Immunity

The immune system is an amazingly complex group of cells, organs and tissues that work in tandem to keep the body's defenses intact and protected against harm.

The immune system consists of primary and secondary lymphoid organs. Primary lymphoid organs; comprised of bone marrow and thymus, produce immune cells (B and T lymphocytes or white blood cells) which migrate through the bloodstream to reach secondary lymphoid organs. Secondary lymphoid organs; comprised of the lymph nodes, lymphoid tissue, spleen, tonsils, Peyer's patches and the appendix, all play a distinct role in maintaining an effective immune response.

MALT the body's first line of defense

Mucosa-associated lymphatic tissue (MALT) is a system of small concentrations of lymphoid tissue located in various sites of the body and can be found in the gastrointestinal tract, thyroid, lungs, eyes and skin. MALT plays a large role in regulating mucosal immunity as these surfaces provide a barrier between our bodies and the external environment.

Take for instance one of the biggest mucosal sites - the gut. It has the ability to transport many foreign antibodies through the ingestion of food. The immune system inherently has a vigorous response to kill off any pathogenic organisms gaining entry through the gut while retaining food antigens that foster a positive or negative immune response. The gut flora and MALT communicate through cytokine activity to harmonize the appropriate immune response for pathogenic organisms versus friendly organisms.



GALT building good bacteria

Consisting of both isolated and aggregated lymphoid follicles, gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) contains up to 70% of the body's immunocytes. Aggregated lymphoid follicles surrounded by follicle associated epithelium (FAE) form the interface between the GALT and the microenvironment. FAE contains M-cells that transport antigens and bacteria toward underlying immune cells that either activate or inhibit an immune response.

GALT is the largest lymphoid tissue of the human body. Beginning at birth, GALT is exposed to microbial antigens occurring in the initial intestinal colonization from vaginal delivery's. This is why it is highly valuable to have normal delivery versus C-section.

A stable colonization of bacteria is typically reached in children at approximately 4 years of age. These bacteria are essential for the development and functionality of a fully functioning and healthy immune system and promotes tolerance towards safe food and microbial antigens.

Photo by Nature Reviews : Immunology

What actions need to be taken to improve MALT & GALT response? What we can do to help your MALT & GALT: 

1. Identify and remove offending agents (i.e. sensitivities, toxins, pathogens)

2. Remove source(s) of inflammation

3. Promote mucosal health throughout your gut

• Intestinal microflora weighs about 1.5 kgs
• Approximately 50% of fecal mass is bacterial biomass
• Microflora produces about 2 liters of 'gas' per day
• Acquisition of resistance to antibiotics occurs in the intestine  

Enhancing Immune Function with Probiotics

The best way to prevent infections and disease is to ensure that the body's defense mechanisms are functioning optimally and are able to protect against foreign bodies (pathogens). Much research has been reviewed lately in the quest to quantify the benefits of probiotics and studies have shown promising results.

The use of probiotics stimulates gut reaction by pro ducting vitamins, synthesizing amino acids and carrying out biotransformation of bile. Probiotics help to create a defensive barrier within the host as they compete with other microorganisms for attachment sites in epithelial cells.

At any given point, there are anywhere from 100 trillion viable microbes in the human intestine. Specifically, the gut micro biome provides vital biochemical pathways that allow the body to metabolize indigestible foods like starches, gum, cellulose, pectin's, sugars and alcohol. Once the body is able to metabolize and release toxins from the system, absorption of nutrients will be increased resulting in improved cellular function.



Make sure you have a good Probiotic:

• Must be considered totally non-pathogenic
• Contain species indigenous to the target host
• Able to survive intestinal transit and stomach acid
• Capable of immunomodulation in-vitro
• Possess clinically documented health properties validated by a thorough Quality Assurance program
• Colony forming units (CFU) or viable cells are listed on label
• Formulation should keep well during processing and storage

Exercise and Healthy Brain

How often do you walk into a room and forget why? How often do you get fatigued while driving or reading a book? What about thinking or problem solving after eating? Have you ever wondered why some people can read for hours on end and you get tired after just a few minutes? Brain fog and endurance are a critical part of aging.

To quote one of my mentors, "Aging is just another term for brain degeneration."

Just so we are clear what I mean when I say 'Brain Degeneration' is a decline in brain health. A decline in brain health may be the cause of anemia, dysglycemia, infection, fungal overgrowth, dysbiosis, hormone imbalance, liver detoxification, environmental pollutant exposure, autoimmunity, gastrointestinal permeability, poor blood flow and compromised neurotransmitter activity.

Now for the encouraging side of this article, how to support brain health and optimal health. First and foremost, if you have any questions or hesitations about any part of this article contact our office and ask the question. The dumbest question is the one you do not ask.

One of the most basic solutions to support optimal brain health is exercise! I am NOT recommending go join a gym or workout for 5 days a week for multiple hours a day. NO NO NO!!!

If you are currently on a work out program or have not worked out for a while you will want to start out at 50-60% of your Maximum Heart Rate (MHR). How do you determine your MHR you ask? That's easy:

220 - [age] = MHR

Example: A 40 year old female wants to start a high-intensity workout routine. Her maximum heart rate would be 180. [220 - 40 = 180] I recommend she start out at 50% of her MHR which would be 90 heart beats per minute. After 1 or 2 weeks of this workout routine, move up to 135 bpm. After another week or two, try to progress to the 180 bpm.

How Long Do I Workout?

The duration of high-intensity workout is much lower compared to an endurance workout routine. A 3-minute workout routine will produce phenomenal results for increasing blood flow to the brain. By increasing blood to the brain you are doing ALL of the following:

• Increasing anti-inflammatory hormones
• Increasing anti-inflammatory hormones
• Stimulating endothelial-Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS)
• Stimulating neuronal - NOS
• Diminishing induced - NOS
• Increasing lymphatic drainage
• Decreasing the level of cortisol
• Increase Growth Hormone
• Increase Opioid Release which supports regulatory T-cells
• Improve Insulin Receptor Sensitivity
• Improve immunity
• Increases heart health
• Minimizes normal stress response
• Improve Serotonin --> improves mood
• Improves Dopamine --> improves focus and motivation
• Reduce oxidative stress / inflammation
• Supports nerve growth
• Improve neuronal synapse and communication between neurons

Exercise and High Glucose Issues (Insulin Resistance &/or Diabetics)

Even exercise as little as a 20 minute walk of moderate intensity can improve insulin resistance. However, the more intense the exercise, the greater the impact on insulin receptor signaling. Many patients will see minimal change in their blood glucose levels from only doing mild-to-moderate exercise. These people will need to increase their intensity to notice significant changes in blood glucose control. 

Exercise Intensity Levels

Light
Max. Heart Rate (MHR) is 40% - 55% of MHR.
This level does not induce sweating unless it is a hot, humid day. No noticeable changes in breathing.

Moderate
MHR is 55% - 69%.
Sweating after 10 minutes. Breathing becomes deeper and more frequent. You can carry on a conversation but not sing.

High
MHR is 70% or greater.
Will break a sweat after 3-5 minutes. Breathing is deep and rapid. You can only talk in short phrases.



What Kind of Exercise(s):

Sprints
Push-ups
Mountain climbers
Squats (w/ weight or without)

Here are just a few ideas to get you thinking in the right direction. Of course, being a chiropractor, you have to workout in your level of comfort and stability. If you notice that your muscles are tighter on one side of your body versus the other, you have a chiropractic problem that should be addressed by a chiropractor. Muscles should not hurt when you push on them. This is another discussion for another time.

If you need more ideas on exercise routines, I encourage you to go to www.workoutlabs.com. This is a great website for quick routines that will increase your MHR.

Conclusion:

Do you have cold hands and/or feet? Have you noticed a decline in cognition in the last 5 years? What about the three questions I asked in the beginning of this article? Do you remember the questions? You are only as healthy as your brain is.

Exercising at a high-intensity level will increase blood flow and fire neurons from ear to ear. This will improve insulin receptor sensitivity, quantity of anti-inflammatory promoters, and support neuronal cell growth. Exercise plus healthy diet will result in extraordinary results. Please remember this one critical fact regarding brain health. If you do not use it, you lose it! 

The brain needs three things to survive:
1. Stimulation
2. Oxygen
3. Glucose (blood sugar)

I hope you have enjoyed this article. For more information on this topic or want to discuss the best workout routine for you, please contact our office.

Wind Up the Neuro-Endocrine-Immune System

The body is a remarkable system that should not be taken for granted. I, for one, after continual study of the body for going on 7 years of intense study I am completely in awe of how sensitive yet how strong it is. As some of you know I have been doing some form of martial art for going on twelve years. I could amaze you how small pressure can topple the body and how so little effort could send a man off his/her feet.

Now with that in mind I want to take you to your body's cellular level and show you how sensitive yet how strong it is. The first system to introduce you too that has been called the Final Common Pathway or Stress Pathway helps the body cope with the stress placed upon it whether it be Bacterial, Viral, Fungi, Environmental, and/or Mental Emotional stress to name a few.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) is a neuroendocrine system that regulates the reactions to stress, energy storage, and the immune system.  Cytokines (chemical messengers) act at several levels of the HPA axis to induce the release of cortisol and epinephrine.  Cortisol and epinephrine act to suppress the immune response, thus forming a negative feedback loop.(1) Long-term abuse of this system often leads to Alzheimer’s, Depression and Diabetes to name a few.

Constant activation of the HPA axis (stress-induced) will cause a weakened Neuro-Endocrine-Immune (NEI) system.

The NEI system is your main wiring system between each of the 10 systems in your body. Of the the most important and most easily accessible is the immune system. A break in any 4 barriers (skin, lungs, gut and blood-brain barrier) will increase demand on the immune system.

The immune system protects the body against foreign challenges by its ability to differentiate between the body's own cells and foreign materials. Upon encounter with viruses, bacteria, toxins, or fungi, the immune system recognizes the molecular components of the foreign antigen and a response is activated to appropriately eliminate the antigen from the body. The immune system's response to an antigen can result in disturbances through out the NEI Supersystem at both the initial onset of infection, as well as after chronic exposure.

Bacteria

A large variety of bacteria normally colonize the skin, intestines, and other mucosal sites, and are important for health. Bacterial disease results when harmful bacteria enter the body and grow in normally sterile areas (lungs, bladder, and brain) or overcrowd the beneficial microbiota in areas such as the gut. Acute infections (e.g. Neisseria meningitidis, Salmonella, etc.) can often be easily diagnosed via symptoms, history, and regular lab tests (complete blood count, culture and sensitivity test, X-rays and/or spinal taps). Chronic low-level bacterial infections (e.g. Streptococcus pneumonia, Helicobacter pylori, and Staphylococcus aureus) may not be easily detectable and therefore may result in chronic inflammation.

Many symptoms caused by bacterial disease (fever, muscle ache, and headache) are not directly due to the bacteria, but are a result of the body's immune response and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that may, in turn, lead to alterations in neuropsychological and endocrine functions. Chronic bacterial infections (e.g. Streptococcus pneumonia, Helicobacter pylori, and Staphylococcus aureus) may be the root cause of chronic pain, inflammation, and disturbances within the neuroendocrine systems that manifest clinically as chronic disease.(1)

Fungi

Fungi are primitive vegetables that are found in the environment, in foods, and within the body (e.g., Candida albicans). Normally, the immune system keeps fungi such asC. albicans in check, but if a person is immunodeficient or their internal environment (microbiota) is disturbed (e.g. as a consequence of antibiotic therapy), opportunistic fungal infections can occur, leading to pathology and even death. Subclinical fungal infection may be detectable via immune perturbation (cytokine responses to fungi), increases in intestinal permeability (IgG responses to foods) and neuroendocrine disruptions (alterations in neurotransmitter levels). (1)

Rhino Virus - common cold

Virus

A virus is a small infectious agent that can only replicate inside the cells of a living organism. Viral infections generally provoke the immune system resulting in activation of the innate and subsequent adaptive immune responses, and concomitant cytokine release. Although most pathogenic viruses are eliminated by this immune response, immune evasion or immunosuppression can result in chronic viral infections. Some chronic viruses may be cytotoxic and result in tissue/organ damage (HBV and HCV), while others may result in chronic symptoms (EBV and CMV). There are over 5000 identified viruses in nature with new ones being discovered on a regular basis.(1)

Viral infections are often difficult to detect, especially in the case of novel or uncharacterized viruses. Nonetheless, the immune response that accompanies viral infections can result in altered cytokine levels that in turn affect neurotransmitter and hormone levels as well. Assessment of NEI Supersystem© parameters may provide a clinical approach to help identify immune activation in patients suffering from unexplained chronic disorders. (1)

Environmental

The environment is a source of constant immune stimulation and over the last century it has become an increasingly complex assortment of industrial, synthetic, and commercially processed compounds. Altogether, this artificial environment has become the basis for our modern life but for some it can be a source of immune challenges.  Immune reactions to metals in our jewelry, pesticide residues on our foods, clothes detergents, or the coloring and preservatives in our foods can be the root cause of a number of health conditions including chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, and psychiatric complaints. Type IV hypersensitivity and cytokine reactions against environmental compounds can alter the body's biochemistry, neural processing, hormone activity and lead to chronic inflammation and disease. (1)

• Metals: implants, dentistry, jewelry, pollution
• Pesticides/ herbicides: food, lawns, occupational exposure
• Household chemicals: detergents, oven cleaners, polishes, air fresheners
• Food additives: food colorings, artificial sweeteners, preservatives
• Food processing ingredients: molds, fungi, modified proteins, modified starches

Mental Stress / Emotions

Emotional stress can have a profound effect on overall health by influencing all aspects of the NEI system. Emotions have been shown to stimulate specific brain regions and affect the release of neurotransmitters and certain hormones as an effect of stress on the body. Individuals with high emotional stress can initially experience a wide variety of symptoms including anxiety, anger, fatigue, low mood, or trouble sleeping. Chronic emotional stress can also influence the immune system and the ability of the body to keep inflammatory responses under control, leading to further imbalances in the NEI system. Emotional factors must be addressed in conjunction with any treatment program to restore balance to the NEI system and for complete symptom resolution.(1)

Conclusion

No matter what we do we will always interact with a stressful situation. The best way to counter stress is allow your body to work naturally and not worry about it. Do you have to think to walk, no your body does it automatically. When you touch a hot plate and jerk your hand away, did you have to think to yourself, “That is hot, pull your hand away quickly!” NO, your body did that automatically due to the intimate connections of the NEI system. Be good to your body, you only have one.

Treat it with monthly maintenance to a chiropractic office (hint hint) and be sure and check its internal biochemistry at least twice a year.

REFERENCES:

1. NeuroScience. https://www.neurorelief.com/index.php?p=cms&cid=109&pid=84

Dysglycemia: Body Disruptor

Dysglycemia

Do you have poor focus and concentration? Do you have some extra pounds around your waist that will not seem to leave no matter how much exercise or healthy eating you do? You very well may have a blood sugar issue.

Dysglycemia is defined as any disorder of blood sugar (glucose) metabolism. This includes incompetent pancreatic function and/or faulty insulin receptor sites. Poor blood sugar metabolism is highly common in the U.S. population today. The “SAD” (Standard American Diet) is very low in essential fatty acids and fiber, but high in polyunsaturated fats and sugar which will promote blood sugar disorders for decades to come.

"Diabetes Mellitus type II has become explosive in today’s society, and studies have predicted that it will bankrupt the national healthcare system over the next decade."

Health Considerations:

Dysglycemia disrupts ALL aspects of human physiology; muscular performance, digestion, hormones, and central nervous system function including neurotransmitter production. If the body is unable to adequately digest and utilize blood sugar from our diet, it leads to oxidative stress which results in inflammatory processes and free radicals causing cell death.

In our office, it is astounding how many patients fight depression, anxiety and/or dementia. Several of our patients have decreased the signs and symptoms of these issues just by managing their blood sugar better. Issues like these are often a direct result of unresolved blood sugar metabolism. Years of misery and sadness can be avoided if your blood sugar is regulated appropriately.

The current healthcare model does not adequately manage or prevent the progression of dysglycemia. We have to remember that we get our energy from blood sugar properly converted to ATP (cellular energy). When blood sugar is not properly regulated it may lead to the following:

1. Increased Risk for coagulation (Clots)
2. Arteriosclerosis
3. Difficulty losing weight
4. High Cholesterol
5. Hormone Disorders in Women and Men
6. Increased Risk for Infections
7. Fatigue
8. Hypothyroid
9. Anemia
10. Allergies/Food Sensitivities
11. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Adrenal)
12. Dementia / Alzheimer's
13. Early Onset Aging
14. Insomnia
15. Chronic Pain patterns - Fibromyalgia

Types:

There are two main types of blood sugar problems that should be identified before diabetes mellitus is diagnosed, insulin resistance and reactive hypoglycemia.

Reactive Hypoglycemia takes effect when the pancreas pumps out too much insulin due to spikes in blood sugar, this is typically the result of sweets or other high glycemic foods. These types of people space out easily, have poor short term memory, irritable and short-tempered if they go too long between meals. These people often have difficulty eating breakfast because of nausea or lack of appetite and feel exhausted around 3 - 5 in the afternoon.

Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune reaction. This article discusses insulin receptor issues.

Please understand what a normal functioning insulin receptor site does.

The second type of blood sugar problem typically results in high blood sugar levels, a fasting glucose above 100 mg/dL termed insulin resistant.

This particular group of people are on their way to Type 2 Diabetes in a very short time if lifestyle modification (diet and exercise) is not changed quickly. Insulin resistance is also known as Syndrome X or Metabolic Syndrome in current literature. Insulin is normally used to allow glucose into the cell, the same way a key gets put into the lock of a door to open it. The excess amount of insulin in high blood sugar exhaust the lock (cell), making the key (insulin) not work effectively, therefore the cells become insulin resistant. 

     In this respect the cells are not receiving their food supply and lacking the ability to make energy. These types of people fall asleep easily after a meal. If this particular person eats a rich-carbohydrate meal they typically nod-off after the meal. People with this issue often find it difficult to fall asleep, they may need coffee or sweets after a meal to keep from napping, and have a very difficult time losing weight. When these people get stressed, it is very easy to put on unwanted weight.

     So with respect of knowing these 2 types of dysglycemia, our office can effectively manage and assist people with these blood sugar issues with nutritional supplementation, SOT chiropractic methods, change in dietary habits, and better exercise routines.

In Conclusion:

Dysglycemia is not something that you should just watch and monitor until full blown Diabetes. In my opinion this is a serious problem that is overlooked by our current healthcare model. Take it upon yourself to recognize the symptoms and seek help and support. At Weber Chiropractic we are passionate about educating patients and making sure they know what their body can handle and not handle to keep it healthy.

If you are interested in discussing your case with our office staff, please contact our office, www.weberchiroca.com.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

Cortisol

The Stress Hormone

Is stress running your life? Do you have blood sugar issues? Do you feel that you are just chasing your tail? Do you sleep for several hours but still wake up tired?

If you answered “Yes” to any or all of these questions then your cortisol circadian rhythm may be imbalanced. BUT.. this article is not about your adrenal glands!!

I always tell patients, "if you want me to support your adrenal glands, by all means I will because I have plenty of student loans that still need to be paid back." In other words, you will dump your entire life savings before any adrenal supplement will help you get ahead. So lets get a head of the problem and not just manage your ongoing issues.

Normal Circadian Rhythm:

Cortisol has been termed a stress hormone due to its physiological nature in terms of raising blood sugar and heightening your bodies immune response through cytokine signaling. In a normal healthy individual starting at midnight (12 A.M.) cortisol is at its lowest point and continues to raise throughout the early morning and peaks approximately seven A.M. and diminishes throughout the day. See the diagram below.

What items will disrupt circadian rhythm?

1. Anemia

2. Blood sugar

3. Chronic immune issues

4. Food allergies

5. Emotional stress

6. Taking Melatonin orally (supplement)

7. Environmental toxins (i.e. mold, pesticides, parabens, phthalates)

8. Cytokine storms (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a)

These 8 categories are only a few of several that can disrupt circadian rhythm. The most common factor that we see that has a dramatic impact is blood sugar.

High blood sugar individuals such as diabetics typically have elevated cortisol levels. Elevated cortisol results in an increase breakdown of glycogen (sugar storage) and when it is not being used by cells it is stored as fats. This is why most diabetics suffer from obesity. 

High cortisol individuals often fatigue after a heavy carb meal. When I was going through school, I could always tell who had an elevated blood sugar issue because they would pass out after lunch. Same thing for family members after a holiday meal.

For people with insulin resistance or diabetics continue to worsen in their condition they suffer from a weakened immune system, leaky gut issues (increase potential for food sensitivities) and neural issues (i.e. neuropathy). The only way to provide beneficial care for diabetics is to balance their circadian rhythm through diet, exercise, and supplementation to gain sensitivity back to the insulin receptor site. 

Before you read on, please understand that when you take supplements they are suppose to "supplement" what you are not getting in your daily eating regiment. They are not an excuse to eat whatever you want. People who suffer from chronic conditions, we recommend supplements to push their physiology and speed up recovery time. We never expect patients to take supplements for life with a few exceptions like receptor site polymorphisms.

Diagram 2: This shows a normal circadian rhythm (black) and an imbalanced circadian rhythm (red) causing physiological damage to cells through all systems of the body including nervous, gut and hormones.

Reactive Hypoglycemia

Low blood sugar issues can really be very detrimental to cortisol circadian rhythms. These individuals are easy to spot because their signs and symptoms typically include:

• Cannot stay asleep through the night
• Have a hard time getting out of bed
• Must rely on coffee or caffeine to get motivated in the morning
• Afternoon headaches
• Afternoon fatigue (need a nap)
• Trouble shutting your mind off at night

These patients often feel worse than someone with type II diabetes due to the fact that their adrenals are constantly secreting cortisol to raise blood sugar, this is absolutely exhausting to the body. Constant release of cortisol results in the following: 

• Advanced aging process due to elevated IL-6
• Increased insulin release
• Decreases mucosal lining of the gastrointestinal track resulting in increased food reactivity
• Chronic immune stimulation
• Poor hormone receptor site attachment (decrease mood, libido, erectile dysfunction, painful menstruation, etc.)
• Liver congestion --> biliary stasis (problems with fats)
• Increased risk for osteoporosis
• Increased risk for dementia
• Breakdown of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis resulting in poor cellular metabolism
• So much more

When people forget to eat, this low blood sugar state results in the release of adrenalin throughout the day and even night. Eventually the body releases too much blood sugar and causes an increased blood sugar state causing the patient to slip into a deep restful sleep. This is the beginning of elevated blood sugar issues.

These patients constantly crave carbs and are always tired because their stress pathway (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis) is always being pushed. Teenagers and college students fit this profile more often than most because they skip breakfast and typically carb load.

Many of these blood sugar issues can be easily balanced with proper diet and change of eating habits  along with patient’s strong desire to get better.

Closing Thoughts

So many people these days are trying to lose weight, get in shape, get healthier but they are focusing on the wrong things. Food is the most important aspect when it comes to revitalizing your health. You have to eat right.

Eating right in itself is a task. I married a Japanese woman who is an excellent cook. She makes sure the food is in season, organic, pesticide free, the oils it is cooked in is healthy, knowing the correct amount of time where the food is not overcooked and so many more items.

Cooking itself is very in depth but like anything, in the beginning it is hard and feels like a humungous task, however, with a little bit of effort and attention it becomes second nature. Now you can reap on the benefits of eating healthy.

Eating healthy will in and of itself help you lose weight regardless of exercising. Food is what helps your recover and repair. Sugar and vegetable oils are poisons and we should all eliminate them from our meals. Sugar is more addictive than cocaine AND it is more deadly than cocaine because it kills you slower.

Quick note for all of your sugar-holics out there! The reason you do not like vegetables is because sugar destroys your taste buds. When your taste buds are destroyed, strawberries, blueberries, bananas and spinach do not taste as rich because of your dead taste buds. Give yourself 30 days off sugar (of ALL KINDS!!) and try it. You will be amazed.

We at Quantum Chiropractic are here to help you. So please do what you can to better yourself, if you need help whether it be SOT Chiropractic or nutritional laboratory analysis, contact our office.