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Fasting

Back Clinic Fasting Functional Medicine Team. Fasting is the abstinence or reduction from some or all meals, drinks, or both for a period of time.

  • Absolute or a quick fast is generally defined as abstinence from all food and liquid for a specified interval.
  • Tea and black coffee can be consumed.
    Water fasting means abstinence from all food and drink except water.
  • Fasts can be intermittent or may be partially restrictive, limiting substances or particular foods.
  • In a physiological context, it can refer to the status of a person that has not eaten or to a Metabolic state.
  • Metabolic changes occur during fasting.

Ex: a person is believed to be fasting after 8-12 hours have elapsed since their last meal.

Metabolic changes from the fast state start after absorption of a meal, usually 3-5 hours after eating.

Health Benefits:

  • Promotes Blood Sugar Control
  • Fights Inflammation
  • Enhances Heart Health
  • Triglycerides
  • Cholesterol Levels
  • Prevents Neurodegenerative Disorders
  • Increases Growth Hormone Secretion
  • Metabolism
  • Weight Loss
  • Muscle Strength

Types of Fasts:

  • A diagnostic fast means from 8-72 hours (depending on age) conducted under observation to facilitate investigation of health complications, such as hypoglycemia.
  • Most types of fasts are performed over 24 to 72 hours
  • Health benefits increase weight loss
  • Better brain function.
  • People may also fast as part of a medical procedure or test, such as colonoscopy or operation.
  • Finally, it can be a part of a ritual.

Diagnostic tests are available to determine a fast state.


How Fasting Affects Digestive Health in Functional Neurology

How Fasting Affects Digestive Health in Functional Neurology

Our digestive health depends on the composition of our healthy gut microbiome or the bacteria in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This probiotic profile plays a fundamental role in our immune system and these can ultimately affect our inflammatory response. Also, the foods we eat, hormones, neurotransmitters, and even our adrenal and mitochondrial status can influence our digestive health. Abnormal or excess bacteria can cause many digestive health issues. Researchers and healthcare professionals have found that “fasting” can help promote a healthy gut microbiome and support overall digestive health. �

 

Several studies have shown that consuming enough fiber and foods that increase the amount of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is associated with improved insulin sensitivity as well as reduced immune reactions and inflammation, among many other health benefits. These same studies also demonstrated that fasting can have these same health benefits. Different types of fasting can be used as a treatment approach for a variety of digestive health issues. As a matter of fact, other studies have shown that fasting can help improve digestive health issues like SIBO, IBS, and leaky gut. �

 

An Experiment on Fasting and Digestive Health

Mike Hoaglin, former clinical director for the Dr. Oz show and current clinical lead for uBiome, a biotechnology company that helps healthcare professionals and patients understand how the gut microbiome affects overall health and wellness, demonstrated the importance of the bacteria in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract by sharing the outcome measures of an experiment he tried on himself. Biotechnology companies like uBiome can determine a patient’s probiotic profile, including “healthy” and pathogenic microorganisms which may be associated with digestive health issues like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. �

 

After learning how fasting can help improve your immune system, activate stem cells, and reduce your risk of developing many types of cancers, Mike became motivated to do his own five-day water fast to see how this strategic way of eating would affect his gut microbiome. He was also inspired to know how fasting could affect his energy levels as well as his mental acuity and brain fog. By submitting a stool sample, he determined the spectrum of bacteria in his gastrointestinal (GI) tract before starting the fasting process. Mike Hoaglin was under the supervision of his functional medicine practitioner. �

 

Understanding the Effects of Fasting

According to his uBiome probiotic profile test results, Mike had dysbiosis, an imbalance in the composition of his gut microbiome associated with decreased biodiversity of “healthy” bacteria and increased “harmful” bacteria known for causing inflammation. Mike Hoaglin scheduled five days in his schedule to start the fasting process after he talked to his functional medicine practitioner. As many people have described during the first several days of fasting, Mike had a very difficult time going without eating any food. He described feeling cranky and hungry, however, he was still able to sleep. �

 

Mike’s hunger had thankfully subsided by day three of the fasting process and, although he still had several days left of the treatment approach, the understood that the rest of the fasting process wasn’t going to be as challenging as it had been for the first two days, despite his blood glucose, or sugar, being low. Mike Hoaglin felt an increase in his energy levels by day four of the fasting process. He felt more mental clarity as his digestive system started using fat as energy instead of using sugar, or glucose. He immediately recognized that his stem cells had activated during day four of the fasting process. �

 

Mike ended the fasting process on day five at 5:00 pm by consuming a cup of bone broth. Bone broth is one of the most recommended type of foods to help people transition from fasting because it has essential amino acids, such as glutamine and glycine, that provide nutrition to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract as soon as it starts digesting food once again. Moreover, adding some Himalayan salt to your bone broth can also provide your cells with added minerals. Mike continued to transition from fasting by eating fiber-rich plant foods, healthy fats, and small amounts of lean protein, in easily digestible variations. �

 

Mike Hoaglin tested his gut microbiome following his fasting process and he was pleasantly surprised with the outcome measures of his probiotic profile. According to the uBiome test, fasting had practically “reset” Mike’s gut microbiome, or the bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The results demonstrated a balanced composition of his gut microbiome and he had increased the biodiversity of “healthy” bacteria and decreased “harmful” bacteria. After completing his experiment, Mike Hoaglin became more aware of how the type of foods we eat can ultimately affect our digestive health. �

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image

Fasting is a well-known, strategical way of eating which can have a variety of digestive health benefits for many people. Many people can tremendously benefit from fasting. Fasting can activate autophagy, or the natural cellular detoxification process, to help sweep excess bacteria and undigested food debris away for elimination as waste, also activating anti-inflammatory processes to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. During an experiment, fasting was shown to have tremendous benefits on overall digestive health. However, it’s important to keep in mind that fasting may not be for everyone. Make sure to talk to a qualified and experienced doctor before attempting any fasting approaches. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

 


 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”1050px” download=”all” download-text=”” attachment_id=”52657″ /] �

 

The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue. �

 


 

Our digestive health depends on the composition of our healthy gut microbiome or the bacteria in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This probiotic profile plays a fundamental role in our immune system and these can ultimately affect our inflammatory response. Also, the foods we eat, hormones, neurotransmitters, and even our adrenal and mitochondrial status can influence our digestive health. Abnormal or excess bacteria can cause many digestive health issues. Researchers and healthcare professionals have found that “fasting” can help promote a healthy gut microbiome and support overall digestive health. � Several studies have shown that consuming enough fiber and foods that increase the amount of bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is associated with improved insulin sensitivity as well as reduced immune reactions and inflammation, among many other health benefits. These same studies also demonstrated that fasting can have these same health benefits. Different types of fasting can be used as a treatment approach for a variety of digestive health issues. As a matter of fact, other studies have shown that fasting can help improve digestive health issues like SIBO, IBS, and leaky gut. �

 

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

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �

 

References:

  • �The Impact of Fasting on Your Microbiome.� Naomi Whittel, 12 Mar. 2019, www.naomiwhittel.com/the-impact-of-fasting-on-your-microbiome/.

 


 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

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

 

 


 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �

 

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with food sensitivities. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs. �

 

Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders. �

 


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


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


 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

xymogen el paso, tx

For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download

 

* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.

 


 

Functional Neurology: Fasting and Autophagy for Digestive Health

Functional Neurology: Fasting and Autophagy for Digestive Health

Scientists and healthcare professionals are starting to shine a light on the importance of the composition of our gut microbiome, or the population of “healthy” bacteria in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract. According to research studies, abnormal or excess amounts of gut bacteria can be one of the most common causes of a variety of digestive health issues, including SIBO and IBS. Our ancestors have included fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut as an important part of their traditional diet to regulate and manage the composition of their “healthy” bacteria: the gut microbiome. �

 

Finding ways to naturally improve our digestive health by maintaining a “healthy” probiotic profile has been a popular topic for many generations. As a result, eating fermented foods like those previously listed above, including other food groups with additional probiotics, and taking probiotic supplements has tremendously increased in popularity in recent years. Another way to naturally improve digestive health that has recently become more popular is fasting, strategic abstinence or reduction from several or all foods for a certain period of time. Fasting can ultimately help improve overall digestive health. �

 

Fasting can help support the healthy composition of our gut microbiome and it can be used as a treatment approach for a variety of conditions and diseases, such as headaches, migraines, eczema, metabolic syndrome, and obesity. Scientists and healthcare professionals have determined that fasting can stress the human body in a beneficial way. This stress benefits the healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract because it helps activate autophagy or the natural cellular detoxification process. In the following article, we will discuss how fasting and autophagy can promote digestive health. �

 

Fasting and Autophagy Overview

Our gastrointestinal (GI) tract can often have a difficult job trying to repair our cells while sweeping undigested debris away to eliminate as waste because many people are constantly eating throughout the entire day. Many people are completely against the idea of fasting, or willingly skipping one or two meals per day, despite its benefits towards our digestive health. Because there are a variety of different methods and techniques for fasting, many people can follow this strategic way of eating and still take advantage of all its digestive health benefits. Fasting, however, may ultimately not be for everyone. �

 

Historically, many religious and spiritual practices used fasting as an important element in their culture to promote overall digestive health. There are currently a wide variety of fasting methods and techniques that are used to support natural well-being. Moreover, the treatment benefits of fasting are now being readily recognized in numerous research studies. The different types of fasting can ultimately vary from eating very little or nothing for a certain amount of time to drinking only water for a specific period of time, occasionally for up to five days, as a way to naturally improve digestive health. �

 

Intermittent fasting, a strategic way of eating that follows switching between unrestricted eating and restricted eating for a certain period of time, is one of the most common and practical fasting approaches for everyone. Scientists consider intermittent fasting to be safe and effective because you only go without eating any food for short periods of time. Research studies have demonstrated that using intermittent fasting for a total of 16 hours every day is enough to create the caloric restriction necessary to experience the benefits of fasting as well as to activate autophagy to help restore digestive health. �

 

The 5:2 diet is the strategic way of eating where a person consumes an average diet for five days and then greatly reduces their consumption of food to one-quarter of that of their normal diet for the other two days of the week. Every fasting approach is different but the purpose of abstinence or reduction from foods is to give our gut microbiome a break from digestion so they can focus on repairing our cells while sweeping undigested debris and excess bacteria away to eliminate as waste. Research studies suggest that the 16:8 diet may be the simplest fasting method or technique for people to follow. �

 

How Fasting and Autophagy Support Digestive Health

Our pancreas commonly triggers the release of glucagon when we have low blood glucose while the release of insulin is triggered to help reduce high blood glucose levels. Insulin decreases and glucagon increases during fasting which has been demonstrated to help promote improved metabolism as well as provide energy, mood changes, and weight loss. Fasting also helps promote the “healthy” composition of our gut microbiome or the population of “healthy” bacteria in our gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Scientists have associated fasting with the activation of the gene that supports overall digestive health. �

 

Optimal digestive health and “healthy” gut bacteria are important to help protect us from abnormal or excess bacteria, toxins, and other compounds that can trigger the immune system. Finally, fasting can help restore the integrity of the intestinal lining by managing inflammation that can ultimately help protect the human body against the variety of conditions and diseases associated with inflammation. The main benefit of fasting is that it can increase autophagy or the natural cellular detoxification process. With fasting, your gut health improves and you reduce your risk for a variety of digestive health issues. �

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image

Fasting is a well-known, strategical way of eating which can have a variety of digestive health benefits for many people. Many people can tremendously benefit from fasting. Fasting can activate autophagy, or the natural cellular detoxification process, to help sweep excess bacteria and undigested food debris away for elimination as waste, also activating anti-inflammatory processes to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. However, it’s important to keep in mind that fasting may not be for everyone. Make sure to talk to a qualified and experienced doctor before attempting any fasting approaches. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

 


 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”1050px” download=”all” download-text=”” attachment_id=”52657″ /] �

 

The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue. �

 


 

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

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �

 

References:

  • �The Impact of Fasting on Your Microbiome.� Naomi Whittel, 12 Mar. 2019, www.naomiwhittel.com/the-impact-of-fasting-on-your-microbiome/.

 


 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

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

 

 


 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �

 

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with food sensitivities. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs. �

 

Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders. �

 


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


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


 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

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

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

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

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

xymogen el paso, tx

For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download

 

* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.

 


 

Functional Neurology: The Science of Fasting for Digestive Health

Functional Neurology: The Science of Fasting for Digestive Health

For many people, fasting, or the concept of willingly skipping meals for a specific period of time, may not seem like a very appealing way to improve digestive health. Because most people also eat about 3 meals a day, skipping one or two meals a day can ultimately cause them to feel moody, tired, and fatigued. However, for people with digestive health issues, such as SIBO, IBS, or leaky gut, they may already be feeling these symptoms, even after eating their 3 meals a day. In this article, we will discuss how fasting can be beneficial for some patients and how it can help improve their digestive health. �

 

Understanding the Digestive System

 

The digestive system starts the process of breaking down food from the moment we eat in order to absorb nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. The digestive system will use approximately 25 percent of the calories we consume to even start the process of digestion. Digesting food requires tremendous effort from the human body because it alters many of its main functions and pulls many resources away from other structures to simply perform it. The immune system also activates every time we eat food in order to protect the gastrointestinal, or GI, tract from anything and everything that passes through. �

 

When fasting, however, the digestive system can start to heal and restore the human body. During a fast, the human body will utilize fat instead of sugar as the main source of energy fuel. An average person only has about 2,500 Kcal of glycogen to use as glucose for energy while the average person has about 100,000 Kcal of fat for energy. Moreover, it may take time for the human body to become adjusted to utilizing fat instead of sugar as the main source of energy fuel, which is why many people may not feel well until several days after they’ve started fasting. Fasting can also ultimately have other benefits. �

 

Inflammation

 

Inflammation is one of the main causes of a variety of chronic conditions and diseases, including digestive health issues. According to researchers and healthcare professionals, inflammation is the common cause of SIBO, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, IBS, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and leaky gut. Environmental factors, such as toxins, processed foods, drugs and/or medications, alcohol, and food sensitivities or intolerances can all cause inflammation. Furthermore, stress can also cause inflammation and it can tremendously affect the process of digestion and overall digestive health. �

 

No food will ultimately pass through the gastrointestinal, or GI, tract during a fast. With the exception of water, fasting reduces the consumption of inflammatory compounds, further reducing inflammation in the human body. Anti-inflammatory cytokines become activated while pro-inflammatory cytokines become less active when fasting. The digestive system knows when we aren’t eating and it’ll ultimately trigger these structural and functional changes. Inflammation is also closely associated with oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and inflammation can affect our overall digestive health. �

 

Oxidative Stress

 

Fasting can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress through our genes. Oxidative stress refers to the damage that happens to the cells and tissues of the human body when exposed to a variety of environmental factors, such as toxins. Proteins, lipids, and even the DNA of our cells can be affected by inflammation and oxidative stress, altering the structure and function of the cells. Eating antioxidants can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. It’s essential you make sure you consume enough antioxidants when you’re not fasting in order to prevent cell damage from inflammation and oxidative stress.

 

Fasting and the MMC for Digestive Health

 

Researchers and healthcare professionals have suggested that the development of several digestive health issues, including SIBO, IBS, and leaky gut, is associated with increased levels of oxidative enzymes as well as decreased amounts of antioxidant enzymes. However, the main source of these digestive health issues ultimately involves the gut microbiome or the bacteria in the gut. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is a digestive health issue caused by the excess growth of the bacteria in the small intestine, eventually leading to leaky gut or intestinal permeability, among other problems. �

 

According to research studies and clinical trials, fasting can help change the population of the gut microbiome, encouraging the regulation of “healthy” bacteria. This digestive process is ultimately controlled by the migrating motor complex or the MMC. The MMC is a digestive process which regulates and maintains gastrointestinal, or GI, tract contractions throughout a period of time. The migrating motor complex helps sweep bacteria and undigested debris out for elimination as waste. Neurohormonal signals, such as somatostatin, serotonin, motilin, and ghrelin, control the MMC when eating and fasting. �

 

MMC activity triggers when we are fasting or in between meals. Once we consume food, however, nutrients like vitamins and minerals can affect the activation of the migrating motor complex, ultimately decreasing when MMC activity triggers, and essentially starting the digestive process once again. If we allow the MMC to complete its work during fasting, it can become much more difficult for food, undigested debris, and excess bacteria to stay in the gastrointestinal, or GI, tract. This is why fasting has been recommended as a treatment for SIBO. However, fasting may not be suitable for everyone. Although fasting can have a variety of digestive health benefits, make sure to contact a doctor before starting any fasting treatment plan or program. �

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image

Fasting is a well-known, strategical way of eating which can have a variety of digestive health benefits for many people. Several digestive health issues, such as SIBO, IBS, and leaky gut, may tremendously benefit from fasting. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO, is a severe health issue that causes excess bacteria to grow in the small intestine. Fasting can promote the migrating motor complex, or the MMC, to activate, sweeping excess bacteria and undigested debris away for elimination as waste, also triggering anti-inflammatory processes to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. However, fasting may not be for everyone. Make sure to talk to a qualified and experienced healthcare professional before fasting. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

 


 

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

 

The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue. �

 


 

For many people, fasting, or the concept of willingly skipping meals for a specific period of time, may not seem like a very appealing way to improve digestive health. Because most people also eat about 3 meals a day, skipping one or two meals a day can ultimately cause them to feel moody, tired, and fatigued. However, for people with digestive health issues, such as SIBO, IBS, or leaky gut, they may already be feeling these symptoms, even after eating their 3 meals a day. In this article, we discussed how fasting can be beneficial for some patients and how it can help improve their digestive health. �

 

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

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez �

 

References:

  • Rory. �How To Heal Your Gut With Fasting.� Chewsomegood, MSc Personalised Nutrition, 9 Aug. 2018, www.chewsomegood.com/fasting-ibs/.

 


 

Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

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

 

 


 

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Neural Zoomer Plus | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural ZoomerTM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus is designed to assess an individual�s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural ZoomerTM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention. �

 

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

Food Sensitivity Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with food sensitivities. The Food Sensitivity ZoomerTM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual�s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient�s specific needs. �

 

Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Gut Zoomer | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut ZoomerTM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders. �

 


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


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


 

Formulas for Methylation Support

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

 

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

 

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

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

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

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Understanding Intermittent Fasting

Understanding Intermittent Fasting

Do you feel:

  • Hungry in an hour or two after eating?
  • Unexplained weight gain?
  • Hormonal imbalances?
  • An overall sense of bloating?
  • A sense of fullness during and after meals?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then try considering intermittent fasting.

Since becoming popular in recent years, intermittent fasting is a dietary approach that lots of individuals have been using in their healthy lifestyle. During the time of the hunter-gatherer society, people have used this method for centuries as a way of survival. Studies have been shown that people used it for medicinal purposes throughout history as a medicinal remedy. Ancient Rome, Greek and Chinese civilizations used intermittent fasting in their daily lives. Fasting has even been used for spiritual reasons in certain religions, like Buddhism, Islam, and Christianity as individuals use it as a way to reflect on themselves and be closer to their deities.

What is Fasting?

Ketogenic Diet and Intermittent Fasting | El Paso, TX Chiropractor

Fasting is where a person does not consume food or beverages at least for twelve hours during the day. When a person starts fasting, they will notice that their metabolism and their hormones will change in their bodies. There is upcoming research that intermittent fasting can promote amazing health benefits to the body. The health benefits that intermittent fasting provides are weight loss, protective effects in the brain, decreased inflammation and improving blood glucose and insulin levels in the body.

The Different Methods

There are other methods of fasting that involves fasting from food for several days or weeks. With these different methods, they involve a shorter period that is between 16 to 24 hours. Several types of intermittent fasting are determined by the feeding window duration (when to eat the food) and the fasting window (when to avoid the food). Here are some of the other methods of fasting, which includes:

  • Time-restricted feeding (TRF): This type of fasting has a feeding window period from 4 to 12 hours. For the remainder of the day, water is the only thing that is allowed to be consumed. The common variation to eat this type of fasting is 16/8. This means that a person has to fast at least 16 hours every day.
  • Early time-restricted feeding (eTRF): This is a different variety of time-restricted fasting that is from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. After the 6 hours are up, the rest of the day is made up of this fasting period.
  • Alternate day fasting (ADF): This type of fasting involves a person eating one day and the next day they completely fast. They alternate between eating and fasting each day to get the benefits.
  • Period fasting (cycling fasting): This type of fasting involves one or two days fasting per week and for the fifth or sixth days of eating as much as a person desire. The variety of period fasting can be a 5:2 or a 6:1.
  • Modified fasting: This type of fasting has some methods of intermittent fasting that are similar to alternate-day fasting, but this fasting can be modified for anyone. A person can consume very-low-calorie substances during the fasting window period.

How Does It Work?

Intermittent fasting is the result of changes in the body as the hormone patterns and energy metabolism are being affected. Once a person finishes consuming food, the contents are being broken down and transforming into nutrients, so it can be absorbed into the digestive tract. What happens is that the carbohydrates are broken down and turn into glucose and absorb into the bloodstream, distributing it into the body’s tissue as the essential source of energy. The insulin hormone then helps regulate the blood glucose levels by signaling cells to take the sugars from the blood and turning into fuel for the body to function properly.

With intermittent fasting, a person is done with a meal and their glucose levels are depleted from the body. For the energy to meet its requirements the body has to break down the glycogen that is found in the liver and skeletal muscles causing gluconeogenesis. Gluconeogenesis is when the liver produces glucose sugars from non-carbohydrate sources in the body. Then once the insulin levels are low after 18 hours of fasting, a process called lipolysis begins. What lipolysis does is that the body begins to break down the fat components into free fatty acids. When there is a low quantity of glucose for the body to consume for energy, the body itself with start using fatty acids and ketones for energy. Ketosis is a metabolic state where liver cells start to help fatty acids breakdown and converting them into ketone acetoacetate and beta-hydro butyrate.

The muscle cells and neuron cells use these ketones to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which is the main carrier for energy. Research has stated that the usage and availability of fatty acids combined with ketones as an energy replacement for glucose are beneficial for vital body tissues. This includes the heart, the liver, the pancreas, and the brain.

The four metabolic states are induced by fasting are referred to as the fast-fed cycle, and they are:

  • The fed state
  • The post-absorptive state
  • The fasting state
  • The starvation state

The physiological effect of intermittent fasting can also be achieved by following a ketogenic diet, which is very high fat and low carbohydrate diet. This diet’s purpose is to shift the body’s metabolic state into ketosis.

The Benefits of Fasting

There are tons of research that have demonstrated how intermittent fasting has a wide variety of health benefits, including:

  • Weight loss
  • Type 2 diabetes prevention and management
  • Improved cardiometabolic risk factors
  • Cellular cleansing
  • Decreased inflammation
  • Neuroprotection

Studies have been shown that several proposed mechanisms are responsible for these health effects of intermittent fasting and have proven to be beneficial to a person’s lifestyle.

Conclusion

Intermittent fasting has been practiced for centuries and has gain popularity in recent years. It involves abstaining from consuming foods for at least 12 consecutive hours by turning the fat cells into energy for the body to function. The health benefits that intermittent fasting provides is beneficial for an individual who is trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some products help provide support to the gastrointestinal system as well as making sure that sugar metabolism is at a healthy level for the body to function.

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:

Dhillon, Kiranjit K. �Biochemistry, Ketogenesis.� StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 21 Apr. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493179/#article-36345.

Hue, Louis, and Heinrich Taegtmeyer. �The Randle Cycle Revisited: a New Head for an Old Hat.� American Journal of Physiology. Endocrinology and Metabolism, American Physiological Society, Sept. 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2739696/.

Stockman, Mary-Catherine, et al. �Intermittent Fasting: Is the Wait Worth the Weight?� Current Obesity Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5959807/.

Zubrzycki, A, et al. �The Role of Low-Calorie Diets and Intermittent Fasting in the Treatment of Obesity and Type-2 Diabetes.� Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology: an Official Journal of the Polish Physiological Society, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30683819.

 

 

 

 

Fasting And Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms And Clinical Application

Fasting And Cancer: Molecular Mechanisms And Clinical Application

Alessio Nencioni, Irene Caffa, Salvatore Cortellino and Valter D. Longo

Abstract | The vulnerability of cancer cells to nutrient deprivation and their dependency on specific metabolites are emerging hallmarks of cancer. Fasting or fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs) lead to wide alterations in growth factors and in metabolite levels, generating environments that can reduce the capability of cancer cells to adapt and survive and thus improving the effects of cancer therapies. In addition, fasting or FMDs increase resistance to chemotherapy in normal but not cancer cells and promote regeneration in normal tissues, which could help prevent detrimental and potentially life-threatening side effects of treatments. While fasting is hardly tolerated by patients, both animal and clinical studies show that cycles of low-calorie FMDs are feasible and overall safe. Several clinical trials evaluating the effect of fasting or FMDs on treatment-emergent adverse events and on efficacy outcomes are ongoing. We propose that the combination of FMDs with chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other treatments represents a potentially promising strategy to increase treatment efficacy, prevent resistance acquisition and reduce side effects.

Dietary and lifestyle-related factors are key determinants of the risk of developing cancer, with certain cancers being more dependent on dietary habits than others1�9 . Consistent with this notion, obesity is estimated to account for 14% to 20% of all cancer-related mortality in the United States7 , leading to guidelines on nutrition and physical activity for reducing the risk of developing cancer6 . In addition, given the emerging propensity of cancer cells, but not of normal tissues, to disobey anti-growth signals (owing to oncogenic mutations)10 and their inability to properly adapt to fasting conditions11,12, there is growing interest in the possibility that certain calorie-limited diets could also become an integral part of cancer prevention and, perhaps, of cancer treatment as a means to increase efficacy and tolerability of anticancer agents11�13.

Even though in the past decade we have witnessed unprecedented changes and remarkable advances in cancer treatment14,15, there remains a crucial need for more effective and, possibly, curative approaches for tumours but also, and just as importantly, for strategies to reduce the side effects of cancer treatments15,16. The issue of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) is one of the key hurdles in medical oncology15,16. In fact, many patients with cancer experience acute and/or longterm side effects of cancer treatments, which may require hospitalization and aggressive treatments (such as antibiotics, haematopoietic growth factors and blood transfusions) and profoundly affect their quality of life (for example, chemotherapyinduced peripheral neuropathy)16. Thus, effective toxicity-mitigating strategies are warranted and anticipated to have major medical, societal and economic impact15,16.

Fasting forces healthy cells to enter a slow division and highly protected mode that protects them against toxic insults derived from anticancer drugs while sensitizing different types of cancer cells to these therapeutics11,12,17. This discovery implies that a single dietary intervention could potentially help address different and equally important aspects of cancer therapy.

In this Opinion article, we discuss the biological rationale for using fasting or fasting-mimicking diets (FMDs) to blunt TEAEs but also to prevent and treat cancer. We also illustrate the caveats of this experimental approach18,19 and the published and ongoing clinical studies in which fasting or FMDs have been applied to patients with cancer.

Systemic & Cellular Fasting Response

Fasting leads to changes in the activity of many metabolic pathways associated with the switch into a mode able to generate energy and metabolites using carbon sources released primarily from adipose tissue and in part from muscle. The changes in the levels of circulating hormones and metabolites translate into a reduction in cell division and metabolic activity of normal cells and ultimately protect them from chemotherapeutic insults11,12. Cancer cells, by disobeying the anti-growth orders dictated by these starvation conditions, can have the opposite response of normal cells and therefore become sensitized to chemotherapy and other cancer therapies.

