Tag: DNA

Arthritis in El Paso TX
The Link Of Inflammation

Fifty-four million adults currently suffer from Arthritis. In addition to that, about 9% of adults have some type of limitation attributed to Arthritis. The CDC predicts the number of those diagnosed with Arthritis will only continue to rise in the years coming. With autoimmune disease continually growing, it begs the question, “What are we doing to reduce these chances in our patients?”.
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. With “Arthro,” meaning joint, and “itis” referring to inflammation, it is clear that joint inflammation is the symptom being referred to. Many conventional approaches to arthritis treatment are aimed at reducing the inflammation of the joints. These medications also come with a heavy dose of side effects, including kidney failure, gastritis, and bleeding in the stomach. Looking from a functional perspective, aiming to heal at the orthomolecular level, we pinpoint what is causing the inflammation in the first place. By resolving the overall inflammation in the body, evaluating the musculoskeletal system, and creating a holistic plan, we are able to naturally reduce what is causing the inflammation. With this plan of action, joint inflammation ultimately subsites as well.
Underlying Conditions
As with other autoimmune conditions, we see underlying factors associated with Arthritis. One of the main contributing factors is infection and imbalance of the gut microbiota. For over 100 years, researchers have been searching for the exact link between the arthritis-infection connection. It has been documented countless times in animals and humans that those with Arthritis have another type of infection. We know that in patients with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis), there are polymorphonuclear (PMN) leukocytes. This association of joint neutrophilia with RA has implied infectious etiology.
DNA Sequencing
DNA sequencing was used to identify the bacteria on the mouth and in the intestines of participants with RA. This research has found that those who have an early onset of RA have had 4x more porphyromans gingivalis bacteria vs. the healthy controlled adults. Intestinal bacteria was also associated with inflammation and is more prevalent in patients who have RA. A specific test we use to test DNA is from DNA Life called DNA Health. We also use a stool test from Genova to detect inflammation and strains of bacteria in the gut. The balance between the gut and inflammation is substantial. There are countless studies documenting “leaky gut”. When the gut becomes so inflamed, the barrier becomes permeable, and small undigested proteins leak through the barrier back into the bloodstream. Our body sees these proteins as foreign invaders and sends white blood cells to attack. This process is what starts the inflammation. With continuous leakage and cells attacking our own body, the autoimmune diseases set in. With the help of the Genova test-we are able to create a program that helps reduce, repair, and replenish the gut. A sample resort of both tests are shown below:

[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”400px” download=”all” download-text=”” url=”http://www.dnalife.healthcare/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/DNA-Health-Sample-Report-2020.pdf” /]

[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”400px” download=”all” download-text=”” url=”https://www.gdx.net/core/sample-reports/gi-effects-2200-sample-report.pdf” /]
Hormones
Hormones are to ensure our bodies are properly functioning. It is common for those who have Arthritis to have a hormone imbalance as well. These hormones include DHEA, Pregnenolone, Natural progesterone, natural estrogens, human growth hormone, cortisol, melatonin, and more. Hormones are delicate and can be thrown off by a multitude of environmental factors. Even something as simple as perfume, scented body soap, and lotions can throw imbalance hormones. One hormone test we specifically use is the DUTCH Plus test from DUTCH. This is a combination of 6 urine and six saliva samples throughout a 24 hour period. This test shows us the exact numbers and fluctuations one has in hormones. A sample of this report can be seen below:
[wp-embedder-pack width=”100%” height=”400px” download=”all” download-text=”” url=”https://dutchtest.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/DUTCH-Plus-Female-Sample-Report-Ref02252020.pdf” /]
A Functional Approach
When dealing with a disease such as Arthritis, there are six areas to be considered from a functional standpoint. The first being dehydration. Unfortunately, dehydration is widespread and causes the body to not function at its total capacity. We are able to track hydration levels at the intracellular and extracellular level of our patients with the use of our InBody 770 machine. The second aspect is food and environmental allergies. These allergies around us are impacting our genes and how we break down food particles. If we are sensitive to food, our gut is not properly digesting it. This leaves us with leaky gut syndrome and proteins leaking back into our bloodstream, resulting in inflammation. Third, hormone imbalances. As mentioned above, we can not improve our joints if we do not first assess the hormones. The fourth factor is infections. If we have previous infections, they may have altered our DNA or still be lingering around, leading to excess inflammatory factors. Fifth, nutritional imbalances. Similar to hormones, we need our nutrition to be fully functioning to properly allow energy creation and proper breakdown. If we lack micronutrients, our production and balance of energy will be offset. Finally, the last point to be evaluated is toxicities. Toxins surround us everywhere we go. They are in the products we use, the air we breathe, the food we eat, etc.
Phase Angle
The phase angle is a snapshot of cellular health. We want our cells to be strong, healthy, and able to fight off infection. This comes from a solid cellular membrane. When an individual’s phase angle is around 7, we know the cells are healthy. However, in many cases, phase angles fall closer to the 4-5 range. A phase angle in this low range indicates that the cellular membranes are permeable and more susceptible to infection and early apoptosis (cell death). To improve overall phase angle, we must decrease visceral fat (the fat surrounding the organs) and increase our skeletal muscle mass to outweigh our weight and body fat mass. As previously mentioned, we use the InBody 770 machine to detect phase angle, visceral fat, water levels, inflammation, skeletal muscle mass, body fat mass, and BMI.
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=047lML9ndPo[/embed]
Tie It Together
By approaching Arthritis and inflammation from these areas and considering these six factors, we are able to assess what the real source of inflammation is. This provides us with a great understanding of how to go about reducing inflammation and repairing the body in a functional way. The musculoskeletal system is intertwined with all areas of the body. It comes down to the cellular level.
We have discovered that everything is connected to the gut and phase angle. We did not associate joint pain with gut inflammation before, but now we see that it is all connected. We can start by feeding our bodies anti-inflammatory foods such as smoothies to reduce inflammation. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach

References:
Brownstein, David. “Overcoming Arthritis.” Functional Medicine University . 2020.

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)



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



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



Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

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The Science Behind Genetic Encoding and Endurance Performance
The Science Behind Genetic Encoding and Endurance Performance

The athletic potential is multifactorial; gender, age, specific discipline, weight, body composition, and genetics are strong predictors of performance and endurance. Nonetheless, exercise and continuous…

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Mercury Toxicity

Mercury is a metal that used to be used in common fixes. However, over the years we are seeing that this metal is causing detrimental effects on our bodies. Mercury toxicity mimics many health challenges. 

Mercury + Nerves 

Mercury has been know to denervate nerve fibers. This is similar to the pathology of multiple sclerosis. Mercury can cause the nerves to not work properly. Our nerves are essential for proper function. The nervous system is related to every single thing we do. Additionally, mercury is able to leak into the blood-brain barrier and reduce nerve conduction. Mercury has also been shown to create peripheral neuropathy, auto-immunity, and interferes with synapse transmission, decreasing infection control so the unsuspecting victim gets recurrent sinusitis, prostate, or gum infections, as examples. Lastly, mercury toxicity can create any baffling neurologic disease as well as impair cure for any disease of other body systems.

Mercury + Hormones 

Hormones are another essential part of our daily life. Our hormones are released not only when we are happy or sad, but when we need to control essential functions in the body. Hormones signal other body systems to release chemicals. Mercury can inhibit the action of happy hormones, such as serotonin. It inhibits the binding at the synapse where the nerve connects to another nerve to pass along signals, ultimately leading to depression. Additionally, mercury can decrease norepinephrine and dopamine activity at synapses, damaging our molecules of emotion. This can make a person lack zip, enthusiasm, joy, and creativity and make him anxious, insomniac, and terribly tense.

Mercury + Other Factors 

When we see someone who is suffering from mercury toxicity, they often complain of terrible body burning and baffling pain that migrates throughout. When our patients come to us saying that they have been resistant to other treatments, we check for mercury because the toxicity could be the underlying root of issues for them.

DNA 

Scientists have been researching and discovering the relationship between genes and our environment. More specifically, how our genetic background and susceptibility influence our outcomes. Specifically in the study by Andreoli, the genomic sequence and mercury-related outcomes. 

“GENETIC VARIANTS, ENVIRONMENTAL RISK FACTORS AND DIFFERENT PERSONAL STRESSORS MAY INTERACT TO SHAPE THE REPERCUSSIONS OF MERCURY ON HUMAN HEALTH.”- ANDREOLI, V 

We know that the human genome is comprised of millions of DNA sequence variants. There are gene-environment links focused on SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that play a role in mercury actions and outcomes. 

Lifestyle Changes 

One thing we do at our clinic for all our patients is run an InBody scan. While this scan does not check for mercury toxicity, it does check for visceral fat. Visceral fat is the layer of fat surrounding one’s organs. If the level of this fat is high, the individual is more susceptible to underlying health conditions and inflammation. Underlying health conditions, inflammation, and mercury toxicity is a recipe for disaster. Below is a video demonstrating more in detail what the InBody 770 (the machine we use at our clinic) is capable of. 

