Coconut Water is all the rage. But is it good for you?????

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

Coconut waters have hit the grocery store aisles in the last year or two. Every time I walk by them, there are more brands, more flavors. So are they a good choice? Certainly relative to a soft drink filled with phosphoric acid, caramel colors and sugar or artificial sweeteners I would have to say they are an improvement. And most certainly in terms of hydration a coconut water is an improvement over the ever popular sports drinks laden with sugars, artificial sweeteners and food coloring. But is it really all it is marketed to be? Let’s take a look….

Coconut water is found in nature, inside of a green, young coconut usually harvested when it is 5-7 months old when it contains the most water. These coconuts are about the size of a basketball! As the coconut matures on the tree, the coconut meats increase and the water decreases.

The coconut water from a young coconut is truly nutritious and has been consumed for centuries in tropical countries. The elixir is so rich in electrolyte content that it has been used in emergency situations for IV hydration. Directly from the coconut, these waters are about 46 calories per cup and 10 grams of natural sugar. Potassium rich, it is in fact an excellent electrolyte beverage and offers about 600mg per 8 ounce serving. It also has a little bit of sodium, calcium and magnesium too as well as a small amount of many other minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients.

Coconut water, because of these nutrient values, can help to lower blood pressure, support weight loss, increase athletic performance, boost energy, lower cholesterol, and relax muscle tension. For those with kidney disease, it should be limited because of the high potassium content.

Knowing what comes out of the young coconut right out of the tree vs what lands in the store in a container becomes the main concern. What happens in “man”ufacturing? What should you be looking for when you buy coconut water in the store?

Ideally, buy a fresh, young coconut and extract the water from it. This is the real thing that nature created. Because the fresh coconut water is very perishable, you may find raw, fresh coconut water in a refrigerated section of a health store.
Second best choice if fresh is not available is to look for “cold pressured” coconut water which is very lightly processed with high pressure rather than heat, which helps to eliminate bacteria while maintaining a greater level of the vitamins and minerals.
If coconut water does not need refrigeration, you will likely discover that it has been pasteurized, meaning that a high temperature has been used to kill bacteria but it also destroys most of the natural vitamins and minerals in the product.
Coconut water made from concentrate should be avoided as it is the most processed form with little, if any, nutrition left in it short of sugar.
Because coconut water has a unique taste, many companies are now enhancing the taste with flavors or to cover up the fact that they are not using young coconuts but older more bitter coconut waters. Avoid coconut waters with added sugars and flavors. The primary ingredient should be 100% coconut water.

While hydration is important as the summer months approach, by taking a few simple steps, you can stay hydrated and electrolyte-balanced.

Eat whole real food with plentiful vegetables and fruits which are a good source of water, fiber, minerals, vitamins and phytonutrients.
Eat foods that provide optimal levels of potassium, such as leafy greens, broccoli and cabbage, sweet potatoes, squash, bananas and avocados. Coconut water counts here IF the criteria above are met.
Eat hydrating foods just prior to and during activities in the heat such as celery, watermelon, cucumber, kiwi, bell pepper, citrus fruits, carrots and pineapple.
Drink enough water to result in urination every 3-4 hours at a minimum. Be sure to replenish the body with water following vigorous exercise especially in very warm or hot weather when increased sweating tends to occur.

My favorite alternative to real food as a hydration product with electrolytes is Vega Sport Hydrator.

Sources: http://draxe.com/electrolyte-imbalance/

http://draxe.com/is-coconut-water-good-for-you/

By Mila McManus MD|2016-05-24T18:27:41-05:00May 24th, 2016|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Homemade Toothpaste

Healthy DIY Toothpaste Recipe

½ cup coconut oil
4-6 tablespoons of baking soda
1 teaspoon of powdered xylitol or stevia
15-20 drops of essential oils

If needed, warm the coconut oil until it becomes soft, but not liquid. Add the baking soda, essential oils and your sweetener of choice. Stir well until ingredients are well incorporated, then whip the mixture until it becomes light and creamy. Store in a shallow, resealable jar. Ideal essential oils to consider are peppermint, cinnamon, orange, and myrrh. Trace Mineral drops are also a healthy choice to help remineralize the teeth. Consider chocolate toothpaste too! Add crushed cacao nibs, which also help to remineralize the teeth and remove the biofilm in the mouth¹. Who knew? Yes, chocolate toothpaste can be a good thing.

http://askthedentist.com/homemade-toothpaste/

By Mila McManus MD|2016-05-24T16:23:50-05:00May 24th, 2016|General|

Silver Biotics

One of the most versatile and helpful supplements we recommend for everyone, Silver Biotics, should be in everyone’s medicine cabinet. Completely non-toxic, there are numerous studies proving its effectiveness with killing bacteria, parasites, and yeast, and with inhibiting the proliferation of viruses. It can be used as a mouth wash to support dental hygiene as well as a treatment for eye infections, sinus infections, travelers’ diarrhea, bladder infections, cold and flu prevention where exposure seems likely, wound cleansing, and just simple, daily immune support. It is even safe for douching, nebulizing or as a nasal spray. It is available in a liquid or a gel form. (the gel form is not to be ingested)

Historically, colloidal silvers have been around for centuries and were used by ancient civilizations as a means to fight infections. Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, doctors commonly used silver products as immune system boosters.

Not every silver product is the same. This patented metallic nano-silver particle with a thin multi-valent Ag4O4 silver oxide coating creates a very stable and bioavailable product. Safe for children and adults, Silver Biotics® contains no artificial ingredients, preservatives or additives. It is also gluten free, scientifically tested and recommended by medical professionals.

By Mila McManus MD|2016-05-24T16:18:04-05:00May 24th, 2016|General|

Paleo Breakfast Bread

From www.paleoforkids.net

Serves 4

Ingredients:

½ cup all natural creamy almond butter (or peanut butter)
2 eggs
2 TBS Xylitol
1 TBS cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp baking soda

Instructions:

All ingredients with a hand blender until nicely combined.

Line the bottom of an 8 x 8 baking dish with coconut oil.

Add the batter to the dish and spread out until even.

Bake at 325 degrees for approximately 15 minutes (baking times may vary according to your oven).

Remove from oven and let cool before serving.

By Mila McManus MD|2016-07-20T05:37:58-05:00May 22nd, 2016|General, Recipes|

What is a Biological Dentist?

My View: William P. Glaros, DDS

A Biological Dentist is a licensed dentist who uses the greatest elements and practices of conventional dentistry, who also has a great appreciation and gives consideration to the relationship of teeth and oral health to the entire body.

Some of the elements and practices of conventional dentistry used include many wonderful and effective dental materials. A difference would be that in a Biological practice, dental materials are tested for each biological patient to determine which material is suitably compatible for that patient. We practice with minimal use of any metal products, with the interest in minimizing galvanic (def: involving electric currents produced by chemical action) reactions due to interacting, dissimilar metals.

Reportedly, 50% of the dentists in this country do not place mercury fillings. We call that “mercury-free”, a good start. Biological Dentists do not place mercury fillings out of a concern that the filling is a continuous source of mercury vapor at levels that can exceed those considered hazardous in non-dental environments.

We are interested and active in protecting our patients, our planet, and our dental team. This is called “mercury–safe”. A practice that is concerned with mercury from mercury fillings has mercury trapping systems in the office to prevent mercury fillings being dumped into our public water supply during its removal from the teeth. During the removal of these same filling types, Biological Dentists protect their patients with drapes to their knees, protective surgical caps, healthy alternative air to breath during removal, modified removal techniques to minimize exposure, and multiple air filters and purifiers in each treatment room. The dental team seeks protection by wearing protective Haz-mat-type masks, eye protection, and non-latex gloves that are replaced immediately after mercury-filling removal and after hands have been washed with cold water.

Beyond the “mercury-free” and “mercury-safe” practices, Biological Dentists believe that there are relationships in the body that make sense, according to principals of acupuncture. This is one of the considerations that leads us to a concern about retaining dead teeth in the mouth, also known as root canal treated teeth. Combining this concern with the scientific studies showing anaerobic and other toxic bacteria throughout the body with the source being the dead teeth, leads a Biological Dentist to question the health-based considerations of keeping and/or performing root canal treatments on teeth.

Though this communication is not meant to be exhaustive or instructive, a critical element not yet addressed is the importance of detox and nutritional support for each patient. Best care practice warrants every patient to be working with a health care provider with whom they share beliefs and who is appropriately adept at this service.

www.biologicaldentist.com

By Mila McManus MD|2016-05-22T09:41:57-05:00May 22nd, 2016|Articles, General|

After my thyroidectomy, I suffered from a number of Issues.

from J.A.

After my thyroidectomy, I suffered from a number of issues including foggy thinking, lack of energy and general malaise. I had seen a number of physicians who could not seem to help me with these symptoms. I then found Dr. McManus. She took the time to listen to me and to understand my problems. She then readjusted my thyroid therapy and discovered a few other issues. Through her integrative medicine approach, I feeling better than I have felt in years. I can recommend Dr. McManus to anyone who feels stuck in the traditional medical system.

By Mila McManus MD|2017-02-21T14:27:43-05:00May 22nd, 2016|General, Testimonials|

Tooth Organ Chart

By Mila McManus MD|2016-05-22T09:25:19-05:00May 22nd, 2016|General|

Cooking with Oils

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

When you think about including fats in your diet, remember that you are a living being. Your cells are smart and cannot be fooled. They are filled with DNA and memory. Your cells recognize and utilize undamaged fats in highly productive health-giving ways if you consume them in their natural state. Beware that man gets engaged in doing things that damage the structure of fats including applying heat, bleaching, esterifying, hydrogenating, and using chemical solvents.

Once you’ve purchased undamaged oils, be sure to not destroy them with your own cooking methods. There is great controversy and discrepancy about temperature tolerance when cooking with oils if you search on line and explore resources for this information. The safest most conservative approach for good health is to rely on saturated fat sources for cooking and save monounsaturated fats such as olive oil for cold preparation only.

We recommend that your everyday cooking fats/oils for good health be a saturated (a strongly bonded molecular structure) fat such as butter, ghee, tallow, or coconut oil. It is important to choose a good source where animals have eaten their natural diet (pastured), where the animal has not been given antibiotics or hormones and has been raised in a humane and natural environment. This includes beef tallow, duck fat and pork lard. Epic is a brand you can look for in the market or online. Coconut oil should be organic, pressed, and free from refining, bleaching or deodorizing. If the producer knows and cares, it will usually be well described on the packaging. See our Product of the Month in this month’s newsletter for more details. For the highest temperatures on the stovetop, oven or on the grill, coconut oil and ghee are your best bet; however, we recommend that you limit or avoid extremely high temperature cooking as a matter of routine due to the damaging effect it has on the food and thus your health. Low and slow cooking is healthier.

By Mila McManus MD|2016-05-04T06:00:14-05:00May 4th, 2016|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

“The diet was challenging, but after only a few days she started to feel better.”

The diet was challenging, but after only a few days she started to feel better.

Testimonial From M.K.

At the age of 11 my daughter was diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder. We found a great occupational therapist who helped with many symptoms, but she was adamant that there were underlying gut issues that needed to be addressed. We tried several diets on our own, but nothing seemed to work. Meanwhile, my daughter’s anxiety worsened as she tried to eat healthier. She found it so hard to concentrate and her schoolwork suffered and she became “out of character” moody. I began to realize I could not help her on my own, and that is when I enrolled her in the Teen Wellness Program at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness. The diet was challenging, but after only a few days she started to feel better. After her blood work was completed we discovered she had a lot of food allergies, a few vitamin deficiencies, MTHFR mutations, and the infamous “leaky gut” syndrome. She was given an individualized vitamin protocol and continued to get better throughout her treatment. It has been one month since her yeast cleanse, and I can honestly say my daughter is happy again and her anxiety is much less. She is excited to see her long hair is stronger and breaking less and her acne is beginning to clear up. She is able to focus more and it shows in her schoolwork, which she insists is much easier now. She is more energetic and is much more relaxed overall. These are such dramatic and obvious changes that there is no mistaking that it is the result of following this program. I would tell any parent with a teen with anxiety, ADD, or SPD to try this program. Thank you Dr. McManus and all of your staff for listening to our concerns, treating my daughter as an individual, and providing us with empowering information about my daughter’s health so she can now achieve wellness!

By Mila McManus MD|2017-02-21T14:24:13-05:00April 29th, 2016|Testimonials|

Paleo Herbed Crackers

Adapted from Quick & Easy Paleo Comfort Foods, Author: Julie Mayfield, published 2013

Makes 2 to 3 dozen

2 cups of Almond Flour
4 teaspoons of olive oil
1 large egg
¼ teaspoon sea salt
1-2 Tablespoons minced dried herbs
Suggestions: Rosemary, oregano, thyme, dill, basil, or tarragon

1.   Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2.   Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl.
3.   Roll out the dough in between 2 pieces of parchment paper until it is about ¼ inch thick or as desired.
4.   Remove the top piece of parchment paper only and use a knife or pizza wheel to cut the dough into about 1 inch size rectangle or square shapes of your choice. No need to separate the dough pieces as they will nicely break away after baking.
5.   Transfer the parchment paper with the dough shapes to a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan and bake for 10-15 minutes watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove them from the oven when golden brown and cool before breaking them into individual crackers.

Notes: TWIHW Yeast Free diet approved. Will keep in an airtight container for a few days. Dough could also be used as a pizza crust.

Note from Dr. McManus-I’ve made a couple of batches so far and thought 2 TBS rosemary was better than 1 TBS. I also added some fresh minced garlic, and cracked a little salt on top before placing in the oven. They were very well received by all!

By Mila McManus MD|2016-04-29T15:28:59-05:00April 29th, 2016|Recipes|

About Mila McManus MD

by Nancy Mehlert, MS