Tag: genetics

Sciatica Causes: Genetics, Low Back Problems, Piriformis, Arthritis

Sciatica Causes: The sciatic nerve forms by the union of Lumbar4 to Sacral31 nerve roots and exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen, below…

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CKD genetics

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hypertension genetics
The Genetic and Preventive Approach to Stop Hypertension and Kidney Disease

The previously published clinical guidelines to treat cardiovascular disease (CVD) were precisely approaches to treat this condition. Nowadays, the American Heart Association (AHA) and KDOQi…

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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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Slow Down The Aging Brain

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. 

Normal Aging vs Alzheimer’s 

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. 

Synapse Loss 

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. 

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-6 
TNFA 
COMT 
BDNF 

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: 

 

Lifestyle : InBody 

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. 

[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 COACH 

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Migraines: A Functional Perspective

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.  

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. 

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.

Genetics 

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.  

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. 

Nutrition 

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. 

InBody 

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.

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Antigens and Autoimmune Disease

There are over 80 different autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease is when the body is so inflamed from the inside, it begins to turn on itself and begins to attack its own cells. What the body attacks determines what autoimmune disease an individual has. Some diseases that are associated with autoimmune conditions are Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia.
Causes
There are different events and circumstances that bring on an autoimmune disease. It varies from person to person. However, it has been shown that environmental exposures are linked. Environmental exposures occur when we breathe in poor quality air and eat food that has been sprayed with pesticides and chemicals. It is referred to as an antigen overload.
Antigens
An antigen is a substance that enters the body. However, when this antigen enters the body the body reacts by producing antibodies. Similar to what happens when you get a vaccine. However, these substances that enter the body are not ones that we want a reaction to. Antigens can include things like toxins and bacteria.

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hypertension | El paso health coach
Hypertension : A Functional Approach

Part of natural healing and using functional medicine as an approach to discover the underlying reasons for health conditions involves evaluating possible causes. To find what is causing a patient’s hypertension, functional practitioners need to consider:

Magnesium deficiency 
Depressed testosterone
Bacterial infections
Viral infections
Mercury toxic exposure
Detoxification compromise
Taurine deficiency 
Fatty acid imbalance 
Kidney dysfunction 
Antioxidant insufficiency 

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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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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: 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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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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Genetics and Nutrition | El Paso Health Chiropractor Coach
Health & Wellness: Genetics and Nutrition Part 3 of 4

As previously discussed, our genes play a significant role in energy expenditure, appetite, and fat metabolism. Our genetics determine our susceptibility to obesity when exposed to an unfavorable environment. Additionally, we are also able to see how individuals will react to specific diets and exercises. We are able to use genetic testing to see a genetic profile and create a cutting-edge, scientifically backed, and effective weight loss plan for each patient. As we know, food consumption impacts our health throughout our entire life. With an unhealthy diet, turning on and off genetic risk factors, it becomes unhealthy and is a major risk factor for chronic health conditions. Nutrition-related conditions are often encountered and identified by chiropractors where musculoskeletal and inflammation is the origin.

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Health & Wellness: Diet and Nutrition Part 2 of 4

Genetic testing has come a long way and we are now able to use it in our clinic. We have the resources to send a DNA sample from our patients to be assessed in order for us to create a truly personalized wellness plan. By taking these results, we are able to recommend a diet that fits the individual best for optimal health outcomes. Additionally, we are able to provide our patients with an insight into how their body absorbs and breaks down carbohydrates, saturated fat, and the optimal amount of exercise needed to lose weight. 

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