Keto Cranberry Sauce

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

Makes 1 ½ cup

12 ounces fresh cranberries

1 cup powdered erythritol (recommend Swerve brand)

¾ cup filtered water

1 teaspoon orange zest

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

1. 1. 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.
2. 2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
3. 3. 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 on line 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.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-11-21T01:30:02-06:00November 21st, 2018|General, Recipes|

Rising Concerns – Electropollution

We Can’t Ignore It

By Mila McManus, MD

This year, my staff and I have witnessed an undeniable escalation of concern about the constant barrage of electromagnetic radiation and its effects on our health and the health of our children.

Other names used for electromagnetic radiation include electrosmog and electro-pollution. This radiation occurs in the higher frequency ranges of the electromagnetic spectrum, usually as megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz). Our bodies need and require very low frequencies (0.1 to 32000 Hertz, or Hz) to live. These low frequencies are life-giving and restorative. Unfortunately, we greatly interrupt these healing frequencies, found in the human body and in the earth’s surface, with much higher frequencies that disturb and harm the human body (MHz and GHz). There is now a significant body of published scientific and anecdotal evidence that supports a correlation between these higher levels of electromagnetic radiation and various negative health effects including cancer, asthma, chronic fatigue syndrome, diabetes, ADD, autism and a number of neurological disorders.

Sources of potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation include wireless technologies (WiFi technologies) such as cell phones, iPads, laptops, baby monitors and cell towers, as well as sources of power traveling through electrical wires into our homes and businesses called High Frequency Voltage Transients (HFVT’s). HFVT’s include electrical appliances/equipment of every kind, fluorescent light bulbs, AC/DC power mode converters, rectangular black boxes on power cords, televisions, computers, printer/copier/fax machines, dimmer switches, “smart” digital readers (SMART Meters), energy efficient appliances, cordless phone base stations and microwaves.

Electrical pollution is a difficult subject because we are all greatly exposed to it and our lifestyles are heavily dependent upon it. Most of the sources have become routine in the pattern of our everyday lives. We don’t feel it or see it, so it is easy to believe it does not exist. Yet 1 in 2 Americans have a chronic disease and 1 in 4 have multiple chronic diseases.[1] Another real concern is for our children, including those still in the womb. Research shows radiation emitted from cell phones and Wi-Fi negatively impacts children’s development in the womb.[2]

Our exposure increases as greater technological advances occur. For example, there are great concerns about the Smart Meters being added to residences and businesses, touted as “green energy”, as well as the imminent 5G mobile network and matching cell phones. Both of these additions are expected to increase microwave radiation from electromagnetic frequencies exponentially. Despite the fact that government and corporate entities have been informed of these health concerns, they appear to be far less concerned about potential harm to our health than implementing the next greatest thing in technology to reap the profits from it.

Here Are Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Family[3]

Put your phone in airplane mode when you are carrying it or sleeping near it.
Consider a Faraday bag for your cell phone. faradaybag.com
When using your cell phone, use the speaker phone and hold the phone at least 3 feet away from you.
Decrease your time on the cell phone as much as possible.
Explore the use of VoIP software phones that can be used while connected to the internet via a wired connection.
Connect your desktop/laptop to the internet via a wired Ethernet connection and keep it in airplane mode as much as possible.
Avoid using wireless keyboards, trackballs, mice, game systems, printers and portable house phones. Opt for wired versions.
If you must use Wi-Fi, shut if off when not in use, especially at night when sleeping. Ideally work toward hardwiring your house so you can eliminate Wi-Fi all together. There are USB Ethernet adapters for notebooks that allow connection to the internet with a wired connection.
Shut off electricity to the bedroom at night. This reduces electrical fields from the wires in your walls, unless there is an adjoining room next to it. In this case, a meter will help determine the severity of the electrical fields and if you need to shut off electricity in both rooms or not.
Use a battery powered alarm clock, ideally one without any light. Talking clocks for the visually impaired work well.
Replace your microwave oven with a steam convection oven, which will heat your food as quickly and far more safely.
Avoid “smart” appliances and thermostats that depend on wireless signaling. This includes “smart” televisions. Consider replacing the TV with a large computer monitor instead, as this will not emit Wi-Fi signals.
Refuse smart meters as long as you can or add a shield to an existing smart meter.
Consider moving your baby’s bed into your room instead of using a wireless baby monitor. Alternatively, used a hard-wired monitor.
Replace CFL and LED bulbs with incandescent bulbs. Ideally remove all fluorescent lights from the house. Fluorescent lighting emits unhealthy light and transfers a current to the body just being close to them.
Do not use light bulbs you can control from your cell phone as they emit radio frequency just like a Wi-Fi router.

Here are some resources to learn more:

http://electromagnetichealth.org/electromagnetic-health-blog/summary-and-audio/

www.blushield-us.com

https://emfields-solutions.com/

Book: How To Break Up With Your Cell Phone, By Catherine Price

Be Well, Choose Health

[1] https://www.drbenlynch.com/chronic-disease/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+DrBenLynch+%28Dr+Ben+Lynch%29

[2] http://electromagnetichealth.org/electromagnetic-health-blog/summary-and-audio/

[3] https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/11/14/heart-tumors-from-cellphone-radiation.aspx?utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&ut

By Mila McManus MD|2018-11-30T14:44:41-06:00November 19th, 2018|Articles, General|

Holiday Cooking Contest Winner : Lamb with Quinoa Submitted by D.G.

Ingredients:

2 cups quinoa
4 cups, chicken or vegetable stock
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 lbs ground lamb
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon Baharat Spice Mix*
1 tablespoon turmeric
½ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. Combine the quinoa and stock and cook according to instructions until done. (Cauliflower rice would work well in place of quinoa for a lower carb, grain free, solution).
2. In a skillet, cook the ground lamb until done and remove from the pan to a bowl. Reserve the drippings.
3. In the same skillet, in the lamb drippings, sauté the onion until translucent. Add the quinoa, cooked lamb and the Baharat Spice Mix, turmeric and salt, stirring until well blended. Serve and enjoy.

*Bahārāt is a spice mixture or blend used in Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine. Bahārāt is the Arabic word for ‘spices’. The mixture of finely ground spices is often used to season lamb, fish, chicken, beef, and soups and may be used as a condiment. Wikipedia* It can be bought on line and likely found in Middle Eastern grocery stores as well.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-11-19T13:44:46-06:00November 19th, 2018|Recipes|

3 Sweet Options for Holiday Cooking

By Nancy Mehlert

It is always nice to be able to recommend new products that might simplify life, help children (small or big) eat better, or make things taste more like childhood memories. While nothing is perfect, these are reasonable for occasional use. They are Non-GMO and made by companies that seem transparent. They do not have MSG and are free of the most common allergens.

Lakanto Maple Flavored Syrup – a healthy replacement for maple syrup on pancakes or in recipes. Available online.

So Delicious Coconut Milk Coco Whip – Ideal for topping off pumpkin and pecan pie.

Swerve – A healthy choice sweetener made from Erythritol. Non-GMO and vegan, this sweetener works as a cup for cup replacement for sugar in any recipe and can be used to caramelize and crystalize much like sugar. It comes in white granular, brown sugar and confectioner’s sugar and is a great option for those who want to cook or bake without elevating insulin levels.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-11-19T13:34:26-06:00November 19th, 2018|NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

“Win, Win. Hurray!”

Win, Win. Hurray!

I’m doing very well. No more die off symptoms. My pain has been greatly diminished. I have much more range of motion in my arms, getting up out of my lounge chair is no longer extremely painful. No more gastrointestinal bloating anywhere. I am slowly losing weight. I have not had to take pain relievers or Nexium since starting the (clean) diet. My skin has cleared up considerably. Win, Win hurray!!! I am so appreciative to my dear friend for recommending wonderful Dr. McManus and her staff for my journey into healing from the dietary war on our bodies and minds. It amazes me how food has become our bodies enemy. How what you could once eat with no problems builds to a toxic crescendo limiting your life in so many painful and mind altering ways. I look forward to working with you all going forward on a new healthier lifestyle.

Thank you!

-LK

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-04T13:00:39-06:00October 26th, 2018|General, Testimonials|

Benefits of IV Nutrition Therapy

by Mila McManus MD

Intravenous (IV) nutrition therapy has been used in hospital settings for decades and was first developed and tested by Dr. John Myers at Johns Hopkins University in the 1970’s. Patients have reported significant improvements from IV Therapy for many conditions including fatigue, headaches, muscle spasms, PMS, seasonal allergies, sinusitis, asthma, anxiety, depression, stress, digestive disorders, nutrient deficiencies, toxicity, dehydration, hives, hyperthyroidism, infection, heart disease, and immune system support.

If you are wondering if IV Nutrition Therapy is for you, here is a list of the benefits to consider:

Quick delivery, quick utilization – IV therapy delivers nutrients directly to the bloodstream where they can be utilized immediately. While you can’t expect IV Nutrition Therapy to take the place of a good supplement regimen, it can be used in targeted ways to get quicker results than would be achieved taking nutrients orally.
Therapeutic doses delivered to the cells – IV therapy allows delivery of therapeutic (ie higher) levels to the blood stream in cases where it would be uncomfortable or digestively difficult to consume the same level orally. For example, when blood levels of Vitamin C are between 10-15 mg/dL, vitamin C can help to overcome a cold and fight a virus. This level can be achieved easily through IV therapy but would be very difficult, if not impossible, to reach through oral therapy. (read a book called Curing the Incurable by Dr Thomas Levy which is about all the benefits of high doses of vitamin C)
Immune Boosting Support – IV therapy makes it possible to quickly deliver B vitamins, glutathione, zinc, and vitamin C as added support to the challenged and busy immune system. It can function much like bringing in air support to the ground troops to make the difference and win the battle.
Improved energy, resilience to stress– With IV therapy you can begin to experience the favorable effects within hours. Depending on the therapy, examples include an increase in energy and stamina, the ability to think more clearly and a better mood. B Vitamins help to relieve anxiety and stress while glutathione, our master antioxidant, supports detoxification.
Immediate rehydration – IV therapy provides optimal hydration to support all vital organ functions. When done often, it can prove preventative and protective in avoiding kidney stones, constipation and damage to muscles. It can be a great choice for athletes to replenish vitamins and minerals lost through excessive sweating, while also improving recovery time and preventing muscle spasms and exhaustion.
Fights effects of environmental toxins – Toxins in our everyday environment can take a toll on your health and appearance. IV Therapy can supply the antioxidants needed to fight off signs of premature aging and help the body flush out harmful toxins more effectively. Glutathione is especially valuable for this purpose.
Preventative care – Therapeutic doses of vitamin C have been shown to be toxic to cancer cells and are effective at building immunity and improving resistance to chronic and upper respiratory infections.

With few exceptions, most can benefit from IV Nutrition Therapy. Come experience it for yourself!

By Mila McManus MD|2022-10-10T16:20:41-06:00October 25th, 2018|Articles, General|

CollaGEN

CollaGEN, by Orthomolecular Products, is designed strategically to support connective tissue
regeneration and stability. Collagen is the primary protein fiber found in connective tissue,
which gives tendons, ligaments, fascia, cartilage, bone and skin structural stability. The body
makes collagen using specific amino acids along with vitamin C and magnesium. Aging, poor
eating habits, mechanical stress and inflammation can disrupt the process of collagen
biosynthesis, resulting in weaker fibers. CollaGEN supplements the raw materials needed to
restore collagen biosynthesis, thus supporting connective tissue regeneration and stability.
CollaGEN is a tasteless powder that can be mixed with water or another beverage choice and is
available for purchase at TWIHW.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-10-25T16:57:18-06:00October 25th, 2018|Articles, General|

Pumpkin Pie al la Pumpkin Pie Filling and Nutty Pie Crust

Nutty Pie Crust

Makes one 9 inch bottom pie crust

1 ⅓ cups ground nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, and/or macadamia nuts)

⅔ cup ground golden flaxseeds

6 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, stir together the nuts, flaxseeds, butter until well blended.

2. Press into a 9” pie plate.

3. To pre-bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Cover the pie crust with foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil, turn the pie plate, and bake for another 5 minutes, or until the crust is golden and no longer moist to the touch.

Pumpkin Pie Filling

Fills one 9” pie crust (See above.)

1 can pumpkin puree (15-ounce)

⅔ cup full fat, canned, organic, coconut milk

6 tablespoons Lakanto Maple Flavored Syrup made with Monk Fruit

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 rounded tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

1 rounded teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of salt

2 large eggs, room temperature

1 egg yolk, room temperature

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. In a bowl, place all of the ingredients except the eggs and stir until just blended.

3. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time and then the egg yolk. Don’t overmix.

4. Pour the filling into the crust and spread it around to the edges.

5. Cover the pie with foil and bake for 55-65 minutes or until center is nearly set, just slightly jiggly.

6. Allow to cool completely at room temperature to avoid excessive cracking. Once cooled, serve, or, cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days prior to serving.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-10-31T06:47:26-06:00October 25th, 2018|General, Recipes|

13 Tips for Regret Free Holiday Eating

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

Most would agree that the Fall & Winter Holiday Season can be very challenging from a health and weight
perspective. The food fest can be seemingly delightful and delicious but can also bring negative
consequences, great temptation, and unwanted weight gain. Beginning a new year tired and digestively
distressed is not pleasant. Take heart! With a good strategy in place, you can enjoy the holidays
without the dreaded consequences.

