Clinic Wellness Team. A key factor to spine or back pain conditions is staying healthy. Overall wellness involves a balanced diet, appropriate exercise, physical activity, restful sleep, and a healthy lifestyle. The term has been applied in many ways. But overall, the definition is as follows.
It is a conscious, self-directed, and evolving process of achieving full potential. It is multidimensional, bringing together lifestyles both mental/spiritual and the environment in which one lives. It is positive and affirms that what we do is, in fact, correct.
It is an active process where people become aware and make choices towards a more successful lifestyle. This includes how a person contributes to their environment/community. They aim to build healthier living spaces and social networks. It helps in creating a person’s belief systems, values, and a positive world perspective.
Along with this comes the benefits of regular exercise, a healthy diet, personal self-care, and knowing when to seek medical attention. Dr. Jimenez’s message is to work towards being fit, being healthy, and staying aware of our collection of articles, blogs, and videos.
Men who see more ads for low testosterone or “low T” on local television channels may be more likely to seek tests or treatments to boost their levels of the hormone, a U.S. study suggests.
Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and some men with extremely small amounts of the hormone may be diagnosed with what’s known as hypogonadism and prescribed needed testosterone therapy, researchers note in JAMA.
Far more men take testosterone than have hypogonadism or clear evidence of a medical problem tied to low hormone levels, however. Many of them may have been convinced to seek unnecessary treatment by ads promoting “low T” as a health problem associated with issues like reduced libido or fatigue, said lead study author Bradley Layton, a public health researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
“The original approval for testosterone intended it to be used only in a very narrow group of men with very clearly-defined diseases which stop the production of testosterone,” Layton said by email. “However, much of the use recently has been in men with reduced testosterone levels or some non-specific symptoms like fatigue, loss of muscle mass, reduced libido or lowered mood which may be related to normal aging or other disease conditions,” he said.
“There is very little evidence that testosterone would benefit men without a clear indication for taking it, and there are still unresolved safety concerns about testosterone that just don’t justify widespread treatment of older men with normal age-related reduced testosterone,” Layton added.
In 2014, U.S. drug regulators raised safety concerns about the potential for testosterone to increase the risk of heart problems.
For the current study, researchers examined data on testosterone ad viewership, testosterone testing and prescriptions of the hormone from 2009 to 2013. They looked at insurance claims data for 17.2 million men in 75 distinct television markets nationwide.
During the study period, more than 1 million men got new tests for testosterone levels and more than 283,000 initiated testosterone treatment, the study found.
Among men who started taking testosterone, 59 percent used gels and 36 percent got injections, while a small minority of them got patches or implants.
Prior to 2012, ads for “low T” were the most common type of marketing. Then, after two new products – Axiron and a more concentrated form of Androgel – debuted in 2011, ads for specific products became more common and promotions for “low T” started to decrease.
During some months of the study, there were no ads at all, while in other months some men might have seen as many as 14 ads on average.
The most concentrated advertising efforts occurred in the Southeast and in the Great Lakes region, the study found.
Each additional ad men saw was associated with a 0.6 percent increase in testing as well as a 0.7 percent climb in new prescriptions for testosterone. There was also a 0.8 percent increase in new prescriptions that were not preceded by testing.
Although the impact of a single ad was slight, ads were widespread and frequent during the study period and cumulative exposure was close to 200 ads in some markets, the authors note.
The study wasn’t a controlled experiment designed to prove that ads directly influence whether men get testing or treatment for low testosterone, the researchers caution. They also relied on data for prescriptions, which doesn’t necessarily reflect how often men took the drugs.
Still, the findings should put consumers on alert to be wary of ads, said Dr. Richard Kravitz, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, and author of an accompanying editorial.
“Direct-to-consumer advertising is designed to be persuasive,” Kravitz said by email. “Patients can’t really avoid this. All they can do is reflect on the fact that ads are designed primarily to increase sales, not inform and educate the public, and they should try to present their symptoms and concerns as objectively as possible to their physician.”
You add it to your morning cup of coffee or tea. You bake it into pastries, cakes, and cookies. You even sprinkle it all over your breakfast cereal or your oatmeal.
But that�s not all. It�s also hidden in many of our favorite �treats� that people consume on a daily basis, such as sodas, fruit juices, candies, ice cream, almost all processed foods, and even condiments like ketchup.
But how exactly does sugar work in our body, how much sugar is acceptable and what are the side effects of eating too much sugar on people�s health?
How Excessive Sugar Affects Your Health
Today, an average American consumes about 32 teaspoons (126 grams) of sugar per day or 134 pounds per year, based on the latest research released in February 2015.
What�s even more disturbing is that people are consuming excessive sugar in the form of fructose or high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). This highly processed form of sugar is cheaper yet 20 percent sweeter than regular table sugar, which is why many food and beverage manufacturers decided to use it for their products, as it would allow them to save money in the long run.
The bad news is that the human body is not made to consume excessive amounts of sugar, especially in the form of fructose. In fact, your body metabolizes fructose differently than sugar. Fructose is actually a hepatotoxin (toxic to the liver) and is metabolized directly into fat � factors that can cause a whole host of problems that can have far-reaching effects on your health.
Effects of Consuming Too Much Sugar
Dr. Robert Lustig, a professor of Clinical Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology in the University of California and a pioneer in decoding sugar metabolism, says that your body can safely metabolize at least six teaspoons of added sugar per day. But since most Americans are consuming over three times that amount, the majority of the excess sugar becomes metabolized into body fat � leading to all the debilitating chronic metabolic diseases many people are struggling with.
Here are some of the effects that consuming too much sugar has on your health:
It overloads and damages your liver. The effects of too much sugar or fructose can be likened to the effects of alcohol. All the fructose you eat gets shuttled to the only organ that has the transporter for it: your liver. This severely taxes and overloads the organ, leading to potential liver damage.
It tricks your body into gaining weight and affects your insulin and leptin signaling.Fructose fools your metabolism by turning off your body�s appetite-control system. It fails to stimulate insulin, which in turn fails to suppress ghrelin, or �the hunger hormone,� which then fails to stimulate leptin or �the satiety hormone.� This causes you to eat more and develop insulin resistance
It causes metabolic dysfunction. Eating too much sugar causes a barrage of symptoms known as classic metabolic syndrome. These include weight gain, abdominal obesity, decreased HDL and increased LDL, elevated blood sugar, elevated triglycerides, and high blood pressure.
It increases your uric acid levels. High uric acid levels are a risk factor for heart and kidney disease and also the cause of Gout. In fact, the connection between fructose, metabolic syndrome, and your uric acid is now so clear that your uric acid level can now be used as a marker for fructose toxicity. According to the latest research, the safest range of uric acid is between 3 to 5.5 milligrams per deciliter. If your uric acid level is higher than this, then it�s clear that you are at risk to the negative health impacts of fructose.
Sugar Can Increase the Risk of Disease
One of the most severe effects of eating too much sugar is its potential to wreak havoc on your liver, leading to a condition known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Yes, the same disease that you can get from excessive alcohol intake can also be caused by excessive sugar (fructose) intake. Dr. Lustig explained the three similarities between alcohol and fructose:
Your liver metabolizes alcohol the same way as sugar, as both serve as substrates for converting dietary carbohydrate into fat. This promotes insulin resistance, fatty liver, and dyslipidemia (abnormal fat levels in your blood)
Fructose causes superoxide free radicals to form, resulting in inflammation � a condition that can be also caused by acetaldehyde, a metabolite of ethanol
Fructose can directly and indirectly stimulate the brain�s �hedonic pathway,�(addiction pathway) creating habituation and dependence, the same way that ethanol does
But if you think that�s the only way eating too much sugar wreaks havoc on your body, you�re dead wrong. Research from some of America�s most respected institutions now confirms that sugar is a primary dietary factor that drives obesity and chronic disease development.
One study found that fructose is readily used by cancer cells to increase their proliferation � it �feeds� the cancer cells, promoting cell division and speeding their growth, which allow the cancer to spread faster.
Alzheimer�s disease is another deadly illness that can arise from too much sugar consumption. A growing body of research found a powerful connection between a high-fructose diet and your risk of developing Alzheimer�s disease, through the same pathway that causes type 2 diabetes. According to some experts, Alzheimer�s and other brain disorders may be caused by the constant burning of glucose for fuel by your brain.
Other diseases that are linked to metabolic syndrome and may potentially arise because of too much sugar consumption include:
Type 2 Diabetes
Hypertension
Heart Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Lipid (cholesterol) problems
Dementia (Alzheimer�s disease)
Cancer
Reducing Your Sugar Consumption
Sugar, in its natural form, is not inherently bad, as long as it�s consumed in moderation. This means avoiding all sources of fructose, particularly processed foods and beverages like soda. According to SugarScience.org, 74 percent of processed foods contain added sugar stealthily hidden under more than 60 different names. Ideally, you should spend 90 percent of your food budget on whole foods, and only 10 percent or less on processed foods.
I also advise you to severely limit your consumption of refined carbohydrates (waffles, cereals, bagels, etc.) and grains, as they actually break down to sugar in your body, which increases your insulin levels and causes insulin resistance.
As a general recommendation, I advise you to keep your total fructose consumption below 25 grams per day, including that from whole fruit. Keep in mind that although fruits are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, they also naturally contain fructose, and if consumed in high amounts may actually worsen your insulin sensitivity and raise your uric acid levels.
Remember that artificial sweeteners like aspartame and sucralose are also a no-no, as they actually come with a whole new set of health problems that are much worse than what sugar or corn syrup can bring.
KICK THE CRAVINGS!
We continue to see emerging evidence in the literature (research) that obesity, pre-diabetes and diabetes are driving factors not only for chronic conditions like Peripheral Neuropathy, but also for a slew of other chronic diseases, including cancer. It�s important to realize that you don�t have to give up sugar completely but you must reduce it substantially in your diet. Research has shown that no one should be consuming more than 6 teaspoons of sugar per day, and this includes fruit sugar, as well.
In order to get healthy and fight off chronic illness, here are some additional dietary tips to remember:
Increase your consumptionof healthy fats, such asomega-3, saturated, and monounsaturated fats. Your body needs health-promoting fats from animal and vegetable sources for optimal functioning. In fact, emerging evidence suggests that healthy fats should make up at least 70 percent of your diet. Some of the best sources include organic butter from raw milk, (unheated) virgin olive oil, coconut oil, ghee, raw nuts like pecans and macadamia, free-range eggs, avocado, and wild Alaskan salmon.
Drink pure, clean water. Simply swapping out all the sweetened beverages like sodas and fruit juices for pure water can go a long way toward improving your health. The best way to gauge your water needs is to observe the color of your urine (it should be light pale yellow) and the frequency of your bathroom visits (ideally, this is around seven to eight times per day).
Add fermented foods to your meals. The beneficial bacteria in these healthful foods can support your digestion and provide detoxification support, which helps lessen the fructose burden on your liver. Some of the best choices include kimchi, natto, organic yogurt and kefir made from grass-fed milk, and fermented vegetables.
How to Get Rid of Your Sugar Cravings
Sugar is highly addictive and affects depency centers in the brain but it can also have an emotional component, as well. In order to squelch sugar cravings, it�s important to detox. Here at our clinic we utilize a 21 day Jump Start program. This is a great program for detoxing your body from unwanted chemicals and sugar addiction and for decreasing inflammation.
The temptation to eat or indulge in sugary foods will always be there, especially with the abundance of processed foods and fast foods everywhere. However, most sugar cravings arise because of an emotional challenge. If this is what causes you to crave sugar, the best solution I could recommend is the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). This technique is a simple and effective strategy to help control your emotional food cravings.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Whole Body Wellness
Following a balanced nutrition, participating in regular physical activity and getting plenty of rest are fundamental factors for maintaining whole body wellness. While all of these can make you look and feel healthy, its also essential to address the health of your spine in order to maintain the proper function of all the body�s structures. Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option utilized by many individual�s to restore the health of the spine as well as maintain it. Chiropractic can also help prevent complications related to spinal injuries and conditions.
Throughout the United States, U.K., and Australia, more and more cases of liver disease are arising in the absence of alcohol abuse. Decades ago, we only saw conditions like Fatty Liver Disease and cirrhosis occur as a direct result of excessive alcohol indulgence, however, this trend has changed in the current day. Today, more and more adults and children are being diagnosed with NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD).
