“It’s like a switch turned on…”

It's like a switch turned on…

“Different things helped different symptoms but by far the most helpful for my extreme fatigue was the addition of iodine and selenium. It’s like it turned a switch on to help my thyroid. The NAC helped tremendously with getting rid of my excess phlegm. It is almost gone! The addition of the liposomal glutathione was a great addition for detoxing. Sleep is SOOOO much better. I feel like I am finally moving forward!!! It has taken awhile and continues to be a journey. I am blessed to have a team that is willing to be open and try different things!”

Thanks and God Bless,

L.P.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-12-18T22:09:29-05:00November 25th, 2019|General, Testimonials|

One Easy Step – Eliminate Aluminum Foil

By Nancy Mehlert, MS

We often talk about taking baby steps in a longer journey to good health. One easy and important step is to reduce or eliminate the use of aluminum foil in cooking. Aluminum foil is used by many to wrap breads for heating, cook foods in the oven or on the grill and to cover dishes while baking. Researchers found that any food in contact with aluminum foil while cooking leaches surprising large amounts of aluminum directly into the food. Acid foods such as tomato and lemons result in even greater leaching.

Aluminum serves no biological function in the body and is neurotoxic to human health. Many health experts link aluminum use to Alzheimer’s, brain inflammation, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and impairment of iron metabolism. Early symptoms of aluminum exposure include depression, headaches, abnormal heartbeat, dry skin, gastrointestinal complaints, and frequent infections. Aluminum toxicity includes more severe symptoms of paralytic muscular conditions, memory loss, and confusion.

Routine usage over time results in aluminum accumulating in the brain, lungs, kidney, liver, and thyroid. As it accumulates, it causes oxidative stress, tissue damage, and inflammation. Chronically, this can lead to disease.

Reduce exposure by eliminating aluminum foil and aluminum cans from your kitchen. Cook in glass, stainless steel or ceramic cookware and storage containers.

Look for aluminum in body products such as deodorant and antacids and switch to aluminum free options.

Filter your water to ensure removal of aluminum and fluoride.

Natural detoxifiers for aluminum include cilantro, cruciferous vegetables, onion, and garlic.

High dose Vitamins C, N-acetyl-cysteine, and turmeric are also excellent at detoxifying and alleviating the adverse effects of aluminum.

Sources:

https://www.naturalhealth365.com/aluminum-foil-brain-health-2882.html

By Mila McManus MD|2019-12-04T12:38:22-05:00November 21st, 2019|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Don’t Be SAD

What to do with the Winter Blues

As winter approaches and darkness falls earlier, about 2 of every 10 people begin to crave more carbohydrates, want more sleep, have less energy, struggle with concentration, and generally prefer to withdraw socially more than usual. If you have felt this way before during the winter months and notice that when Spring arrives, you always feel more normal, you may be experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD. This type of depression is marked by its temporary appearance during winter months.

There are effective, safe, and relatively simple ways to combat your SADness. Most of these approaches can help everyone stay happier and healthier through the darker winter months.

Vitamin D levels are mission critical. Get checked to ensure optimal levels ranging from 60-80 ng/ml. Vitamin D deficiency is very common but we need optimal levels for a strong immune function and optimism. Getting out into the sunshine during the brightest, warmest part of winter days is one way to absorb light that allows your body to make Vitamin D. Supplementation with Vitamin D3 is another alternative. One more way is to use a Light Box for therapy. Be sure to purchase or find a light therapy that filters the UV exposure but offers 15-30 minutes a day for best results.
Keep exercising! Yes, when it seems the hardest thing to do, try to keep doing it. Regular exercise is well proven to boost endorphins, lift depression and this is important with SAD. Just 30 minutes of walking a day can make a big difference.
Diet matters. Important here is keeping sugar and alcohol to a minimum while consuming plenty of fresh vegetables and quality omega 3’s like those found in wild salmon, sardines and grass fed meats.
Optimize sleep. Keep the same sleep schedule as much as possible every day, going to bed and getting up at the same time. Strive to achieve 7-8 hours of sleep at a minimum.
Consult with a medical practitioner. There are a number of safe and effective supplements that can improve Vitamin D levels, reduce depression, and improve sleep. Your functional medicine physician will be aware of how to balance neurochemicals and improve overall health in ways that can reduce or eliminate SAD. Melatonin, dopamine and serotonin levels can all be addressed to improve mental health.
Never take depression lightly. If you or someone you know feels like harming him/herself, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255).

References:

Top Tips to Cope With Seasonal Affective Disorder by Dr. Mercola, February 14, 2019, Mercola

7 Seasonal Affective Disorder Natural Treatments That Work by Kissairis Munos, February 20, 2018, Dr. Axe Food & Medicine

By Mila McManus MD|2019-12-04T12:26:06-05:00November 21st, 2019|Articles, General|

Stuffed Acorn Squash

Serves 4

Ingredients:

2 acorn squash

1 pound ground beef, pork, turkey, bison or chicken*

1 cup chopped onion, celery & bell pepper **

½ cup chopped spinach or kale**

1 tablespoon grass fed butter

⅓ cup pine nuts

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons dried orange rind (spice aisle)***

1 cup plus 4 tablespoons, organic BBQ sauce

Sea salt and pepper to taste

*choose antibiotic free, grass fed or pasture raised

**organic would be ideal and frozen works very well

***McCormick makes a Valencia Orange Rind available in most grocers, or the pictured one is organic and can be found on line.

Instructions:

Wash the acorn squash and cut it in half. Using a spoon, hollow out the center by removing the seeds and scrape clean.
Put a sheet of parchment paper on a cookie sheet and preheat the oven to 350°. Rub the flat surface of the acorn squash with a little melted or soft butter and place face down on the parchment paper.
Bake for 35-40 minutes until tender. Test by piercing with a fork. The fork should go in easily.
While the acorn squash is baking, get out a large skillet for the stove top. On medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the pan.
Place the frozen onion, celery, bell pepper and garlic powder in the pan and sauté, until soft and tender.
Add the meat, orange rind and pine nuts, turning and stirring until meat is done.
Add the BBQ sauce, sea salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
Remove the squash from the oven, turn them over with the cavity of the squash facing up. Place 1 Tablespoon of BBQ Sauce in each cavity and fill the cavity with the meat mixture. Divide meat evenly into each of the four squash. Return to the oven for about 10-15 minutes, then serve.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-11-21T11:11:40-05:00November 21st, 2019|General, Recipes|

“When you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything!”

When you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything!

After having babies I packed on the pounds. Working full time with a very demanding career and having 2 small children I felt like my entire life was out of control. Photos from a recent trip to Florida for my cousins wedding were a real wake-up call for me. The person in those pictures was not me, nor was that the body I wanted to be in for the rest of my life. I weighed over 200 pounds with a horrible rash on my face, dry unhealthy looking skin and uncomfortable back pain. I did not look healthy nor did I feel healthy. The last thing I wanted was for my children to grow up with a mother who resembles the fat lady who sits on the couch all day eating nutty bars and potato chips. Since we are talking about food, I will admit that I knew which foods to avoid (fast food, sodas, processed foods, etc.), but there was still that underlying feeling that I didn’t really KNOW how to eat healthy. My lifestyle was not very flattering to say the least. The world can be a cruel place, and unfortunately I often intercepted derogatory vibes from people – a sense of not being valued or truly respected, almost to the point of people being annoyed when I was in their presence – that is my past.

I needed a physical. My biggest hurdle was finding a Doctor who would meet my needs. I’ve always been a firm believer that the human body is an amazing machine that has the ability to heal itself. I needed a doctor who shared my philosophy of healthful living, not the type of who pushes prescriptions and tells their patients to come back if those drugs don’t work. I went online in search of a Doctor in the Spring/Woodlands area who was somewhere in between the pill pushing physician and the holistic witch doctor. I found TWIHW! It took me a couple of weeks to convince myself this was the right thing to do, which didn’t take much convincing.

I was very excited that I would finally get some blood work done and have my situation diagnosed and be on the road to improving my overall health. Looking back I can say that the end result well exceeded any expectations I had. When I initially made my appointment with Kim Beale she asked if I would be interested in doing the Medical Weight loss protocol. I immediately said no with the mindset that I didn’t want a “quick fix.” I needed a lifestyle change! After much thought and research about their program, I thought, “hey why not? I’m probably putting worse things in my body the way that I’m eating.” I decided to go for it with the idea that it would at least give me a good kick start.

I remember my first appointment like it was yesterday. Everyone was friendly and helpful and I felt somewhat overwhelmed with all the changes I had to make. How would I remember all this information? I took a deep breath and told myself it would be ok. I was provided all kinds of resources and an open invitation from the staff to call anytime I had questions or needed help.

Dr. McManus recommended good quality supplements and I continue to take those. The medical weight loss protocol was a piece of cake. I don’t see a need to do the protocol again as my change in lifestyle has enabled me to maintain a healthy weight. I feel great! After completing it, I did the yeast cleanse for 28 days, that to was easy. I was amazed at how my skin cleared up, my energy levels are up and I continued to drop weight. My favorite part of the yeast cleanse was the consultation with Nancy Mehlert. She was AWESOME! I learned so much from Nancy and I think this was actually the missing link in my life, proper nutrition and eating. Thank you Nancy!

One thing that stands out, during my meeting with Dr. McManus, I was asked if I was addicted to food. At the time I said no, but now I wonder. I really have learned what foods are my friend and what foods I need to avoid. I’ve connected the dots I now realize the connection (for me) of how certain foods played a role in my life and may have been consumed to satisfy feelings.

Finally, a real boost for anyone’s self-esteem, all the compliments I get from people. I hear things like, “You look phenomenal! You look like you did in High School, you look like a whole different person, I didn’t even recognize you. You look healthy! Wow, what have you done? How much weight have you lost? I didn’t realize how big you were.” I find that most people are intrigued by this transformation, including myself – did I really look that bad? I am amazed at how differently people treat you when you look and feel good. I’ve noticed a spark in them, their eyes light up and they take time to interact. People want to know what I eat. Most of the delicious healthy foods that Nancy introduced me to, my friends and family have never heard of. I’ve even had people tell me that I’ve been an inspiration for them. The best way to describe my transformation – it feels like I finally got out of a BAD relationship and I’m free!

Dr. McManus, I share this with you because I want you to know that what you and your staff are doing is awesome. Being associated with TWIHW has changed my life! I give myself credit for sticking to the program, but I also credit TWIHW for fostering an environment that breeds success! I have more confidence, more energy, I rarely get situational anxiety anymore (which has plagued me ever since I can remember) and I have a positive outlook on life. Your words still echo in my head from my consultation back in May when I express the fact of how sad it was that I use to be a collegiate athlete and how my (now past) lifestyle was pretty much sedentary. 6 months ago I never thought I was capable of being so active feeling young again. I was stuck in the mindset that this is the way my life was meant to be after childbirth, you gain weight and you drive the kids around, never to feel young and active again. Dr. McManus, you told me that I needed to “do something, even if it’s just 15 minutes”. I live by that message every day, and I hear those words you spoke to me especially when the voice in my head says you don’t have time to exercise. To this day, your words still motivate me to “do something, even if it’s just 15 minutes!”

Being healthy is priceless. The cost for my wellness program was well worth every penny! Looking back I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a thing. When you’ve got your health, you’ve got everything!

By Mila McManus MD|2020-09-14T16:33:50-05:00October 25th, 2019|General, Testimonials|

15th Anniversary Open House

YOU are invited to join TWIHW as we celebrate 15 years of helping our patients navigate natural and integrative ways to improved health.

Come, bring a friend and celebrate with us!

Thursday, November 21, 2019

5 to 7 pm

Event Specials – Door Prizes – Gifts

Learn more about current services, testing, and products!

Vendors include DFH, Klaire, Orthomolecular, Green Roads, Spectracell, Dinner Dude, Clean Remedies, LoveCup, Physician’s Preference Pharmacy, Adrops, Ozone, TherapyWorks, Mind Solutions.

Healthy snacks and wine.

RSVP@TWIHW.com or call 281-298-6742

By Mila McManus MD|2019-11-05T12:25:27-05:00October 24th, 2019|Events, General|

Seasonal Considerations

By Nancy Mehlert, MS

Fall is here, the weather is changing, and the holiday season is quickly approaching.

We wish each of you a wonderful season celebrating with family and friends. I hope you can find many things and people for which to be thankful. Know that all of us at TWIHW are thankful for you!

Early November is a good time to make a few plans that can make your holidays healthier. Today we are providing two low carb, yet delicious recipes for holiday enjoyment that will delight both family and friends. They are so good, no one will know they are actually healthy for you! There are many more holiday recipes on our Resources/Recipes tab at TWIHW.com and in our Health Reset Protocol Cookbook, which was newly revised and expanded this year. If you don’t have a copy, be sure to get one!

When seasons change, the human body seeks change also.

Listen to your body and nourish it well. Consider incorporating warmer foods such as soups and stews and winter squash.

As sunlight diminishes, you may feel better if you get into the sunshine during the warmer parts of the day to increase your Vitamin D level and maintain a brighter mood. If that is not possible, you may want to increase your vitamin D3 intake. This helps to boost your immune function for the flu/cold season and keep your spirits bright.

If your activity level increases or decreases as a result of the changing seasons, then adjust your food intake accordingly. Some are very active during summer months but less so in the winter and visa versa. Making dietary adjustments can prevent weight fluctuations and give you a better sense of balance and energy.

I like this Julia Child quote: “This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook. Try new recipes. Learn from your mistakes. Be fearless. And above all, have fun!”

Best wishes for a delightful and fun holiday season. Eat well. Be well.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-11-05T06:27:30-05:00October 24th, 2019|Articles, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Nebulizer Treatments

Cutting Edge, Affordable Help for Common Issues

TWIHW is now offering treatments with the use of a nebulizer, a medical breathing device used to administer therapeutic agents such as minerals, vitamins, and medications directly to mucous membranes of the mouth, nasal passages, sinuses, nasopharynx (back of throat), and lungs. The device changes liquid into a fine mist, which is then inhaled through the nose and/or mouth.

This kind of localized delivery system can directly result in:

A moistening of the inhaled air, facilitating the thinning and mobilization of mucus and secretions.
A decrease in the need to cough as more secretions are eliminated and infections resolved.
The direct inhalation of agents to improve breathing (bronchodilation).
The direct inhalation of agents to kill and mobilize infection and/or colonizing pathogens.
The use of lower drug dosages which reduces toxic effects compared to when dosed higher and given systemically.
A limited degree of dissemination of the inhaled agent throughout the body.

Individuals who would benefit from this 20 minute breathing treatment include those with:

Chronic sinus issues
Recurrent sinus infections
Allergies – chronic or acute flare ups
Heart disease (according to Dr. Thomas Levy, cardiologist and author, 98% of all heart attacks come from chronic colonization of dental pathogens that cause chronic inflammation)
Cold or flu
Exposure to others with a cold or flu, or at the first signs of infection
Asthma
Headaches and migraines
Chronic cough or drainage

Treatments, depending on condition, are recommended as needed, or up to 3 days a week. Appointments are 30 minutes long and can be concurrently administered with IV nutrition. Treatments are $39. Call for your appointment today.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-11-05T05:17:46-05:00October 24th, 2019|Articles, General|

Keto Cranberry Sauce and Pumpkin Bread

Keto Cranberry Sauce and Pumpkin Bread are two great options to make Thanksgiving healthier!

Keto Cranberry Sauce

Ingredients

12 ounces fresh cranberries

1 cup powdered erythritol (recommend Swerve brand)

¾ cup filtered water

1 teaspoon orange zest

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Combine the cranberries, water, erythritol, and orange zest in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the cranberries pop and a sauce forms.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Serve or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes and Serving Suggestions: The confectioners, powdered Swerve will prevent the sauce from crystalizing in the refrigerator so if making ahead, use this product for best results. It is available online and at most grocery stores. Use orange zest to taste. If you enjoy the orange flavor, you may wish to increase to 2 teaspoons to intensify the orange flavor.

Keto Pumpkin Bread

Ingredients

6 large pasture raised eggs

1 ½ cup almond, pecan, or walnut flour

½ heaping cup organic pumpkin puree

1 ½ teaspoons pumpkin pie spice

4 tablespoons Swerve confectioners or Lakanto monk fruit sweetener

¾ teaspoons vanilla extract

6 tablespoons grass fed butter, melted

¾ teaspoon sea salt

¼ cup chopped walnut or pecan pieces

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter the pans to prevent sticking.
Combine all ingredients, except nuts, into a bowl. Mix with a hand mixer or food processor.
Fold in ½ of the nuts into the batter.
Pour the mixture into greased pans and top with the remaining nuts.
Bake mini muffins or mini loaves for 30 minutes. If using the larger single loaf, bake until sides pull away slightly from the pan and a toothpick comes out of the center clean, about 45-55 minutes.

Note: This recipe has wonderful texture and taste. However, it does not rise much so loaves and muffins are not high. We provide this information to avoid disappointment. Taste and texture make these worth making!

https://www.wholesomeyum.com/recipes/4-ingredient-sugar-free-low-carb-cranberry-sauce-paleo-gluten-free/

www.ketoconnect.net

By Mila McManus MD|2022-10-24T16:15:39-05:00October 24th, 2019|General, Recipes|

“I am already feeling like a new person.”

I am already feeling like a new person.

“Here is the good part, I am already feeling like a new person. I am amazed that I am not far along with the protocol and I have great energy, no depression at all, I am able to take care of my four year old grandson and do the routine chores here since my daughter has started a high pressure new job. I am doing good on the diet and feel I am starting to lose some weight.”
– L.P.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-11-25T16:12:04-05:00September 20th, 2019|General, Testimonials|

About Mila McManus MD

Keto Cranberry Sauce

Keto Pumpkin Bread