Eating healthy and spinal health are interconnected. Eating healthier will help to lose weight, and provide a healthier body mass index. This means more muscle…
When treating the body with a functional medicine approach, it is necessary to give the body at least three months. A 3-month protocol allows the body a chance to get in sync with itself again, re-build the foundation and get back to the basics without inflammation. To begin, a case history is needed. This detailed history allows the practitioner to determine what diagnostic lab work will be most beneficial for you.Â
Hormone BalanceÂ
Many patients have some degree of hormone imbalance, especially females. Females’ cycles and hormones are typically imbalanced due to contraceptives such as birth control pills, patches, or shots. For tracking hormone levels, we use a diagnostic lab test from DUTCH. The DUTCH plus test uses a 24-hour collection method consisting of urine and saliva samples. This allows us to track and follow hormones all day to give us the best picture of what is occurring. Below is a sample of a male and female DUTCH Plus test.Â
Next Steps
The results of the DUTCH Plus test often come back with some degree of irregularity. This test, along with the detailed history form, allow us to create a custom protocol per patient. The treatment protocol involves natural supplements, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. For hormone balance, one of the best supplements to use is chaste tree. This natural supplement helps with:Â
 PMS symptoms
 Dopamine
 those who have heavy bleeding
 irregular, short, or long cycles
 pain during ovulation
 Acne
Is safe for lactation, so it can be used to help reduce baby bluesÂ
Dietary AdjustmentsÂ
When it comes to balancing hormones, it is crucial to consume healthy fats. Omega 3s are the building blocks the body needs to reduce inflammation and combat symptoms of menopause. Additionally, foods that contain selenium are important. Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to remove free radicals that cause damage to the body. A list of foods to consume while balancing hormones include:Â
SalmonÂ
MackerelÂ
SardinesÂ
TunaÂ
Chia Seeds
Brussel SproutsÂ
AvocadoÂ
WalnutsÂ
Hemp Seed
Flaxseeds
Eggs
Coconut OilÂ
Lifestyle Changes
One of the biggest endocrine and hormone disturbances come from the daily products we wear and use. Perfume is a major trigger to the endocrine system and scented laundry detergent, aluminum deodorant, body wash, and air fresheners. By removing these disturbances you are getting rid of a slow poison and reducing your chances of thyroid disruption. Additionally, changing to an all-natural deodorant, body washes, and free clear laundry detergent will help your body heal. This article by Patel shows how harmful these scented products really are:Â
 “…It has been observed that this fragrance-laden unhealthy lifestyle runs parallel with the unprecedented rates of diabetes, cancer, neural ailments, and teratogenicity…”Â
To many people’s surprise, even cleaning products advertised as organic or antibacterial contain these toxic chemicals. As a general rule of thumb, stay away from scented products.Â
Additionally, regular exercise and stress management will help the body maintain homeostasis, reduce inflammation, and produce good sleep hygiene for optimal healing.Â
Phase AngleÂ
Phase angle is a snapshot of an individual’s cellular health. The lower the phase angle, the more permeable and fragile the cellular membrane is. This means that individuals are more susceptible to infection, inflammation and will not be able to attack a virus as well. Those who have high phase angles have strong cellular membranes that are hard to infiltrate. When a virus enters the body, those with a high phase angle can fight off the virus and inflammation easier. Phase angle is important because if the endocrine system is off-balance, your body is already at war with itself. Hormone imbalance combined with a low phase angle is a recipe for disaster. We can improve a phase angle by reducing visceral fat (the fat held around the internal organs)
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwbIsPNUYqs%5B/embedyt%5D
In today’s society, everything smells “good”. These fragrant chemicals are being pumped into everything and constantly disrupting the endocrine system. Many people do not realize this but “clean” does not have a smell. Clean is not lemon fresh or fresh laundry. That is the chemicals. Clean is odorless. It has become so normal to cover up scents that trash bags are now infused with scents, when in reality, if the trash can smells, you just need to take it out. The first step is to get rid of all these added chemicals in the home. Ditch the plug-in air fresheners and get plants to naturally clean your air instead. -Kenna Vaughn, ACSM-EP Senior Health Coach
References:Â
