Palmini and Meat Sauce

(You won’t miss spaghetti or the carbs anymore)

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

Palmini and meat sauce is an awesome recipe that satisfies your cravings for spaghetti and meat sauce.

Ingredients:

4 T grass-fed butter or ghee

6 oz sliced baby bella mushrooms

1- 8 ounce package of Palmini Angel Hair

½ lb of 100% grass-fed beef, 85/15

1/3 cup sliced green olives

12-14 ounces jarred organic marinara

½ cup grated Pecorino Romano sheep cheese

In a large skillet, melt the butter on medium high heat.
Slice the mushrooms thinly into the pan and cook until soft.
Add the ground meat to the pan and cook until brown and reduce heat to medium.
Open the Palmini package and drain water off of the “noodles”.
Add them to the mushroom and ground beef mix.
Add green olives, marinara, and cheese.
Stir to mix ingredients and heat for 3-5 more minutes until cheese is melted, and the mixture is bubbly and hot. Then serve.

Ideas: Choose the meat, and additions as desired. Veal, lamb, pork, chicken, or bison would work nicely as meat options, as would shrimp. Spinach, black olives, capers, and zucchini slices would be nice vegetable options. This could easily be placed in a buttered casserole dish with the cheese on top and reheated in the oven at 350° for 25-30 minutes.

Available at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Amazon, and directly from www.eatpalmini.com.

By Mila McManus MD|2021-09-21T16:30:17-05:00September 22nd, 2021|General, Recipes|

What is T-Detect COVID Testing?

T-Detect COVID is the first T cell test for COVID-19 available in the U.S

What are T cells?

T cells are key players in the adaptive immune system. When the body is invaded by a foreign substance like a virus or bacteria, the immune system rallies one of its earliest lines of defense, helper T cells, to join the fight.

Helper T cells may call on their allies to kickstart antibody production to support the fight against the disease. Helper T cells also alert other types of T cells to the presence of foreign invaders to be targeted and destroyed.

After the body has fought off an infection or disease, a small number of T cells remain in the blood. They are called memory T cells and their job is to remember how to ward off these invaders if they ever return.

What is T-Detect COVID?

T-Detect COVID is the first T cell test for COVID-19 available in the U.S. (not available in U.S. Territories) to those over age 18. It measures T cells instead of antibodies to detect recent or past SARS-CoV-2 infection (the virus that causes COVID-19).

How does T-Detect COVID work?

T cells are the first responders of the adaptive immune system and activate the antibody response. While antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) naturally wane and are detectable in the shorter term, T cell responders can persist in the blood long after antibody responses wane.

T-Detect COVID can detect T cells in a blood and recognize the SARS-CoV-2 virus for up to 10 months after symptoms appear (90% sensitivity).

What does T-Detect COVID measure?

T-Detect COVID can detect an immune response to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 disease, to assess recent or past infection. It is not intended for the diagnosis of active/current SARS-CoV-2 infection.

The T-Detect® Assay – Blood test

The T-Detect COVID Assay is intended for use as an aid in identifying individuals with an immune response to SARS-CoV-2, indicating recent or prior infection. The T-Detect COVID Assay uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) to assess the rearranged T-cell receptor beta (TCRβ) gene sequences to present in genomic DNA isolated from human peripheral blood. This test is not intended for diagnosis of active SARS-CoV-2 infection.

T-Detect is available by prescription only. T-Detect results should always be used in combination with clinical examination, patient medical history, and other findings.

Call our office (281-298-6742) for more information and/or to schedule blood draw. The test costs $259

Reference: https://www.t-detect.com/

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T11:13:52-05:00September 9th, 2021|General|

Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy: NEW Weight Loss Program

Semaglutide Weight Loss Program at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness

A Highly Effective Weight Loss Medication That’s Safe for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Have other weight loss protocols failed?

Did you find Pregnancy Hormone to be too strict?

Was KETO too difficult to follow?

This protocol has been FDA approved for weight loss! Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy slows gastric emptying which helps stabilize blood sugar but also reduces cravings and hunger. This is a once weekly injection that can be administered in the office or at home. Our protocol also includes weekly vitamin injections.

Serving patients since 2004 in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Houston, Tomball, Montgomery, Magnolia area. Call today for more information about how this exciting weight loss program can work for you.

What is Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy?

Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy, sold under the brand name Ozempic, Wegovy, among others, is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and ongoing weight management. Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist which improves blood sugar control in people with Type II Diabetes. Because it also slows gastric emptying, which keeps you fuller longer, people can lose large amounts of weight overtime. It was FDA-approved in 2021 for weight loss.

