Supplement of the Month- Neo40

Neo40 Daily is a heart and circulation supplement taken as a lozenge once a day.

In 1998, the disco NEO40 very of Nitric Oxide as a critical signaling molecule was awarded a Nobel Prize in physiology/medicine. The Talking Molecule Nitric Oxide revolutionized conventional scientific reasoning because it was the first molecule discovered to literally communicate with another molecule.

Why does that matter? When Nitric Oxide is made by the cells in our blood vessels, it signals the surrounding arterial tissues to relax. This action lowers blood pressure, expands narrow blood vessels, eliminates dangerous clots and reduces the formation of artery-clogging plaque. Nitric Oxide optimizes circulation and is involved in virtually every organ system in our body. Other benefits of nitric oxide and increased blood flow include:

• improved brain function and better attention.
• increased oxygen transfer and more energy.
• a better sex life (increasing Nitric Oxide is a key function of many well-known erectile dysfunction medications).
• reduction of pain and swelling of arthritis
• improvement of asthma symptoms
• protection of bones from osteoporosis
• enhanced effectiveness of anti-depressants
• assist the immune system with killing harmful bacteria
• limit skin damage from the sun

Nitric Oxide is life critical. In fact, many scientists believe Nitric Oxide to be as important to humans as oxygen. Unfortunately, most adults over 40 don’t produce enough in order to achieve optimal health.

Source: www.neogenis.com

*The product information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment of any disease, nor does it replace professional medical advice. (The FDA makes us say that)

*Warning: Please consult a health care professional before using these products.

By Mila McManus MD|2015-03-09T21:44:46-06:00March 9th, 2015|Articles, General|

Supplement of the Month- Magnesium

Magnesium is the second most abundant element inside of human cells and serves literally hundreds of functions. It is a regulator of over 300 biochemical reactions and plays a vital role in generating energy within the cell. Magnesium is a macro-mineral, meaning it is needed by the body in large amounts and it must be provided through diet and supplementation.

As it relates directly to blood pressure and the cardiovascular system, magnesium is a blood vessel dilator or relaxer. Magnesium often functions in the body along with calcium, sodium, and potassium to create homeostasis or a balance with in the body. These electrolytes, when out of balance, can have a negative impact on nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and heart rhythms.

It is estimated that 75% of Americans are magnesium deficient and a magnesium- poor diet is the norm. Processed and sugary diets, phosphoric acid in soft drinks, prescription and over the counter medications, calcium supplements, and soft water can all contribute to deficient intake and absorption of magnesium. Alcohol, aging, illness, stress, and digestive disorders can also increase vulnerability to deficiencies in magnesium.

Improving nutrition and supplementation are pivotal to achieve optimal health.

Ask your healthcare provider if you would benefit by supplementing with magnesium and your nutritionist how to increase your intake through diet. There are a number of supplemental forms of magnesium and one can be recommended that best meets your health challenges and needs. Some forms have more of a laxative effect and others have less of a laxative effect. There are also topical forms of magnesium that would not have any laxative effect.

*The product information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment of any disease, nor does it replace professional medical advice. (The FDA makes us say that)

*Warning: Please consult a health care professional before using these products.

Source: http://www.ancient-minerals.com/magnesium-benefits/

By Mila McManus MD|2015-03-09T21:40:18-06:00March 9th, 2015|Articles, General|

The Vicious Cycle

By Nancy Mehlert, MS

This diagram (click on diagram to enlarge it) depicts the vicious and stressful cycle that causes the vast majority of the chronic lifestyle diseases of our time, including high blood pressure. High blood pressure results for several reasons:

Our Sympathetic Nervous System automatically constricts blood vessels as an alarm response to excess sugar.
The chronic nature of the cycle and constant elevation of blood sugar and insulin in the blood leads to a resistance by cells to “listen” to insulin.
Since insulin is responsible for ushering all kinds of important nutrients into our cells, when the cells will no longer “listen” to insulin, other essential nutrients are also not absorbed into the cell.
Magnesium is of primary concern as it relates to high blood pressure. Magnesium inside our cells is responsible for relaxing and keeping all muscles calm. That includes our cardiovascular system (i.e. blood vessels and heart muscle).
As a result of this cycle, chronically elevated blood sugar and insulin levels lead to magnesium being rejected from our cells and eliminated in our urine while we become magnesium deficient and our muscles remain constricted resulting in high blood pressure.

It is not hard to see why this cycle, chronically lived out, day after day can lead to disease as our cells become more and more unwilling to absorb nutrients at the request of insulin. This also turns on a chronic “fat storage” message and turns off the “burn fat” message preventing weight loss, which is in good part the reason for our nation’s dramatic increase in obesity and diabetes rates over the last few decades.

