Tag: functional medicine

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hormone balance El Paso Tx
The Importance of Hormone Balance

Hormones are mainly thought of in regards to menstrual cycles, puberty, carrying a baby, and sex drive. However, in reality, hormones are much more than that. Hormones create a delicate balance in homeostasis and with too little or excess, many problems arise. 

There are different types of hormones in the body. The most commonly referred to hormones are sex hormones. These include Estrogen (estrone, estradiol, and estriol), progesterone (differentiation), testosterone, and DHEA. Estrogens primary role is growth. When evaluating estrogen, practitioners take into account the Estrogen Quotient. This is used by dividing the sum of estrogen plus estradiol. The lower the estrogen quotient, the higher the risk of breast cancer.  

Progesterone helps the cells become what they were meant to be and how to function the way they are intended to function. Progesterone is critical as it promotes healthy sleep patterns, improves insulin resistance, burns fat for energy, is an antidepressant, and is the primary hormone in pregnancy. Although progesterone has many benefits, too much of a good thing has repercussions. Too much progesterone turns into estrogen dominance (seen in reproductive years, PMS, and menopause). Elevated levels of progesterone manifest in symptoms such as anxiety, irregular periods, mood swings, breast cancer, postpartum depression, weight gain, heavy periods, food cravings, and headaches. 

DHEA is secreted by the adrenal glands. This is a prohormone for testosterone and estradiol. DHEA increases with age and can be elevated in women who have insulin resistance. The primary roles are libido, motivation and wellbeing, improves immune function, REM sleep, and memory.

Diagnostic Testing

It is clear that these hormones are essential and their balance is crucial. In order to determine if individuals’ hormones are off-balance, the clinic uses the DUTCH PLUS test from DUTCH. This test is a urine and saliva sample that is collected throughout a 24-hour time frame, allowing us to track hormone and cortisol levels. A sample report is shown below: 

 

Phase Angle

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. 

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

Phase Angle can decline if the hormone levels are not accurate. For example, if an individual is estrogen dominant, they will have irritability, mood swings, risk of blood clots, weight gain, food cravings, etc. Weight gain and food cravings (leading to more weight gain) cause the phase angle to decrease. 

HORMONES ARE A MUCH LARGER UMBRELLA THAN MANY REALIZE. THEY ARE CRITICAL TO SO MUCH MORE THAN A MENSTRUAL CYCLE AND PUBERTY. THE LACK OF PROPER HORMONES CAN BE MORE DEBILITATING THAN INDIVIDUALS REALIZE. A GREAT WAY TO COMBAT YOUR HORMONES 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: 

Hiller-Sturmhöfel S, Bartke A. The endocrine system: an overview. Alcohol Health Res World. 1998;22(3):153-64. PMID: 15706790; PMCID: PMC6761896. 

Dr Lylen Ferris. “Moodiness, Madness, or Menopause.” Funcitonal Medicine University (FMU). 

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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detox el paso
Detox To Improve Phase Angle

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. 

Step 1: mobilization from fat-based storage sites 

Step 2: metabolism (phase 1 and 2 enzymes in the liver) 

Step 3: elimination via kidneys and GI Tract (phase 3) 

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: 

Reduce toxic exposure 
Reduced processed foods
Reduce proinflammatory foods
Reduce caloric intake 
Reduce excess worry and stress 

Next, patients will begin to introduce habits into their daily lifestyle. These introductions are critical for detoxification success. 

Quality, whole foods 
Meditation, yoga, exercise, music, etc. 
Sleep 
Other healthy habits that reduce stress and worry 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

[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: 

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.  

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. 

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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The Importance of TMAO and BIA El paso Texas
The Importance of BIA and TMAO

The world of medicine is continually advancing and growing. Research is being published every day on new ways to measure health. In recent years, the importance of Phase Angle has come to light.

