After learning the intricacies between neuronal signaling and gastrointestinal hormonal stimulation, we now understand how they influence each other. However, we need to take into…
Thyroid function is crucial to maintain health. The balance and secretion of hormones like T3 and T4 orchestrate the metabolic process. However, a dysfunctional thyroid…
Almost one-third of a woman’s lifetime is composed of her post-menopausal years. However, to make it to that time, several rites of passage need to…
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
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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
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
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)


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
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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
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Cancer is when a group of cells begin to grow out of hand. Cellular apoptosis or cell death does not occur as frequently as needed. Some natural steps you can take to reduce your risk of cancer is to 1) control inflammation by following an anti-inflammatory diet 2) get rid of all excess toxins. Check your cleaning products and detergents for toxins that may be adding unnecessary chemicals to your body 3) continue with regular check-ups to your physician and getting blood work done when needed 4) Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.