Patel S. Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep’s clothings. Med Hypotheses. 2017 May;102:106-111. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2017.03.025. Epub 2017 Mar 22. PMID: 28478814. Â
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
Chiropractic treatment and physical therapy are treatment methods/approaches that are conservative, non-invasive, and are both practical options. Both address health concerns, like various types of…
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
Alzheimer’s disease is one that impacts many lives. There are multiple factors that go into the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, some people’s diet, environment, genetics, head trauma and more. The classic symptoms include loss of memory, memory issues that begin to disrupt everyday life (such as where you keep your coffee mugs), difficulty completing familiar tasks in the workplace or home, confusion with time or place, and trouble understanding images.Â
Normal Aging vs Alzheimer’sÂ
With normal aging, we see brain atrophy, some neurotransmitter loss, and oxidative damage. These changes occur but they do not interfere with daily tasks or quality of life. To determine the difference, we can perform a simple test in the office that consists of a few questions. The score will determine if the aging of the brain is within normal limits.Â
Synapse LossÂ
As mentioned above, head trauma can lead to Alzheimer’s as it increases synapse loss. Things that contribute to head trauma include physical trauma, stroke, hypertension, and diabetes. Additionally, high cholesterol, high homocysteine, low exercise, and specific genes.Â
Genes
Although we are unable to change the genes we were born with, we can alter their expression. There are steps that we can take to alter these genes to express in a positive manner rather than negative. This can help slow down the progression or onset of Alzheimer’s. The genes we specifically look at in reference to Alzheimer’s are those that impact lipid metabolism, inflammation, and are dopaminergic and neurotrophic. These include:
CRP
IL-6Â
TNFAÂ
COMTÂ
BDNFÂ
We have the ability to perform genetic testing through DNA Life to assess your genes and your susceptibility. DNA Mind provides an identification of the level of impact of any genetic variant. It also provides us with a broken down explanation of the genes and their specific impact on the biochemical area and mental health. Additionally, this test not only reports on Alzheimer’s disease but also dementia, cognitive decline, addictive behavior, risk-taking behavior, and mood disorders. A sample report can be seen below:Â
Â
Lifestyle : InBodyÂ
As previously mentioned, we see a direct link between lack of exercise, poor nutrition, and Alzheimer’s disease. We are able to create personalized nutrition plans for your body as well as determine other predisposing factors with the help of the InBody 770 system. This advanced machine provides a great deal of information for us regarding the patient. We track patients Anthropometric measurements in order to determine their lean muscle mass, fat density, visceral fat (fat surrounding the organs- a key indicator of disease risk), water percentage, and height and weight. We measure our patients every 8 weeks and keep a detailed record. These reports are great indicators for health and also assess inflammation and edema. There is more information regarding the InBody below.Â
[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3_BEhgJCGc%5B/embedyt%5D
InBody_E_Book.pdf
GENETIC TESTING IS AVAILABLE NOW AND PROVIDES US WITH MORE INFORMATION THAN EVER BEFORE. WITH THIS INFORMATION AND THIS TECHNOLOGY, WE ARE ABLE TO CREATE PREVENTABLE PLANS GEARED TOWARDS YOU. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GETTING TO KNOW AND UNDERSTAND YOUR GENES. -KENNA VAUGHN, SENIOR HEALTH COACHÂ
When a migraine hits, it can take you out anywhere from 2-72 hours. Often times, individuals report their migraines consist of a pulsating feeling and sensitivity to light. In fact, many who suffer from migraines report an “aura†before the migraine begins. An “aura†is a visual change (lights, the shape or size of an object, or dark spots in line of vision), auditory changes, and something deja vu, tingling, or strange smells. Â
Migraine Risks
Those with migraines typically make less nitric oxide. In women, that increases their chance of myocardial infarction, strokes, and angina two times more likely. In men, 42% of them who have migraines, had heart attacks.Â
The inside coating of a blood vessel is referred to as vascular endothelium. It is made up of endothelial cells. The purpose of a healthy endothelium is to suppress inflammation, prevent clots, and keep blood flowing. If the endothelium becomes damaged, its function becomes compromised. Those with migraines showed a decreased number of endothelial functions.
