LDN: A Surprisingly Useful Drug

By Mila McManus, MD

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) is a useful prescription drug because it does not mask symptoms but rather regulates the immune system.

It’s been a while since we posted an article about this, so I wanted to revisit it. LDN is a great example of a surprisingly useful prescription drug for three reasons. First, LDN does not mask symptoms, unlike most prescription drugs. Second, it regulates a dysregulated immune system and reduces inflammation. Third, LDN has no known side effects other than transient effects on sleep and vivid dreams.

Since inflammation and immune dysregulation are at the root of many diseases, especially autoimmunity, clinicians are using it for a whole range of conditions involving inflammation and immune dysregulation, including Hashimoto’s, Grave’s, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, MS, ALS, alopecia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and neurogenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. LDN is also used as a complementary medicine by functional specialists for cancer and HIV/AIDS, as well as for post-radiation salivary gland destruction, chronic allergic rhinitis, nerve damage, autism, shingles, weight management, infertility, and migraines.

A Little Background on LDN

The original commercial prescription use of Naltrexone was approved by the FDA in 1984 in a 50mg dose and was used for helping opiate addicts get off illegal and prescription drugs by blocking opiate receptors. It’s also used to reverse opiate overdose (e.g., heroin, morphine). Since then, many doctors have pioneered the use of Naltrexone at very low doses, thus the name Low-Dose Naltrexone, or LDN. One of the first was Bernard Bihari, MD, a physician in New York City who was interested in treating cancer and AIDS patients. He discovered that low doses, between 3 and 4.5 mg, had very beneficial effects on the immune system. Over the last 25 years, there have been increasingly more clinical trials with favorable results. Additionally, clinical and anecdotal experience is showing improvements for a wide variety of conditions. Studies with LDN have been especially encouraging for treating Crohn’s, with over a 70% remission rate and even complete mucosal healing as evidenced by colonoscopy in some cases.

Mechanisms of LDN

So far, two main mechanisms of LDN have been identified. First, LDN modulates the immune system by helping the T regulatory cells balance immune function without suppressing the body’s ability to regenerate and repair. T regulatory cells are responsible for turning inflammation on and off in the body. Patients with overactive immune systems (such as asthma, allergies, and autoimmune conditions) have immune systems that get “stuck in overdrive.” LDN helps to get the system balanced again.

Second, LDN reduces inflammation in the central nervous system, which is thought to play a significant role in fibromyalgia, other forms of chronic pain, and depression. In the central nervous system, receptors are found on certain brain cells called microglia. These cells can become chronically activated, resulting in neurotoxicity, which causes a cascade of symptoms that are associated with chronic pain, fatigue, mood disorders, and cognitive problems. LDN reduces inflammation and quiets the microglia, which slows or stops the cascade of symptoms.

Other Important Advantages

Another important advantage is that LDN is safe for almost everyone. People who regularly use opioid drugs or narcotic pain medication should not take LDN (however, there is a newer FDA-approved morphine that has a VERY low dose of LDN combined with it). LDN is not addictive and can be stopped abruptly without harm or withdrawal.

While most conventional healthcare practitioners are unfamiliar with LDN, it’s gained popularity in functional medicine. At TWIHW, we’ve been prescribing LDN for several years for all sorts of health issues. Because it’s specially compounded, it’s not covered by insurance. Dosing is very personalized for each patient. In our practice, the dose varies from 0.5mg per day to 4.5mg twice daily. Depending on the purpose or need, it can be formulated into capsules, sublingual drops, topical creams, nasal sprays, and eye drops.

Is LDN right for you? Be sure to ask your medical provider during your next visit!

Resources:

https://www.ldnscience.org/patients/qa/how-does-low-dose-naltrexone-work

http://www.lowdosenaltrexone.org/

Low-Dose Naltrexone (LDN) as a Treatment for Autoimmune Disease

https://www.ldnresearchtrust.org/what-is-ldn

By Mila McManus MD|2025-04-30T14:48:22-06:00May 1st, 2025|Articles, General|

The Ravages of Sugar on Coronary Arteries

by Mila McManus, MD

Research is revealing the substantial ravages sugar has on coronary arteries, driving heart disease and stroke.

Research is revealing the substantial ravages sugar has on coronary arteries. Over the last decade, the obesity and diabetes epidemics have propelled an especially large number of research studies across the globe to determine the cause. One consistent outcome across them was not all that surprising: Sugar is a driver of all lifestyle diseases, not just obesity and diabetes! It is also what is driving coronary artery disease and stroke, as well as ADD/ADHD, Cancer, and Auto-immune diseases. Cholesterol medications won’t protect your health from the effects of sugar and other damaging dietary choices. Sorry.

Just a century ago, people consumed about 15 grams of sugar per day, mostly from pure cane sugar. Today, the typical person consumes a whopping 73 grams of sugar per day, mostly in foods sweetened with the cheaper corn-derived fructose sugar. It’s no wonder that our arteries are deteriorating. A more subtle source of sugar intake comes from refined grains in the Standard American Diet (SAD).

A direct relationship is being established between sugar, particularly fructose, and coronary artery disease. Specifically, the findings include:

Sugar can increase your systolic blood pressure.
Sugar can cause hardening of the arteries.
Sugar increases triglyceride levels, increasing the risk for heart disease.
Sugar and grains break down into glucose, elevating insulin, the hormone that tells the body to store deep belly, visceral fat, which releases proteins and hormones that lead to inflammation and damage to arteries. [Click HERE to read more about how glucose and insulin work in the human body]

It comes down to the fact that sugar and refined grains are inflammatory foods that ravage our coronary arteries and destroy cellular structures, leading us to today’s most common reasons for death, all of which are degenerative diseases. The most common causes of death today include heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and now obesity. Choosing health means choosing a better lifestyle. A better lifestyle must include a drastic reduction in sugar intake and a substantial increase in whole plant organic foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and animal sources of protein and fat.

Be nice to your arteries. Stop the sugar. Be Well.

Reference:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar

https://www.scripps.org/news_items/7679-how-does-sugar-affect-your-heart-health

By Mila McManus MD|2025-04-24T04:32:55-06:00April 24th, 2025|Articles, General|

Organic Gardening Free Online Course

OHBA is offering a free online course for organic gardening and farming taught by master gardeners, Fred and Barbie Billings.

Some of you may know that Dr. Mila McManus is a board member of OHBA (Organic Horticulture Benefits Alliance).

OHBA recently sponsored an event with Fred and Barbie Billings, master gardeners on a mission to teach organic gardening and farming to the world. Fred and Barbie travel the world to help communities in need, and they are currently in the process of translating their free online course into many different languages. Their company, Garden for Life, is a movement of hearts that believes that wise stewardship of the soil and soul is foundational to a healthy life. Together, we can help protect the planet, our loved ones, and ourselves.

If you have wanted to start growing your own organic foods on a tiny or large scale but have no idea where to start, Garden for Life offers a FREE 14-week online organic gardening course! Simply head to their website to get started.

And please consider a small (or large) donation to support their efforts. (You’ll find a ‘Donate’ button at top right of their homepage)

Thank you, and enjoy!

By Mila McManus MD|2025-04-16T14:11:26-06:00April 17th, 2025|Articles, General|

Our Best Supplements for Weight Loss

You may be interested to know that there are several supplements that support weight loss and weight management. — Real Patient Results

There are many supplements that support weight loss and weight management. As you clean up your diet, eat less, and move more, you may want to consider adding one or more of these to aid your efforts. It’s possible to be deficient in some of them, and your battle of the bulge may be an uphill one as a result.

