When we look at our patients, we try to figure out what is causing their ailments from living their best lives. Some practitioners would prescribe medications to alleviate pain. While other practitioners will start trying to figure out what is causing the patient to have these ailments. Here at Injury Medical Clinic, we talk to our patients about the importance of functional medicine and how it can benefit them. In this article, we will be discussing Connective Tissue Disorder and how it is linked to wheat-related disorders.
What is Connective Tissue Disorder?
CTD (Connective Tissue Disorder) is an autoimmune disorder that can affect the connective tissues such as the collagen and elastin in our skins. This disease is highly inflammatory and can occur alongside with other autoimmune diseases, and it is common if families have a history of Connective Tissue Disorder.
About 3% of the population has a connective tissue disorder, and it is most likely to occur in women than men. In fact, women who are diagnosed with connective tissue disorder have a ration of 10:1, compared to men.
CTD includes (but is not limited to) the following conditions:
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): SLE is a widespread and chronic autoimmune condition, for unknown reasons, can cause the immune system to attack the body�s own tissue and organs, including joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood, and skin.
Sjogren�s Syndrome: This autoimmune disease causes white blood cells to attack moisture-producing glands, such as the tear ducts and salivary glands. This can make it very difficult for the body to produce tears and saliva.
Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma): This condition causes the skin and connective tissue to harden and tighten.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA is a chronic inflammatory condition and an autoimmune disorder that can generally affect the lining of the joints, but mostly in the hands and feet. Rheumatoid arthritis causes painful swelling that can eventually lead to deformity and erosion in the joints and bones.
Polymyositis: This is a persistent inflammatory muscle disease that causes weakness in the skeletal muscles, which can affect your body movement.
Dermatomyositis: This is an uncommon inflammatory disease that is marked by muscle weakness and can cause a distinctive skin rash.
These conditions can group together and can be very hard to diagnose because of the research and many tests that the patient is taking. Surprisingly, the average patient suffers from symptoms for 3.6 years before meeting diagnostic criteria. And the systems alone are difficult to classify, and often mimic or overlap other conditions. Some of the symptoms include hair loss, muscle pain, numbness or tingling, inflammation, low-grade fever, weakness and fatigue, joint pain, sensitive skin, and rashes.
Increased Need For Advanced Testing and Early Diagnosis
Sadly though, patients wait longer when they have these conditions, and it can worsen in the process as it takes years to get diagnosed for CDT. Practitioners can use treatments on their patients, but the medications act as a band-aid to mask the symptoms, but it does not adequately address the root causes of the disease. Sometimes the symptoms can progress faster than the current diagnostic test. So if you want to make sure your patients have any autoimmune diseases, run a diagnostic test on them, so you can detect early stages of the disease and start treating them so it can go away.
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) is used as an initial test that can help evaluate a person for an autoimmune disorder that can affect many tissues and organs throughout the body. It is most often used when practitioners are diagnosing patients for systemic lupus erythematosus.
Surprisingly ENA can be more predictive than ANA. However, patients were followed for 2 years, and about 20% of those patients developed positive ENA.
Vibrant Wellness Wheat Zoomer
In�a�previous article, we talked about gluten sensitivity and introduced the wheat zoomer. What the Vibrant Wheat Zoomer does is that it actually runs a test on your microbiomes to determine if you have a wheat sensitivity or a gluten sensitivity. It can actually detect IgG and IgA antibodies as well as detecting if your body has the celiac disease and intestinal permeability.� It pairs well with the Vibrant Gut Zoomer, and here at Injury Medical, we use the Wheat Zoomer on our patients to inform them about what is causing them to have gut inflammation or even leaky gut.
Celiac Disease and Wheat Allergens
Celiac Disease and Wheat Allergens is an autoimmune disorder in genetically susceptible individuals, and it affects about 1% of the population. In a previous article, we mentioned the hidden problems that gluten does to the body. And surprisingly, any wheat-related disorders can exist on a spectrum, this includes wheat allergy, gluten sensitivity, and wheat sensitivity.
When a person, has the celiac disease, having any traces of wheat can actually upset their intestinal permeability and causing them to have a leaky gut.
