Welcome to our newest functional Medicine presentation brought to you by Dr. Alex Jimenez, in this episode we will talk about developing skills in working…
The human body is more complex than scientists understand. Constantly, new research is being conducted and published that dives deeper into the bodies of multiple systems, uncovering new thought-provoking information. As of late, a lot of research is being conducted revolving around the human gut/gastrointestinal system. Originally thought, the gut was made to store and digest food. However, now we see that the gut is the real mastermind behind everyday bodily functions. The gut has now been linked to headaches, inflammation, and autoimmune disease.Â
BackgroundÂ
The digestive tract is one of the essential immune support organs. In fact, it is the immunological powerhouse that houses more than 80% of our antibody-producing cells. This means that our gut is the first line of defense when it comes to unwanted antigens. The gut is so powerful that researchers began to question and test its true abilities.Â
The GutÂ
The thought of the body having two brains sounds fictional, but scientists have begun referring to the gut as the body’s “second brain.†Researchers found that the brain in the human skull, working with the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the gut working with the Enteric Nervous System (ENS), can function separately. Although the two use the same “hardware,†the ENS can manage every aspect of digestion and is a nearly self-contained network of neurotransmitters and proteins.Â
Just throughout the small intestine, there are more than 100 million nerve cells. If you combine the number of nerve cells in the human GI tract, you will find that there are more nerves in the gut than there are in the human spine. This allows the ENS the capability to help with ION transport and GI blood flow.Â
Nearly every substance the body contains to control the brain can simultaneously be found in the gut. One of these substances being serotonin. 95% of serotonin is housed in the gut. A cell referred to as the enterochromaffin squirts serotonin into the wall of the gut, which then communicates with the nerve cells to get things moving. 90% of communication occurring is from the gut to the brain. When we take this into consideration with chiropractic care, we see how it is all connected. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system. The musculoskeletal system includes bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue. All of these work together to support your body’s weight and help you move to perform daily functions. Injuries, disease, and aging can cause pain, stiffness, and other problems with movement and function. The muscular system is an organ system that consists of skeletal, smooth, and cardiac muscles. Smooth muscle is what lines the interior of the gut. As we know, the muscle systems in vertebrates are controlled through the nervous system. In fact, studies have shown that chiropractic care helps to reduce constipation, low back pain, and overall well-being. This study shows how the gut and digestive systems are directly connected to chiropractic care.
Inner Defense SystemÂ
As previously mentioned, the gut is our inner defense system. The mucosal layer that is associated with lymph node tissue is our primary source of immunological function. Gut-Associated Lymphoid Tissue (GALT) is the first to see foreign invaders and put up a fight. GALT produces two levels of defense, the most abundant being secretory IgA. Secretory IgA binds to antigens to provide protection against microbes.Â
It is important to note that secretory IgA in itself is NON-Inflammatory. However, when secretory IgA is fighting, it sends off signals for help from other immune cells, such as IgG and IgM, which do produce an inflammatory response.Â
Most individuals who have an autoimmune disease have worn-out IgAs. The goal of the gut and its defense system is to keep nutrients in while bouncing antigens off. In the case of autoimmune diseases, we see nutrients leaking out and antigens coming in.
InBody
In order to gain a better understanding of the health of our patients, we use the InBody 770. This allows us to assess health down to the orthomolecular level. With the use of the InBody, we can see phase angle, visceral fat (higher visceral fat has an association with type 2 diabetes, heart attack, and stroke), intracellular water, extracellular water (this is related to inflammation and swelling), lean muscle, and percent body fat. These numbers are critical when considering a health condition, especially if the extracellular water is high. We see a direct overlap in risk profiles with excess extracellular water to other inflammatory diseases and markers.Â
With more research shining a light on these, we see the true the gut and how it comes into play with autoimmune disease and inflammation.Â
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6_sG_JV-0Q%5B/embedyt%5D
THE GUT IS GENUINELY SO POWERFUL AND HIGHLY OVERLOOKED. I CAN SPEAK FROM EXPERIENCE IN HAVING AN AUTOIMMUNE CONDITION WHERE NOT A SINGLE DOCTOR MENTIONED MY DIET OR MY GUT! NOW, KNOWING THIS INFORMATION AND BEING SURROUNDED BY PATIENTS WHO SUFFER FROM A DISEASE SIMILAR TO MINE, IT IS THE FIRST PLACE WE LOOK. THE GUT IS THE POWERHOUSE AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SO. -KENNA VAUGHN, SENIOR HEALTH COACHÂ
ReferencesÂ
University, Functional Medicine and Ronald Grisanti , directors. Physiology of the Gut Associated Lymphoid Tissue, Enteric Nervous System and Mucosal Barrier. Functional Medicine University – The Leader in Online Training in Functional Diagnostic Medicine, 2010,.