Phase angle 

When reviewing InBody scans, there is one number we pay exceptional attention to. This number is the phase angle. The phase angle can be summed up as the quality and quantity of the health of a cell. Essentially, a GPA of an individual’s overall health. Phase angles measure oxidative stress, the aging stress on a cell, and the nutritional status. If cell membrane integrity begins to decline, so will the phase angle reported and vice-versa. Keeping track of this number will allow practitioners to determine if the patient responds to the therapeutic exercises, treatments, and lifestyle changes the clinic is implementing.  

It is important to remember that when we exercise, we damage the cells and muscles. The act of building muscle is breaking down the muscle we have and recovering. This is why rest and nutrition are key. 

Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) 

At our clinic, we use the InBody 770. This technology provides beneficial information like muscle mass, fat mass, segmental fat, intracellular water, extracellular water, phase angle, visceral fat, and more. To learn more about BIA and phase angle, a video is provided below. 

[embedyt] www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUCalp2SkNE%5B/embedyt%5D

TMAO 

Adding on to new research coming to light. It has been shown that TMAO is another significant factor to consider when looking at an individual’s overall health. TMAO is trimethylamine N-Oxide. Every individual has a unique microbiome comprised of healthy bacteria. However, microbiomes are full of unhealthy bacteria as well. As we eat, we consume TMA from red meat, egg yolk, and full-fat dairy products. TMA is later converted to TMAO in the liver. High levels can reduce the removal of bad cholesterol from the arteries and increase your heart attack and stroke risk. To remove TMAO, it is recommended that individuals eat a Mediterranean diet and limit red meat. 

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

At the clinic, we have the capability to test for TMAO using Cleveland Heart Lab. Below is a sample report from Cleveland Heart Lab. Under the metabolic section, you can see the TMAO levels. 

RESEARCH IS CONSTANTLY UNCOVERING NEW WAYS TO HELP PATIENTS PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM INFLAMMATION. BY PERFORMING THESE TESTS, WE CAN SEE IF AN INDIVIDUAL IS MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO AN UNDERLYING CONDITION AND HAVE THEIR LEVELS TESTED APPROPRIATELY. THIS ALLOWS US TO CREATE A PERSONALIZED TREATMENT PLAN FOCUSED ON BRINGING THEM BACK TO OPTIMAL HEALTH. -KENNA VAUGHN, SENIOR HEALTH COACH 

References

Publishing, Harvard Health. “Red Meat, TMAO, and Your Heart.” Harvard Health, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/red-meat-tmao-and-your-heart.  

Additional Online Links & Resources (Available 24/7)



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



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



Online Functional Medicine Assessment: https://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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Healthy Metals vs Toxic Metals

Metals in the body are essential for proper cellular function. That being said, in order to ensure the metals you are ingesting are good for you and what the body needs, you need to know whole sources to obtain them from and what each metal does. On the other hand, there are toxic metals as well. Toxic metals are an issue that can mimic many other serious health conditions. We are able to assess metal levels in the body and create a treatment plan that safely detoxes individuals from these toxic metals. 

Healthy Metals
Calcium 

There are different types of calcium. Dietary calcium and Erythrocyte calcium. In the human body, there are around 179 biological functions of calcium. Each and every cell in the body needs ionic calcium. This is what you find in teeth and bones as well as what we need to move our muscles. Additionally, it is needed for the rhythmic action of the heart and intestines. However, Erythrocyte calcium is associated with heart disease and stroke. Studies show that erythrocyte calcium is elevated in hypertension patients. 

Chromium 

Chromium accumulates in the spleen and in heart tissue. On top of this, there have been many studies done that show chromium impacts sugar metabolism through its role in uptaking insulin. 

Copper 

Copper is very important as it is a co-factor in lipid metabolism, detoxification in the liver, and neurological control. In the body, copper is found in the liver, brain, hair, and other tissues. To get whole sources of copper in the diet, it is best to eat nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, and shellfish. Copper binds to superoxide dismutase and protects our cells from oxidative damage. If there is not enough copper obtained through the diet we begin to see the reduced function of enzymes. 