Who is this Weight Loss Program for?

Because it is not a stimulant, Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy is a good solution for those who may not be able to take stimulant-based appetite suppressants such as phentermine. Stimulants are often not prescribed for patients who have existing cardiovascular disease as they can complicate these conditions.

Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy is for patients who want to lose weight, especially patients with type 2 diabetes or whose weight puts them at risk of a serious cardiovascular event (like heart attack or stroke).

How does it work?

Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy slows down the rate at which your stomach sends food to your large intestine. This results in slower digestion (which improves blood sugar) and a longer feeling of fullness. It also stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, removing sugar from the bloodstream.

Patients on Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy have reported reduced appetite and a reduced craving for sweets, both of which contribute to weight loss. Patients also report that over-eating while on Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy results in unpleasant side effects, which discourages poor eating habits.

What to eat when taking Advanced Metabolic Support Therapy?

Eat slowly, and eat smaller meals.
Eat foods that are light and bland.
Drink clear or ice-cold drinks (like water or unsweetened tea)
Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.

At The Woodlands Institute we offer virtual and in-office appointments to fit your schedule. The first time you complete the Weight Loss Protocol you will meet with one of our medical providers to discuss the program and make sure that you are a candidate. Once approved to start you will receive 8 weeks of medication, 8 Lipo-B12 (in-office only) or B12 injections or upgrade to PolyMVA $49. After the 1st 8 weeks you will be able to continue to titrate up following the recommended titration schedule or repeat any dose in 4 week cycles. Virtual patients will receive all supplies needed for each cycle to self administer medication.

Call (281) 298-6742 today to learn more.

By Mila McManus MD|2025-04-07T07:36:10-05:00August 29th, 2021|General|

Medical Providers:

Experience Matters When It Comes to Your Health!

The medical providers at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness offer a collective 61 years of medical training and experience in a wide variety of areas including:

Functional Medicine

Family Medicine

Internal Medicine

Bio-Identical Hormone Therapy

ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat)

Allergy

Alternative and Complementary Cancer Therapies

Chronic Infections

Energy Therapies

Gastrointestinal Disorders

Nutrition and Weight Loss Programs

Meet our Team:

www.woodlandswellnessmd.com/about/staff

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T11:19:45-05:00August 26th, 2021|General|

Perfect Pasta Replacement!

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

If you are on the lookout for a good angel hair, lasagna, or linguini pasta replacement, we’ve found just the thing. Gluten-free options can be frustrating because they are very high carbohydrate. Bean and lentil options are not much better and can be mushy and fall apart. Here’s a new option in the market place that is delightfully surprising, very low carbohydrate, and very flexible with all kinds of Italian sauces, cheeses, and flavors.

Welcome to PALMINI ! It is made from hearts of palm and a great pasta replacement. Give it a try.

Available at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Amazon, and directly from www.eatpalmini.com.

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T12:14:54-05:00August 18th, 2021|General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

The Best of The Woodlands 2021!

WE WON The Best Functional Medicine and Local Weight Loss in The Woodlands for 2021! Check us out in the August edition of Living Magazine!

WE WON The BEST Functional Medicine and BEST Local Weight Loss in The Woodlands for 2021!

Thank you so much for voting for our #BESTOF2021 campaign! Check us out in the August edition of Living Magazine and at LivingMagazine.net!

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T12:16:43-05:00August 6th, 2021|General|

Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

(2 Servings per potato)

1 Medium Sweet Potato

1 Tablespoon Arrowroot

1 Tablespoon butter or coconut oil, melted

Seasoning suggestions: Pepper, Lemon Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Rosemary, Onion or Garlic powder

Sea Salt

Instructions:

Wash the sweet potatoes.
Using a sharp knife slice them into even, similarly sized matchstick fries, not more than ¼ inch in thickness. Peel adds nutrition but you may also peel them if you prefer.
Place them in a bowl of very cold water for 30 minutes or more, overnight is ideal.
Drain and dry off the potatoes.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
Melt 1 Tablespoon of butter or coconut oil and toss the fries in the oil to coat well.
In another bowl put 1 Tablespoon of arrowroot per whole potato. Don’t salt yet, however you can add to the arrowroot seasonings such as pepper, smoked paprika, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder etc.. Lightly Should be closer to a dusting than a breading so err on the light side.
Then spread evenly on the parchment paper into one even layer.
Bake until crispy 13-15 minutes on one side, then flip the fries, and put them back in the oven until brown and crisp, another 7-12 minutes.
Remove from the oven, salt generously, and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T12:19:51-05:00July 29th, 2021|General, Recipes|

Our Need for Collagen

by Nancy Weyrauch Mehlert, MS

Ensuring you are getting adequate sources of collagen is important as an anti-aging strategy as well as an immune building strategy!

Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body. Our physical structure and function requires it to make and repair our bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, skin, and gastrointestinal tract, so it is critical for movement, healthy skin, and digestion. Ensuring you are getting adequate sources of collagen is important as an anti-aging strategy as well as an immune building strategy! Your gastro-intestinal tract and skin barrier are two critical organ systems essential for protecting your body from outside harm.

There are many barriers to getting adequate collagen in the diet. An important one to remember is that, as we age, we produce less collagen, precisely when we need it the most. Processed foods, chronic stress, strenuous exercise, sleep deprivation, environmental pollutants, smoking, excessive alcohol, and poor nutrient absorption all diminish odds for adequate collagen to be obtained by the body.

The most ideal food sources to support collagen production in the body include:

Homemade authentic bone broth
Spirulina (use dried powder or tablet form, and purchase high quality)
Wild Alaskan fish including cod, salmon, sardines, and mackerel
Eggs – we recommend pasture raised chicken eggs
Leafy green vegetables – spinach, kale, and arugula are the best
Pumpkin seeds
Berries
Citrus fruits
Garlic
Fermented Foods
Herbs and Spices

There are also excellent supplemental forms, and selecting a high quality, properly sourced, and formulated one is very important. We carry two excellent products to support collagen needs. CollaGEN is a powdered dietary supplement easily mixed with a liquid. Pure PaleoMeal is a Bone Broth Protein powder in chocolate or vanilla.

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T12:24:15-05:00July 21st, 2021|General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Chia Seed Chocolate Pudding

Fast, Easy, Indulgent, and Healthy!

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding – Not only is it fast and easy, it is also indulgent, and healthy! It’s ready in 8 – 10 minutes.

Prep Time: 8-10 minutes

Makes 4 servings, 8 ounces each

Ingredients:

2 cups unsweetened Milkadamia Vanilla (non-refrigerated aisle)
¼ cup cacao powder
¼ cup Swerve confectioners’ sweetener (more if very sweet is desired)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
½ cup chia seeds

Instructions:

Combine together all ingredients in a bowl or 4 cup measuring cup, stirring well. Wait 15 minutes.

Stir again and transfer into 8 ounce serving cups, ramekins, or other serving container.

Cover and refrigerate for 4 hours.

Garnish with fresh raspberries, nuts, or coco-whip.

Nutrition:

1- 8 ounce serving: 165 calories, 9.75 grams Fat, 5.5 grams Protein, 3.25 net Carbohydrates.

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T12:40:15-05:00July 8th, 2021|General, Recipes|

How’s Your Brain Working?

By Mila McManus, M.D.

The MoCA is a simple and inexpensive test that allows you to get a baseline assessment on your memory and other aspects of cognition.

Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s, is on the rise. Establishing a baseline of your cognition allows for early detection of trouble to come, and also can alleviate fears of Alzheimer’s. Many people have cognitive issues such as brain fog, forgetfulness, trouble focusing, and/or a decline in math skills. Your issues may be related to stress, hormone imbalance, poor nutrition, vitamin deficiencies, vascular disease, food allergies or sensitivities, toxins, insulin resistance, a sleep disorder, or infection in your brain, to name a few. Cognitive decline CAN be prevented and reversed! Addressing root causes as early as possible will lead to the best outcomes.

Memory loss or cognitive decline can be a symptom of other chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s, ALS, stroke, brain tumors, Multiple sclerosis, heart failure, and depression. When a person begins to experience cognitive decline, it is common to experience fear, embarrassment, and anxiety. As a result, it also creates stress and tension with close family members. At the first signs and symptoms of cognitive decline, it’s important to quickly evaluate the sources and begin appropriate treatment.

There is a simple and inexpensive test called The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (aka MoCA for short). This highly validated and standardized test allows you to get a baseline assessment of your memory and other aspects of cognition, such as organizing and calculating. The assessment can be repeated periodically to monitor for improvement or worsening of symptoms and disease.

We administer the test at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness and it takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The initial test is $39 and repeat tests are $29. Don’t put your head in the sand about your brain health! Call (281) 298-6742 and make your appointment today.

By Mila McManus MD|2022-11-01T12:45:44-05:00June 30th, 2021|Articles, General|