Depressed?

Depression comes in many forms and has many possible causes. Rather than band-aiding your depression with an anti-depressant medication, The Woodlands Institute aims to detect and correct the underlying causes of your depression. Causes may be anything from a simple nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance to a reaction to a food. We’ll help you understand common depression signs so that you may identify depression symptoms in yourself, a family member or a friend. Then, we can also help you determine the best depression treatment for you.

We invite you to read our online article “Depression Symptoms & Treatments” for details on how depressed feelings affect all types of people and can be easily addressed with the right attention. Talking to a trained professional about your depressed feelings or those of a loved one is critical to resolving these feelings. Whether you’re a teen struggling with depression, a new mom who may be challenged with postpartum depression or a father who just isn’t energized about the things he once was, The Woodlands Institute is here for you.

Test yourself for hormonal imbalances that may be causing or contributing to your depressed moods. One culprit of your depression could be low thyroid, which we can also help address.

Contact us and we will call you or call 281-298-6742 now for a free consultation with one of our wellness consultants.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-05-09T14:47:52-06:00April 1st, 2013|Articles|

Thyroid Symptoms

Wondering if there’s a problem with your thyroid?
If you feel that you have thyroid problems, but your labs are always normal, you are not alone. There are many factors that contribute to low thyroid function. It’s not a simple matter of whether your thyroid labs are in range or out of range. The range that is acceptable and right for one individual could be quite different for another. For instance, we know that a person showing within the “normal range” for thyroid may be on the lower end of that “normal range”. By helping this person with small adjustments to their thyroid, we often see thyroid symptoms disappear.

Natural Response to Thyroid Symptoms
At The Woodlands Institute, our goal is to correct the underlying causes of your low thyroid function, which are usually a combination of nutritional deficiencies, food allergies/sensitivities, yeast overgrowth (dysbiosis), other hormonal imbalances or deficiencies, and toxins. We treat our patients, not their lab results.

Whether you’re struggling with hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism or another related issue, we’re here to help you identify the real problem and get to solutions that make you feel better. Patients are often amazed how some simple tweaks to their nutrition impacts their thyroid and metabolism. Clients feel better overall.

Online Test for Thyroid Problems
Test yourself using our online questionnaire that guides you through typical symptoms and helps you identify whether or not there are concerns to address. Then we encourage you to contact us and we will call you or call 281-298-6742 for a free consultation.

We also encourage you to watch a short video on thyroid fatigue.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-06-27T10:55:23-06:00March 28th, 2013|Articles|

Spring Shape Up Strategies

As spring arrives and the shortest, darkest days give way to longer, sunny days, it gets easier to get outside, increase activity and enjoy the sunshine. Below you will find many reminders and tidbits of information to help you put your Spring Shape-Up Strategy into action:

Try Intermittent Fasting to break a stall in weight loss or as a healthy lifestyle change. Intermittent Fasting can be approached in a number of schedules but an easy pattern is to restrict normal daily eating to an 8 hour window of time you are awake. For example, if you wake in the morning at 6, you would choose to eat meals and snacks only between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. or 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Research has shown that this simple lifestyle change can promote weight loss, normalize insulin and leptin sensitivity, reduce triglyceride levels, and reduce inflammation and free radical damage. [1]

While you cannot exercise your way out of a bad diet, exercise can help to lift your spirits and energy levels, which often helps us to be smarter about our food choices. Muscle (created best through weight bearing exercises versus aerobic exercises) helps to increase metabolism and takes up less space than fat, which makes you look thinner.

There are many things in food that interfere with burning fat and losing weight, not to mention overall good health. We recommend avoidance of artificial sweeteners, gluten, sugar, soy, and food additives such as MSG, nitrates, nitrites and hydrogenated or trans fats. Stick to real, whole food and restrict or eliminate grains.

Be intentional and plan your splurges. For example, if you know you are attending an event on Wednesday evening, make Tuesday, Wednesday day and Thursday times of healthy choices, plenty of hydration and exercise. Putting these days of healing and health before and after your evening of splurging helps you to minimize the damage and stay focused on what is important.

Healthy fats are essential to losing weight, being satiated and overall good health. Be sure every meal includes a source of naturally occurring, undamaged fat such as raw or expeller pressed coconut oil or coconut, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, avocado, grass-fed butter, raw nuts and seeds, olives or free range eggs.

[1] Http://fitness.mercola.com/sites/fitness/archive/2013/01/18/inter…8_DNL_art_1&utm_source=dnl&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20130118

By Mila McManus MD|2013-03-27T09:44:49-06:00March 27th, 2013|NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Cabbage Soup Recipe

Cabbage is a great source of vitamins and fiber. This cabbage soup recipe offers a twist on traditionally prepared cabbage while keeping it healthy.

Ingredients:

6 large green onions
2 green peppers
1 to 2 cans diced or crushed tomato
1 bunch of celery
1 head of cabbage
1 cup diced carrot
1 cup diced green beans
Water, Vegetable Broth, Chicken Broth, Beef Broth or V-8 Juice
Salt, Pepper, Parsley, Italian Seasonings to taste

Combine all ingredients in a stockpot, cover with liquid combination of choice and bring to a boil. Boil for 10 minutes, reduce to simmer and continue cooking until vegetables are tender (approximately 30 min). Keep refrigerated for up to 7 days or freeze.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-07-31T12:01:02-06:00March 27th, 2013|Recipes|

Supplement of the Month: Methylselenocysteine

A Supplement that Addresses Thyroid Problems and More

Methylselenocysteine is a more active form of selenium which functions primarily as a component of the antioxidant enzyme, glutathione peroxidase. Glutathione peroxidase activity, which requires selenium for activity, facilitates the recycling of vitamins C and E, in optimizing the performance of the antioxidant system. Low levels of selenium have been linked to a higher risk for cancer, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases, and other conditions associated with free radical damage, including aging and cataract formation. Selenium is also essential for healthy cell-mediated immune function, stimulating immune properties of lymphocytes. Selenium is also needed for the activation of thyroid hormones.

Chronic low selenium intake is associated with an increased risk for heart disease, cancer and depressed immune function. Selenium appears to provide protection against heart disease and stroke. Selenium supplementation (100 ugm/day) increases the ratio of HDL to LDL and inhibits platelet aggregation. Selenium and glutathione peroxidase activity are low in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, psoriasis and most inflammatory conditions. This is related to the increased synthesis of proinflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Immune system function is enhanced by selenium, by contributing to higher natural killer cell (NKC) activity. Natural killer cells have the ability to destroy cancer cells and bacterial and viral agents. Heavy metal toxicity symptoms may be alleviated by selenium, acting as an antagonist. Selenium deficiency may also contribute to male infertility.

Selenium is safe at the level generally used for supplementation (100-200 mcg/day). However, taking more than 750 mcg of selenium per day may cause toxicity Reactions such as loss of fingernails, skin rash, and neurological aberrations. In the presence of iodine deficiency goiter, selenium supplementation has been reported to exacerbate low thyroid function. Selenium is available in several different forms. Studies indicate that inorganic salts like sodium selenite are less effectively absorbed and not as biologically active as organic forms of selenium, such as selenomethionine or high-selenium content yeast. Righest sources of dietary selenium are found in:

Wheat Germ
Bran
Brazil Nuts
Red Swiss Chard
Whole Wheat Bread
Oats
Brown Rice
Turnips

The adult RDA for selenium is 50ug/day.

Information obtained by Spectracell Laboratories.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-04-14T15:42:38-06:00March 4th, 2013|Articles|

Osso Bucco Slow Cooker Meal

This Osso Bucco recipe offers families a great way to prepare a healthy meal without sacrificing a lot of time in the kitchen.
Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 Veal Shank Steaks
1 large can Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes
1 can white Cannellini Beans
1 large yellow onion chopped
½ cup dry white wine
½ – ¾ cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Bragg Organic 24 Spice Sprinkle or similar
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 teaspoons pepper

Rinse and drain beans. Peel and chop onion. Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours and serve. Be aware that the bones in the veal shanks may fall away from the meat during cooking, so look for them when you serve up the meal. We don’t recommend the removal of the bones prior to cooking because they add important nutrients to the stew. Serve with horseradish, spicy mustard or organic ketchup.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-07-31T12:04:54-06:00February 21st, 2013|Recipes|

Minerals Matter

Over the course of my own journey and relationship with food, I have found that one source of motivation for me is understanding why it is important for me to try a new food. For me, motivation can be found in the facts, the science and the intricacies of what I cannot see. Kale is a good example. It became increasingly apparent to me that it is one of the healthiest foods we can be eating, but upon examination at the grocery store, I struggled visually, emotionally, to get excited about it. But the more I understood the massive antioxidant and cleansing power of kale, and the fiber content, the harder I worked at buying it, preparing it different ways and finding ways to make it a delicious part of my dietary path. As a result of this process, I really like kale! So as we feature Selenium this month, I want to use this opportunity to take a closer look at minerals, what they are, why you need them and where they are found in your food. I hope greater understanding motivates you to expand the variety in your whole food choices to optimize your intake of valuable minerals.

Minerals naturally occur in rock and stone formations. When rock and stone are slowly broken down into tiny fragments by erosion from wind, rain, water and sun, the end result is dust and sand that make what we call soil. From the soil grow numerous grasses and plants. We also plant our herbs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and grains in this soil. Mineral rich soil will yield mineral rich plants. Likewise, animals that graze on mineral rich plants will also yield mineral rich meat and milk. The body demands larger quantities of the minerals calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus but equally important and necessary in much smaller amounts are selenium, boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, silicon, sulfur, vanadium and zinc.

We must consume minerals. Every living cell in the planet depends on minerals to work properly and maintain shape, including all the cells that make our own bodies. That is, after all, what you are…trillions of tiny cells clumped together to make up blood, organs, bones, muscle, skin and all the rest. Minerals are essential for:

Proper composition of all body fluids such as blood and the water that makes up as much as 70% of the body
Making blood and bones
Proper nerve function
Regulating muscle tone
Working in partnership with vitamins to produce energy, growth and healing
Proper utilization of vitamins in the body

Minerals work best in combination together with each other and with vitamins and this is how they occur in nature – together. So eating organic foods from rich, well cared for soils will provide the magical blend of minerals and vitamins that work in unison to provide your body with optimal health. Likewise, soil that is overworked and depleted of valuable minerals will not offer mineral rich foods.

By Mila McManus MD|2013-03-04T17:59:19-06:00February 21st, 2013|NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

What is Neurofeedback?

Neurofeedback, also referred to as EEG Biofeedback, is a non-invasive, pain-free computer-based technique which retrains the brain to produce brainwave patterns that are beneficial to better functioning. Our brains are 2% chemical and 98% electrical. That means that 100% of medications are only addressing 2% of our brain function. The electrical part produces different types of brainwaves (i.e., alpha, beta, theta, delta) and are distributed all throughout our brain. If our brainwave distribution becomes out of balance (much like our hormones), symptoms may result such as anxiety, depression, lack of energy, foggy thinking, etc.

When the electrical system (brainwaves) is modulated through neurofeedback, the brain becomes more flexible, calming the brain and helping the client to have better control of his or her emotions, feelings and thoughts.

During a session, sensors are placed on the head in specific locations to monitor the brainwave activity, much like the electrical activity you see when having an EKG. This activity is displayed onto the therapist’s computer monitor. On a separate screen, the client plays a video game that is generated using his or her brainwave activity. Each time a healthy brainwave is achieved, the client is rewarded via graphics and auditory sound. As healthier brainwaves are achieved, a healthier state of mind (e.g., focused, relaxed, less anxiety) is learned. Unlike medication, once the training stops, the results are enduring.

Neurofeedback is a safe, long-lasting, drug-free alternative to treating ADD/ADHD, anxiety, sleep disorders, panic attacks, learning disorders, foggy thinking, stress, obsessive thoughts, compulsions, depression, migraines, and other conditions. The overall goal is to help the client manage his or her symptoms and improve his or her performance in whatever area of life s/he desires such as school, work, or relaxation.

For more information regarding neurofeedback, go to www.springhill4counseling.com

By Mila McManus MD|2013-03-04T17:39:46-06:00February 13th, 2013|Articles|

No Sex Drive?

Article by Mila McManus MD

Many factors affect one’s sex drive, including:
• Testosterone deficiency (male or female)
• Progesterone or Estrogen deficiency
• Stress/Fatigue/Depression
• Certain medications (e.g., anti-depressants)
• Birth control pills
• Poor Self-image (e.g., due to weight gain)
• Strained relationship
• Painful intercourse (e.g., due to vaginal dryness)
Low libido is often dismissed by doctors, but it is a serious concern for many people. It can strain relationships, leading to stress, which everyone knows will adversely affect the body. Stress, over time, negatively affects your immune system, which in turn will predispose you to all types of disease. If low libido is affecting your relationship, please read on.
HORMONES: More often than not, improving one’s sex drive requires addressing several causative factors simultaneously. It may take several months to tackle all of them, but it can be done. First, you should be evaluated for the need for supplementation /replacement with hormones. Moreover, when I say hormones, I’m talking about the use of bio-identical hormones, not synthetic ones. In our practice, we’ve found that blood tests for diagnosing hormone deficiencies are rarely helpful. Normal reference ranges for hormone levels are large and can often be misleading. I find it to be much more useful to evaluate one’s symptoms in determining hormonal imbalances and deficiencies. Click here to test yourself for hormonal imbalance and deficiency.

If you take an ANTI-DEPRESSANT, it’ll be important for you to address the underlying causes of your depression, so that you’ll have a chance to successfully wean off your antidepressant. Antidepressants are used to mask the symptoms of depression, but aren’t going to cure your problem. Hormonal deficiency is a very common cause of depression. Many of our patients have successfully weaned from their antidepressants after being on our wellness program for only a short period of time.

POOR SELF-IMAGE: If you feel your libido is down because of a poor self-image, then consider doing something about it. If you’ve gained weight and haven’t been able to lose it on your own, seek help. We offer several programs at TWIHW to help you reach your goals. You should also consider being evaluated for hormonal imbalance, as this could be working against you.

STRAINED RELATIONSHIP—There’s not enough progesterone or testosterone on Earth to make up for a bad relationship. Consider counseling. I’ve seen it make a huge difference in the lives of many people. Maybe you are harboring some subconscious resentment towards your mate and you don’t even realize you’re being passive aggressive.

PAINFUL intercourse will certainly affect one’s desire. If you suffer with vaginal dryness, there are treatments. If you suffer with vulvodynia/vaginismus (if you don’t know what these words mean, then you probably don’t have these conditions, or at least you haven’t been diagnosed with them yet), there are treatments for these as well. Biofeedback may help.

STRESS and FATIGUE are common contributing factors to low libido. You must take time for yourself. Take a day off, get a babysitter, plan a date with your mate. If life is dragging you down, your problems run much deeper than libido. Addressing the fatigue is certainly a good place to start. Discussing the causes of, and treatments for, fatigue is beyond the scope of this article, so please visit our website for more information.

OTHER ways to enhance sex drive include various herbal blends you can find on the internet (e.g. Maca root), certain foods (e.g.chocolate), and novelty (e.g. hotel getaway).

By Mila McManus MD|2013-02-18T17:42:30-06:00February 12th, 2013|Articles|

Organic Labeling of Food

Organic Labeling of Food

Food labeling in general is very chaotic and unreliable which can make a trip to the grocery store very frustrating and complicated. You may not be aware, but the FDA accepts no responsibility of ensuring that food in a package and the promises on the package are in fact truthful and accurate. It is a well-known fact that a package can say Blueberry Muffins without a single, real blueberry in it. A package can be called “quinoa pasta” when more than half of the ingredients in the package are actually corn. And a product can be marked organic, but you may be surprised to find out that may mean that only some of the ingredients in the product are organic.

When it comes to organic, the ONLY good assurance of organic food quality is found in the USDA Organic seal. This circular, green and white seal is the most reliable organic true certification and it requires the strictest standards of any organic label. Any farm, wild crop harvesting or handling operation that wants to sell an agricultural product as organically produced and bear the USDA Organic symbol must meet the standards set by the USDA’s National Organic Program. These standards apply to raw, fresh products as well as processed products that contain organic agricultural ingredients.

So what does a product have to be to qualify for the USDA Organic seal?

A product must be grown and processed using organic farming methods, which recycle resources and promote biodiversity.
Crops must be grown without the use of bioengineered (genetically modified) genes, synthetic pesticides, petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge-based fertilizers.
Products cannot be irradiated, or contain preservatives or flavor enhancing chemicals.
Products cannot contain traces of heavy metals or other contaminants in excess of tolerances set by the FDA.
Livestock must have access to the outdoors and not be given antibiotics or growth hormones.

Be aware that many foods that are labeled “organic” and do not bear the USDA Organic symbol have been produced in large factory farms which have not adhered to the strict standards required by the National Organic Program.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/09/04/organic-labels-are-not-always-honest.aspx

By Mila McManus MD|2013-02-18T17:11:31-06:00February 11th, 2013|NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

About Mila McManus MD