Are you eating mushrooms?

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

Mushrooms are proving to be a highly medicinal food and are now found on the ingredient list for many supplements and protein powders. From a nutritional standpoint, mushrooms are a low fat, low calorie option that provide some fiber and protein. But it’s the minerals, vitamins, and micro-compounds found in them that make them a nutritional powerhouse. Mushrooms are a very good source of phosphorus, needed for our bones, teeth, and proper metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Three important B vitamins can be found in mushrooms: riboflavin, niacin, and pantothenic acid. Potassium and selenium as well as small amounts of calcium and iron are also found in mushrooms. Almost exclusive to mushrooms, ergothioneine, a sulfur containing derivative of histidine, plays a specific role in protecting our DNA from oxidative damage.

A considerable amount of research has been done on mushrooms, and they have been highly valued in Eastern medicine practices for centuries. Health benefits include:

Invigorating and modulating the immune system.
Providing anti-cancer activity including blocking the formation of tumors.
Increasing vitamin D levels
Interfering with the progression of atherogenesis (artery plaque formation) and cardiovascular disease
Anti-inflammatory properties helpful for treating autoimmune diseases and bacteria-induced chronic inflammation.

There are many varieties of mushrooms. The most deeply nutritious varieties include Maitake, Shiitake, Portobello, Turkey Tail, Reishi, Lion’s Mane, and Cordyceps. Many of these are being used in the treatment of cancer. You will find teas made with them as well. Ideally, make sure your mushrooms are organic. You should never pick them in the wild and eat them. If you are taking medications, you may want to check with your doctor as some can interfere with certain medications.

References:

Winters, Nasha and Kelley, Jess H. The Metabolic Approach to Cancer. White River Junction, Vt: Chelsea Green, 2017. (166-168)

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/08/31/growing-mushrooms.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_content=art1&utm_campaign=20180831Z1_UCM&et_cid=DM231141&et_rid=407627793

https://foodfacts.mercola.com/portobello-mushroom.html

By Mila McManus MD|2021-11-30T07:40:12-06:00December 1st, 2021|General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Cross-Reactivity: What does Ragweed have to do with Bananas?

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

Understanding allergies can be difficult because they are complex! You may want to believe it is simple, such as, “if I eat x, it causes y”. Or if you are exposed to pollen or dust, it makes your nose run. Allergies are, unfortunately, not this simple. In fact, inhalant/airborne allergies can be difficult to distinguish from food allergies and often are related. One of the reasons allergies are so complex is due to cross-reactivity. Cross-reactivity occurs when molecular structures are so similar that the immune system is unable to make a distinction between them. For example, poison ivy, oak, and sumac are closely related molecular proteins to pork and black pepper. As a result, evidence of respiratory allergy may indicate an increased risk of food sensitivities and visa versa.

One type of cross-reactivity is when a food produces a reaction only in the presence of an inhalant allergen, such as pollen. Called concomitant foods, these foods cause a reaction only during the season when a specific inhalant, such as mold or pollen, are high, but not at other times of the year. Or another interesting example is for grill masters out there using oak, pecan, or mesquite woods for grilling/smoking who are experiencing cross reactivity to foods concomitant with these woods. Here is a short list of proven common concomitant foods:

Poison ivy, oak, and sumac ……………….pork and black pepper

Ragweed …………………………………………. egg, milk, mint, melon, cucumber, banana, sunflower, echinacea

Iva ciliate…………………………………………..wheat

Sage…………………………………….…………….potato, tomato, chewing tobacco

Pigweed…………………………………………… pork, black pepper

Grass………………………………………………… beans, peas, soybean, cottonseed oil

Cedar………………………………………………….beef, baker’s and brewer’s yeast, malt

Elm……………………………………………………..milk, mint

Cottonwood…………………………………….…lettuce

Oak……………………………………………………egg, apple

Pecan………………………………………………..corn, banana

Mesquite………………………………………….. cane sugar, orange

Dust………………………………………………….. cheese, mushrooms, truffles

Birch…………………………………………………..apple, carrot, celery, pear, tomato, cherry, tree nuts

Another type of cross-reactivity occurs when two foods are combined. These are called synergistic foods where a reaction may not occur when each food is eaten separately, but, when combined at the same meal, these foods cause symptoms. It might explain why a hamburger on a bun, or chicken/apple breakfast sausage with eggs are causing your symptoms. Here is a list of proven synergistic foods:

Corn………………………………………………………………banana

Beef……………………………………………………………….baker’s yeast, brewer’s yeast

Cane Sugar……………………………………………………..orange

Milk………………………………………………………………..mint

Egg………………………………………………………………….apple

Pork………………………………………………………………..black pepper

A third type of cross-reactivity can occur with those who have latex allergy. They may discover a cross-reactivity with banana, avocado, chestnut, kiwi, apple, carrot, celery, papaya, potato, tomato, or melons. Often times people are allergic to latex and don’t know it because they can tolerate exposure to latex quite well but react more severely to the foods that cross react with it.

Understanding cross-reactivity may help you better understand your inhalant or food testing results. If you have had testing, but can’t seem to sort out all of your allergies, getting tested with both skin prick and the specific IgE/IgA food testing via blood may provide much greater insight, and offer tailored treatment and relief. It is also important to explore the possibility of cross-reactivity in gluten-sensitive patients who are not experiencing improvements after eliminating gluten. Ask your provider if the skin screen test for inhalant/environmental allergens, or the IgE/IgA food sensitivity test are right for you.

https://www.usbiotek.com/blog/cross-reactivity-more-than-foods

Popescu F. D. (2015). Cross-reactivity between aeroallergens and food allergens. World journal of methodology, 5(2), 31–50. https://doi.org/10.5662/wjm.v5.i2.31

https://atouchoftherapy.com/prevent-allergies-concomitant-foods/

By Mila McManus MD|2021-11-17T13:38:47-06:00November 18th, 2021|General|

Thanksgiving: Two Yummy Simple Clean Ups

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

Cranberry Sauce and pumpkin pie for Thanksgiving

The cranberry sauce and the pumpkin pie can be two big sources of sugar at Thanksgiving. But it isn’t necessary, and you don’t have to give up great flavor and taste! The pie crust is an excellent gluten free option for every kind of pie. If you can find CoCo Whip in the freezer section of your grocery store, it is an excellent replacement for those other common whips full of hydrogenated damaged oils. Enjoy and Give Thanks!

https://woodlandswellnessmd.com/keto-cranberry-sauce.html/

https://woodlandswellnessmd.com/pumpkin-pie-al-la-pumpkin-pie-filling-and-nutty-pie-crust.html/

By Mila McManus MD|2022-10-24T16:42:28-06:00November 10th, 2021|General, Recipes|

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Roasted Red Pepper Sauce is an amazing add to a hamburger, steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or fried eggs!

Makes 2 Cups

Ingredients

1 jar (16 ounces) roasted red peppers, drained

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

¼ onion, roughly chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

1 tablespoon capers, drained

Juice of ½ lemon

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and pulse 5-10 times to combine, then blend on high speed until smooth.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Suggestions: Top any array of fresh steamed vegetables from asparagus to zucchini, dollop on top of a hamburger patty or salmon steak, or pair with fried eggs. Change out the roasted red peppers for the same amount of sundried tomatoes or roasted eggplant. Add black olives to make a tapenade.

Hartwig, M. and Hartwig. D. (2015) The Whole30. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. p. 316.

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T11:07:52-06:00October 28th, 2021|General, Recipes|

Is Stevia a Bad Choice?

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

Recently we were introduced to two studies^[i] about Stevia and its possible negative effect on gut bacteria, glucose intolerance, and diet- induced obesity. In a practice where we always try to educate and inform our patients of the most optimal choices and encourage you to continually work toward a cleaner, healthier, more whole food diet, studies like this can be frustrating. We all want to shout, “What in the heck IS ok to eat?” and “now what do I use?”. After all, stevia has been used for centuries around the world and was introduced in the natural health world in the 1980’s as the best alternative to sugar. We have always affirmed this belief.

TWIHW philosophy remains unchanged over the years: we have to choose our battles and pick our shots. Each individual has to evaluate his or her diet and, if willing, continue improving it. Will any of us ever achieve perfection? Does a perfect diet really exist? Is perfect food even available? We know the answer to all of these is “no”. In the big picture, we doubt daily stevia use is the single or contributing factor to anyone’s diabetes, obesity, gut issues, or inflammatory process. Perhaps, however, stevia continues to stimulate your desire for sweet things, creating ongoing cravings, and that may be well worth considering.

In 2020, the Cleveland Clinic made their best and worst recommendations for sweeteners^[ii] and opened the article with the most important piece of information to consider: sweeteners of every kind stimulate appetite, encourage a sweet tooth, and disturb gut microbiota. These result in disturbed glucose levels. We, too, think some sweeteners are better than others. Processed sugar, corn and fructose syrups, along with artificially made chemical sweeteners, are still far more concerning than stevia or monk fruit. Yet most people who have removed all sweet flavors from their diet for 7-30 days attest to the sudden drop in cravings for them and usually weight loss, increased energy, and focus.

With nutrition and health, looking at the whole picture can be helpful. If you are struggling with a pre-diabetic or diabetic situation, or constantly battling sugar or carbohydrate cravings, or would like to see some improved overall energy and mental focus, consider trying something like the Whole30 diet where every kind of sweet food is removed including all sweeteners and added sugar with the exception of fresh fruit for 30 days.

