Sleeping with a bulging disc can be challenging for the body to achieve the proper rest. And sleeping in an awkward position can add stress to the spine, making the bulge worse, which can cause tingling, numbness, pain, and digestive problems. This can disrupt the sleep cycle and prevent proper healing of the spinal injury.
Table of Contents
Sleeping With a Bulging Disc
When sleeping, most back pain occurs in the lumbar or lower back, in one of two places where the spine meets the pelvis. Around 95% of lower back herniations happen in the L4-L5 spinal segment or the L5-S1 Lumbosacral joint. Any back pain can turn into a vicious cycle of:
Sleeping with a bulging disc requires maintaining the ears, shoulders, and hips aligned to keep the spine aligned.
Sleeping on The Back
Back sleeping done correctly is the best way to sleep for the spine’s health. The important thing is to ensure the entire back is supported when sleeping. If there is a gap or space between the mattress and the back, the weight and gravity force the spine to lower in an unnatural way to fill the space. This can cause back muscle soreness, injury, and sciatica. A thin pillow, blanket, or towel can be used to fill the space, giving the spine the support it needs. Back sleepers can also benefit from a pillow or two under the knees to elevate the legs and help maintain the natural curve of the pine.
Sleeping on The Side
Side sleepers can try pulling the legs up toward the chest, and placing a pillow between the knees can provide relief when sleeping with a bulging disc. Pulling the legs up in the fetal position can relieve pressure on the discs. It is recommended to switch sides to keep the spine balanced. This helps maintain hip alignment, which helps keep the spine in a neutral position.
Sleeping On The Stomach
It is recommended to avoid sleeping on the stomach. This pulls the spine down into an unnatural curve that can cause and exacerbate back pain. For individuals that naturally stomach sleep, it is recommended to place a pillow under the hips and lower abdomen to prevent unnatural spinal positioning.
Chiropractic Relief
Utilizing the right sleeping position can provide pain relief and thorough rest. However, sleeping with a herniated disc is far from what is needed to get back to a normal healthy sleeping pattern. This depends on the location of the bulging disc, severity, and cause. A chiropractor can:
Help the individual develop an optimal sleeping routine and positioning.
Body Composition
Sleep and Growth Hormone In Children
Growth, in all ages, is primarily controlled by growth hormone. The hormone is regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitarygland which plays an important role in sleep. Growth hormone has been found:
It peaks during the beginning of deep sleep.
There are multiple smaller peaks during the other stages of sleep.
Those who have a delay at the beginning of deep sleep have delayed rises in growth hormone levels.
For children to grow they need to have proper levels of growth hormone. This means they need to have the proper amount of sleep for proper body composition. Research has found that increased levels of sleep resulted in less overall fat mass and a reduced percentage of body fat allowing their bodies to grow.
References
Al Qaraghli MI, De Jesus O. Lumbar Disc Herniation. [Updated 2021 Aug 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560878/
Desouzart, Gustavo et al. ‘Effects of Sleeping Position on Back Pain in Physically Active Seniors: A Controlled Pilot Study. 1 Jan. 2016: 235 – 240.
Kose, Gulsah et al. “The Effect of Low Back Pain on Daily Activities and Sleep Quality in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Pilot Study.” The Journal of neuroscience nursing: Journal of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses vol. 51,4 (2019): 184-189. doi:10.1097/JNN.0000000000000446
Sener, Sevgi, and Ozkan Guler. “Self-reported data on sleep quality and psychologic characteristics in patients with myofascial pain and disc displacement versus asymptomatic controls.” The International Journal of prosthodontics vol. 25,4 (2012): 348-52.
The body has trillions of cells that help maintain order for the body and make sure that it is functioning properly. The cells in the body help regulate growth development, making sure that the tissues of the muscles and organs are working and pumping blood to be circulated to each system. But when unwanted pathogens or fatal injuries damage the body and scar the tissue cells, then that is where stem cell therapy comes to the rescue. In this 2 part series, we will be giving an in-depth look at what are stem cells, where do they come from, and the type of stem cells that are associated with the body. Part 1 was taking a look at what is regenerative cellular treatment, what is regenerative medicine, a brief introduction of what are stem cells. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers that specialized in regenerative cellular therapy, we work with affiliated clinics and distributor organizations, both internationally and nationally with the services that we offer. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, in case you are uncertain here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
In part 1, it discussed what are stem cells in general terms. Stem cell research has been throughout the news and research shows that stem cell therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that can help repair damaged tissues, specifically, the heart, nerve cells, and even blood cells. Other research studies show that stem cells can provide a better understanding to professionals that specialized in stem cell therapy to develop cell-based therapies for many chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart failure, and many other chronic conditions that harm the body. Stem cells are the body’s raw material that can help generate new cells to replace the damaged ones in the body.
Where Do They Come From?
So the body has trillions of cells that make sure that the body is working properly. From infancy to seniority the body is always creating new cells and it is their job to maintain a properly functioning body. Studies show that stem cells are defined as the precursor cells that have the ability to self-renew and generate mature cell types in the body. Not only that, stem cells are derived from the prenatal tissue of expecting mothers. They are obtained from healthy, carefully screened mothers at the time of scheduled cesarean section. The consent is obtained at approximately the eighth month of pregnancy and the criteria for donation are established by the Food and Drug Administration, the Center for Disease Control, and the American Association of Tissue Banks. The criteria include a thorough medical and social screening and a complete panel of serological testing to ensure the donor is free from transmissible diseases. At the time of birth, a trained technician will be present and will collect the amniotic fluid, placenta, and umbilical cord which are then sent to the processing facility; where they will be cultured, processed and retested prior to release for clinical use.
Are Our Bodies Are A Stem Cell?
In short yes as research shows that stem cells have the ability to not only build every tissue in the human body, but they can differentiate into specific cell types that can have amazing potential for future therapeutic uses for tissue regeneration and repair to the body. The body needs those cells to heal, repair, and regenerate things when a person gets injured. However, the body also needs those cells to just maintain itself. As people continue to age and use up these resources, it becomes harder and harder for the body to fix injuries, repair itself, and even maintain itself.
Types Of Stem Cells
Since stem cells have the ability for regeneration, they actually have to display at least 2 essential characteristics in order to fall into the definition of stem cells. One is that they have to have the ability to have an unlimited amount of self-renewal to produce progeny exactly as the original cell and two is that they have to rise to a special cell type to become part of a healthy body. There are 3 types of stem cells that help the body to regenerate damaged tissue and renew the integrity of the cells. They are:
Embryonic stem cells
Adult stem cells
Mesenchymal stem cells
Embryonic Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells in the inner cell mass of a developing embryo. Studies have found that embryonic stem cells are a valuable tool for physicians that specialized in stem cell therapy treatments since it involves specialized cells and the establishment of organ structures. The beneficial properties of embryonic stem cells are that they can not only be divided into more stem cells but can be used to regenerate diseased tissues and organs that have been affected in the body.
Adult Stem Cells
Also known as somatic stem cells, adult stem cells have resided in specific tissues and possess many fundamental properties of stem cells that provide self-renewal capacity and multipotency. Studies found that even though adult cells are primitive cells, they are connected to supporting cells that help protect the body from external harmful stimuli and are kept quiescent until an appropriate activating signal arrives. Some of the beneficial properties that adult stem cells provide are that they are the safest for therapeutic utilization and can help repair damaged cartilage in the body.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells or MSC are multipotent stromal cells that are in the body that can transform into a variety of cells that can help with any procedures that are dealing with injuries to the body. MSC is found in perinatal tissues that don’t elicit a T cell response and research shows that MSC can be isolated from various tissues like adipose tissue, bone marrow, and menstrual blood that has the ability to renew and exhibit multilineage differentiation to the body. Another study showed that MSC can produce an abundance of useful growth factors and cytokines, while also having the ability to repair endogenous tissue in the body since it can clearly diminish with age. Not only that but MSC does not trigger an immune response and is tolerated by the body’s immune system. Studies show that MSC is the ideal cell source for tissue regeneration in the body since its immunological properties are anti-inflammatory and can contribute to their role as immune tolerant agents. Since there are many functions that MSC can provide for the body, the four most important functions that they can control are:
All in all, stem cells have many beneficial properties that can help the body repair and regenerate damaged cells, tissues, and organs. Through the usage of stem cell therapy by high professional specialists, stem cells can recover the body naturally and heal it over time from chronic illness or injuries. When the body goes through trauma from an injury or unwanted pathogens develop into chronic illnesses over time, stem cells can help by replacing the damaged cells. It is equally
important in regenerative medicine therapies that growth factors, cytokines, structural proteins, chemokines, and other components are needed to regenerate the body and support this entire process. Without stem cell therapy, there will be no fixing the problem, and surgery is the only option, thus inflicting more damage that further depletes the body’s own regenerative resources.
References
Biehl, Jesse K, and Brenda Russell. “Introduction to Stem Cell Therapy.” The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2009, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4104807/.
Chagastelles, Pedro C, and Nance B Nardi. “Biology of Stem Cells: An Overview.” Kidney International Supplements, Nature Publishing Group, Sept. 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4089750/.
Ding, Dah-Ching, et al. “Mesenchymal Stem Cells.” Cell Transplantation, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21396235/.
Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on the Biological and Biomedical Applications of Stem Cell Research, National Research Council (US). “Embryonic Stem Cells.” Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Jan. 1970, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223690/.
Montagnani, Stefania, et al. “Adult Stem Cells in Tissue Maintenance and Regeneration.” Stem Cells International, Hindawi Publishing Corporation, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4754501/.
Pittenger, Mark F, et al. “Mesenchymal Stem Cell Perspective: Cell Biology to Clinical Progress.” NPJ Regenerative Medicine, Nature Publishing Group UK, 2 Dec. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6889290/.
Vazin, Tandis, and William J Freed. “Human Embryonic Stem Cells: Derivation, Culture, and Differentiation: A Review.” Restorative Neurology and Neuroscience, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2010, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2973558/.
In today’s modern medicine, there are many ways that are beneficial for the body through therapy. From chiropractic care through hormone therapy, regenerative cellular therapy has been making itself known in the last few years. The body is known for making sure that everything is working properly and that each of the systems inside are doing their jobs correctly. When the body is injured from acute injuries or from chronic illness, therapy can help alleviate the symptoms that are causing the individual pain and can relieve the symptoms after each session. In this 2 part series, we will be taking a look into what is regenerative cellular treatment, what is regenerative medicine, and what are stem cells. Part 2 will be discussing more about stem cells, and the types of stem cells that are associated within our bodies. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers that specialized in regenerative cellular therapy, we work with affiliated clinics and distributor organizations, both internationally and nationally with the services that we offer. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, in case you are uncertain here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
From the ablest individuals to older individuals, many clinicians continue to search for ways to control pain and accelerate the healing process. Regenerative cellular treatment is defined as the process of replacing and regenerating cells, tissues, or organs to be established in a normal function. By utilizing various regenerative medicine therapies have proven to have many profound benefits; not the least of which includes overall superior outcomes. Studies have shown that regenerative cellular treatment has been represented as a valuable tool to help cure conditions from both acute injuries and chronic diseases that the body has suffered.
Dawning on the horizon of medical advancements these therapies hold the strong healing potential whose benefits have the power to span disciplines as diverse as hair restoration and orthopedics. Other research studies show that when the rise of chronic diseases and the associated process of degenerative tissue was becoming evident, the development of regenerative cellular treatment was starting to form. Regenerative cellular treatment can help the body by doing the following:
Dampening the effects of congenital defects
Improve tissue function
Restore the whole organ
Repair cellular activity in the body
What is Regenerative Medicine?
So regenerative medicine is a form of tissue engineering and molecular biology that deals with “the process of replacing, engineering or regenerating human cells, tissues or organs to restore or establish
normal function.” When the body has been injured or has been invaded by chronic diseases, it will have an innate response to heal and defend. Studies show that with the use of regenerative medicines, the damaged organs and tissues will begin to heal and normalize the congenital effects of the body.
By harnessing and enhancing the body’s own regenerative powers is a medical practice at the frontier of present-day advancements whose properties can seem miraculous to those who benefit from them. The miracle, however, is the result of scientific exploration that has begun to unlock and utilize the body’s extraordinary ability to heal and restore itself. Other studies show that through the usage of cell and tissue therapy in regenerative medicine can even help dampen the effects of certain chronic disease dysfunctions like:
Stem cells are the body’s own raw material that all other cells with special functions are generated. Research shows that stem cells are grown in a lab and can provide many beneficial properties from being implanted into the injured individual. Stem cells can help with the repair response of any tissue that has been either diseased or dysfunctional. Stem cell therapy is also known as regenerative medicine and there are currently two different ways that people are getting regenerative treatments in the United States. Autologous, which means it comes directly from the patient being treated and allogeneic which is that the product is donated from a donor of the same species (in this case another human). By utilizing stem cells through therapy, the body can begin the healing process and can dampen the effects of a number of degenerative diseases that are causing harm to a person. If a person has depleted their regenerative properties and their bodies do not have enough to handle the problems, then introducing stem cells to the body, can dampen the degenerative effects from progressing further.
Conclusion
As a result, the body will always go through a process of degeneration since cells and hormone levels always decline naturally due to age. When a body is young and full of energy, they have enough resources to regenerate their cells but as the body gets older with age, the degeneration will take over and the individual will begin to notice that their body is not healing quickly as it should be. By using regenerative cellular treatment, the body can being the process of restoring and repairing the damaged cells in the body. Thus the individual can being their wellness journey and their bodies can function normally as well as continue living life to the fullest.
References
Colombo, Federica, et al. “Regenerative Medicine: Clinical Applications and Future Perspectives.” Journal of Microscopy and Ultrastructure, Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd, 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6014261/.
Jacques, Erik, and Erik J Suuronen. “The Progression of Regenerative Medicine and Its Impact on Therapy Translation.” Clinical and Translational Science, John Wiley and Sons Inc., May 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7214652/.
Mao, Angelo S, and David J Mooney. “Regenerative Medicine: Current Therapies and Future Directions.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, National Academy of Sciences, 24 Nov. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4664309/.
Sánchez, Ana, et al. “Cell and Tissue Therapy in Regenerative Medicine.” Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2012, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22457105/.
Young woman in consultation with a physical therapist at medical office. X-ray of the cervical spine at the monitor. Concept of treatment of back pain
Flexibility and range of motion are essential elements for an individual’s overall health, physical fitness, and quality of life. Healthy flexibility helps the body:
Maintain a physically active lifestyle.
Maintain strength.
Improve endurance.
Prevent injury.
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Flexibility and Range of Motion
Joint stiffness and pain can make it challenging to engage in everyday activities and maintain mobile, physical, emotional, and internal health. To keep the body flexible and moving, individuals need to use their entire body and range of movement. Becoming sedentary affects the body’s flexibility, leading to slowed/blocked blood circulation, nerve energy signal disruption, and sickness. To improve flexibility and range of motion, it is recommended to include:
Stretching the body
Regular exercise and physical activity
Yoga
Healthy diet
Healthy weight
Proper sleep
For individuals with stiffened muscles and joints, chiropractic medicine can increase the body’s flexibility, improving the range of motion in the joints. Chiropractic optimizes the function of the joints, improving mobility with less pain. When living with arthritis, chiropractic is an excellent therapy to decrease pain and activate the body’s natural healing abilities. Chiropractic adjustments align the spine and improve nervous system function.
Nerve Pressure
Nerve pressure can cause pain or tingling sensations that can become difficult to manage. A shifted misaligned spine can compress nerve endings, causing pain that presents with or without movement. Getting the body in motion and moving around is essential to treat stiffness and joint pain. The objective of chiropractic is to align the spine and body and relieve pressure on the nerves helping the body gain back its flexibility and range of motion. Once the body is adjusted, the nerve endings are no longer irritated, relieving the pain. Chiropractic uses various techniques to deal with areas of compression, including stretching, percussive massage, low-laser therapy, ultrasound, and strengthening exercises.
Chiropractic adjustments relieve pain and improve mobility.
Strengthening exercises to keep the spine in proper alignment.
Exercising keeps the adjustments in place.
A careful assessment of the condition will determine the cause of stiffness and joint immobility. Chiropractic can treat the joints, bones, and muscles to improve flexibility manage muscle spasms and soft tissue tenderness to alleviate symptoms restoring and improving range of motion. Chiropractic adjustments are combined with therapeutically designed stretches and exercises to perform at home, along with an anti-inflammation diet and supplements.
Body Composition
Zinc
Zinc is an essential nutrient that provides overall immune function. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps prevent and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation responses. Various bodily chemical reactions require Zinc. Zinc is necessary for muscle protein synthesisand hormone regulation. Zinc deficiency is common in older individuals and has been connected with degenerative diseases that include:
Green, S et al. “Physiotherapy interventions for shoulder pain.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2003,2 (2003): CD004258. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD004258
Hartvigsen, Jan et al. “What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention.” Lancet (London, England) vol. 391,10137 (2018): 2356-2367. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30480-X
Kavuncu, Vural, and Deniz Evcik. “Physiotherapy in rheumatoid arthritis.” MedGenMed: Medscape general medicine vol. 6,2 3. 17 May. 2004
Page, Carolyn J et al. “Physiotherapy management of knee osteoarthritis.” International journal of rheumatic diseases vol. 14,2 (2011): 145-51. doi:10.1111/j.1756-185X.2011.01612.x
Wessels, Inga et al. “Zinc as a Gatekeeper of Immune Function.” Nutrients vol. 9,12 1286. 25 Nov. 2017, doi:10.3390/nu9121286
People at rehabilitation center, woman talking with female rehabilitologist, men training on background. Concept of physical therapy for health and recovery. Consultation before training
Today, more than ever, individuals are less physically active and sitting down for more extended periods causing the gluteus muscles to be used less and weaken. Weak, inactive, or tightening glutes can cause instability in the lower spine, the hips, and the pelvis to shift out of alignment. This leads to low back and buttock pain. The pain is constantly dull, aching, pulsating, then when moving, getting up, it throbs and stings. Gluteal strengthening exercises can strengthen the muscles and alleviate the pain.
Table of Contents
Gluteal Strengthening
Every individual has a unique physiology. The body develops asymmetrically as the individual favors one side or area of the body over another. This can cause imbalances in the muscular system, leading to awkward positioning that causes pain. The muscle groups that support the lower back consist of the:
Core muscles
The gluteal muscle group includes:
Gluteus Maximus
Gluteus medius
Gluteus minimus
Pelvis muscles
Hamstrings
Quadriceps
In some cases, the development or lack of level of an individual’s upper back strength can also affect the amount of strain on the lower back.
Gluteal Strengthening Difference
Many joints connect in this area that can have functional problems. The muscles within the lower back need:
Stretching allows the body to enhance the limits of its flexibility and mobility. Most of the stretches are involve the hip joint, as this is one of the most effective ways to loosen the gluteal regions. It’s essential to warm the muscles slightly with a light activity while stretching them to elongate naturally.
Seated Figure 4 Stretch
Sitting in a chair.
Cross the right leg over the left.
With the right ankle resting on the left knee.
It should resemble the number 4.
Bend forward at the hip, placing slight pressure onto the left leg.
Hold this stretch for ten-twenty seconds.
Stretch the other side.
Placing the left foot on the right knee.
Repeat this three times.
