Magnesium-The Antidote to Stress

Think of magnesium as the relaxation mineral.

Anything that is tight, irritable, crampy, and stiff — whether it is a body part or even a mood — is a sign of magnesium deficiency.

This critical mineral is actually responsible for over 300 enzyme reactions and is found in all of your tissues — but mainly in your bones, muscles, and brain. You must have it for your cells to make energy, for many different chemical pumps to work, to stabilize membranes, and to help muscles relax.

Much of modern life conspires to help us lose what little magnesium we do get in our diet. Magnesium levels are decreased by excess alcohol, salt, coffee, phosphoric acid in colas, profuse sweating, prolonged or intense stress, chronic diarrhea, excessive menstruation, diuretics (water pills), antibiotics and other drugs, and some intestinal parasites. In fact, in one study in Kosovo, people under chronic war stress lost large amounts of magnesium in their urine.

Food high in magnesium: Kelp, wheat bran, wheat germ, almonds, cashews, buckwheat, brazil nuts, dulse, filberts, millet, pecans, walnuts, rye, tofu, soy beans, brown rice, figs, dates, collard greens, shrimp, avocado, parsley, beans, barley, dandelion greens, and garlic

The RDA (the minimum amount needed) is about 300 mg a day. Most of us get far less than 200 mg.
Some may need much more depending on their condition.
Most people benefit from 400 to 1,000 mg a day.
The most absorbable forms are magnesium citrate, glycinate, taurate, or aspartate, although magnesium bound to Kreb cycle chelates (malate, succinate, fumarate) are also good.
One potential side effect is diarrhea, which can be avoided if you switch to magnesium glycinate or a topical form.
Taking a hot bath with Epsom salts (magnesium sulfate) is a good way to absorb and get much needed magnesium.

People with kidney disease or severe heart disease should take magnesium only under a doctor’s supervision.

The above is taken from: http://drhyman.com/blog/2010/05/20/magnesium-the-most-powerful-relaxation-mineral-available/#close

By Mila McManus MD|2015-04-23T12:40:49-06:00April 23rd, 2015|Articles, General|

Let’s Talk Tea

By Nancy Mehlert, MS

When I was a girl, tea was a beverage reserved for very refined people, often of British origin, to be had late in the afternoon. I hated it when my mom told me we had to go to someone’s house for tea. It was not my idea of fun because it usually meant putting on nicer clothes and good behavior. Today, it has become a very popular drink and it is one of my favorites! While the tea section at the grocery store contains all kinds of herbal infusions and botanicals, by definition, “tea” must come from the Camellia sinensis plant. All tea, whether white, green, oolong, black or pu’erh comes from this same plant.

As we address anxiety in this newsletter, I want to immediately point out that the ideal tea to promote calm and health is Chinese and Japanese Green Teas from the Camellia sinensis plant. Organic varieties are recommended and these teas contain a rich amount of theanine, an amino acid that produces a relaxed, yet alert state of calm when consumed. So if calm is what you want, green tea is your go to option. Several brand names to check out include The Republic of Tea Organic Double Green Matcha Tea, The Tea Spot, Arbor Teas, and Rishi Tea. These companies all offer a wide variety of Chinese and Japanese green teas that are organic, calming, antioxidant rich and very satisfying.

Now for those of you interested in learning a little more about teas, or getting a good dose of caffeine, here’s the rest of the story…..

Once the tender leaf has been plucked from the Camellia sinensis plant, a process of drying, withering, rolling and heat treatment takes place to make the various types of tea.

White Teas are picked as young buds enclosed in very young leaves and are the least processed and also release the least amount of caffeine of all teas (10-15 milligrams per 8 ounce cup). Their flavor is very delicate and sometimes difficult to detect.

Green tea leaves are plucked and ideal for brewing on the same day. Green tea leaves are not allowed to oxidize which helps to retain a very low caffeine content 25-35 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounce cup), a dark natural green color, theanine, tannins, vitamin C, Chlorophyll and minerals.

Oolong teas are semi-oxidized. The leaves are withered, rolled and then partially oxidized and then fired in a pan to stop oxidation. Sometimes they are smoked to impart flavor to the tea as well. Caffeine on first steeping is 30-50 milligrams per 8 ounce cup but dramatically reduces if the same leaves are steeped a second or third time.

Black teas are fully oxidized and very popular in the western world for the caffeine punch ranging from 40-60 milligrams of caffeine per 8 ounce cup. These leaves are withered, rolled and crushed, which activates the oxidation process. Then they are oven fired to stop oxidation.