[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3_BEhgJCGc%5B/embedyt%5D

IT IS AMAZING HOW MANY PEOPLE HAVE FILLINGS IN THEIR MOUTH THAT LED TO MERCURY TOXICITY. EVERY TIME SOMEONE EATS, DRINKS COFFEE, OR HAS AN ITEM THAT SCRAPS THESE FILLINGS, SMALL PARTICLES ARE RELEASED INTO THE BODY AND BLOODSTREAM. IF ANY OF THESE SYMPTOMS SEEM FAMILIAR TO YOU, I HIGHLY SUGGEST CONTACTING YOUR DENTIST TO SEE IF THE FILLINGS IN YOUR MOUTH CONTAIN MERCURY. -KENNA VAUGHN, SENIOR HEALTH COACH 

References: 

Andreoli, V., & Sprovieri, F. (2017). Genetic Aspects of Susceptibility to Mercury Toxicity: An Overview. International journal of environmental research and public health, 14(1), 93. doi.org/10.3390/ijerph14010093 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5295343/ 

Dooley, Bruce. M.D. “551B: Mercurialism : Finding and Eliminating the Hidden Beast.” FunctionalMedicineUniversity. 12  Feb. 2021. 

Rogers SA, Detoxify or Die, Prestige Publishing, Syracuse NY, 2002. www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/public/903.cfm

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)



 

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



 

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



 

Online Functional Medicine Assessment: bit.ly/functionmed

 

 

 

Disclaimer

 

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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Hormone Factors and Risks for Breast Cancer

If we take a look at breast cancer, there are common roads that everything links back to. Those roads are an increase in estrogen or activation of the estrogen receptor in the mammary epithelial cell. This is important because there are triggers in our lives that have estrogen or stimulate estrogen production, ultimately leading to an increased risk of developing breast cancer. 

Factors 

Environmental factors like pollutants and stress are highly associated with breast cancer. For example, the pollutant xenoestrogen has estrogen-like activity. From here, when women age and move towards menopause, they produce more estrogen. When there is a relative increase in natural estrogen plus the pollutants sending the body false signals, we see a relative increase in estrogen and stimulation through the estrogen receptors in the body. A great way to decrease these pollutants and fake hormones is to switch to all-natural products. These fake hormones are being stored in products like:

Aluminum deodorant 
Body wash
Shampoo 
Laundry detergent 
Air fresheners 
And more 

The other factor mentioned above is stress. The stress that is being referred to in this instance is emotional stress. The type of stress we do not have as much control over (aka physical). The reason we take a look at stress is that stress leads to more cortisol being released throughout the body. More stress can lead to less melatonin production. Consider the fact that those with breast cancer have a decrease in melatonin. Over time, a decrease in melatonin results in an upregulation of estrogen receptors, leading to an increase in estrogen. Ways to help reduce stress include:

Meditation 
Exercise 
Grounding 
Deep breathing techniques 
DNA

As we have learned over the years, the DNA we are born with is not the DNA we die with. Yes, we are given a specific set of genes when we are born but our environmental factors have been proven to alter the expression of these genes. When we have a highly oxidized reactive molecule, it can adduct with DNA. This ultimately leads to DNA adduct formation that clips portions of our DNA out causing a mutation. Over time, with enough mutations, we can see patients develop cancer and their immune system is unable to fight it off as it no longer works properly. 

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DNA Skin: Oxidation, Detoxification, and Inflammation El Paso Health
DNA Skin: Oxidation, Detoxification, & Inflammation

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

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DNA Skin: Collagen, Sun sensitivity, and Sun Damage
DNA Skin: Collagen, Sun Sensitivity & Sun Damage

The skin is the largest organ on the body. It is critical that we take care of it properly. There are many things that factor into our skin health, like genetics, inflammation, stress, medication, and unhealthy foods high in sugars. For skin health, all-natural solutions go further as they do not come with the uncomfortable side effects many medications do. Part of treating the skin naturally involves chiropractic care. The spine is the main focus in chiropractic care, but the rest of the body’s health deeply depends on the spine. By getting regular adjustments, we are able to improve the function of the nervous system which helps improve the body overall. Stress is released at higher rates when the spinal cord is not properly aligned. By regulating the spinal cord, you are positively regulating the release of cortisol into the bloodstream. Therefore, lowering the body’s stress and inflammation levels.