Collagen[1] – The most abundant protein in the body, collagen makes up the majority of your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin. As we age, we produce less of it, resulting in sagging skin, achy or swollen joints, less energy, and a decline in muscle mass. Adding collagen can help support appetite suppression, satiation, increased lean muscle mass, and improved metabolism.
Curcumin[1] – Found in the Indian spice turmeric, curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent, and obesity is considered a low-grade inflammatory disease. In fact, overeating causes inflammation. Curcumin also helps regulate metabolism by increasing the hormone adiponectin. In one study involving 1,600 people, curcumin was found to help reduce weight, waist circumference, and overall body mass index. Curcumin also aids in liver detoxification and enhances fat burning, which in turn boosts weight loss.
5-htp – Naturally occurring in the body, this amino acid derivative is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is produced in both the gastrointestinal tract and the brain, playing a crucial role in regulating mood, promoting calmness, and facilitating sleep. It can also help reduce carbohydrate cravings and support healthy eating patterns. [Are you a stress eater?]
Hepatothera [2] – Successful dieting and detoxification require support for the liver to perform its many duties. This supplement is designed to support cellular levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) – the crucial antioxidants that protect hepatocytes and help detoxify everyday foreign substances. Moreover, some studies suggest that because toxins are stored in our fat cells, the more toxins we carry, the more fat the body wants to make to sequester them.
Fiber – Essential for good gut health, fiber helps cleanse the intestinal tract. It is essential to keeping the bowels moving, assists with a feeling of fullness, and feeds our favorable gut bacteria. It is essential to drink plenty of water when taking Fiber Supplements.
L-Tyrosine – This amino acid helps to boost chemicals in the brain that affect energy, mood, and appetite. It is also a precursor to thyroid hormone, and thyroid hormones affect metabolism.
Hiphenolic[3] – This supplement combines Lemon Verbena Leaf Extract and Hibiscus Flower Extract with Green Coffee Bean Extract, creating a powerful combination of plant polyphenols that work synergistically to activate AMPK and promote optimal metabolic efficiency by modulating fat metabolism.

So, eat better, eat less, move more, and consider complementing your efforts with one or more of these supplements, all of which are available in our office. And, of course, we also offer weight loss protocols with injectibles. Call 281-298-6742 to inquire.

Cheers to better health and to better weight!

References:

[1] https://www.naturalhealthynews.com/4-of-the-best-supplements-for-weight-loss/

Published Saturday, December 12, 2020

[2] https://klaire.com/hep-hepatothera, accessed on 12/16/2020

[3] https://www.orthomolecularproducts.com/product/hiphenolic, accessed on 4/4/2025

by Mila McManus, MD

By Mila McManus MD|2025-04-09T08:36:55-06:00April 10th, 2025|Articles, General|

Nanoplastics Found In The Brain

by Mila McManus, MD

Researchers found 2,000 milligrams of nanoplastics in brain tissues, equivalent to the amount found in a plastic sandwich baggie. — Is there a baggie in your brain?

In a recently published study, researchers found 2,000 milligrams of nanoplastics in the frontal cortex of the brain, equivalent to the amount found in a plastic sandwich baggie. That’s really disturbing!

Nature Medicine published the study that examined tissue concentrations of nano- and microplastics in the livers, kidneys, and brains of thirty deceased individuals. The autopsy study gathered tissues from biobanks around the country, half of whom died in 2016, and the other half died in 2024. Another startling finding was the dramatically higher concentration of nanoplastics in the brains of those who died in 2024 compared to their predecessors eight years earlier. There were no differences in plastic concentrations between genders, ethnicity, or age. The only factor significantly correlated with the amount of plastic in the brain was the year the individuals died. The more recently they died, the more plastic was found.

Microplastics and nanoplastics – tiny bits of plastic as small as 1 nanometer across – have been detected in various human tissues, including the lungs, placenta, liver, kidneys, and plaques in the carotid arteries. This adds a poignant twist to the idea that we are what we eat and drink. Clearly, we are increasingly eating and drinking plastic!

The researchers complemented traditional light microscopy with gas-chromatography mass-spectroscopy to identify particles that are too small to be seen under a conventional microscope. These instruments were key to understanding what is going on in the brain. The blood-brain barrier effectively prevented the larger microplastic pieces from entering. However, the very small nanoplastic pieces manage to pass through and become lodged in the brain. A subset of the individuals studied had dementia at the time of death. Plastic levels were drastically higher in the brains of that group, equating to 10 sandwich bags!

The researchers were also able to identify the type of plastic present in the brain, which helped determine the source. There are three main types of plastic. Polystyrene is commonly found in packing peanuts and used in Styrofoam cups and plates. Polyethylene is used in plastic zip-top bags, water bottles, storage containers, cutting boards, and plastic wraps. Polypropylene is found in crates, bottles, and jars. By and large, across all the tissues, the plastic found was polyethylene, the most commonly produced plastic. It does not biodegrade and is everywhere.

While it is almost impossible to avoid plastics and other toxins in the environment today, there is no doubt that improved health can be achieved by controlling as many variables as possible. A study in Environmental Science & Technology estimated that individuals who drink most of their water from plastic bottles ingest an additional 90,000 particles of microplastics per year, compared to 4,000 for those who consume only tap water. That’s a big difference. It’s an easy fix to bring a reusable glass or stainless-steel bottle with you.

Reduce your usage of plastic everywhere possible.

Don’t have a baggie brain. Be well.

References:

Nihart, A.J., Garcia, M.A., El Hayek, E. et al. Bioaccumulation of microplastics in decedent human brains. Nat Med (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-024-03453-1

Micro(nano)plastics in the Human Body: Sources, Occurrences, Fates, and Health Risks, Penghui Li and Jingfu Liu, Environmental Science & Technology 2024 58 (7), 3065-3078, DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c08902

By Mila McManus MD|2025-04-03T11:28:47-06:00April 3rd, 2025|Articles, General|

Aluminum Foil: A Toxic Habit

by Mila McManus MD

Tragically, using aluminum foil is a toxic habit that can have serious unintended consequences for our health and well-being. — Are You Wrapped Up In This Toxic Habit?

For generations, our parents and grandparents have used aluminum foil to wrap baked potatoes, line cookie sheets, and store leftovers in the kitchen. Today, outdoor grillers use it as one of many tools of this culinary art. Tragically, despite its convenience, using aluminum foil is a toxic habit that can have serious unintended consequences for health and wellbeing.

Aluminum Foil Is Pervasive

Toxicity concerns have arisen due to the increasingly pervasive exposure to aluminum foil. Foil debuted in 1911 in Switzerland when Tobler began wrapping its famous triangular chocolate bar, Toblerone, in it. Life Savers followed suit, wrapping their legendary candy in the shiny metal tube. Pre-formed, all-foil food packaging containers appeared on the market in 1948. Now, a complete line of die-formed and air-formed foil containers and wraps are sold in every supermarket, used to package pre-made meals, and used in homes, fast food, and restaurants for takeout. Behind the scenes in restaurants, aluminum foil insulates and holds heated foods until served. Amazon offers aluminum reusable and recyclable party cups as an alternative to plastic [ Really?].

Toxic Exposure

The use of aluminum foil in cooking results in transferring aluminum into the food we eat. How much aluminum leaches into the food depends on the acidity, salt content, fat, temperature, and cooking time. Studies show that marinated foods with greater acidity and salt content, and longer, high-temperature preparations, consistently released higher levels of aluminum into the food. Heavy-duty aluminum foil also resulted in an even greater amount of aluminum being released into food. Toxicity is an especially high-risk concern for developing children under the age of three.

Studies have demonstrated that aluminum accumulation in the body is linked to neurological issues, including Alzheimer’s, autism, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease. Aluminum also replaces calcium in bones, leading to weakness and higher fracture risk. Anemia is another downstream result when bone marrow cannot produce hemoglobin. Our liver and kidneys can struggle to filter aluminum out of the body, resulting in dysfunctions such as liver disease, metabolic disorders, and kidney stones. Symptoms of aluminum toxicity include memory loss, confusion, coordination difficulties, bone pain, kidney dysfunction, and respiratory issues.

How to Reduce Exposure

Avoid using aluminum foil or cookware for cooking and food storage. Look for glass, silicone, stainless steel, ceramic, and parchment paper options.
If restaurant leftovers are part of your routine, put some safe storage options in your car and take them into the restaurant with you.
Avoid purchasing food in aluminum cans, containers, or bags with ultra-thin aluminum foil lining.
Avoid processed foods, over-the-counter medicines, and beverages in which aluminum crystals and salts prevent caking, serve as a binder, and act as a gastric antacid. Check your antiperspirant for aluminum, too!
Tap water is another source, more so in some areas than others. Have your water tested and use a reverse osmosis filter if levels are high.
Aluminum is a common adjuvant in vaccinations, making this another route of exposure.

To learn more about heavy metal toxicity, testing, and detoxification, talk to one of our healthcare providers.

Kick the Habit. Be Wise. Be Well.

