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Different Diets Altering The Human Microbiome

Different Diets Altering The Human Microbiome

Introduction

The human body requires nutritional healthy foods to provide energy for each component, like the muscles and tissues to move around. The gut system takes the nutrients and transports them to the different organs, systems, and body parts that need these nutrients to function correctly. The gut system is also in communication with the brain and the immune system, where they send information to each other back and forth and help the body stay healthy. When chronic issues start attacking the gut system, they can throw the body off course by causing inflammation, an overflow of gut bacteria, and other gut issues that can affect the gut and the body. Today’s article looks at how finding the proper diet can help the gut microbiome and the body and how different dietary components affect the gut microbiome. Referring patients to qualified, skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is critical for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

How Does A Diet Help The Gut?

Have you been feeling low on energy throughout the entire day? Have you felt inflammatory symptoms like acid reflux or IBS occurring in your gut? Or have you felt that you could be sensitive to your favorite type of food? When experiencing these symptoms constantly, it happens to affect your gut microbiome. Numerous factors can influence the gut microbiome; some are good while others are bad. One of the good influences for a healthy gut microbiome is a nutritional diet. A diet plays a massive role in the gut microbiota as it helps determine the gut’s composition and changes. Since diets have the most powerful influence on gut microbial communities in healthy human bodies, research studies have found gut microbiota is considered a dynamic system. Incorporating the proper diet can have a significant influence. 

 

Since about 75% of the food in a typical Western diet is limited or has no beneficial nutrients to the microbiota in the lower gut, most of it is explicitly comprised of refined carbohydrates that are already absorbed in the upper GI tract. After the food has been consumed, it will eventually reach the large intestines containing only small amounts of the necessary minerals and vitamins to maintain the gut microbiota. Additional research studies have found that since various dietary patterns do correspond with gut microbiota composition, it is up to the person’s habits to see what works for them and what doesn’t when it comes to eating healthy. 

 

How Does It Impact The Body?

Research studies have mentioned that with the many microorganisms in the GI tract, having a proper diet with the right amount of nutritional food group can help modulate and influence the microbial body profile. Let’s say, for example, that two different groups ate meat, eggs, and cheese for one day and switched to whole grains, vegetables, and legumes the next day. What happens is that within about 1-2 days, there were significant alterations in the gut microbiome that were measured by 16S rRNA sequence in both groups. The microbial activity mirrors the differences between herbivorous and carnivorous diets, and it reflects the trade-offs between carbohydrate and protein fermentation in the body. Other research studies have also mentioned that long-term nutritional habits are fundamental for a person’s health status and how it shapes their gut microbiota.


What Role Does The Gut Play In A Healthy Diet-Video

Have you been trying to eat healthier? Do you feel sluggish and lose energy quickly? Have you experienced food sensitivity from your favorite type of food? The video above explains how the gut microbiome play’s its role when a person eats healthier. Since various nutritional diets do go together with the gut microbiota, it is essential to know that incorporating healthy foods into the gut can provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients for the rest of the body. When bad choices influence lifestyle habits, it becomes challenging to get the motivation to reset the body and incorporate the beneficial nutrients the body needs. Unhealthy habits can also affect the gut by causing inflammation and other gut issues that can cause a person to be under constant stress and pain. By figuring out what causes these issues and eating the necessary foods filled with nutrients like vitamins and minerals, the body and the gut can begin to heal themselves properly.


The Dietary Components That Affect The Gut

 

Since the gut microbiota is responsible for influencing the body, it is essential to know which components are being digested in the gut that can directly affect a person. Since research studies have found that a healthy diet is one of the critical modulators that directly influences the gut microbial composition by thoroughly changing the biological process of fermenting the nutrients and impacting the intestinal barrier functions. Increased fruits, vegetables, and higher fiber consumption are associated with high gut bacteria richness. Additional research has provided that the diverse population in the gut microbial can even mediate the beneficial effect of fermenting the dietary fibers to produce SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) to reduce inflammatory effects in the gut. Other nutritional components that can affect the gut include:

  • Plant Foods
  • Protein
  • Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and CLA (proposed)
  • Carbohydrates
    • Soluble Fiber/Resistant Starch (Microbiotaaccessible carbohydrate =MACS)
  • Sugars
  • Prebiotics
  • Polyphenols
  • Cultured and Fermented Foods

 

Conclusion

Incorporating a healthy diet can provide a beneficial influence on the gut microbial system. When unwanted factors like a poor, unhealthy diet, stress, and gut issues begin to affect the body, it can cause the person to be in pain and affect their overall health. Making small changes can have a massive impact on the individual when trying to become healthier and take back their life. When incorporating whole foods, the body will begin to heal itself properly, and the individual will have more energy in their health and wellness journey.

