by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Health, Nutrition, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Aches, pains, and swelling throughout the body?
- Stomach pains, burning, or aching 1-4 hours after eating?
- Excessive belching, burping, or bloating?
- Inflammation in your stomach?
- Is gas immediately following a meal?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then try these eating mushrooms for your immune system.
Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have been traditionally used for centuries by protecting anyone against infectious diseases, and various cancers. The positive biological effects of mushrooms are due in part to the indirect action of stimulating the immune cells. These mushrooms have a long history of usages by supporting health, especially in early Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Mexican, and Roman cultures. In fact in 1991, a 5,300-year-old mummy was discovered carrying polypore fungus, which exerts a purgative effect. It may have been used to treat the mummies’ intestinal parasites.
What Are the Benefits of Mushrooms?
Modern research has shown that medicinal mushrooms can provide a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that are associated with a few health effects that primarily support the immune system. Mushrooms act as an anti-bacterial, immune system enhancer and cholesterol-lowering agents. Additionally, they are an essential source of bioactive compounds, and some mushroom extracts are used to promote human health as well as being found as dietary supplements.
Since medicinal mushrooms are edible macroscopic fungi that are visible to the naked eye and are used for their beneficial health properties. Fungi, which includes yeasts molds, and mushrooms, live on the dead matter that is found in soil, plants, animals, and other fungi. It is estimated that there are 14000 to 22000 known species of mushrooms worldwide and approximately 20 to 30 mushrooms that are cultivated edible species. Even though there approximately 15 species that are wild foraged for consumption, they can be part of functional foods or dietary supplements.
Mushrooms are a source of many nutrients, including fiber, protein, selenium, potassium, and vitamins, B1, B2, B12, C, D, and E. They also possess several bioactive components like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Mushrooms have been studied for not only its immune-stimulating and prebiotic properties, but they notably contain ?- glucan, which is a polysaccharide that is commonly present in mushrooms.
Research has been examining the health effects of mushrooms and has identified approximately 130 possible therapeutic properties, including:
- Antibacterial
- Antidiabetic
- Antifungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antioxidants
- Antiparasitic
- Antitumor
- Antiviral
- Hepatoprotective
- Immunomodulating
The research on medicinal mushrooms is based on animal or in-vitro trails that are up to date. Some earlier clinical trials suggested that individuals who consume mushrooms can have the benefits of reducing cancer and it�s many symptoms in the body. There are several mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the beneficial effects of mushrooms for immune health. Certain mushrooms can positively influence the gut microbiota by protecting it from harmful pathogens. There are even several mushrooms that have been shown to support immune health by enhancing the innate and adaptive responses in the body and exerting anti-allergic effects. Here are eight mushrooms that have immune supportive properties.
The Eight Mushrooms
Chaga
The Chaga mushroom is also referred to as birch mushroom or Chaga conk. It is a dark brown and black fungus that grows on birch trees. Several beneficial compounds are found in this mushroom and contains anti-oxidant polyphenols, betulin, and betulinic acid that are associated with anti-cancer effects for the body.
Studies show that Chaga mushrooms are used in traditional medicine and can be used in different remedies. This includes using Chaga as an anthelminthic, curing digestive disorders, and to help prevent chronic illness that affects the heart and liver.
Cordyceps
Even though it is not technically a mushroom, this rare caterpillar fungus grows only in high-altitude regions in northeast India. Studies found that the bioactive components in cordyceps include polysaccharides, cordycepin, and cordycepin acid. Cordyceps was described in old Chinese medical books that traditional healers used on patients to improve their energy, stamina, and their sleeping patterns.
In a study, healthy Koreans individuals took supplements that contain cordyceps extract for eight weeks, and the results were that the extract increased the activity of NK-cells (natural killer) immune cells and improving the immune system in the body.
Lion’s Mane
Also known as Hericium Erinaceus, this mushroom has a white, fur-like appearance that resembles a lion�s mane. This mushroom can be beneficial for a healthy gut microbe and is associated with reducing colon tissue damage from inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers suggested that lion�s mane may help individuals regulate their immune system and can improve the health of those who have IBD, but there is still more research being done to confirm this finding for the future.
Maitake
Maitake is both a culinary and medicinal mushroom that has proven to have anticancer activity for a variety of cancers that can affect the body. Maitake has a component called proteoglycan, and it has been associated with the immune-simulating effects.
Studies have been shown that proteoglycan can decrease mammary tumor cell behavior in animals and more research shows that maitake can exert anti-viral activity against hepatitis B and HIV from the body.
Oyster
Oyster mushrooms are a genus-group of fungi that has serval species like Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus florida. Research has found that polysaccharides that are present in P. ostreatus mushrooms can activate N.K. cells against cancer cells. While another research shows that the extract of P. florida contains several active components containing anti-inflammatory properties in animal models.
Reishi
Known as the �king of mushrooms�, reishi has been shown to prevent various diseases and can modulate inflammation that is associated with a high cholesterol diet on people.
The health effects of this mushroom may be a result of its ability to regulate the body�s microbiota composition.� The beneficial effect that is found in reishi can help increase the beneficial bacteria that are in a person�s body.
Shiitake
Shiitake mushrooms have been traditionally used to treat common ailments that a person may encounter. Studies have shown that people who consume shiitake mushroom saw that there were changes in their body as their gut immunity and the anti-inflammatory components were improving over time.
As with many mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms have anticancer effects and lentinan that is being currently used as a complementary treatment for tumors.
Turkey Tail
The turkey tail mushroom gets its name from the tan and brown rings on its surface, resembling the tail feathers of a turkey. Research has shown that in traditional medicine, healers use the turkey tail mushroom to treat fungal infections, cancer, and AIDS on patients.
A 2007 study that was conducted by the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan found that over 8,000 cancer patients that took turkey tail and combined it with chemotherapy have an increased chance of survival.
Conclusion
From coming back to the body, mushrooms are used to stop diseases and cancers. Using its many health advantages of supporting the entire body can be helpful for anyone who wants to incorporate them into their diet. Mushrooms are edible while some are poisonous from the wild consuming these eight mushrooms are safe for individuals. Combining these mushrooms and some products are beneficial in supporting the immune system and are designed for more excellent stability, bioavailability, and digestive comfort.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
References:
El-Deeb, Nehal M, et al. �Modulation of NKG2D, KIR2DL and Cytokine Production by Pleurotus Ostreatus Glucan Enhances Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity Toward Cancer Cells.� Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Frontiers Media S.A., 13 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6700253/.
Feeney, Mary Jo, et al. �Mushrooms and Health Summit Proceedings.� OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 8 May 2014, academic.oup.com/jn/article/144/7/1128S/4569770.
Ganeshpurkar, Aditya, and Gopal Rai. �Experimental Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus Florida.� Indian Journal of Pharmacology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3608298/.