NAFLD is a medical condition that is characterized by an excessive accumulation of fats, within liver cells. This means normal, healthy liver tissue becomes partly replaced with fatty tissue. The fat starts to invade the liver, gradually infiltrating the healthy liver areas, decreasing the amount of healthy active liver tissue.
While it�s normal for your liver to contain some fat, accumulations of more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your liver�s weight are problematic.
70 million Americans have fatty liver disease and don�t even know it.
Anatomy & Function of the Liver
The liver is one of the hardest-working organs in the body, working tirelessly day in and day out. So here�s what your liver does, in a nutshell. Your liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and excretes bile. Bile is necessary to break down fats. All of the blood leaving the stomach and intestines must pass through the liver for filtering. It�s the liver�s responsibility to detoxify this blood. Here are several other important functions of the liver:
Detoxifies chemicals and metabolizes (breaks down) drugs.
Manufactures proteins important for the regulation of blood clotting
Breaks down excess hormones circulating in bloodstream
Produces cholesterol (necessary for vitamin D and hormone production and for healthy nerves)
Stores and releases glucose, as needed
Stores iron
Converts harmful ammonia to urea (urea is an end product of protein metabolism that gets excreted in the urine)
Clears the blood of alcohol, medications, drugs and other harmful chemicals
Produces immune factors and removes bacteria from the bloodstream
Clears and removes bilirubin (excessive buildup causes jaundice -yellowing of skin and eyes)
It�s the liver�s responsibility to process (store) nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and iron, so they�re more efficiently absorbed.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) has become increasingly common in the United States and Western Europe as weight gain, obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes and metabolic syndrome have risen in epidemic proportions. It is now the most common cause of liver disorders in the United States and other Western industrialized countries, such as Australia and the United Kingdom. It�s estimated that 1 in 5 people (25%) throughout these regions have NAFLD.
Although research has shown that NAFLD is most commonly caused by excess weight & obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes, studies have also revealed that the excessive use of prescribed medications and pain killers (or the toxicity of these) can lead to fatty liver disease, as well.
Symptoms of Liver Disease
A non-alcoholic fatty liver is often referred to as a �Silent Disease�. Initially there may be no symptoms, meaning, you can live with the condition for many years, even decades, and not realize it. Over time, however, some signs may begin to surface. These symptoms include:
feeling tired
fatigue
weight loss
loss of appetite
weakness
nausea
confusion
trouble concentrating
pain in the center or right upper part of belly
enlarged liver
bloating and gas
dark urine
bruising easily
sweating, excessively
constipation
dry and dark patches on neck and under arms
Over time, fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis of the liver. This occurs when scar tissue develops in the liver, preventing the liver from functioning properly. The scar tissue blocks the flow of blood through the liver and slows the processing of nutrients, hormones, drugs and naturally produced toxins, as well as the production of proteins and other substances made by the liver. Symptoms of cirrhosis are severe and include the buildup of fluid in the body (especially the abdominal cavity called ascites), muscle weakness, internal bleeding, yellowing of the skin and eyes, and liver failure.
Fatty Liver Diagnosis
The best way to diagnose a fatty liver is with an abdominal ultrasound or a biopsy, although an ultrasound is far less invasive. Often, people with NAFLD will not have elevated liver enzymes, so the blood tests may look normal. Elevated liver enzymes however, do indicate that you have inflammation of the liver which may be do to NAFLD or a more serious condition called NASH.
Root Causes & Risk Factors of Liver Disease
There are a number of risk factors that increase your chances of having NAFLD:
Obesity
Gastric bypass surgery
High cholesterol
High levels of triglycerides in the blood
Type 2 diabetes
Metabolic syndrome
Medications
Sleep apnea
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
Underactive pituitary gland (hypopituitarism)
Hemachromatosis (excess iron accumulation)
A 2006 review published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology states that NAFLD is a common finding among patients undergoing bariatric surgery, with an occurrence ranging between 84 percent to 96 percent. The review also noted that the disease seems to be most common among men, and it increases with menopause in women.
Foods That Can Lead to Fatty Liver Disease
High-Carbohydrate & Refined Foods
Foods such as bread, rice, and corn should be avoided. All white bread and carbs should be eliminated or significantly, reduced from your diet, and even whole grains should be consumed in moderation (because grains convert to sugar). All refined When we consume too many refined carbohydrates, insulin levels spike, and insulin sensitivity is a major factor in the cause of liver disease.
Sugary Drinks
Sports drinks (Gatorade/powerade), soda, energy drinks and fruit juices are full of sugar and artificial sweeteners. This sugar that enters your body causes fatty liver disease. The average 12-ounce can of soda, for example, has 10 teaspoons of sugar! Your body isn�t able to break down the amount of sugar that most Americans consume every day, and it�s impacting the liver, big time.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends no more than 6 tsp (25g) of sugar per day for women and 9 tsp (38g) per day for men. A child�s sugar intake should not exceed 3 tsp per day.
The average person consumes 20 tsp or more of sugar per day � equating to 66 pounds and more of sugar per year.
According to a study conducted at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta, sugars, particularly fructose, are suspected to contribute to the development of NAFLD and its progression. Fructose has been shown in research to do extensive damage to liver cells. There have also been substantial links between increased fructose consumption and obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.
Processed Foods
Hydrogenated oils, refined sugar, convenience foods and lunch meats are notoriously toxic to your system. Nitrates and nitrites, for example, are commonly found in processed foods and lunch meat, and they have been linked to serious conditions, including cancer. The high fructose corn syrup found in our processed foods is the single biggest cause of fatty liver; you must stay away from these products in order to heal liver disease.
Foods That Improve Fatty Liver Disease
A review published in the European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry states that natural enzymes found in vegetables, as well as fruits, plant extracts and herbs, have been traditionally used for treating liver diseases. It�s incredibly important to add vegetables to your everyday diet.
An easy way to do this is by juicing vegetables for near-perfect health. With impaired liver function, juicing vegetables has the added benefit of making the vegetables easier to digest and more readily available for absorption. Vegetables ideal for a liver detox include kale, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, beets and celery.
Beets
Beets naturally cleanse and purify the blood, which boosts liver function and nutrient production in your body. Beets are also high in antioxidants, folate, iron, fiber and betaine (a natural digestive enzyme). Beets go great in juicing recipes and thrown into smoothies (a little goes a long way). Shred some beets and throw on your salads, daily.
Broccoli
Broccoli and other members of the cruciferous family (brussel sprouts, cauliflower, arugula, cabbage, collard greens, kale, bok choy) are high in fiber and glucosinolates, which help the liver naturally cleanse the body of carcinogens and other toxins.
Ginger Root
Ginger has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, especially necessary with a dysfunctional liver due to NAFLD. Ginger has also been found to drastically lower blood sugar levels. Elevated glucose and insulin resistance are 2 key factors in the development of a fatty liver. Make ginger tea by boiling ginger slices in green tea or water. You can also add ginger to a stir-fry, salad or smoothie.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes, along with carrots, butternut squash and pumpkin) are rich in beta-carotene, a natural anti-inflammatory. A deficiency of potassium can disrupt liver function. Sweet potatoes, naturally high in potassium, are beneficial because they help support liver function. One sweet potato contains nearly 700 milligrams of potassium! It�s also rich with vitamins B6, C, D, magnesium and iron. Sweet potatoes are easy to eat because they�re naturally sweet, and the sugars are slowly released into the bloodstream through the liver, so it won�t cause a spike in blood sugar.
Lemons
Lemons are great for your liver. They provide a wealth of antioxidants and help your liver produce more enzymes giving you more energy and help with digestion.. Lemons are also naturally high in electrolytes. Although lemons are acidic, once they enter the body they become alkalinizing, which helps neutralize toxins, excrete wastes. Juice 1 fresh lemon, daily and drink-undiluted on an empty stomach every morning.
Bananas
Containing 470 milligrams of potassium, banana nutrition is also great for cleansing the liver and overcominglow potassium levels; plus, bananas assist in digestion and help release toxins and heavy metals from the body. A great way to decrease the liver�s burden.
Garlic, Whole Cloves
Garlic is rich in allicin and selenium, two powerhouse nutrients for your liver. They act in cleansing and in nourishing the entire body, especially the blood. Selenium is a naturally detoxifying mineral and allicin helps ward off immune system invaders, which helps lighten the load on your liver. Garlic also activates enzymes in the liver which help with overall digestion and flushing out toxins. Use whole garlic cloves as the best option, instead of processed minced garlic or powder.
Leafy Greens
The nutritional all-star ingredients for just about every health issue are leafy greens. Spinach, kale, chard, romaine, arugula, and collards are all some of the most nutrient dense leafy greens to enjoy. They�re packed with chlorophyll, which assists in liver function by purifying the blood, alleviating toxins, decreasing inflammation and promotes wound healing. Chlorophyll is also amazing at neutralizing heavy metals, toxic chemicals, and even pesticides that burden the liver.
Supplements That Improve Fatty Liver Disease
Dandelion Root
The vitamins and nutrients present in dandelions help cleanse our livers and keep them working properly. Dandelions also aid our digestive system by maintaining the proper flow of bile. They�re natural diuretics and allow the liver to eliminate toxins quickly. Dandelion tea or stems are also high in vitamin C, which helps with mineral absorption, reduces inflammation and prevents the development of disease.
Milk Thistle
As a liver support and aid, milk thistle is a powerful detoxifier. It helps rebuild liver cells while removing toxins from the body that are processed through the liver. According to a study published in Digestive Diseases and Sciences, milk thistle has the power to improve mortality in patients with liver failure; it�s able to naturally reverse the harmful effects of alcohol consumption, pesticides in our food supply, heavy metals in our water supply, pollution in the air that we breathe in and even poisons. According to a 2010 study, milk thistle benefitshelp treat alcoholic liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis, and toxin-induced liver diseases.
Vitamin D
Recent studies have indicated that deficiencies in vitamin D can result in Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Vitamin D deficiency was shown to cause severe degrees of NAFLD along with liver inflammation and liver fibrosis (hardening). This research also revealed that vitamin D deficiencies also resulted in insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. All of these factors play a significant role in the development of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). Optimum vitamin D levels should be between 70-100 ng/ml.
Curcumin
Curcumin, the active component of turmeric is arguably the most powerful herb on the planet at fighting and potentially reversing disease. Currently there have been over 6,000 peer-reviewed published articles proving the health benefits. Studies have also shown that curcumin may prevent the progression of fatty liver disease and reduces inflammation of the liver and body.
Black Seed Oil
This amazing oil can greatly speed the healing process for people with fatty liver disease. A study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciencesmeasured black seed oil�s ability to inhibit liver oxidative stress markers. The results of the study indicated that black seed oil benefitsliver disease patients because it�s able to reduce the complications and progression of fatty liver disease.
The best thing you can do to treat fatty liver disease is maintain a healthy diet. Many people with fatty liver disease are overweight and malnourished. A healthy diet that provides the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to function is very important.
The number one treatment of fatty liver disease is weight loss and a healthy diet. It�s essential that you eat a well-balanced diet that is predominately plant-based; plus, you should exercise regularly � shoot for doing physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, even if it�s taking a walk.
Sources:
Bedogni G, Miglioli L, Masutti F, Tiribelli C, Marchesini G, Bellentani S. Prevalence of and risk factors for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: the Dionysos nutrition and liver study. Hepatology. 2005;42:44�52. [PubMed]
Adams LA, Lymp JF, Sauver J, St, et al. The natural history of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a population-based cohort study. Gastroenterology. 2005;129:113�121. [PubMed]
Peripheral Neuropathy and Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the most common liver disorder in the Western world. It�s recognized as one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease across the globe.
A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (2003) reported a link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and peripheral neuropathy. The research revealed that 73% of people with NAFLD would develop peripheral nerve damage leading to the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
As if the development of peripheral neuropathy isn�t bad enough, science shows that the longer you have NAFLD, the more likely it is to progress into liver fibrosis (accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue), cirrhosis (accumulation of scar tissue in the liver) and NASH (severe liver inflammation and cell damage).
Although, NAFLD is most likely to happen in people who are overweight with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes, recently there are more and more cases of children with NAFLD. This is a direct result of the standard American diet. Pediatric NAFLD have been reported in children as young as 3 years old.