Downward Dog
This yoga pose engages all the muscles along the back. With the glutes at the top in this position, it forces them to activate, allowing them to stretch fully.
Hold this pose and focus the attention on the glutes.
Squats naturally engage the glutes. This is a variation on a squat that focuses on developing gluteal strength.
Stand with the back facing the wall.
Place a Swiss stability ball between the wall and the back.
Lean back into the ball for balance.
Lower the torso until the knees reach 90 degrees.
Return to standing.
Repeat for ten reps.
Do three sets.
Body Composition
Analysis An Effective Tool
Opportunities to increase physical activity lead individuals in a positive direction. The most common reason for reducing and stopping healthy changes is a lack of motivation and feedback. Strategies that provide immediate feedback are essential to:
Monitor progress for establishing a baseline.
Set appropriate and attainable goals.
Track changes over time.
Ensure success.
Monitoring changes with a simple weight scale or Body Mass Index calculator provides limited ability to accurately track changes that only highlight weight changes and not track progress in muscle gain or fat loss. In less than 45 seconds, the InBody Test provides doctors, trainers, and physical therapists with easy-to-understand, accurate and objective measurements to evaluate body composition that includes:
Assessing muscle distribution.
Target areas weakened by condition or injury.
Identify muscle and fat imbalances in each area of the body.
Monitor changes to determine the efficacy of the treatment plan, exercise program, and diet plan to ensure long-term success.
References
Akuthota, Venu et al. “Core stability exercise principles.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 7,1 (2008): 39-44. doi:10.1097/01.CSMR.0000308663.13278.69
Distefano, Lindsay J et al. “Gluteal muscle activation during common therapeutic exercises.” The Journal of orthopedic and sports physical therapy vol. 39,7 (2009): 532-40. doi:10.2519/jospt.2009.2796
Glaviano, Neal R et al. “Gluteal muscle inhibition: Consequences of patellofemoral pain?.” Medical hypotheses vol. 126 (2019): 9-14. doi:10.1016/j.mehy.2019.02.046
Jeong, Ui-Cheol et al. “The effects of gluteus muscle strengthening exercise and lumbar stabilization exercise on lumbar muscle strength and balance in chronic low back pain patients.” Journal of physical therapy science vol. 27,12 (2015): 3813-6. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.3813
Macadam, Paul et al. “AN EXAMINATION OF THE GLUTEAL MUSCLE ACTIVITY ASSOCIATED WITH DYNAMIC HIP ABDUCTION AND HIP EXTERNAL ROTATION EXERCISE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.” International Journal of sports physical therapy vol. 10,5 (2015): 573-91.
The endocrine system is where all the hormones are being secreted throughout the entire body. These hormones then travel through the bloodstream to head to their proper locations, whether it is the organs, the brain, the muscles, or the joints, hormones help the body to function normally and that each system is doing its jobs correctly. When there are disruptors or pathogens that can enter the body and affect the hormone levels signal, it can cause a variety of issues and cause the body to develop chronic illness and be dysfunctional. In this 2 part series, we will be taking a look at what are endocrine disruptors and how they affect the body as well as how estrogen is metabolized in the body. Part 2 will be taking a look at estrogen, its two pathways for detoxification, and strategies to detox the body from endocrine disruptors. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialized in hormone wellness services. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, in case you are uncertain here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
An endocrine disruptor is an exogenous substance or mixture that can alter functions of the endocrine system and consequently causes adverse health effects in an intact organism, its progeny, or sub-populations. Studies show that endocrine disruptors are made from both natural and man-made chemicals that can either mimic or even interfere with the body’s hormones. In February 2013, UNEP and WHO released the report State of the Science of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals – 2012 which identifies concerns, including evidence in humans, laboratory animals, and wildlife that exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals can result in adverse effects and highlighted that an important focus should be on reducing exposure to these chemicals.
Since endocrine disruptors can be found in everyday products like plastic bottles, containers, and other items, they are slower to break down when they are in the environment, and over time they can be extremely hazardous causing potential health problems in individuals. With these chemicals or factors, they can cause changes in DNA methylation which not only result in changes in estrogen receptor reactivity but also produce a higher ratio of the 4 and 16 hydroxylated estrogen derivatives that are more genotoxic to the body.
Endocrine Disruptors & Fertility
When the body has been exposed to endocrine disruptors, it can actually affect the fertility rate for both males and females. When endocrine disruptors affect fertility production, the effects on reproduction correlate with altered DNA methylation patterns in the germline. The ability of an environmental factor like endocrine disruptors can reprogram the germline and promote a transgenerational disease state has significant implications for evolutionary biology and disease etiology. Studies show that when females are exposed to endocrine disruptors it can cause infertility, improper hormone production, and menstrual cycle abnormalities. For males, however, studies show that endocrine disruptors can mimic endogenous hormones in the male body causing a low sperm count and potential transgenerational effects.
Another study has found that the exposure of endocrine disruptors on both male and female fertility during the critical preconception period can affect the reproductive hormones and the embryo characteristics. This means that endocrine disruptors can affect both males’ and females’ fertility rates and can affect the embryos.
Endocrine Disruptors & Insulin Resistance
Since insulin resistance is decreased tissue response to the insulin-mediated cellular action, endocrine disruptors can cause an effect on the insulin levels in the body. Studies have found that when there is early exposure to endocrine disruptors, it can cause many metabolic changes that can alter the glucose metabolism and even increased pancreatic secretion and insulin resistance. Other studies even showed that most endocrine can imitate estrogen and beta cells in insulin-sensitive tissues that can generate pregnancy-like metabolic states that are characterized by insulin resistance and even hyperinsulinemia.
The Metabolism of Estrogen
The female body has two hormones that make sure that everything is working properly. There are estrogen and progesterone and these two hormones not only help the reproductive system but also help control the metabolism, heart rate, and puberty. Studies show that when there are unused estrogen hormones in the body, it is metabolized through the liver. It goes through two phases, phase 1 and phase 2 pathways that allow estrogen to be detoxified and excreted from the body. This will allow the 2-OH and the 4-OH estrogen metabolites to go through a further detoxified process known as methylation. Methylation is a form of alkylation with a methyl group that can regulate gene expression and RNA processing for the body. So the hormone estrogen goes through this process so that way the body can function normally and even make sure that the hormone levels are regulated.
Conclusion
All in all, the body needs a functional system to provide the individual with optimal wellness. When there are disruptors that are affecting the body, it can cause unwanted pathogens to enter the body and cause the hormone signals to be dysfunctional. When this happens, the hormone signals can either underproduce or overproduce, causing chronic illnesses to develop over time and cause the individual pain. By changing a person’s lifestyle, the body can begin to heal and regulate the hormone signal properly.
Alonso-Magdalena, Paloma, et al. “Endocrine Disruptors in the Etiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.” Nature Reviews. Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 5 Apr. 2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21467970/.
Green, Mark P, et al. “Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: Impacts on Human Fertility and Fecundity during the Peri-Conception Period.” Environmental Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Dec. 2020, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33385395/.
Rattan, Saniya, et al. “Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors during Adulthood: Consequences for Female Fertility.” The Journal of Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, June 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5479690/.
Rotondo, Eleonora, and Francesco Chiarelli. “Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Insulin Resistance in Children.” Biomedicines, MDPI, 28 May 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7344713/.
Sharma, Aditi, et al. “Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals and Male Reproductive Health.” Reproductive Medicine and Biology, John Wiley and Sons Inc., 14 Apr. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7360961/.
Sometimes the bones or vertebrae of the spine can crack and collapse under their weight. This is known as a compression fracture, vertebral compression fracture, or VCF. There are almost 1 million compression fractures every year, usually because the bones become weakened and crack under the weight of the vertebrae above them. These fractures can cause spinal weakness affect posture and the ability to stand up straight. They are often the cause for individuals to hunch over, also called kyphosis.
Table of Contents
Compression Fracture
Compression fractures are small breaks or cracks in the vertebrae. The breaks occur in the vertebral body, the thick rounded part on the front of each vertebra. These fractures cause the spine to weaken and collapse. With time, these fractures affect posture as the spine curves forward. The fractures are often found in the middle/thoracic spine in the lower area. They often result from osteoporosis but can also happen after a trauma like an automobile accident, work, sports injury, or a tumor on the spine.
Symptoms
Compression fracture symptoms range from mild to severe or no symptoms. Many individuals can stand or walk without pain. They are often discovered when X-rays are taken for another condition. Symptoms include:
Back pain can come on suddenly and last for a significant time, often diagnosed as chronic back pain.
It usually develops between the shoulders and the lower back.
The pain and discomfort decrease when lying down and worsen when standing or walking.
Decreased mobility or flexibility in the spine. Individuals are unable to twist or bend.
Hunched over appearance, known as dowager’s hump or hunchback.
Loss of height from the vertebrae compression and the spine curving.
Pinched nerves
Nerve damage can cause tingling, numbness, and difficulty walking.
Loss of bladder or bowel control with severe, untreated fractures.
Individuals At Risk
Individuals who have had a compression fracture are more likely to have another one.
Women over 50 have a higher risk due to osteoporosis.
With age, the risk increases for men and women.
Diagnosis
A doctor will perform an examination and ask about symptoms. The exam will include:
Checking spinal alignment.
Posture analysis.
Gently palpates different areas of the back to identify the source of pain.
Examine for signs of nerve damage that include numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.
A doctor will order imaging studies to examine the backbones, muscles, and soft tissues. Imaging studies include:
CT scan, X-ray, or MRI of the spine.
DEXA scan is a type of X-ray that measures bone loss bone density.
A myelogram is a procedure used along with imaging studies. A contrast dye is injected into the spine before the scan making the images easier to see.
Compression fracture treatment focuses on relieving pain, stabilizing the vertebrae, and ongoing fracture prevention. Treatment depends on the severity of the fracture and the individual’s overall health. Treatment can include:
Pain Medication
A doctor can recommend over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication.
A doctor may prescribe muscle relaxers or prescription medication.
Follow instructions carefully when taking medications.
Back Brace
A special type of back brace helps to support the vertebrae.
The brace can also relieve pain by reducing how much the spine moves.
Strengthening Meds
Medications known as bisphosphonates can help slow down bone loss, stabilize the bones and prevent fractures.
This minimally invasive procedure relieves pain, stabilizes the bones, and improves mobility.
During vertebroplasty, the doctor inserts a needle in the vertebra and injects bone cement.
During kyphoplasty, the doctor inserts an inflatable device that they fill with cement.
Both are outpatient procedures allowing the individual to go home the same day.
Individuals over 65 or that have osteoporosis or a history of cancer are recommended to see their doctor. Individuals who present with sudden back pain that doesn’t get better after a day or two are advised to see a doctor and evaluate for back pain so the doctor can determine the cause and develop a treatment plan.
Body Composition
Vitamin D To Build Muscle
Skeletal Muscle Mass decreases as the body ages, primarily due to decreased physical activity. Vitamin D has been reported to influence muscle quality. This could be helpful for adults as they age. Muscle loss diminishes functional performance on activities that require strength and coordination. When this loss of muscle mass becomes significant, it becomes a condition known as sarcopenia. Treatments include:
Bischoff-Ferrari, H A et al. “Vitamin D receptor expression in human muscle tissue decreases with age.” Journal of bone and mineral research: the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research vol. 19,2 (2004): 265-9. doi:10.1359/jbmr.2004.19.2.265
Donnally III CJ, DiPompeo CM, Varacallo M. Vertebral Compression Fractures. [Updated 2021 Nov 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448171/
Hassan-Smith, Zaki K et al. “25-hydroxyvitamin D3, and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 exert distinct effects on human skeletal muscle function and gene expression.” PloS one vol. 12,2 e0170665. 15 Feb. 2017, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0170665
McCarthy, Jason, and Amy Davis. “Diagnosis and Management of Vertebral Compression Fractures.” American family physician vol. 94,1 (2016): 44-50.
The body can function normally when everything from the organ system, the brain system, and even down to the cellular activity is performing correctly and making sure that nothing goes wrong. However, certain events and unwanted pathogens can disrupt the body’s function and over time can develop into chronic illnesses. All is not lost though as there are many functional, holistic therapies that can aid the body and can alleviate symptoms caused by chronic illness. One of the functional therapies is peptide therapy and this kind of therapy can help in the endocrine restoration in the body and can help dampen the effects of chronic issues in the body system. In this 2 part series, we will be discussing what is peptide therapy and the different amino acids that help the body function normally. Part 1 explained how the endocrine system and the body’s metabolism work together, what is metaflammation and its symptoms, and how peptides play their role in the body. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialized in hormone wellness services. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, in case you are uncertain here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
So peptide therapy is one of the many functional therapies that can help alleviate chronic symptoms that the body has encountered. Studies have shown that therapeutic peptides are naturally occurring short amino acids chains that bind to specific cell surface receptors and can trigger intracellular pathways in the body. Since peptides are considered the smaller versions of proteins, both proteins and peptides are amino acids and many individuals often confuse the two. With peptide therapy though, research shows that bioactive peptides are actively involved and contribute to human health through different biological functions that the body needs.
The Benefits Of Peptide Therapy
There are many benefits to peptide therapy and some of the novel strategies that it provides are beneficial for one’s health. By allowing the modulation of pharmacokinetic properties, peptide therapy can target specificity through amino acid or backbone modification and incorporate non‐natural amino acids into polymers. With this conjugation of moieties, it can help the peptides extend half‐life or improve solubility by 30% in clinical trials. Peptide therapy can help improve the body with both nanocarrier and liposomal technology by improving cell penetration with novel formulation strategies to reduce injection frequency. This will target class B receptors by being transdermal and can improve stability to the body’s cellular structure.
The environment and landscape are quickly unfolding to embrace peptides as a mainstay in therapeutic options for acute and chronic conditions that are presented in the body. The many beneficial properties that peptide therapy has provided include:
Dampening pathological inflammation, brain, and other organs
Surprisingly peptides can help support the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis and hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal (HPG) axis signaling. Studies show that when there is a large group of peptides, it can serve as both regular hormones and neurotransmitters that are being secreted into the bloodstream by the endocrine cells and can be beneficial to hormone replacement therapy. Peptide therapy can help with decreasing the effects of stress on the HPA axis, improve sex hormonal levels, support HGH levels, improve the melanocortin binding, and help support harmonious metabolic signaling to the body.
Different Amino Acid Chains In Peptide Therapy
The body has many amino acids that help make sure that everything is working properly. Research shows that amino acids are not just cellular signaling molecules that are roaming in the body, but they also help regulate gene expression while providing the optimal balance and circulation for whole-body homeostasis. Not only that but amino acids provide very important and beneficial functions in both nutrition and health. Some of the amino acids that peptide therapy provides include:
Sermorelin
Ipamorelin
Kisspeptin
GHK-Cu
MOTS-c
Sermorelin
Sermorelin is the synthetic version of GHRH and contains 29 amino acids that help stimulate the pituitary to release HGH. Approved in 1991 by FDA for treatment of GH deficiency in children, studies have shown that sermorelin can help shorter children that have delayed bone and hormone growth. Not only that but sermorelin can increase IGF‐1 in the blood and can enhance the overall health and wellbeing of individuals.
Sermorelin Benefits
Sermorelin has many beneficial properties as it has long-term effectiveness in aging management and has a minimum of 6 months of a treatment protocol. Sermorelin can be used indefinitely and the general results from using sermorelin within the few months have shown:
Decreased inflammation – less muscle/joint aches, pain
Ipamorelin
Ipamorelin is a pentapeptide that helps display high GH releasing potency and efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Studies have found that ipamorelin doesn’t release ACTH or raise hormones of concern including cortisol, prolactin, or ghrelin in the body since it is a selective agonist of ghrelin/Growth hormone secretagogue receptor. With the combination of CJC‐1295, which is a GHRH amplifier, ipamorelin is a GHRP inducer, this can help improve the strength of GH pulse and increase the numbers of GH
secreting cells (somatotrophs). Plus ipamorelin has been frequently used in ergogenic and weight management protocols, which is used concurrently to improve energy levels in the body.
Ipamorelin Benefits
Some of the beneficial properties that ipamorelin has provided for the body include:
Being the 1st to be discovered in 1996 as a metastasis inhibitor in melanoma cell lines, kisspeptin is an endogenous 54 amino acid that is derived from the KISS1 gene. Studies have found that kisspeptin and its receptors can express neurons to the hypothalamus and this is very important in hypothalamic regulatory circuits since it involves reproductive homeostasis to the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐gonadal axis. Kisspeptin can directly stimulate the gonadotropin‐releasing hormone release via G protein‐coupled receptor 54 and this is a critical role in the onset of puberty of young teens as it helps:
Since stress is reported to inhibit the reproductive function by suppressing GnRH release, reduced kisspeptin expression has been reported to lowering:
There have also been reports that there was an increase in circulating kisspeptin and enhanced limbic
brain activity, specifically in response to sexual and couple‐bonding stimuli in the body. Some of the benefits from kisspeptin’s enhancement of limbic brain structures can correlate with the psychometric measures of:
Feeling rewarded
Increased drive
Mood improvement
Sexual desire
GHK-Cu
GHK (glycyl‐L‐histidyl‐L‐lysine) + Cu (Copper peptide) creates GHK-Cu and this peptide is very important in antioxidant defense. Since 1973, research shows that GHK-Cu has had multiple biological actions that are positive for a healthy body. With its anti-inflammatory effects, it can provide the body with:
There are many benefits when the body is exposed to GHK-Cu, it can help promote the survival of epidermal basal stem cells, decrease skin thinning, and can protect the skin with UV protection. Another thing that GHK-Cu can even help with is estrogen deficiency that follows menopause results in atrophic
skin changes and improves skin aging. Other beneficial factors that GHK-Cu provide are:
MOTS-c is a mitochondrial‐derived protein (MDP) and this peptide helps preserve the mitochondrial function and cell viability under stress. This peptide’s key role in cellular stress response helps target metaflammation, metabolic signaling issues, and anti‐aging. MOTS-c can help the body by increasing the intracellular NAD+ levels and can effectively be mediated by SIRT1. Sadly though MOTS‐c levels decline with age, just like how hormones can also naturally decline with age as well. With its AMPK activation, it can improve insulin sensitivity by increasing glucose utilization by updating them into the muscle cells and providing fatty acid oxidation to decrease the oxidative phosphorylation in the body as well as increasing the endogenous AICAR levels too.
MOTS-c Benefit
Studies have shown that MOTS-c has beneficial properties by enhancing an individual’s physical capacity upon exercising. This means that MOTS-c can help improve the skeletal muscle insulin and even help regulate the metabolic homeostasis in the body. Other beneficial factors that MOTS-c can provide to the body include:
All in all, peptides are highly essential to the body since it helps the cellular level function normally and can provide beneficial help to other organs in the body. By using peptide therapy, the endocrine system can be restored and the hormone levels can regulate normally. Without it, the body will become dysfunctional and unwanted pathogens can enter the body and develop chronic illnesses over time to cause harm. With the right amount of exercise, a healthy diet that is beneficial to each individual, and adequate sleep, the body can start to heal from within and continue on its wellness journey.
References
Baig, Mohammad Hassen, et al. “Peptide-Based Therapeutics and Their Use for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative and Other Diseases.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy = Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 24 Apr. 2018, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29677544/.
