Blog
MTHFR Gene: Do I need to know what's in my Genes?
Understanding MTHFR: Personalized Health at Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine
Â
At Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine (TCLM), we believe in addressing the root causes of health issues to provide comprehensive, personalized care. One question we are often is asked is whether or not we should be concerned about MTHFR gene and its impact on overall health. MTHFR may impact various health pathways related to sleep quality and vitamin metabolism.
What is MTHFR?
MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, an enzyme crucial for various bodily functions. This enzyme plays a vital role in:
-
Converting folate into its active form for the body to use effectively
-
Processing amino acids
-
DNA production and repair
-
Methylation processes essential for cellular function (methylation is one method that our bodies use to express genes. Gene expression and silencing translates to turning off or on inflammatory pathways. Such pathways may be associated with risk of develo
...
Exploring the Comprehensive Benefits of Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy
Pelvic floor physical therapy (PT) is a specialized form of rehabilitation that focuses on the pelvic floor muscles, playing a crucial role in alleviating a variety of symptoms and improving overall quality of life. This therapy can address bladder control issues, chronic constipation, prolapse, posture-related pain, circulation issues, and more. While often associated solely with the pelvic area, pelvic floor PT involves a holistic approach that considers the entire body's functionality and alignment.
Understanding Pelvic Floor PT Benefits
Bladder Control and Pain Management
Pelvic floor PT is particularly beneficial for individuals facing bladder problems. Whether it's involuntary leakage during activities like coughing and sneezing or frequent, sudden urges to urinate, these symptoms can often be traced back to pelvic floor dysfunction. Additionally, some individuals experience bladder pain mimicking urinary tract infections without any actual infection present, underscoring th
...Getting Unstuck: Integrating Body and Mind
Â
Exploring the Path to Healing: Integrating Body and Mind
In today's fast-paced and intellectually-driven world, the balance between the left brain's analytical nature and the right brain's emotive and creative powers is often overlooked. This disparity becomes apparent in the process of healing—whether from trauma, chronic pain, or emotional distress—an endeavor which demands a holistic approach that transcends mere intellectualization.
Left Brain vs. Right Brain Healing
Our intellect, predominantly governed by the left brain, thrives on logic and analysis. While it serves engineers and scientists well in their craft, it has its limitations when it comes to emotional healing. Healing is not a process that can be boiled down to facts and theories studied in books or podcasts. Instead, it is an active, bodily pursuit—one that demands movement, feeling, and release.
Understanding the Impact of Fear
Fear is a common emotional response linked to trauma. It paralyzes us, inhibiting
...Empowering Your Health Journey: Our Group Visit Programs
Â
At our clinic, we believe in the power of community healing and expert guidance. Our innovative group visit programs bring together individuals facing similar health challenges, creating a supportive environment where knowledge, experiences, and strategies are shared under the guidance of healthcare professionals and expert guest speakers.
A Comprehensive Approach to Wellness
Every week, our groups welcome expert speakers who bring fresh perspectives and deep expertise to our discussions. These collaborative sessions are designed to provide both educational value and practical tools you can implement in your daily life. Whether you're managing a chronic condition or seeking to better understand your health patterns, our programs offer a unique blend of professional guidance and peer support.
Our Specialized Programs
We currently offer focused group visits for several key areas:
Dysautonomia and POTS Management
Our dedicated sessions help participants understand and navigate th...
Embracing Movement and Self-Awareness through Body Scanning: Mind-Body Tools
Â
In a recent group visit featuring expert guest speaker, Lauren Marchefka, NP with the Amen Clinics, we discussed the integral role of movement in our daily lives and its profound impact on our physical, emotional, and mental health. Lauren led us in a vibrant discussion that delved into the nuances of our energetic systems and how various forms of movement can augment our overall wellbeing. She also walked participants through a healing, mind-body activity referred to as Body Scanning.Â
Understanding Our Energetic Systems
Our bodies are magnificent entities powered by intricate systems. From electrical impulses in our brain to chemical exchanges involving sodium, potassium, and magnesium, every element plays a vital role in keeping our body in sync. Beyond the obvious, systems like the lymphatic, muscular, skeletal, nervous, cardiovascular, and energy systems are foundational to our movement and health. Keeping these systems in balance is key.
Movement: A Personal And Communal Ex...