The Connection to CTD and Celiac Disease
But how do connective tissue disorder and celiac disease are connected? Well, surprisingly, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and celiac disease (CD) share multiple aspects in epidemiology and clinical manifestations. Both disorders have been proven to be influenced by comparable environmental factors and a recent incidental surge of associated antibodies. Even though they have different depositions, both of them are mediated by endogenous enzymes that target different tissues and organs.
Conclusion
However through functional medicine; local chiropractors and health coaches here at Injury Medical Clinic, strive to understand what do our patients need to make their bodies feel better. If we can use functional medicine to prevent leaky gut at the early stages and help our patients with any ailments that they may have, then we can gently push them into the right direction of exercising throughout the week (even if it is about thirty minutes) and eating nutritious, whole, organic foods; as well as, preventing their ailments coming back then their bodies can finally heal.
With the last article, we talk about how our gut system actually works. With the many microbes that inhabit our intestines, we do try to our best to lead a healthier lifestyle. Here at Injury Medical, local chiropractors and health coaches inform our patients about functional medicine as well as helping them to prevent a leaky gut. Here we will talk more about what the microbiomes in our intestines do when we are exposed to harsh environments.
The Microbiome
The significant role of the microbiome in the epithelial barrier integrity and breakdown. However, we can�t have a conversation with patients about intestinal permeability and food sensitivities without telling them about the role the microbiome plays.
The Wheat zoomer is rich with data but adds the Gut zoomer with the patients; the results are more accurate.
Microbial Influence on our Intestines
Immune influence: One of the leading roles that microbiomes play in the immune system is that it generates byproducts of carbohydrates/fiber fermentation that will influence T-cell differentiation. Without the distinction, we will see an increase of being at high risk of autoimmune diseases, allergies, autism, and asthma.
SCFAs (Short Chain Fatty Acids): The food we consume gets fermented for good bacteria to feed on. SCFAs creates fermented fibers by commensal microbes into Butyrate, Propionate, Acetate. These three are essential to the intestinal immune system. These SCFAs can influence T-cells differentiation differently, but it still gets the same results.
T-cell Differentiation: na�ve T-cells that activate the immune response to T-regs (police cells) to signal B-cells, and it can be a good thing. But if the T-cells activate and differentiate the wrong cells, it will cause inflammation.
When T-cells differentiation is less abundant, there will be a higher incidence of food sensitivities, autoimmune disease, asthma, and allergies. But when there is an abundance of butyrate, the patients have lower rates of colon cancer and colitis.
Tight Junction: Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus rhamnosus are the reinforcers for the tight junction while inducing TLR (toll-like receptors) outside the intestinal epithelial walls, as well as increasing the abundance of zonulin-occludin into the tight junction.
SCFAs also play a vital role in the tight junction by lessening the extent propionate, inducing LOX (lipoxygenase) activity and increasing tight junction�s stability while reducing permeability.
Pathogens/Pathobionts: Can be an influence in the epithelial barriers as they can be opportunistic or conditionally pathogenic. Various pathogens like enteropathogenic E.coli can alternate the tight junction�s system. However, if there is a low abundance of L. plantarum, then it will lead to infections and disruption as well as disorganization of the actin cytoskeletons. This can be reversed by incubating the epithelial cells with L. plantarum to create a high density of actin filaments to the tight junction and repair itself.
Zonulin, actin, and LPS: In the previous article, zonulin is the �gatekeeper� proteins that are responsible for opening and closing the tight junction. We talked about how if there is a low count of zonulin, it can cause inflammation, but if the zonulins are high, they can increase the IP and may facilitate enteric translocation by disassembling the tight junction. With less zonulin, it can be an overgrowth of b bacteria cells, thus causing more inflammation.
Actins are the structural and functional cells in the tight junction. However, if bacteria enter the actin cell walls, the bacteria will release toxins to the cell walls, it not only damages it but causes it to leak as well. This will make the damage actin cells not only paracellular but also intracellular to the damage actin cell walls.
Actin walls can also be affected when surfactants are involved. Surfactants are food agents and are known to affect the absorption of food substances in the gastrointestinal tract. They are not problematic, but when there is a low count on TEER, it can increase permeability and disband the tight junction.
LPS (Lipopolysaccharide) acts as a barrier and is recognized by the immune system as a marker for detecting bacterial pathogen invasion. It�s responsible for the development of inflammatory response in our gut.
Diet and Lifestyle
Diet and lifestyle contributions to the epithelial barrier integrity and breakdown. With the Wheat and Gut Zoomer helping out our intestinal barriers. Specific diets and lifestyles can also play effect to what is causing discomfort to our gut. These factors can cause our gut to be an imbalance, gastro discomfort, inflammation on our intestinal epithelial barriers.
Gluten: Gliadin is the main peptide that can cause gluten sensitivity. The gliadin protein can bind with many microbes, causing discomfort to our intestines and gut. Plus giving us an autoimmune disease, skin allergens, and chronic illnesses.
Keto/High Fat Intake: Increase fat meals cause an increase of permeability, and if a patient has a high gram-negative, it will cause problems. But it can be beneficial, to those who don�t have the gram-negative bacteria in their system but, certain microbes like SCFAs do cling onto these fatty substances. In order to give patients an accurate result use both the Gut Zoomer and Wheat Zoomer to better the chances. Higher fat meals suppress beneficial bacteria. Causing a double risk of toxins in the bloodstream as well as inflammation.
Alcohol: Patients are more willing to give up alcohol than gluten. Alcohol can be a stress reliever but can lead to addiction. It can be one of the causes of redistribution of the junctional proteins. One glass of wine a day is ok, but some patients don�t see alcohol as a mediator for reducing problems.
Lectins: Lectins are contributors to permeability and impair the integrity of the intestinal epithelial layer, allowing passage through. Antibiotics for WGA can help lower the permeability of the intestinal wall barriers.
Stress: Stress can cause discomfort and permeability in the intestinal epithelial barrier from high levels of cortisol.
Conclusion
Yes, gluten can cause inflammation in the intestinal epithelial barriers, but many factors that we discussed are also factors that can cause physiological assaults on the barrier�s integrity and stability of the intestinal ecosystem. Dr. Alexander Jimenez informs our patients about the importance of how functional medicine works with the combination of the Gut Zoomer and the Wheat Zoomer. This is not only protecting our gut but by giving us the information on what we can do to prevent a leaky gut.
The human body can absorb toxins in a variety of ways, from the type of foods we eat to the external and environmental factors we’re exposed to on a regular basis. Fortunately, the human body can also eliminate toxins in a variety of ways. Healthcare professionals have recognized that the accumulation of toxins in the human body can cause numerous health issues, including inflammation which may lead to back pain and sciatica. A good detox plan can help improve your overall health and wellness from the inside. Detoxing is also a fundamental process which can help relieve sciatica and back pain.
Back Pain and Sciatica
Back pain is one of the most common health issues reported among the general population. Although back pain affects approximately 80 percent of people at least once throughout their lifetime, sciatica continues to be one of the most frequently misunderstood health issues across the world. Also known as sciatic nerve pain, sciatica is characterized by irritation or inflammation due to the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve, the longest and largest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve travels from the lower back, down the hips and buttocks, into the legs and feet. �
A variety of alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help safely and effectively treat sciatica symptoms without the side-effects of drugs and/or medications. Many healthcare professionals may recommend the use of drugs and/or medications to help offer sciatic nerve pain relief, however, these are only managing the symptoms rather than treating the health issue at the source. Research studies demonstrated that 76 percent of patients with sciatica reported complete relief of their symptoms without any toxic side-effects after following a detox plan for 45 days. �
Detox for Sciatica and Back Pain
For those people who may not be sure how or where to start with a detox plan, it’s fundamental for you to know that you can detox the human body on a variety of levels. First, you can start off with a simple foot detox. Healthcare professionals have demonstrated that a detox foot bath is a good way to cleanse the human body. Best known as the BioElectric Field Enhancement Unit, this helps generate positive and negative ions which creates the pH balance in the human body. As a result, the human body’s negative ions decrease while the human body’s positive ions increased to provide pain relief. �
To perform a detox foot bath, soak your feet for 30 minutes in warm salt water together with the foot coil. This process can help give muscles the strength and endurance they need to deal with back pain and sciatica symptoms. Moreover, a detox foot bath can also help eliminate free radicals which enhance range of motion. A detox foot bath also supports circulation. A good detox plan to help improve sciatica and back pain can also include following proper nutrition. Healthcare professionals can recommend a diet food plan which can help detox the human body from the inside with other treatment approaches. �
As previously mentioned, nutrition and lifestyle modifications below can help cleanse and detox the human body, including: �
Drinking more water, at least a minimum of two liters a day.
Drinking freshly squeezed juices without adding sugar, several times a day.
Replacing one meal with fresh smoothies, preferably breakfast.
Eating a healthy diet without processed foods, red meat, sugar, and dairy products.
According to healthcare professionals, it is a healthy practice to follow a detox plan once every 3 to 4 months. Do you remember when was the last time you had a detox? Or do you at least remember ever having a moment where you considered detoxification? Whether you followed a detox plan a few months ago, a year ago, several years ago, many years ago or simply never, it doesn�t matter. There is no better time then to start now. A detox plan cleanses the bloodstream, improves gut health, channels energy levels and strengthens muscles. Detox helps improve sciatica from its source. �
Sciatica is a collection of symptoms which can manifest due to a variety of underlying health issues. However, numerous research studies have demonstrated that following a detox plan can help tremendously reduce irritation and inflammation associated with sciatic nerve pain. Following a proper nutrition and lifestyle modifications together with a detox plan can ultimately help improve overall health and wellness, including sciatica and back pain. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Non-Invasive Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain
Following a detox plan may help pain and inflammation associated with sciatica. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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 �
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
�
Formulas for Methylation Support
�
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
�
� For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download �
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force. �
Sciatica is a health issue caused by the compression or impingement of the sciatic nerve, or the longest and largest nerve in the human body. Patients with sciatica can experience painful symptoms anywhere along the length of the sciatic nerve. Common symptoms associated with sciatica include pain and discomfort, tingling sensations, numbness, and weakness. �
Sciatic nerve pain can be caused by a variety of health issues,� such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, pregnancy, scar tissue, tight muscles, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, degenerative disc disease, tumors, and infection. Sciatic nerve pain can occur along one or both sides of the human body. According to numerous research studies, inflammation caused by an improper diet can cause sciatic nerve pain. Below, we will discuss how certain types of foods, both good and bad, can affect sciatica. �
Good Foods for Sciatica
Patients with sciatica caused by muscle spasms, such as piriformis syndrome, can benefit from consuming a variety of magnesium-rich foods. The human body uses magnesium to help release muscle contractions. Several magnesium-rich foods include dairy products, fish, meat, seafood, apples, apricots, brown rice, dulse, and lima beans. Foods with considerable amounts of vitamin B-12, such as liver, clams, oysters, lamb, and cheese, might also be beneficial for sciatic nerve pain. �
Halibut is a magnesium-rich food which may help treat sciatica associated with tight muscles or muscle spasms. Halibut contains numerous nutrients, including tryptophan, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, protein, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins B3, B6 and B12. The significantly increased levels of vitamin B12 in halibut can also help reduce painful symptoms. Halibut is also used to help treat cardiovascular problems, such as heart arrhythmia and elevated blood pressure. �
Because sciatica is a collection of symptoms rather than a single condition, patients with sciatic nerve pain should seek help from a healthcare professional to determine if an underlying health issue is causing the painful symptoms. In some cases, sciatic nerve pain may be caused by a serious problem, such as a tumor. Although further research studies may be needed to confirm the benefits of foods for sciatica, more research studies still have demonstrated how foods can also affect sciatica. �
Bad Foods for Sciatica
According to numerous research studies, eating a low-nutrient diet or a diet which may cause weight gain can ultimately cause a variety of health issues, including sciatic nerve pain and inflammation. Consuming foods rich in B-vitamins are essential for healthy nerve tissue. When we eat refined grain products, valuable nutrients are lost through the process, including B-vitamins. To make sure we eat nutrient dense foods, choose whole grains over refined grain products, such as white bread, instant rice, enriched pasta, low-fiber cereals and baked goods prepared with white, baking or cake flour. �
Added sugars are ingredients which add sweet flavor and calories to foods, however, they offer very little nutrients. These are also high-glycemic and they may have a considerable impact on blood sugar levels. A high-glycemic diet can increase inflammation and it also leaves less room for beneficial, anti-inflammatory foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods and beverages particularly high in added sugars include regular soft drinks, candy, pancake syrup, frosting, sweetened cereals, frozen desserts and commercially-prepared cakes, cookies, pies, and brownies, among other foods and beverages. �
Saturated fats can also increase inflammation. The American Heart Association recommends restricting the consumption of saturated fats to less than 7 percent of total daily calories. Common sources of saturated fats include red and processed meats, dark-meat poultry, poultry skin, high-fat dairy products, fried foods, and egg yolks. Healthcare professionals recommend replacing saturated fats in your diet with omega-3 fatty acids, or healthy fats with anti-inflammatory properties, to reduce sciatica. Sources of omega-3s include cold-water fish like salmon and mackerel, flaxseeds, canola oil, and walnuts. �
Trans-fats, also well-known as trans-fatty acids, are chemically-produced fats which can increase LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol and decrease HDL, or “good,” cholesterol. According to research studies, trans-fats are also pro-inflammatory substances and they can ultimately account for less than 1 percent of the calories in a heart-healthy diet. Common sources of trans-fats include stick margarine, shortening, and commercial foods which list hydrogenated vegetable oil as an ingredient. �
Sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain, can be caused by a variety of underlying health issues, including herniated discs and spinal stenosis, among other spine problems. However, numerous research studies have demonstrated that the foods we eat can affect painful symptoms, such as those associated with sciatic nerve pain or sciatica. “Good” foods can help reduce sciatica symptoms while “bad” foods can increase sciatica symptoms, affecting overall health and wellness. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Non-Invasive Treatments for Chronic Low Back Pain
�
�
A healthy diet may help manage pain and inflammation associated with sciatica. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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 �
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
�
�
Formulas for Methylation Support
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download � * All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force. �
Sciatica is commonly characterized by a collection of symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, tingling sensations and numbness, frequently caused by the compression of the sciatic nerve. In a variety of circumstances, the cause of a patient’s sciatic nerve pain may be due to inflammation, even without any underlying health issues. � Many healthcare professionals will prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and/or medications to help treat sciatica. However, these can only do so much when it comes to treating the source of sciatica. The type of foods you eat also plays a fundamental role in reducing overall inflammation in the human body. Below, we will describe what a comprehensive diet food plan should include to help improve sciatic nerve pain symptoms. �
Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Sciatica
� There are many types of anti-inflammatory foods which can help ease pain, discomfort, and swelling, which may ultimately be beneficial for sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. The best anti-inflammatory foods include: �
Spices: Several varieties of spices contain antioxidants which can help reduce the human body’s inflammatory response. Rosemary, cloves, ginger, and turmeric can help reduce inflammation.
Dark leafy greens: Vegetables such as collard greens, Swiss chard, kale, and spinach also contain antioxidants which can help fight against cellular damage, among other health issues like sciatica.
Green tea: Japanese matcha tea contains 17 times more antioxidants than wild blueberries, another food which is also rich in antioxidants. These anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce sciatic nerve pain.
Fermented vegetables: Gut health is essential to help boost your immune system and reduce inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods, such as natto, kimchi, miso, pickles, and sauerkraut, are excellent choices. You may also eat fermented dairy products, such as yogurt and kefir, to help reduce inflammation.
� When purchasing any of the anti-inflammatory foods listed above, make sure they come from organic providers to help minimize your risk of consuming pesticides and other harmful toxins. As for the dairy foods listed above, make sure they come from healthy, grass-fed cows to make sure that you’re consuming a nutritious, high-quality product. The milk harvested from cows raised in concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, often contain antibiotics and other additives which can affect your overall well-being. �
Eat Foods Rich in B Vitamins
� The vitamin B family is fundamental for the structure and function of the human body because it helps regulate the nervous system. Vitamin B deficiencies can cause transmitters to start working inefficiently which may slow down the sciatica recovery process. Below are some of the key B vitamins you should consume, including: �
Vitamin B6: Also known as pyridoxine, vitamin B6 can help support the metabolism of the human body’s neurotransmitters. Foods rich in this nutrient include grass-fed meat, fish, bananas, and legumes.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in maintaining the health of myelin, or the fatty substance which wraps around nerve fibers to speed up neurotransmitter communications. Foods rich in this nutrient include pasture-raised chicken and eggs, wild-caught fatty fish and grass-fed dairy products.
Folate: This vital vitamin is crucial for the production of neurotransmitters. Vegetables are good sources of folate and the best choices include asparagus, broccoli, bok choy, romaine lettuce, and cauliflower.
