Gut and Intestinal Health

Gut and Intestinal Health: The health of an individual’s gut determines what nutrients are absorbed along with what toxins, allergens and microbes are kept out. It is directly linked to the health of the whole body. Intestinal health could be defined as optimal digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food. But this is a job that depends on many other factors. More than 100 million Americans have digestive problems. Two of the top selling drugs in America are for digestive problems, and they run in the billions. There are more than 200 over-the-counter (OTC) remedies for digestive disorders. And these can and do create additional digestive problems.

If an individual’s digestion is not working properly, first thing is to understand what is sending the gut out-of-balance in the first place.

Low-fiber, high-sugar, processed, nutrient-poor, high-calorie diet, causes all the wrong bacteria and yeast to grow in the gut and damages the delicate ecosystem in your intestines.
Overuse of medications that damage the gut or block normal digestive function, i.e. acid blockers (Prilosec, Nexium, etc.), anti-inflammatory medication (aspirin, Advil, and Aleve), antibiotics, steroids and hormones.
Undetected gluten intolerance, celiac disease or low-grade food allergies to foods such as dairy, eggs, or corn.
Chronic low-grade infections or gut imbalances with overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine, yeast overgrowth, parasites.
Toxins like mercury and mold toxins damage the gut.
Lack of adequate digestive enzyme function, from acid-blocking medications or zinc deficiency.
Stress can alter the gut’s nervous system, cause leaky gut, and change the normal bacteria.

Visits for intestinal disorders are among the most common trips to primary care doctors. Most, which also includes most doctors, do not recognize or know that digestive problems wreak havoc in the entire body. This leads to allergies, arthritis, autoimmune disease, rashes, acne, chronic fatigue, mood disorders, autism, dementia, cancer, and more.

Having proper gut and intestinal health is absolutely central to your health. It is connected to everything that happens in the body. For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900

What You Should Know About Histamine Intolerance and Dieting

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Nov 18, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Wellness

Do you feel:

Shaky, jittery, or have tremors?
Stomach pain, burning, or aching 1-4 hours after eating?
Agitated, easily upset, nervous?
Lightheaded if meals are missed?
Digestive problems subside with rest and relaxation?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing a histamine attack on your immune system.

During an allergic response, the body’s immune system starts to react by releasing various immune compounds to protect itself from foreign substances that identify as harmful. One of these immune compounds, known as histamine, is commonly present in a variety of foods. When histamine is elevated in the body, it is due to a high dietary intake or an inability to break it down, so individuals may experience allergic symptoms from a histamine reaction.

What is Histamine?

Histamine is a compound that is formed through the metabolism of specific amino acids in the immune system. There are a variety of levels of histamine that is found naturally in the foods that people consume. It is also produced by the body where it is in specific immune cells, including mast cells and basophils. During an allergic and other immune response, histamine is released from these cells, and consuming large quantities of histamine that is over 100 mg may result in a mild adverse reaction. Studies have shown that if histamine is consumed in a higher amount that is over 1000 mg, it can lead to histamine intoxication or histamine poisoning.

What is Histamine Intolerance?

Under normal conditions, histamine is released in the body or ingested through food, and it is broken down by two enzymes: HNMT (histamine-N-methyltransferase) and DAO (diamine oxidase). High levels of histamine can occur in individuals that have reduced activity of these enzymes. When histamine levels are increased, or the ability to break down histamine is impaired, individuals may experience histamine intolerance, which will generally present itself as an allergic reaction to the immune system.

What Causes Histamine Intolerance?

Specific individuals may have an increased sensitivity to biogenic amines like histamine. Some factors have been associated with an increased risk of histamine intolerance, including:

Gastrointestinal conditions (Crohn’s disease, gastric and colon ulcers, gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome)
Certain health conditions (coronary heart disease, hypertension, respiratory diseases)
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Certain medications that inhibit the activity of histamine-degrading enzymes (acetylcysteine, metamizole, metoclopramide, metronidazole, verapamil)

Mast cell conditions can increase the secretion of histamine. Since mast cells are found throughout the body, they are involved with the innate immune response as well as being the primary source of histamine in the intestines. Studies show that when specific immune receptors detect a foreign substance in the body, the mast cells secrete inflammatory compounds like histamine as a protective response. Mast cell activation is characterized by increasing plasma and urine histamine levels as well as an increased histamine metabolite in the urine. Several conditions are associated with mast cell activation, including:

Allergies that are mediated by IgE (immunoglobulin-E) and other hypersensitivities
Atopic conditions
Mastocytosis
Primary mast cell disorders

Signs and Symptoms of Histamine Intolerance

With histamine intolerance symptoms being presented as an allergic response, some of the signs and symptoms include:

Arrhythmia
Asthma
Diarrhea
Flushing
Headaches
Hypotension
Symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis (nasal congestion, post-nasal drip, sneezing)
Pruritus (itchy skin)
Urticaria (hives)

Histamine-free Diet

With dietary support for histamine intolerance, it may involve a histamine-free diet. Studies have been examining the effects of four-week histamine-free diet intervention on 22 individuals that have CU (chronic urticaria). Chronic urticaria is a common skin condition that is characterized by episodes of red marks and swelling that last longer than six weeks on the body.

A study found that when it is being compared to baseline, plasma histamine levels were significantly reduced when following the diet. Additionally, USS (urticaria severity score) and (UAS), both decreased following the intervention. It means that a histamine-free diet may help improve symptoms that are associated with dietary histamine intake or histamine intolerance like chronic urticaria in the body.

Research also shows that when individuals follow a histamine-reduced diet, it may increase the levels of the DAO enzyme. Research also demonstrated that when individuals followed the histamine-reduced diet for an average of 13 months, the increased levels of DAO were correlated with the degree of compliance to the diet. When high-histamine and histamine-liberated foods are eliminated, the individual’s tolerance levels can be determined by slowly reintroducing foods to test for potential reactions.

Certain foods may increase histamine levels by providing a dietary source or by liberating histamine in the body. Studies have found that it is essential to note that inconsistent levels of histamine are found in various foods and that the levels may fluctuate based on the maturity, storage, and processing of the food.

Here are the high-histamine foods to avoid on a histamine-free diet. They are:

Aged cheese (cheddar, gouda, parmesan)
Alcohol (beer, champagne, wine)
Certain produce (avocado, eggplant, spinach, tomato)
Cured meats (fermented sausage, salami)
Fermented vegetables (sauerkraut)
Fish products (dried anchovies, fish sauce)

Here are the histamine-liberating foods to avoid on a histamine-free diet as well. They are:

Certain fruits (citrus, pineapple, banana, strawberries, papaya)
Cocoa
Egg whites
Food additives (coloring, flavoring, preservatives, stabilizers)
Legumes
Licorice

Other Considerations

With methods surrounding food preparations that should be considered, researchers have suggested that people should consume food that is fresh as possible and boiled rather than frying or grilling food may help reduce the intake of biogenic amines like histamine. Studies have shown that spoiled foods have been found to have high levels of histamine, so it is essential to be mindful when consuming leftovers, especially leftover fish. There are some individuals with histamine intolerance that may benefit from taking antihistamine medication or a DAO supplement. There are also certain nutrients, including copper, vitamin B6, and vitamin C that can help support histamine degradation.

Conclusion

When the body is suffering from an allergic response, its’ immune system starts to react by sending out various immune compounds that attack harmful foreign substances. Histamine is one of the immune compounds that is produced and broken down to HNMT and DAO. Histamine can also trigger an asthma attack on individuals, while certain foods can contain high-histamine and histamine-liberating properties that can be harmful in the body. Some products use an advanced formula that helps support the immune system, targets amino acids, and supports antioxidant processes to make sure that the body is functioning correctly.

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:

Martin, San Mauro, et al. “Histamine Intolerance and Dietary Management: A Complete Review.” Adrianaduelo, 31 Aug. 2016, www.adrianaduelo.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2016_Histamine-intolerance-and-dietary-management.pdf.

Chung, Bo Young, et al. “Effect of Different Cooking Methods on Histamine Levels in Selected Foods.” Annals of Dermatology, The Korean Dermatological Association; The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology, Dec. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5705351/.

Dougherty, Joseph M. “Allergy.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 28 July 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK545237/.

Fong, Michael. “Histology, Mast Cells.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499904/.

Lackner, Sonja, et al. “Histamine-Reduced Diet and Increase of Serum Diamine Oxidase Correlating to Diet Compliance in Histamine Intolerance.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30022117.

Maintz, Laura, and Natalija Novak. “Histamine and Histamine Intolerance.” OUP Academic, Oxford University Press, 1 May 2007, academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/85/5/1185/4633007.

Reese, Imke, et al. “German Guideline for the Management of Adverse Reactions to Ingested Histamine: Guideline of the German Society for Allergology and Clinical Immunology (DGAKI), the German Society for Pediatric Allergology and Environmental Medicine (GPA), the German Association of Allergologists (AeDA), and the Swiss Society for Allergology and Immunology (SGAI).” Allergo Journal International, Springer Medizin, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5346110/.

Son, Jee Hee, et al. “A Histamine-Free Diet Is Helpful for Treatment of Adult Patients with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria.” Annals of Dermatology, The Korean Dermatological Association; The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology, Apr. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5839887/.

Sánchez-Pérez, Sònia, et al. “Biogenic Amines in Plant-Origin Foods: Are They Frequently Underestimated in Low-Histamine Diets?” Foods (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 14 Dec. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6306728/.

Unknown, Unknown. “Histamine Intolerance & Diet: What You Should Know.” Fullscript, 11 Nov. 2019, fullscript.com/blog/histamine-intolerance.

11 Ways To Improve Digestive Problems

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Nov 15, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Wellness

Do you feel:

A sense of fullness during and after meals?
Do digestive problems subside with rest and relaxation?
Diarrhea?
Unpredictable abdominal swelling?
Frequent bloating and distention after eating?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing problems with your digestive tract. Here are some ways to improve your digestion problems naturally.

Different factors can impact a person’s digestion and overall gut health. There are things that people have control like how much sleep they are getting while the other things that are not in a person’s control like genetics and family history. If a person is experiencing stomach problems, then it might be the poor lifestyle choices that may be hurting their gut. Having a well-balanced diet and regularly exercising is good, but those are just two of the many ways to regulate digestive health.

Here are some of the lifestyles that may negatively impact the body’s gut health:

What a person is eating
Mindful of mindless eating
Exercise routine
Daily hydration
Sleep schedule
Stress and anxiety levels
Prescription and over the counter medications a person takes
Bad habits like late-night eating or excessive alcohol or tobacco use

These factors can do bodily harm and can cause the development of chronic illnesses.

11 Ways To Improve Digestive Health

Even though these factors can negatively affect a person’s digestion tract and overall gut health, there are 11 ways to help improve the digestive tract naturally and be beneficial to not only the gut but to the body.

Eating More Colorful, Plant-based and Fiber-Rich Foods

Even though digestive issues can be challenging, avoiding certain foods and eating more plant-based and fiber-rich foods can help ease those uncomfortable symptoms. Quality nut and seeds, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes can protect against a lot of digestive disorders and promote a regular bowel movement. To avoid discomfort on the digestive tract, try avoiding certain foods that are tough on the stomach like fried, artificially processed, or acidic foods.

If a person is suffering from an upset stomach or been diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), they might want to consider adopting an anti-inflammatory rich diet to prevent inflammation in the gut.

Consider Meal Frequency and Sizing

When a person continually snacking or tend to have three big meals a day is known as a grazer. Grazing food may not be suitable for people due to being prone to constipation. These habits can impact the person’s digestive health, and recent clinical studies have been shown that intermittent fasting can be beneficial to gut health and the whole body.

Practicing Mindful Eating

Sometimes overeating and eating too quickly can often lead to unpleasant indigestion symptoms such as gas and bloating. Thankfully there is an inclusive practice known as mindful eating, and it has been studied to a practical approach to reducing indigestion in the gut. Research has shown that mindful eating can reduce symptoms of IBS and ulcerative colitis.

