolic Rate Explained

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja discuss basal metabolic rate, BMI, and BIA. Body mass and body fat can be measured in a variety of ways, however, several measurement tools may ultimately be inaccurate for many athletes. According to Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja, calculating an individual’s body mass and body fat utilizing various tools is essential to determine overall health and wellness. BMI uses a person’s height divided by twice their weight. The results may be inaccurate for athletes because their body mass and body fat is different, in terms of weight, compared to the average person. Dr. Alex Jimenez and Dr. Mario Ruja demonstrate that BIA, or bioelectrical impedance analysis, and various other tools, such as the DEXA test, the Tanita scale, and the InBody, among others, can help more accurately determine an athlete’s body mass and body fat. Basal metabolic rate, BMI, and BIA is essential for parents that have young athletes as well as for the general population. Healthcare professionals that have these tools available can ultimately help provide individuals with the results they may need to maintain overall health and wellness.

Podcast Insight

 

[00:00:08] All right. It’s Mario and Alex time. The two favorite chiropractors from El Paso, TX. Ok. We’re going to be… Functional medicine, Alex. That’s what we’re gonna do. It’s about functional medicine in 2020, baby.

 

[00:00:21] This 2020, we’re gonna be focusing on BMI and we’re gonna be focusing on everything. Mario, my awesome co-host here we’re tearing it up. We’re gonna give some points of view. We’re gonna be discussing certain things. Today our focus is going to be on anthropometric measurements and measuring the body composition rationale and its interpretation.

 

[00:00:46] Now I’m afraid of that. All right.

 

[00:00:49] I’m afraid of measurements, Alex, I’m telling you right now, I don’t want measurements around my body.

 

[00:00:55] Okay. Thank you. All right Mario. Yeah.

 

[00:01:00] Mario, we’ve got to get a little bit of knowledge here. Okay. Well, what we’re not going to do is we’re not going to try to make this boring. No. If you really want to see boring. I think we have plenty of examples of what boring looks like. Yeah. Have you seen those boring guys, Mario? You know, it’s like the measurement of what’s going on. Yeah. Here you go.

 

[00:01:20] Video plays in the background.

 

[00:01:31] You know what? I can go to sleep with that one, Alex. Now, that’s what I’m talking about Mario. I can go to sleep and just shut it off.

 

[00:01:40] But, you know, learning has to be fun. It has to be interactive and it has to be functional.

 

[00:01:47] So that’s what we’re… Absolutely I totally agree. So what we’re gonna do is we’re gonna try to bring the facts as it can be and we’re gonna try to bring it with a little bit of slapstick fun.

 

[00:01:56] So it’s gonna be fun. Mario, tell me a little bit about your interpretation of BMI as how people understand basal metabolic rate.

 

[00:02:05] Well, this is what I understand and what I hear about basal metabolic rate.

 

[00:02:13] Bottom line is, can you put your belt around your pants and can you tuck your shirt in? How about that?

 

[00:02:25] You know, that’s pretty scientific. Right. That is scientific. Yes, that is scientific. Yes. We could talk pear, we could talk apple, sizes, apple-shaped bodies types.

 

[00:02:33] But we’re going to get specific here because people want to know, Ok, what’s going on. Let’s start. One of the things that we can do is we can start discussing calculating energy requirements, because one of the things that we want to see, as you can see, I put up here a little bit of facts so that it can help us out a little bit in terms of figuring out what’s the best approach in terms of what we do. Now, you can tell here that sedentary, no exercise, what we want to do is talk about basal metabolic rate. Ok. So this is a measurement that has occurred by height as well as weight index. So it comes out to that number and we can start looking at calorie, caloric intake burn. But when we do a BMR and we calculate this number, we typically want to get about a 1.2. And that’s what would be normal in most situations if you’re sedentary, light activity, we start noticing that there’s an increased activity expenditure and BMR should be one point 1.375. If you are moderately active, you should start doing that. So in its interpretation…

 

[00:03:33] Mario, when you see these kind of things and these kind of figures, what does it bring to mind for you in terms of these numbers? As we keep on going back to this, we’ll be able to see exactly what’s going on. What’s your incentive sense of the rates and the metabolic processes?

 

[00:03:52] Well, again, very simple, when you look at it as the more active you are, the higher your metabolic rate is. That’s it. So at the end of the day, we want to put it in very simplistic terms to the public. We want to be more active about that. So science is supporting that, you know, park the car as far away as possible from the Wal-Mart entrance and your work. So by doing that every day, you are creating a higher function. Ok, metabolic, that’s the burn. That’s your whole system burning fuel within yourself. So it’s simple. And the studies are showing that the more active you are, the higher your metabolic rate is. It can go up to a 1.9 from a 1.2. Correct.

 

[00:04:50] Exactly. So what we’re looking at here is that the requirements are going to be pretty high. If you are one of those people that are very active. So ultimately, our goal is to get you as active or what you’re your lifestyle could require. So, you know, if you’re a mechanic, you say moderately active. If you’re someone who works in, let’s say, an office, your BMR is going to be calculable. Using these numbers for the body mass index, the whole idea is to try to figure out the body mass index using the BMR. So the BMR allows us to kind of give an estimate, the best estimate as to where you’re BMR should be at and then we can use the same number, this BMR to assess your body mass index. So our goal is to continue with kind of learning about this thing. And as we kind of go through that, we look at body measurement types. Now, in the past, what we’ve looked at in terms of this, we assess the body in a bunch of different ways. Historically, we’ve been able to do a weight, underwater weight assessment. Remember, Mario, we used to have like a tank and put someone in water, have them float, actually measure the oxygen consumption. Those were the old methods, the true standard way of doing our fat analysis.

 

[00:05:57] Pretty expensive. Sometimes, though, we use the DEXA test. The DEXA test is a similar test that is used for bone density. We can actually do that. We also have, historically the body pod test. Now, I know that you have noticed different types of tests and we’re going to put up here.

 

[00:06:13] What are the other tests that you’ve seen? Alex, on that one. When you’re talking about the underwater weighing and DEXA and even the body pod, those are again, more research-based, more scientific.

 

[00:06:30] Exactly. In that. So when you’re looking at that, I look at it from my perspective.

 

[00:06:38] You know what’s functional? What’s can everyone do? Exactly. Skinfold is easy. Yeah. You know, skinfold and the BIA and the Tanita scale. Yeah. I mean that one, electrical impulses going through and you’re looking at resistance and impedance. Those are simple. You can’t just buy them from Wal-Mart or anywhere and step on it. Make sure you don’t eat and make sure you don’t drink before you do your test. So do it early morning. Let’s say six, seven o’clock. Right. On an empty stomach so you can get some good readings with the scan. And also, you know, skin fold is easy.

 

[00:07:21] And again, with the BMI, you’re looking at weight divided by twice your height, your height squared. Exactly.

 

[00:07:31] So that’s kind of like a simplistic view in terms of BMI. Anyone can do this. Yes. So those are right now. Those are the standards. Those are things, most of the time, when you go to your trainer. Most of the time when you go workout in your CrossFit gym or your, you know, what I call functional gym. Now people are going into more a functional aspect of fitness.

 

[00:07:55] So they incorporate less wear-and-tear and trauma. Now they’re looking at skin fold and InBody. They even have the new InBody systems that are very popular that give you a nice ratio even of your hydration, which is really nice.

 

[00:08:13] You know, when you actually say that, when we look at this thing like the Tanita, these scales, like you said, that you can get them at home. The BIA is where it’s at. What we’re finding is that a lot of the studies are reflecting that the BIA actually shows quite a correlation with accuracy with these more complex underwater weighing as well as the DEXA test. So these standards research-based, you’d always want to maintain some sort of research-based, at least collaborative information that makes sense. Right. So now the BIA assessment machines, they can actually determine through OHMS, through impedance to fat analysis to actually measuring the electrical current of the body, a very accurate approach to weight assessment. And by, you know, basal metabolic rates. So now the studies are actually better and they’re easier for people to do. And we don’t have to do some real complex things.

 

[00:09:09] Yeah. And, you know, if you can show everyone the body part, I think that’s really cool. That’s like a cool thing. You know, I mean, look at that. Can you. Yeah.

 

[00:09:21] Yeah. That’s really cool. So when you look at a body pod. Right.

 

[00:09:24] This is an incredible thing. But this is not something you would want to have in your office. Right? Thirty, Forty-thousand dollars. Right. Jesus, man.

 

[00:09:31] Yeah, you know, it’s crazy, I mean, they’re probably looking at you like they should have you on an alien channel or something. But the simple one, if you can scroll up on the BIA, it’s a simple machine and the readings are awesome. You know, the readings are very good. They’re portable. And you can see the resistance level and you can see the phase angle, which is really nice because then you’re looking at very specific patterns and turns your metabolism.

