Inflammatory Foods

Inflammatory Fire Starters

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

As I prepare to offer the list of the most inflammatory foods, I want to preface it by saying that, in my experience, changing what I eat has been one of the hardest ventures in my life. That stems from the fact that I was a junk food junkie who was addicted to sweets and starch, struggled with portion and weight control, as well as emotional eating. As a result, I walked into the door of wellness as a very inflamed, in-a-lot-of-pain, hot mess mama. At the time, I had no idea food had anything to do with it.

The list of inflammatory foods below will, with certainty, have on it at least one thing you love and enjoy dearly, but, perhaps unbeknownst to you, is causing inflammation, pain, and/or illness. I hope that you will be kind to yourself and start by getting one more thing on this list out of your diet and continue the journey to better health.

Here’s the list of inflammatory fire starters in the human body:

Fast Food
Packaged, processed food products/meals
Hydrogenated, trans- or refined fats and oils
Sugar
Gluten (found in certain grains including wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and oats but also very pervasive in processed foods and not always listed on the ingredient label)
Casein (a protein found in all milk products, especially dense in cheese and also hidden in other products)
All grains, even gluten free grains (corn, rice, etc.)
Any food to which you are allergic or sensitive, tested by IgG/IgE reactions
Daily and/or excessive alcohol consumption
Medications (prescription as well as over-the-counter, and any other substance that is foreign and unrecognized by the body)
Chemical additives to our foods, especially artificial sweeteners, MSG and nitrates/nitrites, antibiotics and hormones, just to name a few.

There’s a compounding effect: the more of these you routinely consume, the more inflammation you can expect to have in the body. Inflammation precedes most disease, especially and including autoimmune disease. Inflammation is anything that hurts, is red, hot or feverish, swollen, bleeding, or raw. So whether you struggle with headaches, heartburn, leaky gut, allergies, high blood pressure, muscle or joint pain, hemorrhoids or eczema, you must face the reality that inflammation exists. Consuming inflammatory foods is very highly likely contributing to the inflammation. The inflammatory cascade can also be triggered by medications, infections, stress, hormone changes, neurological and metabolic factors.

Need help? Call (281) 298-6742 today!

By Mila McManus MD|2016-07-29T10:11:55-06:00July 29th, 2016|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Could You Be Next?

Do you have, or are you at risk for, an Autoimmune Disease?

By Nancy Mehlert, MS and Mila McManus MD

While rare in underdeveloped nations, autoimmune diseases have become a 21^st century epidemic, with one in six people in America living with autoimmune disease. Some of the increasingly common autoimmune diseases of our times include Hashimoto’s thyroid disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease (i.e., ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease), psoriasis, and celiac disease. What you may not realize is how easily anyone can end up with an autoimmune disease if inflammation is not addressed aggressively and in a timely manner. Here’s why:

Your immune system is designed to protect and defend you from potential invaders; those microbes and substances which should not be in your body, including bacteria, parasites, yeast, fungi, chemicals (e.g., plastics, pesticides, petroleum, heavy metals), and anything else that looks foreign and mysterious to your body. There are varying theories as to the exact etiology of autoimmune disease. Traditionalists tend to blame genetics or occasionally allow that infectious disease may stimulate it. Others in the functional and integrative medicine fields give genetics significantly less credit and recognize inflammation as an underlying common thread to all autoimmune diseases that have become chronic and systemic. Simply put, autoimmune disease occurs when the immune system loses its ability to distinguish friend from foe and begins to attack its own tissues, whether that be an organ, nerves, joints, bone, or other tissues. Most functional integrative practitioners also recognize the gut microbiome (i.e., the colonies of various microbes in the gastrointestinal tract) as providing the vast majority of our immune system, and so connect a compromised microbiome and consequent gut inflammation, as well as related gut permeability (aka “leaky gut”), directly to the onset and progression of autoimmune disease. So while definitions and causes of autoimmune diseases vary, what is consistent among them is a systemic inflammation partnered with the body attacking itself, most likely involving underlying gut UNhealth. Lack of gastrointestinal symptoms does NOT equal a healthy gut. Moreover, let’s not underestimate the role of stress as it triggers and/or exacerbates all that ails you.

