Diet and Supplements
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Diet and Supplements
Dr. Alex Jimenez covers different diet and supplements plans for achieving overall wellness, including weight-loss, conditioning, and strengthening through healthy eating.  Book Appointment Today: https://bit.ly/Book-Online-Appointment
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Dietary Supplements Hormones El Paso, Texas | Dr. Jimenez D.C. | Call: 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677

Dietary Supplements Hormones El Paso, Texas | Dr. Jimenez D.C. | Call: 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677 | Diet and Supplements | Scoop.it

Supplements 101

Supplements can become overwhelming with everything that's out there. This will touch on key categories of supplements and the best way on how to use them.

Supplements are divided into categories:

Nutrients

(Nutraceuticals or Orthomolecular Medicine)

  

Botanicals

(Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy) 

Hormones

Hormone Replacement Therapy or Restorative Medicine

 

 

Each category is meant to support underlying excesses or deficiencies, with the ultimate goal of bringing the body back into balance.

 

Where it becomes complicated is understanding the different uses and dosing of specific:

 

  • Extracts
  • Chelates (a chemical compound that dissolves more easily and is easily absorbed compared to other types of molecules and compounds)
  • Prepared Compounds

Hormones

Integrative medicine and hormone therapy usually involve synthetic versions of plant extracts, that mimick the chemical structure of endogenous hormones.

What are Hormones?

  • Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced by the endocrine glands.
  • These messengers have an effect on most tissues and major bodily functions.
  • Establishing and resolving the causes of hormonal imbalance is one of the core therapeutic systems not only in integrative medicine but in conventional medicine.

 How do Hormones Work?

  • Hormones flow through the body’s circulation in abundance. In order for hormones to perform a function, the cells being used require specific receptors.
  • When hormones bind to these receptors, it causes a biological response inside the cell, which is why a single hormone can have such an effect.
  • The entire endocrine system is based on positive and negative feedback loops. This informs the endocrine glands to produce more or fewer hormones.
  • Balance of endogenous hormone production is maintained through diet and lifestyle. However, when this unique balance is disrupted is when disease can occur.
  • Despite their broad and potent effect on the body's systems, hormones therapy must be done with caution and skill.
  • There can be long-term negative side effects with hormone therapy and should be limited to highly-trained practitioners.

 Examples of Hormone Ingredients

Exogenous hormones are available in different forms.

Examples include:

 

  • Pregnenolone - this is the mother of steroidogenic hormones
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - elevates estrogen and testosterone
  • Vitamin D - regulates bone density, and balances parathyroid hormone secretion

 

There is evidence that shows beneficial therapeutic uses for exogenous hormones.

 

Similar to botanical medicine, hormone therapy should be used exclusively and with caution by certified clinicians.

 

Fasting Mimicking Diet Basics

Some people today might eat a slightly higher amount of calories the first day as they ease into the fasting-mimicking diet. They might then decrease their total caloric intake. You also want to make sure you eat smaller amounts of foods which are easy to digest.

 

ProLon® offers a pre-packaged box which contains all five days’ worth of meals for you to do the diet. The meals are all plant-based. One day, by way of instance, offers tea and a nut bar for breakfast, a small portion of vegetable soup and a few kale crackers for lunch, several olives in the afternoon, and finally another small portion of vegetable soup for dinner.

 

You can also do the fasting-mimicking diet without the need for a pre-packaged box-like ProLon®. Simply follow the right proportions and plan out how you will space them out every day. Macros for the fast mimicking diet are 34 percent carbohydrates, 10 percent protein, and 56 percent fat for the very first day and 47 percent carbohydrates, 9 percent protein, and 44 percent fat to the rest days.

 

A cup of black tea and coffee every day are generally allowed. Just make sure they don’t contain any added sugars or oils. Remember that people with health issues should consult a healthcare professional prior to doing the fast mimicking diet in your own home.

 Foods

Dr. Anthony Gusting followed a four-day ketogenic fasting-mimicking diet. Every day, he consumed different amounts of bone broth, coconut milk, coconut oil, BCAAs, and exogenous ketones. Avocados and grass-fed butter can also be included in the fast mimicking diet. This is a great way to combine the ketogenic diet with the fasting-mimicking diet to benefit from the two regimens.

 Supplements

Taking nutritional supplements can also make the fasting-mimicking diet easier by providing enough nutrition. These may include:

 

  • Electrolytes like magnesium and salt to replenish any lost during water loss
  • Grass-fed liver tablets to provide micronutrient support
  • Branch chain amino acids, or BCAAs, to help prevent loss of lean tissue
  • Greens powder to provide micronutrients
  • Algal oil or cod liver oil for omega-3s

 

You may also take exogenous ketones to achieve ketosis through the keto diet. The fast mimicking diet can also help you achieve ketosis before following a ketogenic diet. Below, we will discuss how the fast mimicking diet promotes ketosis.

 Ketosis and the Fast Mimicking Diet

The fast mimicking diet is an excellent way to prepare you for the ketogenic diet. This is because it allows you to get into ketosis. Additionally, eating keto foods makes it possible to remain in ketosis throughout the regimen.

 

To follow a ketogenic fasting-mimicking diet you must maintain your macros over the suitable range of 5 to 10 percent of carbohydrates, 20 to 25percent of proteins, and 70 to 80 percent of fats. If you’re unsure about whether you’re properly maintaining your macros, always choose something with more fat.

 

If you or a loved one need additional dietary guidance, give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!

 

Correct Bad Posture with Custom *FOOT ORTHOTICS* | El Paso, TX (2019)

Posture is the way in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or performing tasks such as lifting, bending, pulling, or reaching. However, when a person practices bad posture, it can cause a variety of health issues. According to research studies, signs and symptoms associated with a bad posture are the 3rd most common reason for doctor office visits in the United States.

 

The spine helps support the weight of the head and stabilizes the human body when standing upright. However, bad posture can strain the spine, causing a variety of health issues. Custom orthotics can help support good posture and promote pain relief. Dr. Alex Jimenez can help patients improve their overall health and wellness through custom orthotics. Patients recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical choice for posture. 

Posture

Poor posture takes a serious toll on health. Here are a few negative results:

 

  • Muscle soreness
  • Subluxations
  • Blood vessel constriction
  • Nerve constriction

 

As time passes, body/health problems also arise, which result in pain, restricted motion, and make the body more susceptible to injury and disease. Posture can even affect your emotional well-being, including self-confidence!

Treatment

Chiropractic can help you maintain proper posture with alignment adjustments, and custom orthotics can benefit the treatment making it last longer.

 

The American Chiropractic Association maintains proper posture involves sitting, standing, and lying down properly. Here's an excerpt:

Sitting properly

  • Keep your feet on the floor or footrest, for feet to be stabilized.
  • Ankles should be in front of your knees.
  • Keep a small space between the back of the knees and the front of the seat.
  • Your knees should be at or below the level of your hips.

Standing properly

  • Keep your weight on the balls of your feet.
  • Keep your knees slightly bent.
  • Keep your feet in line with your shoulders.
  • Arms hang naturally down the sides of the body.

Sleeping properly

  • Find the mattress that is right for you.
  • A firm mattress is generally recommended but sometimes people do better with a
  • Softer mattresses to reduce back pain.
  • Remember comfort is important.
  • Sleep with a pillow.
  • Special pillows are available to help with posture problems that come from a poor sleeping position.
  • Try not to sleep on your stomach.
  • Read more on the ACA website.
Dr. Alex Jimenez's insight:

Establishing and resolving the causes of hormonal imbalance is one of the core therapeutic systems not only in integrative medicine but in conventional medicine. For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677

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Dietary Supplements, Nutrients El Paso, Texas | Dr. Jimenez D.C. | Call: 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677

Dietary Supplements, Nutrients El Paso, Texas | Dr. Jimenez D.C. | Call: 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677 | Diet and Supplements | Scoop.it

Supplements 101

Supplements can become overwhelming with everything that's out there. This will touch on key categories of supplements and the best way on how to use them.

Supplements are divided into categories: 

Nutrients

(Nutraceuticals or Orthomolecular Medicine)

 

Botanicals

(Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy)

 

Hormones

Hormone Replacement Therapy or Restorative Medicine

 

Each category is meant to support underlying excesses or deficiencies, with the ultimate goal of bringing the body back into balance.

 

Where it becomes complicated is understanding the different uses and dosing of specific:

 

  • Extracts
  • Chelates (a chemical compound that dissolves more easily and is easily absorbed compared to other types of molecules and compounds)
  • Prepared Compounds

Nutrients

Nutrients are defined as ingredients that would otherwise be found in food, which include:

 

  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Phytochemicals
  • Antioxidants

What are Nutrients?

For sustaining life and staying healthy, the human body requires a balance of nutrients, which can be categorized as macronutrients and micronutrients.

 

Macronutrients constitute the major food groups of

 

  • Carbohydrates
  • Fats
  • Proteins

 

These are required in large amounts and are used for energy production and tissue growth.

 

Micronutrients are required in small amounts and include vitamins and minerals.

 

Phytonutrients, such as anthocyanin found in blueberries or resveratrol found in grapes, are also often classified as micronutrients. 

How do Nutrients Work?

Macronutrients are the caloric basis for our

 

  • Daily energy needs
  • Provide the building blocks of tissue development
  • Fiber for our microbiota
  • Cholesterol for hormone production

 

Micronutrients are not relevant for energy and contribute to:

 

  • Tissue development
  • Hormone and Neurotransmitter Production
  • Brain function
  • Immune function 

Common Nutritional Supplements

Dietary supplements can provide nutrients in a condensed form, which allow for targeting specific conditions or in order to upregulate certain pathways that require those nutrients.

Examples include:

  • Whey Protein Isolate
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids
  • Calcium
  • B vitamins

 

Eating Properly & Healthy

Make Protein A Priority

Muscle injuries are one of the most popular reasons for chiropractic visits. Protein helps build and heal muscle tissue, helping it to renew itself back to a pre-injury state.

 

If your daily intake of protein is low, it can hinder the healing process and stand in the way of chiropractic visits giving you the maximum results. Fish and lean meats are the foods that offer the highest protein.

 

Other vegetarian options are tofu, soybeans, eggs, milk, and nuts. Help your muscles rebuild and heal by adding high protein foods into every meal menu.

Staying Hydrated

Why do most of us view water drinking with dread? If you wish to promote healing, it’s imperative to drink enough water every day.

 

Water provides an entire slew of benefits, from transporting those important nutrients to where they need to be, to flushing harmful toxins out of the body. Aim for eight glasses of water a day, and try to drink it throughout the day.

 

Getting into this habit will boost overall health, and promote healing of injuries and other medical conditions.

 

While it’s a smart goal to try to ingest all the nutrients you need through food and drink, supplements are available to bridge the gap. Before beginning a supplement regimen, talk to you chiropractor for recommendations on the type and dosage that will aid and improve your unique situation.

 

You may also want to download a smartphone app to track your daily intake of calories, calcium, protein, and liquid. There are many available, one being My Fitness Pal.

 

Easy and free to use, this is a powerful tool to keep you on the right nutritional track.

 

Chiropractic treatment is a big step in the right direction for overall health/well-being and incorporating these nutritional tips into your daily routine will help you get the most out of your chiropractic care.

 

Do you have a bad Posture? Fix it with *FOOT ORTHOTICS*| El Paso, Tx (2019)

 

Posture is the position in which we hold our bodies while standing, sitting, or lying down. Good posture allows the body parts to be properly supported through correct alignment to promote the right amount of tension against gravity.

 

Bad posture can cause a variety of health issues, including neck pain and back pain. Understanding how bad posture can affect your health is essential for overall wellness. Custom foot orthotics can also help improve posture. Dr. Jimenez is the non-surgical choice for posture health issues.

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez's insight:

Chiropractic treatment is a big step in the right direction for overall health/well-being, and incorporating these nutritional tips into your daily routine will help you get the most out of your chiropractic care. For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677

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Dietary Supplements Botanicals El Paso, Texas | Dr. Jimenez D.C. | Call: 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677

Dietary Supplements Botanicals El Paso, Texas | Dr. Jimenez D.C. | Call: 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677 | Diet and Supplements | Scoop.it

Supplements 101

Supplements can become overwhelming with everything that's out there. This will touch on key categories of supplements and the best way on how to use them.

 Supplements are divided into categories:

 Nutrients

(Nutraceuticals or Orthomolecular Medicine)

 

Botanicals

(Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy)

 

Hormones

Hormone Replacement Therapy or Restorative Medicine

 

Each category is meant to support underlying excesses or deficiencies, with the ultimate goal of bringing the body back into balance.

 

Where it becomes complicated is understanding the different uses and dosing of specific:

 

  • Extracts
  • Chelates (a chemical compound that dissolves more easily and is easily absorbed compared to other types of molecules and compounds)
  • Prepared Compounds

Botanicals

(Herbal Medicine or Phytotherapy)

 What are Botanicals?

  • Records of humanity using botanical extracts therapeutically date back to the beginning of first recorded history.
  • Today, botanical medicine serves as an inspiration for pharmaceutical inventions and continues via modern research.
  • Botanical medicine is essential in integrative medicine and normally elicits fewer and less significant adverse side effects than pharmaceutical interventions.
  • Growing research shows that when used correctly, botanical extracts are more effective than pharmaceutical equivalents, and more cost-effective as well.

 Botanical Work?

  • Given their capacity to interact with virtually every system and tissue in the body, there are thousands of therapeutic uses.
  • There is a great deal of literature on traditional botanical medicine, however, there is a very little amount of modern research relative to modern medicine.
  • As a result, it becomes somewhat challenging to compare botanicals with pharmaceuticals regarding
    clinical outcomes.

 Botanical Ingredient Examples

Botanical medicine provides very helpful effective therapeutics and allows everyone, from professional practitioners to common laypeople apply these treatments.

 Common examples:

  • Garlic (Allium sativum) - immune function, cardiovascular function
  • Berberine - lowering blood sugar, decreasing triglycerides, antimicrobial
  • Reishi - immune function, potential anti-cancer properties

 

Diet vs. Lifestyle Change

Bottom line, diets are temporary. There are some serious consequences that can come from dieting, especially fad or crash diets. The effects of these types of diets can also seriously impact your chiropractic care, hindering your progress.

 

Also, because diets are temporary, once you return to your regular eating habits the weight usually comes back.

 

A lifestyle change is a far better choice. It involves making smart, healthy eating choices – choices that you maintain for the rest of your life. This also impacts your chiropractic care by strengthening your body and keeping it healthy so that it is in an optimal state for healing and responds well to treatment.

 Types Of Diets

There are all sorts of diets out there. Some are blatantly unhealthy but others are sneaky. They come with claims of being healthy, of being created or endorsed by doctors, or include tons of vitamin supplements but very limited food intake. It is important to be able to spot these destructive fad diets so you don’t get suckered into their hype.

 

Some of the most common types of fad diets include high protein, low or no-carb, liquid, cabbage, grapefruit, broth or juice, and food combining. Some of these can cause serious health problems including vital organ damage. Others can cause vitamin deficiencies and dehydration. None of them can (or should) be maintained over a long period of time, much less the rest of your life.

 Healthy Eating Is A Lifestyle

When you make the life-changing commitment to adopt a healthy eating lifestyle you open yourself up to a world of better health, more energy, and better focus. Your body will heal faster and you will feel better.

 

A diet of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, fresh fish, and whole grains, along with lots of water should become a way of life. It is far healthier than the temporary diets that are out there and more effective too.

 

If you or a loved one need additional dietary guidance, give us a call. Our Doctor of Chiropractic is here to help!

 

 

*CORRECT FOOT PRONATION* with Custom Foot Orthotics | El Paso, TX (2019)

 

Foot pronation is the natural movement which occurs during foot landing while walking or running. Foot pronation also occurs while standing, and in this instance, it is the amount in which the foot rolls inward toward the arch. Foot pronation is normal, however, excessive foot pronation can cause a variety of health issues, including bad posture.

 

The following video describes the 5 red flags of excessive foot pronation, which can ultimately affect a person's overall health and wellness. Dr. Alex Jimenez can help diagnose and treat excessive foot pronation. Patients recommend Dr. Alex Jimenez and his staff as the non-surgical choice for excessive foot pronation health issues.

Dr. Alex Jimenez's insight:

When you make the life-changing commitment to adopt a healthy eating lifestyle, you open yourself up to a world of better health, more energy, and better focus. Your body will heal faster, and you will feel better. For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900 or 915-412-6677

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Dietary Strategies: Prevention/Treatment Of Metabolic Syndrome

Dietary Strategies: Prevention/Treatment Of Metabolic Syndrome | Diet and Supplements | Scoop.it

Dietary Strategies:

 

Abstract: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is established as the combination of central obesity and different metabolic disturbances, such as insulin resistance, hypertension and dyslipidemia. This cluster of factors affects approximately 10%–50% of adults worldwide and the prevalence has been increasing in epidemic proportions over the last years. Thus, dietary strategies to treat this heterogenic disease are under continuous study. In this sense, diets based on negative-energy-balance, the Mediterranean dietary pattern, n-3 fatty acids, total antioxidant capacity and meal frequency have been suggested as effective approaches to treat MetS. Furthermore, the type and percentage of carbohydrates, the glycemic index or glycemic load, and dietary fiber content are some of the most relevant aspects related to insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance, which are important co-morbidities of MetS. Finally, new studies focused on the molecular action of specific nutritional bioactive compounds with positive effects on the MetS are currently an objective of scientific research worldwide. The present review summarizes some of the most relevant dietary approaches and bioactive compounds employed in the treatment of the MetS to date.

 

Keywords: metabolic syndrome; dietary strategies; bioactive compounds

1. Metabolic Syndrome

It was during the period between 1910 and 1920 when it was suggested for the first time that a cluster of associated metabolic disturbances tended to coexist together [1]. Since then, different health organisms have suggested diverse definitions for metabolic syndrome (MetS) but there has not yet been a well-established consensus. The most common definitions are summarized in Table 1. What is clear for all of these is that the MetS is a clinical entity of substantial heterogeneity, commonly represented by the combination of obesity (especially abdominal obesity), hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and/or hypertension [2–6].

 

Obesity consists of an abnormal or excessive fat accumulation, for which the main cause is a chronic imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure [7,8]. The excess of energy consumed is primarily deposited in the adipose tissue as triglycerides (TG) [9].

 

Dyslipidemia encompasses elevated serum TG levels, increased low density lipoprotein- cholesterol (LDL-c) particles, and reduced levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) [10]. It is associated with hepatic steatosis [11], dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells [12] and elevated risk of atherosclerosis [13], among others.

 

Another main modifiable MetS manifestation is hypertension, which is mainly defined as a resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) ≥ 90 mmHg or drug prescription to lower hypertension [14]. It usually involves narrowed arteries and is identified as a major cardiovascular and renal risk factor, related to heart and vascular disease, stroke and myocardial infarction [13,15–17].

 

Hyperglycemia, related insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus are characterized by an impaired uptake of glucose by the cells, that lead to elevated plasma glucose levels, glycosuria and ketoacidosis [18]. It is responsible for different tissue damage that shortens the life expectancy of diabetics, involving cardiovascular diseases (CVD), atherosclerosis, hypertension [19], β-cell dysfunction [12], kidney disease [20] or blindness [21]. Currently, diabetes is considered the leading cause of death in developed countries [22].

 

Moreover, oxidative stress and low grade inflammation are two important mechanisms implicated in the etiology, pathogenesis, and development of MetS [23]. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance between the pro-oxidants and antioxidants in the body [24]. It plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis by different mechanisms such as the oxidation of LDL-c particles [25] or impairment of HDL-c functions [26]. Inflammation is an immune system response to injury hypothesized to be a major mechanism in the pathogenesis and progression of obesity related disorders and the link between adiposity, insulin resistance, MetS and CVD [27].

 

Although the prevalence of the MetS varies broadly around the word and depends on the source used for its definition, it is clear that over the last 40–50 years the number of people presenting with this syndrome has risen in epidemic proportions [28]. Moreover, the frequency of this syndrome is increased in developed countries, sedentary people, smokers, low socioeconomic status population, as well as in individuals with unhealthy dietary habits [29,30].

 

For all of this, there is currently a wide concern to find effective strategies to detect, treat and control the comorbidities associated with MetS. This is a complex challenge as MetS is a clinical entity of substantial heterogeneity and therefore, the different cornerstones implicated in its development should be addressed. In this review we compiled and examined different dietary patterns and bioactive compounds that have pointed out to be effective in MetS treatment.

2. Dietary Patterns

Several dietary strategies and their potential positive effects on the prevention and treatment of the different metabolic complications associated to the MetS, are described below and summarized in Table 2.

2.1. Energy-Restricted Diet Strategies

Energy restricted diets are probably the most commonly used and studied dietary strategies for combating excess weight and related comorbidities. They consist in personalized regimes that supply less calories than the total energy expended by a specific individual [31].

 

A hypocaloric diet results in a negative energy balance and subsequently, in body weight reduction [31]. Weight loss is achieved via fat mobilization from different body compartments as a consequence of the lipolysis process necessary to provide energy substrate [32,33]. In people who are overweight or suffering from obesity, as is the case of most people with MetS, weight loss is important as it is associated with improvement of related disorders such as abdominal obesity (visceral adipose tissue), type 2 diabetes, CVD or inflammation [32–36].

 

Moreover, as described above, low grade inflammation is associated with MetS and obesity. Therefore, of particular importance is the fact that in obese individuals following a hypocaloric diet, a depletion of plasma inflammatory markers such as interleukin (IL)-6 has been observed [34]. Thus, caloric restriction in obese people suffering MetS may improve the whole-body pro-inflammatory state.

 

At the same time, body weight reduction is associated with improvements in cellular insulin signal transduction, increments in peripheral insulin sensitivity and higher robustness in insulin secretory responses [32,36]. People with excess body weight who are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, may benefit from a hypocaloric regime by improving plasma glucose levels and insulin resistance.

 

In addition, different intervention trials have reported a relationship between energy restricted diets and lower risk of developing CVD. In this sense, in studies with obese people following a hypocaloric diet, improvements in lipid profile variables such as reductions of LDL-c and plasma TG levels, as well as improvements in hypertension via depletion of SBP and DBP levels have been observed [35,37].

 

Among the different nutritional intervention trials, a reduction of 500–600 kcal a day of the energy requirements is a well-established hypocaloric dietary strategy, which has demonstrated to be effective in weight reduction [38,39]. However, the challenge lies in maintaining the weight loss over time, as many subjects can follow a prescribed diet for a few months, but most people have difficulty in maintaining the acquired habits over the long term [40,41].

2.2. Diets Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids

The very long-chain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs) for human physiology. Their main dietary sources are fish and algal oils and fatty fish, but they can also be synthesized by humans from α-linolenic acid [40].

 

There is a moderate body of evidence suggesting that n-3 PUFAs, mainly EPA and DHA, have a positive role in the prevention and treatment of the pathologies associated to MetS [42].

 

In this context, it has been described that EPA and DHA have the ability to reduce the risk of developing CVD and cardiometabolic abnormalities as well as CVD-related mortality [42]. These beneficial effects are thought to be mainly due to the ability of these essential fatty acids to reduce plasma TG levels [43].

 

Moreover, different studies have shown that people following an increased n-3 PUFA diet have reduced plasma levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), as well as plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) [44]. These effects are probably mediated by resolvins, maresins and protectins, which are EPA and DHA metabolic products with anti-inflammatory properties [44].

 

There are some studies that have observed an association between n-3 ingestion and improvements or prevention of type 2 diabetes development. However, other studies found opposite results [44]. Thus, it cannot be made any specific affirmation in this respect.

 

The European Food Safety Authority recommends and intake of 250 mg EPA + DHA a day, in the general healthy population as a primary prevention of CVD [45]. These amounts can be achieved with an ingestion of 1–2 fatty fish meals per week [45].

2.3. Diets Based on Low Glycemic Index/Load

Over the last ten years, the concern about the quality of the carbohydrates (CHO) consumed has risen [46]. In this context, the glycemic index (GI) is used as a CHO quality measure. It consists in a ranking on a scale from 0 to 100 that classifies carbohydrate-containing foods according to the postprandial glucose response [47]. The higher the index, the more promptly the postprandial serum glucose rises and the more rapid the insulin response. A quick insulin response leads to rapid hypoglycemia, which is suggested to be associated with an increment of the feeling of hunger and to a subsequent higher caloric intake [47]. The glycemic load (GL) is equal to the GI multiplied by the number of grams of CHO in a serving [48].

 

There is a theory which states that MetS is a consequence of an elevated intake of high GI foods over time, among others unhealthy dietary habits [49]. In this sense, following a diet rich in high GI CHO has been associated with hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, CVD, and obesity [47,50,51], abnormalities directly related to MetS.

 

On the contrary, a low GI diet has been associated with slower absorption of the CHO and subsequently smaller blood glucose fluctuations, which indicate better glycemic control [46]. In patients with type 2 diabetes, diets based on low GI are associated with reductions in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fructosamine blood levels, two biomarkers used as key monitoring factors in diabetes management [52,53].

 

For all of this, it is common to find the limitation of CHO at high GI among the advice for MetS treatment [28], in particular with respect to “ready-to-eat processed foods” including sweetened beverages, soft drinks, cookies, cakes, candy, juice drinks, and other foods which contain high amounts of added sugars [54].

2.4. Diets with High Total Antioxidant Capacity

Dietary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) is an indicator of diet quality defined as the sum of antioxidant activities of the pool of antioxidants present in a food [55]. These antioxidants have the capacity to act as scavengers of free radicals and other reactive species produced in the organisms [56]. Taking into account that oxidative stress is one of the remarkable unfortunate physiological states of MetS, dietary antioxidants are of main interest in the prevention and treatment of this multifactorial disorder [57]. Accordingly, it is well-accepted that diets with a high content of spices, herbs, fruits, vegetables, nuts and chocolate, are associated with a decreased risk of oxidative stress-related diseases development [58–60]. Moreover, several studies have analyzed the effects of dietary TAC in individuals suffering from MetS or related diseases [61,62]. In the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study it was demonstrated that a high TAC has beneficial effects on metabolic disorders and especially prevents weight and abdominal fat gain [61]. In the same line, research conducted in our institutions also evidenced that beneficial effects on body weight, oxidative stress biomarkers and other MetS features were positively related with higher TAC consumption in patients suffering from MetS [63–65].

 

In this sense, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for fruit and vegetables consumption (high TAC foods) for the general population is a minimum of 400 g a day [66]. Moreover, cooking with spices is recommended in order to increase the TAC dietary intake and, at the same time, maintain flavor while reducing salt [67].

2.5. Moderate-High Protein Diets

The macronutrient distribution set in a weight loss dietary plan has commonly been 50%–55% total caloric value from CHO, 15% from proteins and 30% from lipids [57,68]. However, as most people have difficulty in maintaining weight loss achievements over time [69,70], research on increment of protein intake (>20%) at the expense of CHO was carried out [71–77].

 

Two mechanisms have been proposed to explain the potential beneficial effects of high-moderate protein diets: the increment of diet-induced thermogenesis [73] and the increase of satiety [78]. The increment of the thermogenesis is explained by the synthesis of peptide bonds, production of urea and gluconeogenesis, which are processes with a higher energy requirement than the metabolism of lipids or CHO [75]. An increment of different appetite-control hormones such as insulin, cholecystokinin or glucagon-like peptide 1, may clarify the satiety effect [79].

 

Other beneficial effects attributed to moderate-high protein diets in the literature are the improvement of glucose homeostasis [80], the possibility of lower blood lipids [81], the reduction of blood pressure [82], the preservation of lean body mass [83] or the lower of cardiometabolic disease risk [84,85]. However, there are other studies that have not found benefits associated to a moderate-high protein diet [76]. This fact may be explained by the different type of proteins and their amino acid composition [80], as well as by the different type of populations included in each study [85]. Therefore, more research in the field is needed in order to make these results consistent.

 

In any case, when a hypocaloric diet is implemented, it is necessary to slightly increase the amount of proteins. Otherwise it would be difficult to reach the protein energy requirements, established as 0.83 g/kg/day for isocaloric diets and which should probably be at least 1 g/kg/day for energy-restricted diets [86].

2.6. High Meal Frequency Pattern

The pattern of increasing meal frequency in weight loss and weight control interventions has currently become popular among professionals [87,88]. The idea is to distribute the total daily energy intake into more frequently and smaller meals. However, there is no strong evidence about the efficacy of this habit yet [89]. While some investigations have found an inverse association between the increment of meals per day and body weight, body mass index (BMI), fat mass percentage or metabolic diseases such as coronary heart disease or type 2 diabetes [71,88,90–92], others have found no association [93–95].

 

Different mechanisms by which high meal frequency can have a positive effect on weight and metabolism management have been proposed. An increment of energy expenditure was hypothesized; however, the studies carried out in this line have concluded that total energy expenditure does not differ among different meal frequencies [96,97]. Another postulated hypothesis is that the greater the number of meals a day, the higher the fat oxidation, but again no consensus has been achieved [89,98]. An additional suggested mechanism is that increasing meal frequency leads to plasma glucose levels with lower oscillations and reduced insulin secretion which is thought to contribute to a better appetite control. However, these associations have been found in population with overweight or high glucose levels but in normal-weight or normoglycaemic individuals the results are still inconsistent [93,99–101].

2.7. The Mediterranean Diet

The concept of the Mediterranean Diet (MedDiet) was for the first time defined by the scientific Ancel Keys who observed that those countries around the Mediterranean Sea, which had a characteristic diet, had less risk of suffering coronary heart diseases [102,103].

 

The traditional MedDiet is characterized by a high intake of extra-virgin olive oil and plant foods (fruits, vegetables, cereals, whole grains, legumes, tree nuts, seeds and olives), low intakes of sweets and red meat and moderate consumption of dairy products, fish and red wine [104].

 

There is a lot of literature supporting the general health benefits of the MedDiet. In this sense, it has been reported that a high adherence to this dietary pattern protects against mortality and morbidity from several causes [105]. Thus, different studies suggested the MedDiet as a successful tool for the prevention and treatment of MetS and related comorbidities [106–108]. Moreover, recent meta-analysis concluded that the MedDiet is associated with less risk of developing type 2 diabetes and with a better glycemic control in people with this metabolic disorder [107,109,110]. Other studies have found a positive correlation between the adherence to a MedDiet pattern and reduced risk of developing CVD [111–114]. In fact, many studies have found a positive association between following a MedDiet and improvements in lipid profile by reduction of total cholesterol, LDL-c and TG, and an increase in HDL-c [111–115]. Finally, different studies also suggest that the MedDiet pattern may be a good strategy for obesity treatment as it has been associated with significant reductions in body weight and waist circumference [108,116,117].

 

The high amount of fiber which, among other beneficial effects, helps to weight control providing satiety; and the high antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients such as n-3 fatty acids, oleic acid or phenolic compounds, are thought to be the main contributors to the positive effects attributed to the MedDiet [118].

 

For all these reasons, efforts to maintain the MedDiet pattern in Mediterranean countries and to implement this dietary habits in westernized countries with unhealthy nutritional patterns should be made.

3. Dietary: Single Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds

New studies focused on the molecular action of nutritional bioactive compounds with positive effects on MetS are currently an objective of scientific research worldwide with the aim of designing more personalized strategies in the framework of molecular nutrition. Among them, flavonoids and antioxidant vitamins are some of the most studied compounds with different potential benefits such as antioxidant, vasodilatory, anti-atherogenic, antithrombotic, and anti-inflammatory effects [119]. Table 3 summarizes different nutritional bioactive compounds with potential positive effects on MetS, including the possible molecular mechanism of action involved.

 

3.1. Ascorbate

Vitamin C, ascorbic acid or ascorbate is an essential nutrient as human beings cannot synthesize it. It is a water-soluble antioxidant mainly found in fruits, especially citrus (lemon, orange), and vegetables (pepper, kale) [120]. Several beneficial effects have been associated to this vitamin such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and prevention or treatment of CVD and type 2 diabetes [121–123].

 

This dietary component produces its antioxidant effect primarily by quenching damaging free radicals and other reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and therefore preventing molecules such as LDL-c from oxidation [122]. It can also regenerate other oxidized antioxidants like tocopherol [124].

 

Moreover, it has been described that ascorbic acid may reduce inflammation as it is associated with depletion of CRP levels [125]. This is an important outcome to take in consideration in the treatment of MetS sufferers, as they usually present low grade inflammation [27].

 

Supplementation with vitamin C have also been associated with prevention of CVD by improving the endothelial function [126] and probably by lowering blood pressure [121]. These effects are thought to be exerted by the ability of vitamin C to enhance the endothelial nitric oxide synthase enzyme (eNOS) activity and to reduce HDL-c glycation [127].

 

Additionally, several studies have attributed to ascorbate supplementation an antidiabetic effect by improving whole body insulin sensitivity and glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes [123]. These antidiabetic properties are thought to be mediated by optimization of the insulin secretory function of the pancreatic islet cells by increasing muscle sodium-dependent vitamin C transporters (SVCTs) [128].

 

Despite all of this, it should be taken into account that most people reach ascorbic acid requirements (established at 95–110 mg/day in the general population) from diet and do not need supplementation [122,129]. Besides, it should be considered that an excess of vitamin C ingestion leads to the opposite effect and oxidative particles are formed [130,131].

3.2. Hydroxytyrosol

Hydroxytyrosol (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol) is a phenolic compound mainly found in olives [132].

 

It is considered the strongest antioxidant of olive oil and one of the main antioxidants in nature [133]. It acts as a powerful scavenger of free radicals, as a radical chain breaker and as metal chelator [134]. It has the ability of inhibiting LDL-c oxidation by macrophages [132]. In this sense, it is the only phenol recognized by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) as a protector of blood lipids from oxidative damage [135].

 

Hydroxytyrosol has also been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects, probably by suppressing cyclooxygenase activity and inducing eNOS expression [136]. Thus, enhancement of olives/olive oil intakes or hydroxytyroxol supplementation in people suffering from MetS may be a good strategy in order to improve inflammatory status.

 

Another beneficial effect attributed to this phenolic compound is its cardiovascular protective effect. It presents anti-atherogenic properties by decreasing the expression of vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1) and intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) [132,137], which are probably the result of an inactivation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NFκB), activator protein 1 (AP-1), GATA transcription factor and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAD(P)H) oxidase [138,139]. Hydroxytyrosol also provides antidyslipidemic effects by lowering plasma levels of LDL-c, total cholesterol and TG, and by rising HDL-c [138].

 

Despite the beneficial effects attributed to hydfroxytyrosol as an antioxidant, for its antiinflamatory properties and as cardiovascular protector, it should be taken into account that most studies focused on this compound have been performed with mixtures of olive phenols, thus a synergic effect cannot be excluded [140].

3.3. Quercetin

Quercetin is a predominant flavanol naturally present in vegetables, fruits, green tea or red wine. It is commonly found as glycoside forms, where rutin is the most common and important structure found in nature [141].

 

Many beneficial effects that can contribute to MetS improvement have been attributed to quercetin. Among them, its antioxidant capacity should be highlighted, as it has been reported to inhibit lipid peroxidation and increase antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) or glutathione peroxidase (GPX) [142].

 

Moreover, an anti-inflammatory effect mediated via attenuation of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), NFκB and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK), as well as depletion of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-8 or monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) gene expression has also been attributed to this polyphenol [143].

 

As most people with MetS are overweight or obese, the role of quercetin in body weight reduction and obesity prevention has been of special interest. In this sense, it stands out the capacity of quercetin to inhibit adipogenesis through inducing the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and decreasing the expression of CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein-α (C/EBPα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) [141,144].

 

According to the antidiabetic effects, it is proposed that quercetin may act as an agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), and thus improve insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mature adipocytes [145]. Moreover, quercetin may ameliorate hyperglycemia by inhibiting glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and insulin dependent phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and blocking tyrosine kinase (TK) [142].

 

Finally, different studies observed that quercetin has the ability to reduce blood pressure [146–148]. However, the mechanisms of action are not clear, since some authors have suggested that quercetin increases eNOS, contributing to inhibition of platelet aggregation and improvement of the endothelial function [146,147], but there are other studies that have not come across these results [148].

3.4. Resveratrol

Resveratrol (3,5,4′-trihidroxiestilben) is a phenolic compound mainly found in red grapes and derived products (red wine, grape juice) [149]. It has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and cardioprotective, anti-obesity and antidiabetic capacities [150–156].

 

The antioxidant effects of resveratrol have been reported to be carried out by scavenging of hydroxyl, superoxide, and metal-induced radicals as well as by antioxidant effects in cells producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) [150].

 

Moreover, it has been reported that the anti-inflammatory effects of resveratrol are mediated by inhibiting NFκB signaling [151]. Furthermore, this polyphenol reduces the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), TNF-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and eNOS [152]. In addition, resveratrol inhibits the cyclooxygenase (COX) expression and activity, a pathway involved in the synthesis of proinflammatory lipid mediators [152].

 

Concerning the effects of resveratrol against development of type 2 diabetes, it has been reported that treatment of diabetes patients with this polyphenol provides significant improvements in the status of multiple clinically relevant biomarkers such as fasting glucose levels, insulin concentrations or glycated hemoglobin and Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) [153,154].

 

Additionally, cardioprotective effects have been attributed to resveratrol. In this sense, it is suggested that resveratrol improves the endothelial function by producing nitric oxide (NO) through increasing the activity and expression of eNOS. This effect is thought to be conducted through activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (Sirt 1) and 5′ AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) [155]. Besides, resveratrol exerts endothelial protection by stimulation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) [156] and decreasing the expression of adhesion proteins such as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 [152].

 

Finally, it has been described that resveratrol may have a role in preventing obesity as it has been related with energy metabolism improvement, increasing lipolysis and reducing lipogenesis [157]. However, more studies are needed in order to corroborate these findings.

3.5. Tocopherol

Tocopherols, also known as vitamin E, are a family of eight fat-soluble phenolic compounds whose main dietary sources are vegetable oils, nuts and seeds [130,158].

 

For a long time, it has been suggested that vitamin E could prevent different metabolic diseases as a potent antioxidant, acting as scavenger of lipid peroxyl radicals by hydrogen donating [159]. In this sense, it was described that tocopherols inhibit peroxidation of membrane phospholipids and prevent generation of free radicals in cell membranes [160].

 

Moreover, it has been shown that supplementation with α-tocopherol or γ-tocopherol, two of the different isoforms of vitamin E, could have an effect on inflammation status by reducing CRP levels [161]. Additionally, inhibition of COX and protein kinase C (PKC) and reduction of cytokines such as IL-8 or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) are other mechanisms that may contribute to these anti-inflammatory effects [162,163].

 

However, the beneficial effects attributed to this vitamin previously have lately became controversial as different clinical trials have not come across such benefits, but ineffective or even harmful effects have been observed [164]. It has been recently suggested that this may be explained by the fact that vitamin E may lose most of the antioxidant capacity when ingested by human beings through different mechanisms [162].

3.6. Anthocyanins

Anthocyanins are water-soluble polyphenolic compounds responsible for the red, blue and purple colors of berries, black currants, black grapes, peaches, cherries, plums, pomegranate, eggplant, black beans, red radishes, red onions, red cabbage, purple corn or purple sweet potatoes [165–167]. Actually, they are the most abundant polyphenols in fruits and vegetables [167]. Moreover, they can also be found in teas, honey, nuts, olive oil, cocoa, and cereals [168].

 

These compounds have high antioxidant capacity inhibiting or decreasing free radicals by donating or transferring electrons from hydrogen atoms [167].

 

Regarding clinical studies, it has been shown that these bioactive compounds may prevent type 2 diabetes development by improving insulin sensitivity [169]. The exact mechanisms by which anthocyanins exert their antidiabetic effect are not yet clear, but an enhancement of the glucose uptake by muscle and adipocyte cells in an insulin-independent manner has been suggested [169].

 

Moreover, it has been shown that anthocyanins may have the capacity to prevent CVD development by improving endothelial function via increasing brachial artery flow-mediated dilation and HDL-c, and decreasing serum VCAM-1 and LDL-c concentrations [170–173].

 

Finally, these polyphenolic compounds may exert anti-inflamatory effects via reducing proinflamatory molecules such as IL-8, IL-1β or CRP [172,174].

 

However, most studies have used anthocyanin-rich extracts instead of purified anthocyanins; thus, a synergic effect with other polyphenols cannot be discarded.

3.7. Catechins

Catechins are polyphenols that can be found in a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, chocolate, wine, and tea [175]. The epigallocatechin 3-gallate present in tea leaves is the catechin class most studied [176].

 

Anti-obesity effects have been attributed to these polyphenols in different studies [176]. The mechanisms of action suggested to explain these beneficial effects on body weight are: increasing energy expenditure and fat oxidation, and reducing fat absorption [177]. It is thought that energy expenditure is enhanced by catechol-O-methyltransferase and phosphodiesterase inhibition, which stimulates the sympathetic nervous system causing an activation of the brown adipose tissue [178]. Fat oxidation is mediated by upregulation of acyl-CoA dehydrogenase and peroxisomal b-oxidation enzymes [178,179].

 

Moreover, catechin intake has also been associated with lower risk of CVD development by improving lipid biomarkers. Thus, it has been reported that consumption of this kind of polyphenols may increase HDL-c and decrease LDL-c and total cholesterol [180].

 

Finally, and antidiabetic effect has also been related to catechin comsumption, lowering fasting glucose levels [175] and improving insulin sensitivity [178].

4. Conclusions

As the prevalence of MetS reaches epidemic rates, the finding of an effective and easy-to-follow dietary strategy to combat this heterogenic disease is still a pending subject. This work recompiled different dietary nutrients and nutritional patterns with potential benefits in the prevention and treatment of MetS and related comorbidities (Figure 1) with the aim of facilitating future clinical studies in this area. The challenge now is to introduce precision bioactive compounds in personalized nutritional patterns in order to gain the most benefits for prevention and treatment of this disease through nutrition.

 

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

 

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Dr. Alex Jimenez's insight:

Some of the most dietary-strategies-treatment-metabolic dietary strategies and bioactive compounds employed in the treatment of MetS to date. For Answers to any questions you may have please call Dr. Jimenez at 915-850-0900

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