 

[00:10:06] Absolutely. These tests now are available in most clinics, or at least the clinics that focus on functional fitness. We have them at the fitness centers and many fitness centers have them. And you and I are used to using these things in our offices. So as we do these things, as we assess these things, we really can give kind of the patients a quantitative point of view that really helps them figure out exactly how everything is.

 

[00:10:38] You’re exactly right, Alex. You know, in my work, you know, working with athletes and also what I call performance professions, where we’re talking about military S.F., Special Forces, Rangers, things like that. It’s all about performance. So in that, we use calipers. You know, those are very, very useful, easy to use. And the one that I particularly like, which.

 

[00:11:08] Again, with BMI, there are a lot of discrepancies, Alex, and you know, this being, you know, in the world of bodybuilding and athletics and all of our kids are athletes. I mean, they’re, that’s just part of the family structure. That’s who we are. So now you got to run, jump, catch a ball or kick a ball or do something. Right. So the point is in that what I have found out is that the BMI is not very accurate. Not very accurate at all Alex, when it comes down to athletes. Right. So this is where the discrepancy comes in, where it gets crazy because now you go to a regular assessment, a regular assessment or a regular, I don’t want to say regular doctor, but, you know, your doctor and then he’ll test your BMI and you’re gonna be off, you’re going to be high and you’re going to say, you know, you need to get your BMI lower. Yeah, the point is that the BMI is the mass, right? So again, muscle is heavier than fat. So in your environment of bodybuilding, what do you think about that?

 

[00:12:22] I mean because I’m sure it was crazy. Well, one of the things that I’ve been able to see over the years is that when you have someone, as we understand this, that the BMR is obviously the thing that we’re using to assess height and weight. But those numbers get skewed when you have an athlete and they don’t work well for the muscular individual, someone that’s I mean, my son, for example, he was 195 pounds, 5′ 8″. In all reality, he’s clinically obese. Right. Yet he’s shredded and ripped. And he was a national champion in wrestling. Literally had no body fat. So the caliper method, the BMR, the BMI based on height and weight has deficiencies. And that’s where the BIA came in and the body impedance assessment. That’s where the studies became very popular. And as what we see, Mario is that in essence, when we look at these situations, we find out that there are great assessment tools out there. These tools are the ones that are actually going to give us the ability to kind of come up with an accurate for a large range of individuals, whether they’re bodybuilders, whether they’re women. There’s a standard between, you know, a good 13 percent body fat and 29 percent body fat for females. Women typically have a larger number of between 18 and 29 percent body fat. At times, that’s a range that is kind of in there. Hopefully, they can stick around 22 to 24, boys in the 13 range just because the body density is different in a female. Right. So what we look at is what’s the norm? One of the things that we can do is try to calibrate people for their numbers so that they make sense for that individual and be able to work them towards it because a true athlete will be able to almost blow the BMR, BMI into the wrong number skew. And if we can get it to a nice number, we’re gonna have to use a lot of different tools. Now, what we’re going to present today are our ideas and fundamental philosophies and knowledge points that we use to determine actual true health. Right. So we’re going to be discussing those particular issues and we’re going to go over those particular areas here. Now, the BIA is the body impedance. Okay. So when we look at the bioimpedance areas, we can see that these kinds of tests are not only just affordable, but they actually determine the electrical current. And because of the body amount of muscle fat and the fat that occurs, we are using the fat as kind of like the thing that allows us to assess body dynamics as well as body density. Right. So as the more, there’s more impedance or more ohms or more resistance in the body, the greater the body fat. So it’s very important that these tests be done properly. Many of the times before you do a BIA, you’ve got to kind of, you know, you’ve got to not take, first of all, you’ve got to be dry. Ok. Because if you’re sweaty, it throws it off. Right. If you eat too much or too many fluids. So typically you try to keep away from foods, eating food prior to this and you try to get this thing to work. So resistance, as we look at it, are the things that we’re trying to measure. So one of the things that, when you look at these particular graphs, you see low resistance associated with large amounts of body fat mass, which is where the body is stored. Right. So when we look at this, this is one of the areas we can kind of put together when we look at the resistance numbers. Now, as we look at different angles, let’s say we got the phase angles. We also look at the ability. This is the new number that is assessing actually the intracellular and extracellular activity as well as the permeability of the cells. Ok. Now, as we range this. They’re looking at ranges between 0 and 20 percent. But the higher the phase angle, Ok, the higher the number where it pops, the better it is for the individual, the lower it is. It’s not as good. So what we want to do is we want to see where your phase angle is and we want to be able to assess it as it gets calculated. So one of the things that we look at, we assess this and our tools that we use, such as the BIA assessments, such as the InBody testing systems, we can actually determine the ranges that are for the individuals. But here’s where things make sense. But what we’re in general, when you look at this, Mario, what is your take from when we assess this particular type of under fundamental research technology as we can apply to athletes? Your daughters are athletes, right? And do you? What have you used in the past for this?

 

[00:17:07] Usually, when they go on to programs, I mean, they’re super fit, first of all. So they’re looking more at anywhere between like performance in terms of speed, agility, and sustainability. Right. Like, you know, vertical in terms of explosiveness, those types of things. In the area of recovery and energy. This is where I can tell you with the girls and even the boys, they really focused on the energy consistency. Ok. And I can see even with this, which is critical that the phase angle, again, the lower the phase angle, it shows the inability of the cell to store, you know, energy.

 

[00:18:09] So that’s why that storage of energy, Alex, is real critical because why that is where we get the maximum output and everyone is talking about performance and performance is about what, output. So if that cell can not store the energy, it cannot release the energy and perform. So that’s how nice these are nice markers. I would say that with the latest technology, we need to use them. We need to use them and we need to have benchmarks where it’s not just generalities. A lot of times we talk about generalities. How do you doing? I’m doing good. You know, I had a good workout. Well, what does it mean to you to have a good workout? And what does it mean to have a great workout? The difference is, show me proof. Show me results. It’s all about results. So the better, I guess a good takeaway. A good, good. Kind of, you know, assessment for people. Look at number one. Go to a professional and get your BMR and BMI done. That’s number one. And use the equipment.

 

[00:19:26] And the specifics so you can mark and you can assess them afterward.

 

[00:19:34] If you don’t have a straight baseline of pre, you will not have a post. And this is the same thing in performance. If you don’t have your electronic time and track your pre, then your post is meaningless. You really don’t know where you’re going. So for a lot of the performance, you know, to me, life is performance. You’re going to have to perform either at work or at home or you’re going to perform on the field, whatever that may be. On a mat. On a field, you know, in your sports. It’s about keeping track of markers, your pre and post. That way, you know where you’re going and you know your performance in our world. We love scores. Just imagine, go into a game and you never have a score. We don’t keep score. We just want to have fun. It doesn’t. It’s not fun anymore. Right. So.

 

[00:20:34] So for the things that we’re covering today in terms of the instruments, the methods of measuring body composition all the way from professional, DEXA and water displacement and body pods to skin folds, you know, everyday use, that you can just buy it at your local Wal-Mart anywhere and do the count protest.

 

[00:21:02] That’s a great baseline.

 

[00:21:06] And with a lot of the trainers, make sure that when you are training with someone, make sure that they do a baseline so you know and they know where you’re at and the performance and the programming.

 

[00:21:23] It’s really important to understand programming. There has to be a scaling. There has to be a periodicity in that development. And I know when little Alex was training for state, you know, in the wrestling, there has to be a periodicity. You can’t just go hard and go home like everybody says. No. You have to have your point of performance and you’ve got to have your track, your flow to that. Just like when Mia is training for nationals or international competition in tennis, there has to be a plan where she is developing to peak at that time. Is that correct? Yes, yes, yes, yes. That’s so critical. And we, you, cannot create that plan to peak at that specific if you’re in the dark in terms of having a knowledge of where you’re at. And I think for our listeners and our viewers, it’s critical and it’s very, very easy to get. I think sometimes people get lost, like all, you know, BMI. I would venture to say 80 percent of the people that are listening today. Right. That are watching this video. Have no clue what BMI means. They’ve heard about it, but they have no clue what it is. Yeah, they think it’s some scientific something. No, it’s not. All right. We want to bring it down to earth, down into your living room, where you can actually do a BMI for your kids, right? Yeah. Why don’t we do that? Why don’t we do a BMI for your kids? Do it for your husband, your wife. Make sure you know where you’re at again, with a BMI. And this, you know, refresh my memory. The target is from 19 to 20. Ok, 19 to 20. Anything beyond that is obesity. If you’re talking about 25 BMI, you’re in the obesity range. Right. If you’re talking about 30, you are morbidly obese. And the word morbidly obese means death. That should get everyone’s attention. Oh, yes. Yes, it does. It kinda like wakes you up. So what we’re looking at is, number one, understand where you are. Then measurements and then also understand that these measurements fit the profile of a person. So if you’re a bodybuilder, if you are very heavy muscle-bound. Ok. Then you already know you need to go into impedance. Not measurements. But what I have found out. A very reliable measurement is. The measurement for your waist and that’s where, Alex, I want to kind of share this with our listeners and viewers. Just a simple waist measurement is so powerful because it is actually…

 

[00:24:24] Some people say it’s better than BMI. It sure is. Right. I mean, actually, yes, it’s yes, it’s very much. That waist measurement gets down and makes it so simple because that abdominal mass, that abdominal fat is the one that’s gonna kill you.

