Will the Fake Meat Empire Collapse?

By Mila McManus, MD

We shared our concerns about making “food” using cultured animal cells. Fake meat, like the Impossible Burger, is one good example.

In mid-February, we shared our concerns about making “food” using cultured animal cells. And April 2022 we wrote about plant-based “meats”. Thankfully, it appears there are signs we are not the only ones concerned. This may be more of a fad, along with a power grab attempt, than a permanent change in the way Americans eat. Here are some reasons to hold out hope:

Many consider it conspicuous that Bill Gates has become one of the largest owners of American farmland as of May 2022. He is also a proponent of proliferating fake meat products made from GMO Soy and other controversial ingredients. Is fake meat a profit pushing gig at the expense of human and environmental health?
Shares for Impossible Foods have dropped dramatically, and Bloomberg reports the company recently laid off 20% of its workforce.
One compound, soy leghemoglobin (SLH) used to make fake meat look raw and bleeding, is derived from genetically -modified yeast, and has been shown in animal models to be associated with anemia, kidney disease, and weight gain. The European Patent Office has revoked Impossible Foods’ European Union patent due to this concern as well as other flavor precursor molecules. The FDA also has questioned if arguments presented in favor of allowing Impossible Food’s products to be considered GRAS (“Generally Recognized As Safe”) establish such safety.

We continue to hold firmly to the belief that cultured animal cells and GMO soy mixed with other flavor enhancers is not real food but a highly MAN-ufactured food. Be real. Eat real.

References:

https://www.naturalhealth365.com/is-the-fake-meat-empire-collapsing-startling-revelations-point-to-a-bleak-future.html

Bloomberg.com

GMwatch.org

Childrenshealthdefense.org

By Admin|2023-03-20T10:43:55-06:00March 22nd, 2023|Articles, General|

Erythritol In the News – What it means

By Mila McManus MD and Nancy Mehlert MS

Erythritol, the zero-calorie sweetener, being found in a study to be “linked to increased cardiovascular risk”.

You may have seen several news stories recently about Erythritol, the zero-calorie sweetener, being found in a study to be “linked to increased cardiovascular risk”. The study, published by Nature Medicine, on the surface sounds concerning. The researchers measured levels of erythritol in the blood and found that those with higher serum erythritol levels had an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and death. The research has been ongoing for over ten years.

When hearing news stories such as these, it is wise to take a closer look at what really occurred in the study. In fact, more often than not, the media outlet has not shared the whole story. There are at least three flaws to examine more closely in this study before we toss out the erythritol.

First, this study was not based on the intake or consumption of erythritol[1]. In fact, this study began before erythritol was approved as a sweetener, nor was it widely used as the study progressed. Serum samples from participants, therefore, reflected erythritol levels from another source. A 2017 study[2] found that humans produce erythritol endogenously ( i.e., produced inside the body) in response to the consumption of both glucose and fructose via the pentose phosphate pathway, or PPP.

Second, endogenous erythritol is a marker for a poor diet and metabolic dysfunction. Unlike erythritol, glucose and fructose are widely consumed in enormous amounts in both the U.S. and Europe, explaining why the study participants may have had high serum erythritol. This endogenous production of erythritol is correlated with cardiometabolic disease. For example, the PPP pathway is shown to modulate insulin sensitivity and obesity-induced inflammation and becomes dysregulated in people with obesity and metabolic disease. It seems likely that insulin resistance and high blood sugar are underlying causes of elevated endogenous erythritol levels.

Third, it is still unknown if high serum erythritol caused cardiovascular risk or was just associated with it. (It requires more than a suspect being at the scene of the crime to conclude that s/he was the culprit!) Nature Medicine did conduct a small experiment at the end of their study with eight human participants who were fed 30 grams of erythritol for seven days. Their serum levels of erythritol increased significantly, but the researchers did not gather markers for blood clotting or note any adverse effects. So, we do know that high serum erythritol levels are associated with a higher risk of cardiac events and death, but again, correlation is not causation. Moreover, a study with only 8 participants, a good study, it does not make. Sample size matters.