To practice eating mindfully, keep in mind the following:

Turning off the tv and putting away the phones at mealtimes.
Taking a moment and inhale after sitting down with the plate in front of the individual. Take notice of how it smells.
You are taking in on how the food looks on the plate.
Select each bite of consciously.
Chew the bites of food slowly.
Eat slowly.
Take breaks, sip water, or have a quick chat in between each bite.
Take in the taste, texture, and temperature of every bite.
Take time to relax after finishing a meal.

Following these tricks and taking the time to relax and paying attention to the body before a meal may improve digestive symptoms such as indigestion and bloating.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise can help digestion. When people move their bodies on a day to day basis can affect their digestion. Since it is mostly due to its anti-inflammatory effects, exercise can have a very positive impact on the digestive system. Studies have shown that living a sedentary lifestyle can be damaging to the gut. Working out can help a person relieve their stress, enable them to maintain a healthy weight, strengthen abdominal muscles, and stimulate food to move through the large intestines.

According to research, aerobic exercises, like dancing or high interval workout classes, are particularly great by increasing the blood flow to the GI tract. Keep in mind that it is best to avoid this type of high impact exercise right after eating. If an individual has a sensitive stomach, resting for 30 minutes in between workouts and meals is the best option.

Staying Hydrated

Not drinking enough water is a common cause of constipation among adults and children, since lots of people often replace water with sugary alternatives. Studies have shown that people should aim to drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of non-caffeinated beverages daily to prevent constipation, and if they exercise, they should be drinking more water.

They can also increase their water intake by eating fruits that have high water content, drinking herbal teas, and non-caffeinated beverages like flavored seltzer waters.

Trying to Get A Good Night Sleep

Not getting enough hours to sleep and poor quality sleep has been associated with several gastrointestinal diseases. Studies show that people who are sleep deprived are most likely to suffer from stomach pains, diarrhea, upset stomach, or even suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. So people need to get quality sleep as the main priority.

Practice Ways to Manage Stress

Stress can affect a person’s digestion and the gastrointestinal tract big time. When an individual is chronically stressed out, their body is continuously in a flight or fight mode. Being chronically stressed out can lead to several unpleasant digestive symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, IBS, and stomach ulcers.

There are ways to relieve stress through stress management techniques like yoga, acupuncture, cognitive behavioral therapy, and meditation. Research shows that these techniques have been shown to improve symptoms in people with IBS drastically. Even taking the time to sit quietly and practicing breathing exercises for five minutes can help alleviate stress levels.

Cutting Back on Drinking Alcohol

Many individuals experience diarrhea and several other unpleasant symptoms after consuming alcohol. This is because alcohol can trigger some severe changes in the digestive system. Studies have mentioned that when the gastrointestinal tract comes in contact with alcohol, it becomes inflamed. This is because the intestines do not absorb water as efficiently, causing the overall digestion to speed up, and the good/harmful bacteria balance is thrown off.

Stop Smoking

Smoking can impact the entire body, including the gut. Studies have shown that smoking, chewing, and vaping tobacco has been linked to several common disorders in the digestive system, such as heartburn, peptic ulcers, and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Smoking can also worsen gastrointestinal symptoms in other conditions like Crohn’s disease. When a person quits smoking, it can quickly reverse some of the effects of smoking on the digestive system and can keep the symptom of some gastrointestinal diseases from becoming worse.

Consider Taking Supplements

Taking dietary supplements is a great way to make sure that the body is getting the nutrients it needs for proper digestion.

Probiotics are excellent digestive supplements to alleviate and improve symptoms of gas, to bloat, and stomach pains for people with IBS.
Glutamine is an amino acid that supports gut health. Studies show that glutamine can reduce leaky gut in people who are sick.
Zinc is a mineral that is essential for a healthy gut. When a person has a deficiency in zinc, it can lead to a variety of unpleasant digestive disorders. So taking zinc supplements can be beneficial to reducing digestive problems.

Be Aware of Medication Interactions and Their Side Effects

The medication that a person is taking can cause stomach discomfort and make them prone to diarrhea or constipation. Conventional medication such as aspirin and other pain medicine have been studied to upset the lining of the stomach, causing damage to the intestinal permeability.

Conclusion

Practicing these 11 ways can be beneficial and provide improvement to a person’s digestive tract. When disruptive factors disrupt the digestive tract, it can lead the body to have inflammation, leaky gut, and digestive problems. Some products are specialized to support the gastrointestinal tract and provide support to the body’s metabolism to make sure the body is functioning correctly.

References:

Ali, Tauseef, et al. “Sleep, Immunity and Inflammation in Gastrointestinal Disorders.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited, 28 Dec. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3882397/.

Bilski, Jan, et al. “Can Exercise Affect the Course of Inflammatory Bowel Disease? Experimental and Clinical Evidence.” Pharmacological Reports: PR, US National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27255494.

Bischoff, Stephan C. “’Gut Health’: a New Objective in Medicine?” BMC Medicine, BioMed Central, 14 Mar. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065426/.

Catterson, James H, et al. “Short-Term, Intermittent Fasting Induces Long-Lasting Gut Health and TOR-Independent Lifespan Extension.” Current Biology: CB, Cell Press, 4 June, 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5988561/.

Chiba, Mitsuro, et al. “Recommendation of Plant-Based Diets for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” Translational Pediatrics, AME Publishing Company, Jan. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6382506/.

Didari, Tina, et al. “Effectiveness of Probiotics in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Updated Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 14 Mar. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25780308.

Konturek, Peter C, et al. “Stress and the Gut: Pathophysiology, Clinical Consequences, Diagnostic Approach, and Treatment Options.” Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology: an Official Journal of the Polish Physiological Society, US National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22314561.

Kristeller, Jean L, and Kevin D Jordan. “Mindful Eating: Connecting With the Wise Self, the Spiritual Self.” Frontiers in Psychology, Frontiers Media SA, 14 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6102380/.

Lakatos, Peter Laszlo. “Environmental Factors Affecting Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Have We Made Progress?” Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland), US National Library of Medicine, 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19786744.

Miller, Carla K, et al. “Comparative Effectiveness of a Mindful Eating Intervention to a Diabetes Self-Management Intervention among Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: a Pilot Study.” Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, US National Library of Medicine, Nov. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3485681/.

Mottaghi, Azadeh, et al. “Efficacy of Glutamine-Enriched Enteral Feeding Formulae in Critically Ill Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.” Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27440684.

Oettlé, G J. “Effect of Moderate Exercise on Bowel Habit.” Gut, US National Library of Medicine, Aug. 1991, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1885077.

Philpott, HL, et al. “Drug-Induced Gastrointestinal Disorders.” Frontline Gastroenterology, BMJ Publishing Group, Jan. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5369702/.

Popkin, Barry M, et al. “Water, Hydration, and Health.” Nutrition Reviews, US National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2908954/.

Qin, Hong-Yan, et al. “Impact of Psychological Stress on Irritable Bowel Syndrome.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 21 Oct. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4202343/.

Skrovanek, Sonja, et al. “Zinc and Gastrointestinal Disease.” World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pathophysiology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 15 Nov. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25400994.

Unknown, Unknown. “11 Ways To Improve Digestion Problems Naturally.” Fullscript, 9 Sept. 2019, fullscript.com/blog/lifestyle-tips-for-digestive-health.

Unknown, Unknown. “Smoking and the Digestive System.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, US Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Sept. 2013, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/smoking-digestive-system.

Wong, Ming-Wun, et al. “Impact of Vegan Diets on Gut Microbiota: An Update on the Clinical Implications.” Ci Ji Yi Xue Za Zhi = Tzu-Chi Medical Journal, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6172896/.

Functional Endocrinology: Inflammation and the Endocrine System

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Nov 12, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness

Do you feel:

That eating relieves fatigue?
Hormone imbalances?
Aches, pains, and swelling throughout the body?
Bodily swelling for no reason?
Inflammation on your body?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, you might be experiencing inflammation, and it might affect your endocrine system.

Inflammation and the Endocrine System

Inflammation is a defense mechanism in the body. The immune system can recognize the damaged cells, irritants, and pathogens that cause harm to the body and began the healing process. When the inflammation turns into chronic inflammation, it can cause several diseases and conditions in the body and can cause harm to an individual.

Inflammation can cause dysfunction when it is in the endocrine system. The endocrine system is a series of glands that produce and secretes hormones that the body needs and uses for a wide range of functions. When the endocrine glands produce hormones, they are sent into the bloodstream to the various tissues in the body. Once they are in the various tissues, the hormone signals the tissues to tell them what they are supposed to do. When the glands do not produce the right amount of hormones, various diseases like inflammation can affect the body.

Inflammation Symptoms and Causes

Two questions are asked concerning the interaction of the endocrine system with inflammation: How does inflammation influences the endocrine system, and does it influences disease? How do hormones influence inflammation and immune cells? A theory had integrated both questions and has recently been demonstrated in the context of chronic inflammation considering a rheumatic disease.

So how does inflammation influence the endocrine system? Inflammation symptoms can vary depending on if it is acute or chronic. The effects of acute inflammation are summed up by the acronym PRISH. They include:

Pain: The inflamed area is most likely to be painful, especially during and after touching. The chemicals that stimulate the nerve endings are released, making the area more sensitive.
Redness: This occurs due to the capillaries in the area that is filled with more blood than usual.
Immobility: There may be some loss of function in the region of the inflammation where the injury has occurred.
Swelling: A buildup of fluid causes this.
Heat: Heat is caused by having more blood flow to the affected area and making it warm to the touch.

These acute inflammation signs only apply to an inflammation on the skin. If the inflammation occurs deep inside the body, like the endocrine system and the internal organs, some of the signs may be noticeable. Some internal organs may not have sensory nerve endings nearby; for example, they will not have pain.

With the effects of chronic inflammation, it is long term and can last for several months or even years. The results from chronic inflammation can be from:

An autoimmune disorder that attacks normal healthy tissue and mistaking it for a pathogen that causes diseases like fibromyalgia.
An industrial chemical that is exposed to a low level of a particular irritant over a long period.
Failure to eliminate whatever was causing acute inflammation.

Some of the symptoms of chronic inflammation can be present in different ways. These can include:

Fatigue
Mouth sores
Chest pains
Abdominal pain
Fever
Rash
Joint pain

When inflammation affects the endocrine system, it can cause the body’s system to be unbalanced, and it can lead to chronic long term illnesses.

With the second question, it is asking how do hormones influence inflammation and the immune system? When the hormone levels are either too high or too low, it can have several effects on a person’s health. The signs and symptoms can depend on hormones that are out of balance.

Inflammation and Hormones

Research has shown that some of the conditions that are affecting the endocrine system can lead to autoimmune disorders. High levels of hormones can lead to hyperthyroidism, Cushing syndrome, and Graves disease. While low levels of hormones can lead to hypothyroidism and Addison disease. When the levels of the hormones are either too high or too low, the body fluctuates from either weight gain or weight loss and disrupting the glucose levels. This can cause a person to get diabetes and obesity.

Obesity is the main risk factor for type 2 diabetes. During the development of obesity, subclinical inflammatory activity in the tissues are activated and involves the metabolism and energy homeostasis. In the body, intracellular serine/threonine kinases are activated in response to those inflammatory factors. They can catalyze the inhibitory phosphorylation of the key proteins of the insulin-signaling pathway, leading to insulin resistance in the body.

Studies have shown that inflammation is a general tissue response to a wide variety of stimuli. When inflammation is not adequately regulated, inflammatory responses may be exaggerated or ineffective, which can lead to immune dysfunction, recurring infections, and tissue damage, both locally and systemically. With various hormones, cytokines, vitamins, metabolites, and neurotransmitters being key meditators of the immune and inflammatory responses to the endocrine system.

Another study shows that aging, chronic psychological stress, and mental illnesses are also accompanied by chronic smoldering inflammation. Chronic smoldering inflammation in humans is already established with elevations of serum levels, leading to an increase in resting metabolic rate.

Conclusion

So inflammation is a double edge sword where it can heal the body but also cause the body harm if it is deep into the internal organs and body systems. With the endocrine system, the levels of the hormones can fluctuate from going too high or too low and affecting the tissues in the body, causing inflammation. When an individual is suffering from chronic inflammation, it can change their lifestyle drastically. Some products are here to help counter the metabolic effects of temporary stress and make sure that the endocrine system is supported as well.

