Herbicides and Adolescent Brains

by Mila McManus, MD

Herbicides are the most common class of chemicals. Exposures to (herbicides) are associated with worse brain function among adolescents...

More than 80,000 chemicals are registered for use today, and hundreds of chemicals are added every year. We do, indeed, live in a toxic world. Chemical exposure is pervasive. Especially concerning is the impact this has on developing brains of children and adolescents. Herbicides, used predominantly in green spaces, homes, and industry are the most common class of chemicals. Exposures to glyphosate and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid [a.k.a. 2,4D] are associated with worse brain function among adolescents according to a study led by researchers at the Erbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at University of California Sand Diego.

When 519 adolescents aged 11 to 17 were tested, glyphosate, a nonselective herbicide used in crops and for residential vegetation control, was detected in 98% of the participants. 2,4D, a broadleaf herbicide used on lawns, aquatic sites, and agriculture, was detected in 66% of the participants. Researchers assessed the participants in five neurobehavioral performance areas including attention, inhibitory control, memory and learning, language, visuospatial processing, and social perception. The higher the amounts of 2.4D, the lower neurobehavioral performance in the domains of attention and inhibitory control, memory and learning, and language. Higher concentrations of glyphosate in participants was associated with lower scores in social perception.

Today, 20% of adolescents and 26% of young adults have diagnosable mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, impulsivity, aggression or learning disorders. We encourage you to buy organic and to think twice about what you use in and around your homes to treat lawns and control insects. There are many more natural, chemical free options than ever before and can be very effective.

Also, we offer a toxicant test that requires a simple urine collection. And we have many options to help detoxify the body from toxins and toxicants.

Be Wise, Be Well.

Ref:

MDLinx (October 11, 2023). Research finds commonly-used herbicide is harmful to adolescent brain function. https://www.mdlinx.com/news.

By Mila McManus MD|2024-01-01T12:31:15-06:00January 3rd, 2024|General|

Introducing the CGM Program!

cgm sensor and app view for TWIHW CGM Program — CGM Sensor and App preview

What is it? CGM stands for Continuous Glucose Monitor. It is a device worn on the arm that provides the wearer with detailed information about how food, stress level, sleep quality, and activities impact blood sugar.

Stabilizing blood sugar is a foundational key to overall good health for everyone.

Who benefits from wearing a CGM?

Anyone and everyone who wants to:

Optimize health and feel better.
Lose weight but finds it difficult to do so.
Understand how your unique body functions in relation to the foods you eat, your stress level, sleep quality, and activities.
Better manage diabetes.
Prevent low blood sugar.
Alleviate brain fog, fatigue, and mood swings.
Stop sugar cravings.
Reduce chances of getting a lifestyle disease [i.e., heart, autoimmune, cancer, diabetes, etc.]

WHY MEASURE BLOOD GLUCOSE?

Ongoing spiking of blood glucose leads to lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
Blood sugar spikes also affect metabolic function, leading to permanent damage.
The chronic spiking of blood glucose causes weight gain, non-alcoholic fatty liver, and the inability to utilize your fat stores as fuel.
Spiking your blood glucose also leads to a multitude of symptoms such as sugar cravings, extreme hunger pangs, energy crashes, brain fog, moodiness, digestive issues, trouble sleeping, waking up with heart palpitations, acne, inflammation, anxiety, and frequent colds.
To help you develop a healthy nutritional lifestyle by determining what triggers your blood sugar spikes so that you can balance your blood sugar.

The CGM Program includes: ($699 for current patients, $799 for new patients)

Initial appointment with a medical provider [labs ordered if necessary]
Two Metacheck metabolism tests provide basal metabolic rate, caloric needs, and rate of metabolism.
There are two appointments with the nutritionist to examine, understand, and process the results captured by the CGM sensor—assistance with lifestyle and dietary adjustments to achieve your goals.
One meal plan that incorporates your specific dietary needs.
E-mail check-ins.
Two CGMs -one to wear initially and then again after two months. This also includes the Theia application download, where the patient will also keep track of activities and food intake to correlate with the CGM results. Results will be available in the app and at TWIHW with each nutrition follow-up appointment.

For more explanation regarding our need for glucose, click here.

By Mila McManus MD|2024-01-12T23:24:54-06:00December 13th, 2023|General|

Welcome to TWIHW CGM Program

By Mila McManus MD|2023-12-14T17:37:55-06:00December 10th, 2023|General|

Allulose: The Newest Sweet on the Block

by Mila McManus MD

Allulose is a new type of sweetener additive...(that) causes a host of digestive issues including bloating, distension, nausea, and diarrhea.

Allulose is a newer type of sweetener additive growing in popularity and showing up in products on grocery store shelves. It is very sweet and does not have an aftertaste, making it very appealing to the food industry. The weight loss and health industries are also interested because allulose is not metabolized as a food substance and bypasses normal digestive processes, suggesting that it may benefit blood sugar levels.