Nutritionally then, what can you do about it? How can you break this cycle, reduce blood pressure and return to good health?

Here are three essential steps to get fast results:

1. Remove all grain and grain-like seeds from the diet. With high blood pressure, your best course of action is to eliminate until you have stabilized blood pressure, weight, and blood sugar. No wheat, corn, rice, oats, barley, rye, amaranth, quinoa, buckwheat, kamut, spelt either as “whole grain” or processed into breads, pasta, crackers, cookies or cereals.

2. Be sure all sugars of any kind from items above or found in packaged and processed foods and sugary drinks, fruit juices, natural sweeteners and sweets are totally removed from the diet. Even fruit can be problematic.

3. Fuel the body and provide satiation by consuming about half of your daily caloric intake from undamaged fats, made up mostly of unsaturated fats such as nuts, seeds, olives, olive oil and avocado and some from specifically grass fed butter and organic, expeller pressed coconut oil. Grass-fed meats and pasture raised eggs will also help to supply a small amount of healthier fats to the diet.

To learn more about healthy substitutions, wise fruit choices and ways to make your new diet taste great, schedule your nutrition consultation at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness.

Please beware that drastic changes in diet, lifestyle, and weight can have quick and dramatic changes in blood pressure and blood sugar levels. If you are taking a medication for blood sugar or blood pressure, please make the above changes under the supervision of your healthcare provider to ensure medications are weaned properly.

By Mila McManus MD|2015-03-07T11:28:13-06:00February 23rd, 2015|Articles, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Salted, Seedy Chocolate Bark

A Healthy Treat for Special Occasions

Makes 8, 1 ounce servings

Ingredients:

¼ cup raw shelled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)

2 T hemp seeds

2 T sesame seeds

¼ teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt

8 ounces chopped 70% cocoa chocolate

Preparation:

Heat a dry skillet over medium-high heat and then add pepitas. Toast them, stirring occasionally until the pumpkin seeds first start to pop, about 1 minute. Pour seeds into a bowl. Toast hemp seeds in the same skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until fragrant and just starting to turn a pale straw gold, about 45 seconds. Add to the bowl with pepitas. Toast sesame seeds in the same manner until fragrant and just starting to turn golden, about 45 seconds. Add to bowl with other seeds. Add salt and toss to combine.

Using a double boiler, heat water in the bottom pan and place the top pan over the hot water. Place the chocolate in the top pan and stir until melted.

Pour melted chocolate onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet; smooth out into a thin even layer (it won’t cover the entire baking sheet). Evenly sprinkle seed mixture over chocolate. Let stand at room temperature until set, 2 hours or more. Break into 8 pieces. Store in airtight container in refrigerator. Let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes, if desired, before eating.

Nutrition (1 ounce)

Calories: 222, Fat: 17g, Protien: 5.3g, Carbohydrates: 14g, Fiber: 3.4g, Sugar: 7g, Magnesium 116 g

By Mila McManus MD|2015-02-17T13:36:54-06:00February 17th, 2015|General, Recipes|

Supplement of the month- On Guard Essential Oil Blend

On Guard protects against environmental and seasonal threats with essential oils known for their positive effects on the immune system. OnGuard can be taken internally on a daily basis to maintain healthy immune function as well as used on surfaces throughout the home as a disinfectant and non-toxic cleaner. When diffused, On Guard helps purify the air, supports healthy respiratory function, and can be very energizing and uplifting. Applied topically, On Guard provides cleansing and purifying benefits while promoting healthy circulation.

Ingredients:

Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark,

Eucalyptus Leaf/Stem, and Rosemary

Leaf/Flower essential oils.

Aromatic Description:

Warm, spicy, camphoraceous, woody

USES

• Gargle with a few drops of On Guard as a healthy mouth rinse or for an irritated throat.

• Add to a dishwashing sponge or cloth to purify and eliminate odors.

• Soak sliced apples in water and a few drops of On Guard for a healthy, immune-boosting snack.

• Combine a few drops of On Guard with Fractionated Coconut Oil for a natural hand cleanser.

• Use on stainless-steel surfaces to eliminate tough, caked-on spills.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Diffusion:

Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.

Internal use:

Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.

Topical use:

Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.

CAUTIONS

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are

pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.

Information obtained from doTerra’s product information pages.

By Mila McManus MD|2015-02-10T00:29:45-06:00February 10th, 2015|Articles, General|

Supplement of the month- Breathe Blend of Essential Oils

Enhanced with the powerful respiratory benefits of Cardamom, Breathe is a remarkable blend of essential oils that combine to help you breathe easier. A staple in the dōTERRA essential oil line, Breathe supports healthy respiratory function when seasonal threats are high and can be used safely by all embers of the family to soothe airways and promote clear breathing. This proprietary blend consists of Laurel Leaf, Peppermint, Eucalyptus, Melaleuca, Lemon, Ravensara, and Cardamom essential oils, all known for their positive effects on the respiratory system. Breathe can be applied topically to the chest, back, or bottom of feet, or diffused at nighttime to calm the senses and promote sleep.

Ingredients:

Laurel Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Eucalyptus Leaf/

Stem, Melaleuca Leaf, Lemon Peel, Ravensara

Leaf, Cardamom Seed essential oils

Aromatic Description:

Minty, hot, fresh, airy

USES

• Diffuse, inhale directly from palms, or rub on chest or feet when seasonal and environmental threats are high.

• Use when outdoors to minimize the effects of seasonal changes.

• Diffuse in room to promote clear breathing and at bedtime for a restful night’s sleep.

• For the snorer in your family, rub Breathe on his or her chest before bed for a better night’s rest.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Diffusion:

Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.

Topical use:

Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.

CAUTIONS

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.

Information obtained from doTerra’s product information pages.

By Mila McManus MD|2015-02-10T00:22:59-06:00February 10th, 2015|Articles, General|

Healthy and FAST Cabbage Sautee

1 head of green cabbage
6 slices of uncured bacon
1 Apple, cored and sliced, if desired
Salt & Pepper to taste

1. Cut raw bacon up into bits and pieces. Using medium heat, cook the bacon bits and pieces in a skillet or Dutch oven until brown and crisp. Remove from the pan, reserving the bacon fat.

2. Wash the cabbage, remove the outermost leaf. Remove hard core. Cut the cabbage into quarters or six even slices. . Place the segments into the bacon fat. Lightly salt and add pepper to taste. Cover and sautee until desired tenderness about 5-10 minutes. If desired, add apple slices at the same time.

3. Dish cabbage and apples onto plates and top with crisp bacon crumbles.

If bacon is not used, simply cook the cabbage in butter or chicken broth.

By Mila McManus MD|2015-02-03T23:15:22-06:00February 3rd, 2015|Articles, General, Recipes|

Histamine Intolerance

By Nancy Mehlert

Most of the time when we guide patients toward a whole food, ancestral type of diet, and we work to clean up the digestive tract and repopulate favorable microflora with probiotics and fermented foods, our patients are amazed at how much better they feel. Occasionally though, there are some individuals who do not improve initially, sometimes due to what is called Histamine Intolerance. Because the symptoms can easily be confused with a variety of other conditions and because the response is cumulative, it can be difficult to diagnose.

It is important to understand that the body needs and uses histamine for very important functions. Histamine intolerance occurs when the body’s enzymatic process to break down excess histamine is impaired, or when the body is producing too much of it. When this happens, the symptoms of excess histamine resemble allergic reactions. Common symptoms include:

Hives
Itching, especially of skin, eyes, ears and nose
Drop in blood pressure, dizziness when standing up quickly
Swelling of the face, mouth, and throat
Increased pulse rate or the sensation of heart racing
Some types of headaches
Nasal congestion, runny nose or seasonal allergies
Indigestion, heartburn or reflux
Fatigue, confusion or irritability
In very rare cases, blacking out very briefly

Overproduction of histamine can occur directly as a result of imbalanced gut micro-bacteria (aka dysbiosis). There are certain types of bacteria that produce histamine and if they are overpopulated, excess histamine can result. Another cause of excess histamine is slow clearance from the body, such as with impaired methylation. Impaired methylation can be a result of nutritional deficiencies and/or genetic mutations.

Another aspect of histamine intolerance is that it is cumulative and the spectrum of tolerance levels varies greatly. In other words, some excess histamine may not trigger any response, but every person has a unique tolerance level and once hit, will trigger the response. Because of this, the person experiencing these symptoms searches for a single food that seems to trigger the response when it is more likely a series of foods that add up and accumulate too much histamine. Any one food is not necessarily a trigger. Some people have responses that are triggered by only some of the foods listed below, while the other foods seem to not pose a threat.

As stated above, histamine intolerance appears to be very closely connected to gut imbalances of microflora and, in most cases, restricting consumption of high histamine foods can serve as the first line of treatment for symptom relief. Moreover, restoration of gut health and correction of methylation issues are vital to resolving the problem. Once these things are done, many people are able to add many of their favorite foods back into their diet.

Many people are surprised to learn that the foods which trigger these responses are often included in very healthy diets. While most foods generate some histamine, the most common high histamine foods include:

Fermented foods such as cultured vegetables, yogurts, and mature or ripe cheeses
Seafood
Beans and pulses
Nuts, especially cashews and walnuts
Chocolates and other cocoa based products
Most citrus fruits and berries
Tomatoes
Spinach
Eggs
Vinegar, including ketchup, salad dressings, sauces, BBQ sauce
Certain spices including cinnamon, chili powder, and cloves
Alcohol
Processed and cured meats such as salami, ham, bacon, sausages
Leftover meat (cooked meat increases in histamine as it sits)
Pickled or canned foods including sauerkraut, pickles, relish
Wheat and wheat products such as pasta and couscous
Salty or sweet snacks with preservatives and artificial colorings

Histamine intolerance may be on the rise, especially in light of the increase in gut dysbiosis in our population. It has not yet been established fully as a distinct medical condition in the conventional medical arena, so there are a lot of people who don’t believe this condition exists. Regardless, if you suspect you are, or someone you know is, suffering with this, functional medical practices, such as TWIHW, are the ideal places to get help!

Sources:

http://chriskresser.com/what-you-should-know-about-histamine-intolerance

http://www.histamineintolerance.org.uk

By Mila McManus MD|2015-02-03T23:05:15-06:00February 3rd, 2015|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Dangers of Antidepressants

By Mila McManus MD

The CDC estimates that one in ten Americans has depression. Chances are, if you don’t take antidepressant medication, you know someone who does. There are many levels of depression and many causes of depression. The main causes of depression have never been, and never will be, deficiencies of Prozac, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Cymbalta, or Lexapro. Causes may, however, be related to diet, gut health, side effects of medications, nutritional deficiencies, negative thinking, emotional trauma, chronic pain, lack of exercise, and hormonal imbalances/ deficiencies. I do believe that sometimes antidepressants are necessary, at least temporarily, but they’ll never correct the underlying cause(s), and they have many potential side effects.

To name a few (or many):

Your risk for type 2 diabetes is two to three times higher if you take antidepressants, according to one study.
Problems with your immune system: SSRIs (e.g. Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft) cause serotonin to remain in your nerve junctions longer, interfering with immune cell signaling and T cell growth. New research indicates that serotonin is also a signaling molecule between immune cells. Certain cells pick up serotonin at inflammation sites and pass it along to T cells (a type of immune cell). This affects T cell growth and division into new cells. One study showed that, when Prozac was introduced at inflammation sites, it blocked this type of serotonin uptake.
Suicidal thoughts and feelings and violent behavior: Your risk for suicide may be twice as high if you take SSRIs; seven out of twelve school shootings were by children who were either on antidepressants or withdrawing from them.
Stillbirths: A Canadian study of almost 5,000 mothers found that women on SSRIs were twice as likely to have a stillbirth, and almost twice as likely to have a premature or low birth weight baby; another study showed a 40 percent increased risk for birth defects such as cleft palate.
Brittle bones: One study showed women on antidepressants have a higher risk of fractures
Stroke: Your risk for stroke may be 45 percent higher if you are on antidepressants
Death: Overall death rates have been found to be 32 percent higher in women on antidepressants.
SSRIs have been shown to increase your risk of developing bipolar depression. Anywhere from 25 to 50 percent of children who take an antidepressant for five years convert to bipolar illness. In adults, about 25 percent of long term users convert from a diagnosis of unipolar depression to bipolar disorder.
Weight gain- this is one of the most common reasons a person will discontinue or change an antidepressant medication
Sexual dysfunction, including decreased sexual desire, delayed ejaculation in men, and the inability to have an orgasm in women.
Sleep disorders, including insomnia, nightmares, and sleepwalking
Sedation (daytime sleepiness)
headache, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, skin rashes, or diarrhea

In addition, here’s a list of common side effects for the most commonly prescribed classes of antidepressants:

TCAs (e.g. Nortriptyline, Amitriptyline) – dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, and increased pressure in the eye. They are also associated with hypertension, abnormal heart rhythms, anxiety, insomnia, seizures, headache, rash, nausea, and vomiting, abdominal cramps, weight loss, and sexual dysfunction.
SSRIs (e.g. Prozac, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft) and SNRIs (e.g. Cymbalta, Effexor) – abnormal thinking, agitation, anxiety, dizziness, headache, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, sedation, tremor, sweating, weight loss, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, rash, and nausea. SSRIs have also been associated with hyponatremia (low sodium), hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), and seizures.

Have you tried to wean your medication(s) before and failed? There are at least a couple of reasons why that might be.

1. You hadn’t addressed the underlying causes of why you needed the medication(s) in the first place and/or

2. Withdrawal symptoms were too miserable to continue weaning

I took antidepressants for years, and it wasn’t until I discovered holistic functional medicine that I was able to successfully wean off my medication. In our medical training, the name of the game is learning how to bandaid symptoms with drugs. In holistic and functional medical training, the name of the game is correcting the underlying causes of symptoms and disease. This explains why all my previous efforts to wean my medication had been miserable failures. I was an emotional wreck, was dizzy, and had constant ‘brain zaps’. Once I addressed the underlying issues (poor diet, nutritional bankruptcy, hidden food allergies, poor gut health, and hormonal imbalances that weren’t found on typical blood tests), it was only a short matter of time until I successfully weaned off my antidepressant (and 11 other prescription medications). While this has also been the case for countless numbers of my patients over the years, it’s important to note that some patients have more complex issues and may take years to improve their health, physically as well as emotionally. Addressing depression, and many other health issues, requires focusing on mind, body, AND spirit. Here is a list of several things you can do to work towards a successful wean from your antidepressant(s)*:

Click here to read about a few supplements that can naturally alleviate depression and anxiety.
Nutrients that are well known to play a role with mood include Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D**, magnesium, B-6, B12, and folate. These are all very common nutritional deficiencies that we find in my practice. If you suffer with depression, talk to a wellness specialist about proper doses to meet your individual needs.
Exercise, again and again, has shown in studies to be important for warding off anxiety and depression. Too tired or too busy? You can start with a 5 minute walk every day.
Address the mind, body, and spirit with therapy, EFT, meditation, and/or yoga.
Get your hormones balanced by an experienced wellness specialist using nutrition, supplements, and/or bio-identical hormones. Imbalance or deficiency in any number of your hormones (e.g. thyroid, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, cortisol) can affect your mood, and these issues often won’t be found on typical blood tests. Are your lab results always ‘normal’? Test for hormonal imbalance a better way by completing free symptom questionnaires.
I also recommend a book to many patients called The Healing Code by Dr. Alex Loyd. Read about it here.

*Never attempt to wean your medication(s) without medical supervision.

**One study found that people with the lowest levels of vitamin D were 11 times more prone to depression than those with adequate vitamin D levels.

Forward this article to someone you care about!

Resources for the content of this article:

www.mercola.com

www.webMD.com

www.CDC.gov

www.naturalnews.com

By Mila McManus MD|2015-01-06T07:33:18-06:00January 6th, 2015|Articles, General|

Supplement of the Month: Help with Depression and Anxiety

There are a number of supplements that can be very helpful in supporting our mental health and function. Combined with improving the diet, getting regular exercise, balancing hormones, controlling chronic pain, getting adequate sleep, balancing gut flora (microorganisms), and other non-pharmaceutical approaches to treating depression and anxiety, here is a list of several supplements we frequently use at The Woodlands Institute:

L-Theanine is an amino acid compound found in green tea and is noted for its ability to relax and calm, while improving focus without causing drowsiness.

5-HTP is extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia plant, a shrub principally found in West African countries, and is an amino acid derivative that’s an immediate precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (brain chemical) produced both in the intestinal tract and the brain and is important for promoting calmness and sleep in addition to alleviating depression. It can also be helpful in reducing carbohydrate cravings and supporting healthy eating patterns. 5-HTP should not be taken with antidepressants without medical supervision.

L-Tyrosine is also an amino acid found in the human body that is a precursor for both thyroid hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline. These neurotransmitters are needed to support stress response mechanisms, mood, and our ability to concentrate.

Other important supplements we commonly recommend to support mental/brain health include fish oil or krill oil, vitamin D, magnesium, and B-complex.

Discuss with your healthcare provider which supplement(s) may benefit you. We highly recommend medical supervision for use with all of these supplements.

*The product information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment of any disease, nor does it replace professional medical advice. (The FDA makes us say that)

*Warning: Please consult a health care professional before using these products.

By Mila McManus MD|2015-01-03T08:31:45-06:00January 2nd, 2015|Articles, General|

About Mila McManus MD

Forward this article to someone you care about!

*The product information provided is for educational purposes and is not intended as either diagnosis or treatment of any disease, nor does it replace professional medical advice. (The FDA makes us say that)

*Warning: Please consult a health care professional before using these products.