G�ry, Antoine, et al. �Chaga ( Inonotus Obliquus), a Future Potential Medicinal Fungus in Oncology? A Chemical Study and a Comparison of the Cytotoxicity Against Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells (A549) and Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (BEAS-2B).� Integrative Cancer Therapies, SAGE Publications, Sept. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142110/.
He, Yanli, et al. �Grifola Frondosa Polysaccharide: A Review of Antitumor and Other Biological Activity Studies in China.� Discovery Medicine, 23 Apr. 2018, www.discoverymedicine.com/Yanli-He/2018/04/grifola-frondosa-polysaccharide-antitumor-and-other-biological-activity-studies-in-china/.
Integrative, PDQ, and Alternative and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. �Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ�).� PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK401261/.
Jayachandran, Muthukumaran, et al. �A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota.� International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 8 Sept. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/.
Jung, Su-Jin, et al. �Immunomodulatory Effects of a Mycelium Extract of Cordyceps (Paecilomyces Hepiali; CBG-CS-2): a Randomized and Double-Blind Clinical Trial.� BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, BioMed Central, 29 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6441223/.
Lindequist, Ulrike, et al. �Medicinal Mushrooms.� Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4095656/.
Lindequist, Ulrike, et al. �The Pharmacological Potential of Mushrooms.� Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM, Oxford University Press, Sept. 2005, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1193547/.
Oba, Koji, et al. �Efficacy of Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy with Polysaccharide K for Patients with Curative Resections of Gastric Cancer.� Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy: CII, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (U.K.), June 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17106715.
Panda, Ashok Kumar, and Kailash Chandra Swain. �Traditional Uses and Medicinal Potential of Cordyceps Sinensis of Sikkim.� Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121254/.
Valverde, Mar�a Elena, et al. �Edible Mushrooms: Improving Human Health and Promoting Quality Life.� International Journal of Microbiology, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320875/.
Wasser, Solomon P. �Medicinal Mushroom Science: Current Perspectives, Advances, Evidences, and Challenges.� Biomedical Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25179726.
Do you feel:
- Aches, pains, and swelling throughout the body?
- Stomach pains, burning, or aching 1-4 hours after eating?
- Excessive belching, burping, or bloating?
- Inflammation in your stomach?
- Is gas immediately following a meal?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then try these eight edible mushrooms for your immune system.
Mushrooms
Medicinal mushrooms have been traditionally used centuries for protecting anyone against infectious diseases, and various cancers. The positive biological effects of mushrooms are due in part to the indirect action of stimulating the immune cells. These mushrooms have a long history of usages by supporting health, especially in early Chinese, Egyptian, Greek, Mexican, and Roman cultures. In fact, in 1991, a 5,300-year-old mummy was discovered carrying polypore fungus, which exerts a purgative effect.� It may have been used to treat the mummies’ intestinal parasites.
Mushroom Benefits
Modern research has shown that medicinal mushrooms can provide a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that are associated with a few health effects, primarily supporting the immune system. Mushrooms act as an anti-bacterial, immune system enhancer and cholesterol-lowering agents. Additionally, they are an essential source of bioactive compounds, and some mushroom extracts are used to promote human health as well as being found as dietary supplements.
Medicinal mushrooms are edible macroscopic fungi that are visible to the naked eye and are used for their beneficial health properties. Fungi, which includes yeasts molds, and mushrooms, live on the dead matter that is found in soil, plants, animals, and other fungi. It is estimated that there are 14000 to 22000 known species of mushrooms worldwide, and approximately 20 to 30 mushrooms that are cultivated edible species, while approximately 15 species are wild foraged for consumption and can be part as functional foods or dietary supplements.
Mushrooms are a source of many nutrients, including fiber, protein, selenium, potassium, and vitamins, B1, B2, B12, C, D, and E. They also possess several bioactive components like alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes, phenolic compounds, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and polysaccharides. Mushrooms have been studied for not only its immune-stimulating and prebiotic properties, but they notably contain ?- glucan, which is a polysaccharide that is commonly present in mushrooms.
Research has been examining the health effects of mushrooms and has identified approximately 130 possible therapeutic properties, including:
- Anti-bacterial
- Anti-diabetic
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-oxidants
- Anti-parasitic
- Anti-tumor
- Anti-viral
- Hepatoprotective
- Immunomodulating
The research on medicinal mushrooms is based on animal or in-vitro trails that are up to date. Some earlier clinical trials suggested that individuals who consume mushrooms can be beneficial for reducing the risk of breast cancer and can help improve cancer-related symptoms like insomnia and sweating.� Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the beneficial effects of mushrooms for immune health. Certain mushrooms can positively influence the gut microbiota by improving the protection against pathogens. There are even several mushrooms that have been shown to support immune health by enhancing the innate and adaptive immune responses as well as suppressing the immune response, thereby exerting anti-allergic effects.
The Top 8 Mushrooms
Here are the top 8 mushrooms that have immune supportive properties.
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus)
The Chaga mushroom is also referred to as birch mushroom and Chaga conk. It is a dark brown and black fungus that often grows on birch trees. Several compounds are found in Chaga, with its beneficial effects that contain anti-oxidant polyphenols, betulin, and betulinic acid that are associated with anticancer effects.
Studies show that the Chaga mushrooms are used in traditional medicine for different therapeutic indications, such as using it as an anthelminthic, as an antitubercular, to cure digestive disorders (gastritis, ulcers, etc.), or even to prevent cardiac or hepatic illnesses.
Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps Sinensis)
Even though cordyceps is not technically a mushroom, this rare caterpillar fungus grows only in high-altitude regions of Sikkim, a state in northeast India. Studies found that the bioactive components in cordyceps include polysaccharides, cordycepin, and cordycepic acid. Cordyceps was described in old Chinese medical books in ancient times and used by traditional healers to improve energy, appetite, stamina, libido, endurance, and sleeping patterns.
In an eight week study, healthy Koreans individuals took supplements that contain cordyceps extract, and the results were that with the cordyceps extract, it increased the activity of NK-cells (natural killer immune cells). This change was accompanied by improving the immune regulation in the body.
Lion’s Mane (Hericium Erinaceus)
Also known as Hericium Erinaceus, the lion’s mane mushroom has a white, fur-like appearance and may promote beneficial gut microbiota growth and be associated with reducing colon tissue damage from inflammatory bowel disease.
Researchers suggested that lion�s mane may help individuals regulate their immune system and can improve the health of those who have IBD, but there is still more research being done to confirm this finding.
Maitake (Grifola frondosa)
Maitake is both a culinary and medicinal mushroom that has proven to have anticancer activity on breast cancer, melanoma, and hepatoma cells. Maitake has a component called proteoglycan, and it has been associated with the immune-simulating effects.
Studies have been shown that proteoglycan can decrease mammary tumor cell behavior in mice, and research shows that maitake can exert anti-viral activity against hepatitis B and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus.)
