Healthy Foods

Gelatin is a stabilizer and thickener used to make desserts like fruit gelatin, pudding, mousse, marshmallows, candy, cakes, ice cream, and certain yogurts. It is also used in some shampoos and skincare products. Because animal products are used to make gelatin, it is not a vegan-friendly food, and even some non-vegans choose not to eat it. However, there are gelatin alternatives that are made from non-animal sources. The use of gelatin may provide certain health benefits, and there are some medical uses for pharmaceutical-grade gelatin. 

Gelatin Health

Gelatin is affirmed as generally recognized as safe/GRAS by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Gelatin is made by boiling the skin, tendons, ligaments, or bones of animals - cows or pigs in water. This process releases collagen, a protein that provides structure and is the most abundant in the human body. Once the collagen is extracted, it is:

• Concentrated
• Filtered
• Cooled
• Extruded
• Dried

Alternatives

Thickening agents can be made from different ingredients. These include:

Agar-agar

• Also called agar, this thickener is made from cooked and pressed seaweed.
• This gelling agent is available online and in some supermarkets in powdered, flaked, and bar form.
• When cooking with it, substitute agar for gelatin using equal amounts if using the powder.
• If using flakes, a tablespoon equals about a teaspoon of the powder.
• Certain citrus fruits require more agar when substituting.
• Agar does not gel well for recipes that include uncooked mangoes, papaya, and pineapple.

Pectin

• Pectin is a gelling agent found naturally in apples and citrus fruits.
• Food manufacturers use pectin to make some yogurts and candies and enhance fruit-based beverages.
• It can also thicken jams, jellies, and other foods.

Carrageen Moss

• Carrageen moss is also derived from seaweed.
• This thickener is usually for making softer gels and puddings.

Benefits

Improved Bone Health

• A benefit of gelatin is the protection of bones; however, evidence supporting its use is limited.
• An early study found that hydrolyzed gelatin, such as pharmaceutical grade, may help reduce pain symptoms in individuals with knee or hip osteoarthritis.
• Researchers thought that it could have a beneficial effect on cartilage metabolism.
• A study found that adding gelatin to an intermittent exercise program improved collagen synthesis and could aid in injury prevention and tissue repair.

Treatment of Diarrhea

• Some studies have suggested that gelatin tannate, which contains tannic acid, can reduce chronic diarrhea.
• One study found that using gelatin tannate and other products like probiotics could be effective.
• However, further research is needed.

Recipe Alternative

• Individuals following specific diets or nutritional plans can use gelatin to thicken foods instead of ingredients that they are avoiding or removing from their eating plan.
• It can be used by those following low or no - carb or grain-free diets.
• Individuals with wheat allergies, celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or who follow a gluten-free diet can use gelatin or other thickeners instead of flour.
• Adding flour to foods like soups and stews can increase the carbohydrate count.
• Cornstarch is one replacement that thickens when food is heated, like flour; however, gelatin thickens when food is cooled.
• For example, some chefs use 1 ½ teaspoons of gelatin per cup of stock to thicken soups.

Nutrition

The USDA provides the following nutrition information for a single envelope or around one tablespoon/7 grams of gelatin.

Carbohydrates

• There are about 30 calories per tablespoon, and none of the calories are from carbohydrates.
• There are 0 grams of total carbohydrates, 0 grams of sugar, and 0 grams of fiber.
• Because there are no carbohydrates, it will not impact blood sugar levels.
• However, it is not usually consumed by itself.
• It is commonly used to thicken desserts with sugar and carbohydrates that can elevate blood sugar levels.

Fats

• There is no fat in a tablespoon serving of gelatin.
• A 100-gram serving contains less than a gram of fat.

Protein

• Gelatin provides about 6 grams of protein in one tablespoon serving.
• It should not be considered a high-protein food.

Vitamins and Minerals

• The powder does not contribute any significant micronutrients.
• Does not provide vitamins or minerals.

Storage and Safety

• It should be kept in a sealed container and stored in a cool, dry place.
• It should stay fresh for about three years when unopened and stored correctly.
• It should not be frozen.

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General Disclaimer *

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified healthcare professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, don't hesitate to get in touch with Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*

References

Blanco, Francisco J, and Ronald K June 2nd. “Cartilage Metabolism, Mitochondria, and Osteoarthritis.” The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons vol. 28,6 (2020): e242-e244. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-19-00442

Daneault, Audrey, et al. “Biological effect of hydrolyzed collagen on bone metabolism.” Critical Reviews in food science and Nutrition vol. 57,9 (2017): 1922-1937. doi:10.1080/10408398.2015.1038377

Florez, Ivan D et al. “Gelatin tannate for acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” Archives of Disease in Childhood vol. 105,2 (2020): 141-146. doi:10.1136/arch dis child-2018-316385

Hölzl, Katja, et al. “Gelatin methacryloyl as an environment for chondrocytes and cell delivery to superficial cartilage defects.” Journal of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine vol. 16,2 (2022): 207-222. doi:10.1002/term.3273

Lopetuso, L et al. “Gelatin tannate and tyndallized probiotics: a novel approach for the treatment of diarrhea.” European Review for Medical and pharmacological sciences vol. 21,4 (2017): 873-883.