Pu’erh teas are first fermented with a semi-fermented green tea, followed by a secondary fermentation for six months where the tea is kept in a warm, humid environment allowing beneficial bacteria and fungal microflora to flourish. It is an ideal health drink and is has been suggested to improve digestion, increase saliva production, dispel the effects of alcohol and refresh the mind. These teas are very dark. It too has a caffeine punch of 60-70 miligrams of caffeine per 8 ounce cup.

All teas from the camellia sinensis plant have essential oils that provide the flavor and aroma of teas. They are rich in antioxidants and also offer small amounts of vitamins, minerals and amino acids including the rare L theanine molecule found in only three foods, two of which are teas listed here. Teas also have enzymes and the methylxanthines which are the alkaloid family that includes caffeine.

So whether you want to kick things up a bit or calm them down, enjoy a cup of tea, and by all means, relax and come as you are.

Sources:

http://www.arborteas.com/pages/tea-health-benefits.html

www.livestrong.com/Foods Rich in Theanine, 8/19/2010

By Mila McManus MD|2015-04-13T11:44:10-06:00April 13th, 2015|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Supplement of the Month: Stress Support Complex

By Complementrary Prescriptions

Stress Support Complex offers a unique blend of nature’s best plant root extracts, along with two important calming amino acids to promote relaxation and help alleviate occasional sleeplessness.

Ashwagandha root extract is one of the most powerful herbs used in Ayurvedic healing and has been used since ancient times. It functions as an adaptogen helping the body to modulate stress responses or a changing environment. Ashwagandha helps the body cope with external stresses such as toxins in the environment as well as internal stresses such as anxiety and insomnia.

Valerian root extract is an herbal remedy commonly used for insomnia and restlessness and is believed to function by sedating the brain and nervous system.

GABA, or Gamma-Amino Butyric acid, is a neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve transmission to the brain, thus calming nervous activity.

L-Theanine is an amino acid found primarily in green tea and, to a lesser extent in black tea and mushrooms, which increases levels of dopamine and GABA in the brain creating a state of wakeful relaxation and stress relief.

Ask your medical practitioner if Stress Support Complex would be a wise choice for you.

*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|2015-04-14T15:33:50-06:00April 13th, 2015|Articles, General|

Causes of Anxiety You May Not Know About

By Mila McManus MD

Are you anxious and don’t know why? Is your anxiety disproportionately high relative to the situation? Have you developed social anxiety? Let’s face it. We ALL have stressors in our lives, whether it’s related to work, family, finances, health, or the weather. We don’t all, however, react to our environments the same way. When you see a ‘conventional’ doctor about your anxiety symptoms, you’re likely to be prescribed a drug such as Lexapro, Klonopin, Xanax, or the like. These medications may provide relief, but they certainly bring with them many potential side effects, and the risk of physical dependence. Moreover, they aren’t addressing the underlying cause(s) of your anxiety. Did you know:

A common, but frequently overlooked cause of anxiety is progesterone deficiency (aka estrogen dominance). Click here to test yourself for estrogen dominance and other hormonal imbalances.
Another common, but frequently overlooked cause of anxiety is adrenal fatigue. Click here to test yourself for adrenal fatigue symptoms and other hormonal imbalances.
Magnesium is an important mineral for the body and is a common deficiency. It may be that a person isn’t eating magnesium-rich foods, or that a person isn’t absorbing magnesium adequately due to an unhealthy gut (click here to test yourself for unhealthy gut), or that magnesium is being depleted due to a side effect of a medication, such as an anti-acid or a diuretic (“water pill”).
Low testosterone levels can cause anxiety. Click here to test yourself for low testosterone symptoms.
Deficiency in B vitamins contributes to anxiety. B vitamins are necessary to help clear the body of adrenalin, a neurotransmitter released in times of stress.
Neurotransmitter (brain chemical) imbalance or depletion contributes to anxiety. Amino acids are precursors to neurotransmitters. If you aren’t eating the diet sufficient to provide dietary amino acids, you won’t be able to produce adequate neurotransmitters. In addition, certain medications, particularly anti-acids, block absorption of amino acids.
If your GI tract isn’t healthy, it will affect your serotonin, which is a calming neurotransmitter. While serotonin is a brain chemical, the vast majority is made in the gut. Unhealthy gut equals unhealthy production of serotonin.
Anxiety is NOT a Xanax deficiency.