GeneticsÂ
One thing that sets functional medicine apart from traditional medicine is the lab work and genetic consideration. We work with many high tech diagnostic lab companies to determine the underlying cause of symptoms. In fact, there is a specific genetic mutation that leads to elevated homocysteine levels. It is MTHFR 677- the methylation gene. In fact, many patients who suffer from migraines have a family history of it. Â
We can break down a migraine even further and look at how it affects the rest of the body. Oxidative stress is a free radical that floats around the body. Oxidative stress is normal and necessary but too much of it begins to cause issues. In migraine sufferers, there is an increase in superoxide dismutase and elevated levels of catalase.Â
NutritionÂ
The standard American diet has done nothing but increase migraine factors. The foods consumed negatively influence gene expression as well as contribute to obesity. Many individuals have success when they switch from the standard American diet to the paleo diet. This diet gets rid of gluten and grains and patients tend to see improvement quickly. On top of this, they are now providing their bodies with the proper nutrients and healthy fats for optimal function. Here is an article that provides more information on acute migraine strategies.Â
InBodyÂ
We are able to create personalized nutrition plans for your body as well as determine other predisposing factors with the help of the InBody 770 system. This advanced machine provides a great deal of information for us regarding the patient. We track patients Anthropometric measurements in order to determine their lean muscle mass, fat density, visceral fat (fat surrounding the organs- a key indication of disease risk), water percentage, and height and weight. We measure our patients every 8 weeks and keep a detailed record. These reports are great indicators for health and also assess inflammation and edema.
many people suffer from the occasional racing heart, pounding heart, skipping a beat, flipping, and irregular tones. More often than not, these symptoms have specifics that make them better or worse.
Dr. Heather Wolfson and Dr. Jack Wolfson found that when they combine appropriate nutrition, many of these symptoms disappear. Food is one of the best medicines there is. Properly fueling the body shows a dramatic difference in health. For example, vegetables are loaded with rich vitamins and minerals that replace many deficiencies that are a leading cause for these irregular heart rhythms. Free-range meats and fish have omega-3s while eggs contain choline and healthy fats.Â
What is it? How to treat it? We all have gastrointestinal disturbances, some of them can be mild, and other ones may feel terrible to…
Inflammation is the human body’s natural response to protect itself against injury, infection, and illness. Trauma, exposure to foods (poor diet), microbes, and/or toxins, can…
Inflammation is the human body’s natural response to protect itself against injury, infection, and illness. Trauma, exposure to foods (poor diet), microbes, and/or toxins, can…
People are exposed to toxins, such as pesticides and air pollutants in food and the environment, on a regular basis. Meanwhile, other toxins are produced…
Most detox diets are normally short-term diet and lifestyle modifications made to help eliminate toxins from your body. A common detox diet may include a…
The health of our skin is critical. It is constantly being exposed to many damaging items. However, it is one of the last things we think about to protect. Part of taking care of our skin is protecting it from oxidative stress, toxins, performing regular detoxification, and ensuring we have minimal inflammation. However, just like other factors in life, some of us are genetically pre-disposed to specific issues regarding the skin and its health. To best help our patients with their skin health, we use DNA Skin from DNA Life. It is a genetic test that allows us to gain insight on what areas they are genetically predisposed to and what steps we can take to best protect them
The foods we eat can have the potential to be beneficial or harmful to our health. Poor nutrition can cause a variety of health issues,…
Research studies have demonstrated the fundamental role of nutrition in health and longevity. The standard American diet, which is generally high in fat and sugar,…
Injury Susceptibility, recovery, power and endurance are all key components when it comes to sports. By using the DNA Sport test from DNA Life we have the opportunity to gain insight on an individual athlete and how their genetic makeup impacts these factors. This test allows parents, coaches, and physicians to see certain polymorphisms that are implicated with increased risk factors for injuries as well as inflammation and oxidative stress.