 

References

Conlon, Michael A, and Anthony R Bird. “The Impact of Diet and Lifestyle on Gut Microbiota and Human Health.” Nutrients, MDPI, 24 Dec. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4303825/.

Ferraris, Cinzia, et al. “Gut Microbiota for Health: How Can Diet Maintain a Healthy Gut Microbiota?” Nutrients, MDPI, 23 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7700621/.

Hills, Ronald D, et al. “Gut Microbiome: Profound Implications for Diet and Disease.” Nutrients, MDPI, 16 July 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6682904/.

Leeming, Emily R, et al. “Effect of Diet on the Gut Microbiota: Rethinking Intervention Duration.” Nutrients, MDPI, 22 Nov. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6950569/.

Moszak, Małgorzata, et al. “You Are What You Eat-the Relationship between Diet, Microbiota, and Metabolic Disorders-A Review.” Nutrients, MDPI, 15 Apr. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7230850/.

Rinninella, Emanuele, et al. “Food Components and Dietary Habits: Keys for a Healthy Gut Microbiota Composition.” Nutrients, MDPI, 7 Oct. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835969/.

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A Diverse Gut Is A Healthy Microbiome

A Diverse Gut Is A Healthy Microbiome

Introduction

The gut system is home to many beneficial bacteria that ensure that everything is working correctly. The organs that make up the gut system help transport the nutrients and oxygenated blood to the muscles, tissues, vessels, and nerve roots that allow the body to function. The gut also communicates with the brain and the immune system to provide the necessary energy to make the body move from one place to another. When disruptive factors start to mess with the gut microbiota, it can cause inflammatory factors and other gut-related issues to wreck the intestinal walls of the gut and affect the overall health of a person. Today’s article post will focus on the gut microbiome’s role in the body, the metabolic functioning of gut bacteria, and how different factors can affect the gut from functioning correctly. Referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialize in gastroenterology treatments. We guide our patients by referring to our associated medical providers based on their examination when it’s appropriate. We find that education is essential for asking insightful questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer

 

Can my insurance cover it? Yes, it may. If you are uncertain, here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions or concerns, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.

The Gut Microbiome’s Role In The Body

 

Have you been feeling sick to your stomach? Do you feel bloated around the mid-section of your body? Have you been feeling sensitive to the food you have been consuming? Many of these symptoms are gut-related issues that affect the gut microbiome. The gut microbiota plays a critical metabolic role in many systems that help keep the body functional by maintaining delicate balance and cross-talking with the immune system. Research studies have shown that the gut microbiome is homed to a very complex and dynamic population of gut flora that influences the body. Since the gut microbial ecosystem is considered the largest endocrine organ in the body, it can produce various biologically active compounds that are the same as hormones. These compounds are carried in circulation and distributed to distant sections within the host, influencing different essential biological processes. Other research studies have mentioned that the intestinal tract in the body has an integrated resilient ecosystem that can be influenced by the many factors that affect the gut microbiome in its composition and changes. Some of these changes benefit good bacterial growth in the gut microbiota.

 

The Metabolic Function Of Gut Bacteria

When a person consumes nutritional foods, it travels into the gut to be biotransformed into nutrients. It makes its way into the intestines, where it is stored and ready to be distributed to the rest of the body. When digestive food is sitting in the intestines, that is where the beneficial gut bacteria comes in and helps shape the gut microbiota. Research studies have shown that the beneficial bacteria in the intestines play a critical role in the gut microbiome as it helps maintain immune and metabolic homeostasis. The gut bacteria’s metabolic function to the body helps break down dietary fibers that then get turned into SCFAs (short-chained fatty acids). Other tasks that gut bacteria do for the gut microbiome include:

  • Production of Phenols
  • Breakdown of oligosaccharides
  • Helps regulate Fats, TG, and Cholesterol
  • Vitamin absorption
  • Mucous production
  • Detoxification

 


An Overview Of a Diverse Gut-Video

Have you been feeling sluggish throughout the entire day? Do you feel constipated or bloated? Have you become sensitive to your favorite foods? If you have been experiencing these issues throughout your whole life, it could be due to your gut microbiome talking to you. The video above explains how the gut microbiome is one of the essential organs in the body since it helps with biodiversity in the gut system. The importance of greater microbial diversity is associated with the body’s ability to deal with stressors, such as opportunistic pathogens or dietary perturbations affecting the digestive system. When individuals have gut-related diseases, they are more likely to alter their gut microbiome than healthy individuals. Multiple associations between reduced microbial diversity and illness are recorded in the literature for people to find out what is going on in their gut system. Keeping a healthy gut can prevent risk factors like metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), SIBO, and other gut risk factors from affecting the gut.


Factors That Can Affect The Gut

 

When there is a state of imbalanced microbial ecology that contributes to affecting the gut bacteria ratio, it can cause many chronic diseases that cause the body to be dysfunctional. The overgrowth of micro-organisms in low intrinsic virulence induces disease by altering:

  • The nutritional status
  • The immune response
  • The elimination capacity of the host

Research studies have found that factors affecting the gut microbiome can trigger the inflammatory pathways attacking the gut intestinal walls and letting the bacteria leak out. Other factors like stress or emotional outburst can cause the growth of harmful bacteria to overpopulate the good bacteria. This causes the gut microbiome to become dysfunctional and progress to chronic gut issues. Other research studies have shown that environmental factors also play a role in altering the gut microbiome. These factors cause unwanted changes that can harm a person without even knowing. Figuring out which factors affect the gut can be prevented when a person puts in the work to better their health. 

 

Conclusion

As stated earlier in today’s article, the gut microbiome is considered the largest endocrine organ that helps metabolize the immune system and homeostasis in the body. Therefore, replenishing the gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria can help solve the majority of chronic issues affecting the body. When environmental factors cause havoc to the gut system, it can affect the entire body if it is not treated right away. Eliminating the harmful environmental elements from a person’s daily lifestyle can provide the much-needed relief they have been searching for.

 

References

Al Bander, Zahraa, et al. “The Gut Microbiota and Inflammation: An Overview.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, MDPI, 19 Oct. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7589951/.

Durack, Juliana, and Susan V Lynch. “The Gut Microbiome: Relationships with Disease and Opportunities for Therapy.” The Journal of Experimental Medicine, Rockefeller University Press, 7 Jan. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6314516/.

Ferraris, Cinzia, et al. “Gut Microbiota for Health: How Can Diet Maintain a Healthy Gut Microbiota?” Nutrients, MDPI, 23 Nov. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7700621/.

Lobionda, Stefani, et al. “The Role of Gut Microbiota in Intestinal Inflammation with Respect to Diet and Extrinsic Stressors.” Microorganisms, MDPI, 19 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6722800/.

Thursby, Elizabeth, and Nathalie Juge. “Introduction to the Human Gut Microbiota.” The Biochemical Journal, Portland Press Ltd., 16 May 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5433529/.

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Photobiomics and Gut Health: Part 1 | El Paso, TX (2021)

Photobiomics and Gut Health: Part 1 | El Paso, TX (2021)

Introduction

The body has a variety of functions that work simultaneously to make sure that it’s working correctly. From the musculoskeletal system all the way to the endocrine system, the body has good bacteria that cause each system to work as it should be. However, sometimes an injury or autoimmune factor comes to play when it affects the body, causing a person to feel pain or not function properly. Many remedies and treatments can help the body by dampening the harmful effects that trigger various problems like inflammation, IBS, leaky gut, and much more. One of the treatments that physicians have used to help patients is photobiomodulation or low laser therapy.

 

Photobiomodulation Explained

 

Low laser therapy or photobiomodulation is when the body is exposed to a cold laser in the affected area. The laser wavelength targets the area through the skin to the mitochondrial. Studies have shown that photobiomodulation mechanics can help the body at the molecular, cellular, and tissue-based level causing therapeutic relief. When exposed through treatment, the laser wavelength can help give the injured area of the body relief that can last for hours to months with regular treatment. 