If you have been diagnosed with NAFLD or are overweight, suffer from metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance or diabetes, it�s important to take action. The good news is � The liver is the only organ capable of fully regenerating itself. As long as you have at least 15% of your liver that is working and functional, your body can repair and regenerate your liver.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Whole Body Wellness
Following a balanced nutrition, participating in regular physical activity and getting plenty of rest are fundamental factors for maintaining whole body wellness. While all of these can make you look and feel healthy, its also essential to address the health of your spine in order to maintain the proper function of all the body�s structures. Chiropractic care is a well-known alternative treatment option utilized by many individual�s to restore the health of the spine as well as maintain it. Chiropractic can also help prevent complications related to spinal injuries and conditions.
Peripheral neuropathy may be more common in patients with pre-diabetes than previously thought, and early interventions may be warranted in this patient population, according to researchers from the University of Utah.
Currently, 86 million adults � more than one in three U.S. adults � have prediabetes, according to CDC estimates. Without weight loss and moderate physical activity, 15% to 30% of these people will develop full-blowntype 2 diabetes within 5 years.1
�We know now a lot more than we did 3 or 5 years ago about neuropathic pain in patients with prediabetes. Neuropathy affects patients with prediabetes in a continuum,� said J. Rob Singleton, MD, who is a professor of neurology at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City. �We think it is more obesity and dysfunction of lipids (fats) that is causing the problem.�
Research Shows the Link between Obesity, Pre-diabetes and Neuropathy
In another study conducted by researchers from the University of Michigan, peripheral neuropathy was also common in obese patients, even if they had normal blood sugar levels, when compared with lean control participants. This same study also confirmed that rates of neuropathy were increased in participants with prediabetes and diabetes, leading the researchers to conclude that diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity are likely metabolic drivers of peripheral neuropathy. The findings were published in JAMA Neurology.1
Dr. Singleton and his team have been studying peripheral neuropathy associated with prediabetes and metabolic syndrome as well as what treatments may work best. Metabolic syndrome is the name for a group of risk factors that raise the risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke. Risk factors include high blood pressure, elevated blood glucose, elevated cholesterol, and abdominal fat. Through their research, they have found that many patients with metabolic syndrome have pre-diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, a multi-pronged approach to managing these patients is essential.
�We have shown that, in pre-diabetics with neuropathic pain, exercise reduces neuropathic pain and increases the intradermal nerve fibers in the thigh and ankle. We are in the process now of replicating that study,� Singleton said in an interview withEndocrinology Advisor. �You need to improve lipid (cholesterol) function and glucose levels. So, lifestyle issues have to be addressed.�
Relationship Between Nerve Damage and Pre-diabetes
New studies evaluating the link between prediabetes and peripheral neuropathy are filling in some of the gaps in knowledge.
In a study recently published in Diabetes Care, C. Christine Lee, PhD, of the University of Toronto, and colleagues reported that prediabetes was associated with similar risks for nerve dysfunction and damage leading to peripheral neuropathy as one develops with �new-onset� diabetes.2
While the exact mechanisms behind these associations are unclear, a growing body of evidence suggests that peripheral neuropathy begins in the early stages of diabetes pathogenesis, the researchers noted.
Lee and colleagues analyzed data on 467 individuals. The researchers found that the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was 29% in adults with normal glucose levels, as compared with 49% in adults with prediabetes and 50% in adults with new-onset diabetes.
The researchers also found that progression of elevated glucose (pre-diabetes) over 3 years predicted a higher risk for peripheral neuropathy and nerve dysfunction.
Early intervention with lifestyle changes involving diet and exercise may be vital to preventing the severity of nerve damage, Dr. Lee stated. This had previously been backed up by another study published in 2006 in Diabetes Care, by Dr. Singleton. Singleton and his colleagues found that dietary changes and exercise can result in cutaneous reinnervation and improved pain in patients with prediabetes.3
Nerve Damage Occurs Long Before Diabetes
It is imperative to realize that the nerve damage seen in peripheral neuropathy can actually occur long before diabetes sets in. In fact the most current research has shown that obesity, even with normal glucose (blood sugar) levels has been linked with causing peripheral neuropathy as well as pre-diabetes. Although it is important to strive for maintaining fasting glucose levels between 70 � 80 mg/dL, it is equally important to keep your weight down, lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. All of this can be accomplished without the use of medication or bariatric procedures.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Neck Pain and Auto Injury
Neck pain is characterized as the most prevalent symptom after being involved in an automobile accident. During an auto collision, the body is exposed to a sheer amount of force due to the high speed impact, causing the head and neck to jolt abruptly back-and-forth as the rest of the body remains in place. This often results in the damage or injury of the cervical spine and its surrounding tissues, leading to neck pain and other common symptoms associated with whiplash-related disorders.
Promises of more volume, shine, and botanical extracts may lure you in as you browse the�shampoo�aisle, but you may want to turn your attention to the tiny ingredients lists on the bottles to make sure you�re not choosing a product that will have you showering yourself in a neuro-toxic and carcinogenic chemical every day.
According to a new report from the Center for Environmental�Health, dozens of shampoos, soaps, and other personal care products (the nonprofit group tested) contained cocamide diethanolamine, otherwise known as cocamide DEA. The basis of the chemical�coconut oil�seems innocent enough. But scientists tinker with the ingredient, modifying it into an unnatural, toxic form, merely for the purpose �foaming agent.
University of North Carolina researchers found�that when Diethanolamine (DEA), a chemical used as a thickening agent in most shampoos, is applied to the skin of pregnant mice, it interferes with their offspring�s normal brain development.
The Common Natural Ingredient You Must Avoid
DEA blocks�absorption of the nutrient choline, which is essential to brain development and peripheral nerve function.� Choline deficiencies can lead to peripheral nerve damage, metabolic syndrome, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), insulin resistance, and hypertension.� All of these disorders can result in peripheral nerve damage and nerve pain, also known as peripheral neuropathy.
California listed cocamide DEA as a known carcinogen in 2012 under its Prop 65 law, which requires warning labels on consumer products containing carcinogens or reproductive toxicants.� In fact, The Center for Environmental�Health�recently filed a California lawsuit against four companies (Walmart, Target, Trader Joe�s, Kohl�s) that sell�shampoo�and personal care products containing the toxic chemical without a warning label.
