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…
Histamine is closely related to allergies and immune responses. Certainly, histamine’s involvement in common allergies is the main reason why antihistamines were developed. However, 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)


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


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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
Gastrointestinal issues are one of the main reasons why patients come into a doctor’s office. Certainly, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the primary gastrointestinal diagnosis.…
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Iodine is a substance that can be found in salt and food. Due to contrary belief, iodine deficiency is very much alive, and over 96% of people are deficient. Hypothyroidism is very common, and the highest concentration of iodine is in the thyroid. Simply put, you can not make thyroid hormone without iodine. However, by treating the thyroid with iodine, the cysts also improve. It is essential to acknowledge that thyroid cancer is one of the fastest growing cancers.
Iodine
Iodine has many functions, but one of the most prevalent is to maintain the typical architecture of glandular tissue. These tissues include the thyroid gland, ovaries, uterus, breasts, prostate, and pancreas. Cysts are the first thing to appear on these tissues when iodine deficiency is present. Iodine used to be very present in food; however the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that is done by the United States every ten years that measures the vitamin, mineral, and toxicity level has shown that iodine levels declined over 50%. Throughout this time, when iodine levels are low, we have seen an increase in thyroid illness, hypothyroidism, and Hashimotos.
Thyroid
The thyroid gland is located in the neck. It is part of the endocrine system and is a butterfly-shaped gland that is responsible for hormone release. These hormones are associated with metabolism and the way the human body uses energy. The hormone released is Thyroxine (T4) and consists of four atoms of iodine. The other hormone released is triiodothyronine (T3) which contains three atoms of iodine. These hormones become biologically active and influence the cells and tissues throughout the body.
Common problems associated with T3 and T4 include too much or too little production. Too much is referred to as hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism symptoms include weight loss, heat intolerance, anxiety, and sore or gritty eyes. Too little is known as hypothyroidism. Those impacted by hypothyroidism suffer from tiredness, feeling cold, weight gain, poor concentration, and depression. Hypothyroidism is a more common disorder.
Phase Angle
Phase angle is an overall snapshot of cellular health. The higher the phase angle, the more robust an individual’s cellular membrane is, indicating they are able to fight off inflammation and infection better. Those with a poor phase angle tend to have overall poor health and are more susceptible to inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and infections.
Phase angle can be impacted by thyroid disorders if the hormones are not balanced. For example, hypothyroidism causes weight gain, depression, and tiredness. These three combined can lower phase angle. The more weight an individual carries, the more cortisol and fat cells they create. These cells breed inflammation, reducing phase angle. Depression and tiredness make it extremely hard for individuals to exercise and want to live a healthy lifestyle. The reduction of exercise and increase in unhealthy food causes more weight gain, inflammation and can lead to joint pain if left untreated.
We monitor phase angle and inflammation with the InBody 770. This machine uses bioelectric signals to create a report showing an individual’s body composition. The report shows crucial numbers such as intracellular water, extracellular water, percent body fat, lean muscle mass, and more.
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D
THE HUMAN BODY IS AN EXTREMELY DELICATE SYSTEM THAT CAN BE THROWN OFF WITH THE SMALLEST CHANGE. IODINE DEFICIENCIES ARE PREVALENT, AS WELL AS THYROID PROBLEMS. DIETARY CHANGES, EXERCISE, AND POSSIBLE SUPPLEMENTATION (AFTER SPEAKING WITH YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER) COULD HELP INDIVIDUALS WHO SUFFER FROM LOW PHASE ANGLE AND THYROID ISSUES. -KENNA VAUGHN, ACSM-CEP, SENIOR HEALTH COACH
References:Â
Brownstein, David. “Iodine: The Most Misunderstood Nutrient.†Functional Medicine University. 18 May 2021.Â
Triggiani V, Tafaro E, Giagulli VA, Sabbà C, Resta F, Licchelli B, Guastamacchia E. Role of iodine, selenium and other micronutrients in thyroid function and disorders. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets. 2009 Sep;9(3):277-94. doi: 10.2174/187153009789044392. Epub 2009 Sep 1. PMID: 19594417
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
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
The nutritional supplementation in the general population contributes to the proper function of physiological and genetic mechanisms. Indeed, vitamins of the B complex are potent…
The physiopathology of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) includes a wide variety of signs and symptoms. Indeed, the structural dysfunction followed by a decrease of glomerular…