Photobiomodulation Benefits

 

Another study found that photobiomodulation can heal and stimulate body tissue, thus relieving pain and inflammation, causing the microbiome to alter in the body. The study also mentions that photobiomics can indirectly affect the microbiome and cause harmful bacteria or inflammation to halt, causing the body to boot its immune system. One study has even found that even though photobiomodulation has been widely accepted to treat low-back pain, it can be highly effective when modulating the gut microbiome. This means that when photobiomodulation and nutritional therapy are combined, they can help treat gut issues, low vagal tone, and autoimmunity in the body.

 

The Gut System

 

The gut microbiome is one of the important biomes in the body that plays a huge role. The gut microbiota can help the body internally by regulating its metabolism and protecting itself from harmful pathogens; thus, a healthy gut flora is mainly responsible for an individual’s overall health. Studies have shown that the gut microbiota comprises two significant phyla, which are Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes. The study also mentions that a normal gut microbiome can help maintain the structural integrity of the gut mucosal barrier, immunomodulation, and metabolize xenobiotics.

The Microbiome of the Gut

 

Since the gut microbiome makes sure that the body is healthy, sometimes unwanted pathogens can affect the gut, disrupting the body. Studies show that the gut microbiota can ensure homeostasis while recognizing bacterial epitopes in intestinal epithelial and the mucosal immune cells. But when harmful bacterias invade the gut, either by food sensitivity or autoimmune factors, the gut takes a heavy toll, causing the body to feel unwell. These factors can cause body inflammation, leaky gut, or IBS, thus making the individual feel pain if it’s not treated, causing more problems.

 

Conclusion

Overall, doctors using photobiomodulation on the gut is beneficial in the overall wellness of the body. The photobiomics have proven extraordinary therapeutic effects by targeting the inflamed area and improving the area by raising the antibodies to combat the inflammation and reducing gastrointestinal wall damage. By utilizing photobiomodulation and natural food therapy together, the body can recover quickly and achieve overall wellness.

 

References:

Hamblin, Michael R. “Photobiomodulation or Low-Level Laser Therapy.” Journal of Biophotonics, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5215795/.

 

Jandhyala, Sai Manasa, et al. “Role of the Normal Gut Microbiota.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 7 Aug. 2015, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26269668/.

 

Liebert, Ann, et al. “‘Photobiomics’: Can Light, Including Photobiomodulation, Alter the Microbiome?” Photobiomodulation, Photomedicine, and Laser Surgery, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Publishers, Nov. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6859693/.

 

Sekirov, Inna, et al. “Gut Microbiota in Health and Disease.” Physiological Reviews, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 July 2010, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20664075/.

 

Silverman, Robert G. “Photobiomics: A Look to the Future of Combined Laser and Nutrition Therapy.” Chiropractic Economics, 5 Oct. 2021, www.chiroeco.com/photobiomics/.

 

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Foods That Promote The Microbiome El Paso, TX.

Foods That Promote The Microbiome El Paso, TX.

You Are What You Eat

The phrase, �You are what you eat� implies that the way we are defines us as the food we all consumed. However, our gut tells us otherwise as the food we eat, may in fact be leading us to obesity. Our gut plays a role in our overall health, when we eat good food our gut is happy and when we eat bad food our gut will tell us by fighting off the bad food. A recent study showed us that the bacteria in our gut produce amyloid and lipopolysaccharides. These two microbiomes seem to show us that together, with proper dieting that these microbiomes can prevent Alzheimer�s Disease.

As the microbiomes and the bacteria that co-exist in our gut, there are the two most predominant groups that have also played a key role in our lifestyle: gram-positive Firmicutes and gram-negative Bacteroidetes- both play a huge role in obesity. Firmicutes are bad bacteria that lead us to obesity. When we eat processed food and sugars, our body starts to crave it more, thus leading us to be overweight.

Junk Food

When we eat junk food, all that sugar and fat are feeding the Firmicutes. Firmicutes thrive on sugar since our bodies need it and it can be both good or bad While Bacteroidetes are the good bacteria that leads us to a healthy gut. Bacteroidetes are in the stomach regions as well as the Firmicutes. These two predominant bacteria groups tell us that the food we eat can actually affect our bodies when we eat bad foods or good foods.

However, Dr. Kristen Senella mentioned that we all have a different balance of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes since we are all different shapes and sizes. Depending on our health and food lifestyle, we can have either a low Firmicutes and a high Bacteroidetes or a high Firmicutes and a low Bacteroidetes. Plus, having either a high or low count of Firmicutes can lead to weight gain or weight loss; depending on which healthy lifestyle and exercise regime you are following.

Gram-Positive

Gram-positive bacteria will appear blue or violet, while gram-negative bacteria will appear red or pink under the microscope. When studying the gut and the bacteria groups that it is hosting, scientist use mice to study how their guts react to different diets they are put through so that way we, as humans, can take either pills to help our bodies maintain a healthy lifestyle or to read and do our own research. One group is fed in a healthy lifestyle and doesn�t experience diseases or ailments that we face. And the other group is fed with a bad lifestyle where they are prone to many of the diseases and fatigue as their life span is shortened very quickly. In order for us to actually maintain a healthy lifestyle and importantly feel good is to make sure our Firmicutes are not too dangerously low, but we can control it with probiotics.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Foods That Promote The Microbiome El Paso, TX.

 

Probiotics

Probiotics can vary from yogurt, fermented vegetables, kombucha, and miso. But there are certain companies that also reign supreme in the probiotic market. Activia yogurt and Yakult are two of the most well-known companies that use the live microorganisms to help us maintain a healthy lifestyle as well as keeping our gut�s microbiome in check. When we have some sort of probiotic foods in our system, we are preventing certain ailments and diseases going out of control. Like our cholesterol, blood pressure, being lactose intolerant, or recurring abdominal pains.

When we mix probiotics into our food when we are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we can see a vast improvement in how we have more energy, we feel full that we don�t have to overeat or mindless snacking, and overall we feel good in our gut as we go through our daily routine. From 2007 to now, roughly 3.9 million Americans use probiotics to maintain a healthy gut, however, those probiotics are just a fraction of what the six types of foods that can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome to help support a healthy lifestyle.

 

Healthy Lifestyle

For instance, a good healthy lifestyle is eating your basic food groups; whether it be plant-based or omnivorous, as well as, exercising a couple of times out of the year. A bad healthy lifestyle is eating processed food and not exercising, which leads to obesity and cardiac arrest. Depending on the person and the efforts that they are willing to maintain a healthy lifestyle, they can achieve longevity by taking care of their gut first and foremost.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Foods That Promote The Microbiome El Paso, TX.

Family In Kitchen Making Morning Breakfast Together

Protein

Let�s start with protein. Protein can vary with lean meats like chicken and beef or plant-based like beans, legumes or tofu. Any of these types of protein can help our bodies by making us make our muscles grow, but also control the bacteria in our guts. Next up is fats. Fats can vary like good and bad bacteria. There are good fats like fish, nuts, olive oil, and avocado; as well as, bad fats like butter, lard, and fatty foods. Granted that we can overindulge on the trans fats as there are many fast-food chains, but we can moderate ourselves to not eat out at fast food joints all the time.

Yes, they are cheap and easy to access, however now and days, we as humans are now cooking more in our homes and meal prepping our meals to be healthier. Digestible and Non-Digestible Carbohydrates are mostly starch, sugars, and fibers. These two food groups can make our gut feel happy or upset depending on the food we consume. Sugars, starches, and fibers help our bodies by feeling full with the starches, the fibers help our bowel movements in case our gut feels bloated, and the sugars gives us microburst of energy for our fast-paced lives.

 

Fermented & Polyphenols

The last two food groups are fermented food and Polyphenols. Both of these food groups have amazing properties since we see them everywhere in the food market, hiding in plain sight. Fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi are a few examples of ways of keeping our guts happy and stopping many diseases. Polyphenols are antioxidant foods like dark chocolate, berries, dark greens, and certain fruits. These help our gut curb that sugar hunger and all in all taste really good.

All in all, our gut microbiomes are important to us and our overall health as we all try to maintain and achieve a healthy lifestyle. The phrase �we are what we eat� still implies to all of us, however, it is up to us to actually put in the work and constantly try out different foods to make sure that our gut is still functioning properly. No matter which diet you choose, pick one that will work with your body and your gut since we all are made differently. But our gut should be the first thing that we should listen to.