��Most people believe that products sold in major stores are tested for safety, but consumers need to know that they could be doused with a cancer-causing chemical every time they shower or�shampoo,� said Michael Green, executive director of the Center for Environmental�Health. �We expect companies to take swift action to end this unnecessary risk to our children�s and families�health.�
Some other things uncovered through the center�s independent testing:
A store brand children�s bubble bath from Kmart and a children�sshampoo�and conditioner from Babies �R� Us also contained cocamide DEA.
Falsely labeled organic products from Organic by Africa�s Best also tested for high levels of the cancer-causing chemical
One�shampoo�tested contained a whopping 20% cocamide DEA.
It�s important to know that cocoamide DEA can masquerade under other names, so here�s what you should look out for on all of your personal care labels:
Cocamide DEA
Cocamide MEA
Cocamidopropyl Betaine*
DEA-Cetyl Phosphate
DEA Oleth-3 Phosphate
Lauramide DEA
Linoleamide MEA
Myristamide DEA
Oleamide DEA
Stearamide MEA
TEA-Lauryl Sulfate
Triethanolamine
Cocamidopropyl betaine, or CAPB, has been replacing cocamide DEA because it is thought to cause less skin irritations in people who are sensitive; however, it does not reduce the amount of neuro-toxicity or cancer risk.
SHAMPOOS with COCAMIDE DEA
Bed Head (TIGI)
Biosilk
CVS brand shampoos
Fekkai
Garnier Fructis
Head & Shoulders
JASON shampoo
John Frieda
Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo
L�Anza
Loreal
Matrix Biolage
Neutrogena
Nexxus
Nick Chavez
Redken
Selsun Blue Dandruff
TIGI (all shampoos)
Tresemme
Walgreens brand shampoos (adult & baby)
Additionally, the most common chemical compounds in shampoos are�straight-chain alkyl benzene sulfonates. Benzene is a chemical that is responsible for neurological symptoms, headache, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion and worst of all � oftentimes linked to leukemia and many types of cancers.
Most conventional shampoos contain 1,4-dioxane, a highly toxic�carcinogen. According to the California Environmental Protection Agency, 1,4-dioxane is known to cause cancer and may cause kidney, respiratory, and neurological toxicity. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has also stated that 1,4-dioxane is a groundwater contaminant.
MAKE YOUR OWN ORGANIC SHAMPOO
With hundreds of available shampoos on the shelf to buy, why on earth would you consider making your own? �I�m going to give you a few reasons which you won�t be able to refute.
First of all, the FDA �does not regulate what companies put in personal care products.
The majority of large companies like Suave, Pantene and Aussie (to name just a few) use chemicals that have been linked to cancer, nerve damage, immunotoxicity, and allegies.
Secondly,�It�s cheaper and doesn�t take any time to make. �That�s correct, you can make your own shampoo in under 5 minutes (no exageration) and save a boat-load of money, too.
RECIPES: Here are some of my favorite recipes for homemade shampoo.
8 oz of Dr. Bronner�s Castille Soap
13 drops Lavender essential oil (EO)
7 drops Peppermint (EO)
7 drops Rosemary (EO)
3 drops Tea Tree Oil
Rosemary Shampoo (stimulates hair growth)
Ingredients:
6 oz Dr. Bronner�s liquid castille soap
15 drops Rosemary essential oil (eo)
10 drops Geranium (eo)
BPA free plastic or glass dispenser bottle
Hydrating Shampoo
1/2 cup coconut milk
2/3 cup�Dr. Bronner�s liquid castille soap
15 drops of essential oil of your choice (see below)
2 teaspoons of olive oil
Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
1 1/2 cups coconut milk
1/2 cup Dr. Bronners liquid castille soap
1/2 cup purified water
1/2 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon baking soda
20 drops Rosemary (eo)
15 drops Tea Tree Oil
1 tablespoon ground fenugreek seeds
BPA free plastic or glass dispenser bottle
Your Own Formulation
6 oz Dr. Bronners Castille Soap (liquid)
Essential oils (EO) of your choice (30 drops, may use single essential oil or multiple oils totaling 30 drops)
Miso has been a staple in Chinese and Japanese diets dating back approximately 2,500 years. Traced from ancient China, where it was known as hisio, a seasoning prized by aristocrats, miso was perfected in Japan from the 7th century to current day.
Today, most of the Japanese population begins their day with a warm bowl of miso soup to stimulate digestion and energize the body. When purchasing miso, avoid the pasteurized version and spend your money on the live enzyme-rich product, which is also loaded with beneficial microorganisms.
As long as you choose unpasteruizedmiso, you will be getting the benefits of live friendly microflora for the health of your inner ecosystem.
While it was once thought that soy was the reason for the low rates of heart disease, breast and prostate cancer in Asia, more evidence is now showing us that it is the consumption of traditionalfermented soy products (usually eaten every day) that are providing the real benefits.
There are many types of miso, some made with just soy beans and soy koji (called Hatcho miso, a favorite in Japan) and others made with barley and rice. The key to its amazing health benefits is that it must be allowed to ferment from 3 months to 3 years which produces an enzyme-rich food.
Miso is effective in detoxifying and eliminating elements that are taken into the body through industrial pollution, radioactivity and artificial chemicals in the soil and food system.
Benefits of Miso Soup
Many human and animal studies have been done on miso and have revealed the following benefits:
1. Give a boost to the immune system
Much like any fermented food, miso improves the population of good microflora in the digestive tract. Not only does miso act as a natural antacid, reducing the chance of digestive upset, but good microbes help to support a healthy and effective immune system. A healthy gut is essential for protecting you against disease because of its pivotal role in the body�s immune system.
2. Protect against harmful effects of radiation
Exposure to radiation is inevitable. Increased use of consumer electronics, medical testing procedures, and home radon are just a few of the many culprits behind your likely exposure to radiation on a daily basis. But studies have shown miso to be effective at preventing radiation sickness in those exposed to potentially dangerous levels.
A Japanese study conducted over the course of 25 years found miso to be effective as a means to prevent cancer from radiation exposure, and even useful in healing radiation burns when applied directly to the skin as a paste.
3. Prevent breast cancer
The soy isoflavones that exist in miso have been shown to be effective in preventing breast cancer, according to The Japan Public Health Center-Based Prospective Study on Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases. Fermentation is believed to be the key, as the study included subjects consuming regular soy products as well as fermented ones, such as miso.
The latter group was found to have a reduced risk of breast cancer, even when other contributing factors were taken into consideration.
4. Guard against colon cancer, intestinal disease
Miso may also give relief to patients suffering from Crohn�s disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Studies have also shown some promise that miso may be helpful in preventing colon cancer. Results published in the June 2013 issue of the Journal of Toxicologic Pathology showed laboratory animals fed three-month fermented miso did not exhibit precancerous changes or colon cancer after they were exposed to a carcinogen.
5. Remove the ills of smoking
Miso has even been used by smokers in Japanese culture as a means for quickly removing nicotine from the human system. So powerful, miso broth is routinely used in Japan to clean tar from smoker�s pipes.
Other Benefits of Miso Soup
Contains all essential amino acids, making it acomplete protein.
Aids digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive fluids in the stomach.
Restores beneficialprobioticsto the intestines.
Aids in the digestionand assimilation of other foods in the intestines.
Is a good vegetable-quality source ofB vitamins(especially B12).
Strengthens the quality ofbloodand lymph fluid.
Reduces risk for breast, prostate, lung and coloncancers.
Protects against radiation(dipilocolonic acid, an alkaloid contained in miso, chelates heavy metals and discharges them from the body.
Strengthens theimmune systemand is antiviral
Is high inantioxidantsthat protect against free radicals (and cancer).
ReducesLDL cholesterol.
Preserves beautiful skin � miso contains linoleic acid which keeps skin supple and young looking
Reduces menopause symptoms (especially hot flashes)
How to Add Miso to Your Daily Diet
Use miso in small amounts, but on a regular basis, for best results. Consider a few teaspoons a day to be average use, though the most beneficial amount will vary from person to person, depending on body type, size, activity level and age.
Begin your miso regimen by adding a small amount�one to two teaspoons�per cup of soup. Add more as needed for desired taste so that the miso flavoring mingles, but does not overpower, the taste of the soup. Less is needed for aged miso.
Miso has a wonderful sweet/salty flavor that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. The color of miso can vary from light yellow�good to use in a sweet miso soup during warm weather�to a deep dark brown with earthy tones and hearty flavor, which can be cooked with root vegetables, wakame sea vegetable and dark leafy greens during the colder months. When cooking with miso use just enough to enhance flavor and avoid overpowering the dish with a strong salty taste.
Bok Choy Miso Soup
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons coconut oil
4 leaves of Bok Choy, rinsed, sliced in 1 inch ribbons including stems
4 cups vegetable broth, organic
1 organic carrot, thinly sliced
1/2 cup bamboo shoots
2 green onions sliced
1/4 cup sliced shitake mushrooms
1 teaspoon tamari sauce, organic
1 garlic clove crushed
2 tablespoons miso paste
Black pepper to taste
Sea salt to taste
DIRECTIONS
In a heavy soup pot place oil, turn to medium heat, put in carrots and garlic, saute until almost tender.
2. Add broth, tamari, and mushrooms, bring to a boil, once boiling reduce heat to low so that soup is simmering, simmer until mushrooms are almost done.
3. Add green onion, Bok Choy, black pepper and bamboo shoots, cook for a few minutes, add miso. Stir until miso is well blended. Add additional sliced shallot for garnish if desired.
Serves 2
LET FOOD BE THY MEDICINE�AND LET MEDICINE BE THY FOOD. ~Hippocrates
When battling peripheral neuropathy or any chronic illness, like, crohn�s, colitis, diverticulitis, IBS, cancer, autoimmune diseases and many more, the first step to healing must always begin with diet.
Today, everyone�s largest health problem is battling chronic inflammation. It effects the very young to the elderly. The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) both list chronic inflammation as the largest culprit in causing chronic diseases, including cancer.
The key to reducing chronic inflammation is adding delicious, superfood recipes to your diet. Recipes like Miso soup will decrease overall inflammation and lend itself to healing many chronic illnesses.
So, what have you got to lose? Go ahead and try a delicious bowl of miso soup. Enjoy�.while you heal!
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Whole Body Wellness
Overall health and wellness can be achieved by following a proper nutrition and engaging in regular exercise and/or physical activities. While these are some of the most common ways to ensure whole body health and wellness, visiting a qualified and experienced healthcare professional can also grant your body additional benefits. Chiropractic care, for instance, is a safe and effective alternative treatment option utilized by people to maintain well-being.
Did you ever let your foot fall asleep and suffer first from numbness and then from a tingling, pins-and-needles sensation while it �awakened�? People with peripheral neuropathy suffer from those types of sensations all the time. And there�s growing evidence that peripheral neuropathy is linked with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
The Prevalence of Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that occurs from damaged nerves in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Commonly, symptoms experienced as a result of this are numbness, tingling, burning, and pain. The condition has a number of different causes, such as, diabetes, chemotherapy, statin medications, disc herniation and traumas, toxic metal exposure, chronic alcohol consumption and vitamin deficiencies. Now, however, scientists have linked peripheral nerve damage to gluten sensitivity and celiac disease.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, spelt, kamut and barley. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that wreaks havoc on the digestive tract. When a person afflicted with celiac�s eats even the tiniest bit of gluten it causes damage to the small intestine and interferes with nutrient absorption. In many cases, the inability to absorb nutrients can stunt growth, weaken bones and damage peripheral nerves resulting in neuropathy.
Celiac disease affects one out of every 100 people throughout the world. In America, two-and-a-half million Americans are undiagnosed and at risk for serious health problems, according to the Celiac Foundation. If it goes untreated, after a while a person can develop disorders like type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, dermatitis herpetiformis (itchy skin rash), anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, miscarriage, neurological conditions like epilepsy, migraines, short stature, intestinal cancers, and now nerve damage.
It was approximately five years ago that researchers first discovered a possible link between celiac disease and neuropathy. A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology has found celiac disease patients are at an increased risk for nerve damage. �It�s quite a high figure, compared to many other outcomes in celiac disease,� the study�s coauthor Dr. Jonas Ludvigsson, a pediatrician and professor at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, said in a statement. �There is a real association between celiac disease and neuropathy� [and] we have precise risk estimates in a way we haven�t had before.�
Furthermore, Swedish researchers studied medical records between 1969 and 2008 from over 28,000 patients with celiac disease and compared them to 139,000 people who were never diagnosed with the autoimmune disorder. Those with celiac disease were 2.5 times more likely to suffer from nerve damage also known as neuropathy.