Magnesium 

Magnesium is a cofactor to about 300 enzyme systems in the body. If an individual does not have proper magnesium levels, we see hypertension and diabetes. Studies done have also shown magnesium to be used in heart failure treatment. The symptoms we most often see in patients who have magnesium deficiencies are neuromuscular tremors, fasciculations, and muscle spasms. The relationship between magnesium and the nervous tissue is close. Due to this, one of the earliest ways to catch a magnesium deficiency is if the patient has nausea, loss of appetite, hair loss, and tremors. For whole magnesium sources, including nuts, beans, and dark green leafy vegetables into the diet. 

Manganese 

Manganese is involved with a number of enzymes that control metabolism, connective tissue maintenance, and the Krebs cycle. If deficient, we see glucose intolerance. Some of the best foods to keep manganese at a healthy level in the body are fruits, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, pecans, peanuts, pineapples, avocado, and hazelnuts. 

Potassium 

The nervous and muscle system strongly rely on potassium. Without proper potassium levels, the body will suffer from hypertension, heart arrhythmias, and muscle weakness. To increase potassium levels in the body, vegetable juice, citrus juice, and bananas will help. 

Selenium 

One of the main reasons we need selenium is to activate glutathione peroxidase. Mainly, we need this to activate the enzymes that protect our cells from oxidative damage. 

Vanadium 

This metal is in the liver and bone. It is shown that this lowers cholesterol synthesis and may also lower triglycerides. A great way to include this metal in your diet is by eating parsley, black pepper, dill, and mushrooms. 

Zinc

Zinc is incredibly important as it activates the cofactors for DNA/RNA polymerase. Additionally, it helps with healing cuts and skin disorders. Zinc is essential for normal immune function as well. 

Toxic Metals
Aluminum 

Aluminum can cause impaired memory, convulsions, and characteristics of EEG changes. Aluminum is found in many items consumers use daily. These products include antiperspirants, soda cans, baking soda, and toothpaste. There are many aluminum-free deodorants on the market that patients can switch to. 

Arsenic

 Arsenic has been linked to vascular disease and certain cancers that appear in the skin, bladder, and lungs. Unfortunately, arsenic is found in contaminated water supplies, paint, wood preservatives like outdoor decks, and playground equipment. 

Cadmium 

This metal competes with zinc down at the cellular level and impacts binding sites. This negatively affects the body as it causes a loss in enzyme activity. If an individual is exposed to cadmium for long-term exposure, we see damage to the kidneys. Common symptoms patients complain of are hypertension, femoral pain, and osteopenia. Individuals can be exposed if they are around engine exhaust emissions, canned evaporated milk, cigarette smoke, and paint pigments. A great way to combat exposure is to increase dietary fiber and eat items like beans, cooked vegetables, oatmeal. 

Lead 

If an individual has lead toxicity they experience pain in extremities due to axonal degeneration. Lead affects the inhibiting factor on enzymes in the biosynthesis pathway. Patients also report having kidney damage and nausea. Additionally, lead toxicity commonly affects sensory, visual, and auditory functions. This is due to the fact that it negatively impacts the nervous system. One thing patients can do is increase dietary calcium to help lower the amount of lead absorbed through the intestines. Lead can be found in newsprint, tea, art supplies, bullets, soils, balance weights, and drinking water from lead plumbing. 

Mercury 

Mercury has a tendency to form very stable bonds with amino acids. This makes it hard to detox from the body. One of the most important protective agents is dietary selenium. If someone has high mercury levels we typically see them have emotional disturbance and a lack of mental concentration. 

As one can see, there are many metals that benefit the human body and are essential for proper cellular function. However, we can also see that there are metals that can cause many problems. We are able to offer toxic metal testing to see the levels of these metals in your system. From here, we can provide a one-on-one plan to help your body safely detox. 

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