References:

Coope, Andressa, et al. “MECHANISMS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: Metabolic and Inflammatory Pathways on the Pathogenesis of Type 2 Diabetes.” European Journal of Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26646937.

Felman, Adam. “Inflammation: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 24 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php.

Salazar, Luis A., et al. “The Role of Endocrine System in the Inflammatory Process.” Mediators of Inflammation, Hindawi, 29 Sept. 2016, www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2016/6081752/.

Seladi-Schulman, Jill. “Endocrine System Overview.” Healthline, 22 Apr. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/the-endocrine-system.

Straub, Rainer H. “Interaction of the Endocrine System with Inflammation: a Function of Energy and Volume Regulation.” Arthritis Research & Therapy, BioMed Central, 13 Feb. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3978663/.

The Top 10 Superfoods for Inflammation

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Nov 7, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Wellness

Do you feel:

Inflammation on your joints or all over the body?
Stomach pain, burning, or aching 1-4 hours after eating?
Unpredictable abdominal pain?
Gas immediately following after a meal?
Excessive belching, burping, or bloating?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then try these top ten superfoods to prevent inflammation in your body.

Superfoods lack any formal criteria, and people wonder what makes a food a superfood. Medical experts agreed that foods with the title “superfood” have health benefits that go far beyond what is listed on their nutrition labels. There is a wide range of health-promoting superfoods that can be incorporated into a person’s diet in several different ways. Eating superfood alone will not make anyone healthier overnight, but adding them to an already balanced diet can give anyone a mega-dose of added health benefits to their body.

Getting to Know Superfoods

According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, a superfood is defined as “a food that rich in compounds and considered beneficial to a person’s health. It can be any foods that have antioxidants, fatty acids, or fibers in their nutrient compounds. While the Oxford Dictionary defines a superfood as “a nutrient-rich food that is considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being.”

Here are the top ten superfoods that have been scientifically proven to help optimize the body’s ability to function correctly. These superfoods are not only super healthy, but they are affordable and readily available in the grocery stores, online, and at farmer’s markets.

Açai Berries

Açai berries are high in antioxidants. They also contain B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, healthy fats, and phosphorus. The açai berry is one of the most well-known superfoods that is beneficial for the body’s microbiome. Studies have shown that açai berries have anti-inflammatory properties, help improve the cognitive function, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, and protect against heart diseases. The berries themselves have also been suggested to help slow down age-related memory loss in individuals.

Studies have shown that the health benefits of the açai berries are that the berries contain a range of polyphenols that protects cellular oxidative damage in vitro and can provide ant-inflammatory signaling in the body by reducing the production of free radicals by inflammatory cells. Chronic inflammation in the body can lead to diseases like fibromyalgia. So consuming this berry can help lower the risk of inflammation in the body.

Plant-based protein

Plant proteins are abundant, branched-chain containing essential amino acids, and are exceptionally high in lysine. Research has been shown that lysine can help balance blood glucose in the body. Lysine even can increase muscle strength and combat anxiety in the body.

Plant-based proteins that contain carotenoids and flavonoids can modulate inflammatory responses in the body as well as the immunological process as well. Plant foods have anti-inflammatory potential that everyone needs in their diet to reduce inflammatory responses that is in the body.

Salmon

Salmon is a superfood that has one of the highest sources for omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to lower the risk of developing coronary heart diseases, lowers metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. Studies have been shown that fish oil has also been known to help combat late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Consuming salmon or any foods that contain omega-3s may help alleviate oxidative stress that the body may have picked up. Omega-3s even play a role in lowering the risk of inflammation on individuals who have to develop fibromyalgia. Since it associates with pro-inflammatory cytokines, eating omega-3 fatty foods can help lower the inflammation and alleviate it as well.

Avocados

Avocados are a nutrient-rich superfood, high fiber fruits that play a significant role in combating chronic diseases in the body. Eating avocados regularly have been known to lower the risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Since avocados are a nutrient-dense source of MUFA (monounsaturated fatty acids), the fruit can be used to replace SFA (saturated fatty acids) in a diet to lower LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) in the body.

Kale

Kale has an excellent source of nutrients like zinc, folate, magnesium, calcium, vitamin C, fiber, and iron. Research has shown that dark leafy greens can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Olive oil

Olive oil is a superfood that has been shown to provide a range of various health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil is associated with reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and mortality on individuals that have a high cardiovascular risk.

Olive oil has a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid, which helps reduce inflammation in the body.

Sweet potato

Sweet potato is the superfood root vegetable that is full of nutrients that are beneficial to the body. They are an excellent source of carotenoids, fiber, potassium, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Consuming sweet potato is beneficial for the body due to reducing the risk of inflammation and DNA damage. Since it contains high levels of antioxidants, it may also prevent cell damage as well in the body.

Fermented Foods

Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir sauerkraut, and many others are heavily sought after superfoods by consumers. This is because fermented foods have a range of fantastic health benefits like antioxidants, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, andante-diabetic properties.

Green tea

Green tea is a lightly caffeinated beverage that has a broad spectrum of health benefits for the body. It is rich with antioxidants and polyphenolic compounds that can protect the body against chronic diseases and be a useful tool for bodyweight management.

Seaweed

Seaweed is packed with several nutrients like folate, vitamin K iodine, and fiber that is beneficial for the body. It plays an essential role by helping lowering blood pressure and to treat several chronic illnesses. Studies have shown that due to their potential beneficial activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects that are beneficial to prevent flare-ups in the white adipose tissue and systemic IR.

Conclusion

Superfoods are an essential additive boost to any healthy diet. These ten superfoods contain anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial to the body to prevent the risk of inflammation in the body. Eating these foods combine with these products will provide relief from oxidative stress and inflammation that the body may encounter, as well as providing support to the endocrine system.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

References:

Basu, Arpita, et al. “Dietary Factors That Promote or Retard Inflammation.” Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2006, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16484595.

Dellwo, Adrienne. “The Potential Benefits of Omega-3 for Fibromyalgia & CFS.” Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 7 July 2019, www.verywellhealth.com/omega-3-for-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-fatigue-syndrome-715987.

Felman, Adam. “Fibromyalgia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 5 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/147083.php.

Jensen, Gitte S, et al. “Pain Reduction and Improvement in Range of Motion after Daily Consumption of an Açai (Euterpe Oleracea Mart.) Pulp-Fortified Polyphenolic-Rich Fruit and Berry Juice Blend.” Journal of Medicinal Food, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3133683/.

Oh, Ji-Hyun, et al. “Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Diabetic Effects of Brown Seaweeds in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice.” Nutrition Research and Practice, The Korean Nutrition Society and the Korean Society of Community Nutrition, Feb. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4742310/.

Smriga, Miro, et al. “Lysine Fortification Reduces Anxiety and Lessens Stress in Family Members in Economically Weak Communities in Northwest Syria.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, National Academy of Sciences, 1 June 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15159538.

Tanaka, Takuji, et al. “Cancer Chemoprevention by Carotenoids.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 14 Mar. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22418926.

Unknown, Unknown. “What Are Superfoods? Top 10 Superfoods.” Fullscript, 4 Mar. 2019, fullscript.com/blog/superfoods.

Unni, Uma S, et al. “The Effect of a Controlled 8-Week Metabolic Ward Based Lysine Supplementation on Muscle Function, Insulin Sensitivity and Leucine Kinetics in Young Men.” Clinical Nutrition (Edinburgh, Scotland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22524975.

Wang, Li, et al. “Effect of a Moderate Fat Diet with and without Avocados on Lipoprotein Particle Number, Size and Subclasses in Overweight and Obese Adults: a Randomized, Controlled Trial.” Journal of the American Heart Association, Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 7 Jan. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25567051.

Wang, Ping-Yu, et al. “Higher Intake of Fruits, Vegetables or Their Fiber Reduces the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Meta-Analysis.” Journal of Diabetes Investigation, John Wiley and Sons Inc., Jan. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26816602.

Watzl, Bernhard. “Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Plant-Based Foods and of Their Constituents.” International Journal for Vitamin and Nutrition Research. Internationale Zeitschrift Fur Vitamin- Und Ernahrungsforschung. Journal International De Vitaminologie Et De Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19685439.

Şanlier, Nevin, et al. “Health Benefits of Fermented Foods.” Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28945458.

The 4Rs Protocol For a Healthy Gut

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Nov 5, 2019 | Anti Aging, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Wellness

Do you feel:

Like you have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Diverticulosis/Diverticulitis, or Leaky Gut Syndrome?
Excessive belching, burping, or bloating?
Abnormal distention after certain probiotics or natural supplements?
Suspicion of nutritional malabsorption?
Do digestive problems subside with relaxation?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing gut problems and might have to try the 4R Protocol.

Food sensitivities, rheumatoid arthritis, and anxiety have one thing in common. These various conditions have all been associated with impaired gastrointestinal health. These conditions can happen from a poor diet to excess stress and many factors that can negatively impact the digestive function. It can potentially be the result of increased intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation, and the development of certain health conditions. The 4R protocol can be utilized to restore optimal digestive health and involves the four steps, which are: remove, replace, reinoculate, and repair.

Intestinal Permeability

The intestinal tract is the body’s primary physical barrier from the outside world. It protects the body from potentially harmful environmental factors that are passing through the digestive tract. It can be either toxin, pathogenic microorganisms, and other antigens that can harm the digestive tract causing problems. The intestinal lining is consisting of a single layer of epithelial cells that are separated by protein complexes known as tight junctions. In a healthy gut, the tight junction regulates the intestinal permeability by selectively allowing the transport of substances like water, electrolytes, and nutrients from the gut lumen, traveling across the intestinal barrier, while also preventing the absorption of harmful substances.

Certain environmental factors can damage the tight junction, and the result is that it can increase the intestinal permeability, which is referred to as intestinal hyperpermeability or leaky gut. Contributing factors to increased intestinal permeability include dietary excesses (saturated fats and alcohol), nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D and fiber), stress, and infections (Helicobacter pylori and bacterial infections.)

With an increased intestinal permeability, it can enable antigens to cross the gut mucosa into the systemic circulation. This is resulting in an immune response and a low-grade inflammation. Intestinal hyperpermeability has been associated with certain gastrointestinal conditions like IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease. It can also trigger certain autoimmune conditions like celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis, causing harm to the body.

What are the 4Rs?

The 4Rs is a four-step protocol that healthcare professionals advised individuals to use when they address digestive conditions and to support gut healing.

Step 1: Remove

The first step is to remove pathogens and other inflammatory triggers that are associated with increased intestinal permeability. Triggers like stress and chronic alcohol consumption can do much harm to an individual’s body. So targeting pathogens may involve treatment with pharmaceutical medication, antibiotics, or antimicrobial herbal supplements and removing inflammatory foods from the diet is advised, including:

Alcohol
Gluten
Food additives
Refined starches and sugar
Saturated and trans-fatty acids
Food sensitivities, which may be identified through the elimination diet

Step 2: Replace

The second step is to replace dietary nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and support digestive health. Anti-inflammatory food that is nutritious include:

High-fiber foods
Omega-3 fatty acids
Extra virgin olive oil
Mushrooms
Anti-inflammatory herbs and spices

Certain dietary supplements can also be used to support the digestive function by assisting in the digestion and absorption of dietary nutrients. The digestive enzymes assist in the breakdown of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, while also benefiting individuals with an impaired digestive function, food intolerances, or having celiac disease. Supplements like bile acid supplements can also assist in nutrient absorption by emulsifying lipids. Studies have stated that bile acids have been used to treat the conditions of the liver, gallbladder, and bile duct. Bile acids have been shown to prevent gallstone formation following bariatric surgery.

Step 3: Reinoculate

The third step is to reinoculate the gut microbiota with beneficial bacteria. Studies have been shown that probiotic supplementation has been used to improve the composition of the gut microbiota by restoring the beneficial Bifidobacterium and the Lactobacillus bacteria species. With probiotic supplements, they can help improve the gut by enhancing the secretion of anti-inflammatory substances, supporting the immune system, altering the microbial composition, and reducing the intestinal permeability.