Oyster (Pleurotus)
Oyster mushrooms are a genus of fungi that has serval species like Pleurotus ostreatus and Pleurotus florida.� Research has found that polysaccharides that are present in P. ostreatus mushrooms can activate N.K. cells against lung and breast cancer cells. Another research shows that an extract of P. florida contains several active components like phenolics, flavonoids, and polysaccharides having anti-inflammatory analgesic effects in animal models.
Reishi (Ganoderma lingzhi)
Known as the �king of mushrooms� or the “mushrooms of immortality,” reishi has been shown to prevent or treat various diseases and modulate inflammation that is associated with a high cholesterol diet on people.
The health effects of this mushroom may be a result of its ability to regulate microbiota composition in the body, as the polysaccharides that are found in reishi demonstrates prebiotic effects and may increase the beneficial bacteria in a person’s body.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes)
Shiitake mushrooms have been traditionally used to treat reasonable conditions like the common cold. Studies have shown that people who consume shiitake were associated with favorable changes in secretion patterns of various immune compounds and that the changes caused by consuming shiitake mushrooms can improve the gut immunity and anti-inflammatory response.
As with many mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms have anticancer effects and contains a glucan called lentinan that is being currently used as a complementary treatment for tumors, especially in China and Japan.
Turkey Tail (Coriolus Versicolor)
The turkey tail mushroom gets its name from the tan and brown rings on its surface, and its appearance is similar to the tail feathers of a turkey. Research has shown that in traditional medicine, the turkey tail mushroom has been used to therapeutically to treat fungal infections, cancer, and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.) Turkey tail mushrooms have PSK (polysaccharide-K)� and have been used as a complementary cancer treatment
A 2007 study that was conducted by the Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan found that over 8,000 patients that took turkey tail and combined it with chemotherapy have increased the survival rate of patients following gastric cancer resection.
Conclusion
Mushrooms have been used for a long time to prevent infectious diseases and various cancers from coming into the body. With its many health benefits for immune support, it can be beneficial to provide anti-inflammatory properties. Certain mushrooms are edible while others are poisonous in the wild, so consuming these eight mushrooms are safe for people. Combining these mushrooms and some products are beneficial in supporting the immune system and are designed for more excellent stability, bioavailability, and digestive comfort.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.
References:
El-Deeb, Nehal M, et al. �Modulation of NKG2D, KIR2DL and Cytokine Production by Pleurotus Ostreatus Glucan Enhances Natural Killer Cell Cytotoxicity Toward Cancer Cells.� Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology, Frontiers Media S.A., 13 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6700253/.
Feeney, Mary Jo, et al. �Mushrooms and Health Summit Proceedings.� OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 8 May 2014, academic.oup.com/jn/article/144/7/1128S/4569770.
Ganeshpurkar, Aditya, and Gopal Rai. �Experimental Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Oyster Mushroom Pleurotus Florida.� Indian Journal of Pharmacology, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3608298/.
G�ry, Antoine, et al. �Chaga ( Inonotus Obliquus), a Future Potential Medicinal Fungus in Oncology? A Chemical Study and a Comparison of the Cytotoxicity Against Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Cells (A549) and Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (BEAS-2B).� Integrative Cancer Therapies, SAGE Publications, Sept. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6142110/.
He, Yanli, et al. �Grifola Frondosa Polysaccharide: A Review of Antitumor and Other Biological Activity Studies in China.� Discovery Medicine, 23 Apr. 2018, www.discoverymedicine.com/Yanli-He/2018/04/grifola-frondosa-polysaccharide-antitumor-and-other-biological-activity-studies-in-china/.
Integrative, PDQ, and Alternative and Complementary Therapies Editorial Board. �Medicinal Mushrooms (PDQ�).� PDQ Cancer Information Summaries [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Nov. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK401261/.
Jayachandran, Muthukumaran, et al. �A Critical Review on Health Promoting Benefits of Edible Mushrooms through Gut Microbiota.� International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 8 Sept. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618583/.
Jung, Su-Jin, et al. �Immunomodulatory Effects of a Mycelium Extract of Cordyceps (Paecilomyces Hepiali; CBG-CS-2): a Randomized and Double-Blind Clinical Trial.� BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, BioMed Central, 29 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6441223/.
Lindequist, Ulrike, et al. �Medicinal Mushrooms.� Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4095656/.
Lindequist, Ulrike, et al. �The Pharmacological Potential of Mushrooms.� Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: ECAM, Oxford University Press, Sept. 2005, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1193547/.
Oba, Koji, et al. �Efficacy of Adjuvant Immunochemotherapy with Polysaccharide K for Patients with Curative Resections of Gastric Cancer.� Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy: CII, Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (U.K.), June 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17106715.
Panda, Ashok Kumar, and Kailash Chandra Swain. �Traditional Uses and Medicinal Potential of Cordyceps Sinensis of Sikkim.� Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3121254/.
Valverde, Mar�a Elena, et al. �Edible Mushrooms: Improving Human Health and Promoting Quality Life.� International Journal of Microbiology, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320875/.
Wasser, Solomon P. �Medicinal Mushroom Science: Current Perspectives, Advances, Evidences, and Challenges.� Biomedical Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25179726.
Zaremba, Karolina. �Top 8 Mushrooms For Immune Health.� Fullscript, 4 Nov. 2019, fullscript.com/blog/mushrooms-for-immune-health.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness
Do you have:
- Itchy watery eyes?
- Unexplained itchy skin?
- Aches, pains, and swelling throughout the body?
- Unpredictable food reaction?
- Redden skin, especially in the palms?
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, then you might be experiencing an allergy attack in your body.
The Rise of Allergies
The rise of allergies has not gone unnoticed amongst the young and the old. The allergy disease has affected over 30% of individuals in many communities, particularly young children, have underscored the need for effective prevention strategies in their early lives. Some individuals will blame the increase in toxin exposure while others blame the food, but mostly everyone will admit that the answers to how the allergy disease comes from are still unclear. Whether it be food, environmental factors, or skin allergies, the common denominator that causes the allergies to develop is in the immune system, especially in its inflammatory department.
The body�s immune system is linked to the entire body microbiome, and it also resides in the gastrointestinal tract. It has been said that the health and function of the immune system are directly associated with the diversity as well as the health of the microbiome. So it is reasonable to consider the microbiome when healthcare professionals are seeking to solve the allergy enigma.
Types of Allergic Reactions
With most allergy reactions, they are manifested in either the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, or the skin. It is not a surprise that these organ systems are also where the body’s microbiome is the most heavily concentrated. A variety of bacterial species make their homes in these organ systems since these three organ systems represent the primary portals of entry for these pathogens.
It is logically that the microbiome of the body is so heavily concentrated as it functions as the first line of defense against invading pathogens and antigens. When there is a weak microbiome, or it lacks biodiversity, it will become a weak defense system, and the immune system is required to “pick up the slack” by identifying and protecting the body against these foreign invaders, which includes the common allergens that a person can get.