 

[00:24:41] That’s the one that has the highest risk. Is that correct?

 

[00:24:44] That’s correct. And if your belly is wide. If it sticks over your belt, we got issues. Ok. So we’re noticing that if there is a certain distance between the chest and the waist, those are better measurements in general. Yeah. So as those numbers are calculated, you don’t need a high-level test. To do this. Ok. I like that. So it’s a very important component to look at. But as we advance and we’re dealing with high-performance athletes, people want to know and you can take a sport like, let’s say, just wrestling, for example, you got these individuals. Or soccer. Huge. We’re dealing with to assess a tight BMI or in a tight body mass index. You got to have body fat. You got to have body fat to be able to sustain the loads of an exercise routine. You’re going to see that during season you got some guys that got some good body fat density. Right. And let’s say their weight class is 198, for example. And the guy is about 215 pounds. Well, if he drops from 215 to 198 overnight, he’s going to be exorbitantly exhausted. And this is something that we’re going to see now if he slowly works towards the goal towards the arena of 198 over a period of two weeks. Or he is better off. But let’s assume he gets there to the exact bodyweight 198 and its 3 days before competition, right? It’s going to be exhausting. He’s gonna be tired. However, if he can get there two weeks earlier and adapt his body as his body starts getting better, it will be able to respond better during the loads that it needs.

 

[00:26:31] And this is what we are talking about, that it needs to be sports specific. You follow me Alex? Exactly. So that same conversation cannot be held with a soccer player. Exactly. A football player and a tennis player or anything in that what I call long aerobics exertion of over, you know, over, let’s say 10, 15 minutes. And this is what’s happening is and I love it when you said that example with wrestlers, you know, I would say the same goes towards MMA fighters, which I take care of. Yes. MMA fighters in Phoenix and in different areas that then you’re talking about also boxers. Again, they have to make weight. Yes. Ok. Though the world of making weight is a beast, that is a world where you have to be on or you’re going to die. Exactly. You either go into that fight feeling like a beast or you’re praying that it ends quickly. And so. Yeah. Yeah. You gotta pin him in the first 10 seconds. Yes. So. So this is where it’s so important that the training, the measurements, the analytics, and metrics. We’re in a world of analytics and metrics, Alex. We’re not in a world of. Oh, he looks good.

 

[00:28:09] No, no, we’re past that. We’re way past. No, Mario, we’re in the world of making sure that when we wait, when we compare the athlete, we can measure their changes. And every stage down the road as they compete, as they become more and more in tune to that moment of competition, their body changes, their bodies adapt, their bodies become more refined. And as the season gets better or further along in the season, towards the competitions, towards the season, towards the heavy loads. Yeah. That’s when we can kind of see how the body’s changing. So these tests can actually help us determine how the body reacts. And once these competitors have years of competing and during those years they have offseason and on the season and we need to be able to measure those things in an easy way. That’s what these tests do in terms of tennis, for example, when you’ve done these kind of things. What have you noticed in terms of, let’s say, just the athlete of tennis or even the boxers that you deal with? What have you noticed in terms of the, specifically the…

 

[00:29:15] Progression through the season. It’s critical, it’s critical and Alex, I can tell you this, that it’s not just performance. The other conversation that I think really needs to be. Dialed in is recovery, recovery, Alex. Ok. And the other one that fits together with recovery is the phase angle. Yes. And decreasing injuries. Exactly. That’s where it kind of gets real, real crazy because you can not have this sustainable pattern. Without recovery and without that specificity and knowing when to push it, one to max out, as they say, and when to shut it down or when to go half-speed, and these are conversations that are really, really critical for young athletes. Alex. Yeah, I see a lot of them, you know, and they’re starting nowadays. They’re starting earlier. They’re starting at six and seven years old. Six and seven. I mean, tell your body hasn’t even woke up to the conversation of sports yet. And they are practicing three times a week, having games every weekend, or some of them practice three times a week with one team and then go with another team and practice the other two days just so they can be at their best peak.

 

[00:30:48] What sports are you dealing with that kids are doing at six or seven?

 

[00:30:53] They’re running like right now. I have patients that are doing basketball and track at the same time.

 

[00:31:01] Yeah. And during middle school.

 

[00:31:05] That’s amazing. This is crazy. Yeah. So this is my question. Our question. We’re here to help the community. We’re here to help the parents because their vision is my little kid’s gonna be a superstar, right. He’s going to sign a D1 contract. UT Austin, Texas tag, guns up, baby. Yeah, guns up or U of A. You have Wildcats wildcat.

 

[00:31:34] No, you know walk-ins.

 

[00:31:35] Yes. And I’m thinking you’re not gonna make it past high school. I mean, you’re not gonna make it past Montwood or past Franklin. I mean, you are going to hit the wall so hard, so hard with repetitive traumas. Ok. And so those are the components that to me as a health care provider, as a, you know, a sports functional medicine…

 

[00:32:05] Cognitive.

 

[00:32:08] Coach, I mean, I need to teach people this, forget taking care of injuries. I want to teach you so you don’t get injured. It’s critical. And then they go into middle school and high school and there’s no season off. There is no season off.

 

[00:32:24] So in your opinion, what have you seen these tests do in order to help the parent or the athlete or the individual or the coach, for that matter? Understand, as a form of betterment for them? What do we get out of these tests in terms of the athlete?

 

[00:32:46] Very simple. There is a time to turn it on and a time to turn it off. Ok. So, you reach your goal, rest. Ok. You’ve done the tournament, recover, get the recovery, get the mind and body to recover, Alex. A lot of times we don’t even think about the mind. Yeah, the mind gets beat up in the war, in the battlefield of performance, the mind gets beat up. Yes. Ok. It affects your sleep pattern. It affects your focus. Emotions, anger management, all of those things. So what I would say is we’re here to share knowledge and tools or health. But most of all, for performance. Yes. So that way. Each child and each person, let’s say you’re not in middle school, high school. Let’s say you’re in your 20s and 30s and 40s. Well, you’re performing for life. And so let’s really invite everyone to learn more to look up BMI, BMR, all of these and incorporate them into their plan of workouts and challenge them and ask them, when’s the last time you got measured? How about that? Yeah.

 

[00:34:13] When’s the last time? We have to kind of teach people that these tests are not, you know, at any point. Just one test. You have to follow through these tests for a lifetime to see what’s actually going on. If you really have a center where you can go and the BIA tests are so simple now that we and the correlation between the highest level of research show that we’re very, very tight. Less than 1 percent variation from clinical research methods. So we know that the BIA works in terms of extremity inflammation, in terms of joint swelling, in terms of the metabolic processes for the mass density in the…

 

[00:34:56] In each extremity. So if you have one muscle that is larger on one side as a result of an injury from the other extremity, we’ll be able to see the changes.

 

[00:35:05] So the studies are very clear now. We use phase angles to determine health. We use fat analysis. We use the changes and the progression during a very athletic era or a very athletic season is very important to be able to determine. So that today we’re starting the children a lot younger. We’re starting them at four, five, six years old as the child has to around 4 years old, as long as he can focus is in long as he can pay attention. That’s when we start him active. So it is wise to start the process of understanding the metabolism methods that we use to calculate body mass index through their ages so that we have a measurement of what’s normal for that particular child. Because what we really have to see is what’s good for that individual. Specific gravity is another method to determine if you’re cutting down too much. But that’s another topic running. This particular issue is, particularly on the body mass index. And what we want to do is we want to bring that to the towns and to El Paso, particularly because we have those research capacities here, specifically the ones that we have liked is, you know, body mass index so InBody is one of the most top used. They use it at UTEP. They use it at the top research centers. And it’s pretty much the standard now. And, you know, and since we use it, it offers us an ability to quickly assess an individual. I’ve been at UTEP. I’ve seen the types that they use and it’s very accurate. And since we’ve seen the research said that it follows now we know that this stuff is very accurate. And specifically, now you can actually assess your own and have it online and the determinant through methods where you can keep up with your child, see what’s going on. Any other ideas, any other comments that you have, Mario, in terms of bringing this logic or this kind of approach to understanding basal metabolic indexes to the public?

 

[00:37:10] I would say, Alex. Number one, let’s make it very simple. You know, let’s make it very simple. So with that, this is as simple as getting on a scale to see how much you weigh. That’s it. So let’s bring that conversation to everyone so everyone gets a scan. Minimal. Minimal. I would say seasonal every season. You should get a scan. You should get a BMI. You should have you should log it in just like your weight. You know, let’s be functional. Let’s think of ourselves as important as our cars. Right. So. So I look at it as you have a little tag up on your windshield that says oil change, you know. So why don’t we do this? Why don’t we have? And I really challenge everyone listening. And, you know, we’re here because we need to take care of our community. You know, our community is probably one of the highest rates of diabetes in the nation. Ok. And all of that starts… Mario. Mario. Yeah. Yeah.

 

[00:38:20] I’m sorry. I don’t want to say it, but you have to. There’s a big elephant in the room. But El Paso, our town was considered the fattest, sweatiest town in the whole United States at one point. That sickened me when I heard it. It was a different town. We are much more advanced. There were very few gyms. Now we’re all about fitness. So if we’re gonna be the leaders out there and man, I gotta tell you, we got some beautiful athletes coming out of El Paso now. Absolutely. We are one of the tops. We can put our athletes against the best, even the most. Well-bred. Top schools. So as we compete in those areas, we really want to use the tools that all the other places use in order to assess our athletes, our children, and our high-performance individuals. So it’s very important we do that kind of stuff now because we have the technology. And no longer is El Paso going to be the fattest, sweetest town of the United States. That’s unforgivable. You definitely agree with that.

 

[00:39:23] So just bring in that and the division that I would like to share. Is that the measurement, the simplicity of just getting your weight and your height is now complemented with a BMI that you understand. You have some goals. It’s 2020. Yeah, yeah. It’s 2020, baby. You know what, 2020 means that let’s do better than last year. Let’s be healthier than last year and let us integrate and have a better understanding and better objective plan for our own health. And with this, I would say this test and the body measurement index is a word and an understanding that needs to be spread throughout families. So the family can talk about that, like, hey, what are we doing? How are we doing? Ok. And then with that, use it accordingly. Ok. Accordingly. To create positive outcomes where there is just to be able to play with your child if you have children. That’s your sport. Your sport is not to sit and watch. Your sport is to participate. Throw the ball. Kick the ball. Run with your child. Or if your child is really into sports. Give him the tools. Give her the best tools. They’re not that expensive. Now they’re available. So that way they can get training that is on point and results that are extraordinary.

 

[00:41:04] Exactly. I couldn’t have said it better myself. We have the technology. It’s here. This is not the six million dollar man, kind of world or this is not outside of our realm. We can give it to our kids. We can show them, parents become the educators.

 

[00:41:22] They are the ones that seek out the coaches. They are the ones that are the nutritionist for the children. They are the ones that are the psychologists that every aspect of developing a child requires a lot of different aspects. So those parents that have athletes, athletes that want to learn more about their bodies and the world of heavy tech research methods are over. Now, it’s simple. You get on scale really accurate methods and you can monitor your body a few times a year, two, three, four times a year, depending on your type of sport and your level of performance. These are the things we can do. And we need to provide that information so that you have tools in order to gage.

 

[00:42:11] You can’t get in a car without looking at a speedometer. So if don’t know how fast you’re going. You don’t know if you’ve gone too far. You don’t know if you’re having protein metabolic catabolism, which is breakdown or if you’re anabolic. So these are the tools that help us figure things out. You don’t know if certain joints or certain extremities are swollen because of just water or if it’s this protein breakdown. These tools we can actually see inside the body and monitor the improvement or changes. So the world changed. So now El Paso, we have the ability to change the way we understand our own physiology as well as the patient’s physiology and our client’s physiology. So I welcome this technology. And by no means is it limited to anything that we do. This is many providers in the town who can do this. Many hospitals have it. But for a facility, it’s within our practices as well. So we use those things. So I look forward to being able to share this with the patients as well as the town.

 

[00:43:15] Absolutely.

 

[00:43:16] I second emotion on that, Alex, and the challenge and the motivation and passion that we’re going to have this year in 2020. Absolutely.

 

[00:43:26] As to not only motivate and be cheerleaders for functional health and fitness, but also to educate and empower the community with the latest technology and knowledge so they can do their best.

 

[00:43:43] Amen, brother. This is awesome. And I look forward to being able to continue. We’re going to be coming at you often because we’re motivated.

 

[00:43:53] We’re parents and we want to be able to touch our El Paso and make it a better place because, you know, without getting too crazy, we’re pretty badass, as they say.

 

[00:44:04] Right. Yeah. We’re pretty intense in our town, right? Yeah.

 

[00:44:07] Mario. Don’t get me started.

 

[00:44:11] They’re gonna shut me down. No, no, no, no.

 

[00:44:16] We won’t do that later, guys. We’ll go ahead and see the show. And it’s been a blessing. So from all of us here, we can actually see how you guys are doing. So. Blessings to you guys. Thank you, guys. Bye-bye.

 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.

 

 


 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

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

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

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)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

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.

 


Dunwoody Labs: Comprehensive Stool with Parasitology | El Paso, TX Chiropractor


GI-MAP: GI Microbial Assay Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor


 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

 

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.

xymogen el paso, tx

 

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.

 

 

Coleus forskohlii and Metabolic Syndrome

Coleus forskohlii and Metabolic Syndrome

Do you feel:

  • Aches, pains, and swelling throughout the body?
  • Weight gain?
  • Your waist girth is equal or larger than hip girth?
  • An increase in weight even with a low-calorie diet?
  • An increase in fat distribution around the chest and hips?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing metabolic syndrome and might considered using Coleus forskohlii.

With the world population being obese or even overweight, especially in the United States. One of the most common disorders that mostly everyone has from being obese, and it is called metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that happens to many individuals that can create many complications to the body, and most individuals who have metabolic syndrome would have an apple or pear-shaped bodies. With many supplements and natural foods helping the body, there is a supplement that can help the body combat metabolic syndrome and can be combined with a specific diet to make anyone who is obese or overweight lose the extra pounds.

What is Coleus forskohlii?

forskolin-small-molecule-esibio

One of the supplements that have been known to help combat metabolic syndrome is Coleus forskohlii. Coleus forskohlii is a plant supplement that is found in parts of India, Thailand, and Nepal. While being part of the mint family, Coleus forskohlii has been used in traditional folk medicine that has been known to treat asthma and various ailments that the body may encounter. Studies have found that Coleus forskohlii extract may be able to aid in weight management; however, there have been limited studies on this extract. The Coleus forskohlii has been known to extract the critical markers for obesity and metabolic parameter for overweight and obese individuals who might benefit from this supplement.

The Benefits of Coleus forskohlii

With Coleus forskohlii, studies have found that this supplement can aid in weight loss by creating two enzymes to help the body burn fatty acids. These two enzymes are known as lipase and adenylate cyclase. Studies have found that these two enzymes help free fatty acids, and when that happens, the fatty acids can be used as fuel, while reducing body fat without affecting the lean muscle mass. Although this safely helps the body, coleus forskohlii needs to be accompanied by a calorie deficit.

There are benefits for individuals that are obese or overweight. When they take coleus forskohlii as a weight-loss supplement and do a calorie deficit, they can:

  • Suppressing appetite
  • Help reduce the efficiency of digestion
  • Increase the metabolic rate in the body

There are even more benefits of Coleus forskohlii that have been skyrocketing as this supplement been receiving in the public eye as people are looking for ways to lose weight. Some of the benefits of taking Coleus forskohlii are:

  • Treating asthma
  • Preventing the risk of cancer
  • Prevent congestive heart failure by improving the heart strength
  • Lowers blood pressure

Many studies have also shown that Coleus forskohlii can even help reduce body fat in obese men. There have been two studies that show the results of people taking Coleus forskohlii to help reduce their body fat and boost their hormone levels. One study showed how obese men took Coleus forskohlii for twelve weeks. The results show that Coleus forskohlii can alter the male’s body composition while increasing bone mass and testosterone levels in males.

While another study showed how the effects of Coleus forskohlii supplementation on the body composition of mildly overweight women, what is surprising is that with these two different studies, Coleus forskohlii needs enough evidence that requires more research. It shows that Coleus forskohlii does not cause weight loss for many obese individuals; however, Coleus forskohlii can help improve body composition in men and help prevent women from having weight gain. Many more studies have conducted different results, but the results almost have the same reactions on how Coleus forskohlii is the solution for weight loss. However, they all agreed that this supplement does help the body composition on individuals.

Conclusion

With more and more future research about Coleus forskohlii, it is essential to know that using Coleus forskohlii alone will not help losing weight. This supplement is just part of a massive lifestyle change for anyone with metabolic syndrome. By eating the right foods, taking supplements and vitamins, exercising regularly, and having a good night’s sleep, these changes can help anyone lose weight and make them feel good. When bad lifestyle choices and dysfunction enters the body, causing unnecessary illnesses, it can cause a person to develop chronic problems. By adding Coleus forskohlii into the body, it can help dampen the effects of metabolic syndrome. Some products can help the body’s system by providing support to the metabolic system while containing hypoallergenic nutrients, enzymatic cofactors, metabolic precursors, and phytonutrients that the body needs.

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:

Arnarson, Atli. �Does Forskolin Actually Work? An Evidence-Based Review.� Healthline, 29 May, 2017, www.healthline.com/nutrition/forskolin-review.

Fletcher, Jenna. �Does Forskolin Work? Uses, Risks, and Benefits.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 12 Sept. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319370.

Godard, Michael P, et al. �Body Composition and Hormonal Adaptations Associated with Forskolin Consumption in Overweight and Obese Men.� Obesity Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2005, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16129715.

Henderson, Shonteh, et al. �Effects of Coleus Forskohlii Supplementation on Body Composition and Hematological Profiles in Mildly Overweight Women.� Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, BioMed Central, 9 Dec. 2005, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2129145/.

Litosch, I, et al. �Forskolin as an Activator of Cyclic AMP Accumulation and Lipolysis in Rat Adipocytes.� Molecular Pharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 1982, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6289066.


Modern Integrative Wellness- Esse Quam Videri

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.

Nutraceuticals for Sciatica

Nutraceuticals for Sciatica

Nutraceuticals can help relieve several different types of chronic pain, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Stephen DeFelice, MD, coined the term in 1989, which is a combination of the words nutrition and pharmaceutical. He defined nutraceuticals as food that offers a variety of health benefits as well as prevention and/or treatment of health issues. Although these foods are considered to be natural products, it’s essential to discuss nutraceutical options for chronic pain, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain, with a healthcare professional to avoid any side-effects or interactions with drugs/medications.

 

Several nutraceuticals are also considered to be dietary supplements. According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) is a product that is taken orally in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form which is made-up of any chemical ingredient that adds to what a person normally gets in their diet, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs as well as substances made from organs or glands and enzymes. Dietary supplements can also be an extract or concentrate. Several examples of dietary supplements include vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and fish oil, best known as omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Nutraceuticals aren’t only limited to dietary supplements, as Dr. Stephen DeFelice previously described. It can also include genetically engineered food, such as food with added antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Nutraceuticals offer people extra nutrients that the body needs to use as fuel for energy. Nutrients, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down by the body’s metabolism, a process that uses energy to regulate breathing and heartbeat, among other essential bodily functions. In the following article, we will discuss how nutraceuticals can help improve sciatica or sciatic nerve pain.

 

How Nutraceuticals Can Help Improve Sciatica

When people have chronic pain, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain, the body will generally require more nutrients to repair itself. Nutraceuticals can help supplement the nutrients people are already getting from their diet by giving the body more nutrients to use. According to several research studies, nutraceuticals can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with low back pain and other health issues. Sciatica or sciatic nerve pain is a collection of symptoms, rather than a single condition, which is caused by a variety of health issues, including a bulging disk, herniated disk, or degenerative disk disease.

 

“Nutraceuticals, as well as dietary supplements, work best when used in combination with proper diet, regular exercise or physical activity, and stress management”, stated Carrie Bowler, DO, a physician with One Medical Group in New York. Although these foods are considered to be natural products, it’s essential to discuss nutraceutical options for chronic pain, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain, with a healthcare professional to avoid any side-effects or interactions with drugs/medications. Below, we will discuss several nutraceuticals that can ultimately help improve sciatica or sciatic nerve pain.

 

Nutraceuticals for Sciatica

Vitamin D

According to researchers, vitamin D deficiency can make sciatica or sciatic nerve pain worse. One research study published in Pain Physician in 2013 found that chronic pain may be associated with an increased prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in people with spinal stenosis in their lumbar spine or low back, a common cause of sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. A healthcare professional will determine an individual’s recommended dosage of vitamin D based on their individual needs and requirements. Sunlight exposure and vitamin D-fortified foods, such as vitamin D milk, may also help supply the nutrient.

 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Healthcare professionals recommend increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids to help reduce inflammation that can ultimately cause chronic pain. Many dietary supplements are available in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form. Make sure to talk with your healthcare professional about the proper dosage of omega-3 fatty acids because increased doses of this nutrient can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications. It can also interfere with any blood-thinning drugs and/or medications. You can also increase the intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating tuna, salmon, sardines, and dark leafy greens.

 

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Glucosamine and chondroitin are organic compounds that are naturally produced in the body. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, glucosamine can be found in the fluid around the joints while chondroitin can be found in the cartilage surrounding the joints. Navid Farahmand, MD, an interventional pain management physician with the Brain and Spine Institute of California in Newport Beach, stated that, although there aren�t many research studies on the effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin for people with back pain, others have shown a meaningful impact on chronic knee pain.

 

Turmeric or Curcumin

Turmeric or curcumin, the active ingredient in the yellow-ish plant, is one of the most recommended dietary supplements for chronic pain, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. The spice, which is commonly used in Indian curry dishes, can be taken as a powder in capsules, mixed into tea, or as a liquid extract. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCAAM) reports that turmeric is considered safe for most adults but prolonged use could cause an upset stomach. As a dietary supplement, it’s not recommended for people with gallbladder disease because it can make the condition worse.

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image

Nutraceuticals can help relieve several different types of chronic pain, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Nutraceuticals are foods that offers a variety of health benefits. It’s essential to discuss nutraceutical options for sciatica or sciatic nerve pain with a healthcare professional to avoid any side-effects or interactions with drugs/medications. Several nutraceuticals are also considered to be dietary supplements. Several examples of dietary supplements include vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and fish oil, best known as omega-3 fatty acids. Nutraceuticals can also include genetically engineered food. Nutraceuticals offer people extra nutrients that the body needs to use as fuel for energy to regulate breathing and heartbeat, among other essential bodily functions. In this article, we will discuss how nutraceuticals can help improve sciatica or sciatic nerve pain.�- Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

 

Nutraceuticals can help relieve several different types of chronic pain, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain. Stephen DeFelice, MD, coined the term in 1989, which is a combination of the words nutrition and pharmaceutical. He defined nutraceuticals as food that offers a variety of health benefits as well as prevention and/or treatment of health issues. Although these foods are considered to be natural products, it’s essential to discuss nutraceutical options for chronic pain, including sciatica or sciatic nerve pain, with a healthcare professional to avoid any side-effects or interactions with drugs/medications.

 

Several nutraceuticals are also considered to be dietary supplements. According to the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) is a product that is taken orally in pill, capsule, tablet, or liquid form which is made-up of any chemical ingredient that adds to what a person normally gets in their diet, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs as well as substances made from organs or glands and enzymes. Dietary supplements can also be an extract or concentrate. Several examples of dietary supplements include vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium, and fish oil, best known as omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Nutraceuticals aren’t only limited to dietary supplements, as Dr. Stephen DeFelice previously described. It can also include genetically engineered food, such as food with added antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Nutraceuticals offer people extra nutrients that the body needs to use as fuel for energy. Nutrients, such as proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down by the body’s metabolism, a process that uses energy to regulate breathing and heartbeat, among other essential bodily functions. In the article above, we ultimately discussed how nutraceuticals can help improve sciatica or sciatic nerve pain.

 

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

 

References:

  1. Tennant, Forest. �Nutraceuticals for Chronic Pain.� Practical Pain Management, 18 July 2016, www.practicalpainmanagement.com/patient/treatments/nutraceuticals/nutraceuticals-chronic-pain.
  2. Mosenthal, William P. �Sciatica Pain, Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.� SpineUniverse, 9 Jan. 2020, www.spineuniverse.com/conditions/sciatica/sciatica-pain-symptoms-causes-diagnosis-treatment.
  3. Theobald, ByMikel. �Photo Gallery: 7 Supplements That Help Back Pain.� EverydayHealth.com, 22 Jan. 2015, www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/best-worst-supplements-help-back-pain/.

 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.

 

 


 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

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

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

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)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

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.

 


Dunwoody Labs: Comprehensive Stool with Parasitology | El Paso, TX Chiropractor


GI-MAP: GI Microbial Assay Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor


 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

 

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.

xymogen el paso, tx

 

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.

 

 

Functional Neurology: Natural Ways to Increase Serotonin

Functional Neurology: Natural Ways to Increase Serotonin

Serotonin is a well-known neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in various functions of the brain and body, including mood and digestion. This chemical messenger helps promote positive feelings and social behavior, control appetite, support learning and memory as well as regulate our circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. However, serotonin deficiencies can also cause several health issues, including anxiety, depression, sleep problems, fatigue, abnormal appetite and cravings as well as nausea and digestive problems. In the following article, we will discuss natural ways to increase serotonin.  