Rédly M. (2001). The effects of chiropractic care on a patient with chronic constipation. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 45(3), 185–191.Â
[zrdn-recipe id=”43″] www.simplysorghum.com/recipe/view/227/sorghum-breakfast-bowl Recipe posted by: Simply Sorghum
Welcome to part 3 of our Functional Medicine podcasts brought to you by Dr. Alex Jimenez. In this episode an expert will be discussing with…
Welcome to the newest edition of our Functional Medicine podcasts brought to you by Dr. Alex Jimenez. In this episode an expert will be discussing…
Tissues
The human body is composed of many tissues. Each organ in the body can be broken down into tissues. Tissues are sorted based on their basic functions. These include:
Epithelial Tissue
Connective TissueÂ
Muscle Tissue
Nerves Tissue
Muscle Tissue
Out of these tissue types, the only tissue that contracts is muscle. Muscle tissue is further broken down into skeletal, cardiac, and smooth. These tissues are contracted when stimulated.Â
Connective Tissue
Connective tissue has three types as well. Connective tissue proper, fluid connective tissue, and supporting connective tissue. However, all three of these connective tissue types are made up of the same components. They all include specialized cells, protein fibers, and ground substances.Â
The differences between these tissues can be seen in what subdivides them. For example, the fluid connective tissue is subdivided into blood and lymph, whereas supporting connective tissue can be divided into cartilage and bone. Lastly, connective tissue proper is divided into loose connective tissue and dense connective tissue.Â
The substance that connective tissue is composed of is a clear fluid. This fluid has a similar consistency to maple syrup but is clear and odorless. Its primary function is to fill the spaces between the cells and surround all fibers.Â
Loose and Dense Connective TissueÂ
The loose connective tissue binds many structures together. Loose connective tissue allows mobility. Dense connective tissue forms collagen that is strong and flexible. These fibers form branching frameworks for the rest of the body. With the fibers being parallel to each other and very tightly packed, there are forces applied to the issue. Dense connective tissue is responsible for forming tendons, ligaments, capsules of organs, and fascia.Â
Fascia
Fascia varies as its function is primarily based on location. Fascia forms individual muscle fibers and the portions between muscles. These sheets can be thin or thick. Fascia is flexible and can stretch. Fascia lies under the skin, and deep fascia lies overs the muscles. Therefore, it is important that we move fascia frequently. Over time, if we are not stretching, the fascia will become tighter and tighter and eventually restrict movement. Fascia is in every cell, tissue, and organ.Â
When fascia is functioning properly, it has a positive impact on the autonomic and central nervous systems. However, when it is impacted by poor posture, inflammation, or trauma, the fascia can become distorted and apply abnormal pressure to areas of the body.Â
Phase AngleÂ
When focusing on the orthomolecular science of the body, we see how important tissue is. Fascia surrounds every cell, which can help determine cellular health. The phase angle is a snapshot at cellular health where we are able to see how healthy and strong an individual’s cells are. We want patients’ phase angles to be as close to a seven as possible. With a low phase angle (closer to 3 and 4), we see weakness in the cell. Below is a video that helps describes phase angle in more detail:Â
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D
IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE HEALTHY CELLS AND HEALTHY TISSUE. WITH THE USE OF THE INBODY 770, WE ARE ABLE TO ASSESS PATIENTS’ MUSCLE MASS, BODY FAT MASS, AND PHASE ANGLE. THE INBODY IS NOT JUST FOR PATIENTS WHO ARE WORRIED ABOUT MUSCLE MASS BUT FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL WE SEE. IT PROVIDES IMPORTANT MARKERS EVERYONE SHOULD BE AWARE OF. -KENNA VAUGHN, ACSM-EP, SENIOR HEALTH COACH
References:Â
Grisanti, Ron, and Brad Hayes, DC  FDMT580G Myofascial Disruption Technique. Functional Medicine University, www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/members/598.cfm. Â
Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)Â Â
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Online Appointments or Consultations:  https://bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment Â
Â