Studies in the past where animals were fed erythritol, the serum erythritol levels increased but no adverse effects were noted. In one study, rats were given a diet made up of 10% erythritol for two years and researchers observed positive effects on body weight with no adverse changes on numerous biomarkers related to metabolic health[3].

Chris Kresser summarized the results by saying “The study does not tell us that high serum erythritol causes cardiac events or deaths. Nor does it suggest that consuming erythritol in the diet increases the risk of cardiac events or death. In fact, given prior research, there is reason to believe that serum erythritol is simply a marker for sugar intake and or underlying metabolic dysfunction.”

We cannot be sure of either until more research is done. In the meantime, we can offer some recommendations/reminders:

First, if you are consuming primarily packaged food bars, waters, protein powders, gummy candies, baked keto goods, and sweetening drinks with erythritol numerous times every day, err on the safe side and cut back on the excessive erythritol.

Second, no matter what sweetener you use, be it sugar, artificial sweeteners, or more natural sweeteners like erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit, and stevia, constant use overstimulates your sweet taste buds and your pleasure centers of the brain. This keeps you addicted to sweets, and possibly leads to overeating, or craving constantly. Moreover, this may mean that you fail to eat the meat, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and natural fruit for which humans are best suited. So work toward less and less sweet drinks and foods, especially those that are “man”ufactured, and stick with the whole real foods and water our bodies are wired for and thrive on. Fruit is the ideal sweet treat and, even so, should be consumed in moderation. Aim to make 80-90% or more of everything you eat real, whole, nature-made food.

[1] https://chriskresser.com/does-erythritol-increase-the-risk-of-heart-attack-and-early-death/, March 3, 2023

[2] Hootman KC, Trezzi JP, Kraemer L, Burwell LS, Dong X, Guertin KA, Jaeger C, Stover PJ, Hiller K, Cassano PA. Erythritol is a pentose-phosphate pathway metabolite and associated with adiposity gain in young adults. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2017 May 23;114(21):E4233-E4240. doi: 10.1073/pnas.1620079114. Epub 2017 May 8. PMID: 28484010; PMCID: PMC5448202.

[3] Lina BA, Bos-Kuijpers MH, Til HP, Bär A. Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity study of erythritol in rats. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 1996 Oct;24(2 Pt 2):S264-79. doi: 10.1006/rtph.1996.0108. PMID: 8933643.

By Admin|2023-03-16T09:10:19-06:00March 16th, 2023|Articles, General|

Before you flush……

by Mila McManus, MD

the otherwise invisible spray that is sent into the air by flushing a toilet with the lid up... pathogens from human waste spread up into the air,

A group of engineers from the University of Colorado Boulder used laser lights to expose the otherwise invisible spray that is sent into the air by flushing a toilet with the lid up. It became visibly evident that pathogens from human waste spread up into the air, potentially exposing people to contagious disease.

The research was done using a typical commercial toilet, showing how the flush generates a strong upward jet of air that can rapidly carry particles up to 5 feet above the bowl within a few seconds of the start of the flush.

Respiratory diseases such as influenza are smaller particles that remain longer in the air and can be easily contracted through inhalation. Larger particles that settle faster on surfaces can spread intestinal diseases by contact with hands and mouth.

While toilet bowls generally have concentrations of pathogens even after dozens of flushes, the risk of disease transmission from toilet aerosol plumes is still unclear.

In any case, it never hurts to put the lid down before flushing :-/

References:

*Closing the Toilet Lid Before Flushing Is Important – Medscape- Feb 14, 2023.

*Toilets spew in invisible aerosol plumes with every flush – here’s the proof, captured by high powered lasers,” published in The Conversation on December 16, 2022, theconversation.com.

By Admin|2023-03-07T13:06:22-06:00March 8th, 2023|Articles, General|

Methylene Blue: A Magic Bullet for Your Cells?

Provided by: Physicians Preference Pharmacy

Methylene blue is currently used in Emergency departments to reverse the blood condition known as methemoglobinemia, it has also been used for its anti-malarial benefits.

While many dyes are known to have negative effects (i.e. Red #3 & 40, Yellow #5 & 6), many are also known to be beneficial. One of those is methylene blue. Currently used in Emergency departments to reverse the blood condition known as methemoglobinemia, it has also been used for its anti-malarial benefits. Originally, it was used in the textile industry. Methylene blue was originally coined with the term “magic bullet”.