Eat Foods to Promote Muscle Repair
� In a variety of circumstances, muscle health issues can cause sciatica, such as piriformis syndrome. Add foods into your sciatica diet food plan treatment which can help nourish and repair your muscles properly in order to help prevent injuries and/or aggravated conditions. Some of the best foods for muscle repair include: �
Nuts and seeds: These two popular snack options contain plant-based omega-3 fatty acids which can tremendously help reduce inflammation as well as provide protein for muscle synthesis and growth.
Wild-caught salmon: Wild-caught salmon can greatly increase your omega-3 intake. It also contains a good source of lean protein to promote muscle-building for overall muscle repair, health, and wellness.
Tart cherries: These small fruits should be a part of your diet food plan as they may help decrease pain, discomfort, and inflammation, according to the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition.
Pasture-raised eggs: Eggs contain generous amounts of protein which can ultimately help repair and strengthen your muscles to reduce sciatica symptoms, as well as increase energy production.
� Make sure to eat only moderate amounts of protein on a daily basis, preferably 1 gram for every kilogram of your lean body mass, according to healthcare professionals. This will lower the risk of stimulating mTOR, or mammalian target of rapamycin, which is associated with cancer when protein is consumed excessively. �
Sciatica is a collection of symptoms characterized by pain, discomfort, tingling sensations, and/or numbness, among other common symptoms. Sciatica, also known as sciatic nerve pain, is generally caused by a variety of underlying health issues, however, research studies have demonstrated that inflammation caused by an improper nutrition can also cause sciatic nerve pain. Following a sciatica diet food plan treatment can help improve sciatic nerve pain. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Mix and Match Diet Food Plan
� With the numerous food choices listed in this article, you can surely put together a sciatica diet food plan treatment which can help reduce overall inflammation while simultaneously building your muscles and supporting your nervous system health. If you�re unsure of what to eat due to allergies, consult a healthcare professional. Afterward, you can come up with healthy meals which can improve your overall well-being. � Sciatica is a collection of symptoms caused by the compression or impingement of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Understanding the symptoms of sciatic nerve pain is essential towards obtaining a diagnosis in order to follow up with the best treatment. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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 �
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
�
Formulas for Methylation Support
�
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
�
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download �
* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force. �
Sciatica can cause pain, discomfort, tingling sensations and numbness along the entire length of the sciatic nerve. Also known as sciatic nerve pain, is a collection of symptoms caused by a variety of health issues. Many people will turn to the use of drugs and/or medications as well as surgery to treat sciatica, however, research studies have demonstrated that functional medicine can help improve sciatic nerve pain. � As a matter of fact, a 2010 research study published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapies demonstrated that approximately 60 percent of patients with sciatica benefited from alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care. Moreover, functional medicine approaches, including acupuncture, yoga, and massage therapy, among other alternative treatment options, have been demonstrated to help improve sciatic nerve pain. Functional medicine can help safely and effectively provide sciatica pain relief. �
Functional Medicine Approaches for Sciatica
Treatment for sciatica can depend largely on the underlying health issues causing the painful symptoms, therefore, it’s important for people to seek help from a healthcare professional. While many doctors choose to utilize drugs and/or medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxers, or steroids, to treat sciatic nerve pain, many research studies have demonstrated that alternative treatment options can help improve sciatica.� Below, we will discuss functional medicine approaches which can help improve sciatica symptoms. �
Sciatica is a collection of symptoms characterized by radiating pain, tingling sensations, and/or numbness which extends throughout the length of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica, also known as sciatic nerve pain, is generally diagnosed through its symptoms and depending on the type of painful symptoms, a healthcare professional can safely and effective treat sciatic nerve pain. Functional medicine approaches, such as chiropractic as well as nutrition and lifestyle modifications, can ultimately help improve sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Chiropractic Care
� One research study published in the Official Journal of the North American Spinal Society demonstrated that after comparing the results of 102 adults who suffered from sciatic nerve pain, those who received chiropractic care experienced less pain, fewer number of days with pain, and decreased instances moderate to severe pain compared to those adults who didn�t receive chiropractic care for their sciatica. � Disk herniations are some of the most common causes of sciatica.�There are several types of “ruptured” or herniated discs. Prolapse disc bulges are considered to be less severe because the outermost layer of the disc is still intact, however, extrusion or sequestration disc bulges are generally considered to be more painful. These types of ruptured or herniated discs cause damage to the outer layer of the spinal disc, which leads tissue to push through from where it�s normally constrained. This can compress the sciatic nerve and cause symptoms. �
For healthcare professionals, it�s important to know the patient’s symptoms in order to understand their health issues and follow the appropriate treatment approach. Sciatica can be diagnosed during a physical exam by a chiropractor or doctor of chiropractic. Doctors can also perform X-rays and other tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, test to diagnose the condition of the spine. After diagnosis, a chiropractor may utilize spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to correct the spine and relieve sciatic nerve pain. �
Yoga
Stretches and exercise can aggravate sciatica, however, yoga has been demonstrated to help relieve sciatic nerve pain. Some people have reported that sitting and/or standing for extended periods of time and then moving around suddently can aggravate sciatica. Scrunching or shortening the spine, such as raising the legs up and/or bringing the knees towards the chest in a squatting position can commonly affect symptoms. �
On the other hand, stretching and exercising the spine through yoga can help promote good posture while reducing stiffness, inflammation, and pain frequently associated with sciatic nerve pain. Research studies have demonstrated�that yoga is a safe and effective treatment for people with sciatica. Some of the most important movements for preventing sciatic nerve pain focus on building strength and relaxing stiffness. Stretches and exercises may even be utilized in rehabilitation settings for patients with sciatica following surgery.
Acupuncture and Massage Therapy
Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine practice which is based on regulating overall health and wellness by opening the human body�s natural flow of energy. It utilizes small, virtually pain-free needles to target specific pathways in the human body. Acupuncture has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for back pain and it’s supported in a variety of research studies for relieving chronic pain, including sciatica. �
Massage therapy is another non-surgical, holistic approach which helps open muscles, tissues, and channels of energy within the human body to help improve blood flow and reduce painful symptoms. Massage therapy helps reduce back pain, improve muscle relaxation, and even promote the healthy release of endorphins, or the natural �feel good� substances of the human body which act as pain relievers to improve painful symptoms. �
Nutrition and Lifestyle Modifications
Approximately 5 to 10 percent of patients with low back pain also have sciatica, however, healthcare professionals have demonstrated that a patient’s nutrition and lifestyle can increase the risk of developing sciatic nerve pain. Also, factors like height, age, stress, being overweight or obese, sitting or standing for extended periods of time, and smoking, can also increase the risk of developing sciatica and other problems. �
Many of these risk factors cause inflammation, which makes it difficult to heal from injuries and conditions. To prevent inflammation and improve the odds of developing sciatica, make sure to eat a nutrient-dense healing diet, avoid smoking/using recreational drugs, and participate in exercise as well as get good sleep. Constipation may also cause toxicity and inflammation. As a matter of fact, anything which causes toxicity or inflammation can cause sciatica. Nutrition and lifestyle modifications can ultimately help improve sciatic nerve pain. �
Sciatica is a collection of symptoms caused by the compression or impingement of the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. Understanding the symptoms of sciatic nerve pain is essential towards obtaining a diagnosis in order to follow up with the best treatment. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.
Chronic Back Pain Guidelines
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 �
Additional Topic Discussion: Severe Sciatica
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of sciatica, or sciatic nerve pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of painful symptoms, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have these results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease sciatic nerve pain, or sciatica, through the utilization of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief. �
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Formulas for Methylation Support
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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.
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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. �
� Methylation, commonly referred to as the “one-carbon metabolism”, is the transfer or formation of methyl (CH3) groups, such as MTHFR, COMT, and DNMT. Methylation frequently utilizes SAMe as a methyl donor. Methylation is fundamental for a variety of bodily structures and functions, including cell division, gene expression, early CNS development, immune cell differentiation, neurotransmitter biosynthesis and/or metabolism, histamine clearance, detoxification, hormone biotransformation, cellular energy metabolism, phospholipid synthesis, and the myelination of peripheral nerves, among other structures and functions. � � Among one of it’s most essential functions on structures, DNA methylation highly regulates a variety of epigenetic marks, making them substantially stable, such as the covalent bonds of X and Y chromosomes in men and women. Methylation occurs at CpG sites with DNMT enzymes. Moreover, DNA methylation can help regulate and/or manage other bodily structures and functions. Histone methylation, RNA methylation, and mitochondrial DNA methylation (miDNMT) can help induce or inhibit gene expression. Recent research studies have also demonstrated that these same enzymes may additionally be involved in demethylation. �
Methylation and Fetal Programming
� According to research studies, while there are a variety of epigenetic marks which remain seemingly unchanged through inheritance, there are numerous other epigenetic marks which can change due to external factors, known as metastable epialleles. These changes can also change throughout inheritance as well as remain seemingly unchanged through inheritance. Metastable epialleles provide individuals with considerable differences and can be passed down to offspring during critical stages of fetal development. According to many more research studies, methylation can also affect epigenetic marks outside fetal programming windows. �
DNA methylation was originally considered to be stable and irreversible, however, external factors can also affect epigenetic methylation. The purpose of the following article is to discuss the importance of methylation for a variety of bodily structures and functions. Furthermore, it’s fundamental to understand how nutrition, fitness, lifestyle, supplements, and medicines, can improve DNA methylation and overall health and wellness. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support
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While many healthcare professionals can recommend diet and lifestyle changes to improve methylation support, there are several options you can try yourself at home. As described above, methylation support supplementation should be determined by a healthcare professional. Smoothies and juices are a fast and easy way to include all the necessary nutrients you need for methylation support without any side-effects. The smoothies and juices below are part of the Methylation Diet Food Plan.
Sea Green Smoothie Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes
1/2 cup cantaloupe, cubed
1/2 banana
1 handful of kale or spinach
1 handful of Swiss chard
1/4 avocado
2 teaspoons spirulina powder
1 cup of water
3 or more ice cubes
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild)
1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed
1 tablespoons almonds
Water (to desired consistency)
Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries)
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!
Sweet and Spicy Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes
1 cup honeydew melons
3 cups spinach, rinsed
3 cups Swiss chard, rinsed
1 bunch cilantro (leaves and stems), rinsed
1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped
2-3 knobs whole turmeric root (optional), rinsed, peeled and chopped
Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Ginger Greens Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes
1 cup pineapple cubes
1 apple, sliced
1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped
3 cups kale, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped
5 cups Swiss chard, rinsed and roughly chopped or ripped
Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Zesty Beet Juice Servings: 1 Cook time: 5-10 minutes
1 grapefruit, peeled and sliced
1 apple, washed and sliced
1 whole beet, and leaves if you have them, washed and sliced
1-inch knob of ginger, rinsed, peeled and chopped
Juice all ingredients in a high-quality juicer. Best served immediately!
Protein Power Smoothie Serving: 1 Cook time: 5 minutes
1 scoop protein powder
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1/2 banana
1 kiwi, peeled
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of cardamom
Non-dairy milk or water, enough to achieve desired consistency
Blend all ingredients in a high-powered blender until completely smooth. Best served immediately!
ProLon� Fasting Mimicking Diet
Balanced methylation support can be achieved through proper nutrition. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serve the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat or easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. The products are scientifically formulated and great tasting. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if the FMD is right for you. The ProLon� fasting mimicking diet can help promote methylation support, among a variety of other healthy benefits.
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Many doctors and functional medicine practitioners can recommend nutritional advice and/or guidelines to help improve DNA methylation. Proper diet and lifestyle changes can ultimately help improve DNA methylation. Understanding how methylation can affect an individual’s epigenetics throughout the early stages of life can help promote health and wellness. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. 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
Additional Topic Discussion:�Acute Back Pain
Back pain�is one of the most prevalent causes of disability and missed days at work worldwide. Back pain attributes to the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at least once throughout their life. Your spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments, and muscles, among other soft tissues. Injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as�herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
Formulas for Methylation Support
�
XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.
Proudly,�Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.
Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.
If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic�Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.
�
For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download
* All the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.
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
� Among one of it’s most essential functions on structures, DNA methylation highly regulates a variety of epigenetic marks, making them substantially stable, such as the covalent bonds of X and Y chromosomes in men and women. Methylation occurs at CpG sites with DNMT enzymes. Moreover, DNA methylation can help regulate and/or manage other bodily structures and functions. Histone methylation, RNA methylation, and mitochondrial DNA methylation (miDNMT) can help induce or inhibit gene expression. Recent research studies have also demonstrated that these same enzymes may additionally be involved in demethylation. �
