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|

The 1-2-3 to Feeding Your Brain

By Nancy Mehlert, MS

Here’s the 1-2-3 to feeding your brain:

#1 You need choline, a water soluble vitamin-like substance, essential to the brain.

Here are the foods to eat often so that you get plenty of choline for your brain:
• Vegetables – dark green veggies like swiss chard, asparagus, spinach, green peas, green beans, collard greens and bok choy. Also, cruciferous veggies such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Mushrooms are also a good source of choline.
• Fish – contains both choline and omega-3 oils. Sources include shrimp, scallops, tuna, salmon, sardines. Buy wild and source for sustainable.
• Meats and Eggs – pasture raised eggs, pasture raised chicken and turkey, and grass fed beef are all excellent sources of choline. You are what the animal you are eating ate, so buy good quality in which the animal consumed its natural diet.

#2 You need Omega-3 fats. They are neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory. The ones that really support your brain come from animal sources, specifically marine sources. There are Omega-3 fats in some plant foods (such as walnuts and flax), however they are not the Omegas that support and get into the brain.

So, in terms of brain health, ideal sources for Omega-3 fats include:
• Fish – especially wild-caught Alaskan salmon, anchovies, sardines, mackerel, and herring. Buy wild and source for sustainable.
• Omega-3 Fat Supplement – such as Krill Oil or Cod Liver Oil, sourced carefully for purity and quality.

#3 You need AIR – BREATHE DEEPLY – the brain demands more oxygen than any other organ in the body. If you are a shallow breather and/or don’t get much exercise, your brain is HUNGRY for oxygen. Breathe deeply often and get moving.

Eat well. Be well. Think clearly.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-10-01T07:35:41-06:00September 20th, 2018|General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Membrin

Membrin[i] is formulated for memory support. This Orthomolecular supplement provides optimal doses of three of the most well-studied ingredients for targeted, multidimensional cognitive support.

Ginkgo biloba extract is a botanical ingredient known to enhance cognitive function by increasing cerebral blood flow as well as protecting neurons from oxidative stress or low oxygen conditions.
Vinpocetine is an extract from the seeds of the West African plant Voacanga Africana. It’s neuroprotective as an antioxidant as well as a vasodilator, which keeps blood vessels relaxed and open, allowing blood to easily deliver oxygen and needed nutrients.
Huperzine A is derived from Huperzia serrata, a Chinese club moss and is a potent protector of acetylcholine, essential to improved memory and optimal cognitive functioning.

Please note that the manufacturer of Cognitive Support formula will be discontinuing that product and we are pleased and satisfied that you will find Membrin to be an effective alternative. Available in our office at TWIHW.

[i] 2017 Nutraceutical Catalog, Orthomolecularproducts.com

By Mila McManus MD|2018-10-05T14:36:14-06:00September 20th, 2018|General|

Drugs That Cause Memory Loss

By Mila McManus, MD

Without question, prescription and over the counter (OTC) drugs are double-edged swords. While there are instances when pharmaceutical drugs are needed, in many cases there are safer ways to address symptoms and diseases without them. As a physician, I feel compelled to remind my patients to become well educated about what they are taking and why, as well as to understand the risks. In a world of risks, dying from a pharmaceutical drug reaction or side effect is among the highest risks from societal activities. Taking a food supplement or herbal remedy is among the lowest risks. Adverse drug reactions are now the fourth leading cause of death in the US. Getting struck by lightning is more likely to happen than to be killed by a supplement! [i]

One common side effect of many drugs is memory loss and cognitive impairment. If you or someone you love has experienced memory loss or cognitive issues, check to see if any of the prescriptions or over-the-counter (OTC) medications listed below are being taken. If so, consider other options.

Top 3 Types of Drugs That Cause Memory Loss or Cognitive Impairment[ii]

1. Anticholinergics – Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter responsible for memory and learning. Low levels of acetylcholine cause forgetfulness, poor concentration and difficulty finding words. These drugs block acetylcholine. Many of these drugs start with the prefix “anti”. These include antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotics, antibiotics, antispasmodics and antihypertensives.</p

2. Sleeping Pills – Prescriptions such as Ambien, Sonata, Lunesta and OTC drugs such as Advil PM, Tylenol PM and Excedrin PM are used for pain and insomnia relief.

3. Cholesterol Lowering Drugs– Also called statin drugs, these are among the most profitable prescription drugs in the world. Memory issues have been so prevalent with this class of drug that it is now a requirement that memory loss be clearly listed as a side effect on the label. Included are Lipitor, Lescol, Crestor and Zocor. Generic brands all end in “-statin”. (don’t confuse with nystatin which is an anti-fungal medication and has nothing to do with statin drugs) Click here for more information about Cholesterol & Statin Drugs.

And these cause memory loss too….

4. Painkillers including morphine and codeine as well as naproxen found in brands such as Aleve and Midol Extended Relief.

5. OTC drugs for insomnia, such as Sominex and Unisom.

6. OTC drugs for allergies, such as Benadryl, Claritin, and Zyrtec.

7. OTC drugs for motion sickness, such as Dramamine.

8. OTC drugs for acid reflux, for example, Pepcid AC, Tagamet, and Zantac.

9. Benzodiazepines are a class of drug most commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia and include Valium, Xanax, and Ativan.

10. Lithium, commonly used for bi-polar disorder, depression, eating disorders and other mental illnesses, clearly lists impaired memory and poor concentration as very common side effects.

11. Chemotherapy drugs

12. Barbiturates such as Amytal, Nembutal, Seconal and phenobarbital

13. Common treatments for Parkinson’s including amantadine, levodopa, pramipexole, rotigotine, ipinirole, scopolamine, atropine and glycopyrrolate.

14. Anti-epileptic drug, phenytoin

Every drug listed above has a host of other potential side effects in addition to memory loss or cognitive decline, so it is easy to see why drugs should be understood, and avoided whenever possible. As with any prescription drug, it is best to consult with your physician before changing or stopping any medication. Be aware and be well.

[i] http://www.positivehealth.com/article/nutrition/food-supplements-risk-even-less-than-lightning-strike

[ii] http://bebrainfit.com/drugs-memory-loss/

By Mila McManus MD|2018-09-21T10:18:36-06:00September 20th, 2018|Articles, General|

Cabbage and Pomegranate Salad

Edited from The Ketogenic Kitchen, by Domini Kemp and Patricia Daly

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

1 large head of red or white cabbage, sliced or grated

½ teaspoon salt

Juice of ½ lemon or lime

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

2 pomegranates, seeds removed

1 red onion, finely diced

¼ cup chopped mint

Black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Slice or grate the cabbage in a food processor (or purchase pre-shredded red or white cabbage in the produce section of grocery store).

2. Place the cabbage in a large bowl and season well with the salt, massaging it and tossing it into the slaw. Allow to sit for at least 10 minutes.

3. Remove the seeds from the pomegranate. There are several good you tube videos showing how to do this and it’s very easy when done correctly.

4. Add the lemon or lime juice. Lemon juice will be more tart, lime juice a little smoother.

5. Then add the olive oil and toss.

6. Finally add the pomegranate seeds, diced onion, fresh mint and some freshly ground black pepper.

Notes and Serving Suggestions: Stores well in the refrigerator for several days. The red cabbage makes a fall festive color combination of red and green. Pairs well with lamb or fish.

Net Carbs: 13.3 grams

Fiber 7.1 grams

Protein 2.8 grams

Fat 6.9 grams

By Mila McManus MD|2018-10-01T07:43:36-06:00September 20th, 2018|General, Recipes|

Caramelized Onion Dip

From The Plant Paradox Cookbook, by Steven R. Gundry, MD. Page 85

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil*
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, minced
1 teaspoon iodized sea salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon
2 cups plain coconut yogurt
Minced chives, garnish
1 jicama, peeled and cut into sticks for dipping

Directions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring
regularly, until onions are tender and translucent, about 8 minutes.
2. Add garlic, thyme, rosemary, sea salt, pepper, and lemon zest and continue to cook, stirring
regularly until onions are evenly browned, about 10-15 minutes. If garlic starts to brown,
reduce heat to low.
3. Stir in the lemon juice, then remove the pan from heat and let cool to room temperature.
4. Place the coconut yogurt in a bowl and stir in the cooled onion mixture until combined.
Transfer dip to a serving dish and garnish with chives. Serve with jicama sticks, other fresh
veggies, chips or crackers.

*TWIHW generally advises against cooking in olive oil. Alternative choices here are grass-fed ghee or
butter, or coconut oil.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-08-24T15:54:56-06:00August 24th, 2018|General, Recipes|

About Mila McManus MD

by Mila McManus MD

by Nancy Mehlert, MS