Skin Allergies
Skin allergies are where the skin becomes red, bumpy, and itchy rashes to become irritating, painful, and embarrassing for some people. Rashes can be caused by many factors, including exposure to certain plants, an allergic reaction to specific medication or food, or by illnesses like measles or chickenpox. Eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis are the three types of skin rashes. Eczema and hives are the two most common types of skin rashes and are related to allergies.
- Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, can affect between 10 to 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent of adults. People with eczema will experience dry, red, irritated, and itchy skin. When it is infected, the skin may have small fluid-filled bumps that can ooze clear or yellowish liquid. Anyone with eczema can often have a family history of allergies.
- Hives: Also known as urticaria, this skin rash is raised, red bumps or welts that appear on the body. Hives can cause two conditions, and they are acute urticaria and chronic urticaria. Acute urticaria is most commonly caused by exposure to an allergen or by an infection, while the causes of chronic urticaria are still mostly unknown.
- Contact dermatitis: This skin rash is a reaction that appears when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or an allergen. Soaps, laundry products, shampoos, Excessive exposure to water, or the sun are some of the factors that can cause contact dermatitis. The symptoms can include rashes, blisters, itching, and burning.
Food Allergies
Anyone with a food allergy has an immune system that reacts to specific proteins found in food. Their immune system starts attacking these compounds as if they were harmful pathogens like a bacterium or a virus. Food allergies can affect 250 million to 550 million people in developed and developing countries.
The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect individuals differently. The most common signs and symptoms of an individual’s experience include:
- The skin may become itchy or blotchy
- Lips and face might swell
- Tingling in the mouth
- Burning sensation on the lips and mouth
- Wheezing
- Runny nose
Studies have found out that many people who think they have a food allergy may have a food intolerance. These two are entirely different because food intolerances do not involve the IgE antibodies, and the symptoms may be immediate, delayed, or similar to food allergies. Food intolerances occur due to proteins, chemicals, and other factors that can compromise the intestinal permeability. While food allergies mean that even a small amount of food is going to trigger the immune system, causing an allergic reaction.
Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies are one of the most common allergic reactions that people get. About 8 percent of Americans experience it, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and it is commonly known as hay fever. Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to outdoor allergens like pollen, weeds, cut grasses, and wind-pollinated plants.� Seasonal allergies are less common in the winter; however, it is possible to experience allergic rhinitis year-round, depending on where the individual lives and on the allergy triggers they may have.
Symptoms of seasonal allergies can range from mild to severe, including:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Water and itchy eyes
- Itchy throat
- Ear congestion
- Postnasal drainage
Conclusion
Allergies are a disease that attacks the immune system and can be triggered by many factors, whether it be from food, environmental factors, or the toxins that a person is exposed to. There are ways to lower the allergy symptoms through medicine or foods that have prebiotics and probiotic nutrients that can reduce the reactions. Some products can help support the immune system and can offer nutrients to the gastrointestinal tract and metabolic support.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Brosseau, Carole, et al. �Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Preventive Effects in Allergy.� Nutrients, MDPI, 8 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31398959.
Kerr, Michael. �Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.� Healthline, 7 May, 2018, www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies.
Molinari, Giuliano, et al. �Respiratory Allergies: a General Overview of Remedies, Delivery Systems, and the Need to Progress.� ISRN Allergy, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 12 Mar. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972928/.
Newman, Tim. �Food Allergies: Symptoms, Treatments, and Causes.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 17 July 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14384.php.
Team, DFH. �Attack Allergies with Prebiotics.� Designs for health, 24 Oct. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1133.
Unknown, Unknown. �Skin Allergies: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.� ACAAI Public Website, 2019, acaai.org/allergies/types/skin-allergies.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Chiropractic
Do you feel:
- Stomach pains, burning, or aching 1-4 hours after eating?
- Excessive belching, burping, or bloating?
- Do digestive problems subside with relaxation?
- Abdominal distention after certain probiotics?
- Frequent use of medication?
If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing some bacterial problems in the immune system that can be lowered with the antimicrobial agent: silver.
Silver the Antimicrobial Agent
It is known for being an antimicrobial agent in the form of cream ointment for second and third-degree burns on individuals. Silver has been longed used as a cationic polymer to produce bactericidal materials and has been applied to biosensors, drug delivery systems, and medical devices that require antimicrobial properties.
The full antimicrobial potential of oral silver has yet to be capitalized upon despite the research that has a large amount of promising of the usage of silver. The research stated that silver had been known for addressing contemporary problems in infection control like multi-drug resistance, which is causing a rising number of dangerous hospital and community-acquired infections in individuals.
fTo maximize the antimicrobial efficacy of silver in the body, it must be enhanced through the absorption and has to interact with cell membranes in the body. Silver has to be reduced to the size between 1 and 100 nanometers (nm), which is classifies the therapeutical effect of the “silver nanoparticle.”
Silver Nanoparticles
The silver nanoparticles are active antibacterial agents in the body. The crucial factors of silver nanoparticles are that they can affect the bactericidal activity due to their size, shape, surface function, and stability. The antibacterial properties of silver nanoparticles are found to increase with a decrease in their diameter, and the direct interaction of silver nanoparticles with bacteria mainly occurs when the diameters are around 1-10 nm.
Once the silver nanoparticles are absorbed into the bloodstream, it then adheres and accumulates on the bacterial cell walls. Once they attach to the bacterial cell walls, then they can elicit irreversible damage by causing structural changes and deforms in the walls of the bacterial cell by creating gaps and increasing permeability. The smaller the size of silver nanoparticles is, the higher the ability it has to penetrate and increase the types of bacteria, which silver nanoparticles can kill.
Several studies have been shown that silver nanoparticles activity is strongly dependent on size. For example, silver nanoparticles that are less than 30 nm are effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The silver bactericidal not only is weakening the cell walls of the bacteria (like the mechanisms of action in common antibiotics in the penicillin and cephalosporin categories), but once they are inside, they can exert the bactericidal activities by damaging protein and DNA through denaturation and blocking the transcription/translation. Finally, the silver nanoparticles can release ROS (reactive oxygen species), which enhances the former bactericidal activities.
Silver Nanoparticles as Antibiotics
In many ways, silver nanoparticles can function like traditional antibiotics; however, unlike pharmaceuticals, silver nanoparticles are effective against the broad-spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Silver nanoparticles are more effective against Gram-negative bacteria, and unlike traditional antibiotics, they are effective when they destroy viruses and fungus. A 2019 study stated that silver nanoparticles between 10 and 20nm were shown to possess a significant amount of antibacterial action against bacteria like Bacillus cereus, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida when it is analyzed by well diffusion assay.