Shaw, Gregory, et al. “Vitamin C-enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis.” The American Journal of clinical nutrition vol. 105,1 (2017): 136-143. doi:10.3945/ajcn.116.138594

Tehranzadeh, J et al. “Cartilage metabolism in osteoarthritis and the influence of viscosupplementation and steroid: a review.” Acta radiologica (Stockholm, Sweden : 1987) vol. 46,3 (2005): 288-96. doi:10.1080/02841850510016027

El Paso, TX. Chiropractor, Dr. Alex Jimenez breaks down the Fasting Mimicking diet. What it's about, how to take it and the health benefits.

Fasting with food!

• The 5 Day Fasting Mimicking Diet™, or FMD, is the first fasting meal program.
• Made from natural ingredients.
• Meals are consumed for five days.
• The body's ( cellular pathways) do not recognize the meals as food.
• This keeps the body in a fasting mode.
• This diet is proven to promote overall health.
• Reduce excess fat.
• Allow you freedom.

Scientifically developed and clinically tested at the Longevity Institute at the University of Southern California. Led by Dr. Valter Longo, the USC Longevity Institute unites multidisciplinary aging research approaches to enhance the healthy years of life.

The FMD is the only meal program that provides the body with optimal nourishment, which keeps the body in fasting mode.

Why Take ProLon®?

Two decades of scientific discoveries at the University of Southern California.

Nutritional-Technology

• All natural, plant-based, high-quality food and supplements
• Experience the benefits of fasting, but with natural foods
• Conveniently packaged in single-serve portions for each day of the program

What ProLon® Can Do For You

• Decrease body fat
• Decrease body weight
• Preserve lean body mass
• 60% weight loss maintained 3 months after resuming a normal diet

Maintain Healthy Levels

• Blood glucose
• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• C-reactive proteins
• Stem cells Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1

Meal Program

How To Follow Program

• Consume the ProLon® meal program‘s components for five consecutive days
• Do not consume any additional food/liquid other than water or herbal teas without caffeine or additives
• No sodas allowed
• Resume a healthy diet for the rest of the month

In order to maximize the benefits, you should minimize your consumption of caffeine to 1 cup of coffee or tea without additives or sweeteners per day during the 5-day program.

Resuming Regular Diet

At the end of the program on Day 6 for a period of 12 hours

• Liquid foods, such as soups and fruit juices
• Light meals: rice, pasta, small portions of fish/meat/legumes
• Avoid binge eating

Fast For Performance

What To Expect

Individuals taking ProLon® a have reported

• Improved energy levels
• Less fatigue
• Softer and shinier skin
• A positive impact on lifestyle
• Making healthier choices and eating less

How Often Should You Should Take The 5-Day ProLon® Diet?

The ProLon clinical trials protocol included three consecutive cycles of ProLon (5-day only per month over three consecutive months). It is up to the practitioner to decide the best protocol that he or she would like to use for each patient. It is suggested that for patients who are obese or overweight, to use ProLon for one three cycle protocol, and recommend that you check with your doctor to re-assess and determine if they have met their goals or if more cycles would be helpful. If a patient is not overweight and eats and exercises well, it is suggested to take the product 1-2 times a year.

Precautions

• Due to the low caloric nature of the ProLon® 5-day meal program, Individuals should not take ProLon® in combination with prescription or non-prescription drugs unless approved by your healthcare professional.
• Drink at least 8 cups of water to minimize the risk of dehydration.
• Avoid alcohol consumption, strenuous exercise, and exposure to high temperatures (e.g., saunas, spas, Jacuzzi) or cold environments and swimming.
• Operate a motor vehicle and heavy machinery with care until it is known how ProLon® may affect you.

Clinical Study Methodology

Pre-clinical and clinical studies have proven that periodic fasting, done for several days, is a very powerful intervention that our bodies learned to naturally cope with by protecting and rejuvenating itself. The 5-Day ProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet has been clinically tested and found to promote beneficial effects in a wide variety of conditions ranging from excess weight and fasting blood glucose, to growth factors associated with DNA damage and aging.

• Randomized control trial of 100 subjects
• 71 completed 3 cycles of the ProLon® either in a randomized phase (N=39) or
• After being crossed over from a control diet group to the FMD group (N=32)
• Control subjects continued normal diet.
• ProLon® participants consumed the fasting mimicking diet (FMD) for 5 days per month for 3 months.
• Measurements were performed prior to the diet (Before) and (During) the recovery period and (After) the 3rd cycle.