Here are some tips to help you succeed:

- Halloween Candy- The Gateway Drug: For starters, avoid allowing the candy fest during
  Halloween to start your downward spiral into sugar, cravings and overeating. Get the candy out
  of the house (better yet, don’t let it in at all) on November 1 and be determined to eat clean
  until Thanksgiving day. This alone can make a huge dent in the damage we can inflict on our
  health during this time of year.
- Use the 80/20 Rule: Recognize that 80% of your nutrition choices need to be the clean
  foundation that your “cheating” rests on. Stay on track 80% of the time. This helps your body
  defend and protect from the 20% indulgence.
- Attitude Matters: Choose a happy and cheerful attitude about your strategy. Enjoy your
  exceptions slowly, deliberately and happily while also finding contentedness as you eat
  healthfully most of the time.
- Examine past years: You are familiar with the adage, “If you keep repeating the same behavior,
  you can expect the same results”. Identify what has derailed you in the past. Change the plan,
  alter the routine, stop participating in some of the events or situations that are troublesome for
  you. Start some new habits and traditions that foster a healthier approach.
- Narrow the Scope: Not everything that looks good, tastes good or feels good – will afterwards. Check
  out buffet tables and food offerings carefully and determine what one item matters most to
  you. Be selective. Rather than dropping boundaries and rules for a week or a day, narrow that
  down to a specific meal time with a set duration of an hour or two. Then jump right back on
  track. Once you choose to enjoy an exception to the rule, savor it and refuse to impose guilt on
  yourself. Set boundaries and limit the frequency and quantity of your indulgence.
- Abort: When you take a bite or sip of an indulgence, savor carefully to see if it is truly delightful.
  If not, abort the indulgence. After all, it isn’t worth it, right? (Yes, even if it means you toss it in
  the trash along with the money you just spent on it. This cathartic response makes you think
  more carefully next time. Throwing something away helps you to mentally part from it for
  good).
- Order On Line: Walking in the grocery store can be fraught with temptations and eye candy. Stay
  focused on nutrient dense, quality foods by ordering on line and picking it up, curbside.
- Create Bumper Days: Identify primary events where delectable food will be available and create
  clean bumper days around them. In other words, eat very clean and healthfully the days before
  and the days after the event. This is a good practice for Thanksgiving Day, for example.
- Determine to Focus on Other Things: If you tend to get focused on food too much, you may
  want to intentionally choose and create ways to focus on some other things. Focus on
  thankfulness and keep a daily “Thankful Journal”. Focus on a specific family member you would like to love better
  and engage in acts of kindness to improve that relationship. Focus on serving others, taking a deeper faith walk, or
  learning to love and care for yourself better in every way.
- Gather an accountability partner or two: Ask a friend, or your children or spouse to join in the effort to make wiser
  choices during the holidays. Working together as a family or group of friends can be very helpful and much more fun!
- Plan to prepare healthier indulgences: Many favorite foods can be made in healthier ways.
  With planning, many foods can feel like an indulgence but truly be healthy. Look for ways to
  reduce sugar, wheat and carbohydrates while increasing nutrition, vegetables, healthy fats and
  fiber. Try to choose organic, Non-GMO foods, pasture raised meats and poultry, and sweeteners
  such as erythritol and monk fruit. Whole 30, Paleo and Keto cookbooks and on line posts can be
  helpful resources as is our newly revised and expanded Health Reset Protocol Cookbook. (Be
  sure to reserve your copy today!)
- Check out new vendors such as Just Vanilla – A Free-from Bake Shop, justvanillaco.com, a new
  bakery in The Woodlands/Spring area that has dairy free, vegan and keto options for baked
  goods. When eating out, choose restaurants that specialize in cleaner options, such as True
  Foods in The Woodlands, Town Center.
- Feel the reward of starting the new year without the need for guilt or a resolution to get back on track.

The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness is here to support you through this season. For help
with nutritional accountability, putting your strategy together or specific ideas that will help you
succeed, schedule an appointment with our Nutrition Specialist, Nancy Mehlert, MS.

Celebrate well, eat well, be well.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-10-30T05:22:01-06:00October 25th, 2018|General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

“I am feeling thankful…”

I am feeling thankful...

Hello, Dr. McManus,

I am feeling thankful for the care you and the staff gave me on Tuesday and want to say THANK YOU for seeing me immediately, assessing my symptoms and beginning treatment before I even left your office – I am still feeling that steroid shot in my “gluts” so I know the stuff was definitely going in!

The early shingles diagnosis and therapy made a huge difference! (Unless a mean old relapse shakes things up,) I am already losing the symptoms rapidly and feeling comfortable again.

I appreciate you and your staff for many reasons and have for a long time… this is one more to add to the list!

Best,

SR

By Mila McManus MD|2018-10-26T10:06:05-06:00September 20th, 2018|General, Testimonials|

About Mila McManus MD

by Mila McManus MD

by Nancy Mehlert, MS