Probiotics are found in fermented foods like yogurt, fermented vegetables, fermented soy products, and kombucha. Foods that have probiotics in them are considered as transient as they do not persist in the gastrointestinal tract. Surprisingly, they may still have an impact on human health by producing vitamins and anti-microbial compounds by influencing the gut microbiota diversity and function.

Step 4: Repair

The last step is to repair the gut. This step involves repairing the intestinal lining with specific nutrients and medicinal herbs. These herbs and supplements have been shown to decrease intestinal permeability and inflammation. Some of these herbs and supplements include:

Aloe vera
Chios mastic gum
DGL (Deglycyrrhizinated licorice)
Marshmallow root
L-glutamine
Omega-3 fatty acids
Polyphenols
Vitamin D
Zinc

Conclusion

Since many dietary and lifestyle factors can adversely affect the digestive system and can be the contributor to several health conditions. The main goal of the 4Rs protocol is to minimize the factors that can lead the gut to have an increased intestinal permeability and inflammation, as well as introducing the beneficial factors that can promote gut health and healing. Some products are here to help support the gastrointestinal system by supporting the intestines, improving the sugar metabolism, and targeting the amino acids that are intended to support the intestines.

References:

De Santis, Stefania, et al. “Nutritional Keys for Intestinal Barrier Modulation.” Frontiers in Immunology, Frontiers Media S.A., 7 Dec. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4670985/.

Ianiro, Gianluca, et al. “Digestive Enzyme Supplementation in Gastrointestinal Diseases.” Current Drug Metabolism, Bentham Science Publishers, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4923703/.

Mu, Qinghui, et al. “Leaky Gut As a Danger Signal for Autoimmune Diseases.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 5 May 2017, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2017.00598/full.

Rezac, Shannon, et al. “Fermented Foods as a Dietary Source of Live Organisms.” Frontiers in Microbiology, Frontiers Media S.A., 24 Aug. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6117398/.

Sander, Guy R., et al. “Rapid Disruption of Intestinal Barrier Function by Gliadin Involves Altered Expression of Apical Junctional Proteins.” FEBS Press, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 8 Aug. 2005, febs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1016/j.febslet.2005.07.066.

Sartor, R Balfour. “Therapeutic Manipulation of the Enteric Microflora in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Antibiotics, Probiotics, and Prebiotics.” Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2004, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15168372.

Zaremba, Karolina. “The 4Rs: How To Heal The Gut Naturally.” Fullscript, 24 Sept. 2019, fullscript.com/blog/natural-gut-healing.

The Benefits of Chamomile

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Nov 4, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Herbs, Remedies, Wellness

Do you feel:

Anxious or cannot focus on tasks?
Do digestive problems subside with rest or relaxation?
Stomach pains, burning, or aching 1-4 hours after eating?
Redden skin?
Nausea or vomiting?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing some digestive stress. Try some chamomile to reduce that stress and anxious mind.

Chamomile and its products are well known for promoting a relaxed state of mind and for improving sleep quality for anyone. This white and yellow flower, however, has many more impressive health benefits that are beneficial with anyone that is feeling stressed in their daily, hectic lives.

What is Chamomile?

Chamomile is an ancient medicinal plant from the Asteraceae family and is often referred to as the “star among medicinal species.” Its flowers have unusual properties that can boost a person’s health and provide impressive benefits. This plant is native to southern and eastern Europe and has been around for thousands of years. Chamomile has been used in herbal remedies in Ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. The plant has thin spindly shaped roots, erect stem, and a flower head that looks similar to daisies. Since chamomile is a therapeutic and medicinal plant, it contains a wide variety of health-supportive compounds that can combat some of the ailments that a person can get.

Chamomile Benefits

Chamomile’s compounds can act as antioxidants in the body. As a result, consuming chamomile products can help prevent the common cold from coming, hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. The two most common types of chamomile are used for therapeutic purposes are the German chamomile (chamomillarecutita) and Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum Nobile). The flower is processed to create chamomile capsules and chamomile tea, while the plant can be extracted to be used as essential oils. These products can help the individual feel relaxed and eased their anxious minds.

Reducing Pain

The anti-inflammatory effects of the chamomile flower and the essential oil can help to reduce the physical pain that the body has encountered. Since chamomile has been used for hundreds of years, it has helped individuals reduce the pain from headaches, back pain, toothaches, and other inflammatory-related symptoms they might be experiencing.

A 2013 study from the University College in Dublin, stated that individuals drinking a herbal beverage that is composed of chamomile, meadowsweet, and willow bark saw that their mechanical joint functions were improving. Their lower back and knee pain was reduced with chamomile. The flavonoid apigenin is one of the main anti-inflammatory compounds that is found in chamomile that is contributing to reducing pain in the joints and the body.

A 2015 study also stated that chamomile oil had been shown as an increase in physical function when it is used as a topical oil for patients with knee osteoarthritis.

Heals Wounds and Promotes Skin Health

Chamomile can help reduce irritated skin. The essential oil from chamomile can be mixed with carrier lotion or oil and be applied directly to the irritated area. It can also provide a positive effect to reduce breakouts and calm down the red or dry skin, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Chamomile products can also reduce symptoms that may be associated with gout, eczema, hemorrhoids, and ulcers that a person may encounter.

In some instances, research has stated that chamomile is more effective than hydrocortisone cream for healing wounds. A 2011 Iranian study has compared that German chamomile solution that is being applied with a topical steroid on peristomal skin lesions on patients found that the wounds were healing faster with the chamomile solution than with the medical hydrocortisone cream.

A 2016 study that was published in the Journal of Supportive Care in Cancer has compared that water cryotherapy and the cryotherapy made with a chamomile infusion has helped with the prevention and the reduction of oral mucositis. The individuals that took the chamomile infused cryotherapy were presented with less mouth pain and had no ulcerations.

Improving Digestion

Another widespread use for chamomile, especially when it is brewed in a tea, is reducing unwanted symptoms that are associated with poor digestion in the digestive system. With chamomile tea, it can soothe an upset stomach, cramping, flatulence, and diarrhea. The therapeutic compounds that are found in chamomile can act as a digestive relaxant.

Improves Sleep and Relaxation

Chamomile, when it is brewed into a tea, can improve sleep quality and can promote a relaxing state of mind. Many individuals found that drinking chamomile tea before going to bed has helped them relax more and have a better night’s sleep. The sedative effects from chamomile tea are due to the flavonoid, apigenin that is bind with the benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. This effect can help reduce anxiety and promotes a good night’s sleep.

A 2017 study has found that sleep quality from older adults has improved after consuming chamomile extract before going to bed, while another study from the University of Fooyin in Taiwan found that postnatal women that are experiencing difficulty sleeping. They consumed chamomile tea for two weeks, and their sleep quality and mood improved drastically.

Boosting Mental Wellness

Using chamomile products can benefit a person’s mental wellness. Since chamomile can help the individual relax, it can also help reduce the feeling of anxiety and depression. Studies have stated that long term chamomile consumption is safe and can significantly reduce moderate to severe GAD symptoms. Even using chamomile oil for aromatherapy, can be considered as an alternative for antidepressant treatments.

Conclusion

So chamomile is a safe and productive plant that has been used for centuries to support individuals that have been experiencing a variety of unwanted symptoms. Chamomile is excellent for reducing pain, have better skin, healing wounds, improve digestion, sleep, and mental wellness. Whether it is taken in the form of tea, supplements, or used in aromatherapy, chamomile is a natural remedy for the anxious mind. Some products combined with chamomile are designed to offer support to the gastrointestinal tract and make sure that sugar metabolism is functioning properly.

References:

Abdullahzadeh, Mehrdad, et al. “Investigation Effect of Oral Chamomilla on Sleep Quality in Elderly People in Isfahan: A Randomized Control Trial.” Journal of Education and Health Promotion, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 5 June 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28616420.

Chang, Shao-Min, and Chung-Hey Chen. “Effects of an Intervention with Drinking Chamomile Tea on Sleep Quality and Depression in Sleep Disturbed Postnatal Women: a Randomized Controlled Trial.” Journal of Advanced Nursing, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26483209.

Charousaei, Firuzeh, et al. “Using Chamomile Solution or a 1% Topical Hydrocortisone Ointment in the Management of Peristomal Skin Lesions in Colostomy Patients: Results of a Controlled Clinical Study.” Ostomy/Wound Management, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21617262.

Dos Reis, Paula Elaine Diniz, et al. “Chamomile Infusion Cryotherapy to Prevent Oral Mucositis Induced by Chemotherapy: a Pilot Study.” Supportive Care in Cancer: Official Journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27189615.

Drummond, Elaine M, et al. “An in Vivo Study Examining the Antiinflammatory Effects of Chamomile, Meadowsweet, and Willow Bark in a Novel Functional Beverage.” Journal of Dietary Supplements, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24237191.

Fortier, Cait. “Chamomile Health Benefits: Reduce Pain & More.” Fullscript, 1 Nov. 2019, fullscript.com/blog/chamomile.

Kong, Yingying, et al. “Inhalation of Roman Chamomile Essential Oil Attenuates Depressive-like Behaviors in Wistar Kyoto Rats.” Science China. Life Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28527112.

Mao, Jun J, et al. “Long-Term Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.) Treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Dec. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27912875.

Miraj, Sepide, and Samira Alesaeidi. “A Systematic Review Study of Therapeutic Effects of Matricaria Recuitta Chamomile (Chamomile).” Electronic Physician, Electronic Physician, 20 Sept. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5074766/.

Shoara, Ruhollah, et al. “Efficacy and Safety of Topical Matricaria Chamomilla L. (Chamomile) Oil for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.” Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26256137.

Singh, Ompal, et al. “Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla L.): An Overview.” Pharmacognosy Reviews, Medknow Publications Pvt Ltd, Jan. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210003/.

Srivastava, Janmejai K, et al. “Chamomile: A Herbal Medicine of the Past with Bright Future.” Molecular Medicine Reports, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Nov. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2995283/.

The Attack of Allergies

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Nov 1, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness

Do you have:

Itchy watery eyes?
Unexplained itchy skin?
Aches, pains, and swelling throughout the body?
Unpredictable food reaction?
Redden skin, especially in the palms?

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, then you might be experiencing an allergy attack in your body.

The Rise of Allergies

The rise of allergies has not gone unnoticed amongst the young and the old. The allergy disease has affected over 30% of individuals in many communities, particularly young children, have underscored the need for effective prevention strategies in their early lives. Some individuals will blame the increase in toxin exposure while others blame the food, but mostly everyone will admit that the answers to how the allergy disease comes from are still unclear. Whether it be food, environmental factors, or skin allergies, the common denominator that causes the allergies to develop is in the immune system, especially in its inflammatory department.

The body’s immune system is linked to the entire body microbiome, and it also resides in the gastrointestinal tract. It has been said that the health and function of the immune system are directly associated with the diversity as well as the health of the microbiome. So it is reasonable to consider the microbiome when healthcare professionals are seeking to solve the allergy enigma.

Types of Allergic Reactions

With most allergy reactions, they are manifested in either the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, or the skin. It is not a surprise that these organ systems are also where the body’s microbiome is the most heavily concentrated. A variety of bacterial species make their homes in these organ systems since these three organ systems represent the primary portals of entry for these pathogens.

It is logically that the microbiome of the body is so heavily concentrated as it functions as the first line of defense against invading pathogens and antigens. When there is a weak microbiome, or it lacks biodiversity, it will become a weak defense system, and the immune system is required to “pick up the slack” by identifying and protecting the body against these foreign invaders, which includes the common allergens that a person can get.

Skin Allergies

Skin allergies are where the skin becomes red, bumpy, and itchy rashes to become irritating, painful, and embarrassing for some people. Rashes can be caused by many factors, including exposure to certain plants, an allergic reaction to specific medication or food, or by illnesses like measles or chickenpox. Eczema, hives, and contact dermatitis are the three types of skin rashes. Eczema and hives are the two most common types of skin rashes and are related to allergies.

Eczema: Also known as atopic dermatitis, can affect between 10 to 20 percent of children and 1 to 3 percent of adults. People with eczema will experience dry, red, irritated, and itchy skin. When it is infected, the skin may have small fluid-filled bumps that can ooze clear or yellowish liquid. Anyone with eczema can often have a family history of allergies.
Hives: Also known as urticaria, this skin rash is raised, red bumps or welts that appear on the body. Hives can cause two conditions, and they are acute urticaria and chronic urticaria. Acute urticaria is most commonly caused by exposure to an allergen or by an infection, while the causes of chronic urticaria are still mostly unknown.
Contact dermatitis: This skin rash is a reaction that appears when the skin comes in contact with an irritant or an allergen. Soaps, laundry products, shampoos, Excessive exposure to water, or the sun are some of the factors that can cause contact dermatitis. The symptoms can include rashes, blisters, itching, and burning.

Food Allergies

Anyone with a food allergy has an immune system that reacts to specific proteins found in food. Their immune system starts attacking these compounds as if they were harmful pathogens like a bacterium or a virus. Food allergies can affect 250 million to 550 million people in developed and developing countries.

The symptoms can range from mild to severe and can affect individuals differently. The most common signs and symptoms of an individual’s experience include:

The skin may become itchy or blotchy
Lips and face might swell
Tingling in the mouth
Burning sensation on the lips and mouth
Wheezing
Runny nose

Studies have found out that many people who think they have a food allergy may have a food intolerance. These two are entirely different because food intolerances do not involve the IgE antibodies, and the symptoms may be immediate, delayed, or similar to food allergies. Food intolerances occur due to proteins, chemicals, and other factors that can compromise the intestinal permeability. While food allergies mean that even a small amount of food is going to trigger the immune system, causing an allergic reaction.

Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are one of the most common allergic reactions that people get. About 8 percent of Americans experience it, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and it is commonly known as hay fever. Hay fever occurs when the immune system overreacts to outdoor allergens like pollen, weeds, cut grasses, and wind-pollinated plants. Seasonal allergies are less common in the winter; however, it is possible to experience allergic rhinitis year-round, depending on where the individual lives and on the allergy triggers they may have.

Symptoms of seasonal allergies can range from mild to severe, including:

Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Water and itchy eyes
Itchy throat
Ear congestion
Postnasal drainage

Conclusion

Allergies are a disease that attacks the immune system and can be triggered by many factors, whether it be from food, environmental factors, or the toxins that a person is exposed to. There are ways to lower the allergy symptoms through medicine or foods that have prebiotics and probiotic nutrients that can reduce the reactions. Some products can help support the immune system and can offer nutrients to the gastrointestinal tract and metabolic support.

References:

Brosseau, Carole, et al. “Prebiotics: Mechanisms and Preventive Effects in Allergy.” Nutrients, MDPI, 8 Aug. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31398959.

Kerr, Michael. “Seasonal Allergies: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Healthline, 7 May, 2018, www.healthline.com/health/allergies/seasonal-allergies.

Molinari, Giuliano, et al. “Respiratory Allergies: a General Overview of Remedies, Delivery Systems, and the Need to Progress.” ISRN Allergy, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 12 Mar. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3972928/.

Newman, Tim. “Food Allergies: Symptoms, Treatments, and Causes.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 17 July 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14384.php.

Team, DFH. “Attack Allergies with Prebiotics.” Designs for health, 24 Oct. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1133.

Unknown, Unknown. “Skin Allergies: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment.” ACAAI Public Website, 2019, acaai.org/allergies/types/skin-allergies.

The Role of Dietary Fibers and CKD

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Oct 31, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness

Do you feel:

Edema and swelling in the ankles and the wrist?
Muscle cramping?
Frequent urination?
Poor muscle endurance?
Alternation in bowel regularity?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing chronic kidney disease.

About over 10% of the adult population suffers from CKD (chronic kidney disease), and the two leading underlying causes of the end-stage of chronic kidney disease are type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Other chronic ailments like dysbiosis of the gut microbiome, inflammation, oxidative stress, as well as environmental toxins and PPI (proton pump inhibitor). All these chronic ailments have been linked to chronic kidney disease in the body.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is a slow and progressive loss of kidney function over several years. Also known as chronic renal failure, it much more widespread, and it often goes undetected and undiagnosed until the disease is well advanced. It is not unusual for anyone to realize they have chronic kidney failure when their kidneys are functioning only at 25% than average. As it advances and the kidney’s function is severely impaired, dangerous levels of waste and fluid can rapidly build up in the body.

Chronic kidney failure is different from acute kidney failure due to being a slow and gradually progressive disease. When the disease is fairly well advanced, the conditions are more severe than the signs and symptoms are noticeable, making most of the damage irreversible. Here are some of the most common signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:

Anemia
Blood in urine
Dark urine
Edema- swollen feet, hands, ankles, and face
Fatigue
Hypertension
More frequent urination, especially at night
Muscle cramps and twitches
Pain on the side or mid to lower back

Dietary Fibers for CKD

Researchers have investigated that the role of dietary fibers and the gut microbiome is in renal diets. When there is a dysbiosis in the gut microbiome, it can be a risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease, thus reducing the renal function. That function will significantly contribute to dysbiosis. The current renal dietary recommendations include a reduction of protein intake with an increase in complex carbohydrates and fiber.

A systemic review did a test that included 14 controlled trials and 143 participants that had chronic kidney disease. The test demonstrated that all 143 participants had a reduction in serum creatinine and urea that is associated with dietary fiber intake, which occurs in a dose-dependent matter. These participants had an average intake of 27 grams of fiber per day in their diet. It is also an essential note that creatinine is metabolized in the intestinal bacteria in the body.

A high fiber diet can lead to the production of SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) in the gastrointestinal tract. They play an essential role in T regulatory cell activation, which regulates the intestinal immune system. When there is dysregulation in the immune system, it can cause an increase of inflammation that may occur in chronic kidney disease. With a high fiber diet, the intake is associated with lowering the risk of inflammation and the mortality in kidney disease.

Increasing fiber intake is relatively easy with some of these high fiber foods that are both healthy and nutritious and can help individual’s that have kidney disease. These include:

Pears
Strawberries
Avocados
Apples
Carrots
Beets
Broccoli
Lentils

Research has previously demonstrated that a high fiber diet for CDK patients is characterized by the control increase of plant-origin protein and animal-origin foods. This is useful for individuals to limit the consumption of processed food products because of modern conservation processes, which has the purpose of eliminating pathogenic bacteria. People who have chronic kidney disease that go on a high fiber diet have been linked to better kidney function and lowering the risk of inflammation and mortality.

Some individuals may experience some gastrointestinal side effects when they are trying to increase their fiber intake. Research has been stated that patients should consider resistant starches since it has shown no side effects with the recommended doses.

Conclusion

Chronic kidney disease is a slow and progressive loss of kidney function. The signs and symptoms are noticeable as the disease progress in the later stages. With a high fiber diet, individuals can lower the risk of inflammation and mortality of CDK. When this disease causes inflammation and chronic illness in the kidneys, complications can travel through the entire body. The high fiber diet can also be beneficial for the gut microbiome to function correctly, and some products can help lower the stress hormones and make sure that the body’s hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is functioning correctly.

October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott’s bill on our website to get full details on this historic moment.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal and nervous health issues as well as functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or chronic disorders of the musculoskeletal system. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 .

References:

D’Alessandro, Claudia. “Dietary Fiber and Gut Microbiota in Renal Diets.” MDPI, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute, 9 Sept. 2019, www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/11/9/2149/htm.

Gunnars, Kris. “22 High-Fiber Foods You Should Eat.” Healthline, 10 Aug. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/22-high-fiber-foods.

Jurgelewicz, Michael. “New Article Investigates the Role of Dietary Fiber and the Gut Microbiome in Chronic Kidney Disease.” Designs for Health, 13 Sept. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1105.

Khosroshahi, H T, et al. “Effects of Fermentable High Fiber Diet Supplementation on Gut Derived and Conventional Nitrogenous Product in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis: a Randomized Controlled Trial.” Nutrition & Metabolism., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 12 Mar. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=30911321.

Krishnamurthy, Vidya M Raj, et al. “High Dietary Fiber Intake Is Associated with Decreased Inflammation and All-Cause Mortality in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease.” Kidney International, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4704855/.

Newman, Tim. “Chronic Kidney Disease: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 13 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172179.php.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Chronic Kidney Disease.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 15 Aug. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354521.

More Fiber Equals Less Inflammation

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Oct 29, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Wellness

Do you feel:

Inflammation in your joints?
Unpredictable abdominal swelling?
Frequent bloating and distention after eating?
Unpredictable food reactions?
Aches, pains, and swelling throughout the body?

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing a low intake of fiber in your diet, causing inflammation.

Throughout several decades, Americans have lost much diversity in their diets, impacting their gut microbiome, and the contribution to the autoimmune disorder epidemic. The vast majority of people have a less than perfect diet that is consists of high in calories, short on nutrients, and low on fiber intake. Research has stated that about only 10 percent of Americans have met their daily fiber requirements.

The diet is a significant environmental trigger in autoimmune diseases. Dietary approaches can provide the most effective means of an individual to returning balance and the dysfunction with the gastrointestinal system. Researchers have found out that the role of dietary fibers can help with rheumatoid arthritis as there is new and developing research on this discovery.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a long term, progressive, and disabling autoimmune disease. It causes inflammation, swelling, and pain in and around the joints and organs of the body. It affects up to 1 percent of the world’s population and over 1.3 million people in America, according to the Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Network.

Rheumatoid arthritis is also a systemic disease, which means that it affects the whole body, not just the joints. It occurs when an individual’s immune system mistakes their body’s healthy tissues for foreign invaders. As the immune system responds to this, inflammation occurs in the target tissue or organ. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can include:

Pain, swelling, and stiffness in more than one joint
Symmetrical joint involvement
Joint deformity
Unsteadiness when walking
Fever
A general feeling of being unwell
Loss of function and mobility
Weight loss
Weakness

Fiber and Inflammation

Individuals who eat healthily knows that eating fibers in their diet can help reduce the risk of developing various conditions. The AHAEP (American Heart Association Eating Plan) has stated that people should be eating a variety of food fiber sources in their diet. The total dietary fiber intake that a person should be eating is 25 to 30 grams a day from foods, not supplements. Currently, adults in the United States eat about 15 grams a day on their fiber, which is half of the recommended amount.

Eating a high fiber diet can provide many rewards to the body. Eating fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and whole grains can provide a boost of vitamins, minerals, protein, and healthy nutrients in the body. Studies have been shown that eating a high fiber diet can help lower the markers of inflammation, which is a critical factor in many forms of arthritis.

The body needs two types of fibers, which are soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers are mixed with water to form a gel-like consistency, which slows digestion and helps the body absorb nutrients better and helps lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. Insoluble fibers help the digestive system run more efficiently as it adds bulk to stool, which can help prevent constipation.

There have been a few studies that found that people who eat high fiber diets have lower CRP (C-reactive protein) levels in their blood. CRP is a marker for inflammation and is linked to rheumatoid arthritis. When a person eats a high fiber diet, it not only reduces inflammation to their bodies, but it helps lower the body weight as well. High fiber-rich foods feed the beneficial bacteria living in the gut, and then it is releasing substances to the body, promoting lower levels of inflammation.

A study has been shown that patients with rheumatoid arthritis that they consumed either a high fiber bar or cereal for 28 days while continuing with their current medication had decreased levels of inflammation. Researchers noticed that they had an increase of T regulatory cell numbers, a positive Th1/Th17 ratio, a decrease in bone erosion, and a healthy gut microbiome.

Gut Health and Inflammation

The gut plays a crucial role in the immune function as well as digesting and absorbing food in the body. The intestinal barrier provides an effective protective barrier from pathogenic bacteria but also being a healthy environment for beneficial bacteria. With a high fiber diet, it can lead to the production of SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) in the gastrointestinal tract, thus playing an essential role in T regulatory cell activation, which regulates the intestinal immune system. When inflammation comes to play in the gut, it can disrupt the intestinal permeability barrier and cause a disruption, leading to leaky gut. Probiotics and a high fiber diet can help prevent inflammation and provide a healthy gut function.

Conclusion

Eating a high fiber diet is essential to prevent inflammation, not on the joints, but everywhere in the body. Even though individuals eat half of the recommended amount of fiber in their diets, due to their hectic lifestyle, eating a high fiber diet is beneficial. Incorporating fiber in their diet gradually is ideal as well as drinking water with the fibers to make the process work more effectively in the body. Some products can help aid the body by supporting not only the gastrointestinal function and muscular system but making sure that the skin, hair, nail, and joints are healthy as well.

October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott’s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.

References:

at UCSF Medical Center, Healthcare Specialist. “Increasing Fiber Intake.” UCSF Medical Center, 2018, www.ucsfhealth.org/education/increasing_fiber_intake/.

Brazier, Yvette. “Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Symptoms, Causes, and Complications.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 16 Oct. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323361.php.

Hakansson, Asa, and Goran Molin. “Gut Microbiota and Inflammation.” Nutrients, MDPI, June 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257638/.

Jurgelewicz, Michael. “New Study Demonstrates the Role of Fiber in Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Designs for Health, 11 Oct. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1125.

Unknown, Unknown. “More Fiber, Less Inflammation?” Www.arthritis.org, 25 June, 2015, www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/anti-inflammatory/fiber-inflammation.php.

6 Foods to Boost the Immune System

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Oct 28, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Wellness

Do you feel:

Feel hungry an hour or two after eating
Digestive problems subside with rest
Excessive belching, burping or bloating
Stomach pain, burning or aching 1-4 hours after eating
Sense of fullness during and after meals

If you are experiencing any of the situations, then you might want to try these six types of food to help boost your immune system.

The Immune System

The immune system is the body’s defense mechanism that provides a robust anatomical barrier. The gastrointestinal tract is one of the barriers. It has many defense mechanisms such as peristalsis, gastric acid, bile acids, digestive enzymes, flushing, thiocyanate, defensins, and gut flora in the body. The gut flora is the critical focus for many health professionals; however, all the essential defense mechanisms rely heavily on the gastrointestinal tract to function efficiently.

There are ways to benefit the immune system as one of the ways is to plan meals that are filled with necessary nutrients that can fight off infections. Prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods help enhance microbial diversity in the gut, while vitamin C-rich foods can mop up the free radicals that have entered the body. Another benefit is to avoid foods that promote infections like heavily processed foods, added sugars, and sodas. When it is not consumed in the body, it can help boost immunity and enrich the gut microbiome. Here are the six foods to help boost the immune system in the body.

Yellow Bell Peppers

Due to being the most natural vegetable to find at a local grocery store or farmer’s markets around the world, yellow bell peppers contain more vitamin C than oranges. Since oranges contain about 78% of vitamin C, yellow bell peppers contain about 152% of vitamin C and numerous vitamins and minerals. Bell peppers (yellow, red, orange and green) contain the following:

Vitamin B6: Bell peppers contain pyridoxine, which is an essential nutrient for the formation of red blood cells.
Vitamin K1: This vitamin is also known as phylloquinone, which is vital for bone health and blood clotting.
Potassium: This mineral is essential for improving heart health.
Folate: Also known as vitamin B9, this vitamin has a variety of functions to the body and is highly essential to take during pregnancy.
Vitamin E: This is a powerful antioxidant that is essential for healthy nerves and muscles.
Vitamin A: Red bell peppers are high in beta carotene when consumed converts to vitamin A in the body.

Vitamin C helps boost the immune system by influencing the development and function of lymphocytes, and with about half a cup of yellow bell peppers will give the body those lymphocytes.

Guava

Guava is a traditional remedy for a range of health conditions that a person may encounter. These tropical fruits are seasonal throughout the winter. They contain about 140% of vitamin C and rich with lycopene, which is excellent for the immune system as it plays an essential role in the activities of the enzymes. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant that has been implicated in having a potentially beneficial impact on several chronic diseases, including cancer.

Studies have been shown that the guava fruit and the leaves have been known to have a positive effect on a range of illnesses and symptoms, including:

Type 2 diabetes
Menstrual cramps
Diarrhea
Flu
Blood pressure
Osteoarthritis
Cancer

Broccoli

Broccoli is high in phytonutrients like vitamins A, C, and E while also containing sulforaphane. Sulforaphane is activated when broccoli or any cruciferous vegetables are chewed, cut, or damaged. Raw broccoli or broccoli sprouts contain the highest level of sulforaphane when it is not boiled or cooked. Studies have been shown that consuming broccoli has been associated with reducing many lifestyle-related health conditions like:

Obesity
Diabetes
Improves digestion
Regulate the immune system
Helps support healthy-looking skin
Decrease inflammation
Lowers blood pressure

Turmeric

Turmeric is an excellent immune-boosting food since it supports healthy inflammatory pathways in the body. Inflammation in the body is implicated in the pathophysiology of many health-compromising situations that can lead to chronic illnesses. So consuming pro healthy inflammation foods like turmeric or incorporating turmeric in dishes is an ideal way to boost the immune system.

The active component in turmeric is curcumin and has potent biological properties like anti-oxidative, anti-cytotoxic, and neurorestorative properties, making it an essential staple in an immune-boosting food. Here are some of the benefits that turmeric provides to the body:

Anti-inflammatory properties
Pain relief on the joints
Improves liver function
Reducing the risk of cancer
Preventing gut inflammation

Green Tea

Green tea helps the body relax and contains L-theanine that helps the formation of healthy T-cells. Green tea also contains EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate) and is packed filled with flavonoids to help boost the body’s immune system. Here are some of the health benefits that green tea provides:

Cancer prevention
Lowers the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Lowers cholesterol
Decrease the risk of a stroke
Lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes
Help lose weight
Helps lowers inflammation on the skin
Improves brain function
Helps reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease

Almonds

Almonds are packed filled with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibers. It contains vitamin E and helps boost the immune system since it is a free radical scavenging antioxidant. They are easy to find in any grocery store, and the health benefits that almonds can provide are:

Lowering cholesterol
Reduce the risk of cancer
Provide heart health benefits
Reduce type 2 diabetes
Manage weight

Conclusion

Eating these six foods can be beneficial to support a healthy immune system. They are bursting with plant-based nutrition that the body needs to make sure that chronic illnesses like inflammation in the gut. Some products help support the immune system as well as making sure that the gastrointestinal system and the sugar metabolism is supported. Eating a variety of foods that has antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties is beneficial to the body. With the cold and flu season approaching, it is highly relevant to consume these foods to help fight against the cold and flu and providing assistance to the immune system.

October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott’s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.

Reference:

Ahmed, Touqeer, et al. “Curcuminoids Rescue Long-Term Potentiation Impaired by Amyloid Peptide in Rat Hippocampal Slices. – Semantic Scholar.” Undefined, 1 Jan. 1970, www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Curcuminoids-rescue-long-term-potentiation-impaired-Ahmed-Gilani/c66297f8d0f3b633fac263cbb81f82de1893387a.

Arnarson, Atli. “Bell Peppers 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits.” Healthline, 27 Mar. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/bell-peppers.

Burgess, Lana. “Health Benefits of Guava: How to Use It, Nutrition, and Risks.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 20 Mar. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324758.php.

Du, Guang-Jian, et al. “Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Is the Most Effective Cancer Chemopreventive Polyphenol in Green Tea.” Nutrients, MDPI, 8 Nov. 2012, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3509513/.

Kim, DS, et al. “Curcuminoids from Curcuma Longa L. (Zingiberaceae) That Protect PC12 Rat Pheochromocytoma and Normal Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells from BetaA(1-42) Insult.” Neuroscience Letters, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Apr. 2001, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11297823.

Luo, Cong, and Xian-Guo Wu. “Lycopene Enhances Antioxidant Enzyme Activities and Immunity Function in N-Methyl-N’-Nitro-N-Nitrosoguanidine-Enduced Gastric Cancer Rats.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Molecular Diversity Preservation International (MDPI), 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3116194/.

Menon, Venugopal P, and Adluri Ram Sudheer. “Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Curcumin.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569207.

Nordqvist, Joseph. “Almonds: Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Risks.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 14 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269468.php.

Team, Biotics Education. “Key Foods to Boost the Immune System.” Biotics Research Blog, 15 Oct. 2019, blog.bioticsresearch.com/key-foods-to-boost-the-immune-system.

van Gorkom, Gwendolyn N Y, et al. “Influence of Vitamin C on Lymphocytes: An Overview.” Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 10 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29534432.

Vermeulen, Martijn, et al. “Bioavailability and Kinetics of Sulforaphane in Humans after Consumption of Cooked versus Raw Broccoli.” Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 26 Nov. 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18950181.

Ware, Megan. “Broccoli: Health Benefits, Nutritional Information.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 8 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/266765.php.

Ware, Megan. “Green Tea: Health Benefits, Side Effects, and Research.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 28 Mar. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269538.php.

Ware, Megan. “Turmeric: Benefits and Nutrition.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 24 May 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/306981.php.

Micronutrients For the GI Tract

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Oct 25, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Nutrition, Vitamins, Wellness

Do you feel:

Excessive belching, burping or bloating
Gas immediately following a meal
Stomach pain, burning or aching 1-4 hours after eating
Feel hungry an hour or two after eating
Digestive problems when lying down or bending forward

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you should try some micronutrients for your GI tract health.

GI Tract Health

Over two thousand years ago, Hippocrates recognized that the gut plays a significant role in overall health and that modern scientific research has substantiated and solidified this view. With GI (gastrointestinal) health, advanced testing, and intricate healing protocols focused a lot when it comes to the GI tract. Some patients may benefit from the precise analysis of the makeup from their gut flora or the specific food elimination and reintroduction strategies, but not to overlook the fundamentals. Addressing the basics like general micronutrient repletion or supplementation with the foundational nutrients can be targeted for therapeutic purposes and can go a long way for an individual’s healing.

The Micronutrients

These are some of the fundamental micronutrients that the body needs to perform the everyday task. These can mostly be found in foods or in supplements and vitamins that are consumed, and even though high restriction diets can deplete these nutrients, they are still crucial for not only our gut health but for the entire body system as well.

Glutamine

The amino acid glutamine is a trusty workhorse for a healthy gut function in the body. Even though it is technically not an essential amino acid, it serves as an energy source for epithelial cells that makes up the intestinal lining for the intestines. Various circumstances like trauma, burns, or recovery from significant operations or illnesses can increase the body’s demand for glutamine.

Glutamine can be found in all protein foods like:

Eggs
Beef
Skim milk
Tofu
White rice
Corn

Taurine

Another amino acid is taurine is beneficial for individuals who need help with the digestion of dietary fats. Taurine is unique due to not being used in any structural protein; however, it has other roles in the body. Taurine can be synthesized from cysteine and can be obtained from animal foods specifically, sadly though it is nonexistent in plant food. Bile acids that are bound with taurine are secreted by the liver; the making of this compound is critical for bile acid function and proper fat absorption in the body.

Taurine can provide these health benefits to the body, which includes:

Improve blood sugar control and fight diabetes
Stop the occurrence of epilepsy
Reduces seizure attacks
Prevents cardiovascular diseases
Regulates muscle contractions
Controls and calms the central nervous system

Potassium

Potassium is the core nutrient that plays a role in a healthy GI function, especially when it comes to intestinal motility. Some disorders like fatigue and cardiac arrhythmias can be the result of potassium deficiency, and inadequate potassium may lead to delayed gastric emptying and intestinal paralysis. If the body is not treated soon, it can lead to chronic illnesses in the GI, causing unpleasant effects like bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.

All food supplies have an abundance of potassium, but certain medications can reduce potassium levels. Factors like excessive alcohol consumption or strict chronic dieting for weight loss can be the result of inadequate potassium intake and the body status of a person.

Some of the health benefits that potassium can provide are:

Maintains constant blood pressure
Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases
Maintains bone density
Maintains muscle mass

Vitamin B6

B vitamins, especially vitamin B6, are highly essential to the GI tract because they make sure that the brain is also healthy as well. Deficiency of vitamin B6 can cause these symptoms:

Tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet
Anemia
Seizures
Depression
Confusion
Weak immune system

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that produces the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine and forming myelin for the body. This vitamin can help boost brain function and can improve memory function. Some of the other benefits it can provide to the body are:

Lowers the risk of dementia
Reduce the severity of nausea during pregnancy
Protection from air pollution
Ensures the normal functioning of digestive enzymes

Conclusion

Even though these are the necessary foundational micronutrients and amino acids for their roles in the GI tract, it is crucial for individuals who have these micronutrient deficiencies. Even though the popularity of highly restrictive diets emphasizes on caloric restrictions for weight loss for individuals, it can limit the intake of certain nutrient-dense foods. It can cause disruptions to the gastrointestinal tract. When a person surrounds themselves with an abundance of foods with these micronutrients can live a healthy life. Some products combined with these micronutrient foods can provide support to the gastrointestinal system and help boost the sugar metabolism for the body.