Mirabeau, Olivier, et al. “Identification of Novel Peptide Hormones in the Human Proteome by Hidden Markov Model Screening.” Genome Research, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Mar. 2007, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1800923/.
Pickart, Loren, and Anna Margolina. “Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 7 July 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6073405/.
Prakash, A, and K L Goa. “Sermorelin: A Review of Its Use in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with Idiopathic Growth Hormone Deficiency.” BioDrugs: Clinical Immunotherapeutics, Biopharmaceuticals, and Gene Therapy, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Aug. 1999, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18031173/.
Raun, K, et al. “Ipamorelin, the First Selective Growth Hormone Secretagogue.” European Journal of Endocrinology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Nov. 1998, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9849822/.
Recio, Carlota, et al. “The Potential Therapeutic Application of Peptides and Peptidomimetics in Cardiovascular Disease.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, Frontiers Media S.A., 6 Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5216031/.
Reynolds, Joseph C, et al. “Mots-C Is an Exercise-Induced Mitochondrial-Encoded Regulator of Age-Dependent Physical Decline and Muscle Homeostasis.” Nature Communications, Nature Publishing Group UK, 20 Jan. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7817689/.
African-american trainer consulting young active woman during exercise with gymnastic bar in gym
Athletes or weekend warriors hate to be sidelined from an injury or physical limitation. This is where chiropractic medicine and physical therapy for athletes can strengthen the body for improved performance and injury prevention. Sports chiropractors and physical therapists are trained and certified professionals that have extensive knowledge of the musculoskeletal system, maintaining and rehabilitating the body. This includes:
Exercise science
Physiological factors
Nutrition
Sports psychology
Treatment techniques include:
Massage
Electrotherapy
Muscle strengthening
Water therapy
Core stability training
Sports medicine professionals include medical doctors, sports chiropractors, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and massage therapists. They are trained in:
Assessment and diagnosis
Treatment
Rehabilitation
Management
Referral
Health coaching
Injury prevention
Chiropractic physical therapists restore function and mobility, manage or alleviate pain, and return individuals to their lifestyle and athletes to their sport. They understand training demands and advise on injury prevention, relieving pain, and optimizing performance.
Table of Contents
Performance Treatment
Chiropractors and physical therapists provide:
Pre and post-surgery consultation
Pre and post-surgery treatment
Pre and post-surgery exercise programs and rehabilitation therapy
A chiropractic physical therapist will go through a series of examination routines to test and assess the body’s functionality and mobility, looking for areas of pain and weakness.
Personalized Treatment Plan
The analysis data helps to develop a customized treatment plan that looks at:
Weaknesses
Painful areas
Physical and positional demands of their specific sport.
Alleviate Pain
This is done through:
Therapeutic exercises
Manual techniques
Instrument-assisted manipulations with:
Percussive massagers
Ultrasound
Taping
Electrical stimulation
To relieve pain, restore muscle, and joint function.
Improve mobility
Stretching and strengthening exercises restore mobility.
Avoid Surgery and/or Expedite Recovery After Surgery
Effective physical therapy can eliminate the need for surgery, hasten recovery, and reduce healthcare costs.
Expedite rehabilitation and recovery post-surgery.
Prevention Techniques
Chiropractic physical therapy provides tools and exercises to maintain:
A customized chiropractic physical therapy program can help individuals return to a high level of performance from a team of professional chiropractors physical therapists. Individuals learn activities and lifestyle changes that will help prevent further injury and improve health and wellbeing.
Body Composition
Skipping Rest Days
Not listening to the body and taking time to recover can have serious consequences. When the body is not allowed to rest, recovery inflammation is not given the time to heal. This can lead to injuries, a weakened immune system, and the potential for muscle mass loss. During periods of intense stress, like an intense workout, the body’s immune system does not fully function. This means the body is compromised when fighting germs and viruses and constantly taking medications. This is why prioritizing rest is necessary. Another side effect of skipping rest days is burnout. Burnout is the feeling that anything is better than working out. It typically happens when individuals forget or choose not to take time off and rest for life outside of fitness.
References
Cullen, Michael-Flynn L et al. “Passive Recovery Strategies after Exercise: A Narrative Literature Review of the Current Evidence.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 20,7 (2021): 351-358. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000859
Levy, Emily, and Thomas Chu. “Intermittent Fasting and Its Effects on Athletic Performance: A Review.” Current sports medicine reports vol. 18,7 (2019): 266-269. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000000614
Reinke, Simon et al. “The influence of recovery and training phases on body composition, peripheral vascular function and immune system of professional soccer players.” PloS one vol. 4,3 (2009): e4910. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0004910
Resnik, Linda, and Janet K Freburger. “Health Services Research: Physical Therapy Has Arrived!.” Physical therapy vol. 95,12 (2015): 1605-7. doi:10.2522/ptj.2015.95.12.1605
Suchomel, Timothy J et al. “The Importance of Muscular Strength: Training Considerations.” Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.) vol. 48,4 (2018): 765-785. doi:10.1007/s40279-018-0862-z
The body provides many functions to make a person go through the day. From the body’s own metabolism to the endocrine system all the way to the microscopic level of cells, the body needs all of them to be functional. But when there are unwanted pathogens that are affecting the body, it can cause chronic illnesses to develop over time and cause the individual to be miserable. All is not lost as there are many ways to help dampen the effects of these chronic illnesses through the usage of peptide therapy. In this 2 part series, we will be taking a look at how the endocrine system and the body’s metabolism work together, what is metaflammation and its symptoms, and what is peptide’s role in the body. In part 2, we will be taking a look at what is peptide therapy and the different amino acids that can help the body. Peptide therapy is one of the many functional therapies that can help the body system when dealing with chronic issues that the person is dealing with. By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialized in hormone wellness services. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, in case you are uncertain here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
The body’s metabolism is a chemical process where it provides energy to all the body’s functions through nutritious food and drinks. The sum total of all the chemical reactions is driving on how a person is feeling today and creating the chemistry moving that individual towards future health. Research shows that the body’s metabolism needs to naturally regulate itself in order to meet the body’s needs and wants. When a person has an endocrine disorder it can cause their body’s metabolism to be slower and develop health problems like obesity and metabolic syndrome.
The Endocrine System and Metabolism
The endocrine system and the body’s metabolism work together to make sure that the body is doing its job properly. The endocrine system is where several organs known as glands are located all over the body and help create and secrete hormones to be bonded into the bloodstream to be transported to the various organ systems and make sure that they are doing their jobs. The endocrine system goes through a process known as homeostasis, and it can affect many of the body’s functions including the body’s metabolism. Studies have found that when there are changes in the extra- and intracellular pH in the body, it can affect the metabolic states and hormone response. When that happens, the body will go through a dysfunctional change and it can disrupt the signals over time causing inflammation or even metaflammation.
What Is Metaflammation?
Also known as “Inflammageing” and metabolism-induced inflammation, metaflammation is a chronic low‐grade inflammatory sequela that increases the aging processes and metabolic signaling issues in individuals. It can be caused by and leads to “diabesity”, which is a combination of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Studies have found that metaflammation is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state from the response of the metabolic cell to have an excess amount of nutrients that can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and increase insulin resistance in the peripheral tissues in the body. Other factors that metaflammation causes the body to be dysfunctional include:
Since inflammation is an essential part of the body, it helps the body to be protected from pathogens, promoting healing and repairing damaged tissues. But when there are chronic illnesses that help transform acute inflammation into chronic inflammation it can cause serious harm to the body. Studies have shown that metaflammation can increase the conditions of chronic diseases and can become an unfavorable condition that promotes further tissue injury in the long term. The results in co‐morbid conditions from metaflammation include:
Peptides in the body are essential for the body as they play a fundamental physiological process. Research shows that peptides are named based on the number of amino acid residues that are in the peptide sequence. The entire body needs peptides since it is a hormone and it can help transport and store small molecules into the body. Peptides are enzymatic catalysts that can help control the growth and differentiation of hormones. What they do is that peptides help coordinate motion via muscle contraction, provide mechanical support from fibrous protein, generate and transmission of nerve impulses. Peptides can also provide the immune system protection by creating antibodies to battle against unwanted pathogens that enter the body and cause chronic illnesses to develop over time.
Conclusion
By making sure that the endocrine system and the body’s metabolism are working properly and functioning normally, the body can continue to functions its systems and live longer. When there are pathogens harming the body’s system and causing chronic inflammation or illnesses, then the body will have to suffer from the effects of the pathogens. Using functional therapy, like peptide therapy for the body, can provide beneficial results to individuals that are suffering from chronic pathogens like inflammation to relieve the symptoms and continue on their wellness journey.
References
Forbes, Jessica, and Karthik Krishnamurthy. “Biochemistry, Peptide.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1 Sept. 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562260/.
Inoue, Y, and T Kaneko. “[Effects of Ph on the Endocrine System and Metabolism].” Nihon Rinsho. Japanese Journal of Clinical Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 1992, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1434002/.
Kanbay, Mehmet, et al. “A Journey from Microenvironment to Macroenvironment: The Role of Metaflammation and Epigenetic Changes in Cardiorenal Disease.” Clinical Kidney Journal, Oxford University Press, 18 Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6885688/.
Kuryłowicz, Alina, and Krzysztof Koźniewski. “Anti-Inflammatory Strategies Targeting Metaflammation in Type 2 Diabetes.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 9 May 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7249034/.
Middle age woman suffering from back pain sitting in bed at home. Health of people of mature age concept
Back pain and soreness are widespread conditions that affect all genders, races, and lifestyles. The causes for back pain are varied from injury, poor posture, arthritis, age, overuse, etc. If back pain is frequent, perhaps the last assumption is that the pain could be caused by cancer. While it’s far from the most common causes, cancer back pain is possible, which makes consulting a doctor that will figure out the root cause, especially if there are other non-related symptoms, and treat the back pain very important.
Table of Contents
Cancer Back Pain
Back pain that could be caused by cancer usually occurs with other symptoms and include:
Back pain that is not related to movement.
Pain does not get worse with activity.
Back pain usually presents at night or early in the morning and fades away or improves as the day progresses.
Back pain persists even after physical therapy or other treatments.
Changes in bowel movements or blood in urine or stool.
Unexplained, sudden weight loss.
Unexplained fatigue/exhaustion.
Weakness, tingling, or numbness in the arms or legs.
Back pain does not have to be severe to be cancer, as it can range in severity.
Having a family history of cancer and these symptoms can increase the risk.
Types of Cancer That Can Contribute To Back Pain
Types of cancer that can form around, in, and near the spine can cause back pain. These include:
Spinal Tumor
A spinal tumor can grow in the spinal bone or the membranes around the spinal cord.
The spine is a common source for bone metastasis, where cancer starts in one location and spreads to others.
Like lung cancers, some breast cancer tumors can press on nerves connected to the spine, causing discomfort and pain.
Gastrointestinal
Cancers of the stomach, colon, and rectum can cause back pain.
The pain radiates from where the cancer is to the back.
Tissue and Blood Cancers
Blood and tissue cancers like:
Multiple myeloma
Lymphoma
Melanoma
Can cause back pain.
Diagnosing Cancer and Back Pain
Medical treatments for back pain-related cancer depend on its type and how advanced it is. A doctor will consider symptoms and medical history when diagnosing possible back pain causes. Because cancer is a rare cause of back pain, a doctor may recommend various treatments before a full cancer work-up. The doctor may order imaging studies and blood testing if the pain persists after chiropractic, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications. These tests will help identify potential cancer markers causing back pain.
Treatments usually include chemotherapy and radiation to shrink a tumor.
A doctor will recommend surgery to remove a tumor.
Chiropractic
Cancer patients have found chiropractic treatment to be effective for:
Pain management.
Flexibility improvement.
Mobility improvement.
Strengthening muscles.
Helping to reduce stress.
Helping the body function more efficiently.
Chiropractic physiotherapy benefits patients undergoing chemotherapy, as it helps the body withstand the debilitating effects of the treatment based on the whole-body approach.
Body Composition
Don’t Hate Dieting
Individuals hate dieting, usually because they go about it the wrong way. Individuals do not need to starve themselves and live at the gym. Reaching quick weight loss goals might sound appealing; however, going through it for an extended time can make individuals feel:
Tired
Depressed
Unmotivated
Individuals can find a nutrition plan/exercise balance that works for them and their lifestyle. For some individuals, dieting alone is effective, but more than likely, they have increased metabolisms. Trying to lose fat by only cutting calories can be difficult for individuals with smaller metabolisms. The goal is to find a balance between diet and exercise. This does not mean having to go on an extreme diet, skip meals, or cut out entire macronutrient groups like fat or carbs, as the body needs both of these nutrients. Finding a sustainable long-term nutrition plan takes planning and support. A dietician, nutritionist, or health coach can offer a variety of nutrition and exercise plans customized to the individual.
References
Downie, Aron et al. “Red flags to screen for malignancy and fracture in patients with low back pain: a systematic review.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 347 f7095. 11 Dec. 2013, doi:10.1136/bmj.f7095
Mabry, Lance M et al. “Metastatic cancer mimicking mechanical low back pain: a case report.” The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy vol. 22,3 (2014): 162-9. doi:10.1179/2042618613Y.0000000056
Vasser, Melinda, and Matthew Koroscil. “When Back Pain Turns Deadly: An Unusual Presentation of Lung Cancer.” Respiratory medicine case reports vol. 29 101009. 28 Jan. 2020, doi:10.1016/j.rmcr.2020.101009
Verhagen, Arianne P et al. “Red flags presented in current low back pain guidelines: a review.” The European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society vol. 25,9 (2016): 2788-802. doi:10.1007/s00586-016-4684-0
There is a butterfly-shaped organ that is located at the base of the neck that plays a huge role in hormonal health and helps the secretion of hormones to each of the various organ systems and that is the thyroid. The thyroid in the body makes sure that hormone levels are regulating normally and making sure that unwanted pathogens are not disrupting the hormonal signal to cause the body to overproduce or underproduce hormones and cause hypo or hyperthyroidism. In this 3 part series, we will be taking an in-depth look at the thyroid, its functions to the body when dealing with stress, and how different supplements can benefit the thyroid. Part 1 discussed what andropause is, its symptoms to the male body, and how different supplements can dampen andropause effects on the body. Part 2 discussed what menopause is, the symptoms to the female body, and the beneficial supplements that help with menopausal symptoms.
By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialized in hormone wellness services. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, in case you are uncertain here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
As everybody knows, the thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ that is located at the base of the neck. This gland may be small but it has a huge role when it comes to supporting the body. The thyroid helps make the hormones in the body help control many vital functions that help the body to function normally. Research shows that this vital hormone gland’s major role helps with the metabolism, growth, and development of the human body. By releasing a steady amount of hormones into the bloodstream, the thyroid can help regulate many body functions and organs to make sure that everything is working properly.
However when there are unwanted pathogens that are affecting the body and disrupting the hormone signals from reaching their designated areas in the body. When this happens, these unwanted pathogens can cause the endocrine system to produce more or fewer hormones causing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism and when it is not treated, it can develop into chronic illnesses over time.
How Does Stress Affect The Thyroid?
Stress is a natural response to the body and the body needs stress to function properly. Stress is a hormone that helps the body by giving it a mini boost of energy whenever an event happens. Now stress can come in two categories: acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress is the little thing that individuals are dealing with. This can be getting interviewed for a job to studying for a big test. Chronic stress, however, is long-termed stress that is prolonged in the body and a person can not relax. When this happens it can lead to chronic illness. When there is an increased cortisol level that inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 and favors conversion to rT3 secondary to diversion of tyrosine to cortisol production vs. thyroid hormone production.
Where there is an increased level of oxidative stress, the rT3 decreases cellular energy production in the body and it can increase in T3, reversing thyroid production. Studies have shown that when stress starts to directly or indirectly go through the nervous system and the endocrine system, it can affect the immune system. Not only that but stress can be one of the factors that can cause thyroid autoimmunity.
The Metabolic Effects On The Thyroid
Stress is not the only effect that can happen to the thyroid. There can also be metabolic factors that can affect the thyroid. When the serum T3 and T4 are in range, TSH is slightly elevated and it can become largely undiagnosed. However, it is becoming more recognized as the stems from the thyroid can have the inability of target cells to convert T4 to T3 or increased RT3 production. Other metabolic factors that can cause an effect on the thyroid include:
Decreases metabolism of fats and increases serum lipids.
Decreases the availability of cardioprotective essential fatty acids.
Inadequate T3 lowers oxygen consumption, contributes to lipids peroxidation and free radical damage.
Subclinical hypothyroidism – an independent risk factor in atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction
Supplements For The Thyroid
All is not lost since there are supplements that promote thyroid health. Studies have shown that there are micronutrients and supplements that can help the thyroid from getting autoimmunity and can be beneficial for thyroid disease management. Some of the supplements that are beneficial to thyroid health are:
Chromium
Selenium
Bladderwrack
Coleus
Ashwagandha
Chromium
Chromium is an essential micronutrient that helps support thyroid function by improving T4‐T3
conversion and even helps support balanced blood glucose and insulin levels. Chromium is also an insulin receptor activation, which means that it can increase insulin-dependent GLUT‐4 levels in the body. Diets that are high in simple sugars and is comprising more than 35% of calories, can increase chromium excretion in the urine. This means that overweight/obese individuals have reported low in chromium (20‐40% lower than healthy) and take about 600‐1,500 mcg daily chromium GTF.
Chromium Benefits
There are benefits for individuals that take chromium in supplemental form as studies show that the effects of chromium supplements can help improve metabolic syndrome and even type 2 diabetes in individuals. Other beneficial properties from taking chromium include:
Selenium is an antioxidant that not only helps support immunity but is also a cofactor in the conversion of T4 to T3. The thyroid gland has the highest concentration of selenium per gram of organ tissue which helps converted into selenoproteins. There have been reports that selenium is effective in supporting autoimmune thyroiditis.
Selenium Benefits
Research shows that there are beneficial properties that selenium provides to the body. Since selenium is a micronutrient that is highly essential, it helps the body by properly functioning all the organisms that are making the body work at maximum. Some of the benefits that selenium provide are:
This plant is chaulked filled with micronutrients and the iodine levels from the plant are up to 600 mcg/gm. Not only that bladderwrack is high on phytochemicals that can help lower oxidative stress and are also high on fiber that can help support a healthy gut microbiome.
Bladderwrack Benefits
There are many beneficial properties that bladderwrack can provide for the thyroid and the body. Some of the benefits from consuming bladderwrack include:
Coleus forskohlii is a herb commonly used in Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine. In vitro forskolin helps stimulate the secretion of T3 and T4 for the thyroid hormone levels while also increasing the c‐AMP levels in cells. Coleus forskohlii can help with the stimulation of iodine organification, activate adenyl cyclase, and increase thermogenesis; lipolysis in the body. In a randomized study, 30 overweight/obese men with a BMI >26kg/m2 have taken about 12 weeks of forskolin (250mg BID std. 10% forskolin)
or placebo and the results show that the serum-free testosterone is significantly higher vs placebo and up to 33.77% compared to a lower result in the placebo group. What this means is that the Leydig cells become more sensitive to LH in the body and coleus forskolin can improve bone mass.
Coleus Benefits
Studies have shown that Coleus forskohlii have a variety of beneficial properties to help numerous amount of disorders that affect the body. Some of the benefits that coleus forskohlii offers to the body include:
Improving cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous system
Also known as “Indian ginseng”, ashwagandha is a herbal adaptogen that can help improve performance and decrease fatigue in the body. There are lab studies that report that ashwagandha can improve thyroid hormone levels, especially T4. In 2018 study showed that individuals (ages 18‐50) all had elevated serum TSH levels (range 4.5‐10 ulU/L) and some took the ashwagandha root extract (600mg) daily or placebo x 8 weeks to see if there were any changes. The results showed that those that took the ashwagandha treatment had normalized thyroid levels after 8 weeks of therapy. What this means is that the treatment with ashwagandha may be beneficial for normalizing thyroid indices in subclinical hypothyroid patients by improving serum TSH, T3, and T4 levels significantly.
Ashwagandha Benefits
There are many beneficial properties that ashwagandha can provide not only for the thyroid but for the overall body. Studies have shown that ashwagandha is very useful in neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and even Alzheimer’s. Other beneficial properties that ashwagandha can provide include:
All in all, when physicians are evaluating the cortisol levels in thyroid patients, it shows that their results are their salivary 4 points or urinary 5 points. By informing individuals to increase their low to moderate exercises actually helps improve their thyroid function, while also explaining to athletes that high levels of exercise can help lower their thyroid hormones to be normal. By exercising regularly, eating the right amounts of foods, drinking enough water, and taking their vitamins and supplements regularly, the body can produce hormones normally and continue to function properly.
References
Babiker, Amir, et al. “The Role of Micronutrients in Thyroid Dysfunction.” Sudanese Journal of Paediatrics, Sudan Association of Paediatricians, 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7282437/.
Germany, Cologne. “How Does the Thyroid Gland Work?” InformedHealth.org [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 19 Apr. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279388/.
Henderson, Shonteh, et al. “Effects of Coleus Forskohlii Supplementation on Body Composition and Hematological Profiles in Mildly Overweight Women.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, BioMed Central, 9 Dec. 2005, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2129145/.
Kieliszek, Marek. “Selenium⁻Fascinating Microelement, Properties and Sources in Food.” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), MDPI, 3 Apr. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6480557/.
Maret, Wolfgang. “Chromium Supplementation in Human Health, Metabolic Syndrome, and Diabetes.” Metal Ions in Life Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Jan. 2019, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30855110/.
Mizokami, Tetsuya, et al. “Stress and Thyroid Autoimmunity.” Thyroid: Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2004, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15650357/.
Singh, Narendra, et al. “An Overview on Ashwagandha: A Rasayana (Rejuvenator) of Ayurveda.” African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines: AJTCAM, African Networks on Ethnomedicines, 2011, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3252722/.
Charming attractive European woman in black sportswear lying on medical couch while receiving professional examining her stomach in wellness center
Orthopedic massage is part of injury rehabilitation that focuses on the muscles and soft tissues surrounding the joints and ligaments. Pain could be caused post-surgery, an acute injury, or overuse/repetitive motion injury from work or sports. The objective is to:
Decrease pain
Release tension
Restore balance
Increase mobility and flexibility
Preparing the body to return to everyday routines and activities.
Whatever the cause of the muscle damage or injury, an orthopedic massage will lengthen and soften the muscles and ligaments, allowing for a better range of motion of the affected joints.
Table of Contents
Orthopedic Massage
All massage techniques can improve joint movement and function. Orthopedic massage is specifically designed to return the joints to their normal position function and alleviate pain with movement.
Swedish massage focuses on overall relaxation.
Deep tissue massage reduces deep muscle pain and strain.
Orthopedic massage therapists have an extensive understanding of anatomy, soft tissues, and misalignment of the musculoskeletal system that can cause pain and injury. It is similar to sports massage targeting damaged areas for recovery and rehabilitation from conditions and injuries. Sports massage helps the individual strengthen and retrain the damaged areas back to optimal performance and prevent injury. Orthopedic massage utilizes:
Massage benefits many symptoms and conditions. It has been shown to help with:
Sprains
Pulled muscles
Torn ligaments
Carpal-tunnel syndrome
Frozen shoulder
Tennis elbow
Tendinitis
Sciatica
Bulging discs
Post-surgery
Techniques
A therapist will look at the range of motion, flexibility, and rotation of the tissues. This will help determine what muscle groups and tendons are involved and which techniques to use. Massage therapists use an assortment of approaches to loosen muscles and tendons. These include:
Active Engagement
This is used to reach deep, hard-to-reach muscles by applying pressure and massaging lengthwise in a perpendicular motion.
It is beneficial for whiplash and/or back pain.
Positional Release
This is a gentle treatment for inflamed muscles and tissues highly sensitive to other techniques.
Soft tissues are manipulated into comfortable positions and held in place for a specific time.
This lengthens and softens tissues to bring pain relief.
Nerve Mobilization
Also known as neural mobilization, this method addresses strained nerves and pain sources.
Muscle Energy Release
The therapist provides resistance while the individual voluntarily contracts muscles.
Effective with low back pain.
Trigger Point Therapy
Pressure intervals are held on trigger areas to release lactic acid and promote circulation.
Myofascial Release
Gentle pressure is applied to stretch fascia tissues.
Body Composition
Brittle Bones
The reason bones become weaker is that bone tissue is living tissue that constantly forms new bone material and absorbs the old bone material. As the body ages, the rate at which bone is reabsorbed becomes faster than newly formed bone material. One reason for rapid bone loss is lack of exercise and physical activity. The Mayo Clinic has stated that individuals that spend a great deal of time sitting, whether at home or work, have an increased risk of osteoporosis than more active individuals. Sitting too much with little to no activity can lead to weakened bones. Just like the muscles, bones get stronger when they are in use. Walking, running, jumping, and getting the body moving along with using some resistance, can increase the strength and durability of the bones.
References
Kim, Seung-Kook et al. “Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of massage chair therapy versus basic physiotherapy in lower back pain patients: A randomized controlled trial.” Medicine vol. 99,12 (2020): e19514. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000019514
Klein, Ifat et al. “Lymphatic treatments after orthopedic surgery or injury: A systematic review.” Journal of bodywork and movement therapies vol. 24,4 (2020): 109-117. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.06.034
Loew, Laurianne M et al. “Deep, transverse friction massage for treating lateral elbow or lateral knee tendinitis.” The Cochrane database of systematic reviews vol. 2014,11 CD003528. 8 Nov. 2014, doi:10.1002/14651858.CD003528.pub2
Majewski-Schrage, Tricia, and Kelli Snyder. “The Effectiveness of Manual Lymphatic Drainage in Patients With Orthopedic Injuries.” Journal of sport rehabilitation vol. 25,1 (2016): 91-7. doi:10.1123/jsr.2014-0222
Medical assistant consulting aged woman with physical injury in office. Nurse doing examination for orthopedic diagnosis and recovery, talking about pain relief and physiotherapy
Setting spinal goals is important for an individual’s treatment plan to ensure a thorough and successful recovery following:
Surgery
Trauma
Spinal condition
When developing goals with a surgeon or spine specialist, utilizing a well-known method known as SMART is recommended. Individuals are encouraged to set goals to accomplish personal growth and improvement. It is a model for forming goals and objectives that for medical purposes include:
This could be fitness trackers, daily journaling – writing, video, health coach, etc.
Attainable
Determine if the goal is achievable.
Figure out what tools or skill sets are needed to reach the goal.
Realistic
Results-oriented goals.
Measure results or output, including accomplishments.
Time Frame
Set goals within a doable time frame.
Goal setting helps individuals monitor their progress when recovering from injury, surgery, and/or spinal conditions. Making goals smaller makes it easier to achieve improvements. It’s recommended to have a partner assistant during the goal-setting because the pain can compromise decision-making. Pain affects the mind’s abilities to assess improvement and treatment response rationally. Taking the most important goals and focusing on small building blocks helps individuals maintain motivation during a long recovery process.
Difference Between Goal Setting and Treatment
A standard treatment plan is structured for a specific result and is not set up for adjusting the way goal setting does. A treatment plan is created and prescribed to a patient with little patient input. Goal setting is a collaboration between a patient and a doctor setting objectives as stepping-off points to achieve goals. Goal setting empowers patients with education, skillsets, and tools to succeed and continue that mindset as their lives move on. Achieving short-term goals helps individuals reflect positively on small gains that set a solid foundation for more challenging future goals.
Spinal Treatment Goals
Goals are personalized/custom-tailored to the individual’s case and condition. For example, a patient could set a goal of returning to weekend sports activities. Therefore, achieving the goal could require the individual to engage in exercise five days a week for the next two weeks that could include physical therapy rehabilitation:
These activities are small goals that help the body adapt to handling additional physical stress.
Goal Setting When In Recovery
Spinal issues are dealt with by creating reasonable small objectives to reach a goal. SMART goal setting is an instrumental framework for medical providers to help identify what is important to the patient. Modifications on SMART goals can be done to adjust to the individual’s needs. Spinal goals help patients accomplish what is necessary, keeping them empowered and motivated.
Body Composition
Too Comfortable With Goals
An individual may have a great deal of success doing the same workouts initially but then notice they’re getting easier and are not seeing the same rate of progression. That same workout routine, same weights, and equipment will only go so far in goal achievement. In recovery, as the body gets stronger and fitness levels improve, it is recommended to consistently challenge yourself to avoid falling into a rehabilitation fitness plateau. Part of the recovery process is to change up workouts to challenge the body to achieve optimal health and healing. Individuals are recommended to:
Increase weight and or reps
Increase the amount of weight or the number of reps in each set.
Increase or decrease the tempo
Shorten the rest period between sets to keep the heart rate high or slow down to focus on muscle contraction.
Experiment with different types of workout sets
If you’ve been doing the same kinds of lifts, try drop sets, supersets, or AMRAP (as many reps as possible) to challenge your muscles differently.
Individuals doing high-intensity interval training are recommended to incorporate a long run or bike ride.
Changing the workout routine will keep challenging the body, which is great for health progress.
References
Alexanders, Jenny et al. “Goal setting practices used within anterior cruciate ligament rehabilitation: An exploration of physiotherapists understanding, training, and experiences.” Musculoskeletal care vol. 19,3 (2021): 293-305. doi:10.1002/msc.1535
Bovend’Eerdt, Thamar J H et al. “Writing SMART rehabilitation goals and achieving goal attainment scaling: a practical guide.” Clinical rehabilitation vol. 23,4 (2009): 352-61. doi:10.1177/0269215508101741
Haas, B et al. “Rehabilitation goals of people with spinal cord injuries can be classified against the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Core Set for spinal cord injuries.” Spinal cord vol. 54,4 (2016): 324-8. doi:10.1038/sc.2015.155
The body has a system that makes sure that each organ is functioning properly by secreting out hormones through the bloodstream. That system is known as the endocrine system and its function is to make sure that the hormone levels in the body are functioning normally and that each of the other systems is doing its job correctly. When there are unwanted pathogens that are attacking and entering the body, it can disrupt hormone signals to overproduce or underproduce over time causing health issues to develop in the body. However, that is not always the case since hormones naturally do decline with age, and for both the female and male bodies, taking vitamins and supplements that are optimized for hormonal health can help alleviate symptoms like andropause, menopause, and thyroid health issues that are affected by low hormone levels. In this 3 part series, we will be taking a look at menopause, its symptoms, and supplements that can dampen the effects of menopause. Part 1 discussed andropause and its symptoms as well as supplements that can help andropause. Part 3 will be taking a look at the thyroid, its functions to the body when dealing with stress, and how different supplements can support the thyroid.
By referring patients to qualified and skilled providers who specialized in hormone wellness services. To that end, and when appropriate, we advise our patients to refer to our associated medical providers based on their examination. We find that education is the key to asking valuable questions to our providers. Dr. Jimenez DC provides this information as an educational service only. Disclaimer
Can my insurance cover it? Yes, in case you are uncertain here is the link to all the insurance providers we cover. If you have any questions, please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900.
As women get older, their bodies go through a natural biological process known as menopause. Studies show that menopause occurs in all females due to estrogen deficiency and can last at least 12 months. When this happens, the inhibitors from estrogen levels will decline and disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis causing irregular menstrual cycles and causing ovarian follicles to diminish. There are treatments like hormonal therapy and non-hormonal therapy that can help regulate the lost estrogen hormone levels in the female body and even replenish them as well. With hormone therapy, the body can function normally and give a bit of boosted energy for the individual who is suffering from low hormone levels.
Menopause Symptoms
Approximately four out of five women do suffer from menopausal symptoms (MPS) such as hot flushes and sweating, as well as from sleep disorders associated with these symptoms. It is important to have estrogen metabolizing to 2‐OH estrogens in women and men. By balancing estrogen/progesterone hormone levels in women, it can help dampen menopausal symptoms that are causing misery in all females. As for menopausal women, research shows that it can take months or years that are leading up to menopause. Some of the symptoms that menopause does to the body include:
By choosing botanicals and nutrients that support sex hormone axis production and balance in conjunction with HPA axis support. With vitamins and supplements helping out hormone levels function normally, estrogen supportive supplements can help the body support healthy estrogen metabolism and maintain the progesterone/Estrogen balance. Some of the supplements that help dampen the effects of menopause include:
Kudzu Root
DIM (Diindolylmethane)
Grape seed extract
Vitex Berry
Black Cohosh
Kudzu Root
Kudzu root is a dried root that is located in Southeast Asia and is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. Studies have shown that this plant has antidipsotropic effects and can help treat alcohol abuse. Not only that but other studies show that it contains isoflavone compounds like:
Puerarin: which is a major constituent
Formononetin
Genistin
Genistein
Daidzin
Daidzein
What this means is that these isoflavonoids can help with dampening the effects of cardiovascular diseases. Kudzu root has constituents similar to those found in red clover, soy, and black cohosh and can modulate the estrogen receptor while lowering testosterone aromatization in laboratory studies.
Kudzu Root Benefits
Some of the studies show that kudzu root can improve menstrual cycles while also improving metabolic syndrome. Kudzu root also is an antioxidant and with its anti-inflammatory properties can dampen inflammation. There are also animal and in vitro studies that support traditional uses of the kudzu root in cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, and endocrine systems. Other benefits that the kudzu root has to offer include:
Reduced cardiovascular risk
Reduced estradiol
Decrease aromatization of estradiol
Increased SHBG in low SHBG women
Decreased cancer risk; breast CA, uterine, prostate
Found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli or Brussel sprouts, diindolylmethane or DIM is a compound that is created when those cruciferous vegetables are being digested. This compound helps convert active estrogens into 2‐hydroxy estrogen metabolites vs. 4‐OH and 16‐OH in the body. Even though DIM may act as a weak estrogen hormone compound, it actually binds to the receptor and stimulates apoptosis via AMPK signaling in the body.
DIM Benefits
There are many beneficial properties that DIM offers the body. Studies show that DIM has potential benefits in treating respiratory papillomatosis while also modulating the activity of the xenobiotic receptor in the liver and intestines. Other benefits that DIM provide to the body include:
Improves free testosterone levels
Decreased risk of hormonally related cancers, including breast, prostate, and thyroid
Boost weight loss
Correct estrogen levels in men
Reduce hot flashes
Grape Seed Extract
Grape seed extract or Vitis vinifera is from the actual grape seed that is the superior antioxidant and is the concentrated form of polyphenols known as proanthocyanidins. Studies have found since grapes are one of the most highly consumed fruits, the seeds from the grapes are highly rich in polyphenols. With these polyphenols, grape seed extract can help dampen the effect of cardiovascular diseases, inflammation, and supports vascular health since it’s antiatherogenic.
Grape Seed Extract Benefits
Studies have shown that there are many beneficial factors that grape extract provides for the body. Some of the benefits include:
Vintex berries are found in Mediterranean regions and are used as a female tonic that helps support estrogen/progesterone balance in the female body. With its progesterone‐like activity, studies found that the vitex berry is useful clinically in PMS/Menopause symptoms and has a significant effect on the pituitary, binding to dopamine‐2 receptors, leading to inhibition of prolactin. With its apigenin flavonoid also binds to estrogen receptors in vitro.
Vitex Berry Benefits
There are early lab studies that reported that chasteberry stimulates the LH and inhibits follicle-stimulating hormone FSH. With the treatment with Vitex, there is a 93% reported decrease in
a number of symptoms or even cessation of PMS complaints. Other beneficial properties that the vitex berry offers include:
Black cohosh or Archaic Cimicifuga racemosa is a Native American botanical that is used worldwide for menopausal symptoms since 1956 (Germany, Remifemin). The black cohosh is a member of the buttercup family in North America. There are over 30 clinical studies, that show that 11,000 patients that take black cohosh help regulate inflammatory pathways in the body, and the mechanisms of black cohosh actions help menopausal and PMS symptom relief. Black cohosh is an antioxidant that has selective estrogen receptor modulators and provides serotonergic pathways that can help the body. There are also reports that black cohosh had a positive risk‐benefit in the ratio in patients that inhibit proliferation of estrogen receptor‐positive and negative human breast carcinoma cell lines by induction of apoptosis. Clinical studies also show that black cohosh is used for menopausal symptoms and can be used as a non‐hormonal treatment for vasomotor symptoms in climacteric women and in cancer patients.
Black Cohosh Benefits
Some studies indicated black cohosh’s functions are in a serotogenic manner that binds estrogen receptors and can selectively suppress and luteinizing hormone secretion without the effects on the follicle-stimulating hormone that is in the female body. Other benefits that black cohosh offers include:
All in all, incorporating supplements and vitamins into a healthy lifestyle is crucial for hormonal health. When hormone levels start to naturally decline due to age, it can cause the body to be dysfunctional and later on cause unwanted health issues that can turn into chronic illnesses over time. By utilizing different supplements in the body, it can help alleviate those issues while also replenishing those lost hormones and making the body function normally.
References
Gupta, Madhavi, et al. “Grape Seed Extract: Having a Potential Health Benefits.” Journal of Food Science and Technology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 30 Sept. 2019, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32180617/.
Keung, W M, and B L Vallee. “Kudzu Root: An Ancient Chinese Source of Modern Antidipsotropic Agents.” Phytochemistry, U.S. National Library of Medicine, Feb. 1998, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9461670/.
Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi, Sakineh, et al. “Efficacy of Black Cohosh (CIMICIFUGA Racemosa L.) in Treating Early Symptoms of Menopause: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Chinese Medicine, BioMed Central, 1 Nov. 2013, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4029542/.
Nordqvist, Joseph. “Grape Seed Extract: Benefits and Side Effects.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 22 Feb. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263332.
Peacock, Kimberly, and Kari M Ketvertis. “Menopause.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 29 June 2021, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507826/.
Petre, Alina. “Which Benefits of Chasteberry Are Backed by Science?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 9 Aug. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitex.
Pondugula, Satyanarayana R, et al. “Diindolylmethane, a Naturally Occurring Compound, Induces CYP3A4 and MDR1 Gene Expression by Activating Human PXR.” Toxicology Letters, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 3 Feb. 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4568078/.
Rafieian-Kopaei, Mahmoud, and Mino Movahedi. “Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus.” Electronic Physician, Electronic Physician, 25 Jan. 2017, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5308513/.
Wong, Ka H, et al. “Kudzu Root: Traditional Uses and Potential Medicinal Benefits in Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases.” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Feb. 2011, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21315814/.
