In 2015, I had a Regenexx Stem Cell Procedure to fix my ACL and other major knee stabling ligaments. The following is my guide on how you can improve the outcome of the Regenexx Stem Cell Procedure.
1) Give up Alcohol
Even though I’ve been sober for many years, the first thing my doc warned me about is to avoid drinking.
There are many other reasons why you should consider giving up alcohol. For instance, researchers analyzed the chromosomes and the effect on the DNA of mice on alcohol in one of the studies. Firstly, acetaldehyde damages stem cell DNA by breaking the double strands of the DNA. And, the body attempts to save the cell from a quick death or to repair it. Yet, a body can be a bad repairman and do a poor repair job – rearranging chromosomes and creating genomic instability (referred to as deletion mutations). As a result, these mutations create oncogenetic cells (cells containing cancer-causing genes). In other words, if the repair process is bad, your body has a cancer cell. If that cell gets activated, it can lead to cancer. All that is stimulated by the alcohol damage to stem cell DNA. Of course, we get these cells in our bodies every day. And a normal healthy immune system attacks and kills them. Yet, cancer can happen when the immune system isn’t strong and diligent enough to get rid of these cells. But there are so many risks, why not eliminate one? On the upside, you’ll feel better and have a better chance for quicker healing after your procedure.
So, if you are planning a Stem Cells procedure, give up the booze.
2) Remove Processed Sugar
In 1776 Americans consumed about four pounds of sugar per person each year. By 1850, the number went up to 20 lbs and to 120 lbs by 1994. Now, we are closer to 150 pounds – mostly from chemically derived fructose, making us fat and sick. The fructose is added to bread, pasta, juices, processed foods, table sugar, and sugar in candy bars.
Fructose intake is also associated with the severity of liver function. Based on one of the studies, the effect of fructose was limited to industrial fructose, with no evidence for a negative effect of fructose from fruit. You get a spike in blood sugar within a half hour while your body releases insulin to control the spiked blood, which causes your body to dump fat into your bloodstream as if you are starving. There is a clear difference in how your body reacts to eating fruit. Fiber helps to inhibit the uptake and helps to regulate the rate of intestinal sugar absorption.
3) Reduce Your Caloric Intake
Stop snacking and eat two to three meals a day. It is not that hard, trust me. It takes about two to three weeks to adjust. It is only painfull for a bit.
In one study, a group that ate small meals or snacks throughout the day (instead of meals) consumed a significantly higher amount of sugar and fewer micronutrients. When your body is fed every two to three hours, the body is not encouraged to burn any of its stored fat for energy. However, when you eat two or three meals a day and have ample time between meals, the body is forced to burn that stored fat. Once the fat is restored as an active fuel supply, you will have more energy with stable moods and greater mental clarity.
Another study demonstrated a group eating 3 meals a day with no snacks and measured weight loss and a host of psychological factors. Within two weeks, their moods, cravings, sleep, exhaustion after work, and fatigue were all significantly improved. In addition, they lost an average of 1.2 pounds per week during the 2-month study.
4) Incorporate Fasting
A study of the Cell Stem Cell shows that cycles of fasting protect against immune system damage and induce immune system regeneration, shifting stem cells from a dormant state to a state of self-renewal. As a side effect, fasting also has major implications for healthier aging. The immune system decline contributes to increased susceptibility to disease as people age by outlining how prolonged fasting cycles (periods of no food for two to four days at a time over the course of six months) kill older and damaged immune cells and generate new ones.
It’s important to eat healthy on non-fasting days. Remember, overeating kills your stem cells. Fasting is a state of mind. Your body doesn’t need as much food as your mind thinks. Instead, you can drink water, tea, or coffee (typically not recommended, but I include coffee with my fasts), read, write or sleep. Allow yourself and your body and mind to rest.
5) Lift Weights and Move
This means 8-12 hours a week of exercise hard enough that carrying on a normal conversation during the activity would be tough.
We all know the benefits of exercise. Apparently, it also helps to increase your stem cell count and health. Also, you will not work out for about 8 or more weeks after your procedure. However, it is important to build strength.
If you have injuries or health issues that make these workouts impossible, focus on what you can do. Try light activities in the pool to start, and then increase your activity as you are able.
6) Spend Some Time Getting High!
Sorry, this doesn’t mean medicinal plants but hiking and walking at a high altitude on a mountain trail for 2 hours with 1000 foot elevation gain.
I used my brace and hiked for about 20 miles per week with an average gain of 500 to 1,000 feet.
Low oxygen is better for growing stem cells. Lucky for me, I live at 8,000 ft altitude.
Perhaps, consider taking a little vacation to a high-altitude location Before your stem cell procedure.
7) Take Time Off It Is Good For Your cells!
I took time off to play before my procedure. I hiked about 30 miles (wearing my brace) during this week, worked out as hard as my knee allowed, cleaned the house, and just had a blast! This made a huge difference in my mental state during and after the procedure. Unlike after my injury, my whole world didn’t crumble because I couldn’t be active. So I highly recommend saving up your days and take time off before and after as much as you can.
To conclude, there are things you can’t predict or change (will this procedure work), but you can control your food intake, movement, and wellness. So focus on what you can do to improve your stem cells to get the best possible results!
References:
- Stem cells under the influence of alcohol: effects of ethanol consumption on stem/progenitor cells
- Alcohol and Stem Cells: Worse than I Thought? by Dr. Centano
- 8 ways to improve your stem cells prior treatment by Dr. Centano Chris Centeno
- Dangers of frequent eating by Dr. John Douillard
- How much added sugar is too much by Dr. Michael Greger
- Plan-based power diet
- If fructose is bad, what about fruit? by Dr. Michael Greger
- I had my ACL regenerative procedure with Regenexx stem cell ACL knee procedure.
- Sugar Is Cancer’s cellular power food.
- “Supersize it” doesn’t work so well for Stem Cells.
- Check out Rich’s Roll podcast interview with Ray Cronise for an in-depth discussion on fasting.
- Exercise turns back the genetic clock, keeps you younger, and makes you smarter!
Please ensure to read the article and talk to your doctor.
Disclaimer: The entire contents of this website are based upon the opinions of Anna Sheinman. They are not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, and they are not intended as medical advice. Instead, they are intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from my own research and experience. I encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional.