Eat Tryptophan-rich Foods

  Although serotonin isn’t directly found in food, you can eat tryptophan-rich foods. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the brain and body use to turn it into serotonin. Tryptophan is found in high-protein foods, such as turkey and salmon. However, simply eating plenty of tryptophan-rich foods isn’t enough to help naturally increase serotonin levels. Tryptophan-rich foods are generally even higher in other essential amino acids and these other substances are more likely than tryptophan to cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) or the protective shield that controls what compounds enter the brain from the bloodstream. Healthcare professionals believe that eating carbohydrates with tryptophan-rich foods can help more of this essential amino acid enter the brain.  

Take Probiotics

  Healthcare professionals recommend adding more probiotics into your diet as another natural way to increase serotonin. Taking probiotic supplements or eating probiotic-rich foods, such as yogurt and fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut, can trigger the release of tryptophan into the bloodstream.  

Get Enough Sunlight

  Several research studies have demonstrated that serotonin can typically be lower during winter and higher during summer. Scientists have also found that, because serotonin can affect our mood, changes in serotonin levels during different seasons may actually be associated with seasonal affective disorders as well as other brain and mental health issues also associated with the seasons. Scientists suggest that the skin may be able to synthesize serotonin.  

Do Exercise and Physical Activity

  Exercise and physical activity can also trigger the release of tryptophan into the bloodstream from the brain. It can also reduce the number of other essential amino acids. This can ultimately help create an excellent scenario for more tryptophan to penetrate the BBB and enter the brain from the bloodstream.  

Take Supplements

  According to healthcare professionals, taking dietary supplements can help trigger the release of serotonin by increasing tryptophan. However, make sure to talk to your healthcare professional before taking any new supplements to prevent further health issues. Also, make sure to tell them if you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription drugs/medications, vitamins, and minerals, as well as any herbal remedies. Choose supplements made by a well-known manufacturer that can be researched for reports on the quality of their products. Supplements can naturally help increase serotonin levels, including: �  

Pure Tryptophan

  Tryptophan supplements have more tryptophan than food which can make it more possible to penetrate the BBB and enter the brain from the bloodstream. A 2006 research study suggests that tryptophan supplements can also have an antidepressant effect in women but further evidence is still required.  

SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine)

  Taking SAMe supplements also seems to help increase serotonin levels which can help improve symptoms, such as depression. However, it’s not recommended to take it with any other supplements or drugs/medications that increase serotonin, including certain antidepressants and antipsychotics.  

5-HTP

  The substance 5-HTP can penetrate the BBB and enter the brain from the bloodstream to trigger the release of serotonin. A 2013 research study demonstrated that 5-HTP supplements were as effective as antidepressants in people with early symptoms like depression. Other research studies on taking 5-HTP supplements to help naturally increase serotonin and reduce symptoms of depression have ultimately demonstrated mixed results.  

Get a Massage

  Massage therapy can also help naturally increase serotonin as well as dopamine neurotransmitter or chemical messenger that controls mood and various other functions in the brain and body. Getting a massage can also help decrease cortisol, a hormone that is released by the brain with stress. Although you can visit a licensed massage therapist, this may not always be necessary. A 2004 research study evaluated 84 pregnant women with depression. The women who received massage therapy twice a week reported feeling decreased symptoms of depression and had increased serotonin levels.   Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or chemical messenger, associated with mood and a variety of other functions in the human brain and body. Serotonin helps promote positive feelings and social behavior, control appetite, support learning and memory as well as regulate our circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. Serotonin deficiencies can cause a variety of brain and mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, sleep problems, fatigue, abnormal appetite and cravings as well as nausea and digestive problems. In the following article, we will discuss natural ways to increase serotonin, including eating tryptophan-rich foods, taking probiotics, doing exercise/physical activities, and taking supplements, among several others.�- Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
  Serotonin is a well-known neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in various functions of the brain and body, including mood and digestion. This chemical messenger helps promote positive feelings and social behavior, control appetite, support learning and memory as well as regulate our circadian rhythm or sleep-wake cycle. However, serotonin deficiencies can also cause several health issues, including anxiety, depression, sleep problems, fatigue, abnormal appetite and cravings as well as nausea and digestive problems. In the article above, we discussed natural ways to increase serotonin.  

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   References:
  1. Raypole, Crystal. �6 Ways to Boost Serotonin Without Medication.� Healthline, Healthline Media, 22 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/how-to-increase-serotonin.
  2. Wikipedia. �Circadian Rhythm.� Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 9 Dec. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm.
  3. Gotter, Ana. �What Is Tryptophan?� Healthline, Healthline Media, 25 Jan. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/tryptophan.
 
 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”1050px” download=”all” download-text=”” attachment_id=”52657″ /]   The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue.  
 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.    
 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor   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

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor   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)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor   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.  
Dunwoody Labs: Comprehensive Stool with Parasitology | El Paso, TX Chiropractor
GI-MAP: GI Microbial Assay Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor
 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

  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. xymogen el paso, tx 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.    
Natural Ways to Fix a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier in Functional Neurology Part 2

Natural Ways to Fix a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier in Functional Neurology Part 2

The blood-brain barrier is a protective shield that allows nutrients to enter the brain while keeping harmful components in the bloodstream from passing into the brain. However, many factors can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier. This can allow harmful components to penetrate the blood-brain brain, ultimately causing inflammation and brain health issues. A leaky blood-brain barrier is associated with many mental health issues and neurological diseases, including anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. In the article below, we will discuss natural ways which have been demonstrated to help fix a leaky blood-brain barrier and improve overall brain health.  

Take Berberine

A variety of plants have an alkaloid known as berberine. This extracted substance has anti-inflammatory properties and it can ultimately promote brain health by protecting neurons. Scientists have also found that taking berberine can help lower “bad” cholesterol, improve gut health, and many others believe it may even have possible antidepressant properties. Other research studies have shown that it can reduce inflammation, improve blood-brain barrier permeability and decrease damage following a traumatic brain injury. However, further research studies are still required to demonstrate these effects.  

Avoid Exposure to Mold

Mold and mycotoxins, or toxic metabolites released by mold, can cause severe brain health issues in people with certain sensitivities and intolerances. Exposure to these can also cause a leaky blood-brain barrier. In 2010, scientists demonstrated that exposure to mold and mycotoxins can increase BBB permeability by breaking down the blood-brain barrier. Moreover, low amounts of mold and mycotoxins can also be found in the foods we eat, including nuts, tea, coffee, and chocolate. Charcoal or bentonite clay supplements are powerful remedies that can capture toxins and release them out of the body.  

Take B Vitamins

According to healthcare professionals, B vitamins have been found to help improve a leaky blood-brain barrier. B vitamin deficiencies can ultimately affect brain health. Taking vitamin B1 (thiamine) supplements can help fix BBB permeability. Research studies have also shown that vitamins B6, B9, and B12 can help improve brain health in older adults with increased homocysteine and moderate cognitive impairment. Homocysteine is an inflammatory component that can breakdown the blood-brain barrier. Fortunately, healthcare professionals have found that taking B vitamins can balance the blood-brain barrier.  

Take Magnesium

Magnesium is a fundamental mineral that plays a vital role in a variety of structures and functions in the body, including enzyme, hormonal, and neurotransmitter activity. Magnesium is also one of the nutrients that people are most deficient in. This important mineral can increase growth hormones in the brain, support mitochondria, protect the brain from alcohol and help people overcome addiction and withdrawal. Research studies have also shown that taking magnesium can improve BBB permeability. Bananas, avocado, spinach, chard, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate have magnesium.  

Take R-Lipoic Acid (RLA) and Acetyl-Carnitine (ALCAR)

R-Lipoic Acid (RLA) is a fat-soluble and stable, bioavailable form of lipoic acid or an antioxidant created by the body, that can pass through the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain. This essential antioxidant can also protect the brain from alcohol and support mitochondria. Research studies have found that RLA can decrease oxidative stress and inflammation as well as improve BBB permeability and. Acetyl-Carnitine (ALCAR) is an acetylated form of the amino acid carnitine that is synergistic with RLA. ALCAR is neuroprotective and it can help people improve brain fog as well as addiction and withdrawal.  

Eat or Take Turmeric or Curcumin

Turmeric or curcumin, the spice that gives curry its yellowish color, is another fundamental ingredient for brain health that can help reduce stress and increase growth hormones in the brain. Turmeric or curcumin can also improve BBB permeability and promote overall brain health by maintaining and regulating the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. Research studies have also found that eating or taking turmeric or curcumin can help prevent damage to the blood-brain barrier due to glucose and oxygen deprivation by considerably decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain and body.  

Take Vitamin D

Vitamin D is another fat-soluble vitamin that the skin produces when exposed to the sun. The brain, heart, muscles, and immune system, among other cells and tissues in the body, have vitamin D receptors. This fat-soluble vitamin is fundamental for a variety of structures and functions. Vitamin D deficiencies can also cause a variety of brain health issues and neurological diseases. Scientists have shown that vitamin D can decrease inflammation and improve BBB permeability. Vitamin D has also been demonstrated to help protect endothelial cells and improve BBB permeability in patients with multiple sclerosis.  

Take Citicoline or Alpha GPC

Citicoline or CDP-Choline is another essential B vitamin and bioavailable form of choline. This substance can help improve brain fog. Research studies have also found that citicoline or CDP-Choline can prevent the breakdown of the blood-brain barrier following a stroke or traumatic brain injury and brain ischemia. Alpha GPC is another form of choline that has been shown to help support the blood-brain barrier. Scientists have also found that it can fix damage to the blood-brain barrier following a stroke or TBI, restoring cognitive function. You can also find some choline in egg yolks and beef liver.  

Avoid Exposure to EMFs

According to a variety of research studies, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields or EMFs emitted from smartphones, laptops, and WiFi can affect the brain and mental health. Radiofrequency electromagnetic fields or EMFs can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier.��Several other research studies have found that radiofrequency electromagnetic fields or EMFs can increase BBB permeability. Increased blood-brain barrier permeability may ultimately result in the accumulation of brain cell and tissue damage as well as cognitive impairment. It’s important to be aware of the effects of being exposed to these devices.   Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image
Many factors can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier, ultimately causing increased BBB permeability, oxidative stress, inflammation and a variety of brain and mental health issues, including neurodegenerative diseases. The blood-brain barrier is a protective shield which allows nutrients to enter the brain while keeping harmful components in the bloodstream from passing into the brain. A leaky blood-brain barrier is associated with anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. Fortunately, several natural ways have been demonstrated to help improve overall brain health and wellness as well as help fix a leaky blood-brain barrier. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
  The blood-brain barrier is a protective shield that allows nutrients to enter the brain while keeping harmful components in the bloodstream from passing into the brain. However, many factors can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier. This can allow harmful components to penetrate the blood-brain brain, ultimately causing inflammation and brain health issues. A leaky blood-brain barrier is associated with many mental health issues and neurological diseases, including anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. In the article above, we discussed more natural ways which have been demonstrated to help fix a leaky blood-brain barrier and improve overall brain health.  

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   References:
  • The Star Academy. �How to Repair a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier.� The Star Academy, The Star Academy, 16 Oct. 2018, thestaracademy.co.za/repair-leaky-blood-brain-barrier/.
 
 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”1050px” download=”all” download-text=”” attachment_id=”52657″ /]   The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue.  
 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.    
 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor   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

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor   Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with food sensitivities. 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)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor   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.  
Dunwoody Labs: Comprehensive Stool with Parasitology | El Paso, TX Chiropractor
GI-MAP: GI Microbial Assay Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor
 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

  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. xymogen el paso, tx 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

Natural Ways to Fix a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier in Functional Neurology Part 1

Natural Ways to Fix a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier in Functional Neurology Part 1

The blood-brain barrier is a protective shield that allows nutrients to enter the brain while keeping harmful components in the bloodstream from passing into the brain. However, many factors can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier. This can allow harmful components to penetrate the blood-brain brain, ultimately causing inflammation and brain health issues. A leaky blood-brain barrier is associated with many mental health issues and neurological diseases, including anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. In the article below, we will discuss natural ways which have been demonstrated to help fix a leaky blood-brain barrier and improve overall brain health.  

Improve Gut Health

Understanding the connection between the brain and the gut is important to treat a leaky blood-brain barrier. In 2014, scientists found that a group of mice that didn’t have bacteria in their gastrointestinal tract had very leaky blood-brain barriers. However, when the scientists of the research study introduced bacteria into the intestines of the unhealthy mice through a fecal transfer, their BBB permeability considerably improved. Increasing good bacteria in your gut can ultimately help improve a leaky blood-brain barrier. Eating probiotics, prebiotic fiber, and fermented foods can increase good bacteria in your GI tract.  

Avoid Eating Gluten

According to many healthcare professionals, we should avoid eating gluten to promote brain health. In 2006, scientists found that gluten can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier because it increases zonulin, a protein that affects BBB permeability and results in neuroinflammation. Gluten sensitivity or intolerance can also cause visible changes in the white matter of the brain. Dr. David Perlmutter, MD, author of Grain Brain and Brain Maker states that gliadin, another protein found in gluten, can also affect BBB permeability. Moreover, other food sensitivities or intolerances can also cause a leaky blood-brain barrier.  

Eat Food with Sulforaphane

Cruciferous vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and broccoli, among others, have sulforaphane, a phytochemical and well-known antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties, similar to turmeric or curcumin. Many research studies have shown that sulforaphane can help improve a leaky blood-brain barrier by decreasing BBB permeability, preventing the breakdown of the BBB, and improving cognitive functions after stroke and traumatic brain injuries. Sulforaphane in myrosinase-activated supplement form can also be taken. Myrosinase is an enzyme in broccoli that helps metabolize sulforaphane.  

Eat Food with Resveratrol or Pterostilbene

Foods like raspberries, grapes, red wine, and dark chocolate have resveratrol, another powerful antioxidant with potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help prevent the development of neurodegenerative diseases caused by a leaky blood-brain barrier. Scientists have found that eating food with resveratrol can ultimately help promote growth hormones in the brain and support mitochondria function. According to research studies, resveratrol can also protect the blood-brain barrier. Numerous other research studies have also found that eating foods with resveratrol can have other health benefits, including:  
  • Decreasing a leaky blood-brain barrier
  • Protecting the blood-brain barrier
  • Improving blood-brain barrier permeability
  Research studies have also shown that resveratrol can help protect the blood-brain barrier against oxidized LDL-induced damage. Furthermore, scientists believe that eating food with resveratrol may be a safe and effective way to naturally reduce the severity of multiple sclerosis.�Foods like blueberries have pterostilbene, a substance similar to resveratrol, that can also help protect the blood-brain barrier by decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation. Many healthcare professionals also refer to pterostilbene as the “better resveratrol” because it is often believed to be best absorbed by the body than resveratrol.  

Drink More Coffee

Caffeine can help promote overall brain health and support the blood-brain barrier. Research studies have shown that drinking coffee can help prevent the development of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease, among other health issues, by protecting the BBB. Scientists have also found that caffeine blocks blood-brain barrier permeability. Other research studies have also shown that drinking coffee can help prevent neurodegeneration by balancing the BBB. Because drinking coffee and caffeine can commonly affect sleep, however, make sure to consume these early in the morning.  

Take Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that are primarily found in fish. Although the body can’t produce these by itself, they are necessary for overall brain health. Omega-3 fatty acids can also help increase the growth hormones in the brain, help support mitochondria function, or help people overcome addiction and withdrawal, as well as help protect the blood-brain barrier. Scientists have found that taking omega-3 fatty acids can decrease damage to the BBB following a stroke or TBI and improve BBB permeability in people with multiple sclerosis. Omega-3 fatty acids can also be taken in supplement form.  

Take Melatonin and Improve Sleep

Sleep is fundamental for brain health. Poor sleep has also been shown to increase blood-brain barrier permeability. Taking melatonin supplements can also help improve sleep.�Melatonin is a hormone that is released by a small gland in the brain, known as the pineal gland. Melatonin helps regulate the circadian rhythm, or sleep and wake cycles. Enough melatonin is necessary to fall asleep quickly and sleep deeply throughout the night. Research studies have also shown that taking melatonin can help balance the blood-brain barrier and prevent further damage following a stroke and/or traumatic brain injury.  

Manage and Reduce Stress

According to research studies, stress can ultimately damage the blood-brain barrier. Chronic stress has also been found to increase inflammation and BBB permeability. Fortunately, managing and reducing stress can help fix the blood-brain barrier. Massage, acupuncture, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), emotional freedom techniques (EFT), heart-rate variability (HRV) training, and mindfulness meditation can also help manage and reduce stress. Taking supplements to help improve stress can also include, zinc, magnesium, ashwagandha, and phosphatidylserine, among others.  

Avoid Drinking Alcohol

According to healthcare professionals, drinking too much alcohol can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier. Research studies have shown that acetaldehyde, a byproduct of alcohol metabolism, can increase oxidative stress and affect the blood-brain barrier, resulting in inflammation and a variety of neurological diseases and brain health issues. Although some types of alcohol are better than others, it’s best to considerably decrease or avoid drinking alcohol. If you suspect that you may have a leaky blood-brain barrier, make sure to talk to your doctor about how drinking too much alcohol may cause a leaky BBB.   Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image
Many factors can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier, ultimately causing increased BBB permeability, oxidative stress, inflammation and a variety of brain and mental health issues, including neurodegenerative diseases. The blood-brain barrier is a protective shield which allows nutrients to enter the brain while keeping harmful components in the bloodstream from passing into the brain. A leaky blood-brain barrier is associated with anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. Fortunately, several natural ways have been demonstrated to help improve overall brain health and wellness as well as help fix a leaky blood-brain barrier. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
  The blood-brain barrier is a protective shield that allows nutrients to enter the brain while keeping harmful components in the bloodstream from passing into the brain. However, many factors can cause a leaky blood-brain barrier. This can allow harmful components to penetrate the blood-brain brain, ultimately causing inflammation and brain health issues. A leaky blood-brain barrier is associated with many mental health issues and neurological diseases, including anxiety, depression, brain fog, fatigue, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and schizophrenia. In the next article, we will discuss more natural ways which have been demonstrated to help fix a leaky blood-brain barrier and improve overall brain health.  