References:

https://kitchendance.com/blogs/default-blog/blog-the-history-of-aluminum-foil-packaging

Dordevic D, Buchtova H, Jancikova S, Macharackova B, Jarosova M, Vitez T, Kushkevych I. Aluminum contamination of food during culinary preparation: Case study with aluminum foil and consumers’ preferences. Food Sci Nutr. 2019 Sep 9;7(10):3349-3360. doi: 10.1002/fsn3.1204. PMID: 31660148; PMCID: PMC6804775.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6804775/

https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/11/06/aluminum-foil-aluminum-exposure.aspx

By Mila McManus MD|2025-03-26T07:03:30-06:00March 27th, 2025|Articles, General|

Fructose: The Most Harmful Sugar

by Mila McManus, MD

Fructose, especially high fructose corn sugar (HFCS), has earned its title as the most harmful sugar, causing a plethora of health problems. All sugars can be harmful, especially when eaten in excess. We always recommend reducing sugar intake as much as possible and limiting choices to real whole food, such as fresh fruit.

The negative effects of high fructose sugar intake include:

Fatty liver
High Triglycerides
Weight Gain
Leptin Resistance
Increased gut permeability, or leaky gut
Hunger and sugar cravings
Increases uric acid, which contributes to Cardiovascular Disease, cognitive decline, and kidney stones, to name a few
Is more addictive than cocaine
Causes insulin resistance

Fructose is a simple sugar found in fruit, vegetables, and some natural sweeteners. High fructose corn sugar [HFCS] is a manufactured sweetening additive derived from corn, a heavily subsidized [think cheap] crop. Over the last 50 years, HFCS use by the food industry has increased considerably worldwide. Other names are corn syrup, glucose-fructose syrup, isoglucose, or crystalline fructose. It is used to sweeten ultra processed food and beverages. Manufacturers love HFCS because, compared to regular sugar, it is sweeter, cheaper, and produced in abundance. However, it is a main culprit contributing to the dramatic rise in lifestyle diseases over the last several decades.

The body’s preferred source of fuel is glucose, the form of sugar we are “wired” to use. While fructose is a simple sugar, the liver must convert it to glucose. Once converted, it is used for energy if the blood needs glucose, or it will be stored in the liver, or fat cells. The process of converting fructose results in a waste product called uric acid, a key contributor to gout and heart disease. A good analogy would be to say that glucose is a clean fuel and fructose is a dirty fuel that pollutes your body.

High fructose corn sugar is a combination of fructose and glucose made from corn starch. It is cheaper and sweeter than cane sugar. It is found in soft drinks, bread, juices, ice cream, canned fruit, canned soup, ketchup, sweetened dairy products, cakes, cereal bars, salad dressings, and many other manufactured foods. We recommend eliminating these foods for a multitude of health reasons, notwithstanding the ones listed above.

We also recommend avoiding corn syrup, honey, and agave nectar as they are predominantly fructose. It is best to limit fresh fruit to no more than 2-3 servings a day. Grapes, watermelon, jackfruit, and dried fruits are intensified forms of fructose, so best avoided or limited. Small fresh fruit is a better choice and offers natural fructose. Fructose in fruit isn’t what’s causing disease in most people. Naturally occurring fructose in fruit is part of a complex web of nutrients and fiber and does not exhibit the same biological effects as the high fructose found in corn sugar. Along with the fructose in a piece of fruit you’re also getting fiber, hydration, vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients your body needs. Good choices include apples, apricots, berries, melon, citrus fruit, kiwi, cherries, pear, plum, and peach. A portion is about the size of a tennis ball, or ½ to 1 cup of fresh bite-sized pieces.

If you need help eliminating harmful fructose from your diet, our staff nutritionist is available to guide you to healthier choices that are best for your unique body and health status.

Eat Well, Be Well.

References:

Dr. David Perlmutter, author of Drop Acid: The Surprising New Science of Uric Acid

https://www.livestrong.com/article/34054-list-foods-high-fructose/

https://drhyman.com/blogs/content/manufactureres-downsized-high-fructose-corn-syrup-still-concerned?_pos=3&_sid=ebacdeac0&_ss=r

By Mila McManus MD|2025-03-19T08:09:12-06:00March 19th, 2025|Articles, General|

Basil Seed: Yes Indeed Eat This Seed!

by Mila McManus MD

Yes, indeed, eating basil seeds is good for you. For centuries, they have been used as a natural remedy in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.

Have you ever heard of eating basil seeds? They are indeed very good for you! Basil seeds have been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for centuries as a natural remedy for indigestion, ulcers, diarrhea, fever reducer, and protection against radiation. They stimulate the nervous system and protect against oxidative DNA damage and gene mutations. Other names for them are sweet basil, sabja, and tukmaria seeds.

Nutritional Benefits

These tiny black seeds aren’t just for growing basil herbs but are deeply nutritious edible seeds. Similar to chia seeds, basil seeds are a nutritional powerhouse and are often referred to as a superfood or a functional food. Check out these impressive nutrition facts!

Basil seeds:

Are lectin-free, unlike the chia seed. For information about lectins, look here.
Are a substantial source for calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Contain significantly higher concentrations of vitamin E than flaxseeds.
Are an excellent antioxidant.
Are anti-inflammatory and have anticancer properties.
Are full of healthy unsaturated fat, quality protein, and all of the carbohydrates are fiber, making them ideal for maintaining stable blood sugar.
Are high in soluble fiber, including pectin, which nourishes favorable gut bacteria, promotes satiety, helps with blood sugar control, and improves cholesterol. Basil seeds have TWICE the fiber as chia.
Are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. One tablespoon provides the recommended daily intake.

Using Basil Seeds

It’s best to soak basil seeds for 15 minutes [1 Tablespoon in 8 ounces of water or other liquid] before using them in recipes, unless the recipe contains a lot of liquid, such as a soup, in which case pre-soaking would not be needed. The seeds will triple in size and then can be added to smoothies and protein shakes, used in homemade lemonade and other drinks, soups, salad dressings, yogurt, puddings, and oatmeal. If using them in baked goods, you can grind them and use them to replace part of the flour rather than adding them soaked. They also can be used as an egg replacer; 1 tablespoon soaked in 3 tablespoons of water will replace one egg in a recipe. You will find many recipes on the web as well as numerous quality brands.

Yes indeed! Eat this seed, and be well.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/basil-seeds

Calderón Bravo H, Vera Céspedes N, Zura-Bravo L, Muñoz LA. Basil Seeds as a Novel Food, Source of Nutrients and Functional Ingredients with Beneficial Properties: A Review. Foods. 2021 Jun 24;10(7):1467. doi: 10.3390/foods10071467. PMID: 34202798; PMCID: PMC8303141.

By Mila McManus MD|2025-03-12T06:09:48-06:00March 13th, 2025|Articles, General|

Ingredient Stacking: Have You Been Duped?

by Mila McManus, MD

Have you been duped by ingredient stacking? It is a marketing ploy used by food manufacturers to give you the wrong impression of reality. — Ingredient Stacking – Sugar

Has ingredient stacking duped you? It’s one of the many marketing ploys food manufacturers intentionally use to deceive you about what’s in their products. Manufacturers are supposed to list ingredients in descending order, based on the amount/volume used. One of the ways they can prevent listing sugar or sweeteners first is to use two or more types of sweeteners so that the first ingredient can be something other than sugar. With over 56 common names for sugar, it is easy to be duped. Let’s look at a two ingredient stacking examples.

Look at the first picture below (“Example One”). In this example, the manufacturers got foods perceived by most people as protein into the first two positions. However, continue down the list, and you will see that there are six more sweeteners: tapioca starch, erythritol, allulose, cane sugar, monk fruit extract, and stevia leaf extract. If the ingredient list were truly transparent, “sweeteners” would be listed as the first ingredient since they make up the greatest amount/volume used! Ingredient stacking is a clever, dishonest technique used by food companies to lie with food labels. And by the way, soy protein isolate is a genetically modified and molecular isolation of only part of the soy molecule in an air puffed format – an ultra-processed food. Allulose is a new darling on the food sweetener stage, but early research suggests that it harms the gut biome, so we advise you to avoid it as well.