Cites:

Role of gut microbiota and nutrients in amyloid formation and pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease. – PubMed � NCBI:����� www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27634977

Bacteroidetes Glossary Biome360: www.biome360.com/glossary/bacteroidetes/

What are Firmicutes? : www.biome360.com/blog/firmicutes/

Bacteria and the body � Wikiversity: en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Bacteria_and_the_body#Gram-positive_bacteria

Nanoparticle relieved symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in mice: phys.org/news/2019-08-nanoparticle-relieved-symptoms-inflammatory-bowel.html

Probiotic: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Probiotic

Polyphenols: What They Are, and Why You Need Them: ����������� articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/12/14/polyphenols-benefits.aspx

The Role Of The Microbiome In DNA Methylation

The Role Of The Microbiome In DNA Methylation

Dr. Alex Jimenez Discusses Microbiome and Methylation

Research studies have demonstrated that our microbiome can help regulate our DNA methylation. The human microbiome is considered to be a counterpart to the human genome. In current research studies, the methylation of intestinal epithelial cells was determined to be considerably abnormal in germ-free mouse models when compared with conventional controls. This research study also demonstrated that bacteria introduced through fecal transplants considerably increased CpG methylation.

Moreover, research studies have determined that gut microbes may also produce butyrate, which can potently prevent the development of histone deacetylase, ultimately affecting the function of DNA methylation. Researchers have discussed that these outcome measures suggest our microbiome may play a fundamental role in host epigenetic regulation, beyond digestive health.

Specific types of bacteria may also cause different effects on DNA methylation. In one human pilot research study, increased levels of the bacterial phylum Firmicutes, compared to the bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes, were associated with the increased methylation of 568 genes as well as the decreased methylation of 245 genes (P=0.05). The affected genes were associated with a variety of health issues, including inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Previous research studies in humans have also identified various ratios of the bacterial phylum Firmicutes and the bacterial phylum Bacteroidetes in overweight and obese individuals.

Gut Microbiota and Nutrient Status

Our gut microbiota can also affect our nutrient status and this may also indirectly affect our or DNA methylation. The majority of Lactobacillus species are in vitro consumers of folate with the exception of L. plantarum strains which can produce folate in the presence of para-aminobenzoic acid, or PABA. Many Bifidobacteria species, including strains of B. bifidum and B. infantis, can also produce folate, along with B. breve, B. longum, B. adolescentis, and B. pseudocatenulatum. Many of these species also produce folate in both its THF and 5mTHF forms, with B. adolescentis producing the highest levels of methylated folate.

In vivo, the administration of B. adolescentis, referred to as MB 227 and MB 239, and B. pseudocatenulatum, referred to as MB 116, increased serum folate levels in folate-deficient rats and the co-administration of prebiotic fructans increased serum folate levels further in folate-deficient rats. While human folate absorption generally occurs in the small intestine, it can also occur in the colon. By way of instance, the administration of B. longum in hemodialysis patients decreased serum homocysteine levels the same as serum folate levels increased in folate-deficient through the administration of a variety of bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Furthermore, abnormal populations of bacteria in the small intestine can prevent normal nutrient absorption and appetite signaling, ultimately affecting DNA methylation. An abnormal microbiome may also cause inflammation which, as we have previously discussed, can also affect methylation. A healthy microbiome can ultimately be achieved through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits. Smoothies and juices, such as those described below, can also help improve DNA methylation as well as promote a healthy microbiome.

Dr Jimenez White Coat

The human microbiota is made up of 10 to 100 trillion symbiotic microbial cells, most of these which primarily consist of gut bacteria. The role of our microbiome is fundamental towards our overall health and wellness, especially when it comes to DNA methylation activity and status, according to research studies. The human microbiota is important for a variety of bodily functions and recent research studies have demonstrated that an abnormal microbiome can tremendously affect methylation, a chemical process which affects the function of genes as well as gene expression and promotes several essential functions.

Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

Smoothies and Juices for Methylation Support

While many healthcare professionals can recommend nutritional guidelines and lifestyle modifications 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 water
� 3 or more ice cubes
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until completely smooth and enjoy!

Berry Bliss Smoothie
Servings: 1
Cook time: 5-10 minutes
� 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen, preferably wild)
� 1 medium carrot, roughly chopped
� 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed
� 1 tablespoons almonds
� Water (to desired consistency)
� Ice cubes (optional, may omit if using frozen blueberries)
Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender until smooth and creamy. Best served immediately!

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 may suggest evaluating a patient’s microbiome to determine their DNA methylation status. Through proper nutrition and lifestyle habits, a healthy microbiome can improve methylation. 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 Formulas - El Paso, TX

XYMOGEN�s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.

Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.

Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.

If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.

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