What makes methylene blue a “magic bullet”? It supports the functions of the electron transport chain to maximize mitochondrial respiration as well as ATP cellular energy production. You may recall the mitochondria are the workhorse energy producers for every cell in your body. When your mitochondria are fully energized and functioning well, then you have energy and are functioning much better too. Methylene blue selectively reduces the effects of nitric oxide toxicity and deficits in mitochondrial function, providing antioxidant benefits for the brain and body. It may be used to correct conditions characterized by excess nitric oxide levels and inadequate mitochondrial function, such as:

Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia
Cancer
Viruses, bacteria, fungi infectivity
Autism
Depression
Pain

Compounded as methylene blue, it is dosed as an oral capsule in 15mg, 25mg, 35mg, and 50mg dosages depending on the patient needs. It is now available for our providers to prescribe to patients who may benefit. Ask your provider if Methylene Blue is right for you.

This article has been provided by Physicians Preference Pharmacy.

By Admin|2023-03-01T09:45:01-06:00March 2nd, 2023|Articles, General|

Coffee Talk

by Mila McManus, MD

Coffee is the NUMBER ONE pesticided crop in the world. Purchase certified organic coffee and use pure filtered water.

Coffee lovers and connoisseurs abound thanks to Starbucks and other similar West coast chains making coffee a work of art. In America, at least 6 out of 10 people start their day with a cup or two. There is research which suggests health benefits such as protection from type 2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke, liver, and Parkinson’s disease – that is, if your coffee is not toxic.

Here’s what you need to know to make good choices:

There are no maximum pesticide residue limits set by governments despite the fact that coffee is the NUMBER ONE pesticide-sprayed crop in the world. It is estimated that there are at least 40 different pesticides and chemicals used on coffee crops around the world with little or no regulation to limit their use.
Mycotoxins are another common problem. These toxic compounds are produced by mold or fungus, and are formed on the beans before or after harvest, during storage, and during transport where there are damp, warm, humid conditions. Mycotoxins are a cause of many health issues. Some are known carcinogens (Aflatoxin B1 for example) while others cause kidney, liver, and brain damage. In one sample of 66 different coffees, 33% of them had at least one mycotoxin on them.
Acrylamide is a potentially harmful chemical that is formed when the beans are roasted. There is no way to avoid them all together, however avoiding lighter roasts and instant coffee eliminate the highest levels.
Decaf is not necessarily any better and can be worse. Chemicals are used to remove caffeine. If you do choose decaf, make sure a cold or Swiss water process is used to remove the caffeine.

Here’s how to reduce exposure to the harmful toxins and chemicals in your coffee:

To reduce Acrylamide, choose dark roasted coffee.
Purchase certified organic coffee where pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, chemical fertilizers, and other potentially harmful chemicals cannot be used.
Seek out coffees that are stored in temperature-controlled areas and packaging to avoid humidity where mold and fungus can grow on the beans. Natural Force and Bulletproof coffees pride themselves in preventing mold growth on their beans. Avoid purchasing coffee beans from bulk containers.
You might want to consider reducing your coffee intake to lower you exposure to harmful molds and chemicals.
Other ways to improve the quality and healthfulness is to use filtered water and a pour over or unbleached paper filter rather than plastic pods which add plastics and vinyl to your coffee. These are known hormone disrupters that can lead to hormone imbalances, weight gain, and fertility issues, to name a few.
Support organizations like the Environmental Working Group who work for you, the consumer, to ban the use of harmful chemicals in our food, soil, air, and water.

Enjoy a good cup of coffee by starting with the cleanest resources, organic coffee and pure filtered water.

Ref:

https://www.hollyroser.com/post/how-to-avoid-toxins-and-harmful-pesticides-in-coffee

https://shop.bulletproof.com/pages/coffee

www.ewg.org

By Admin|2023-02-21T12:36:28-06:00February 22nd, 2023|Articles, General|

“Food” Made from Cultured Animal Cells?

by Mila McManus, MD

A concerning emerging area of food science, supported and encouraged by the FDA is making human food from cultured animal cells.