As you can see, anxiety can be caused by numerous hormonal imbalances/deficiencies, vitamin and other nutritional deficiencies, and gut issues, among other factors. Call us today at 281-298-6742 and let us help resolve your anxiety.

By Mila McManus MD|2024-04-05T11:14:43-06:00April 13th, 2015|Articles, General|

(R)-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, is one of the most thoroughly researched and highly regarded antioxidants in the body. As a supplement, the most biologically active form of ALA is (R)-Lipoic Acid, which provides maximum antioxidant activity at lower dosage levels.

Vital to cellular energy production, lipoic acid helps to neutralize the damage caused by free radicals, which are chemical by- products occurring from oxidation as the body converts nutrients to cellular energy. Lipoic acid serves to regenerate vitamins C and E and helps maintain levels of glutathione, a vital cellular antioxidant and liver protectant. As a supplement, (R)-Lipoic Acid appears to help increase insulin sensitivity, address metabolic syndrome, support vascular integrity, especially in the eye and nervous system, and support strong immune function.

Those undergoing chemotherapy and those with diabetes or taking anti-diabetes drugs should check with your health care provider before taking lipoic acid or any other supplement. Pregnant and lactating women are also advised to check with your healthcare provider before taking any supplement.

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03051/AlphaLipoic-Acid-ALA.html

Prothera/Klaire Labs/Complementary Prescriptions, 2015 Patient Catalog

By Mila McManus MD|2015-03-23T17:24:38-06:00March 23rd, 2015|Articles, General|

Sautéed Spinach with White Beans and Pine Nuts

Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 T grass fed butter

1 T cold pressed olive oil; extra for garnish

2 T pine nuts

1 large clove garlic, thinly sliced

One 15.5 ounce can, small white kidney or cannellini beans

1 lb fresh spinach, trimmed and washed

Sea Salt

½ cup lightly packed fresh basil (about 15 leaves), thinly sliced

1 T finely grated lemon zest

Freshly ground black pepper

Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add grass fed butter, pine nuts and garlic and cook, stirring often until the pine nuts are golden and the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the beans and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

Add the spinach and ¼ tsp salt and cook, turning with tongs until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and add the basil, lemon zest and pepper to taste. Garnish with a drizzle of olive oil and serve.

Nutrition Facts, 1 serving: Calories 180; Fat 10g; Protein 9g; Carbohydrates 21g; Fiber 8 g; Magnesium 242g

Adapted from recipe at www.finecooking.com, Issue 104

By Mila McManus MD|2015-03-22T23:30:10-06:00March 22nd, 2015|Articles, General, Recipes|

The Great Vaccine Debate

Over the last 10 years I have become more of a skeptic. Maybe it is because I bought a McDonald’s Happy meal 3 years ago and still have it – bugs won’t eat it and mold won’t grow on it. Or maybe it is because I bought Stevia in the Raw only to discover that it was neither stevia nor raw, but a bag of more than 51% genetically modified corn maltodextrin – which is not “natural” or healthy at all. Or maybe it is because after listening to hundreds of pharmaceutical drug ads, it dawned on me that more ad time was used to focus on potential dangers of the drug rather than the possible benefit from it. And maybe the icing on the cake was 10 years ago when I had a plethora of health problems while subsisting on the FDA Food Pyramid recommendations and Diet Coke with no idea that my diet had anything to do with being sick and tired. Much to my shock, my health was restored when I eliminated the grain and food chemicals and dramatically reduced sugar intake while adding in generous amounts of undamaged animal and plant fats. Yes, I believe we have good reason to be skeptical. It has made me sadly aware that big industry and government have no genuine interest in me, or my health, despite what they claim. So I must be responsible, educated and yes, skeptical.

Now I’m asking another question as I prepare for a Peru mission trip this summer. Should I get any vaccinations? I’ve grown up believing that vaccinations were in my best interest. A decade ago, I would have gone to a doctor to get every recommended vaccine, no questions asked. But today, knowing what I know, I can’t trust or assume that conventional “wisdom” was created in my best interest. This topic is complex, it is emotionally charged, and it is currently being hotly debated. I cannot begin to dig deeply into of every aspect of the debate, but I wanted to share some of what I am learning and the resources I have found interesting, compelling and helpful.

The healthy and necessary vaccination debate sprung out of a significant and growing number of parents who have witnessed serious side effects in their children immediately after a vaccination and/or now their children are chronically ill or disabled, diagnosed with learning disabilities, autism, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, asthma and allergies, just to name a few.

As a nutritionist in a doctor’s office, I can’t help but think that our poor diets, damaged guts, use of prescription drugs, and toxic world, plus a lot of vaccinations, have possibly created the proverbial “perfect storm” for our children.

Dr. Suzanne Humphries, author of the book Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History, 2013, is a nephrologist who left her lucrative medical practice to examine the lost history of vaccinations after several of her patients had been perfectly healthy until they got a vaccination. She also began to question her long term beliefs about them when she discovered that her patients in the hospital were getting vaccinated upon admission, before she even saw them, and the hospital was putting her name on the order, even though she had not approved it. When she complained to hospital administration, she was met with resistance. This gave her pause and led her to ask about the history of vaccinations and how we arrived where we are today.

Vaccinations contain not only cells taken from the fetus and organs of dogs, cows, monkeys, chickens, and aborted humans, but also contain aluminum and mercury (both very toxic to tissues and the brain), monosodium glutamate, formaldehyde, polysorbate 80, yeast and detergents, to name a few. [i] I work very hard to avoid most of these things in my food and I certainly don’t want them injected into my body either. I won’t be getting a vaccination without asking what is in it ever again!

Were you aware that Congress and the U.S. Supreme Court have declared vaccines to be “unavoidably unsafe”[ii],[iii] yet they are still committed to recommending this aggressive vaccination program while completely shielding the drug companies from product liability? In 1986 Congress banned civil lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers when Americans are injured or die from federally recommended and state mandated vaccines, and the U.S. Supreme Court concurred in 2011. My skepticism can only ask “Really? We know they are “unavoidably unsafe” but we are going to recommend them, make more, require them, and then protect the makers of them?” If the vaccine manufacturers are not held accountable for product liability, what will motivate them to improve the horrific ingredients, or question safety and efficacy? There is nothing to lose, yet a lot of money to be made.

Government policy directs pediatricians to give children three times as many vaccinations today than children got 30 years ago. Today, the CDC recommends that within the first 18 months of a baby’s birth, the baby be injected with 27 vaccination doses. By age 6, children have had a total of 49 vaccination doses and by 18 years of age a total of 69![iv] So is more really better? Could cumulative effect from too many vaccines be creating serious problems? What is the limit? It occurs to me that before the invention of the first vaccination, the human species had perpetuated itself and no disease had destroyed mankind. Have we respected and understood the full capacity and intricacies of the human immune system? Based on my reading, very little was known when the first vaccine was introduced and much of the genetic, biological, immunological research today is turning conventional vaccine “wisdom” on its head. What are we thinking when we take a tiny newborn baby in all its wonder and think somehow that we are the wiser to impose 27 foreign viruses and toxic adjuncts onto this tiny, new immune system? Is there common sense or logic or even valid research to assure us that there is wisdom in this? Are we certain beyond certain that first and foremost this does no harm?

Could it be that any of this has to do with the fact that the current global vaccine market is worth $30 billion dollars? In ten years it is projected to be worth $100 billion dollars. [v] There is a public-private business partnership that has been forged between government and the pharmaceutical industry [vi],[vii],[viii],[ix],[x],[xi] with our tax dollars to develop hundreds of new vaccines. [xii]

And what about efficacy? Are vaccinations preventing outbreaks? According to GlobalResearch.org, they report candidly “the most highly vaccinated populations are also those with the greatest number of outbreaks for those same infectious diseases. This was especially the case for measles, mumps, rubella, polio and pertussis outbreaks.” [xiii] There are studies revealing how live virus vaccines actually create the potential for those vaccinated to be infecting others, both vaccinated and unvaccinated.

These comments are only the tip of the iceberg for this debate. I finish this article with more questions and fewer answers than when I started and am still very skeptical. I hope you explore further for yourself and your family. It is also important to know that there is a very strong lobby representing drug companies, medical trade associations, and public health officials who are trying to persuade legislators to strip all vaccine exemptions from public health laws which take away your right to informed consent and ability to get a vaccine exemption for you or your children.

Dr. Mercola at www.mercola.com has invested significant time, research and effort into discussing every side of this issue in his newsletters. He also addresses Dr. Donald Miller’s “user friendly vaccination plan”. I also carefully read the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at CDC.gov. which sheds light on the topic. The Weston A. Price Foundation at wapf.com and the film called The Greater Good, as well as insights on the topic from Dr. Campbell-McBride, author of The Gut and Psychology Syndrome have also been helpful to me. You may want to get the book by Dr. Suzanne Humphries, Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History as another helpful resource.

We aren’t telling you to NOT get vaccinated. We are presenting some facts and encouraging you to ask questions and educate yourself. You, as an individual, must weigh the benefits and risks for each and every vaccine as they pertain to your individual circumstances, such as your health, your job, and your travel.

[i] http://vaxtruth.org/2011/08/vaccine-ingredients/ and http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/package_inserts.htm

[ii]Supreme Court of the United States. Bruesewitz v. Wyeth. Feb. 11, 2011.

[iii] NVIC. National Vaccine Information Center Cites “Betrayal” of Consumers by

U.S. Supreme Court Giving Total Liability Shield to Big Pharma. Businesswire

Feb. 23, 2011.

[iv]http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/images/schedule1983s.jpg

[v]Businesswire. The Global Vaccine Market Is Expected to Surpass Estimated $100 Billion by 2015. Global Vaccine Market Pipeline Analysis June 27, 2014.

[vi]Grotton F. The Project Bioshield Act: Issues for the 112th Congress. Congressional Research Service Mar. 13, 2012.

[vii]Palmer E. Novartis in tax fight over vaccine plant that HHS helped pay for. Fierce Vaccines June 8, 2012.

[viii]Kirby TL. Licensing and Patenting at the NIH. Office of Technology Transfer, NIH: 2013.

[ix]Corby-Edwards AK, Redhead CS. Public Health Service Agencies: Overview and Funding. Congressional Research Service Nov. 12, 2013.

[x]FDA. Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA): PDUFA V: Fiscal Years 2013- 2017. FDA Dec. 26, 2013.

[xi]PhRMA. Statement on United States and China Public Private Partnership on Healthcare. Press Release: Jan. 20, 2011.

[xii]Clinical Trials.gov. New vaccines.

[xiii] http://globalresearch.org

By Mila McManus MD|2015-03-30T08:39:57-06:00March 22nd, 2015|Articles, General|

Chia Seeds

Chia seed is a species of flowering plant in the mint family and is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. They are usually grown organically, are non-GMO and naturally free of gluten. They have become trendy as of late and have been given the status in the nutrition world of being called a “superfood”. This is one superfood that I truly recommend because the nutritional value, ounce for ounce, is rather astounding. (If you are in a hurry to figure out how to use them, skip to the bottom of the article!)

The Nutrition Profile –Amazing!

2 Tablespoons of Chia Seed contains the following:

Protein – 4.4 grams

Fat – 9 grams

Omega-3 fatty acids – 4915 mg

Omega-6 fatty acids – 1620 mg

Carbohydrates – 12 grams

Fiber – 11 grams (42% of the Recommended Daily Value)

Calcium -18% of RDV

Manganese – 30% of the RDV

Magnesium – 30% of the RDV

Phosphorus – 27% of the RDV

Zinc – 7% of the RDV

Chia also contains essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid, mucin, strontium, boron, Vitamins A, B, E, and D as well as sulfur, iron, iodine, niacin, and thiamine and they are a rich source of antioxidants.

Good for Everything (almost!)

This impressive nutritional evaluation means that, for just 2 tablespoons a day, you can derive a great deal of potential benefit including:

Chia is a balanced food offering high quality protein, fat and carbohydrates. When you eat them, you get some of every primary building block for life.
A digestive health superstar, the carbohydrates in chia are almost totally from fiber. This helps to provide satiation, balance blood sugar, promote bowel regularity, and have a gel forming action in the soluble fiber that works as a prebiotic supporting the growth of probiotics in the gut. By weight, chia seeds are 40% fiber, making them one of the highest sources of fiber available.
Antioxidant rich, chia can be a reliable and powerful protection against free radical damage in the body, the damage that promotes aging (yes including wrinkles!), inflammation and disease.
One small study [i] in Type 2 Diabetics showed that chia seeds can significantly lower blood pressure and C-reactive protein (a marker for inflammation).
Chia has the ability to reverse inflammation, regulate cholesterol and lower blood pressure, all of which support heart health. [ii]
The protein in chia is complete, meaning that it provides all of the essential amino acids that the body requires but cannot make for itself. Since it is a plant protein, it offers a good source of protein for those who do not consume animal protein.
Chia seeds offer an excellent source for calcium as well as most of the other essential nutrients for bone health including phosphorus, magnesium, and boron.
Chia is high in linoleic acid, a fatty acid which helps the body absorb the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.

How to use Chia Seed:

Add to organic yogurt or a non-dairy almond or coconut milk yogurt.
Add to organic unsweetened applesauce.
Drink them by soaking seeds (1.5 Tablespoons) in 8 ounces of water for about 30 minutes or more. Chia seeds hold 12 times their weight in water. When soaked, they can offer great hydration to your body. Unsoaked chia can steal hydration from your body so be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated.
Make a pudding by putting ¼ cup chia seeds in 8 ounces of nut milk and allow to soak overnight in the refrigerator. Top or blend with pureed mango, blueberries, strawberries, banana, or raspberries.
Pulverize and use chia seed in gluten-free recipes for pancakes, muffins, and breads.
Add to a protein smoothie.
Use in chili or stew to increase nutrition and volume, allowing your shopping dollar to go further without diluting flavors.
Grind and combine with ground pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds and coconut flakes. Then add hot water for a wonderful low carb breakfast porridge. Sweeten with stevia or lo han if desired.

[i] http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/30/11/2804.long

[ii] http://www.clevelandclinicwellness.com/Features/Pages/chia-seeds.aspx#

By Mila McManus MD|2015-03-22T23:02:26-06:00March 22nd, 2015|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Dangers of Allergy Medications

Dr. Mila McManus

I rarely come across someone in my practice or personal life who doesn’t have issues with allergies. If you don’t suffer with allergy symptoms, then chances are you know someone who does. There are plenty of medications on the market, both prescription and over the counter, for treating allergy and sinus issues. It’s important to remember that over-the-counter medications aren’t necessarily safer than prescription drugs and aren’t without potential side effects. I suffered with severe allergies and eczema, and mild asthma, for the first 30+ years of my life. I remember starting allergy shots at the age of 4 or 5. I typically required 3 different medications at any given time which barely controlled my misery. I thought a medical degree would prepare me for finding the best cure for my symptoms, but alas, I was wrong. It wasn’t until I discovered holistic medicine that I was able to determine the root causes of my allergies and eczema and cure them once and for all. I’ll come back to that a little later.

Let’s talk about potential side effects of various allergy treatments. From various sources (references below), I’ve compiled a list:

Anti-histamines (these side effects are more common and/or severe with first generation anti-histamines such as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine) and Chlorpheniramine)

o Weight gain (yes, really)

o Drowsiness

o Impaired learning

o Blurred vision

o Headache

o Confusion/delirium

o Urinary retention

o Linked to suicide cases in teens and adults

Decongestants (e.g. Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine)

o High blood pressure

o Insomnia

o Headache

o Irritable mood

o Arrhythmia

Nasal steroids (e.g. Flonase, aka Fluticasone)

o Unpleasant smell or taste

o Nasal irritation

o Nosebleeds

o Stunted growth in children

o Suppressed immune system

o Glaucoma (with long term use)

o Cataracts (with long term use)

Leukotriene Inhibitors (e.g. Singulair, aka Montelukast)

o Irritable mood

o Anxiety

o Insomnia

o Hallucinations

o Aggressive behavior

o Depression/suicidal thoughts or behavior

Subcutaneous Immunotherapy (also known as allergy shots or SCIT)

o Discomfort at injection site

o Exacerbation of allergy or asthma symptoms

o Anaphylaxis

If you asked me 12 years ago if I thought I would ever be allergy-free, I would have answered “not in a million years”. Forward to today and I can happily say that I am symptom-free! It did take 5 long years of being on the wellness path (healthy diet, elimination of allergenic foods from diet, handful of vitamins/supplements, restoring my gut health, constant detoxification, balancing hormones) and taking sublingual allergy drops, but when I consider how many years I still have to live, 5 years is trivial. I’d also like to mention that I had a terrible chemical sensitivity, such as immediate headache and general discomfort being around fragrance, and that took an additional 2 years to overcome.

Below is a list of some better, safer alternatives for treating your allergy and sinus problems, some of which I mentioned already:

Sublingual Immunotherapy (also known as allergy drops or SLIT)

o Much safer than allergy shots.

o NOT FDA-approved yet, but many doctors (self-included) use SLIT “off-label”, meaning the allergens used to concoct the drops are FDA-approved, but for use in injections rather than sublingual liquid.

o SLIT has been successfully used in Europe for decades.

o Recently the FDA approved a sublingual tablet that specifically treats grass allergy, but must be started 4 months prior to the season and is very expensive. In addition, most people with allergies are allergic to several, if not numerous, allergens, which this tablet will not treat.

o Contributes towards a more permanent solution for allergy symptoms rather than a continual “band-aid” with antihistamine type drugs.

Acupuncture
EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique)-an acupuncture based treatment
Supplements that have natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory activity in the body

o Click here to learn more

Essential oils

o Click here to learn more

Restoration of gut health which includes dietary changes, removal of opportunistic microbes such as yeast, repletion of good gut bacteria with probiotics, and eventual healing and sealing of the gut.

o 80% of your immune system is located in your gut, so it’s important to support gut health in order to support your immune system against over-reacting to harmless allergens, which is what triggers allergy symptoms.

o A study published in 2008 showed that people who took probiotics throughout the allergy season had lower levels of an antibody that triggered allergy symptoms. Other research has found that giving probiotics to newborns and pregnant females may help prevent childhood allergies.

Irrigation of sinuses, such as with a neti pot

o Thins mucus and flushes sinuses. This also helps to remove allergens from the nasal mucosa which are stimulating the allergic response.

Chiropractics-while not a specific allergy treatment, can be a great supportive therapy to improve overall health

Resources:

www.epocrates.com

www.mercola.com

http://livertox.nih.gov/Antihistamines.htm

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/allergies/in-depth/allergy-medications/art-20047403

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/02/100209124629.htm

http://allergies.about.com/b/2014/04/03/oralair-approved-as-a-sublingual-immunotherapy-tablet-for-grass-allergy.htm

http://www.theasthmacenter.org/index.php/newsletter/sublingual_immunotherapy/

By Mila McManus MD|2018-06-28T22:04:30-06:00March 12th, 2015|Articles, General|

Dangers of Blood Pressure Medications

By Mila McManus MD

In medical school, we are taught that 95% of the cases of hypertension (high blood pressure) that we come across are considered idiopathic, meaning that it does not have a known cause. We know there are some obvious contributors to high blood pressure such as stress, being overweight, and taking certain medications, but how can it be that so many people require blood pressure medication for no known reason? From a wellness perspective, most cases of hypertension do have an obvious underlying cause, and that’s diet. The ever-worsening American diet is causing an ever-increasing number of people with high blood pressure. It’s time to reflect on the amount of sugar, alcohol, caffeine, salt, toxins, grains, and allergens you are consuming if you have high blood pressure.

Below is a list of common classes of blood pressure medications and some of the more common side effects of them:

Diuretics (“water” pills, e.g., hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide, chlorthalidone). Diuretics work by flushing excess water and sodium from the body, thus lowering blood pressure. Side effects include:

o Arrhythmia

o Low platelets

o Pancreatitis

o Low white blood cell count (ie deficiency in immune cells)

o Glaucoma

o Excess calcium in the body

o High blood sugar

o High cholesterol

o Diarrhea

o Headaches

o Muscle cramps

o Sexual dysfunction

Due to the nature of how these types of medications work, they cause depletion of numerous nutrients, such as:

o Vitamin B6 (relating to depression, sleep disturbance, increased heart disease risk)

o Vitamin C (relating to weak immunity, easy bruising, poor wound healing)

o Zinc (relating to weak immunity, poor wound healing, altered sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction)

o CoQ10 (relating to various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy, muscle weakness)

o Potassium (relating to irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, fatigue, edema)

o Sodium (relating to muscle weakness, dehydration, memory problems, loss of appetite)

o Magnesium (relating to cardiovascular problems, including higher blood pressure, asthma, osteoporosis, muscle cramps, PMS)

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. These allow blood vessels to widen by preventing the formation of a hormone called angiotensin. Frequently prescribed ACE inhibitors include enalapril (Vasotec), lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) and ramipril (Altace). Side effects include:

- Swelling of the head, neck, tongue
- Abnormalities of blood cells
- Kidney failure
- Liver toxicity
- Pancreatitis
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Chronic cough
- Fatigue
- Sensitivity to light
- Zinc deficiency which causes weakened immune system, impaired wound healing, altered sense of smell/taste, and sexual dysfunction

Angiotensin II receptor blockers. These help blood vessels relax by blocking the action of angiotensin. Frequently prescribed angiotensin II receptor blockers include losartan (Cozaar), candesartan (Atacand) and valsartan (Diovan). Side effects include:

- Chronic cough
- Upset stomach
- Swelling of head, neck, tongue
- Kidney failure
- Fatigue

Beta blockers. These work by blocking certain nerve and hormonal signals to the heart and blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. Frequently prescribed beta blockers include metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard) and atenolol (Tenormin). Side effects include:

- Heart failure
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Impotence
- Cold extremities
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Vertigo
- Deficiency of CoQ10 which causes various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system and low energy

Calcium channel blockers. These prevent calcium from going into heart and blood vessel muscle cells, thus causing the cells to relax, which lowers blood pressure. Frequently prescribed calcium channel blockers include amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor XR) and nifedipine (Adalat CC, Procardia). Side effects include:

- Arrhythmias
- Heart failure
- Edema (e.g. puffiness/swelling of hands and feet)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Asthenia (restless feeling)
- Constipation

Renin inhibitors. Renin is a substance produced by your kidneys that starts a chain of chemical steps that increases blood pressure. Aliskiren (Tekturna) slows down the production of renin, reducing its ability to begin this process. Due to a risk of serious complications, including stroke, you shouldn’t take aliskiren along with ACE inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers if you have diabetes or kidney disease. Other side effects include:

- Kidney stones
- Swelling of head, neck, tongue
- Diarrhea
- Kidney failure

Alpha agonists. (clonidine, brand name of which is Catapres) This class of drug works on receptors in the brain that inhibit the release of norepinephrine, thereby relaxing blood vessels which, in turn, lowers blood pressure. Side effects include:

- Depression
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Sexual dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Ear pain
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Deficiencies of:
  - - Coenzyme Q10 (Various cardiovascular problems, weak immune system, low energy)
    - Vitamin B6 (Depression, sleep disturbance, increased cardiovascular disease risk)
    - Zinc (Weak immunity, impaired wound healing, altered sense of smell/taste, sexual dysfunction)
    - Vitamin B1 (Depression, irritability, memory loss, muscle weakness, edema)

Alpha blockers. These medications prevent norepinephrine from binding to alpha-1 receptors on smooth muscle surrounding blood vessels, thereby keeping them relaxed, which in turn lowers blood pressure. Examples of this class include terazosin (Hytrin), Prazosin (Minipress), and doxazosin (Cardura). Side effects include:

- Some research has found that some alpha blockers can increase the risk of heart failure with long-term use
- Arrhythmia
- Priapism (dangerous long lasting erection)
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Edema (swelling)
- Diarrhea
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Excessive urination

Vasodilators. (hydralazine). This class of medication directly relaxes the blood vessels by interfering with calcium transport. Side effects include:

- Inflammation of nerves
- Headache
- Lupus
- Abnormalities of blood cells

Now that you’ve read many reasons to avoid blood pressure medications, here are some alternative methods to consider which can all help to reduce your blood pressure naturally.*

Supplements, such as:

o Magnesium-relaxes smooth muscle cells in blood vessels, thus reducing pressure. Read more about magnesium here.

o Krill oil-according to writer Tanya Louise Coad in an article on livestrong.com, “hundreds of published studies have shown benefits from supplementing omega-3s for lowering blood pressure”. She further stated that “a study reported in the May 2009 issue of the Journal of Food Science found a significant blood pressure lowering effect from krill oil on rats. The researchers extracted a peptide from oil located in the tail section and when they fed it to rats, it produced an immediate drop in the animals’ blood pressure”.

o Vitamin D- according to an article by Dr. Mercola, vitamin D deficiency increases parathyroid hormone production, which increases blood pressure. Moreover, Vitamin D is also a negative inhibitor of your body’s renin-angiotensin system (RAS), which regulates blood pressure. If you’re vitamin D deficient, it can cause inappropriate activation of your RAS, which may lead to hypretension.

o Neo40 is a supplement that boosts nitric oxide. Read about it here.

Deep breathing exercises

o Several times per day, and especially when feeling stressed, stop and take 30 seconds to do the following: Sit relaxed in a chair, close your eyes, hold your hands together, picture a happy memory in your mind, and take 4 deep breaths with a 4-count in and 4-count out.

EFT
Meditation
Healing Codes
Exercise
Weight loss
Reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption
Reduce or eliminate caffeine intake
Low carb diet- Insulin depletes magnesium, impairs body’s ability to produce nitric oxide, and causes sodium retention, all of which contribute to high blood pressure. Read Nancy Mehlert’s article about the vicious cycle.

*This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Any changes to blood pressure medication should be done under medical supervision.

Resources:

By Mila McManus MD|2018-06-28T22:09:12-06:00March 10th, 2015|Articles, General|

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