Systemic Response To Fasting

The response to fasting is orchestrated in part by the circulating levels of glucose, insulin, glucagon, growth hormone (GH), IGF1, glucocorticoids and adrenaline. During an initial post-absorptive phase, which typically lasts 6�24hours, insulin levels start to fall, and glucagon levels rise, promoting the breakdown of liver glycogen stores (which are exhausted after approximately 24hours) and the consequent release of glucose for energy.

Glucagon and low levels of insulin also stimulate the breakdown of triglycerides (which are mostly stored in adipose tissue) into glycerol and free fatty acids. During fasting, most tissues utilize fatty acids for energy, while the brain relies on glucose and on ketone bodies produced by hepatocytes (ketone bodies can be produced from acetyl-CoA generated from fatty acid ?-oxidation or from ketogenic amino acids). In the ketogenic phase of fasting, ketone bodies reach concentrations in the millimolar range, typically starting after 2�3 days from the beginning of the fast. Together with fat-derived glycerol and amino acids, ketone bodies fuel gluconeogenesis, which maintains glucose levels at a concentration of approximately 4mM (70mg per dl), which is mostly utilized by the brain.

Glucocorticoids and adrenaline also contribute to direct the metabolic adaptations to fasting, helping maintain blood sugar levels and stimulating lipolysis20,21. Notably, although fasting can at least temporarily increase GH levels (to increase gluconeogenesis and lipolysis and to decrease peripheral glucose uptake), fasting reduces IGF1 levels. In addition, under fasting conditions, IGF1 biological activity is restrained in part by an increase in the levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), which binds to circulating IGF1 and prevents its interaction with the corresponding cell surface receptor22.

Finally, fasting decreases the levels of circulating leptin, a hormone predominantly made by adipocytes that inhibits hunger, while increasing the levels of adiponectin, which increases fatty acid breakdown23,24. Thus, in conclusion, the hallmarks of the mammalian systemic response to fasting are low levels of glucose and insulin, high levels of glucagon and ketone bodies, low levels of IGF1 and leptin and high levels of adiponectin.

Cellular Response To Fasting

The response of healthy cells to fasting is evolutionarily conserved and confers cell protection, and at least in model organisms, has been shown to increase lifespan and healthspan12,22,25�31. The IGF1 signalling cascade is a key signalling pathway involved in mediating the effects of fasting at the cellular level. Under normal nutrition, protein consumption and increased levels of amino acids increase IGF1 levels and stimulate AKT and mTOR activity, thereby boosting protein synthesis. Vice versa, during fasting, IGF1 levels and downstream signalling decrease, reducing AKT-mediated inhibition of mammalian FOXO transcription factors and allowing these transcription factors to transactivate genes, leading to the activation of enzymes such as haem oxygenase 1 (HO1), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase with antioxidant activities and protective effects32�34. High glucose levels stimulate protein kinase A (PKA) signalling, which negatively regulates the master energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)35, which, in turn, prevents the expression of the stress resistance transcription factor early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) (Msn2 and/or Msn4 in yeast)26,36.

Fasting and the resulting glucose restriction inhibit PKA activity, increase AMPK activity and activate EGR1 and thereby achieve cell-protective effects, including those in the myocardium22,25,26. Lastly, fasting and FMDs (see below for their composition) also have the ability to promote regenerative effects (Box 1) by molecular mechanisms, some of which have been implicated in cancer, such as increased autophagy or induction of sirtuin activity22,37�49.

cancer and fasting el paso tx.

Dietary Approaches In Cancer FMDs

The dietary approaches based on fasting that have been investigated more extensively in oncology, both preclinically and clinically, include water fasting (abstinence from all food and drinks except for water) and FMDs11,12,17,25,26,50�60 (Table 1). Preliminary clinical data indicate that a fast of at least 48hours may be required to achieve clinically meaningful effects in oncology, such as preventing chemotherapy-induced DNA damage to healthy tissues and helping to maintain patient quality of life during chemotherapy52,53,61.

cancer and fasting el paso tx.

However, most patients refuse or have difficulties completing water fasting, and the potential risks of the extended calorie and micronutrient deficiency associated with it are difficult to justify. FMDs are medically designed dietary regimes very low in calories (that is, typically between 300 and 1,100kcal per day), sugars and proteins that recreate many of the effects of water-only fasting but with better patient compliance and reduced nutritional risk22,61,62. During an FMD, patients typically receive unrestricted amounts of water, small, standardized portions of vegetable broths, soups, juices, nut bars, and herbal teas, as well as supplements of micronutrients. In a clinical study of 3 monthly cycles of a 5-day FMD in generally healthy subjects, the diet was well tolerated and reduced trunk and total body fat, blood pressure and IGF1 levels62. In previous and ongoing oncological clinical trials, fasting or FMDs have typically been administered every 3�4 weeks, for example, in combination with chemotherapy regimens, and their duration has ranged between 1 and 5 days52,53,58,61,63�68. Importantly, no serious adverse events (level G3 or above, according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events) were reported in this studies52,53,58,61.

Ketogenic Diets

Ketogenic diets (KDs) are dietary regimens that have normal calorie, high-fat and low-carbohydrate content69,70. In a classical KD, the ratio between the weight of fat and the combined weight of carbohydrate and protein is 4:1. Of note, FMDs are also ketogenic because they have high-fat content and have the ability to induce substantial elevations (?0.5mmol per litre) in the levels of circulating ketone bodies. In humans, a KD can also reduce IGF1 and insulin levels (by more than 20% from baseline values), although these effects are affected by the levels and types of carbohydrates and protein in the diet71. KDs can reduce blood glucose levels, but they normally remain within the normal range (that is,>4.4mmol per litre)71.

Notably, KDs may be effective for preventing the increase in glucose and insulin that typically occurs in response to PI3K inhibitors, which was proposed to limit their efficacy72. Traditionally, KDs have been used for treating refractory epilepsy, mainly in children69. In mouse models, KDs induce anticancer effects, particularly in glioblastoma70,72�86. Clinical studies indicate that KDs probably have no substantial therapeutic activity when used as single agents in patients with cancer and suggest that potential benefits of these diets should be sought in combination with other approaches, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, antiangiogenic treatments, PI3K inhibitors and FMDs72,73.

KDs were reported to have neuroprotective effects in peripheral nerves and in the hippocampus87,88. However, it remains to be established whether KDs also have proregenerative effects similar to fasting or FMDs (Box 1) and whether KDs also can be used to protect living mammals from the toxicity of chemotherapy. Notably, the regenerative effects of fasting or FMDs appear to be maximized by the switch from the starvation-response mode, which involves the breakdown of cellular components and the death of many cells, and the re-feeding period, in which cells and tissues undergo reconstruction22. Because KDs do not force entry into a starvation mode, do not promote a major breakdown of intracellular components and tissues and do not include a refeeding period, they are unlikely to cause the type of coordinated regeneration observed during the FMD refeeding.

Calorie Restriction

While chronic calorie restriction (CR) and diets deficient in specific amino acids are very different from periodic fasting, they share with fasting and FMDs a more or less selective restriction in nutrients, and they have anticancer effects81,89�112. CR typically involves a chronic 20�30% reduction in energy intake from the standard calorie intake that would allow an individual to maintain a normal weight113,114. It is very effective in reducing cardiovascular risk factors and cancer incidence in model organisms, including primates108,109,114.

However, CR can cause side effects, such as changes in physical appearance, increased cold sensitivity, reduced strength, menstrual irregularities, infertility, loss of libido, osteoporosis, slower wound healing, food obsession, irritability, and depression. In patients with cancer, there are substantial concerns that it may exacerbate malnutrition and that it will unavoidably cause excessive loss of lean body mass18,113�116. CR reduces fasting blood glucose levels, though they remain within the normal range114. In humans, chronic CR does not affect IGF1 levels unless a moderate protein restriction is also implemented117.

Studies show that by reducing mTORC1 signaling in Paneth cells, CR augments their stem cell function and that it also protects reserve intestinal stem cells from DNA damage118,119, but it is unknown whether pro-regenerative effects in other organs are also elicited by CR. Thus, the available data suggest that fasting and FMDs create a metabolic, regenerative and protective profile that is distinct and probably more potent than that elicited by a KD or CR.

Fasting & FMDs In Therapy: Effects on hormone and metabolite levels

Many of the changes in the levels of circulating hormones and metabolites that are typically observed in response to fasting have the capability to exert antitumour effects (that is, reduced levels of glucose, IGF1, insulin and leptin and increased levels of adiponectin)23,120,121 and/or to afford protection of healthy tissues from side effects (that is, reduced levels of IGF1 and glucose). Because ketone bodies can inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs), the fasting-induced increase of ketone bodies may help slow tumor growth and promote differentiation through epigenetic mechanisms122.

However, the ketone body acetoacetate has been shown to accelerate, instead of reduce, the growth of certain tumors, such as melanomas with mutated BRAF123. Those changes for which there is the strongest evidence for a role in the beneficial effects of fasting and FMDs against cancer are the reductions in the levels of IGF1 and glucose. At the molecular level, fasting or an FMD reduces intracellular signaling cascades including IGF1R�AKT�mTOR�S6K and cAMP�PKA signaling, increases autophagy, helps normal cells withstand stress and promotes anticancer immunity25,29,56,124

Differential Stress Resistance: Increasing Chemotherapy Tolerability

Some yeast oncogene orthologues, such as Ras and Sch9 (functional orthologue of mammalian S6K), are able to decrease stress resistance in model organisms27,28. In addition, mutations that activate IGF1R, RAS, PI3KCA or AKT, or that inactivate PTEN, are present in the majority of human cancers10. Together, this led to the hypothesis that starvation would cause opposite effects in cancer versus normal cells in terms of their ability to withstand cell stressors, including chemotherapeutics. In other words, starvation can lead to a differential stress resistance (DSR) between normal and cancer cells.

According to the DSR hypothesis, normal cells respond to starvation by downregulating proliferation associated and ribosome biogenesis and/or assembly genes, which forces cells to enter a self-maintenance mode and shields them from the damage caused by chemotherapy, radiotherapy and other toxic agents. By contrast, in cancer cells, this self-maintenance mode is prevented through oncogenic changes, which cause constitutive inhibition of stress response pathways12 (Fig. 1). Consistent with the DSR model, short-term starvation or the deletion of proto-oncogene homologues (that is, Sch9 or both Sch9 and Ras2) increased protection of Saccharomyces cerevisiae against oxidative stress or chemotherapy drugs by up to 100-fold as compared with yeast cells expressing the constitutively active oncogene homologue Ras2val19.

cancer and fasting el paso tx.

Similar results were obtained in mammalian cells: exposure to low-glucose media protected primary mouse glia cells against toxicity from hydrogen peroxide or cyclophosphamide (a prooxidant chemotherapeutic) but did not protect mouse, rat and human glioma and neuroblastoma cancer cell lines. Consistent with these observations, a 2-day fasting effectively increased the survival of mice treated with high-dose etoposide compared with non-fasted mice and increased the survival of neuroblastoma allograftbearing mice compared with non-fasted tumor-bearing mice12.

Subsequent studies found that reduced IGF1 signaling in response to fasting protects primary glia and neurons, but not glioma and neuroblastoma cells, from cyclophosphamide and from pro-oxidative compounds and protects mouse embryonic fibroblasts from doxorubicin29. Liver IGF1-deficient (LID) mice, transgenic animals with a conditional liver Igf1 gene deletion that exhibit a 70�80% reduction in circulating IGF1 levels (levels similar to those achieved by a 72-hour fast in mice)29,125, were protected against three out of four chemotherapy drugs tested, including doxorubicin.

Histology studies showed signs of doxorubicin-induced cardiac myopathy in only doxorubicin-treated control mice but not in LID mice. In experiments with melanoma-bearing animals treated with doxorubicin, no difference in terms of disease progression between control and LID mice was observed, indicating that cancer cells were not protected from chemotherapy by reduced IGF1 levels. Yet, again, tumour-bearing LID mice exhibited a remarkable survival advantage compared with the control animals owing to their ability to withstand doxorubicin toxicity29. Thus, overall, these results confirmed that IGF1 downregulation is a key mechanism by which fasting increases chemotherapy tolerability.

Both dexamethasone and mTOR inhibitors are widely used in cancer treatment, either because of their efficacy as anti-emetics and anti-allergics (that is, corticosteroids) or for their antitumour properties (that is, corticosteroids and mTOR inhibitors). However, one of their main and frequently dose-limiting side effects is hyperglycaemia. Consistent with the notion that increased glucose�cAMP� PKA signalling reduces resistance to toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs12,26,126, both dexamethasone and rapamycin increase toxicity of doxorubicin in mouse cardiomyocytes and mice26. Interestingly it was possible to reverse such toxicity by reducing circulating glucose levels through either fasting or insulin injections26.

These interventions reduce PKA activity while increasing AMPK activity and thereby activating EGR1, indicating that cAMP� PKA signalling mediates the fasting-induced DSR via EGR1 (ref. 26). EGR1 also promotes the expression of cardioprotective peptides, such as the atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) in heart tissue, which contributes to the resistance to doxorubicin. Furthermore, fasting and/or FMD might protect mice from doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy by boosting autophagy, which may promote cellular health by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production through the elimination of dysfunctional mitochondria and by removal of toxic aggregates.

In addition to reducing chemotherapyinduced toxicity in cells and increasing survival of chemotherapy-treated mice, cycles of fasting induce bone marrow regeneration and prevent the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide in a PKA-related and IGF1-related manner25. Thus, compelling preclinical results indicate the potential of fasting and FMDs to increase chemotherapy tolerability and to avoid major side effects. Because initial clinical data lend further support to this potential, these preclinical studies build a strong rationale for evaluating FMDs in randomized clinical trials with TEAEs as a primary end point.

Differential Stress Sensitization: Increasing The Death of Cancer Cells

If used alone, most dietary interventions, including fasting and FMDs, have limited effects against cancer progression. According to the differential stress sensitization (DSS) hypothesis, the combination of fasting or FMDs with a second treatment is much more promising11,12. This hypothesis predicts that, while cancer cells are able to adapt to limited oxygen and nutrient concentrations, many types of cancer cells are not able to execute changes that would allow survival in the nutrient-deficient and toxic environment generated by the combination of fasting and chemotherapy, for example. Early experiments in breast cancer, melanoma and glioma cells found a paradoxical increase in the expression of proliferation-associated genes or of ribosome biogenesis and assembly genes in response to fasting11,12. Such changes were accompanied by unexpected AKT and S6K activation, a propensity to generate ROS and DNA damage and a sensitization to DNA-damaging drugs (via DSS)11.

We consider such an inappropriate response of cancer cells to the altered conditions including the reduction in IGF1 and glucose levels caused by fasting or FMDs as a key mechanism underlying the antitumour properties of these dietary interventions and their potential usefulness for separating the effects of anticancer treatments on normal versus malignant cells11,12 (Fig. 1). In line with the DSS hypothesis, periodic cycles of fasting or of FMDs are sufficient to slow the growth of many types of tumour cells, ranging from solid tumour cell lines to lymphoid leukaemia cells, in the mouse and, most importantly, to sensitize cancer cells to chemotherapeutics, radiotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)11,17,22,25,50,54�57,59,60,124,127,128.

cancer and fasting el paso tx.

By reducing glucose availability and increasing fatty acid ?-oxidation, fasting or FMDs can also promote a switch from aerobic glycolysis (Warburg effect) to mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in cancer cells, which is necessary for sustaining cancer cell growth in the most nutrient-poor environment50 (Fig. 2). This switch leads to increased ROS production11 as a result of increased mitochondrial respiratory activity and may also involve a reduction in cellular redox potential owing to decreased glutathione synthesis from glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway50. The combined effect of ROS augmentation and reduced antioxidant protection boosts oxidative stress in cancer cells and amplifies the activity of chemotherapeutics. Notably, because a high glycolytic activity demonstrated by high-lactate production is predictive of aggressiveness and metastatic propensity in several types of cancer129, the anti-Warburg effects of fasting or FMD have the potential to be particularly effective against aggressive and metastatic cancers.

Apart from a change in metabolism, fasting or FMDs elicit other changes that can promote DSS in pancreatic cancer cells. Fasting increases the expression levels of equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1), the transporter of gemcitabine across the plasma membrane, leading to improved activity of this drug128. In breast cancer cells, fasting causes SUMO2-mediated and/or SUMO3-mediated modification of REV1, a DNA polymerase and a p53-binding protein127. This modification reduces the ability of REV1 to inhibit p53, leading to increased p53-mediated transcription of pro-apoptotic genes and, ultimately, to cancer cell demise (Fig. 2). Fasting also increases the ability of commonly administered TKIs to stop cancer cell growth and/or death by strengthening MAPK signalling inhibition and, thereby, blocking E2F transcription factor-dependent gene expression but also by reducing glucose uptake17,54.

Finally, fasting can upregulate the leptin receptor and its downstream signalling through the protein PR/SET domain 1 (PRDM1) and thereby inhibit the initiation and reverse the progression of B cell and T cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), but not of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML)55. Interestingly, an independent study demonstrated that B cell precursors exhibit a state of chronic restriction in glucose and energy supplies imposed by the transcription factors PAX5 and IKZF1 (ref. 130). Mutations in the genes encoding these two proteins, which are present in more than 80% of the cases of pre-B cell ALL, were shown to increase glucose uptake and ATP levels. However, reconstituting PAX5 and IKZF1 in preB-ALL cells led to an energy crisis and cell demise. Taken together with the previous study, this work indicates that ALL may be sensitive to the nutrient and energy restriction imposed by fasting, possibly representing a good clinical candidate for testing the efficacy of fasting or FMD.

Notably, it is likely that many cancer cell types, including AML29, can acquire resistance by circumventing the metabolic changes imposed by fasting or FMDs, a possibility that is further increased by the metabolic heterogeneity that characterizes many cancers129. Thus, a major goal for the near future will be to identify the types of cancer that are most susceptible to these dietary regimens by means of biomarkers. On the other hand, when combined with standard therapies, fasting or FMDs have rarely resulted in the acquisition of resistance in cancer mouse models, and resistance to fasting combined with chemotherapy is also uncommon in studies in vitro, underlining the importance of identifying therapies that, when combined with FMDs, result in potent toxic effects against cancer cells with minimal toxicity to normal cells and tissues11,17,50,55�57,59,124.

Antitumour Immunity Enhancement by Fasting or FMD

Recent data suggest that fasting or FMDs by themselves, and to a greater extent when combined with chemotherapy, trigger the expansion of lymphoid progenitors and promote tumour immune attack via different mechanisms25,56,60,124. An FMD reduced the expression of HO1, a protein that confers protection against oxidative damage and apoptosis, in cancer cells in vivo but upregulated HO1 expression in normal cells124,131. HO1 downregulation in cancer cells mediates FMD-induced chemosensitization by increasing CD8+ tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte-dependent cytotoxicity, which may be facilitated by the downregulation of regulatory T cells124 (Fig. 2). Another study, which confirmed the ability of fasting or FMDs and CR mimetics to improve anticancer immunosurveillance, implies that the anticancer effects of fasting or FMDs may apply to autophagy competent, but not autophagy-deficient, cancers56. Finally, a recent study of alternate-day fasting for 2 weeks in a mouse colon cancer model showed that, by activating autophagy in cancer cells, fasting downregulates CD73 expression and consequently decreases the production of immunosuppressive adenosine by cancer cells60. Ultimately, CD73 downregulation via fasting was shown to prevent macrophage shift to an M2 immunosuppressive phenotype (Fig. 2). On the basis of these studies, it is appealing to speculate that FMDs could be particularly useful instead of or in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors132, cancer vaccines or other drugs that prompt antitumour immunity, including some conventional chemotherapeutics133.

Anticancer Diets in Mouse Models

Overall, the results of preclinical studies of fasting or FMDs in animal cancer models, including models for metastatic cancer (Table 2), show that periodic fasting or FMDs achieve pleiotropic anticancer effects and potentiate the activity of chemotherapeutics and TKIs while exerting protective and regenerative effects in multiple organs22,25. Achieving the same effects without fasting and/or FMDs would require first the identification and then the use of multiple effective, expensive and frequently toxic drugs and would probably be without the advantage of inducing healthy cell protection. It is noteworthy that in at least two studies fasting combined with chemotherapy proved to be the only intervention capable of achieving either complete tumour regressions or long-term survival in a consistent fraction of the treated animals11,59

cancer and fasting el paso tx.

Chronic KDs also show a tumour growth-delaying effect when used as a monotherapy, particularly in brain cancer mouse models77,78,80�82,84,134. Gliomas in mice maintained on a chronic KD have reduced expression of the hypoxia marker carbonic anhydrase 9 and of hypoxia-inducible factor 1?, decreased nuclear factor-?B activation and reduced vascular marker expression (that is, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, matrix metalloproteinase 2 and vimentin)86. In an intracranial mouse model of glioma, mice fed a KD exhibited increased tumour-reactive innate and adaptive immune responses that were primarily mediated by CD8+ T cells79. KDs were shown to improve the activity of carboplatin, cyclophosphamide and radiotherapy in glioma, lung cancer and neuroblastoma mouse models73�75,135. In addition, a recent study shows that a KD could be very useful in combination with PI3K inhibitors72. By blocking insulin signalling, these agents promote glycogen breakdown in the liver and prevent glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle, which leads to transient hyperglycaemia and to a compensatory insulin release from the pancreas (a phenomenon known as �insulin feedback�). In turn, this raise in insulin levels, which can be protracted, particularly in patients with insulin resistance, reactivates PI3K�mTOR signalling in tumours, thus strongly limiting the benefit of PI3K inhibitors. A KD was shown to be very effective at preventing insulin feedback in response to these drugs and to strongly improve their anticancer activity in the mouse. Finally, according to a study in a murine tumour-induced cachexia model (MAC16 tumours), KDs could help prevent the loss of fat and non-fat body mass in patients with cancer85.

CR reduced tumorigenesis in genetic mouse cancer models, mouse models with spontaneous tumorigenesis and carcinogen induced cancer mouse models, as well as in monkeys91,92,97,98,101,102,104�106,108,109,136�138. By contrast, a study found that CR from middle age actually increases the incidence of plasma cell neoplasms in C57Bl/6 mice139. However, in the same study, CR also extended maximum lifespan by approximately 15%, and the observed increase in cancer incidence was attributed to the increased longevity of mice undergoing CR, the age at which tumour-bearing mice undergoing CR died and the percentage of tumour-bearing mice undergoing CR that died. Thus, the authors concluded that CR probably retards promotion and/or progression of existing lymphoid cancers. A meta-analysis comparing chronic CR with intermittent CR in terms of their ability to prevent cancer in rodents concluded that intermittent CR is more effective in genetically engineered mouse models, but it is less effective in chemically induced rat models90. CR was shown to slow tumour growth and/or to extend mouse survival in various cancer mouse models, including ovarian and pancreatic cancer140,94 and neuroblastoma81.

Importantly, CR improved the activity of anticancer treatment in several cancer models, including the activity of an antiIGF1R antibody (ganitumab) against prostate cancer141, cyclophosphamide against neuroblastoma cells135 and autophagy inhibition in xenografts of HRAS-G12Vtransformed immortal baby mouse kidney epithelial cells100. However, CR or a KD in combination with anticancer therapies seems to be less effective than fasting. A mouse study found that, in contrast to fasting alone, CR alone was not able to reduce the growth of subcutaneously growing GL26 mouse gliomas and that, again, in contrast to short-term fasting, CR did not increase cisplatin activity against subcutaneous 4T1 breast tumours51. In the same study, fasting also proved substantially more effective than CR and a KD at increasing the tolerability of doxorubicin51. Although fasting or an FMD, CR and a KD likely act on and modulate overlapping signalling pathways, fasting or an FMD probably affects such mechanisms in a more drastic fashion during an intense acute phase of a maximum duration of a few days.

The phase of refeeding could then favour the recovery of homeostasis of the whole organism but also activate and invigorate mechanisms that can promote the recognition and removal of the tumour and regenerate the healthy cells. CR and a KD are chronic interventions that are able to only moderately repress nutrient-sensing pathway, possibly without reaching certain thresholds necessary to improve the effects of anticancer drugs, while imposing a major burden and often a progressive weight loss. CR and a KD as chronic dietary regimens in patients with cancer are difficult to implement and likely bear health risks. CR would likely lead to severe loss of lean body mass and the reduction of steroid hormones and possibly immune function142. Chronic KDs are also associated with similar although less severe side effects143. Thus, periodic fasting and FMD cycles lasting less than 5 days applied together with standard therapies have a high potential to improve cancer treatment while reducing its side effects. Notably, it will be important to study the effect of the combination of periodic FMDs, chronic KDs and standard therapies, particularly for the treatment of aggressive cancers such as glioma.

Fasting and FMDs in Cancer Prevention

Epidemiological studies and studies in animals, including monkeys108,109,144, and humans lend support to the notion that chronic CR and periodic fasting and/or an FMD could have cancer-preventive effects in humans. Nevertheless, CR can hardly be implemented in the general population owing to issues of compliance and to possible side effects115. Thus, while evidence-based recommendations of foods to prefer (or to avoid) as well as lifestyle recommendations to reduce cancer risk are becoming established6,8,9,15, the goal now is to identify and, possibly, standardize well tolerated, periodic dietary regimens with low or no side effects and evaluate their cancer-preventive efficacy in clinical studies.

As discussed earlier, FMD cycles cause downregulation of IGF1 and glucose and upregulation of IGFBP1 and ketone bodies, which are changes similar to those caused by fasting itself and are biomarkers of the fasting response22. When C57Bl/6 mice (which spontaneously develop tumours, primarily lymphomas, as they age) were fed such an FMD for 4 days twice a month starting at middle age and an ad libitum diet in the period between FMD cycles, the incidence of neoplasms was reduced from approximately 70% in mice on the control diet to approximately 40% in mice in the FMD group (an overall 43% reduction)22. In addition, the FMD postponed by over 3 months the occurrence of neoplasm related deaths, and the number of animals with multiple abnormal lesions was more than threefold higher in the control group than in the FMD mice, indicating that many tumours in the FMD mice were less aggressive or benign.

A previous study of alternate-day fasting, which was performed in middle-aged mice for a total of 4 months, also found that fasting reduced the incidence of lymphoma, bringing it from 33% (for control mice) to 0% (in fasted animals)145, although because of the short duration of the study it is unknown whether this fasting regimen prevented or simply delayed the tumour onset. Furthermore, alternate-day fasting imposes 15 days per month of complete water-only fasting, whereas in the FMD experiment described above mice were placed on a diet that provided a limited amount of food for only 8 days per month. In humans, 3 cycles of a 5-day FMD once a month were shown to reduce abdominal obesity and markers of inflammation as well as IGF1 and glucose levels in subjects with elevated levels of these markers62, indicating that periodic use of an FMD could potentially have preventive effects for obesity-related or inflammation-related, but also other, cancers in humans, as it has been shown for mice22.

Therefore, the promising results of preclinical studies combined with the clinical data on the effect of an FMD on risk factors for ageing-associated diseases, including cancer62, lend support to future randomized studies of FMDs as a possibly effective tool to prevent cancer, as well as other ageing-associated chronic conditions, in humans.