Next, look below at Example Two. Here is another excellent example of ingredient stacking. The second ingredient is sugar, but there is more of it as you move down the stack. Next comes brown sugar, corn syrup, and tapioca starch, all used to sweeten the product. By using different sweeteners in lesser amounts, the manufacturer can elevate the milk, cream, flour, and cocoa to the highest level on the list. Also note that three gums, and the subtle note at the bottom that this food CONTAINS BIOENGINEERED INGREDIENTS, should inspire you to return it to the freezer case at the grocery store.

Ingredient stacking happens with other ingredients besides sugar. You will find wheat gluten and gum stacks if you pay close attention. Ingredient stacking, health claims on the front of the package, and the package itself, should alert you to caution. We can go so far as to say if the package has any health claims on the front of it, it is another duping marketing ploy. The trending health claims now are plant-based, more protein, gluten-free, and a good source of Omega-3. But none of that assures you that it is a healthy choice! Read the ingredient list and fine print first. Then carefully examine the Nutrition Facts for fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Ideally, continue eating real whole food from the produce section, meat and fish counter, legumes, lentils, split peas, and nuts.

Don’t be duped. Limit packaged food. Eat the real thing. Stay well.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/56-different-names-for-sugar#55-56-Other-sugar

By Mila McManus MD|2025-03-04T06:03:06-06:00March 6th, 2025|Articles, General|

Gluten Hides in Unexpected Places

by Mila McManus, MD

Gluten hides in unexpected places, not only in food sources, but in many other items that may surprise you! First, let’s define gluten and explain why you should care. Then, we’ll provide examples of its hiding places.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a protein network made up of gliadin and glutenin. Gliadin and glutenin form an unbreakable web that gives bread structure and makes it light and fluffy. The most common sources are wheat, barley, and rye grains. Wheat comes in many varieties, such as durum, emmer, semolina, spelt, farina, farro, graham, Kamut, and einkorn. Oats are naturally gluten-free but are often cross-contaminated with gluten in the fields or during manufacturing.

Why Should I Care?

Gliadin makes up 70% of gluten’s protein and is the culprit in damaging the gut biome.

In Celiac disease, people are sensitive to both gliadin and glutenin, and the gliadin damages the lining of the intestine.
In gluten sensitivity or allergy, there is no damage to the lining of the intestine, but intestinal permeability is increased, allowing inadequately digested food particles and toxins into the bloodstream.
Gliadin can also trigger tissue injury by disrupting the immune response.
In studies using human cells in a lab, gliadins have been shown to reorganize the intestine’s thin, flexible cellular fibers, resulting in excessive permeability. To help you visualize, the gut should look more like a fine wire sieve, not a larger holed colander.

Since gliadin cannot be removed from gluten, a gluten-free diet is the best approach to avoiding damaging the gut biome. Unfortunately, this is not as easy as avoiding bread, pasta, and pizza. Let’s examine the more obvious and sneakier hiding places of gluten.

Where Does Gluten Hide?

The Celiac Disease Foundation has the most detailed list of hiding places of gluten, which you can access here . Beyond the bread, pasta, and pizza products made with wheat flour, some of the most unexpected hiding places for gluten include:

Brewers yeast, noodles, cereals (oat, rice, and corn-based), sauces, and gravies.
Granola bars, French fries, potato chips, processed lunch meats, candy, and candy bars.
Malt vinegar, soy sauce, flour, or barley enzymes can be used to make soup, salad dressing, marinades, and brown rice syrup.
Pre-seasoned meats, self-basting poultry.
Eggs served in restaurants where pancake batter is added to the scrambled eggs or omelets.
Beers, ales, lagers, malt beverages, and malt vinegar are made from gluten-containing grains.
Cosmetics such as lip gloss, lipstick, and mascara.
Oral care and dental products
Herbal and nutritional supplements
Over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs
Playdough!

Look for this new Certified Gluten-Free symbol when shopping. Be cautious when eating in restaurants. A healthy gut biome is one of the best tickets to good health. Please don’t ruin it. Be well.

References:

The Celiac Disease Foundation. https://celiac.org/.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/what-is-gliadin?srsltid=AfmBOoqVgDfXkcy2QR391ikE__4JI9y4e33ngDGu7j6lnnaQHGmnBHf2

By Mila McManus MD|2025-02-26T07:11:54-06:00February 27th, 2025|Articles, General|