Allulose is sourced from raisins, figs, molasses, and jackfruit where it exists in very small amounts. Those very small amounts are extracted and replicated in the laboratory, and then used in very large amounts in one serving of food. What is safe and small in natural sources is unsafe in lab produced sources and quantities. The very sweet taste of allulose is the result of man engineering it in the lab.

So far, studies are showing allulose causes a host of digestive issues including bloating, distension, nausea, and diarrhea. Alterations in the microbiome of the gut have also been observed as well as alterations in mRNA expression. These results are very concerning if we hope to have healthy gut-brain pathways, digestion, and proper genetic expression, all essential to good health.

The FDA requires that allulose be named in the ingredient list, but not reflected on the Nutrition Label as a form of “sugar”. It is appearing in convenience and processed foods, such as electrolyte powders [Liquid IV recently added it to their sugar free option], protein bars, fat bombs, cookies, and shakes, touted as a healthy alternative to sugar.

Historically, stevia remains the safest non-sugar herbal sweetener. Erythritol and monk fruit have continued to be considered safe and without harmful effects. In very small amounts, cane sugar, maple syrup, and honey are safe, natural choices. Fresh fruit is designed to be a delightful, sweet finish to a meal. Ideally, we want to keep our sweet tastebuds tamed and quiet, rather than overstimulated. We find processed foods, such as allulose, and the foods in which it’s being put, will overstimulate the sweet tastebuds. This makes it difficult to manage sugar cravings and overconsumption. Additionally, maintaining optimal gut function is critical for good health, and allulose may work against that effort.

Taken together, there are many reasons to be concerned about consuming allulose. Until more is known, and based on what we know so far, we do not recommend allulose as a safe choice.

References:

www.functionalnutritionalliance.com

Personal interview with Mira Dessey, The Ingredient Guru, and author of The Pantry Principle (2013).

By Mila McManus MD|2023-12-07T08:18:47-06:00December 7th, 2023|Articles, General|

Exercise – Just Get it Done

by Mila McManus, MD

The best time of day for exercise is the time of day you will do it. The best exercise is the one you will do.

It seems to be the norm now to argue over many topics as though there are only two solutions, a right way and a wrong way. But in reality, the answer is not dichotomous. Rather, there are gray areas in between, a number of good options available, and most often the need for individuals to choose what works best for them. Much like we say there is not one diet that is right for all people, the same is true with exercise. The best time of day for exercise is the time of day you will do it. The best exercise is the one you will do.

AM Prose: Some research suggests that exercising in the morning in a fasted state may be most helpful in weight control and training adaptations. It can also be logistically suitable for early risers. Those who train in the morning tend to have better training adherence and expend more energy overall throughout the day. Morning exercise is associated with better weight control, and better skeletal muscle adaptations over time compared to exercise performed later in the day, according to Dr. Normand Boulé from the University of Alberta[1].

PM Prose: Alternatively, Dr. Jenna Gillen from the University of Toronto[2], who has debated Boulé, points out that mild to moderate intensity exercising done soon after meals typically results in lower glucose spikes after meals in people with diabetes. Her argument is supported by at least one recent meta-analysis where post-meal walking was best for improving blood sugar in those with prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. The Look AHEAD Trial of over 2400 adults with type 2 diabetes found that some of the participants, after a year of making afternoon exercise part of their lifestyle, experienced a complete remission of diabetes. And for night owls, afternoon or evening exercise may just be more practical.

AM/PM Prose: It may be beneficial for some people to split exercise into two timeframes. Exercising some in the morning and some later in the day or early evening can offer several benefits. Exercise following the largest meals of the day aids in balancing blood sugar throughout the day. For those who sit for long periods, exercising twice a day helps to reduce stiffness and increase flexibility, increase focus and alertness, and reduces overall anxiety and stress levels.

Exercise is essential for physical and mental health. It is highly protective against disease and aging. It even helps prevent cancer and recurrence of cancer! Pick your form of exercise, pick your time, and get it done. Studies show that even as little as 5 minutes is helpful!

[1] Boulé, Normand G.; Rees, Jordan L.. Interaction of exercise and meal timing on blood glucose concentrations. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care 26(4):p 353-357, July 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000936

[1]Jenna B. Gillen, Stephanie Estafanos, and Alexa Govette. 2021. Exercise-nutrient interactions for improved postprandial glycemic control and insulin sensitivity. Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism. 46(8): 856-865. https://doi.org/10.1139/apnm-2021-0168

By Mila McManus MD|2023-10-28T09:52:27-06:00November 7th, 2023|Articles, General|

Free Highway to Health e-book

Please submit the following form to receive your download file fo the 2nd edition Highway to Health e-book.

D.I.Y. Health Reset Protocol Kit

$299.00

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Highway to Health

$29.99

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By Mila McManus MD|2024-07-25T16:25:14-06:00October 27th, 2023|Articles, General|

Red Light Therapy

by Mila McManus, MD

When you’re at our facility, take a few minutes to step into our Red Light Therapy teepee and experience the benefits:

Combats Lethargy
Boosts Liver Function (detoxification and more)
Stimulates Skin Repair
Beneficial for Lungs, Bones, Heart, and Kidneys
Reduces Scar Tissue
Promotes Circulation
Pain Relief
Enhances the Senses
Improves Nutritional Metabolism
Regenerates Blood
Promotes Muscle and Wound Healing

While you’re enjoying it, check in on social media to show everyone how cool it is and how cool you are!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How often can I do Red Light Therapy?