October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott’s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.

References:

Brazier, Yvette. “Vitamin B-6: Benefits, Dosage, Food Sources, and Deficiency Symptoms.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 27 Mar. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219662.php.

Cadman, Bethany. “L-Glutamine for IBS: Benefits, Side Effects, and Research.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 7 Feb. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320850.php.

Caporuscio, Jessica. “What Is Taurine? Benefits and Side Effects.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 26 Sept. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326476.php.

Higdon, Jane. “Potassium.” Linus Pauling Institute, 14 Oct. 2019, lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/minerals/potassium#deficiency.

Mawer, Rudy. “What Is Taurine? Benefits, Side Effects, and More.” Healthline, 27 Nov. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-taurine.

Megan Ware, RDN. “Potassium: Health Benefits and Recommended Intake.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 10 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/287212.php.

Team, DFH. “Micronutrients in GI Health.” Designs for Health, 11 Oct. 2019, blog.designsforhealth.com/node/1123.

Tinsley, Grant. “Glutamine: Benefits, Uses, and Side Effects.” Healthline, 13 Jan. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/glutamine.

Functional Endocrinology: pH Balance In The Stomach

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Oct 23, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness

Do you feel:

Stomach pain
Burning or aching after 1-4 hours of eating
Use antacids frequently
Heartburn
Digestive problems subside with relaxation

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing problems with your stomach acid pH balance.

The pH Balance of the Stomach

The stomach produces gastric acids that help breakdown the food contents that a person eats. With the gastric acids, studies stated that its role is diverting the bile and pancreatic juice from the intestines. With humans, the stomach plays a significant role as a biological filter with moderate lifestyle changes. Whether it changes in a person’s diet, hygiene, and medical interventions can alter the stomach’s pH levels.

With the stomach acidity in the body, it is a double-edged sword. High acidity in the stomach can prevent pathogen exposure, but it can also decrease the likelihood of recolonization of beneficial microbes. Low acidity in the stomach is more likely to be colonized by pathogens and can cause gastric infections.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux is a common condition that features a burning pain in the lower chest area, and it occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the food pipe. Diseases that are the result of acid reflux is one of the most common gut complaints from individuals and seen by hospital departments in the United States. The stomach contains hydrochloric acid that helps breakdown food and protects it from pathogens such as bacteria.

Even though the lining of the stomach is specially adapted to protect it from hydrochloric acid, the esophagus is not protected from this powerful acid. The gastroesophageal sphincter is a ring of muscle that generally acts as a valve that lets food into the stomach but does not let the food back up into the esophagus. When it fails, the stomach contents will regurgitate into the esophagus, and the symptoms of acid reflux will be felt.

One of the risk factors that acid reflux causes that are not preventable are hiatal hernia. This hernia causes a hole in the diaphragm that allows the upper part of the stomach to enter the chest cavity. Other risk factors include:

Obesity
Smoking (active or passive)
Low levels of physical exercise
Certain medication
Poor diet

Some of the symptoms that acid reflux creates can cause heartburn, and it is uncomfortable when the sensation travels up to the neck and throat. When an individual lays down or bends over, it tends to get the worst and can last for several hours. Some of the symptoms caused by acid reflux include:

Heartburn
Sour taste in the mouth
Regurgitation
Dyspepsia
Difficulty swallowing
Sore throat
Dry cough
Asthma symptoms

Hypochlorhydria

Hypochlorhydria is the medical term for low levels of stomach acid. Individuals with hypochlorhydria are unable to produce enough hydrochloric acid in their stomach and may experience digestive issues, nutritional deficiencies, and gastrointestinal infections.

Some of the common causes of hypochlorhydria are:

Age: Aging can make the stomach produce less acid in the body. A 2013 review stated that adults over the age of 65 are more susceptible to develop that hypochlorhydria.
Stress: Even though everyday stress does not have much effect on the production of stomach acid, chronic stress, however, can contribute to hypochlorhydria.
Medication: Individuals that use long-term antacids or other medication for acid reflux or heartburn may decrease the stomach acid that the body produces.
Bacterial Infection: A bacteria called Helicobacter pylori is a widespread, yet under-appreciated pathogen that can alter the host physiology and subvert the host immune response. It is the primary cause of peptic ulcers and gastric cancers while contributing to a low level of stomach acid.
Zinc deficiency: Zinc is a necessary mineral for stomach acid production. A lack of this mineral can contribute to hypochlorhydria to the body.
Stomach surgery: Surgical procedures like gastric bypass surgery can reduce the amount of the stomach produces.

Symptoms of hypochlorhydria are related to impaired digestion, increase infection, and reduce the absorption of nutrients from food. Symptoms may include:

Bloating
Burping
Upset stomach
Heartburn
Gas
Indigestion
Undigested food in stool
Neurological issues like numbness, tingling, and vision changes

Conclusion

The stomach is producing gastric acids that help break down food components. When environmental factors are in effect, they can alter the stomach’s pH balance and can disrupt the hydrochloric acid. Since stomach acidity is a double edge sword, it can go back and forth on the pH levels. High acidity in the stomach can cause acid reflux to the esophagus and decrease the likelihood of recolonizing beneficial microbes in the gut. Low acidity in the stomach can cause hypochlorhydria and develop digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and gastrointestinal infections. These products can help support the gastrointestinal system, as well as supporting the pH-optimized enzymes in both the gastric and intestinal function in the body.

October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott’s proclamation on our website to get full details on this historic moment.

Reference:

Beasley, DeAnna E, et al. “The Evolution of Stomach Acidity and Its Relevance to the Human Microbiome.” PloS One, Public Library of Science, 29 July 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4519257/.

Britton, Edward, and John T. McLaughlin. “Ageing and the Gut.” Cambridge Core, Cambridge University Press, 12 Nov. 2012, www.cambridge.org/core/journals/proceedings-of-the-nutrition-society/article/ageing-and-the-gut/A85D096755F5F7652C262495ABF302A0/core-reader.

Dix, Megan. “What Is Hypochlorhydria?” Healthline, 12 Mar. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/hypochlorhydria.

Green, G M. “Role of Gastric Juice in Feedback Regulation of Rat Pancreatic Secretion by Luminal Proteases.” Pancreas, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 1990, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2199966.

Kines, Kasia, and Tina Krupczak. “Nutritional Interventions for Gastroesophageal Reflux, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and Hypochlorhydria: A Case Report.” Integrative Medicine (Encinitas, Calif.), InnoVision Professional Media, Aug. 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4991651/.

Leonard, Jayne. “Hypochlorhydria (Low Stomach Acid): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 17 July 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322491.php.

MacGill, Markus. “Acid Reflux: Causes, Treatment, and Symptoms.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 13 Nov. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/146619.php.

Ramsay, Philip T, and Aaron Carr. “Gastric Acid and Digestive Physiology.” The Surgical Clinics of North America, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Oct. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21889024.

Team, Healthline Editorial. “Symptoms of Acid Reflux.” Healthline, 21 June, 2016, www.healthline.com/health/gerd/acid-reflux-symptoms.

Testerman, Traci L, and James Morris. “Beyond the Stomach: An Updated View of Helicobacter Pylori Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” World Journal of Gastroenterology, Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 28 Sept. 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4177463/.

Wang, Yao-Kuang, et al. “Current Pharmacological Management of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.” Gastroenterology Research and Practice, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3710614/.

Functional Endocrinology: Pancreatic Digestive Disorder

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Oct 22, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness

Do you feel:

Difficulty digesting roughage and fiber
Indigestion and fullness the last 2-4 hours
Pain, tenderness, soreness on the left side, under the rib cage
Nausea or vomiting
Stool undigested, foul-smelling, mucus-like, greasy or poorly formed

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing pancreatic digestive disorders.

The Pancreas

The pancreas is a gland organ located in the abdomen. It is part of the digestive system, producing insulin and other vital enzymes and hormones that help break down food. It has an endocrine function, due to releasing juices directly into the bloodstream and has an exocrine function that releases juices into the ducts in the body.

One of its many jobs the pancreas does is that it secretes out enzymes into the small intestine and continues to break down that left in the stomach. Another job is that it produces insulin and secretes it into the bloodstream, where it can regulate the body’s glucose or sugar level. When there is a problem with insulin control in the body, it can lead a person to have diabetes. Other health problems include pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammation in the pancreas. It occurs when the digestive enzymes become activated while irritating the cells in the pancreas. With repeated damages to the pancreas, it can cause either two forms of pancreatitis, which is acute pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis. Both are very painful and can form scar tissue in the pancreas, causing it to lose its function. A poorly functioning pancreas can cause digestion problems and diabetes. Here are the conditions that can lead to pancreatitis:

Abdominal surgery
Alcoholism
Certain medications
Cystic fibrosis
Gallstones
Obesity

Chronic Pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-term progressive inflammatory disease in the pancreas that can lead to a permanent breakdown of the structure and function of the pancreas in the body. Studies stated that the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis is long term alcohol abuse, it is thought to account for between 70 to 80 percent for all cases, and significantly it affects more men than women.

Common signs and symptoms of chronic pancreatitis include:

Severe upper abdominal pain that is more intense after a meal
Nausea and vomiting

When the disease progresses, the episodes of pain will become more frequent and more severe to individuals. Some individuals eventually suffer from constant abdominal pain, and as chronic pancreatitis progresses, the ability of the pancreas to produce digestive juices will deteriorate, and the following symptoms appear:

Smelly and greasy stool
Bloating
Abdominal cramps
Flatulence
Diabetes

There are numerous complications that an individual can potentially have with chronic pancreatitis. Nutrient malabsorption is one of the most complications since the pancreas is not producing enough digestive enzymes for the body to absorb the nutrients properly, leading to malnutrition. Another possible complication is the development of diabetes, where chronic pancreatitis damages the cells that produce insulin and glucagon to the body. Some individuals will also develop pseudocyst, which is fluid-filled that can form inside or outside the pancreas and can be very dangerous to the body since they can block the essential ducts and blood vessels.

Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a sudden inflammation of the pancreas. It causes the enzymes to be excessively produced, causing the pancreas gland to be swollen and inflamed. It will make digestion slow down and become painful, making the other body functions be affected as well as making the pancreas be permanently damaged and scarred.

Acute pancreatitis is painful and can develop quickly. It can trigger potentially fatal complications as the mortality rate can range from less than 5 percent to over 30 percent, depending on the severity of the condition and if it reaches to the other organs beyond the pancreas. The most common cause of acute pancreatitis is the production of gallstones in the gallbladder, alcohol misuse, and infections.

When a person has acute pancreatitis, they feel the pain in the lower abdomen and then feel it more gradually as the pain intensified until it is a constant ache. Other symptoms include:

Vomiting and nausea
Diarrhea
Loss of appetite
Pain with coughing, vigorous movements, and deep breathing
Tenderness when the abdomen is touched
Fever
Jaundice, yellowish tinge on the skin and the whites of the eyes

Pancreatic Cancer

Also known as “the silent disease,” pancreatic cancer happens when uncontrolled cell growth begins to form in a part of the pancreas. Tumors develop and interfere with the way the pancreas works. Pancreatic cancer often shows any symptoms until the later stages, and it can be challenging to manage. The signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include:

Pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back
Unintended weight loss or loss of appetite
Pale or grey fatty stool
Jaundice
New-onset diabetes
Blood clots
Depression
Fatigue

Conclusion

The pancreas is located in the abdomen, and its primary function is to produce insulin and necessary enzymes and hormone to aid the digestion of food. When complications are attacking the pancreas like pancreatic cancer and pancreatitis, it can damage the pancreas to stop producing insulin and can lead to chronic illnesses to spread all over the body. Some products can help support the sugar metabolism that the pancreas creates and offer nutrients and enzymatic cofactors to the gastrointestinal system in the body.

October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott’s proclamation on our website to get full details on this historic moment.

Reference:

Banks, Peter A, et al. “The Management of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis.” Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Millennium Medical Publishing, Feb. 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2886461/.

Bartel, Michael. “Acute Pancreatitis – Gastrointestinal Disorders.” MSD Manual Professional Edition, MSD Manuals, July 2019, www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/gastrointestinal-disorders/pancreatitis/acute-pancreatitis.

Brazier, Yvette. “Acute Pancreatitis: Symptoms, Treatment, Causes, and Complications.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 19 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160427.php.

Brazier, Yvette. “Pancreatic Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 23 Oct. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323423.php.

Colledge, Helen, et al. “Chronic Pancreatitis.” Healthline, 14 Sept. 2017, www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pancreatitis.

Crosta, Peter. “Pancreas: Functions and Disorders.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 26 May 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10011.php.

Felman, Adam. “Chronic Pancreatitis: Treatments, Symptoms, and Causes.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 19 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/160459.php.

Health Publishing, Harvard. “Acute Pancreatitis.” Harvard Health, July 2019, www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/acute-pancreatitis-a-to-z.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Pancreatic Cancer.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 9 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatic-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20355421.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Pancreatitis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20360227.

Functional Endocrinology: Stomach Digestive Disorders

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Oct 21, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness

Do you feel:

Excessive belching, burping or bloating
A sense of fullness during and after meals
Gas immediately after a meal
Offensive breath
Difficulty digesting proteins and meats

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you might be experiencing some stomach digestive disorders.

The Stomach

The human stomach’s core function is to aid food to digest when an individual eats. The four critical components of the gastric digestive function are:

A reservoir capacity
Acid secretion
Enzyme secretion
Gastrointestinal motility

These four components help the stomach function properly in the digestive system and help the body absorb essential nutrients and are responsible for getting rid of waste out of the body. Any disorders like GERD, gallstones, and Crohn’s disease are a few of the many illnesses that can affect not only the stomach but the entire digestive system. It can cause a person to feel discomfort and can be long term if the individual has not treated it.

GERD

GERD or gastroesophageal reflux disease when the contents from the stomach move up into the esophagus, causing acid reflux. Researchers at the NIDDK (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases) stated that about 20% of individuals are affected by GERD, if it is left untreated, it can sometimes cause serious complications.

One of the main symptoms that GERD causes is heartburn. Heartburn is a discomfort feeling that is felt from behind the breastbone as a burning sensation. It tends to get worse on a person if they lay down, bend over, after eating food. Not all individuals with GERD experiences heartburn, there are other possible symptoms such as:

Chest pains
Difficulty swallowing
Bad breath
The sensation of a lump in the throat
Sour taste in the mouth
Respiratory problems
Tooth decay

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluids that can form in the gallbladder. The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ that’s located on the right side of the abdomen, just beneath the liver. It also holds bile fluid that releases into the small intestines. Gallstones can range in sizes from as small as sand to as large as a golf ball. According to Harvard Health Publications, about 80% of gallstones are made of cholesterol, while the other 20% is made up of calcium salts and bilirubin.

Gallstones can lead to pain in the upper right abdomen. An individual may start to feel gallbladder pains when they eat foods that are high in fat, especially fried foods. Furthermore, if the pain continues, it may lead to an inflamed gallbladder or cholecystitis. They may also experience symptoms like:

Pain on the right-hand side of the body, just below the ribs
Back pain between the shoulder blades
Pain in the right shoulder
Nausea
Dark urine
Clay-colored stool
Stomach pain

Researchers stated that some people develop the chemical imbalance in their gallbladders causes gallstones while others do not. Gallstones are more common among people with obesity, and studies revealed that women can develop gallstones and may require surgery to remove them.

Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory disease. It causes inflammation in the body’s digestive tract and can cause several chronic illnesses. Inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can be in different areas of the digestive tract in different people. The inflammation often spreads deep into the layers of the affected bowel tissue, causing pain, and sometimes lead to life-threating complications.

Crohn’s disease symptoms can vary depending on which part of the gut is affected in the body. Specific symptoms can often develop gradually and become worse over time, and it is rare for the symptoms of Crohn’s disease to develop suddenly and dramatically. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease include:

Pain
Ulcers in the gut
Mouth ulcers
Diarrhea
A fever
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Rectal bleeding and anal fissures
Anemia

The exact causes of Crohn’s disease are still unclear, but researchers theorized that it stems from an abnormal reaction in the immune system. The theory stated that the immune system attacks food, good bacteria, and beneficial substances as if they are unwanted substances. During the attack, the body’s white cells start building up in the lining of the gut and triggers inflammation. It is still unclear whether the abnormal immune system causes Crohn’s disease, but there are environmental factors that can increase the risk of inflammation.

Conclusion

The stomach’s primary function is to digest the food that a person consumes. Four components help aid the stomach to function correctly. When the stomach is dealing with chronic illnesses like Crohn’s disease, gallstones, and GERD, it can lead to inflammation on the intestinal barriers. When it is left untreated, it can lead to life long complicated problems in the body. Some products can help aid the stomach digestion as they help support the gastrointestinal system as well.

October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott’s bill on our website to get full details on this historic moment.

References:

AAAS, EurekAlert. “A Bulging Midriff Roughly Doubles Women’s Chances of Gallstone Surgery.” EurekAlert!, 13 Feb. 2006, www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-02/bsj-abm021006.php.

Brazier, Yvette. “Cholecystitis: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 22 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/172067.php.

Brazier, Yvette. “Crohn’s Disease: Symptoms, Diet, Treatment, and Causes.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 11 Jan. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151620.php.

Editorial Team, Healthline, and Heather Cruickshank. “Everything You Need to Know About Acid Reflux and GERD.” Healthline, 7 Dec. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/gerd.

Holland, Kimberly. “Understanding Crohn’s Disease.” Healthline, 2 May, 2019, www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease.

MacGill, Markus. “GERD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Jan. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/14085.php.

Macon, Brindles Lee, et al. “Understanding Gallstones: Types, Pain, and More.” Healthline, 1 June, 2017, www.healthline.com/health/gallstones.

O’Connor, Anthony, and Colm O’Moráin. “Digestive Function of the Stomach.” Digestive Diseases (Basel, Switzerland), U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2014, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24732181.

Publishing, Harvard Health. “What to Do about Gallstones.” Harvard Health, 2011, www.health.harvard.edu/womens-health/what-to-do-about-gallstones.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Crohn’s Disease.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 13 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/crohns-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353304.

Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Gallstones.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 8 Aug. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214.

Unknown, Unknown. “Definition & Facts for GER & GERD.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 1 Nov. 2014, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/acid-reflux-ger-gerd-adults/definition-facts.

Functional Endocrinology: Gastrointestinal Impairments

by Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C.,C.C.S.T | Oct 18, 2019 | Functional Medicine, Gastro Intestinal Health, Gut and Intestinal Health, Health, Wellness

Do you feel the following:

Feeling those bowels do not empty completely
Lower abdominal pain relieved by passing stool or gas
Alternating constipation and diarrhea
A hard, dry, or small stool
Use laxatives frequently

If you are experiencing any of these situations, then you must be experiencing gastrointestinal impairments in your body.

Gastrointestinal Impairments

The digestive system is consisting of the gastrointestinal tract, which is home to the intestines, the liver, the colon, the gallbladder, the pancreas, and the stomach. When there is a disruption in the gastrointestinal tract, it can cause inflammation and chronic illnesses that can harm the body. Functional disorders in the digestive tract (GI tract) can look normal in the body, but it doesn’t work correctly.

Many factors can upset the GI tract and its motility, including:

Eating a diet low in fiber
Not getting enough exercise
Traveling or changes in a routine
Eating large amounts of dairy blankets
Stress
Resisting the urge to have a bowel movement
Overusing laxatives
Taking certain medicines

Some of the most common problems that can affect the GI tract are constipation, IBS, and colon cancer.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a long term gastrointestinal disorder. It can cause abdominal pain, bloating, mucus in the stool, irregular bowel habits, and can alternate diarrhea and constipation. IBS can cause persistent discomfort to individuals, but they can improve the symptoms over time as they learn to manage the condition.

Some of the symptoms caused by IBS are:

Changes in bowel habits
Abdominal pain and cramping that lessens after using the bathroom
A feeling that the bowels not fully emptied after using the bathroom
Excess gas
The passing of mucus from the rectum
The sudden urgent need to use the bathroom
Swelling or bloating from the abdomen.

Signs and symptoms of IBS can vary between individuals and can often resemble other diseases and conditions. IBS symptoms can often get worst after earing, and a flare-up may last about 2 to 4 days, then the symptoms may either improve or go away entirely, but IBS symptoms can affect different body parts.

These can include:

Frequent urination
Bad breath
Headaches
Joint or muscle pain
Persistent fatigue
Anxiety
Depression

Constipation

Constipation is one of the most common digestive problems that affects around 2.5 million individuals. It is a syndrome that is defined by bowel symptoms (painful or infrequent passage of stool, the hardness of stool, or a feeling of incomplete evacuation) that may occur either in isolation or secondary to another underlying disease like for example, Parkinson’s disease.

The cause of constipation is through the colon. The colon’s main job is to absorb water from leftover food as it passes through the digestive system and creates waste. When the waste is ready to be excreted out, the colon’s muscles propel the waste out through the rectum to eliminate from the body. If the debris remains in the colon for too long, though, it can be tough and challenging to excrete it out of the body.

Some factors can cause constipation; this can include:

Stress
Low-fiber diet
Lack of exercise
Certain medications
Particular diseases like a stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and diabetes
Problems with the colon or rectum
Hormonal issues

Everyone’s definition of a regular bowel movement may be different. Some people can go about three times a day, while others can go to relieve themselves about three times a week. Some of the symptoms of constipation included are:

Fewer than three bowel movements a week
Passing hard, dry stools
Straining or pain during bowel movements
Still feeling full after a bowel movement
Experiencing a rectal blockage

Colon Cancer

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer. When tumorous growths develop in the large intestine or the colon, it develops colon cancer in the GI tract. The colon, the one organ where the body draws out water and salt from solid wastes. The waste then moves through the rectum and excretes out of the body through the anus.

Even though colon cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms in the earliest stages, but it can become more noticeable as the disease progresses. Some of the sign and symptoms of colon cancer include:

Diarrhea or constipation
Changes in stool consistency
Loose, narrow stools
Blood in the stool
Abdominal pain
Weakness and fatigue
Iron deficiency

If colon cancer spreads to a new location the gastrointestinal system, it can cause additional problems in the new area.

Conclusion

Having gastrointestinal impairments can cause the body to develop chronic illnesses. There are ways to make sure that the digestive tract is functioning correctly. An individual can change their diets and lifestyle and can make sure that their gut is working properly. When there is a disruption in the GI tract like IBS, constipation, and colon cancer, it can lead to many health problems if the individual is not careful. If an individual prolongs the symptoms, then they will develop life-long issues for their body. Some products help support the intestinal tract and help strengthens the natural defenses and support the intestinal immune function.

October is Chiropractic Health Month. To learn more about it, check out Governor Abbott’s declaration on our website to get full details on this historic moment.

References:

Bharucha, Adil E, et al. “American Gastroenterological Association Technical Review on Constipation.” Gastroenterology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3531555/.

Brazier, Yvette. “Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Symptoms, Diet, Causes, and Treatment.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 Dec. 2017, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/37063.php.

Crosta, Peter. “Colon Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment, and Causes.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 28 Aug. 2019, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150496.php.

Sethi, Saurabh. “What You Should Know About Constipation.” Healthline, 23 Aug. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/constipation.

Unknown, Unknown. “Digestive Disorders & Gastrointestinal Diseases.” Cleveland Clinic, 2017, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/7040-gastrointestinal-disorders.

Whitfield, K Lynette, and Robert J Shulman. “Treatment Options for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: from Empiric to Complementary Approaches.” Pediatric Annals, U.S. National Library of Medicine, May 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2830707/.

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