A concerning emerging area of food science, supported and encouraged by the Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA) is making food, for human consumption, from cultured animal cells. Here is how it works, according to the FDA[1]:

Manufacturers typically start with a sample of cells from the tissue of an animal, a process that does not require harm to, or death of, the animal. Some cells from the sample are selected, screened, and grown to make a “bank” of cells to store for later use.
A small number of cells are taken from the cell bank and placed in a tightly controlled and monitored environment (typically, a number of sealed sterile vessels of increasing size) that support growth and cellular multiplication by supplying appropriate nutrients and other factors.
After the cells have multiplied many times over into billions or trillions of cells, additional substances (for example, protein growth factors, new surfaces for cell attachment, additional nutrients) are added to the controlled environment to enable the cells to differentiate into various cell types and assume characteristics of muscle, fat, or connective tissue cells.
Once the cells have differentiated into the desired type, the cellular material can be harvested from the controlled environment and prepared using conventional food processing and packaging methods.

I don’t know about you, but there are many, many questions to ask about this process. This is MAN-ufacturing at the highest level. The end product is truly man made and a far cry from real whole food produced in nature the way nature is intended to be. It also seems important to state the obvious: The FDA and USDA have not exactly protected us from other harmful foods like fast food, candy, damaged oils, and toxic additives, much less from cancer causing plastics and the like. Why are we confident that making food from cultured animal cells will be a safe adventure?

It poses many questions. Will the health of the animal be ensured before using its cells? What are the “appropriate nutrients and other factors”? How is “appropriate” determined and what does it mean? What are “other factors”? What are “additional substances” and who determines what those are and how they are selected and added? What happens in the process of a small number of cells reproducing into billions and trillions? Is there multiplication of bad cells in there too? What is man doing to make cells differentiate into “cell types and assume characteristics” of muscle, fat, or connective tissue? Does that mean it produces fake or synthetic muscles, cells, or connective tissue or is it really bio-identical? What is involved in the “controlled environment” and what happens in the “conventional food processing and packaging process” to further produce it – what chemicals? What artificial flavors and texturing? What preservatives? In the end, is this really real food at all? Will there be any trials to see if this is harmful to mice or people?

I am a medical doctor originally trained in the traditional education system. People are brilliant and many wonderful life-giving discoveries in medicine have made our lives much better. But it also remains true that we have not been able to solve some of the biggest problems through science and technology. Afterall, the leading causes of death in 2020[2] still included heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, so there is still much we have not solved. All that to say, I’m not sure at all that this idea of fake, man-made meat product is wise or going to help us solve health problems, but rather add to them. Most of these health problems today go directly back to lifestyle – how we eat, exercise, sleep, toxin exposures, and hydrate. We also must continue to elucidate what impact cell phones and Wi-Fi are having on health. With better real HEALTH care, wise lifestyle choices, much can be done to reduce disease. On so many levels, the traditional medical model is fostering disease instead of stopping it. Let’s get real. Eat real food. Choose Health and Wellness.

[1] https://www.fda.gov/food/food-ingredients-packaging-human-food-made-cultured-animal-cells, accessed on December 1, 2022, 4:38pm.

[2] https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm#print

By Admin|2023-02-13T12:19:14-06:00February 15th, 2023|General|

Uric Acid –A Common Denominator for Dementia, High Blood Pressure, High Blood Sugar, and Weight Gain

by Mila McManus, MD

Did you know that high uric acid levels play a central role in increasing our blood sugar, blood pressure, and body fat?

It is fairly common knowledge that high levels of uric acid in the human body can cause Gout, a sudden arthritis which attacks joints causing significant pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in joints. It usually affects one joint at a time, typically a big toe or knee. Did you know that high uric acid levels play a central role in increasing blood sugar, blood pressure, and body fat? In fact, elevated uric acid levels are now being considered as a diagnostic criterion for metabolic syndrome. It’s possible to have high uric acid levels without any obvious symptoms…until the wheels fall off the cart!

