The Gut "Connections to Health & Disease"

Health & Wellness: Bone Health

In order to have proper bone health, it takes a lot of focus and a lot of nutrients. Bone health is not only an important aspect when it comes to our structure but to our overall health in general. Our bones make and house bone marrow. Bone marrow is where every single blood cell in the body gets created. Without proper bone health, we see dysfunction in our blood, tissues, and other organ systems.

As we age, our bone health starts to decline. This often leads to osteoporosis. A complex disease that is characterized by decreased bone mass, deterioration of bone tissue, and an increased risk for fractures. Studies have shown that if you have one hip fracture, that is an 80% mortality rate. Studies using families and twins have shown a strong genetic contribution to osteoporosis and 60-70% of the variability in bone mineral mass can be accounted for by genetic variations as well as variations in diet and other environmental factors. The study Osteoporosis Prevention and Management: Nonpharmacologic and Lifestyle Options is a research article showing lifestyle medications that can decrease the risk of fracture.

Our genes have been associated with:

• calcium homeostasis
• hormonal dysfunctional
• osteoblast and osteoclast development and regulation
• cartilage matrix metabolism
• lipoprotein metabolism

Lifestyle and nutrition have a large impact on these genes as osteoblasts are driven out of control with sleep deprivation, stress, poor nutrition, too much caffeine (this will drive calcium into the urine, where it is not able to be used by the body), a lack of exercise, too much exercise, and inflammation.

Genes

VDR Fok1 

The peak bone mass we have is genetically determined. VDR stands for Vitamin D Receptor gene and it accounts for 70% of the entire genetic influence on bone density. VDR also contributes to calcium homeostasis, bone cell growth, and differentiation, as well as intestinal calcium absorption. The wild type, TT, has a high impact. The Heterozygote, TC, has a low impact and the homozygote CC has no impact.

We have seen that the T allele does not absorb calcium as well as the C allele. Those who have the TT allele are more likely to have higher bone turnover and increased bone loss. These have both been associated with osteoporosis in the lumbar spine.

For those who have the T allele, it is important that they intake calcium and vitamin D. This will help their body get more of the nutrients it needs to slow down bone loss. Additionally, caffeine should be limited to 300mg a day (about 2 cups of coffee). Finally, our bones do best when they are strong. One of the best ways to encourage healthy bone growth is to practice load-bearing exercises. For more information, please see GeneCards, The Human Gene Database.

VDR Bsm1 

This is another vitamin D receptor gene that has varying impacts depending on the genotype. The wild type GG, has no impact. The heterozygote AG has a low impact and the homozygote AA has a high impact. For these genotypes, the A allele has been associated with reduced bone mass measurement in a dose-dependent matter and shows a predisposition to osteoporosis. When the calcium intake an individual has is low, the risk increases.

It is highly important to obtain calcium through dietary components as well as in supplemental form if you have the A allele. Individuals who do not have high dietary calcium have a lower phosphorus re-absorption which results in a higher risk of a hip fracture. Caffeine should also be limited for women who have the A allele. Exercise should be included as a regular routine. For more information, please see GeneCards, The Human Gene Database.

VDR Taq1

Another vitamin D receptor is VDR Taq1. The wild type, CC has a high impact. The heterozygote CT has a low impact and the homozygote TT has no impact. It has been linked that those who have a C allele have higher bone turnover and increased bone loss. This peaks when calcium intake is low. For those who have a C allele, it is best to reduce caffeine, increase load-bearing exercise as part of a normal routine, and ensure they are getting enough vitamin D and calcium. For more information, please see GeneCards, The Human Gene Database.

COL1A1 

Bones need protein in order to be made. Type 1 collagen is the major protein found in bone. Type 1 collagen is formed by two other collagen chains (alpha-1 and alpha-2). Individuals who have the wild GG genotype show no impact. The heterozygote GT shows a moderate impact and the homozygote TT shows a high impact.

It has been reported that the T allele has the ability to influence the ratio of collagen alpha chains produced by the bone cells. This can lead to abnormal mineralization of bone and overall reduced bone strength. Women who have the T allele need to be especially cautious as they have a significant chance of developing bone loss at the spine.

Individuals should follow the same precautions as above. Incorporating a load-bearing exercise routine and decreasing caffeine while increasing calcium is beneficial. For more information, please see GeneCards, The Human Gene Database. 

Test Pairing

The best place to start for personalized medicine and making these recommendations is to first understand what genotype an individual possesses and their specific risk factor. This is done with a DNA Health test by DNA Life. A sample report is shown below.

Once we have the genes figured out, we pair this test with a micronutrient test from SpectraCell. This test measures the functional level and capability of the micronutrients that are present in the white blood cells. The white blood cells is where metabolism takes place. This test measures the micronutrients that we need for proper growth, producing enzymes, hormones, development, and overall good health. Additionally, one of the micronutrients it measures for is vitamin D. A sample of the test is shown below:

If available, these two tests can be paired with a DXA test in order to assess bone mineral density. This test can diagnose osteoporosis before a broken bone occurs.

Remember that bones are dynamic tissues and they can be turned around. In order to do this, we need to ensure that bone health is a priority. Exercise is one of the first things people stop when they feel stressed or overwhelmed. However, the tug and pull on bones during resistance training is what signals the bones to deposit nutrients and break down in a healthy matter to rebuild stronger. Resistance training should be practiced at least three times a week for proper health. In addition to resistance training, increasing foods that contain calcium is a great way to increase your bone strength and provide your body with essential nutrients. Some foods that contain high calcium include cheese, yogurt, milk, sardines, and dark leafy greens like spinach, scale, turnips. Additionally, adding in foods that contain high vitamin D has also shown to be beneficial. These foods include fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, cheese, and egg yolks.

Assessing your genes is the first step in truly personalized medicine. With this information, we are able to detect your vulnerabilities and test pair accordingly. From here, we have the ability to make changes to your lifestyle to better help your genes express in a positive manner and decrease your risk of overall disease. A great place to start is in the kitchen. You can create a quick breakfast with fruits, dark leafy greens, and yogurt to increase calcium and feed your body the nutrients it needs. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach

References:

Christianson MS, Shen W. Osteoporosis prevention and management: nonpharmacologic and lifestyle options. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2013;56(4):703-710. doi:10.1097/GRF.0b013e3182a9d15a

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require additional explanation as how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 <tel:9158500900>. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas*& New Mexico*

Health & Wellness: Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress represents an imbalance in the body. This imbalance is between reactive oxygen species (free radicals)  and our body’s natural ability to detoxify these species, resulting in damage. Free radicals are a normal by-product of biochemical pathways that occur in the body, an example being the body’s energy-generating process, specifically the electron transport chain. However, these species are highly reactive with other molecules found in the body and can lead to damage in the DNA, inflammation, proteins, and cellular membranes. 

In order to obtain optimal health, the balance between oxidation and anti-oxidants is highly important. Anti-oxidants can be obtained through proper dietary support like vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, and polyphenols. These foods interact with the free radicals and ensure they are no longer a reactive molecule. 

Research has shown that our genes play a role in how we break down free radicals and how susceptible we are to them. Using the DNA Health test from DNA Life we are able to see the genotype we process and the genetic impact we are predisposed to. A sample of a DNA Health report is shown below:

Genes

eNOS 

eNOS encodes the nitric oxide enzyme that is derived in the endothelium. This enzyme is responsible for uncoupling nitric oxide as well as plays a role in regulating vascular tone and peripheral resistance. If you have the wild type, GG, there is no impact. The heterozygote GT genotype shows a moderate impact and the homozygotes TT genotype shows a high impact.

In this case, the T allele is what affects the proteolytic cleavage of the enzyme which reduced nitric oxide. We use nitric oxide to vasodilate. As a result, we see an association with hypertension. The main goal is to decrease inflammation. This can be done by avoiding sugars, processed foods, sodas, MSG, and fried foods. Additionally, mouthwash has been shown to be less helpful with this genotype. If you use mouthwash, it gets rid of the bacteria needed to properly convert our vegetables for optimal benefit. For more information regarding the eNOS gene, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene Database.

SOD2

SOD destroys the free radicals that are produced inside the cells and that have the potential to damage our natural biological systems. This enzyme is highly important when it comes to anti-oxidant activity. Those who have the wildtype, CC, have the highest impact. The CT heterozygote type have a moderate impact. Lastly, those with the TT homozygote type have no impact.

In fact, in this situation, the T allele is protective. If you have the C allele, it is best to increase your amount of vegetables to make sure you are giving your body an adequate amount of antioxidants. For more information regarding the SOD2 gene, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene Database.

GPX1

This enzyme is expressed in almost all tissues throughout the body. It holds the responsibility of converting hydrogen peroxide into water and reducing fatty acids to maintain redox balance. The CC wildtype shows no impact. However, the CT heterozygote shows a moderate impact and the TT homozygotes show a high impact.

It has been shown that the T allele leads to decreased enzyme function. This meaning that there is a disturbance in the anti-oxidant balance. Those who have a low fruit and vegetable intake and have the T allele are more susceptible to coronary artery disease and breast cancer. It is best to increase the number of fruits and vegetables obtained through the daily diet and get rid of food products containing preservatives. For more information regarding the GPX1 gene, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene Database.

CAT

The catalase gene encodes the antioxidant enzyme CAT which is expressed in the liver. This enzyme is important because it concerns hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. If you have decreased CAT activity, you have increased hydrogen peroxide levels and increased overall oxidative stress. With this, we see the low impact in the CT heterozygote genotype. The wild type, TT shows a moderate impact and the CC homozygote genotype shows a beneficial impact.

The C genotype has been linked to higher levels of CAT activity which offers more protection against redox imbalance. For those who have a T allele, it is best to limit your exposure to smoke and change your dietary habits to include more vegetables and less processed foods. For more information regarding the GPX1 gene, please refer to GeneCards, The Human Gene Database.

 Test Pairing

Considering the fact that oxidative stress is a natural byproduct of the electron transport chain and other energy-making processes in the body, it is best to pair with a micronutrient test. A micronutrient test from Spectracell not only tells us the micronutrients we are deficient in but it also shows us how and where those deficiencies come into play when it comes down to our energy cycles. A sample of the test is shown below:

If you are confused about your health, start by taking this metabolic assessment below:

We have always known that genetics plays a role in our health, but uncovering their true potential and how they can be influenced by the environment is truly remarkable. We have the ability to make healthcare personal and to better benefit you. -Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach 

References: 

Kolberg C, Horst A, Moraes MS, et al. Peripheral oxidative stress blood markers in patients with chronic back or neck pain treated with high-velocity, low-amplitude manipulation. J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2015;38(2):119-129. doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2014.11.003

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require additional explanation as how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900 <tel:9158500900>. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico