Physical activity has a heavy impact on our body composition. Body composition and specific methods like bioimpedance analysis and DEXA can describe an individual’s compartments.…
The endocrine system is very delicate and precise in the human body. The endocrine system is responsible for helping to control mood, growth, development, metabolism, how our organs work, and reproduction. The critical factor of the endocrine system is regulating how much of each hormone is released. This depends on how much of the hormone is already in the bloodstream and other substances like calcium.Â
Cortisol
One of the main hormones the endocrine system is responsible for is cortisol. Cortisol is the primary stress hormone and also increases blood sugars, enhances the brain’s use of glucose, and increases the substances that repair tissue. Additionally, cortisol is the primary hormone in control of our flight-or-fight response. However, the circadian rhythm of cortisol should always be considered. Cortisol is one of the hormones that is released in cardigan rhythm. Cortisol is usually highest first thing in the morning, drops, and will plateau for most of the day until evening time before bed, where it will drop again. Performing lab work to assess cortisol levels is beneficial as cortisol is responsible for many daily functions. Cortisol is produced by the Zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex and is regulated by several factors. It is influenced by sleep patterns, light/dark exposure, and mealtimes. Cortisol also helps with widespread tissue damage like inflammation, illness, or an infection as well as plays a role in mental and emotional stress. To test our patient’s cortisol levels and patterns, we use a test from DUTCH. This test is called DUTCH Plus, and a sample report is shown below. This test allows us to track a patient’s rhythm for 24 hours as well as other hormones.Â
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StressÂ
As previously stated, cortisol is the main hormone for controlling stress. While stress is necessary for the human body to function, chronic stress puts your health at risk. The body’s stress response system is normally self-limiting, and once the threat is gone, the stress levels reduce, and the body syncs back into a level of homeostasis. However, when chronic stress is around, cortisol remains on and pumps into the system at a high rate. This long-term activation of stress overexposes the body to cortisol and other stress hormones that lead to problems such as:Â
AnxietyÂ
Depression
Digestive problems
Headaches
Heart disease
Sleep problems
Weight gain
Memory and concentration impairmentÂ
Phase Angle
The phase angle is how health care professionals can monitor the integrity of cellular membranes. If the phase angle begins to decline, it has been linked directly to a decline in overall health. Similar to if phase angle increases, overall health is increasing. The integrity of cellular membranes is essential as cell survival depends on solid membranes. When the cellular wall is weak, it can collapse. From here, it is difficult for the body to take up the proper nutrients it needs. Additionally, with a weak cellular membrane, the cell is left with little to no protection from outside invaders. Stress impacts phase angle by causing individuals to gain weight and decreasing overall health.
We monitor a patient’s phase angle with the use of the InBody 770. This advanced machine allows us to not only track the phase angle of our patients but many other areas of their health as well, including but not limited to intracellular and extracellular water.Â
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D
STRESS CAN BE MORE DEBILITATING THAN INDIVIDUALS REALIZE. A GREAT WAY TO COMBAT STRESS AND HELP PROTECT YOUR PHASE ANGLE IS TO PRACTICE GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE, EAT PROPER NUTRIENTS, REGULAR EXERCISE, AND MEDITATION. -KENNA VAUGHN, ACSM-EP SENIOR HEALTH COACH
References:Â
Keller A, Litzelman K, Wisk LE, Maddox T, Cheng ER, Creswell PD, Witt WP. Does the perception that stress affects health matter? The association with health and mortality. Health Psychol. 2012 Sep;31(5):677-84. doi: 10.1037/a0026743. Epub 2011 Dec 26. PMID: 22201278; PMCID: PMC3374921.Â
Mayo Clinic Staff. “Stress Management Resources.†Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Feb. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/resources/hlv-20049495.  Â
Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)


Â
Online Appointments or Consultations:  https://bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment


Â
Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History


Â
Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed
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Disclaimer
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The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.  Read More…
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Nutritional assessment has the primary purpose of evaluating the patient to provide the best dietetic advice and lifestyle changes. However, a crucial part of this…
Anthropometry is the science of obtaining systematic measurements of the human body. The anthropometry history dates back to the 19th century, and it was previously…
The predictive quality of the whole body phase angle makes it a vital measurement of the anthropometric assessment. Furthermore, conditions like protein-energy wasting assessment within…
Welcome to our podcast, in this edition we resume with our topic of melatonin featuring Dr. Alex Jimenez and Nutritionist Ana Paola RodrÃguez Arciniega discussing…
Detox
Detoxification is part of the body’s response to environmental stressors. In order for the body to properly detox, protein is essential. Physiologically speaking, detoxification is a secondary function in terms of protein allocation. In a proper detox, there are multiple phases/steps.Â
Step 1: mobilization from fat-based storage sitesÂ
Step 2: metabolism (phase 1 and 2 enzymes in the liver)Â
Step 3: elimination via kidneys and GI Tract (phase 3)Â
Lifestyle
The first lifestyle change that occurs along with a detox is to reduce environmental stressors. This ensures the body is not working overtime when it does not need to. Ways to reduce environmental stressors include:Â
Reduce toxic exposureÂ
Reduced processed foods
Reduce proinflammatory foods
Reduce caloric intakeÂ
Reduce excess worry and stressÂ
Next, patients will begin to introduce habits into their daily lifestyle. These introductions are critical for detoxification success.Â
Quality, whole foodsÂ
Meditation, yoga, exercise, music, etc.Â
SleepÂ
Other healthy habits that reduce stress and worryÂ
Detoxification has both a physiological goal as well as a biochemical goal. Biochemically speaking, the goal is to mobilize toxins we have stored in fatty storage deposits (heavy metals, etc.) and eliminate them via the bile (from the liver) through the stool or urine (from the kidneys). Additionally, a detox will help to reduce inflammation and improve mental clarity.Â
It is important to note that the nervous, endocrine, and immune system are all vastly connected and the stimulation of one can commonly trigger responses in all.Â
By decreasing the inflammation and toxic load in the body, individuals’ phase angle may benefit. Phase angle is how health care professionals can monitor the integrity of cellular membranes. If the phase angle begins to decline, it has been linked directly to a decline in overall health. Similar to if phase angle increases, overall health is increasing. The integrity of cellular membranes is essential as cell survival depends on solid membranes. When the cellular wall is weak, it can collapse. From here, it is difficult for the body to take up the proper nutrients it needs. Additionally, with a weak cellular membrane, the cell is left with little to no protection from outside invaders.Â
InBody
We monitor a patient’s phase angle with the use of the InBody 770. This advanced machine allows us to not only track the phase angle of our patients but many other areas of their health as well, including but not limited to intracellular and extracellular water.Â
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D
PHASE ANGLE IS ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO GET AN INSIDE PERSPECTIVE OF WHAT IS ACTUALLY HAPPENING INSIDE THE PATIENT’S BODY. THERE ARE MANY PATIENTS WHO APPEAR HEALTHY BUT HAVE A LOW PHASE ANGLE. BY SEEING THIS, WE ARE ABLE TO MAKE PREVENTATIVE LIFESTYLE CHANGES. -KENNA VAUGHN, ACSM-EP, SENIOR HEALTH COACH
References:Â
Bosy-Westphal A, Danielzik S, Dörhöfer RP, Later W, Wiese S, Müller MJ. Phase angle from bioelectrical impedance analysis: population reference values by age, sex, and body mass index. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr. 2006 Jul-Aug;30(4):309-16. doi: 10.1177/0148607106030004309. PMID: 16804128. Â
Klein AV, Kiat H. Detox diets for toxin elimination and weight management: a critical review of the evidence. J Hum Nutr Diet. 2015 Dec;28(6):675-86. doi: 10.1111/jhn.12286. Epub 2014 Dec 18. PMID: 25522674.Â
Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)


Â
Online Appointments or Consultations:  https://bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment


Â
Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History


Â
Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed
Â
Disclaimer
Â
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.  Read More…
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
Dietary patterns are part of the treatment plan for multiple conditions. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fresh fruits, nuts, oils, and complex carbohydrates, is an…
Bioelectrical impedance analysis allows an integrative, complete, duplicable, and easy body composition assessment that provides in-depth information about the patient’s nutritional status. This process makes…
Phase Angle is a helpful tool for health practitioners to identify the cell membrane’s integrity and dysfunction. In recent years, studies show an increase in patients with Metabolic Syndrome. Aside from the other health issues that metabolic syndrome induces, it increases oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body. Oxidative stress promotes cellular damage.Â
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome is a condition in which multiple health conditions occur together. Metabolic Syndrome increases an individual’s risk for heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. The conditions that make up metabolic syndrome include:Â
Increased blood pressure (>130/85mmHg)
High fasting blood glucose (>110mg/dL)
Excess body weight (men >40in, women >35in)
Low HDL (men <40mg/dL, women <50mg/dL)
Hypertriglyceridemia (>150mg/dL)Â
Although many individuals experience all of the conditions listed above, you only need to have three out of the five in order to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is often correlated with age, inflammation, obesity, and diabetes. The risk of developing metabolic syndrome increases the older you get and your rate of physical activity. If you become less active, your risk of developing metabolic syndrome will rise.Â
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=deH1uzXA1ik%5B/embedyt%5DÂ
Phase AngleÂ
Phase angle is how health care professionals can monitor the integrity of cellular membranes. If the phase angle begins to decline, it has been linked directly to a decline in overall health. Similar to if phase angle increases, overall health is increasing. The integrity of cellular membranes is essential as cell survival depends on solid membranes. When the cellular wall is weak, it can collapse. From here, it is difficult for the body to take up the proper nutrients it needs. Additionally, with a weak cellular membrane, the cell is left with little to no protection from outside invaders.Â
We monitor a patient’s phase angle with the use of the InBody 770. This advanced machine allows us to not only track the phase angle of our patients but many other areas of their health as well, including but not limited to intracellular and extracellular water.Â
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5DÂ
Increasing Phase Angle & Decreasing Metabolic Syndrome
There are simple steps individuals can take every day to begin to improve their phase angle as well as decrease their risk of developing metabolic syndrome. These lifestyle changes include:Â
Exercising for a minimum of 30 minutes a day (as simple as walking)Â
Adding in a vegetable and fruit to every meal or snackÂ
Getting adequate protein and whole grains
Limiting saturated fat and salt intakeÂ
Not smokingÂ
Maintaining a healthy weightÂ
Adequate sleep for proper cellular healingÂ
IN THE RECENT YEAR, THERE HAVE BEEN MORE PATIENTS WHO ARE DIAGNOSED WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME. WHEN CAUGHT EARLY, THERE ARE MULTIPLE WAYS TO COMBAT THIS DIAGNOSIS HOLISTICALLY AND NATURALLY. WITH THE ABILITY TO CREATE PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLANS INVOLVING EXERCISE, DIET, AND NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS, WE SEE AN INCREASE IN PATIENT’S OVERALL PHASE ANGLE. -KENNA VAUGHN, ACSM-EP, SENIOR HEALTH COACH
References:Â
de Luis DA, Aller R, Romero E, Dueñas A, Perez Castrillon JL. Relation of phase angle tertiles with blood adipocytokines levels, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk factors in obese women patients. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2010 Jun;14(6):521-6. PMID: 20712259.Â
Huang PL. A comprehensive definition for metabolic syndrome. Dis Model Mech. 2009 May-Jun;2(5-6):231-7. doi: 10.1242/dmm.001180. PMID: 19407331; PMCID: PMC2675814. Â
Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)


Â
Online Appointments or Consultations:  https://bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment


Â
Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History


Â
Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed
Â
Disclaimer
Â
The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.  Read More…
Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico
