Vitamin D

By Admin|2022-11-01T10:00:16-05:00October 12th, 2022|Articles, General|

Why It Should Be Dosed By Your Healthcare Provider Only (not by you)

by Mila McManus, MD

Vitamin D is essential for good health. It has anti-depressant effects, enhances immune function, has anti-cancer effects,

Vitamin D is essential for good health. This fat soluble vitamin has anti-depressant effects, increases calcium absorption in the GI tract, enhances immune function, has anti-cancer effects, and is anti-inflammatory.

There are very few rich dietary sources which are egg yolks, fatty fish, and fortified milk. The best and cheapest source is sunlight on arms, face, and legs several days a week for 5 to 15 minutes and without wearing sunscreen.

While deficiency is common, many people are taking far too much. Fat soluble vitamins, such as D, store up in the body, unlike most vitamins that are cleared from the body quickly if unneeded. As a result, Vitamin D should be monitored regularly by your medical provider to ensure the correct dose for you. The optimal dose may vary by age, season, health status, weight, and other variables. Vitamin D can also have some drug interactions and contraindications with certain diseases, another reason why working with your medical provider to maintain appropriate levels is important.

Symptoms[1] of excess Vitamin D include excess calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia) which can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. This toxicity can progress to bone pain and kidney problems, such as the formation of calcium kidney stones.

It is also essential that there be synchronization of Vitamin D with other vitamins such as calcium and vitamin K to ensure proper balance and absorption. For example, vitamin D, K, and calcium are a triad that work together synergistically and need to be balanced properly for optimal bone health and osteoporosis prevention. Excess calcium can lead to arterial and cardiovascular issues.

A common mistake people make is taking extra calcium or vitamin D without accounting for the amounts already in other vitamin supplements such as multi-vitamins and vitamin packed protein drinks.

We emphasize that everyone is different when it comes to vitamin D supplementation. Lifestyle, diet, age, health status, and one’s supplementation regimen must all be considered in order to properly manage vitamin D levels. This needs to be routinely checked once or twice a year for most people. Those who spend time outdoors may not need much supplementation, while an elderly individual who rarely gets out and has poorer absorption from the gut would have different requirements. Very dark skinned individuals are less able to get vitamin D from the sun.

While a normal reference range for blood levels of vitamin D is between 30-100, we broadly aim for 70-80, however this may not be right for everyone and could cause ill effects for some individuals. It can be dosed in a variety of forms including oral pills and liquids, injections, and can be dosed daily versus weekly. Your medical provider can also be helpful with determining which protocol is right for you.

With Vitamin D, it is wisest not to guess or be your own doctor. Consult with your medical provider for the best approach for you.

Reference:

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/vitamin-d-toxicity/faq-20058108#:~:text=The%20main%20consequence%20of%20vitamin,the%20formation%20of%20calcium%20stones.

Vitamin D – Cancer Fighting Powerhouse

By Admin|2013-10-01T12:49:12-05:00September 27th, 2013|General|

Top 10 Facts About Vitamin D and Cancer:

1. Many studies have found solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) vitamin D associated with reduced risk of breast, colon, and rectal cancer.
2. A randomized controlled trial with 1100 IU/day vitamin D3 plus 1450 mg/day calcium found a 77% reduction in all-cancer incidence.
3. Geographical studies have found reduced risk in mortality rates for 15-20 types of cancer in regions of higher solar UVB doses.
4. Observational studies found risk of breast, colon, and rectal cancer falls as vitamin D blood levels rise to over 40 ng/mL (100 nmol/L).
5. Mechanisms have been proposed to explain how vitamin D acts to reduce the risk of cancer from starting, growing, and spreading.
6. Those who develop non-melanoma skin cancer may have produced enough vitamin D to reduce their risk of internal cancers.
7. Those with higher vitamin D blood levels at time of cancer diagnosis had nearly twice the survival rate of those with the lowest levels.
8. African Americans have an increased risk of cancer in part due to lower vitamin D blood levels because of darker skin.
9. Higher UVB exposure early in life has been associated with reduced risk of breast and prostate cancer.
10. Those diagnosed with breast, colon, and prostate cancer in summer in Norway had higher survival rates than those diagnosed in winter.

Source: http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/health-conditions/cancer/

Vitamin D: Nature’s Prozac

By Admin|2014-04-14T16:04:07-05:00June 23rd, 2013|General|

Making sure you’re getting enough sunlight exposure to have healthy Vitamin D levels is a crucial factor in treating depression or keeping it at bay. One previous study found that people with the lowest levels of Vitamin D were 11 times more prone to being depressed than those who had normal levels. Vitamin D deficiency is actually more the norm than the exception, and has previously been implicated in both psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Vitamin D receptors have been identified throughout the human body, and that includes in your brain. Researchers have located metabolic pathways for Vitamin D in the hippocampus and cerebellum of the brain, areas that are involved in planning, processing of information, and the formation of new memories.

Sufficient Vitamin D is also imperative for proper functioning of your immune system to combat inflammation, and other research has discovered that depressed people tend to have higher levels of inflammation in their brains.

Vitamin D is paramount to optimal thyroid function, and depression is a well-known symptom of low thyroid function. Be sure to ask your doctor to check your “25-OH vitamin D” level (NOT “1,25-OH vitamin D” level). Although normal range is 30 to 100, studies have shown that people with levels in the 70-80 range have the lowest incidence of flus/colds, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes. Levels should be monitored periodically since vitamin D is one of the few vitamins that can reach toxic levels, and of course, you want to make sure you are never deficient in vitamin D.

The Sun and Vitamin D

By Admin|2013-06-23T09:09:35-05:00June 23rd, 2013|General|

by Mila McManus MD

Now that school is finally out and we will all be spending more time outdoors, I believe the time has come to debunk the sunscreen myth.

Sunlight elevates our mood and exposure to it is crucial for optimal health for a number of reasons, with Vitamin D production being the most important. Vitamin D is one of the most effective anti-cancer vitamins and can be produced in the skin through exposure to U.V. light. It is essential for a strong immune system that helps protect us from, and ward off, cancer(s). It is also very important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Toxicity of Sunscreens

Sunscreen ingredients, such as Zinc Oxide and Oxybenzone are linked to cancer. Absorbing chemicals through the skin can be more dangerous than ingesting them orally. The reason for this is that when chemicals or medications are applied directly on the skin, they are not broken down by the strong acids of the stomach before reaching the bloodstream, and they bypass being metabolized by the liver on initial entry. Moreover, the aluminum content in these carcinogenic ingredients commonly used in most sunscreens will stay in the body forever, accumulating as a heavy metal toxin.

The survival of the sunscreen industry is reliant upon keeping us ignorant and afraid of the sun. None of us would ever consider eating sunscreen, yet we follow the advice of the medical “establishment” that reports continually that many of us will suffer from skin cancer without it. “Experts” recommend applying generous amounts of the products every few hours. It has been shown that strict sun protection exacerbates Vitamin D deficiency. Sunscreen creates an actual physical barrier and blocks your skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D by more than 95%.

So, now that we have determined that sunscreen is full of known carcinogens and provides a physical barrier against the production of the amazing cancer fighter Vitamin D, what is the best solution to having optimal Vitamin D levels?

Sun Safety Solutions

The best solution is healthy tanning. This does not mean that we should all go out and get as much sun as we want. Caution must be exercised and the key is avoiding a burn. This means that we should limit exposure initially until we accumulate some brown pigment, called melanin, which gives the skin brown color and protects it naturally from burning. As the skin becomes well tanned, a person can increase their exposure with little risk of cancer. If burning does occur, apply coconut oil or aloe vera overnight and miss a day or two of sun exposure to allow the skin to recover. In the middle of summer, when the sun is very strong, avoid the midday hours or wear lightweight, light colored clothing that covers the skin and a wide brimmed hat.

Have a Happy and Healthy Summer!

Vitamin D Important During Pregnancy

By Admin|2012-10-03T11:21:39-05:00October 3rd, 2012|Articles|

Research presented at the Annual Meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies indicates that vitamin D is crucial during pregnancy. The American Pregnancy Association reports that of the estimated 6 million pregnancies per year in the United States, 875,000 women experience one or more pregnancy-related complications. In addition, they state that 467,201 babies are born prematurely, 307,030 babies are born with low birth weight and 154,051 infants are born with birth defects each year.

In this new study, researchers assessed the relationship between high-dose vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and the risk of developing pregnancy-related complications. The subjects included pregnant women between 12 and 16 weeks gestation. The women were supplemented with vitamin D at a dose of 400 IU, 2,000 IU or 4,000 IU per day until delivery. The subjects were evaluated monthly for treatment safety and were given blood tests to measure vitamin D supplementation effectiveness. The women were also followed to determine the rate of pregnancy complications including preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, infections, preterm labor and preterm birth.

The results showed that serum levels of vitamin D (25(OH)D) were significantly different between the 3 treatment groups. As serum vitamin D levels increased, the risk of infection and preterm labor and birth decreased. The group receiving 4,000 IU of vitamin D daily had the lowest rate of infection and preterm labor and birth. In fact, compared to the group receiving 400 IU vitamin D per day, the group receiving 4,000 IU per day had a 50 percent reduction in risk of these complications.
The researchers concluded, “Vitamin D sufficiency was strongly associated with decreased risk for preterm labor and birth and infection during pregnancy and comorbities of pregnancy, with the greatest effect with 4,000 IU vitamin D/day regimen. Therefore, to attain a minimal 25(OH)D level of 40 ng/mL, we recommend 4,000 IU/day for all pregnant women.”
Reference: Wagner CL, Johnson D, Hulsey TC, Ebeling M, Shary J, Smith PG, Bivens B, Hollis BW. Vitamin D Supplementation during Pregnancy Part 2 NICHD/CTSA Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT): Outcomes. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Pediatric Academic Societies; 2010 May1-4, Vancouver BC. Abstract 1665.
Article obtained from Complementary Prescriptions

Question: There’s so much information out there about Vitamin D. What are some important things to know about this Vitamin?

By Admin|2012-10-11T10:22:39-05:00October 2nd, 2012|Ask Dr McManus|

Question: There's so much information out there about Vitamin D. What are some important things to know about this Vitamin?

Answer: “Vitamin D is paramount to optimal thyroid function, and depression is a well-known symptom of low thyroid function. Be sure to ask your doctor to check your “25-OH vitamin D” level (NOT “1,25-OH vitamin D” level). Although normal range is 30 to 100, studies have shown that people with levels in the 70-80 range have the lowest incidence of flus/colds, cancer, autoimmune diseases, and diabetes. Levels should be monitored periodically since vitamin D is one of the few vitamins that can reach toxic levels, and of course, you want to make sure you’re not deficient in Vitamin D.”

Vitamin and Nutrient Injections

By Admin|2022-10-10T21:15:08-05:00March 9th, 2021|

There are many vitamins and nutrients needed for your body to function as it should. Sometimes, no matter how vigilant you are with a healthy diet and exercise, you could still be lacking in some specific areas that are holding you back from optimal health. At The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness, we offer our valued patients booster shots to help them achieve their health goals. Our team offers vitamin and nutrient injection boosters that each offer a long list of ways they can help to improve your quality of life.

IV and Injection Flyer: View for current Pricing and Specials

Benefits of Vitamin B12 Injection

If you rely heavily on coffee and energy drinks to get you through the day, you could likely benefit from a vitamin B12 booster. This gives you a natural energy boost to help you enjoy life to the fullest. You can take Vitamin B12 oral supplements, but when you have them injected, it bypasses the digestive system and will give you almost instant results. Whether you are trying to achieve optimal athletic goals or are simply looking to solve a vitamin B12 deficiency, you can rely on TWIHW. There are several ways that a vitamin B12 booster could help to improve your quality of life.
– Can increase energy levels
– Boosts metabolism & aids in weight management
– Can improve quality of sleep
– Can improve mood and emotional health
– Boosts immune function
– Can increase hair growth

LIPO-B12 INJECTIONS

LIPO-B12 (Amp-Mic-b12) injections are used to help release fat throughout the body by specifically targeting its primary fatty deposits, namely the abdomen (stomach), inner thighs, neck, buttocks, hips, and underarms. They contain Methionine, Inositol and Choline (fat burning substances) in addition to Carnitine, Adenosine and Vitamin B12.

How Amp/MIC-B12 Injections Work

When Amp-Mic-B12 injections are administered in combination with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise, they help the body to eliminate fat, while simultaneously increasing your energy levels both via the energy released by fat metabolism and the energy properties of vitamin B-12. The formula in the LIPO-B12 Injection:

Adenosine-Mono-Phosphate (AMP). An intermediary substance formed during the body’s process of creating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from food. In order to maximize energy production at the cellular level, the intermediate compounds like AMP must be present in sufficient amounts to drive the biochemical reactions in the Krebs Cycle (body’s cycle to produce energy). AMP appears to be beneficial for correcting low energy production due to mitochondrial dysfunction and may also have a significant impact on stabilizing biochemical imbalances that result from impaired metabolism.
Methionine. An essential amino acid, which means that it is not synthesized in humans. This amino acid acts as a fat burner assisting in the breakdown of fats within the liver; helps to lower cholesterol thereby preventing excess fat buildup in the liver and throughout your body’s circulatory system; is helpful in preventing and relieving fatigue. Other reported benefits include: improvement of liver disease; skin tone and elasticity; nails; hair; and cardiovascular and muscular functions. It has also been used to treat premature ejaculation, chronic depression, pancreatitis and Parkinson’s disease. Foods containing Methionine: cheese, eggs, fish, meats, spinach, potatoes, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, and select other plant seeds
Inositol. Is a B vitamin that promotes the health of cell structures and nerve conduction; aids in the metabolism of fats; helps reduce blood cholesterol; and participates in the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to control mood and appetite. Has been shown to be of help for the treatment of depression, panic disorder, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and fatty liver. It is also important for optimal brain function. Inositol deficiency may manifest as symptoms of constipation, high cholesterol, vision problems, and hair loss. Foods containing Inositol : nuts, beans (especially red beans and kidney beans), grains, cantaloupe melons, and oranges.
Choline. Is an essential nutrient that helps to support the liver in its processing and excretion of chemical waste products. Moreover, it is required for the transport and metabolism of fats and cholesterol, which is important for the healthy support of the endocrine, cardiovascular, and hepatic systems. Choline can promote liver health by maintaining cholesterol homeostasis. Also Choline, has been shown to specifically aid with memory, and to support the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Foods containing Choline: peanuts, soybeans, wheat, chicken, fish, beef, cauliflower, eggs, and lettuce.
Carnitine. Plays a critical role in energy production. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria so they can be oxidized (“burned”) to produce energy. It also transports the toxic compounds generated out of this cellular organelle to prevent their accumulation. Given these key functions, carnitine is concentrated in tissues like skeletal and cardiac muscle that utilize fatty acids as a dietary fuel. Foods containing Carnitine: meat, fish, poultry, and milk.
Adenosine. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is a substance the body creates on the way to making adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a source of energy used throughout the body. ATP is everywhere in the body and is called the body’s “energy currency”.
Vitamin B-12. It plays an important role in DNA replication, the normal functioning of the nervous system, and the formation of all cells of the body. Vitamin B-12 injection has been shown to boosts energy and overall metabolic rate; assists in the burning of stored body fat; detoxifies the body; increases red blood cell production; maintains a healthy liver; helps regulate sleep, mood, appetite and energy; works synergistically with other nutrients to improve health; and slows aging. Foods containing Vitamin B-12: fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products.

As we can see, all the components of the LIPO-B12 injection are present in food that we eat and in nature. By injecting it into our muscles we can rapidly achieve high concentrations which many researchers and physicians believe results in more effective mobilization and elimination of abnormal fatty deposits.

Glutathione Boosters

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is produced in cells. There are three amino acids that make up this powerful antioxidant: glutamine, glycine and cysteine. If you are looking for a way to take your skin to the next level, glutathione boosters may be the way to go. Glutathione actively fights against the aging process in your skin so your skin is smoother, clearer and healthier. While you can take an oral glutathione supplement, the injections have proved to be far superior at delivering the results you are after.

Benefits of Glutathione Boosters: Not only does glutathione provide you with several skin benefits, but this booster offers many other health benefits as well.
– Reduces oxidative stress
– Reduces cell damage in fatty liver disease
– Improves insulin resistance in older individuals
– Fights against autoimmune diseases

Benefits of Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is an antioxidant that plays an important role in the body. It not only protects the body’s cells from damage, but it is also needed to maintain the health of skin, teeth, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels.
– Encourages Wound Healing
– Prevents Cell Damage
– Builds Collagen

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for mineral homeostasis and proper formation of bone. The major biological function of Vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.
– Helps fight disease
– Anti-oxidant
– Helps bone strength
– Helps muscle strength
– Boosts weight loss

Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is important for many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves.
– Lowers blood pressure and improves insulin resistance
– Prevents and relieves headaches
– Decreases anxiety/ depression
– Lowers risk of osteoporosis
– Eases muscle and menstrual cramping
– Improves Cardiovascular health, sleep, and cognition

Benefits of Tri-Immune

Tri-Immune is a power-packed immunity blend of Glutathione, Ascorbic Acid and Zinc that is the ultimate immune system enhancer. This high concentration blend of nutrients helps maintain a healthy immune response.
– Decreases inflammation
– Optimizes healthy cell function
– Aids in wound healing
– Strengthens weakened immune system

Benefits of NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, more commonly referred to as NAD+, is found in every cell in the body and is essential to life. As a coenzyme to Vitamin B3, NAD+ participates in more reactions than any other vitamin-derived molecule. It helps transfer the energy we get from food to the rest of the body and is a cornerstone to maintaining healthy internal organs and neurological systems.
– Fights the physical effects of aging
– Reduces depression and anxiety, while improving sleep and mental clarity
– Mitigates effects of EMF exposures
– Combats chronic fatigue
– Helps autoimmune/ inflammatory diseases
– Can help with weight management

Magnesium, Tri-Immune, NAD+, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, AMP/MIC-B12, Vitamin B12 & Glutathione Injection Booster Shots & More in The Woodlands, Texas (Just Minutes away from Houston, Texas)

It is clear that there are many more benefits that come from injections over taking an oral supplement. If you are looking for that edge that will help you achieve your optimal health goals, the team at TWIHW can assist you with our booster shot services. Call 281-298-6742 today to schedule your appointment.

Vitamin A

By Admin|2024-04-09T14:12:31-05:00August 26th, 2017|General|

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a powerful antioxidant the body uses to help form and maintain good vision and eye health, a strong immune system as well as soft tissues, mucus membranes, and skin. It is not found in plant food; however, the body can use beta-carotene found in many fruits, vegetables and some fish sources to convert to retinol. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is important to avoid taking Vitamin A without the guidance of a medical provider since excess can result in toxicity. Issues with skin, mucous membranes, and immune function can be an indicator that Vitamin A is deficient. it promotes epidermal differentiation, modulates dermal growth factors, inhibits sebaceous gland activity, suppresses androgen formation, and promotes cell turnover in the skin. Our medical providers can provide special tapering dosing protocols to meet your specific needs as well as monitor to avoid toxicity. Vitamin A can be a very helpful supplement for addressing skin issues. Our office carries two forms manufactured by the ProThera Inc. supplement line.

References:

Nutrition for Skin, by Chris Kresser

Multivitamins Support Weight Management

By Admin|2012-10-03T11:15:43-05:00October 3rd, 2012|Articles|

The relationship between dietary multivitamin and multi-mineral intake and the risk of becoming overweight or obese was evaluated in a new study. In the United States, approximately 68 percent of adults are overweight or obese, and over 33 percent qualify as obese. Overweight and obesity are categorized based on body mass index (BMI), which is a calculation based on height and weight. Overweight is defined as a BMI between 25 and 29.9 and obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or greater.
In this new clinical trial, researchers analyzed the effect of supplementing multivitamins in a group of obese women. The subjects in this study included 96 obese Chinese women between 18 and 55 years of age. The women received a multivitamin and multi- mineral supplement daily or a tablet of 162 mg of calcium daily or a placebo for 26 weeks. The women were evaluated for body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass and fat-free mass.
The researchers also evaluated blood pressure; resting energy expenditure, which is the amount of calories required by the body for a 24-hour period during a non-active period; and respiratory quotient(RQ), which is used to calculate basal metabolic rate. Additionally, blood tests, which measured fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, cholesterol (HDL “good” cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, were performed at the beginning of the study and after 26 weeks.
The results showed that the group receiving the multivitamin had significantly lower body weight, BMI, fat mass, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the multivitamin group had higher resting energy expenditure and HDL cholesterol values. There was also a trend in the multivitamin and multimineral group showing reduced waist circumference and respiratory quotient. The group receiving calcium supplementation alone showed higher HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol compared to the placebo group.
The researchers concluded, “The results suggest that, in obese individuals, multivitamin and mineral supplementation could reduce body weight and fatness and improve serum lipid profiles, possibly through increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Supplementation of calcium alone (162 mg per day) only improved lipid profiles.”
Article obtained from complementary prescriptions newsletter

VITAMIN C

By Admin|2020-02-03T14:58:22-05:00October 3rd, 2012|Articles|

VITAMIN C is a water soluble vitamin that should be taken daily along with other essential vitamins. Vitamin C plays a significant role in a variety of metabolic functions. It is best known for strengthening the immune system and aiding in the synthesis of collagen, which supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
Vitamin C is useful in protecting against infectious diseases like the common cold or flu, and any other infectious disease. Taking a daily dose of at least 1000mg is suggested for prevention. But what happens if you get an infection? You should definitely increase your vitamin C. Below is our recommendation for how to take vitamin C when you have contracted a cold, the flu, or other infection:

• Take, at minimum, 2000mg, 4 times a day. (if you develop loose stools, decrease intake by 1000- 2000mg)
• Take zinc 50mg daily.
• Colloidal Silver- 1 teaspoon twice daily.

Vitamin C has many benefits beyond supporting the immune system. As mentioned earlier, there has been extensive research on the benefits of vitamin C in preventing and even aiding in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C protects against cardiovascular disease in the following ways: It alters triglyceride metabolism, helps to strengthen arterial walls, prevents oxidation of low-density lipoproteins and may reduce blood pressure.
Immune support and cardiovascular support are not the only two benefits of taking Vitamin C. There are many other reasons to take Vitamin C: aids in wound healing, provides antitumor activity, provides relief from skeletal pain in various disorders, protects against periodontal disease, and is especially effective in helping regenerate vitamin E after it has been attacked by oxygen radicals, improves iron absorption from the small intestine, is an effective antioxidant, is a cofactor (helper) in the metabolism of folic acid, some amino acids, and hormones, and protects against cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, colon, and lung, based on epidemiological evidence.
You should consult your physician about the proper dosage depending on your current condition and other medicines you may be taking.

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Why It Should Be Dosed By Your Healthcare Provider Only (not by you)

by Mila McManus, MD