Clinical Applicability in Oncology

Four feasibility studies of fasting and FMDs in patients undergoing chemotherapy have been published as of today52,53,58,61. In a case series of 10 patients diagnosed with various types of cancer, including breast, prostate, ovarian, uterus, lung and oesophageal cancer, who voluntarily fasted for up to 140hours before and/or up to 56hours following chemotherapy, no major side effects caused by fasting itself other than hunger and lightheadedness were reported58. Those patients (six) who underwent chemotherapy with and without fasting reported a significant reduction in fatigue, weakness and gastrointestinal adverse events while fasting. In addition, in those patients in which cancer progression could be assessed, fasting did not prevent chemotherapy-induced reductions in tumour volume or in tumour markers. In another study, 13 women with HER2 (also known as ERBB2) negative, stage II/III breast cancer receiving neo-adjuvant taxotere, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (TAC) chemotherapy were randomized to fast (water only) 24hours before and after beginning chemotherapy or to nutrition according to standard guidelines52.

Short-term fasting was well tolerated and reduced the drop in mean erythrocyte and thrombocyte counts 7 days after chemotherapy. Interestingly, in this study, the levels of ?-H2AX (a marker of DNA damage) were increased 30minutes after chemotherapy in leukocytes from non-fasted patients but not in patients who had fasted. In a dose escalation of fasting in patients undergoing platinum-based chemotherapy, 20 patients (who were primarily treated for either urothelial, ovarian or breast cancer) were randomized to fast for 24, 48 or 72hours (divided as 48hours before chemotherapy and 24hours after chemotherapy)53. Feasibility criteria (defined as three or more out of six subjects in each cohort consuming?200kcal per day during the fast period without excess toxicity) were met. Fasting-related toxicities were always grade 2 or below, the most common being fatigue, headache and dizziness. As in the previous study, reduced DNA damage (as detected by comet assay) in leukocytes from subjects who fasted for at least 48hours (as compared with subjects who fasted for only 24hours) could also be detected in this small trial. In addition, a nonsignificant trend towards less grade 3 or grade 4 neutropenia in patients who fasted for 48 and 72hours versus those who fasted for only 24hours was also documented.

Very recently, a randomized crossover clinical trial was conducted assessing the effects of an FMD on quality of life and side effects of chemotherapy in a total of 34 patients with breast or ovarian cancer61. The FMD consisted of a daily caloric intake of<400kcal, primarily by juices and broths, starting 36�48hours before the beginning of chemotherapy and lasting until 24hours after the end of chemotherapy. In this study, the FMD prevented the chemotherapy induced reduction in quality of life and it also reduced fatigue. Again, no serious adverse events of the FMD were reported. Several other clinical trials of FMDs in combination with chemotherapy or with other types of active treatments are currently ongoing at US and European hospitals, primarily in patients who are diagnosed with breast or prostate cancer63,65�68. These are either one-arm clinical studies to assess FMD safety and feasibility or randomized clinical studies focusing either on the effect of the FMD on the toxicity of chemotherapy or on the quality of life of patients during chemotherapy itself. Altogether, these studies have now enrolled over 300 patients, and their first results are expected to become available in 2019.

cancer and fasting el paso tx.

Challenges in The Clinic

The study of periodic fasting or of FMDs in oncology is not devoid of concerns, particularly in relation to the possibility that this type of dietary regimen could precipitate malnutrition, sarcopenia, and cachexia in predisposed or frail patients (for example, patients who develop anorexia as a consequence of chemotherapy)18,19. However, no instances of severe (above grade 3) weight loss or of malnutrition were reported in the clinical studies of fasting in combination with chemotherapy published as of now, and those patients who did experience a weight loss during fasting typically recovered their weight before the subsequent cycle without detectable harm. Nevertheless, we recommend that periodic anorexia and nutritional status assessments using gold-standard approaches18,19,146�150 should be an integral part of these studies and that any ensuing nutritional impairment in patients undergoing fasting and/or FMDs is rapidly corrected.

Conclusions

Periodic fasting or FMDs consistently show powerful anticancer effects in mouse cancer models including the ability to potentiate chemoradiotherapy and TKIs and to trigger anticancer immunity. FMD cycles are more feasible than chronic dietary regimens because they allow patients to consume food regularly during the FMD, maintain a normal diet between cycles and do not result in severe weight loss and possibly detrimental effects on the immune and endocrine systems. Notably, as standalone therapies, periodic fasting or FMD cycles would probably show limited efficacy against established tumors. In fact, in mice, fasting or FMDs affect the progression of a number of cancers similarly to chemotherapy, but alone, they rarely match the effect obtained in combination with cancer drugs which can result in cancer-free survival11,59. Thus, we propose that it is the combination of periodic FMD cycles with standard treatments that holds the highest potential to promote cancer-free survival in patients, as suggested by the mouse models11,59 (Fig. 3).

This combination may be particularly potent for several reasons: first, cancer drugs and other therapies can be effective, but a portion of patients do not respond because cancer cells adopt alternative metabolic strategies leading to survival. These alternative metabolic modes are much more difficult to sustain under fasting or FMD conditions because of the deficiencies or changes in glucose, certain amino acids, hormones, and growth factors, as well as in other unknown pathways leading to cell death. Second, fasting or FMDs can prevent or reduce resistance acquisition. Third, fasting or FMDs protect normal cells and organs from the side effects caused by a wide variety of cancer drugs. On the basis of preclinical and clinical evidence of feasibility, safety and efficacy (at reducing IGF1, visceral fat and cardiovascular risk factors), FMDs also appear as a viable dietary approach to be studied in cancer prevention. An important future challenge will be to identify those tumours that are the best candidates to benefit from fasting or FMDs. Even in cancer types that are apparently less responsive to fasting or FMDs, it may still be possible to identify the mechanisms of resistance and to intervene with drugs able to revert that resistance. Conversely, more caution should be adopted with other types of diets, especially if high in calories, as they could lead to exacerbated and not inhibited growth of certain cancers. For example, the KD increases growth of a melanoma model with mutated BRAF in mice123, and it was also reported to accelerate disease progression in a mouse AML model72.

Furthermore, it is essential to apply FMDs with an understanding of the mechanisms of action, since their potency if applied incorrectly could generate negative effects. For example, when rats were fasted and treated with a potent carcinogen before refeeding, this resulted in the growth of aberrant foci in liver, colon and rectum when compared with non-fasted rats151,152. Although the mechanisms involved in this effect are not understood, and these foci may have not resulted in tumours, these studies suggest that a minimum period of 24�48hours between the chemotherapy treatment and the return to the normal diet is important to avoid combining the regrowth signals present during the refeeding after fasting with high levels of toxic drugs such as chemotherapy. The clinical studies of fasting or FMD in patients undergoing chemotherapy support its feasibility and overall safety52,53,58,61. In a small-size randomized trial that enrolled 34 patients, an FMD helped patients maintain their quality of life during chemotherapy and reduced fatigue61. In addition, preliminary data suggest the potential of fasting or FMDs to reduce chemotherapy induced DNA damage in healthy cells in patients52,53.

Ongoing clinical studies of FMDs in patients with cancer63,65�68 will provide more solid answers as to whether prescribing periodic FMDs in combination with conventional anticancer agents helps improve tolerability and activity of the latter. It is important to consider that FMDs will not be effective in reducing the side effects of cancer treatments in all patients and neither will they work to improve the efficacy of all therapies, but they have great potential to do so at least for a portion and possibly for a major portion of patients and drugs. Frail or malnourished patients or patients at risk of malnutrition should not be enrolled in clinical studies of fasting or FMDs, and patient nutritional status and anorexia should be carefully monitored throughout clinical trials. An appropriate intake of proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals combined, where possible, with light and/or moderate physical activity aimed at increasing muscle mass should be applied between fasting or FMD cycles in order for the patients to maintain a healthy lean body mass18,19. This multimodal dietary approach will maximize the benefits of fasting or FMDs while at the same time protecting patients from malnutrition.

References:

Low-Carb Diet Tied to Heart Rhythm Disorder

Low-Carb Diet Tied to Heart Rhythm Disorder

Individuals getting a very low percentage of their daily calories from carbohydrates, such as fruits, grains, and starchy vegetables, are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation, or AFib. This health issue is one of the most prevalent heart rhythm disorders, according to a new research study being presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 68th Annual Scientific Session.

The research study examined the health records of almost 14,000 people spanning two or more decades. Researchers brought data from Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities, or ARIC, a research study controlled by the National Institutes of Health which was conducted from 1985 to 2016. Of almost 1,900 participants that were diagnosed through a mean of 22 years of follow-up, a majority of them were identified with AFib by researchers. The details of the research study are described below.

AFib and Carbohydrates

Research study participants were requested to report the everyday consumption of 66 distinct food items in a poll. The researchers utilized this information to gauge the percentage of calories which came from carbohydrates from each participant’s calorie intake. Carbohydrates were contained in roughly half of the daily calories consumed by the participants.

Researchers subsequently separated the participants into three separate groups categorized by low, moderate, and high carbohydrate intake, representing diets where carbohydrates consisted less than 44.8 percent of their daily calories, followed by 44.8 to 52.4 percent, and finally where carbohydrates consisted more than 52.4 percent of their daily calories, respectively.