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DNA Mind: Addictive Behaviors

One of the most interesting aspects of the human brain is its ability to become addicted. Addiction is a serious problem and based on genetic predisposition, many are prone to it. Addictive behaviors include alcohol, nicotine, cannabis & opioid dependence, psychosis response from cannabis use, eating disorders such as binge eating, and adrenaline seeking/risk taking behaviors. These forms of addiction are all involved in biological areas that contribute to disease. We have the ability to test our patients to determine if they have a genetic predisposition to one of these addictive behaviors and create protocols to advise them to stay away from participating in any of these harmful behaviors at the risk of developing an addiction. The genetic test we use is DNA Mind from DNA Life.

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Mood Regulation El Paso Texas
DNA Mind: Mood Regulation

As we know, some individuals have a harder time regulating their mood and emotions than others do. This is highly connected to their genetic predisposition. Mental health falls under the neuropsychiatric disorder umbrella and accounts for up to 25% of all disability-adjusted life years. The genetic predisposition an individual has contributes to the risk of developing a mental health disorder. By using genetic testing, we have the ability to see if a patient is at risk for depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD. We use the DNA Mind test by DNA Life.

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neurodegenerative diseases
DNA Mind: Neurodegenerative Disease

The human brain is extremely complex. Although responsible for many of our bodies capabilities, it has been known to cause extreme downfalls and disabilities if it goes awry. Neurodegenerative disorders include mild cognitive decline & late onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). By using genetic testing, we are able to assess these genes and gain biochemical insight as to how to take our patients in a direction that is best for intervention and treatment strategies. The genetic test we use is DNA Mind from DNA Life.

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Sports Performance: Genetics Part 3

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.

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Sports Performance Part 2 El Paso Health
Sports Performance: Genetics Part 2

Athletic success has a lot to do with our coaches, internal motivation, and time dedicated to the sport. However, it also has to do with our genetics. The athletic phenotype is complex and includes a variety of many different environmental factors. Genetic testing gives coaches and parents the ability to personalize training sessions, focusing on strengths and weaknesses. This allows them to truly have sport-specific training that uses their genetic potential to their advantage to optimize success. We use DNA Sport from DNA Life.

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Sports Performance: Genetics Part 1
Sports Performance: Genetics Part 1

Growing up, there always seemed to be the kids in P.E. who were just naturally better at sports than others. Additionally, there were kids who seemed like they were always hurt. Genetics make up a large factor when it comes to athletic performance and recovery. Over the last few decades, research has emerged proving that athletic performance, training responsiveness, injury-related traits, and the ability to recover from a workout can be tailored down to the genetics of an individual. We have the capability to do a genetic test on individuals so that parents and coaches are able to learn more about the athlete and how to train them for optimal performance. Many parents take advantage of this test and use it to see the athlete’s weakness, therefore building them up and focusing on that area. This allows the athlete to have a better chance of success. We use DNA Sport from DNA Life.

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Genetic Impacts of Estrogen
Genetic Impacts of Estrogen

Males and females produce estrogen. However, females tend to have more complications when it comes to estrogen and hormonal issues like endometriosis, PCOS, and hormones that are linked to certain cancers. There are genetic predispositions that make some individuals more susceptible but we have the ability to use the DNA Estrogen test from DNA life to understand individual genetic availability with hormone intervention to help identify women who have a higher exposure to estrogen. Based on these results, we are able to create a truly personalized plan.

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Regenerative Medicine: El Paso

Regenr8 is a company we work with that developed an Epigenetic Biomarker Profile test to assess where your body is lacking in essential vitamins and minerals, hindering proper expression of biochemical pathways. The test determines the impact of your environment based on your unique gene function by identifying various metabolites based on the metabolic and enzymatic cellular process. 

The test will show an assessment of overall cellular energy production, methylation activity, vitamins, inflammation and oxidative stress, sleep markers, muscular performance, gut dysbiosis, amino acids, and neurotransmitters. Based on your test results, they create an all-natural, organic, and plant-based superfood that you are able to drink daily to ensure your body is getting the nutrients it needs.

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Nutrigenomics and Traits Between Generations| El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Health & Wellness: Genetics and Nutrition Part 4 of 4

Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of life. Everyone eats at least one time a day and how we digest, taste, break down, and utilize that food is where our genetics come into play. Once we receive the test results from a patient, we review the genetic factors and predisposition they have. This allows us to create a science-baked personalized medicine program. This includes diet suggestions along with supplements. However, there are three potential diets that we recommend the most. Mediterranean, Low Carbohydrate, and Low Fat. 

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