Online Physical Injury / Accident Intake Form: https://bit.ly/Fill-Out-Your-Online-History Â
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Online Functional Medicine Assessment:Â https://bit.ly/functionmed
[zrdn-recipe id=”34″] www.simplysorghum.com/recipe/view/220/apple-cinnamon-newtons Recipe posted by: Simply Sorghum
The main focus of orthomolecular medicine is to treat the leading cause of the condition. Detecting the root cause is the cornerstone to determine the…
Stress can be defined as any external or internal challenge that disrupts homeostasis in an individual. How stressed an individual feels varies depending on their coping skills and mechanisms. For most, stress is anything that causes a flight or flight response. There are several emotions that cause individuals to feel this flight or fight response. A few possibilities are:
Bitterness
Resentment
Retaliation
Anger
Trauma
Betrayal
Rage
DepressionÂ
GossipÂ
Self-hate
Being rejectedÂ
LonelinessÂ
ShameÂ
A stressor produces different mixes of the nervous system and hormonal responses. One stressor may lead to the nervous system activation releasing catecholamines, but small amounts of adrenaline and cortisol. However, another stressor may result in the opposite reaction. In studies performed, it is stated that there are direct relationships between behavior, the brain, and immunity. One association that is well studied is the relationship between autoimmune diseases and self-hatred. By attacking ourselves with our own harsh words and negative thoughts, we see a direct relationship corresponding to an autoimmune response, ultimately ending in autoimmune disease. The study can be viewed below:
Dangers of Excessive CortisolÂ
Cortisol is released in times of stress. It is necessary, but when too much cortisol is released for too long, the body sees side effects. The adrenal glands are consistently producing cortisol. Cortisol stimulates the conversion of noradrenaline to adrenaline. This creates an increased amount of adrenaline in the blood. Cortisol also blocks the conversion of the T4 thyroid hormone. Due to this, individuals under stress may develop systems of hypothyroidism. Additionally, cortisol suppresses the production of T-cell activity. This increases the risk of infection.Â
Another study states that animals genetically susceptible to insulin-dependent diabetes (Type 1 Diabetes) developed the disease more frequently when they were subjected to stress. While under stress, the elevated cortisol levels in the bloodstream block insulin, making it difficult to control blood glucose. Â
Phase AngleÂ
Stress plays an essential factor in phase angle as it disrupts homeostasis. The phase angle is a snapshot at cellular health that provides practitioners with the integrity of your cellular membranes. The healthier an individual is, the higher their phase angle, making it harder for inflammation and infection to infiltrate. The more stress an individual is under, the higher their cortisol is. This increases their blood glucose level and can result in a higher body fat percentage. These combined decrease cellular health and cause a permeable cellular membrane. We evaluate and monitor our patient’s phase angle by using an InBody 770 machine. The anthropometric measurements show us where inflammation is and other significant numbers such as visceral fat, basal metabolic rate, and segmental water analysis.Â
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D
Diagnostic TestingÂ
Although we utilize many different diagnostic lab companies, we use the Adrenal Hormone Report from Doctors Data to measure cortisol levels. A sample report is shown below:Â
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CORTISOL IS NECESSARY, AND STRESS IS A NATURAL RESPONSE TO PROTECT THE BODY. HOWEVER, WHEN WE SEE THE “STRESS RESPONSE” ON FOR TOO LONG, WE KNOW OTHER ISSUES ARE GOING ON. IT IS CRUCIAL TO REMEMBER TO RELAX, TAKE TIME TO FOCUS ON DEEP BREATHING, MEDITATION OR YOGA, AND UNWIND. -KENNA VAUGHN, ACSM-CEP, SENIOR HEALTH COACHÂ
References:Â
Maier SF, Watkins LR, Fleshner M. Psychoneuroimmunology. The interface between behavior, brain, and immunity. Am Psychol. 1994 Dec;49(12):1004-17. doi: 10.1037//0003-066x.49.12.1004. PMID: 7818221.Â
Dr Ron Grisanti,D.C “Insiders Guide.†Functional Medicine University (FMU).
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


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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
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