Clinical Study Results

Elevated Risk Cohort Results 

ProLon® is clinically tested, easy-to-take 5-day meal program that enhances your health without dramatic lifestyle changes

FMD Pre-Clinical Trial Results 

• In the first study from the Clinical and Translational Report, yeast deprived of food periodically were shown to have longer life expectancy than yeast fed normally.
• The second study involved feeding a group of mice a specialized diet for four days a month.
• The diet reduced both caloric intake and protein intake.
• The scientists tested markers in the blood of the mice and found that the diet emulated prolonged water-only fasting.
• After returning to regular feeding, the mice regained most, but not all of the lost weight.
• Differences between the Fasting Mimicking Diet group and the control group include improved metabolism and cognitive function, gradual weight loss, muscle rejuvenation, higher bone density, 40% fewer malignant lymphomas, immune system regeneration, and longer average life expectancy.

A third study was done using people

• There were nineteen participants and nineteen control participants with a broad range of ages (19-75).
• Members of both sexes and various races so that the study represented a general cross-section of, adult population.
• The individuals in the Fasting Mimicking Diet group were provided with the food they were required to eat during the five days.
• Scientists were happy with the compliance level of the diet, and most reported only mild or no negative effects on the fast days.
• Results showed that the FMD participants experienced an average:
• 3% reduction in weight
• Reduction in visceral fat
• Reduction in C-reactive protein
• Rejuvenation of the immune system

Who Should Not Use ProLon®

• Children under the age of 18
• Women who are pregnant or nursing
• Individuals who are allergic to nuts or soy
• Individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) <18
• Individuals diagnosed with serious medical condition or disease unless approved in writing by a physician appropriately trained to treat that condition
• Individuals who have been severely weakened by a disease or medical procedure
• Individuals who are taking medications which may not be safely consumed with a calorie restricted diet unless authorized in writing by a licensed physician
• Individuals with Diabetes (type 1 and type 2), cardiovascular disease and cancer, unless approved in writing by a licensed physician. ProLon® should never be combined with glucose-lowering drugs, such as metformin or insulin
• Fasting is prohibited for individuals with particular metabolic diseases, such as those affecting gluconeogenesis.
• Individuals with a history of significant cardiac disease, particularly uncompensated congestive heart failure NYHA grade 2 or more or LVEF <40% on any prior assessment
• Individuals with a history of syncope (fainting) with calorie restriction or other medical co-morbidities Individuals who have special dietary needs that are incompatible with the ProLon® meal plan
• Individuals with liver or kidney disorders that may be affected by very low glucose and protein content of the diet

Nutritional relief for acute and chronic back pain can be achieved by eating specific fruits and vegetables. Individuals dealing with acute and chronic back pain have recently been asking if their diets can be modified to reduce back pain. Absolutely, eating healthier will lead to weight loss and will help reduce back pain symptoms.

The big surprise was a nutritionist that did not know about this recommendation to help ease back pain symptoms. Life seems to throw a lot of curveballs especially in the midst of pain. Stress eating and just eating great tasting food is one method/technique of dealing with the pain, as it makes you feel good and forget the pain for a little while.

However, the problem is still present and becomes worse with the added weight. Not to mention the consequences of eating too much unhealthy food, like diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Eating junk food and suffering in silence can become a way of life.

Pain Relief With Healthy Food

Most individuals will experience back pain at some point. There are a variety of causes from disease to injury and just normal wear and tear. Fortunately, for most, it will be short-lived. But for some chronic pain can develop, creating a new set of health issues and makes achieving back pain relief more complicated. It may sound too easy but making adjustments to your diet can make all the difference in dealing with and eliminating back pain.

Manage and eradicate back pain

Constantly going for the wrong foods, speeds up the inflammation process. Various studies show certain foods contain components that have anti-inflammatory properties. Experts agree that choosing healthy foods for and/or chronic illnesses reduces flare-ups, inflammation and helps heal the body back to top form.

The pain reduces because the inflammation triggers are kept in check. This means the grocery store and healthy foods can be a powerful tool for fighting inflammation. Our ancestors lived off the land eating organic natural foods and healed themselves without refined products.

Multi-colored vegetables and fruits

Dark green vegetables supply powerful nutrients that fight inflammation. Added benefits are they help remove cancer-causing free radicals. Examples include:

• Spinach
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Collard greens

Orange and yellow vegetables like:

• Carrots
• Squash
• Pumpkin
• Peppers
• Pineapple

Carrots contain vitamin E and C and antioxidants that protect the healthy tissue around the inflamed area. Pineapple contains natural enzymes that help break down fibrin that forms around any acute injury. As the barrier is broken down nutrients are allowed to penetrate the area and ease the inflammation.