Another 2019 study showed that silver nanoparticles are effective in eradicating Gram-negative Helicobacter pylori, which colonizes the gastric epithelium and can be a causative agent in various gastrointestinal diseases like peptic ulcers, gastritis, mucosa-associated lymphoid lymphoma, and adenocarcinoma.
Since multi-drug resistance is a growing problem in the treatment of infectious diseases and the widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics has been produced as antibiotic resistance to protect the bacteria species from antibiotic penetration. Luckily though, silver nanoparticles have been shown to prevent glycocalyx formation that is necessary for biofilm production, and silver nanoparticles have been able to breakthrough he biofilms at concentrations lower than 50 �g/mL.
A highlight of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial agents is their effectiveness at minimal concentrations. One study stated that since silver is widely used in industrial applications because of its metallic properties and its antibacterial activities are against various organisms. Like the growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, Providencia, Serratia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are inhibited by the presence of silver at doses of approximately 1 �g/mL.
Since the safety of silver nanoparticles is favorable according to the present research since cytotoxicity is noted in some cell lines and this action is dose-dependent, and the toxicity is low as well as safe for concentrations that are less than 10 �g/mL. The only possible way that toxicity is in the body is the overproduction of ROS. An excessive quantity of ROS can cause oxidative stress in DNA, lipids, and proteins in the body.
Conclusion
In an era where bacterial infections are running rampant and growing to resist antibiotics. Alternative antimicrobial agents like silver nanoparticles must be vital for the body to heal itself. Even though silver nanoparticles are not new agents, they deserve to be given the credit they deserve for addressing this contemporary issue that is infecting the body. Along with silver nanoparticles, some products are known to help the immune system and offer hypoallergic nutrients, metabolic support for enzymes in the body, phytonutrients, target amino acids, and offer gastrointestinal support to make the body function properly.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Franci, Gianluigi, et al. �Silver Nanoparticles as Potential Antibacterial Agents.� Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 18 May 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6272636/.
Jose, Manu, et al. �Influence of Preparation Procedure on Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Titanate Nanotubes Modified with Silver.� Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 23 May 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6566197/.
Nakamura, Shingo, et al. �Synthesis and Application of Silver Nanoparticles (Ag NPs) for the Prevention of Infection in Healthcare Workers.� International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 24 July 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6695748/.
Patil, Maheshkumar Prakash, et al. �Morphological Changes of Bacterial Cells upon Exposure of Silver-Silver Chloride Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Agrimonia Pilosa.� Microbial Pathogenesis, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29339306.
Saravanakumar, Kandasamy, et al. �Unveiling the Potentials of Biocompatible Silver Nanoparticles on Human Lung Carcinoma A549 Cells and Helicobacter Pylori.� Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group UK, 8 Apr. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6453883/.
Team, DFH. �Silver as a Novel Antibacterial Agent.� Designs for Health, 22 Oct. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1132.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Wellness
Do you feel:
- Feel hungry an hour or two after eating
- Digestive problems subside with rest
- Excessive belching, burping or bloating
- Stomach pain, burning or aching 1-4 hours after eating
- Sense of fullness during and after meals
If you are experiencing any of the situations, then you might want to try these six types of food to help boost your immune system.
The Immune System
The immune system is the body�s defense mechanism that provides a robust anatomical barrier.� The gastrointestinal tract is one of the barriers. It has many defense mechanisms such as peristalsis, gastric acid, bile acids, digestive enzymes, flushing, thiocyanate, defensins, and gut flora in the body. The gut flora is the critical focus for many health professionals; however, all the essential defense mechanisms rely heavily on the gastrointestinal tract to function efficiently.
There are ways to benefit the immune system as one of the ways is to plan meals that are filled with necessary nutrients that can fight off infections. Prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods help enhance microbial diversity in the gut, while vitamin C-rich foods can mop up the free radicals that have entered the body. Another benefit is to avoid foods that promote infections like heavily processed foods, added sugars, and sodas. When it is not consumed in the body, it can help boost immunity and enrich the gut microbiome. Here are the six foods to help boost the immune system in the body.
Yellow Bell Peppers
Due to being the most natural vegetable to find at a local grocery store or farmer’s markets around the world, yellow bell peppers contain more vitamin C than oranges. Since oranges contain about 78% of vitamin C, yellow bell peppers contain about 152% of vitamin C and numerous vitamins and minerals. Bell peppers (yellow, red, orange and green) contain the following:
- Vitamin B6: Bell peppers contain pyridoxine, which is an essential nutrient for the formation of red blood cells.
- Vitamin K1: This vitamin is also known as phylloquinone, which is vital for bone health and blood clotting.
- Potassium: This mineral is essential for improving heart health.
- Folate: Also known as vitamin B9, this vitamin has a variety of functions to the body and is highly essential to take during pregnancy.
- Vitamin E: This is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for healthy nerves and muscles.
- Vitamin A: Red bell peppers are high in beta carotene when consumed converts to vitamin A in the body.
Vitamin C helps boost the immune system by influencing the development and function of lymphocytes, and with about half a cup of yellow bell peppers will give the body those lymphocytes.
Guava
Guava is a traditional remedy for a range of health conditions that a person may encounter. These tropical fruits are seasonal throughout the winter. They contain about 140% of vitamin C and rich with lycopene, which is excellent for the immune system as it plays an essential role in the activities of the enzymes. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been implicated in having a potentially beneficial impact on several chronic diseases, including cancer.
Studies have been shown that the guava fruit and the leaves have been known to have a positive effect on a range of illnesses and symptoms, including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Menstrual cramps
- Diarrhea
- Flu
- Blood pressure
- Osteoarthritis
- Cancer
Broccoli
Broccoli is high in phytonutrients like vitamins A, C, and E while also containing sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is activated when broccoli or any cruciferous vegetables are chewed, cut, or damaged. Raw broccoli or broccoli sprouts contain the highest level of sulforaphane when it is not boiled or cooked. Studies have been shown that consuming broccoli has been associated with reducing many lifestyle-related health conditions like:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Improves digestion
- Regulate the immune system
- Helps support healthy-looking skin
- Decrease inflammation
- Lowers blood pressure
Turmeric
Turmeric is an excellent immune-boosting food since it supports healthy inflammatory pathways in the body. Inflammation in the body is implicated in the pathophysiology of many health-compromising situations that can lead to chronic illnesses. So consuming pro healthy inflammation foods like turmeric or incorporating turmeric in dishes is an ideal way to boost the immune system.
The active component in turmeric is curcumin and has potent biological properties like anti-oxidative, anti-cytotoxic, and neurorestorative properties, making it an essential staple in an immune-boosting food. Here are some of the benefits that turmeric provides to the body:
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Pain relief on the joints
- Improves liver function
- Reducing the risk of cancer
- Preventing gut inflammation
Green Tea
Green tea helps the body relax and contains L-theanine that helps the formation of healthy T-cells. Green tea also contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and is packed filled with flavonoids to help boost the body’s immune system. Here are some of the health benefits that green tea provides:
- Cancer prevention
- Lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Lowers cholesterol
- Decrease the risk of a stroke
- Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Help lose weight
- Helps lowers inflammation on the skin
- Improves brain function
- Helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer�s disease
Almonds
Almonds are packed filled with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibers. It contains vitamin E and helps boost the immune system since it is a free radical scavenging antioxidant. They are easy to find in any grocery store, and the health benefits that almonds can provide are:
- Lowering cholesterol
- Reduce the risk of cancer
- Provide heart health benefits
- Reduce type 2 diabetes
- Manage weight
Conclusion
Eating these six foods can be beneficial to support a healthy immune system. They are bursting with plant-based nutrition that the body needs to make sure that chronic illnesses like inflammation in the gut. Some products help support the immune system as well as making sure that the gastrointestinal system and the sugar metabolism is supported. Eating a variety of foods that has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties is beneficial to the body. With the cold and flu season approaching, it is highly relevant to consume these foods to help fight against the cold and flu and providing assistance to the immune system.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
Reference:
Ahmed, Touqeer, et al. �Curcuminoids Rescue Long-Term Potentiation Impaired by Amyloid Peptide in Rat Hippocampal Slices. – Semantic Scholar.� Undefined, 1 Jan. 1970, www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Curcuminoids-rescue-long-term-potentiation-impaired-Ahmed-Gilani/c66297f8d0f3b633fac263cbb81f82de1893387a.
Arnarson, Atli. �Bell Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.� Healthline, 27 Mar. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bell-peppers.
Burgess, Lana. �Health Benefits of Guava: How to Use It, Nutrition, and Risks.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 20 Mar. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324758.php.
Du, Guang-Jian, et al. �Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Is the Most Effective Cancer Chemopreventive Polyphenol in Green Tea.� Nutrients, MDPI, 8 Nov. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509513/.
Kim, DS, et al. “Curcuminoids from Curcuma Longa L. (Zingiberaceae) That Protect PC12 Rat Pheochromocytoma and Normal Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells from BetaA(1-42) Insult.� Neuroscience Letters, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Apr. 2001, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11297823.
Luo, Cong, and Xian-Guo Wu. �Lycopene Enhances Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Immunity Function in N-Methyl-N’-Nitro-N-Nitrosoguanidine-Enduced Gastric Cancer Rats.� International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI), 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116194/.
Menon, Venugopal P, and Adluri Ram Sudheer. �Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Curcumin.� Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569207.
Nordqvist, Joseph. �Almonds: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Risks.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 14 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269468.php.
Team, Biotics Education. �Key Foods to Boost the Immune System.� Biotics Research Blog, 15 Oct. 2019, blog.bioticsresearch.com/key-foods-to-boost-the-immune-system.
van Gorkom, Gwendolyn N Y, et al. �Influence of Vitamin C on Lymphocytes: An Overview.� Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 10 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29534432.
Vermeulen, Martijn, et al. �Bioavailability and Kinetics of Sulforaphane in Humans after Consumption of Cooked versus Raw Broccoli.� Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 Nov. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18950181.
Ware, Megan. �Broccoli: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 8 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266765.php.
Ware, Megan. �Green Tea: Health Benefits, Side Effects, and Research.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 28 Mar. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538.php.
Ware, Megan. �Turmeric: Benefits and Nutrition.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 24 May 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306981.php.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Nutrition, Remedies, Wellness
The cold and flu season can cause havoc on a person�s body during the colder seasons. An individual can feel overly tired, congested, the body has aches and shivers, and lastly, the immune system will work overtime to help fight off the germs. When this happens, many remedies can help these symptoms when a person feels a little bit under the weather. They help the body give that extra boost to recover from cold and flu symptoms and can provide the body a chance to rest.
When anyone is starting to feel sick, an important note is to try and get as much rest as they possibly can. It can be anything like getting more sleep, scaling down on exercising, or take some time off of work to heal more quickly. In this article, here are some of the top 5 foods to help the body improve and recover from the cold and flu season, with some additional remedies to boost the immune system as well.
Soups
Soups are one of the most excellent sources of feeling better during cold and flu season. They are easily digestible and helps soothe the body by containing ample waters to keep it hydrated. Water-based soups like chicken noodle, Hippocrates soup, and vegetable soup incorporates all the essential nutrients that the body needs when it is the colder season, helping to combat the flu.
Garlic
Garlic has a wide variety of health benefits that can help the body during the cold and flu season. It can help reduce the risk of heart diseases, improve mental health, and enhance the immune system. Studies have shown that whole garlic contains a compound called alliin. When garlic is chopped, chewed, or crushed, it will help boost the disease-fighting response of white blood cells in the body when they are encountering viruses that cause the common cold or flu.
Studies also stated that garlic helps support neurodegenerative health, cardiovascular health, and compromised liver functioning from excessive alcohol use. Researchers at the Toxicology, School of Public Health, Shandong University in China, have isolated the garlic compound, DADS (diallyl disulfide), as the main compound that helps protects the body from ethanol-induced oxidative stress.
Foods That Are Rich in Vitamin C
Foods that contain vitamin C is highly essential when it comes to battling the cold or flu. Vitamin C is a powerful, potent supplement that has antioxidants and immune system boosters that protects the body from environmental factors like reducing oxidative stress, prevent and treat respiratory and systemic infections. With vitamin C-rich foods, they contain essential minerals, vitamins, and high in flavonoids that help individuals who don�t feel like eating or preferring bland foods to consume when they are sick. Initially, they can eat vitamin C rich food by either juice or soup. Here are some delicious fruits and juices that contain a high amount of vitamin C to combat the cold and flu.
- Guava
- Strawberries
- Tomato juice
- Oranges and Orange juice
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar can provide many minerals and enzymes that can fight off pathogens that can be caused by the common cold or flu. A 2011 study has shown that the probiotics in apple cider vinegar have an immune-boosting effect that can shorten the duration of a cold when an individual drinks apple cider vinegar. Taking apple cider vinegar with a glass of water can also help the body when it is not cold and flu season. Apple cider vinegar helps inhibits bacterial growth, can support healthy blood pressure levels in the body, as well as an excellent addition to the medicine cabinet during cold and flu season.
Ginger
Ginger is a medicinal root plant that has been used for thousands of years. This root has been known to relieve motion sickness and nausea in the digestive system. Studies have shown that 70% of the immune system is found in the gut, and so it is highly essential that the digestive system in the body is working efficiently. Since ginger is made up of hundreds of compounds, some of them have potent antioxidants and can help support healthy inflammatory pathways in the body. Ginger can be found as a fresh root, dried, as an extract or oil, tinctures, capsules, and lozenges. Here are some of the foods that contain ginger to help the body fight the common cold or flu.
- Ginger tea
- Curry
- Gingerbread
- Cookies
- Gingersnaps
- Ginger ale
“It is highly essential to stay hydrated during the cold and flu season. Ample fluids like water, coconut water, and herbal teas are the first line of defense.
Additionally, getting a good night’s sleep helps the immune system in the body recover faster. It is also essential to avoid eating foods like processed foods, alcohol, soda, fried foods, and dairy when it is cold and flu season. Since it can cause inflammation and aggravate the immune system when the body is trying to recover from being sick.”- Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight
Conclusion
All in all, when it is cold and flu season, people can start stocking up on these five remedies and taking antibiotics to get a head start on not getting sick. When the body does get sick, taking these remedies, getting lots and lots of rest, staying hydrated, and relaxing can ensure that the body will recover faster. Since food matters to people�s health, it�s vital to give the body the nourishment it needs for the cold and flu season.
October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott�s proclamation on our website to get full details on this declaration.
So the mechanisms of an autoimmune disease can be either by genetics or by environmental factors that can cause an individual to have problems in their body. There are many autoimmune diseases, both common and rare, that can affect the body. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
Biotics Education Team, Unknown. �5 Foods to Eat During the Cold & Flu Season.� Biotics Research Blog, 16 Sept. 2019, blog.bioticsresearch.com/5-foods-to-eat-during-the-cold-flu-season.
Borlinghaus, Jan, et al. �Allicin: Chemistry and Biological Properties.� Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 19 Aug. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25153873.
Carr, Anitra C, and Silvia Maggini. �Vitamin C and Immune Function.� Nutrients, MDPI, 3 Nov. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/.
Das, Arabinda, et al. �Garlic Compounds Generate Reactive Oxygen Species Leading to Activation of Stress Kinases and Cysteine Proteases for Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma T98G and U87MG Cells.� Wiley Online Library, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 23 July 2007, onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cncr.22888.
Felman, Adam. �Antibiotics: Uses, Resistance, and Side Effects.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Jan. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10278.php.
Newman, Tim. �Congestive Heart Failure: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.� Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 3 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/156849.php.
Song, Fu-Young, et al. �The Activation of HO-1/Nrf-2 Contributes to the Protective Effects of Diallyl Disulfide (DADS) against Ethanol-Induced Oxidative Stress.� Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – General Subjects, Elsevier, 28 June 2013, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304416513002882.
Surh, Y J, et al. �Chemoprotective Properties of Some Pungent Ingredients Present in Red Pepper and Ginger.� Mutation Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 June 1998, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9675305.
Vighi, G, et al. �Allergy and the Gastrointestinal System.� Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Blackwell Science Inc, Sept. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/.
Watson, Kathryn. �Apple Cider Vinegar for Colds.� Healthline, 22 Jan. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/apple-cider-vinegar-for-colds.
West, Helen. �How Garlic Fights Colds and The Flu.� Healthline, 17 Mar. 2016, www.healthline.com/nutrition/garlic-fights-colds-and-flu.
Yagnik, Darshna, et al. �Antimicrobial Activity of Apple Cider Vinegar against Escherichia Coli, Staphylococcus Aureus and Candida Albicans; Downregulating Cytokine and Microbial Protein Expression.� Scientific Reports, Nature Publishing Group UK, 29 Jan. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788933/.
by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Health, Hyper Thyroid, Hypo Thyroid, Wellness
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the anterior neck producing T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (tetraiodothyronine) hormones. These hormones affect every single tissue and regulate the body�s metabolism while being part of an intricate network called the endocrine system. The endocrine system is responsible for coordinating many of the body’s activities. In the human body, the two major endocrine glands are the thyroid glands and the adrenal glands. The thyroid is controlled primarily by TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland in the brain. The anterior pituitary gland can stimulate or halt the secretion to the thyroid, which is a response only gland in the body.
Since the thyroid glands make T3 and T4, iodine can also help with the thyroid hormone production. The thyroid glands are the only ones that can absorb the iodine to help hormone growth. Without it, there can be complications like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto�s disease.
Thyroid Influences on The Body Systems
The thyroid can help metabolize the body, such as regulating heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, and brain function. Many of the body�s cells have thyroid receptors that the thyroid hormones respond to. Here are the body systems that the thyroid helps out.
Cardiovascular System and the Thyroid
Under normal circumstances, the thyroid hormones help increase the blood flow, cardiac output, and heart rate in the cardiovascular system. The thyroid can influence the heart�s �excitement,� causing it to have an increasing demand for oxygen, therefore increasing the metabolites. When an individual is exercising; their energy, their metabolism, as well as their overall health, feels good.
The thyroid actually strengthens the heart muscle, while decreasing the external pressure because it relaxes the vascular smooth muscle. This results in a decrease of arterial resistance and diastolic blood pressure in the cardiovascular system.
When there is an excess amount of thyroid hormone, it can increase the heart�s pulse pressure. Not only that, the heart rate is highly sensitive to an increase or decrease in the thyroid hormones. There are a few related cardiovascular conditions listed below that can be the result of an increased or decreased thyroid hormone.
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
- Anemia
- Arteriosclerosis
Interestingly, iron deficiency can slow the thyroid hormones as well as increase the production of the hormones causing problems in the cardiovascular system.
The Gastrointestinal System and the Thyroid
The thyroid helps the GI system by stimulating carbohydrate metabolism and fat metabolism. This means that there will be an increase in glucose, glycolysis, and gluconeogenesis as well as an increased absorption from the GI tract along with an increase in insulin secretion. This is done with an increased enzyme production from the thyroid hormone, acting on the nucleus of our cells.
The thyroid can increase the basal metabolic rate by helping it increase the speed of breaking down, absorbing, and the assimilation of the nutrients we eat and eliminate waste. The thyroid hormone can also increase the need for vitamins for the body. If the thyroid is going to regulate our cell metabolism, there has to be an increased need for vitamin cofactors because the body needs the vitamins to make it function properly.
Some conditions can be impacted by thyroid function, and coincidentally can cause thyroid dysfunction.
- Abnormal cholesterol metabolism
- Overweight/underweight
- Vitamin deficiency
- Constipation/diarrhea
Sex Hormones and the Thyroid
The thyroid hormones have a direct impact on ovaries and an indirect impact on SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), prolactin, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone secretion. Women are dramatically more affected by thyroid conditions than men due to hormones and pregnancy. There is also another contributing factor that women share, their iodine vitals and their thyroid hormones through the ovaries and the breast tissue in their bodies. The thyroid can even have either a cause or contribution to pregnancy conditions like:
- Precocious puberty
- Menstrual issues
- Fertility issues
- Abnormal hormone levels
HPA Axis and the Thyroid
The HPA axis�(Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis) modulates the stress response in the body. When that happens, the hypothalamus releases the corticotropin-releasing hormone, it triggers the ACH (acetylcholine hormone) and the ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) to act on the adrenal gland to release cortisol. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can lower inflammation and increase carbohydrate metabolism in the body. It can also trigger a cascade of �alarm chemicals� like epinephrine and norepinephrine (fight or flight response). If there is an absence of lowered cortisol, then the body will desensitize for the cortisol and the stress response, which is a good thing.