Participants who reporting reduced carbohydrate consumption were the ones who had the highest probability of developing AFib, according to researchers. As the statistics of the research study later demonstrated, these participants were also 18 percent more likely to come up with AFib compared to those with moderate carbohydrate intake and 16 percent more likely to come up with AFib compared to those with high carbohydrate ingestion. Some diets can also help decrease the risk of heart rhythm disorders.

Dr Jimenez White Coat

The type of carbohydrates you eat can make a huge difference in your overall health and wellness. Complex carbohydrates are digested more slowly than simple carbohydrates and these release a steady release of sugar, or glucose, into the blood stream. Complex carbohydrates, often referred to as “starchy” foods, include legumes, starchy vegetables, whole grain, and fiber. According to the research study in the following article, consuming low amounts of carbohydrates, which often includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can contribute to cardiovascular diseases, such as atrial fibrillation. When it comes to carbohydrates, it’s important to consume this essential macronutrient for overall health and wellness.

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

Nutrition for AFib

Restricting carbohydrates has become a popular weight loss plan. Many diets, such as the Paleo and the ketogenic diet, highlight the consumption of proteins. According to Xiaodong Zhuang, MD, PhD, cardiologist and the research study’s lead author, “The long-term impact of carbohydrate restriction remains controversial, particularly with respect to its own influence on cardiovascular disease.” “Considering the possible effects on arrhythmia, our research study indicates that this popular weight control system ought to be recommended carefully,” he stated in a statement published by the ACC.

The findings complement previous research studies, a number of which have correlated both polyunsaturated and high-carbohydrate diets with a greater probability of death. While previous research studies indicated that this part of the diet affected the outcome measures found, the research study itself didn’t determine these findings. “Low carbohydrate diets have been associated with greater risk of developing AFib irrespective of the type of fat or protein utilized to substitute the carbohydrate,” Zhuang said.

“Several possible mechanisms could explain why limiting carbohydrates may contribute to AFib,” Zhuang said. One is that individuals eating a low-carbohydrate diet often consume fewer fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Without these foods, individuals may experience more widespread inflammation, which has been connected with AFib. According to the research study, another potential explanation is that eating more fat and protein instead of carbohydrate-rich foods can result in oxidative stress, which has also been connected to AFib. The effect may be associated with an increased risk of other types of cardiovascular disease.

The Longevity Diet Plan, presented in the book by Dr. Valter Longo, eliminates the consumption of processed foods which can cause inflammation, promoting well-being and longevity. While this diet program doesn’t focus on weight loss, the emphasis of the longevity diet plan is on eating healthier. The Longevity Diet Plan has been demonstrated to help activate stem cell-based renewal, reduce abdominal fat, and prevent age-related bone and muscle loss, as well as build resistance to developing cardiovascular disease.

the-longevity-diet-book-new.png

The fasting mimicking diet, or FMD, allows you to experience the benefits of traditional fasting without depriving your body of food. The main difference of the FMD is that instead of completely eliminating all food for several days or even weeks, you only restrict your calorie intake for five days out of the month. The FMD can be practiced once a month to help promote overall health and wellness.

While anyone can follow the FMD on their own, the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet offers a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled for each day, which serves the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program is made up of ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. Before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, or any of the lifestyle modifications described above, please make sure to talk to a healthcare professional to find out if this dietary program is right for you.

Furthermore, the research study didn’t monitor participants with asymptomatic AFib, or people who had AFib but were never admitted to a hospital. It didn’t investigate subtypes of AFib, therefore it’s unknown if patients were far more likely to have episodes of persistent or arrhythmia AFib. Zhuang reported that the research study didn’t show cause and effect. A randomized trial could be required to validate the connection between AFib and carbohydrate intake to evaluate the result in a more diverse population.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, spinal health issues, and 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

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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.

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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For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download

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Stop Eating This and Stop the Chronic Pain

Stop Eating This and Stop the Chronic Pain

Do you sometimes feel like your chronic pain becomes worse after eating certain foods? As a matter of fact, research studies have demonstrated that eating several types of foods can trigger an inflammatory response in the human body. And we all know that inflammation can be one of the primary causes for your chronic pain flare-ups. Before we discuss the foods that can cause inflammation and the foods that can fight against inflammation, let’s discuss what is inflammation and how you can measure inflammation.

What is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the immune system’s natural defense mechanism. It functions by protecting the human body from injury, illness, and infection. Inflammation helps to maintain overall health and wellness. Allergic reactions can also result in inflammation. When you’re injured or you have an infection, you can see symptoms of inflammation: or swollen, red, and hot spots. However, inflammation may occur seemingly without a cause. The ideal way to diagnose inflammation is to measure specific biomarkers through blood tests.

The C-reactive protein, or CRP, a substance produced by the liver, is one of the best biomarkers of inflammation. CRP levels increase as inflammation increases, therefore, you can know a lot about what’s happening inside your own body by looking at your CRP levels. According to the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a CRP concentration of under 1.0 mg/L suggests a low risk for heart issues; between 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L suggests an average risk for heart issues; and over 3.0 mg/L suggests a high risk for heart issues. Substantial levels of CRP (greater than 10 mg/L) may also suggest a risk of developing other health issues.

Other biomarkers like activated monocytes, cytokines, chemokines, various adhesion molecules, adiponectin, fibrinogen, and serum amyloid alpha, are other biomarkers which can be measured through blood tests to diagnose inflammation. Inflammatory responses consist of sympathetic activity, oxidative stress, nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kB) activation, and proinflammatory cytokine production.

White blood cells play an important part in the human body’s immune system. Every time a bacteria or virus enters the bloodstream, the white blood cells, or leukocytes, recognize and destroy the foreign invaders. You might believe that an increased white blood cell count may be beneficial since white blood cells fight infection, however, this may not necessarily be the case. An increased white blood cell count may indicate the presence of another health issue, although a large white blood cell count is not a problem itself.

Foods that Cause Inflammation

Not surprisingly, the same types of foods which can cause inflammation are also generally considered to be bad for our health, such as refined carbohydrates, and sodas as well as red meat, and processed meats. Inflammation is an important underlying mechanism which has been associated with an increased risk for chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, among other health issues.

Unhealthy foods also contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation. In several research studies, even after researchers took obesity into account, the connection between inflammation and these foods remained, which suggests that weight gain is not a cause of inflammation. Some foods have an increased effect on inflammation and increased caloric consumption.

Foods that can cause inflammation include:

  • Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and pastries
  • French fries and other fried foods
  • Sodas and other sugar-sweetened drinks
  • Red meat like burgers and steaks as well as processed meat like hot dogs and sausage
  • Margarine, shortening, and lard

Foods that Fight Against Inflammation

Alternatively, there are foods that fight against inflammation, and with it, chronic disease. Certain fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, apples, and leafy greens, are high in polyphenols and antioxidants, which are components that may have anti-inflammatory effects. Research studies also have associated nuts with reduced biomarkers of inflammation and a decreased risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Coffee may protect against inflammation, as well. Choose anti-inflammatory foods and you could improve your overall health and wellness. Choose inflammatory foods and you might increase the risk of inflammation and chronic pain.

Foods that can fight against inflammation include:

  • Tomatoes
  • Olive oil
  • Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, kale, and collards
  • Nuts like almonds and walnuts
  • Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines
  • Fruits like strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges
Dr Jimenez White Coat

Healthcare professionals are learning that one of the greatest ways to reduce inflammation is found. not in the medicine cabinet, but in the refrigerator. An anti-inflammatory diet can ultimately help reduce the human body’s inflammatory response. The immune system triggers inflammation to protect the human body from injury, illness, and infection. But if inflammation continues, it can cause a variety of health issues, including chronic pain symptoms. Research studies have demonstrated that certain food can influence the effects of inflammation in the human body.

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

Anti-Inflammatory Diets

To reduce inflammation, focus on following an overall healthier diet. If you’re looking for an anti-inflammatory diet, consider following the Mediterranean diet, which is high in fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and oils. The Longevity Diet Plan, presented in the book by Dr. Valter Longo, also eliminates foods which can cause inflammation, promoting well-being and longevity. Fasting, or caloric restriction, has long been known to decrease oxidative stress and slow down the mechanisms of aging in various organisms.

the-longevity-diet-book-new.png

And if fasting is not for you, Dr. Valter Longo’s longevity diet plan also includes the fasting mimicking diet, or FMD, which allows you to experience the benefits of traditional fasting without depriving your body of food. The main difference of the FMD is that instead of eliminating all food for several days or even weeks, you only restrict your calorie intake for five days out of the month. The FMD can be practiced once a month to help promote overall health and wellness as well as to help reduce inflammation and chronic pain.

While anyone can follow the FMD on their own, Dr. Valter Longo offers the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, a 5-day meal program which has been individually packed and labeled to serves the foods you need for the FMD in precise quantities and combinations. The meal program consists of ready-to-eat and easy-to-prepare, plant-based foods, including bars, soups, snacks, supplements, a drink concentrate, and teas. However, before starting the ProLon� fasting mimicking diet, 5-day meal program, or any of the lifestyle modifications described above, please make sure to talk to a doctor to find out which chronic pain treatment is right for you.

ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet Banner

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In addition to reducing inflammation, a more natural, less processed diet can have noticeable effects on your physical and emotional health. The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, spinal health issues, and 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

Green Call Now Button H .png

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.

Xymogen Formulas - El Paso, TX

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

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

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

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

xymogen el paso, tx

For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link.*XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download

* All the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.

***