Nutritional Relief

The ability to heal the body with proper food choices should be a no brainer. But because humans are creatures of habit, breaking away from what is normal for the individual can be a challenge. Some simple ways to start eating toward healing:

• Reduce the fat intake like butter, corn, red meat, and simple carbohydrates that are high in sugar and low in fiber.
• When eating fill up with vegetables, fruits, and herbs and reduce the meat intake. Eat two to three servings of fruits and vegetables at all meals.
• Choose varieties of fruits and vegetables:

1. Strawberries
2. Blueberries
3. Cherries
4. Pineapple
5. Oranges
6. Kale
7. Broccoli
8. Spinach
9. Collards
10. Carrots
11. Pumpkin

• Use spices like turmeric and ginger. Add generous amounts while cooking.
• Add fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, or sardines.

There are plenty of choices that can aid in healing the body from the inside out. Take nutritional relief steps now and start on the road to recovery.

Back Pain Specialist

Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Blog Post Disclaimer

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 an additional explanation as to 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. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

While most of us know that good nutrition is vital in assisting us reach our optimum health and feel our best; finding time to eat a balanced diet on a daily basis seems a formidable job in this fast paced, affluent society. Though your life may be frantic, there are still many good tasting, healthful alternatives which can assist you to lose weight and enhance your health. This information is designed to be a practical guide in finding those alternatives whether you are at a friend’s home, on the job, on the road, or at home. The good news is that by taking charge of your diet plan, you can improve your well-being while reducing your own risk of “lifestyle” diseases including heart disease or cancer.

A nice spot to start is defining what constitutes a “healthy” diet. The “Four Food Group” Plan of yesteryear meant that foods in the Meat, Dairy Product, Breads and Vegetable Fruit group were identical in their contribution to a healthy diet. Today, researchers show that diets rich in complex carbohydrates and low in saturated fats may reduce our risk of chronic disease. Health professionals designed the “Food Pyramid” guide to translate these recommendations into a food strategy for daily living.

COMPLEX CARBOHYDRATES

Complex carbohydrates are present in cereals, whole grain breads, starches and fruits and vegetables. These foods are not just rich in B vitamins and trace minerals, but they also contribute dietary fiber that has been shown to reduce risk for helping in weight control, lowering cholesterol levels and developing specific cancers.

Six to twelve servings of cereals, breads and starches may seem like a lot of food, but if you consider one cup of rice is three servings of cereal, you can see that fulfilling these guidelines isn’t that difficult.

FRUITS & VEGETABLES

Similarly for vegetables and fruits. The majority of people gag in the thought of eating four to seven servings daily until they find one medium piece of fruit is two servings.

PROTEINS

Proteins are observed in the meat and dairy group.

Foods in the dairy group not only provide protein, nevertheless they also bring other essential nutrients needed for synthesizing teeth and healthy bones, Vitamin D and calcium. They could be a significant source of saturated fat, so picked two to three helpings of the low-fat (1% fat or less) milks, yogurts and cheeses.

The meat group includes nuts, fish, chicken and beans or legumes. A three ounce serving is around approximated by a deck of cards and also you need at least two portions a day. These foods provide magnesium, zinc and iron which, along with protein, are used by the body in creating hemoglobin and slender body tissue. These foods may also contribute to a raised intake of saturated fat, so picked lean cuts of meat like round or flank steak, pork tenderloin, ham and leg of lamb. Jump the skin on chicken or turkey and you’ll miss much of the fat and cholesterol.

FATS & SUGAR

Sugars, fats and alcohol have the least amount of surface area on the pyramid for a reason. They bring more than calories to the dietary plan and they will be squeezed by your body into a fat cell. Yet, your body will really create another fat cell until they may be burned off, to harbor them,

Many health organizations, like the American Heart Association and also the American Cancer Society, agree that limiting your fat intake to less than 30% of calories goes a ways to protect you from life threatening ailments. That isn’t much fat, as a gram of fat has nine calories. You are better off to avoid adding fat to your food as there’s some fat in dairy products and meat, chicken and fish. Fortunately, there are numerous good tasting low-fat or nonfat salad and sandwich spreads which make the task of averting added fat a lot easier.

Yes, certain fats are essential to good nutrition (like linoleic acid), but these are seen in ample numbers in whole grain breads, cereals and vegetables. Corn, for instance, is where mother nature initially set corn oil. Why don’t you bypass the margarine and merely eat corn?

OVERVIEW

In a nutshell, good nutrition means eating a wide selection of foods from each of the five food groups. The Food Pyramid reveals us that by eating more complex carbohydrates and not as total fat and saturated fat, we can become empowered by the good life and not fall victim to it.