Treatment methods also vary. Traditionalists will simply seek to stop the immune response with anti-inflammatory medications and immune suppressing medications, all of which have serious side effects and fail to address the source of the problem. Functional medicine seeks to find the chronic sources of inflammation in the body and correct these areas, working to restore optimal function and offer healing.

Understanding the concepts above about autoimmune disease can help you see that, if you don’t identify and put out the fires of inflammation in the body, they can lead to some very serious diseases. Moreover, it follows that your best defense against autoimmunity is to choose a balanced lifestyle that avoids common sources of inflammation, and address any inflammation at its source if, or when, it does appear.

The human body is complex. Just as a car needs the parts of the engine, properly assembled, AND gas, AND oil, AND tires, AND brake fluid AND filters, the human body has many parts that must function together properly and be cared for properly in order to remain disease free and healthy. There is not a simple pill or diet or an exercise that can cure or prevent autoimmune disease.

Here are many of the likely factors to consider as you seek to avoid or treat an autoimmune disease. We recommend that you partner with a functional/integrative practitioner to explore the following:

Check for hidden infections caused by yeast, viruses, bacteria, and other parasites or pathogens.
Identify food allergens and sensitivities with IgE and IgG testing so that they can be removed as a source of immune attack and invasion.
Identify inflammatory foods and beverages, as well as medications, which contribute to overall inflammation, and avoid them.
Identify vitamin, mineral, and other nutrient deficiencies. Healing and recovery will require them. They help to regulate the behavior of the immune system. For example, vitamin D and zinc deficiencies have been well studied as common culprits involved with inflammation.
Address your gut health by restoring the military force of beneficial bacteria that protects you, while simultaneously eliminating the inflammation there. The gut needs to be healed, sealed and re-militarized!
Identify possible sources of chemical exposure and minimize ongoing exposure. Consider your past and present exposure to pesticides, heavy metals (e.g., mercury, lead and arsenic), petrochemicals, Roundup (an herbicide), plastics, fragrances and other beauty care products. All of these are invaders that create havoc, disrupt normal bodily processes and create real and significant inflammation. They are pervasive and present in our routine daily lives but can be dramatically minimized with an intentional approach.
Consider utilizing PEMF as a complement to your other treatments.
Address your stressors. Stress is an inflammatory trigger. According to Dr. David Marquis, a Diplomat American Clinical Board of Nutrition, “ when you engage in an argument and your cortisol levels increase or you are burning the midnight oil to finish a project and your thyroid hormone levels fluctuate, both are examples of chemical changes in the body that create immediate, real time intestinal permeability, resulting in absorption of partially undigested food, toxins, viruses, yeast and bacteria to pass through the intestines into the bloodstream where the immune response attacks”. Learn to balance your life, practice deep relaxation, exercise regularly but not excessively, ensure quality sleep and maintain healthy relationships. Care for your mind, body and spirit – your whole, integrated being.

References:

https://draxe.com/autoimmune-disease-symptoms/

www.mercola.com

By Mila McManus MD|2016-08-01T08:57:27-06:00July 29th, 2016|Articles, General|

Crohn’s and Allergies

My Crohn’s is doing a whole lot better

from Linda M.

Hi Dr McManus.

Your program changed my life. I have been doing so much better. My Crohn’s is doing a whole lot better. My allergies are doing a 100 percent better. Thanks for your help.

By Mila McManus MD|2017-02-21T14:20:14-06:00July 29th, 2016|General, Testimonials|

Physical Transformation!

from Diane R.

Friends are asking about my recent physical transformation. I credit Dr. McManus and her staff with giving me the knowledge and resources to accomplish my new life!

By Mila McManus MD|2016-07-24T08:40:40-06:00July 24th, 2016|General|

Proteolytic Enzymes (Protease)

by Mila McManus MD

Proteolytic Enzymes, or Protease, is a supplement which serves multiple purposes that support the immune system and all inflammatory processes. They are extremely useful as part of a holistic regimen in the treatment of cancers, chronic infections, digestive issues, cardiovascular disease, and auto immune diseases, just to name a few.