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   References:
  • The Star Academy. �How to Repair a Leaky Blood-Brain Barrier.� The Star Academy, The Star Academy, 16 Oct. 2018, thestaracademy.co.za/repair-leaky-blood-brain-barrier/.
 
 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”1050px” download=”all” download-text=”” attachment_id=”52657″ /]   The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue.  
 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.    
 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor 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

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with food sensitivities. 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)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor 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.  
Dunwoody Labs: Comprehensive Stool with Parasitology | El Paso, TX Chiropractor
GI-MAP: GI Microbial Assay Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor
 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

  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. xymogen el paso, tx   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.  
 
What is NAC?

What is NAC?

Do you feel:

  • Afternoon fatigue?
  • Under a high amount of stress?
  • Mental sluggishness?
  • Headaches with exertion or stress?
  • Inflammation in certain parts in your body?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might have suffered from glutathione deficiency, why not trying some NAC supplements.

NAC and Its Benefits

NAC or N-Acetyl Cysteine is an amazing semi-essential amino acid. This amino acid can be produced from the body through other amino acids like methionine and serine. It can only become an essential amino acid when dietary intake of methionine and serine are low in the body. When a person is trying to incorporate NAC in their diet, it can be found in high protein foods like meats, dairies, and legumes. Studies show that consuming NAC is essential for a variety of health reasons, especially replenishing the most potent antioxidant, glutathione in the body.

N-Acetylcysteine_Structural_Formula

Since NAC is a nutritional supplement that is exceedingly powerful, it can help glutathione be elevated in biosynthesis. NAC is recognized for supporting average mucous production, respiratory function, and eye health positively. Research shows that NAC can protect cell and tissue health from chronic illnesses and providing support for a healthy mental status in the body. There is even more research on NAC supplements, especially when someone increases their intake on the supplement. When there is an increase in NAC, and when it is consumed in the body, the effects are astounding. The NAC supplements can help the body boost the levels of some of the neurotransmitters and improving mental health.

In a 2011 study, researchers found that NAC is emerging to be a useful agent to help treat psychiatric disorders. The results of using NAC supplements to treat psychiatric disorders has helped alleviate some of these symptoms:

  • Addiction
  • Compulsive and grooming disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Bipolar disorders
  • Alzheimer�s disease

Since NAC can exert beneficial effects on the body, this supplement is useful to provide antioxidant, neuropathy, and anti-inflammatory properties to make sure that the body is functioning. Studies show that NAC can improve the outcomes of reducing lipopolysaccharides inflammation and preventing oxidative stress from being overexposed.

With NAC being a sulfur-containing derivative for the amino acid L-cysteine, this supplement provides supportive antioxidants and detoxification mechanisms for the body. Studies show that NAC can support the body�s antioxidant activity by neutralizing highly reactive hydroxyl radicals and serving as a source to sulfhydryl groups. They are thus enhancing the production or tripeptide glutathione in the body since it is a crucial component for antioxidant and detoxification enzymes.

Glutathione

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Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that has recently gained attention for its fantastic health benefits. This powerful antioxidant is found in every cell in the human body and can be absorbed in oral form. Research shows that even though the absorption of oral glutathione may be limited, the NAC supplementation can significantly increase the circulating levels of glutathione in the body. Studies stated that individuals who are infected with HIV, have glutathione deficiency in their system and have been associated with an impaired T-cell function and survival. So taking NAC orally can be used to replenish glutathione deficiency and is useful in the HIV infection.

Another study showed that taking NAC orally can help improve the responses of patients with chronic lung disease (CLD), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis (CF). The beneficial effects of taking NAC orally shows a decrease of inflammation in the lungs, improving the lung function, and reducing the neutrophil burden in cystic fibrosis airways.

Once this is done, though, NAC can help promote the production of glutathione and incorporate it into the crucial antioxidant enzymes and detoxification enzymes. With these enzyme activities being in play in the body, the glutathione is helping out by directly supporting their activities and the metabolism breakdown. Glutathione can also participate in fatty acid synthesis and can transport across the cell membrane.

Glutathione Factors

There are a variety of factors that can determine the requirements that glutathione can provide for the body. Glutathione can help control the toxin level exposure, increase the detoxification, and provide the overall needed support for antioxidants. Studies show that maintaining glutathione levels are essential to maintain the necessary health of the respiratory, hepatic, and the immune system from inflammation.

Research shows that since glutathione has multiple metabolic actions, they are essential for cellular homeostasis. Since it plays an important role, diseases like HIV, oxidative stress, chronic lung disease, and COPD can lower the body’s glutathione. The best way to make sure that individuals who have any chronic diseases, take NAC orally to prevent glutathione deficiency.

Glutathione can even help support antioxidant protection for lipids and proteins for the body as well as helping to maintain the standard response of inflammation due to injury. Studies show that elderly adults have altered their cellular redox levels and their dysregulated immune responses. Researchers also found out that the progression of chronic degenerative diseases of aging and that glutathione decreases with age naturally.

Conclusion

NAC is a semi-essential amino acid that has outstanding properties for the body. It helps replenishes the body�s glutathione and alleviate the symptoms caused by chronic illnesses. Taking NAC supplements is highly essential since it helps maintain adequate levels of glutathione to support overall health and well-being in the body. Some products help support glutathione levels as well as working well with NAC supplements by providing more excellent stability, bioavailability, and digestive comfort.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.


References:

Atkuri, Kondala R, et al. �N-Acetylcysteine–a Safe Antidote for Cysteine/Glutathione Deficiency.� Current Opinion in Pharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4540061/.

Dean, Olivia, et al. �N-Acetylcysteine in Psychiatry: Current Therapeutic Evidence and Potential Mechanisms of Action.� Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience : JPN, Canadian Medical Association, Mar. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3044191/.

Favier, A., et al. �Antioxidant Status and Lipid Peroxidation in Patients Infected with HIV.� Chemico-Biological Interactions, Elsevier, 23 Jan. 2003, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/000927979490037X?via%3Dihub.

Grandjean, EM, et al. “Efficacy of Oral Long-Term N-Acetylcysteine in Chronic Bronchopulmonary Disease: a Meta-Analysis of Published Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials.” Clinical Therapeutics, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (UK), Feb. 2000, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10743980.

Hu, Heng-long, et al. �Antioxidants May Contribute in the Fight against Ageing: an in Vitro Model.� Mechanisms of Ageing and Development, Elsevier, 26 Jan. 2001, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0047637400002128?via%3Dihub.

Keogh, Julian P., et al. �Cytotoxicity of Heavy Metals in the Human Small Intestinal Epithelial Cell Line I?407: The Role of Glutathione.� Taylor & Francis, 20 Oct. 2009, www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/15287399409531926.

Nakamura, Hajime, et al. �Redox Imbalance and Its Control in HIV Infection.� Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Publishers, 5 July 2004, www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/15230860260196245.

Nall, Rachel. �NAC: Use, Benefits, and Side Effects.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 4 Dec. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327219.php.

Ottenw�lder, H., and P. Simon. “Differential Effect of N-Acetylcysteine on Excretion of the Metals Hg, Cd, Pb, and Au.” SpringerLink, Springer-Verlag, July 1987, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00295763.

Pace, Gary W., and Cynthia D. Leaf. �The Role of Oxidative Stress in HIV Disease.� Free Radical Biology and Medicine, Pergamon, 14 Jan. 2000, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0891584995000472?via%3Dihub.

Roberts, Robert L., et al. �N -Acetylcysteine Enhances Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity in Neutrophils and Mononuclear Cells from Healthy Adults and Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients.� OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 1 Dec. 1995, academic.oup.com/jid/article-abstract/172/6/1492/820544?redirectedFrom=fulltext.

Rosa, De, et al. �N?Acetylcysteine Replenishes Glutathione in HIV Infection.� Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd (10.1111), 24 Dec. 2001, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1046/j.1365-2362.2000.00736.x.

White, Alexander C., et al. �Glutathione Deficiency in Human Disease.� The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Elsevier, 17 Jan. 2003, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0955286394900396.

Witschi, A., et al. �The Systemic Availability of Oral Glutathione.� SpringerLink, Springer-Verlag, Dec. 1992, link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2FBF02284971.

Yal�in, Elvan, et al. �N-Acetylcysteine in Chronic Blepharitis.� Cornea, 1 Mar. 2002, insights.ovid.com/crossref?an=00003226-200203000-00007.