Meanwhile, non-celiac gluten sensitivity is a newly-recognized condition, and physicians who are performing research on this topic say tingling and numbness in the extremities represents one of the most common gluten sensitivity symptoms.
In another study, researchers screened 215 patients with peripheral neuropathy. A total of 140 of these had �idiopathic neuropathy,� meaning there was no apparent medical reason for their peripheral neuropathy.
The researchers tested those 140 people for antibodies to gluten using two celiac disease blood tests, the AGA-IgA test and the AGA-IgG test. Although these tests are not thought to be very specific to celiac disease, they can detect if your body views gluten as an invader and is generating antibodies against the protein.
Thirty-four percent of those tested � 47 people � had high antibodies to gluten in one or both of those tests, compared with a 12% rate of high antibodies to gluten in the overall population.
The researchers also performed endoscopies and biopsies on those people in the study suspected to have celiac disease, and found that 9% of those in the �unexplained neuropathy� group actually had celiac. The celiac disease genes � i.e., HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8 � were found in 80% of all peripheral neuropathy patients.
Celiac, Gluten Sensitivity Symptoms & Neuropathy
New research has revealed that peripheral neuropathy actually is one of the most common non-digestive symptoms of celiac disease, and gluten sensitivities, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. In fact, it�s possible to have no noticeable gastrointestinal symptoms of celiac disease, but instead to have mainly peripheral neuropathy and other neurological symptoms.
Researchers analyzed medical records of over 28,000 patients with biopsy-confirmed celiac disease and then they followed up with all the study participants after a median of 10 years to see if they had developed nerve damage. They found that those with celiac disease had a 2.5-fold increased risk of developing nerve damage over a period of time as compared to the control population.
How Gluten Sensitivity Causes Nerve Damage
Neurological symptoms such as peripheral neuropathy, migraines and brain fog are even more common in non-celiac gluten sensitivity, according to Harvard Medical School�s Dr. Alessio Fasano, one of the lead researchers in the field of gluten sensitivity. Dr. Fasano says up to 30% of people he�s diagnosed with gluten sensitivity have neurological symptoms � a much larger percentage than people with neurological symptoms in celiac disease.
Dr. Fasano: Gluten Sensitivity May Affect 6% to 7% Overall
Dr. Fasano, director of the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research, published the first study looking at the molecular basis for gluten sensitivity and how it differs from celiac disease. He also participated in the research concluding that celiac disease incidence is one in every 133 people.
According to Dr. Fasano, gluten sensitivity potentially affects far more people than celiac disease. He estimates about 6% to 7% of the U.S. population may be gluten-sensitive, meaning some 20 million people in the United States alone could be sensitive to gluten.
Symptoms of gluten sensitivity in this population can include digestive problems, headaches, rashes and eczema-like skin symptoms, brain fog, fatigue, and peripheral neuropathy. Almost one-third of those he�s diagnosed as gluten-sensitive report brain fog and headaches as symptoms, he says.
Dr. Ford and Dr. Fine Say Percentage Could Be Far Higher � Up To 50%
Dr. Ford, a pediatrician in Christchurch, New Zealand and author of The Gluten Syndrome, says he believes the percentage of people who are gluten-sensitive actually could be much higher � potentially between 30% and 50%.
�There are so many people who are sick,� he says. �At least 10% are gluten-sensitive, and it�s probably more like 30%. I was sticking my neck out years ago when I said at least 10% of the population is gluten-sensitive. My medical colleagues were saying gluten sensitivity didn�t exist. We�ll probably find it�s more than 50% when we finally settle on a number.�
Dr. Fine, a gastroenterologist who founded and directs the gluten sensitivity testing service Enterolab, agrees that gluten sensitivity probably affects half the population.
Another large percentage of Americans have autoimmune disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headaches and/or microscopic colitis, which place them at high risk for gluten sensitivity. About 60% to 65% of people with those conditions test positive for gluten sensitivity through Enterolab, Meanwhile, about 20% to 25% of people with no symptoms are diagnosed with gluten sensitivity based on Enterolab testing results, says Dr. Fine.
�When we did the math, we came up with the number of about one in two are gluten-sensitive,� he says.
Neuropathy Found in People with Gluten Sensitivity
A study published in 2010 in the journal of Neurology found that a gluten free diet led to stabilization of the neuropathy for many of the patients in this study.
Over the past many years, gluten has been shown to induce an autoimmune antibody response to nerve cells, myelin sheath (protective coating around nerves, as well as receptor sites on cells that bind neurotransmitters (chemicals that allow nerves to communicate).
It has also been discovered that gluten can contribute to the breakdown of the blood brain barrier. This allows chemical toxins to leak into the blood supply of the brain itself .
In addition, it has become a well researched fact that Gluten sensitivity can damage the gut inducing malabsorption of vitamins and minerals (such as vitamins B1 and B12). Gluten sensitivity has been linked to the following list of neurologic conditions:
So it goes without saying, if you have been diagnosed with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity/intolerance or if you suspect you may have these conditions, going gluten free is imperative for the health of your nerves and your GI tract. If you are unsure, then try the � GLUTEN FREE FOR 3 � challenge. Go completely gluten free for just 3 days and keep a journal to log in how you feel and sleep during those 3 days. If you feel better, overall, then chances are high that you are gluten sensitive.
For more information, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Additional Topics: Early Intervention After Auto Injury
When a person is involved in an unexpected automobile accident, the most common type of injury which often results from the incident is whiplash. Whiplash is identified as a neck injury caused by the sudden, back-and-forth motion of the head during a car crash. Whiplash can cause a variety of symptoms and complications if left untreated, which is why seeking medical treatment immediately after being involved in an auto accident is essential in order to help people recover quickly without developing further issues.
IFM's Find A Practitioner tool is the largest referral network in Functional Medicine, created to help patients locate Functional Medicine practitioners anywhere in the world. IFM Certified Practitioners are listed first in the search results, given their extensive education in Functional Medicine
