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|

Supplement of the Month- Neo40

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

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

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

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

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

Source: www.neogenis.com

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

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

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

Supplement of the Month- Magnesium

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

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

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

Improving nutrition and supplementation are pivotal to achieve optimal health.

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

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

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

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

The Vicious Cycle

By Nancy Mehlert, MS

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

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

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

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

Here are three essential steps to get fast results:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Supplement of the month- On Guard Essential Oil Blend

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

Ingredients:

Wild Orange Peel, Clove Bud, Cinnamon Bark,

Eucalyptus Leaf/Stem, and Rosemary

Leaf/Flower essential oils.

Aromatic Description:

Warm, spicy, camphoraceous, woody

USES

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

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

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

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

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

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Diffusion:

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

Internal use:

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

Topical use:

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

CAUTIONS

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

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

Information obtained from doTerra’s product information pages.

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

Supplement of the month- Breathe Blend of Essential Oils

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

Ingredients:

Laurel Leaf, Peppermint Plant, Eucalyptus Leaf/

Stem, Melaleuca Leaf, Lemon Peel, Ravensara

Leaf, Cardamom Seed essential oils

Aromatic Description:

Minty, hot, fresh, airy

USES

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

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

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

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

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Diffusion:

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

Topical use:

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

CAUTIONS

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

Information obtained from doTerra’s product information pages.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Histamine Intolerance

By Nancy Mehlert

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sources:

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

http://www.histamineintolerance.org.uk

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

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