Proteolytic enzymes, or proteases, are produced in our stomach and pancreas and used in the digestive process to break proteins down into amino acids. Many people have heard of protease as a component of digestive enzymes taken as a supplement at meals to support healthy digestion; however, proteases have many systemic (i.e., full body) uses and are essential to good health. When taken between meals, protease is absorbed through the gut lining and into the blood stream where they begin to distribute throughout the body to serve many critical functions, including:

Improving blood flow. Under a microscope, healthy blood cells are dispersed and fluid, while unhealthy ones are clumped and crowded, or sticky. UNclumped cells have more surface area to accept nutrients, oxygenate, and rid themselves of debris.
Improving circulation of blood which helps to repair and heal. Blood and its components deliver nutrients to cells, removes waste from cells, delivers oxygen to the brain, muscles and tissues, and transports immune cells to sites of infection, inflammation and damage.
Stimulating the immune system by pairing up with white blood cells, working to make the immune system more precise and efficient. This results in fewer colds, allergies, and infections. Improved detoxification frees up the immune system to focus on real threats and also helps to manage the inflammatory response, thereby reducing allergies, inflammation and pain, and overreaction to minor triggers.
Improving detoxification through removal of metabolic waste, environmental toxins and helping to maintain a clean and healthy internal environment. Proteases help to break down and eliminate damaging, allergenic, or compromised proteins and thus reduce inflammatory responses. Proteases also break down defensive biofilms created by pathogens (e.g., bacteria). These pathogens create the biofilms in the body to hide themselves from the immune system. Once revealed again, the immune system can attack those pathogens and eliminate them. Breaking down biofilm also allows medications, such as antibiotics, to reach their targets.

I like to think of proteases as a great cleaning crew that goes all over the body to scavenge for waste, cleaning up debris and removing the sticky film on surfaces that make it hard to tell what is underneath. Dirty=irritated and inflamed. Clean=calm and peaceful.

Talk to your healthcare provider about proteolytic enzymes, or proteases. Whether you are well and want to be preventative or if you suffer from any kind of inflammation, pain, organ or system dysfunction, compromised immune function, metabolic or genetic disorders, cardiovascular or circulatory concerns, you should consider proteases. We carry Transformation Enzyme formulas and can recommend the best one for you.

And if you really want to ‘nerd out’, you can read a Scientific Brief.

reference:

https://www.transformationenzymes.com/

By Mila McManus MD|2021-11-03T14:06:06-06:00July 22nd, 2016|Articles, General|

Cauliflower Rice with Walnuts

6-8 servings

1 tablespoon coconut oil or ghee
1 yellow onion, chopped (optional)
1 medium to large head of cauliflower, shredded
1 cup walnuts, chopped
1 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Peel and chop the onion and begin to gently sauté in the coconut oil (butter, ghee or duck fat are also excellent).
2. Using a shredder or a food processor, break down the cauliflower into rice sized particles. Stir into onion sauté and continue cooking. Check every 3-5 minutes for texture of cauliflower to avoid over-cooking.
3. When the cauliflower is tender, but not mushy, transfer onions and cauliflower to a serving bowl and toss in salt, pepper, walnuts and lemon juice. Toss and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Suggestions:

Cauliflower pairs well with basil, dill, ginger, curry, nutmeg, oregano, and coriander. So spice it up if you wish! Mushrooms are also a nice addition and can be sautéed with the onions prior to adding the cauliflower rice. Celery works well as a replacement for onion if preferred. For simplicity, this works well with just cauliflower, walnuts, butter, salt and pepper.

By Mila McManus MD|2016-07-22T09:21:34-06:00July 22nd, 2016|General|

Supplement Cocktail for Constipation

There are many possible solutions for the relief of constipation or sluggish bowel function. If you struggle with constipation or difficult bowel movements, please see a health care provider for proper evaluation. Constipation can be a serious health issue and can be caused by many factors (see main article).

Safe supplements to aid in relieving constipation include:

Magnesium citrate improves gut motility.

Probiotics help to maintain a healthy digestive tract and microbial community which promotes optimal digestion and regularity.