Elevated uric acid levels lead to endothelial dysfunction (think of tight/stiff arteries rather than relaxed and dilated blood vessels), increased oxidative stress, microvascular damage, reduction in nitric oxide bioavailability in the endothelial lining, and contributes to cognitive decline as it directly and indirectly damages blood vessels of the brain. Endothelial cells are the main type of cell in the lining of blood vessels, lymph vessels, and the heart. Consequently, elevated uric acid levels negatively impact health in the cardiovascular, blood circulatory, metabolic, and lymphatic systems, as well as joints.

From a dietary standpoint, the best way to prevent elevated uric acid is to eat and drink a clean, whole food diet while maintaining stable blood sugar. Most importantly is to avoid excessive fructose from fruits, all high fructose corn sugar/syrup, as well as other high fructose sweeteners such as honey and agave nectar. High fructose corn sugar is found in fast food, breakfast cereal, bread, and baked goods, sweetened dairy products, candy, canned fruit and soups, and soft drinks as well as salad dressings, ketchup, and energy drinks. Grapes, watermelon, and dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, apricots, and apples are also intensified forms of fructose.

To have your uric acid levels checked, discuss dietary adjustments, or explore ways to manage gout and other health issues related to high uric acid levels, schedule an appointment with one of our healthcare practitioners or nutritionist on staff.

If you want to take a deeper dive into learning about uric acid, I recommend reading Dr. Perlmutter’s book called Drop Acid (also available on Audible).

Reference: OrthoMolecular – Uric Acid, practitioner informational sheet/UAX-Pro. Permission granted 1/16/2023, NH.

By Admin|2023-02-01T09:04:40-06:00February 1st, 2023|Articles, General|

Sitting is the New Smoking!

by Mila McManus, MD

You may be old enough to remember when it was common to have smoking sections on planes and in restaurants, and when smoking was allowed just about everywhere. Once the physical dangers were recognized, our nation finally launched a huge campaign against smoking and this was successful with greatly reducing the number of smokers today. Now there is a new health problem that has taken it’s place.

“The combination of both sitting more than six hours a day and being less physically active was associated with a 94 percent increase in all causes of premature death rates in women and a 48 percent increase in men, compared with those who reported sitting less than three hours a day and being most active.” Tony Robbins

Exercise and movement continue to be a key pillar for good health and disease prevention. Walk more than you stand, stand more than you sit, sit more than you recline. Every step counts. Consider a standing work station. Set a timer when sitting to remind yourself to get up and move every 45 minutes to an hour. Monitor your steps with an app on your cell phone. Keep moving!

Reference:

Robbins, T. (2022) Life Force. New York: Simon & Schuster,326.

By Admin|2023-01-16T11:27:15-06:00January 18th, 2023|Articles, General|

Breathing: Is it Part of Your Lifestyle?

by Mila McManus, MD

Our breath has enormous, life-giving power. The quality of our lives depends on the quality of our breathing.

Breathing has enormous, life-giving power and perhaps we take it for granted or don’t think about it much. But the quality of our lives depends on the quality of our breathing.

We cannot think about health and wellness without thinking intentionally about our breathing. The way we breathe directly impacts our emotional and physical states. When you are stressed, you may have noticed that you barely breathe at all. During an anxiety attack or moment of panic, our breathing can become rapid, causing hyperventilation. Adam Hadhazy suggests in “Fear Factor: Dopamine May Fuel Your Dread, Too.”[1], that we can even become addicted to our anxiety as a result of the dopamine secreted to cope with the anxiety. Dopamine is made in the brain and secreted into the blood stream as part of the brain’s reward system.

How we breathe affects our mood, energy, mental clarity, and calmness. That’s an old and well known concept. Originating from India thousands of years ago, yoga has taught the importance of how we breathe. Biblical teachings from Jewish tradition include our breath and life coming from God and giving understanding and thus calmness, meaning being still and having no anxiety.[2] In many languages, dialects, and religions, breath is synonymously used for spirit, soul, life, and life energy.[3]

Here are several simple techniques[4] that you can easily incorporate into your lifestyle to increase your health, mental clarity, spirit, and soul.

The Navy SEAL Way – To calm the nervous system, mind, and emotions, Navy SEALs are taught to inhale for a four count through the nose and exhale to a count of four through the mouth. They also teach an 8/8 pattern, slowing down breathing to an inhalation lasting 8 seconds and then exhaling for 8 seconds.

While You Walk – Take a minute to do this “segmented” 4/4 pattern while you walk. Inhale for four seconds, then hold that breath for four seconds, then exhale for four seconds, then hold your breath again for four seconds before inhaling again. This rhythmically synchronizes your breath and your steps.

Oxygenation for Detoxification – this method promotes elimination of toxins and stimulates the lymph system while enhancing energy, state of mind, and sense of well-being. The pattern or ratio is 1:4:2. For example, an 8:32:16 ratio is to inhale for eight seconds, hold your breath for thirty-two seconds and exhale for sixteen seconds. Determine your ratio depending on your natural capacity and comfort. You could do 6:24:12 or whatever ratio works for you.

Teaching yourself and your children (or grandchildren, students, patients, clients, friends) these techniques can be a great way to improve quality of life and cope with daily stressors.

Make it part of your lifestyle. Breathe well, Live well.

[1] Adam Hadhazy, “Fear Factor: Dopamine May Fuel Dread, Too,” Scientific American, July 14,2008, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/fear-factor-dopamine/.

[2] Job 32:8

[3] https://manabreathwork.com/history-of-breathwork

[4] Tony Robbins, (2022). Life force: How new breakthroughs in precision medicine can transform the quality of your life & those you love.(12,292-293)

By Admin|2023-01-10T13:02:00-06:00January 11th, 2023|General|

A Potential Lyme Vaccine?

by Mila McManus, MD

According to the Associated Press, researchers are looking for volunteers, age 5 and above, in the United States and Europe to test a potential Lyme vaccine made by Pfizer and French Biotech Valneva. It aims to target six Lyme strains by attacking an “outer surface protein” of the Lyme bacterium called OspA that is present in the tick’s gut. It is estimated that a tick feeds on a person for about 36 hours before the bacteria from the tick spreads to the victim. (this time delay is controversial, though, as many believe that microbes from ticks can be transmitted much earlier) That delay gives time for antibodies the tick ingests from the vaccinated person’s blood to attack the germs right at the source. According to Dr. Gary Wormser, a Lyme expert at New York Medical College who is not involved in the new research, most vaccines work after a person is exposed to the germ. This new Lyme vaccine, however, works a step earlier by preventing the transmission of infection in the first place.

This is not the first vaccine for Lyme. In 2002, the first Lyme vaccine for humans was pulled off the market for lack of demand. Made by GlaxoSmithKline, it was controversial with about a 75% effectiveness rating and unsubstantiated reports of joint-related side effects. It had also not been tested for safety with children. Since then, people have had to rely on toxic bug spray and careful physical examination.

Lyme disease, the tick-born illness, is a rapidly growing problem as cases rise and warm weather helps ticks to expand their territory. Black-legged ticks, also called deer ticks, carry Lyme-causing bacteria and are present in Texas. The infection initially causes fatigue, fever, and joint pain. Sometimes, but not always, the first sign is a red, round bull’s eye rash. Early antibiotic treatment is crucial, but it can be hard to tell if you have been bitten by a tick because the sneakiest ticks are in the nymph stage of growth and are the size of a pin head. Untreated Lyme can cause severe arthritis, damaged heart and nervous system. Symptoms can linger even after treatment. Moreover, ticks carry numerous disease-causing microbes, not just Borrelia bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

Lyme disease, both acute and chronic, is more rampant than ever, and the incidence has been grossly under-estimated by the CDC. Obviously if Big Pharma is interested in a vaccine, the disease is a big enough problem to warrant solutions. We will be watching to see how this story evolves and if a vaccine gets FDA-approved.

We have a number of therapies and approaches to strengthen the immune system and support the body’s natural immune defenses to manage and reduce the symptoms caused by Lyme disease.

For more information regarding symptoms, testing, and treatment, contact one of our Wellness Consultants by calling 281-298-6742.

Ref:

https://apnews.com/article/science-health-ticks-73fab8e29f3e2243c2db5bc33b3265e1

By Admin|2022-12-14T09:32:47-06:00December 15th, 2022|General|

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