If you would like to consult with us about your use of stevia or any food in the context of your entire diet and health status, we are available to help you. We will continue to sell a minimally processed, organic stevia in our office.

^[i] https://academic.oup.com/femsec/article/96/6/fiaa079/5827635, Downloaded on September 11, 2021, and

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11061248.

^[ii] https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-best-and-worst-sweeteners-your-dietitians-picks/

By Mila McManus MD|2021-10-12T17:01:23-06:00October 13th, 2021|General|

What is Prolotherapy?

by Mila McManus, MD

Prolotherapy is a non-surgical treatment used to stimulate growth factors in the human body and thus promote the body’s natural healing process. It is also known as regenerative injection therapy or proliferation therapy. Growth factors are complex proteins that help repair body tissues. Prolotherapy is also thought to encourage collagen repair which is a protein essential to connective tissue that holds our skeletal structure together.

Conditions that may benefit from prolotherapy treatment include:

Damaged tendons, muscles, or ligaments
Arthritis of the knees, hips, or fingers
Chronically painful musculoskeletal conditions
Degenerative disc disease
Fibromyalgia
Certain types of headaches
Lax or unstable joints

Prolotherapy involves injecting typically a sugar or salt solution into or around a joint or other parts of the body to stimulate the body to repair itself. Usually a dextrose, glucose, or saline is used. Injections are repeated at 3 to 4 weeks intervals for a total of 3 to 6 sessions. If suboptimal improvement is the result, treatment with PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or Wharton’s jelly may be recommended. Wharton’s Jelly is derived from umbilical cord and contains stem cells, fibroblasts, and other types of cells and structural material. Several studies have shown that a series of injections have resulted in improvements in pain, function, and stiffness, often resulting in the avoidance of more invasive and complex surgical procedures.

Prolotherapy is available at TWIHW. Ask one of our medical providers if prolotherapy is right for you, or call (281) 298-6742 and speak to a wellness consultant today.

Ref:

https://houstonsportsmedicine.com/prolotherapy-orthopedic-technique

https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/what-to-know-about-prolotherapy

By Mila McManus MD|2021-10-05T16:48:59-06:00October 7th, 2021|General|

Monk Fruit – The Superfood No-Calorie Sweetener

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

Monk Fruit, our favorite healthy sweetener, has some surprising benefits that qualify calling it a superfood! It is an ancient Chinese fruit that has not been genetically modified. Studies * show promising benefits including:

Fights Free Radicals as a high antioxidant food
Lowers Risk of Obesity and Diabetes
Acts as an Anti-Inflammatory and Coolant
Helps Treat and Prevent Cancer

Consider using Monk Fruit as your sweetener of choice! No bitter aftertaste with excellent sweetening power. We recommend a pure liquid such as offered by Lakanto, NOW, or Smart138. If you prefer a powder or crystal, make sure it is mixed with erythritol rather than maltodextrin or dextrose.

*for references and more details, follow this link: https://draxe.com/nutrition/monk-fruit/

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T11:10:37-06:00September 30th, 2021|General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Palmini and Meat Sauce

(You won’t miss spaghetti or the carbs anymore)

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

Palmini and meat sauce is an awesome recipe that satisfies your cravings for spaghetti and meat sauce.

Ingredients:

4 T grass-fed butter or ghee

6 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms

1- 8 ounce package of Palmini Angel Hair

½ lb of 100% grass-fed beef, 85/15

1/3 cup sliced green olives

12-14 ounces jarred organic marinara

½ cup grated Pecorino Romano sheep cheese

In a large skillet, melt the butter on medium high heat.
Slice the mushrooms thinly into the pan and cook until soft.
Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until brown and reduce heat to medium.
Open the Palmini package and drain water off of the “noodles”.
Add them to the mushroom and ground beef mix.
Add green olives, marinara, and cheese.
Stir to mix ingredients and heat for 3-5 more minutes until cheese is melted, and the mixture is bubbly and hot. Then serve.

Ideas: Choose the meat, and additions as desired. Veal, lamb, pork, chicken, or bison would work nicely as meat options, as would shrimp. Spinach, black olives, capers, and zucchini slices would be nice vegetable options. This could easily be placed in a buttered casserole dish with the cheese on top and reheated in the oven at 350° for 25-30 minutes.

Available at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Amazon, and directly from www.eatpalmini.com.

By Mila McManus MD|2021-09-21T16:30:17-06:00September 22nd, 2021|General, Recipes|

What is T-Detect COVID Testing?

T-Detect COVID is the first T cell test for COVID-19 available in the U.S

What are T cells?

T cells are key players in the adaptive immune system. When the body is invaded by a foreign substance like a virus or bacteria, the immune system rallies one of its earliest lines of defense, helper T cells, to join the fight.

Helper T cells may call on their allies to kickstart antibody production to support the fight against the disease. Helper T cells also alert other types of T cells to the presence of foreign invaders to be targeted and destroyed.

After the body has fought off an infection or disease, a small number of T cells remain in the blood. They are called memory T cells and their job is to remember how to ward off these invaders if they ever return.

What is T-Detect COVID?

T-Detect COVID is the first T cell test for COVID-19 available in the U.S. (not available in U.S. Territories) to those over age 18. It measures T cells instead of antibodies to detect recent or past SARS-CoV-2 infection (the virus that causes COVID-19).

How does T-Detect COVID work?

T cells are the first responders of the adaptive immune system and activate the antibody response. While antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) naturally wane and are detectable in the shorter term, T cell responders can persist in the blood long after antibody responses wane.

T-Detect COVID can detect T cells in a blood and recognize the SARS-CoV-2 virus for up to 10 months after symptoms appear (90% sensitivity).

What does T-Detect COVID measure?

T-Detect COVID can detect an immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, to assess recent or past infection. It is not intended for the diagnosis of active/current SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The T-Detect® Assay – Blood test

The T-Detect COVID Assay is intended for use as an aid in identifying individuals with an immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. The T-Detect COVID Assay uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to assess the rearranged T-cell receptor beta (TCRβ) gene sequences to present in genomic DNA isolated from human peripheral blood. This test is not intended for diagnosis of active SARS-CoV-2 infection.

T-Detect is available by prescription only. T-Detect results should always be used in combination with clinical examination, patient medical history, and other findings.

Call our office (281-298-6742) for more information and/or to schedule blood draw. The test costs $259

Reference: https://www.t-detect.com/

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T11:13:52-06:00September 9th, 2021|General|

Semaglutide: NEW Weight Loss Program

Semaglutide Weight Loss Program at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness

A Highly Effective Weight Loss Medication That’s Safe for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Have other weight loss protocols failed?

Did you find HCG to be too strict?

Was KETO too difficult to follow?

This protocol has been FDA approved for weight loss! Semaglutide slows gastric emptying which helps stabilize blood sugar but also reduces cravings and hunger. This is a once weekly injection that can be administered in the office or at home. Our protocol also includes weekly vitamin injections.

Serving patients since 2004 in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Houston, Tomball, Montgomery, Magnolia area. Call today for more information about how this exciting weight loss program can work for you.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic, Wegovy, among others, is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and ongoing weight management. Semaglutide is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist which improves blood sugar control in people with Type II Diabetes. Because it also slows gastric emptying, which keeps you fuller longer, people can lose large amounts of weight overtime. It was FDA-approved in 2021 for weight loss.

Who is this Weight Loss Program for?

Because it is not a stimulant, Semaglutide is a good solution for those who may not be able to take stimulant-based appetite suppressants such as phentermine. Stimulants are often not prescribed for patients who have existing cardiovascular disease as they can complicate these conditions.

Semaglutide is for patients who want to lose weight, especially patients with type 2 diabetes or whose weight puts them at risk of a serious cardiovascular event (like heart attack or stroke).

How does it work?

Semaglutide slows down the rate at which your stomach sends food to your large intestine. This results in slower digestion (which improves blood sugar) and a longer feeling of fullness. It also stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, removing sugar from the bloodstream.

Patients on Semaglutide have reported reduced appetite and a reduced craving for sweets, both of which contribute to weight loss. Patients also report that over-eating while on Semaglutide results in unpleasant side effects, which discourages poor eating habits.

What to eat when taking Semaglutide?

Eat slowly, and eat smaller meals.
Eat foods that are light and bland.
Drink clear or ice-cold drinks (like water or unsweetened tea)
Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.

At The Woodlands Institute we offer virtual and in-office appointments to fit your schedule. The first time you complete the Weight Loss Protocol you will meet with one of our medical providers to discuss the program and make sure that you are a candidate. Once approved to start you will receive 8 weeks of medication, 8 Lipo-B12 (in-office only) or B12 injections or upgrade to PolyMVA $49. After the 1st 8 weeks you will be able to continue to titrate up following the recommended titration schedule or repeat any dose in 4 week cycles. Virtual patients will receive all supplies needed for each cycle to self administer medication.

Call (281) 298-6742 today to learn more.

By Mila McManus MD|2023-04-27T17:09:42-06:00August 29th, 2021|General|

About Mila McManus MD

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

by Mila McManus, MD

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

(You won’t miss spaghetti or the carbs anymore)

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

A Highly Effective Weight Loss Medication That’s Safe for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

What is Semaglutide?