Digestive Enzymes help to promote complete digestion of proteins, carbohydrates and fats while also increasing nutrient availability and reducing food intolerances.

Aloe Vera helps to reduce inflammation and improves bowel frequency. Be sure to choose a pure, preservative free, organic aloe very gel or juice.

All of these supplements are available in our office at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness.

By Mila McManus MD|2016-07-06T07:38:52-06:00July 6th, 2016|Articles, General|

Aloe Vera Juice

The process of digestion is very complex. Digestion is the metabolic process that converts foodstuffs within the body for use. The process begins in the mouth where it is chewed and mixed with saliva to prepare it for swallowing. After swallowing, the food is pushed through the esophagus, which transports it to the stomach where it is further diluted and mixed with enzymes, breaking down the food to be absorbed in the intestines. Most of the absorption process begins to take place in the small intestine. Macronutrients, minerals, vitamins, trace elements and water are absorbed here before reaching the colon.

The colon is the final step in the digestion process. The remaining water is reabsorbed in the colon as well as any substance that cannot pass through the intestinal wall such as dietary fiber.

Because the typical diet consists of many foods unintended for healthy digestion, maintaining a healthy digestive tract is important to the overall health of the body. Aloe vera contains numerous nutrients, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. Studies have shown that aloe consumed orally promotes normal digestion and supports a healthy immune system. It’s also very soothing and healing to the gastrointestinal tract.

Source: http://www.nutrametrix.com

By Mila McManus MD|2016-07-06T07:33:54-06:00July 6th, 2016|Articles, General|

Tropical Fruit Salsa

Serves 4 to 6 people

Ingredients:

1 medium mango, chopped into ½ inch chunks
1 medium papaya, seeded and chopped into ½ inch chunks
½ medium red onion, finely chopped
1 medium jalapeno, seeds removed and finely chopped
1 bunch of cilantro, stems removed and finely chopped
Juice of one Lime
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl and toss to combine.
Will keep in the refrigerator for 1 week
Perfect for dipping with Beanitos, as a compliment to fish, shrimp or chicken, a filling for avocado halves or combine with garbanzo or black beans for a side dish.

http://www.tasteslovely.com/tropical-mango-papaya-fruit-salsa/

By Mila McManus MD|2016-07-06T06:58:07-06:00July 6th, 2016|General, Recipes|

All About Papaya

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

Here in Texas, you can find Papaya in the grocery store almost year around. This fairly medium to large sized fruit is orange in color. It grows well in any tropical area, but is native to southern Mexico and Central America. It is especially helpful to mention papaya in our newsletter this month as we look at various aspects of digestive and bowel health, as papaya is well recognized as a fruit that aids in digestion, soothes an upset tummy, and provides a respectable amount of fiber to aid in regularity and digestion. And of course, the good news is, it has a great refreshing flavor which is nice for the hottest months of the year.

The magical ingredient in papaya is called papain which supports the digestive process by breaking down proteins and also improving absorption of them. It is often extracted for digestive enzyme supplements and is also included in meat tenderizers. For those who suffer from low acid content in the stomach and have difficulty digesting meat, papain from papaya can be very helpful. Pregnant women struggling with morning sickness may find papaya to be a very soothing solution. Research also suggests papain functions as an anti-inflammatory substance.

Papaya has other important nutritional qualities as well. It has a very good Vitamin C and Vitamin A content, and these fight free radical damage in the body, creating an environment that protects against aging and disease. While very, very low in fat, the fat content is predominantly anti-inflammatory Omega 3 fatty acids. Finally, papaya is also a good source of folate, an important B vitamin, as well as a source of calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

Try papaya chopped into a salsa, as a topper on a salad, pureed and blended with coconut milk to make a summer sorbet, sliced like melon or as a fruit to dip in a chocolate fondue. The seeds, while edible, are surprisingly peppery in flavor and generally are discarded.

As a reminder to our readers, fruit offers a nice adornment or a nice finish to a meal, but, due to sugar and total carbohydrate content, one should be cautious about portion control and limit frequency of servings to 0 to 2 per day.

By Mila McManus MD|2016-07-06T06:45:24-06:00July 5th, 2016|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|