When there is a higher level of cortisol in the body, it will decrease the thyroid function by lowering the conversion of the T4 hormone to T3 hormone by impairing the deiodinase enzymes. �When this happens, the body will have a less functional thyroid hormone concentration, since the body can�t tell the difference of a hectic day at work or running away from something scary, it can either be very good or horrible.
Thyroid Problems in the Body
The thyroid can produce either too much or not enough hormones in the body, causing health problems. Down below are the most commonly known thyroid problems that will affect the thyroid in the body.
- Hyperthyroidism: This is when the thyroid is overactive, producing an excessive amount of hormones. It affects about 1% of women, but it�s less common for men to have it. It can lead to symptoms such as restlessness, bulging eyes, muscle weakness, thin skin, and anxiety.
- Hypothyroidism: This is the opposite of hyperthyroidism since it can�t produce enough hormones in the body. It is often caused by Hashimoto�s disease and can lead to dry skin, fatigue, memory problems, weight gain, and a slow heart rate.
- Hashimoto�s disease: This disease is also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. It affects about 14 million Americans and can occur in middle-aged women. This disease develops when the body�s immune system mistakenly attacks and slowly destroys the thyroid gland and its ability to produce hormones. Some of the symptoms that Hashimoto�s disease causes are a pale, puffy face, fatigue, enlarged thyroid, dry skin, and depression.
Conclusion
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the anterior neck that produces hormones that help function the entire body. When it doesn�t work correctly, it can either create an excessive amount or decrease the number of hormones. This causes the human body to develop diseases that can be long term.
In honor of Governor Abbott’s proclamation, October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about the proposal on our website.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
References:
America, Vibrant. �Thyroid and Autoimmunity.� YouTube, YouTube, 29 June 2018, www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=9CEqJ2P5H2M.
Clinic Staff, Mayo. �Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid).� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Nov. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659.
Clinic Staff, Mayo. �Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid).� Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Dec. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284.
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by Dr Alex Jimenez | Functional Medicine, Health, Wellness
Autoimmune disease is the disease of the modern era. It is a condition where the body�s immune system mistakenly attacks the body. Since the body�s immune system usually guards against bacteria and viruses, it can sense the foreign cells and send out fighter cells to attack them. When it�s an autoimmune disease, however, the immune system starts to make mistakes to certain parts of the body. It starts attacking the joints, the skin, or the musculoskeletal system as foreign cells and attacking them. The immune system releases autoantibody proteins to attack the healthy cells, thus causing autoimmune disease in the body.
What Triggers the Activation of the Autoimmune Mechanism?
Surprisingly, the body�s antibodies go through a process by cleaning up the old and damaged cells, so that way, new healthy cells can grow and replace the old cells. Although if the body has an excessive number of antibodies in their system, it can cause the individual to have an autoimmune disease. Research has shown that a part of the autoimmune ecology, the influence of environmental exposure can not only develop autoimmune disorder but shape the function of the immune system.
Another study stated that approximately 30% of all autoimmune diseases come from genetic disposition while 70% is due to environmental factors, including toxic chemicals, dietary components, gut dysbiosis, and infections in the body. So some of the ecological factors that are included are adjuvants (immunostimulant effects). These are typically used in vaccines to produce a more effective immunization reaction.
Researchers stated that molecular mimicry is one of the mechanisms, where a foreign antigen shares a sequence or structural similarities with self-antigens. This means that any infections that can initiate and maintain autoimmune responses can lead to specific tissue damage in the body. It is a phenomenon that molecular mimicry and cross-reactivity are identical. Cross-reactivity is significant when it comes to food allergies and is often responsible for many disorders. It affects the scope of the disease, the reliability of diagnostic testing, and has implications for any current and potential therapies.
Common and Rare Autoimmune Diseases
The primary function of the immune system is to repair the body with new cells. Individuals with an autoimmune disease will have many chronic illnesses that are both common and rare when they are being diagnosed. Below is a list of autoimmune diseases that range from common to some of the rarer autoimmune conditions an individual may experience.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis is when the immune system is attacking the joints. This attack causes redness, warmth, soreness, and stiffness. It�s one of the most common autoimmune diseases that is found in women but can affect men and elderly people as well. Studies have shown that if a family member has rheumatoid arthritis, it is likely that other family members may have an increased chance of developing this autoimmune disease. The signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary depending on the severity of the inflamed joints, potentially causing them to deform and shift out of place.��
Lupus
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when an individual�s immune system starts attacking their own tissue and organs. Even though lupus is difficult to diagnose because it often mimics other ailments, it can cause inflammation to different body systems. These body systems include the joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. A distinctive sign of lupus is a facial rash that resembles butterfly wings unfolding across booth cheek.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
EDS (Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome) is a rare autoimmune disease that causes soft connective tissues to be fragile in the body. This autoimmune disease is still new for doctors; however, there is always more research to be done about this disease. The symptoms can vary from mild skin and joint hyperlaxity to severe physical disability and life-threatening vascular complications. One of the most common symptoms is joint hypermobility. This disease can cause the joints to be unstable or loose, and it can cause the body�s joints to have frequent dislocations and pain.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory musculoskeletal disorder that is most common in elderly adults. This disease causes muscle pain and stiffness around the joints, most commonly occurring in the morning.�It also shares similarities with another disease known as giant cell arteritis. If an individual has polymyalgia rheumatica, they can have the symptoms of giant cell arteritis as well. The symptoms are inflammation in the lining of the arteries. The two factors that can cause the development of polymyalgia rheumatica are genetics and environmental exposure that can increase the chances of having the disorder.
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that can cause some of the vertebrae in the spine to fuse over time. When this happens, the fusing makes the spine less flexible and causes the body to be in a hunched-forward posture. It is most common for men, and there are treatments to lessen the symptoms and possibly slow down the progression of the disease.
Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that occurs in about 1% of individuals. This disease makes the individual have an inflammatory reaction to the intestinal permeability barrier from eating gluten found in wheat, rye, and barley. Studies show that patients with celiac disease and autoimmune disease have to be on a gluten-free diet to heal the gut. Symptoms can include bloating, digestive issues, inflammation, and skin rashes.
Conclusion
Mechanisms of an autoimmune disease can be caused by genetics or induced by environmental factors. This can cause an individual to have problems in their body related to inflammation.�There are many autoimmune diseases�that can affect the body from the most common to some of the rarer kinds and it can have lasting effects.
In honor of Governor Abbott’s declaration, October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about the proposal on our website.
The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .
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