Red Light Therapy is recommended three to five times weekly for best results. The number of sessions per week may vary depending on your needs and goals.

How long is a Red Light Therapy session?

Red Light Therapy sessions only take 10 minutes. You stand between 2 red light panels so your entire body absorbs the light.

Does Red Light Therapy help with skin issues?

Red Light Therapy stimulates cellular energy, encouraging skin renewal and healing. This helps improve the skin’s look, feel, and texture. It enables the skin to recover from injury while providing anti-aging benefits for the skin. This light improves levels of collagen and elastin. These are partly responsible for youthful-looking skin.

Is Red Light Therapy safe?

Red Light Therapy is safe and painless. It generates a minimal amount of heat. Although the red lights may be bright, using the service without eyewear is fine unless desired for comfort.

Does Red Light Therapy help with oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to detoxify them. One of the ways that Red Light Therapy helps to reduce oxidative stress is by stimulating the production of antioxidants in the body that can neutralize ROS and prevent them from causing damage to cells.

Reference: https://lightpathled.com/

By Mila McManus MD|2024-01-17T17:12:51-06:00October 26th, 2023|General|

Food Solution Summit 3.0 Free Gift

Thank you for Watching the Food Solution Summit 3.0 and for taking the time to listen to Dr Mila McManus and the other Health Experts speak about our relationship with foods. Please complete the following form to receive your download link for your Oral Food Challenges Guide.

D.I.Y. Health Reset Protocol Kit

$299.00

Add to cart
Highway to Health

$29.99

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By Mila McManus MD|2024-01-18T10:00:17-06:00October 24th, 2023|General|

Breast Implants

by Mila McManus, MD

if you have unexplained illness, or have chronic illness and aren’t improving with treatment, consider having your implants removed.

Breast augmentation is a popular plastic surgery in the United States. Interestingly, in 2021, amidst the COVID lockdowns, there was a 44% increase in breast implants from the year before! Simultaneously, there was also a 32% increase in women having their implants replaced, and a 47% increase in women having their implants removed. [i]

While silicone and saline breast implantation is generally regarded as low complication risk, more women are expressing concerns in social media and with their doctors about a broad range of symptoms that are very real. More than 100 symptoms have been associated with breast implants, the most common in the constellation being chronic fatigue, brain fog, anxiety or depression, chest and breast pain, hair loss, headaches, chills, photosensitivity, rash, chronic joint and muscle pain, gastrointestinal issues, dry mouth and eyes, and weight changes.[ii] Because these symptoms are associated with other conditions, it’s important to carefully rule out causes unrelated to the breast implants.

Breast implant illness [BII], can best be described as an inflammatory response to a foreign substance in the body. There are some rare cancers associated with the implants and they can and do rupture or leak, which also adds to illness. Many women testify to the significant decline in health after receiving breast implants, and restored health following breast implant removal. The scientific community continues to conduct studies to gain further insight into these observations and complaints, but as of yet, breast implant illness is not yet a formal diagnosis. Nevertheless, if you have unexplained illness, or have chronic illness and aren’t improving with treatment, consider having your implants removed.

[i] Https://utswmed.org/medblog/breast-implant-illness/#

[ii] Gland Surgery 2021;10(1):430-443.

By Mila McManus MD|2023-10-18T05:21:25-06:00October 18th, 2023|Articles, General|

Clinical Trials Tie Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy to Improved Cardiovascular Health

by Mila McManus, MD

It appears that not only does semaglutide help many people to lose weight, but it is also having a favorable impact on cardiovascular health.

It appears that not only does Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy help millions of people lose weight, but it is also having a favorable impact on cardiovascular health. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the reduced risk for heart failure appears to be a result of upstream metabolic drivers.

In one trial, people with heart failure who received weekly injections of Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy for 52 weeks experienced substantial improvements in symptoms and physical function than those who received a placebo. This trial involved 529 participants with obesity. In a larger trial by Novo Nordisk, involving 17,604 adults with cardiovascular disease who were also overweight or obese, Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy reduced major adverse cardiovascular events by 20%.

To learn more about Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy and our Weight Loss Program, contact us at 281-298-6742.

References:

Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy Improves Heart Failure and Cardiovascular Disease. Medical News in Brief: Journal of the American Medical Association. September 6, 2023.

By Mila McManus MD|2025-04-07T07:36:14-06:00October 11th, 2023|Articles, General|

About Mila McManus MD

by Mila McManus, MD

by Mila McManus MD

by Mila McManus, MD

by Mila McManus, MD

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How often can I do Red Light Therapy?

How long is a Red Light Therapy session?

Does Red Light Therapy help with skin issues?

Is Red Light Therapy safe?

Does Red Light Therapy help with oxidative stress?

by Mila McManus, MD

by Mila McManus, MD