Navigating Trauma, Physiology, and Personal Healing
In our latest Chronic Pain Group Visit session with Dr. Cheng Ruan and guest from the Amen Clinics, Dr. Brian Plante, we delved deep into the complex interplay between trauma and physiology. This discussion not only underscored the profound impact trauma has on our bodies and minds but also offered a beacon of hope through various healing modalities. Here's a summary of the insights shared during this enlightening conversation.
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
The discussion kicked off with an exploration of how traumatic experiences can hypersensitize neural circuits in our brains, often trapping us in survival responses. This heightened state can lead to an increased perception of threats, compelling us to employ avoidance mechanisms that manifest in both behavioral patterns and thought processes. While these responses served our ancestors well, keeping them alive through potential life-threatening situations, in today's context, they often leave us stuck in survival-oriented
...The Energetic Exchange of Tai Chi and Qigong
 In the serene practice of Tai Chi and Qigong, every single part of your body matters. Not only the major movements but even minor details like where your nose is pointed or where your eyes are directed play a crucial role in your practice. The core premise is to align your body meticulously with these focal points to achieve the ultimate benefits of these ancient practices.
One of the most remarkable benefits of Tai Chi and Qigong is the enhancement of posture. This benefit becomes even more significant when one considers the deteriorating effects our modern lifestyle can have on our posture—shoulders tend to round forward and the chest might cave in over time. Through Tai Chi and Qigong, individuals find a holistic approach to restore and improve their physical alignment.
Understanding Qi: The Life Force Within
A fundamental element of Qigong practice is the concept of Qi. But what is Qi? In essence, Qi is the sum total of all the energy flowing through your body. This includes th...
Exploring the Interplay Between Emotion and Physical Posture
Read this when healing and emotional well-being begins to feel like an intellectual exercise. We're prompted to read self-help books, watch enlightening videos, and engage in deep discussions. Yet, true healing transcends intellectualization; it requires us to engage with our bodies, placing equal emphasis on physical sensations and emotional introspection.
The Role of Imagery in Mind-Body Medicine
Mind-body medicine isn’t about analyzing our lives with a fine-toothed comb. Instead, it's about employing tools like imagery meditation to foster healing. Visualization allows us to imagine new paths to healing, contrasting with the analytical, left-brain tendencies we often adopt—especially those with backgrounds in engineering or science. In such fields, emotions are frequently intellectualized, offering increased self-awareness yet limited capacity for actual healing. However, real reconciliation with trauma requires more than just intellectual understanding.
Transforming our physical...
Transformative Healing Through Mind-Body Practices: Understanding Trauma and Embracing Group Healing
In our fast-paced world, finding time for reflection and healing can be challenging. Yet, the journey towards healing, especially in the realm of trauma, is a path worth traveling. AtTexas Center for Lifestyle Medicine (TCLM), the transformative power of group healing and mind-body practices like Tai Chi and Qigong are helping individuals take monumental steps on their healing journeys.
Â
Many of you might be new to the Texas Center for Lifestyle Medicine community, and with that in mind, let's introduce the person at the forefront of these transformative therapies. Geny Moreno, a mind-body medicine practitioner, shares tools that allow people to manage stress better through breathwork, Tai Chi, Qigong, and various forms of meditation. Her approach underscores the importance of movement and group interactions, setting the stage for deep healing.
Understanding Trauma: Big T and Little t
The concept of trauma often brings to mind significant, life-altering events—what is commonly kno...
The Brain's Defense Mechanism: Understanding Inflammatory Proteins and Alzheimer's Disease
In the complex world of neuroscience, one of the striking revelations is the role of inflammatory proteins in our body and brain. These proteins are an essential part of our body's defense mechanism, working tirelessly to protect us from various threats.
The Body’s Inflammatory Response
Our body is equipped with a variety of inflammatory agents. These agents are part of a sophisticated system designed to counteract inflammation, which often occurs as a response to injury or infection. They identify and target invaders, ensuring that potential threats are quickly neutralized before causing harm.
The Brain’s Unique Inflammatory Proteins
Interestingly, our brain also generates its own set of inflammatory proteins. Unlike those found in the rest of the body, these proteins are somewhat unique. Customized for the brain’s specific needs, they act as vigilant guardians, managing the inflammation that could arise from various neurological stressors.
The Defense Mechanism and Alzheimer's D...
