Herbal medicine goes Mainstream

Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and… Cinnamon?
Herbal Medicine goes Mainstream

Dr. Oz on the Today Show discussing herbal medicine:

Cinnamon. Oz said this spice can help with sugar levels and that diabetics and prediabetics should be taking this spice, which can help the liver deal with insulin better.
Mint. Oz said mint is good for digestive health and helps increase gastric secretions and helps the intestines relax. “Mint’s wonderful for bellies,” he said. “The beautiful thing about mint is you can take it in a tea form, so it’s easy to do every single day.”
Sage and rosemary. When people were given sage oil and tested for word memory, Oz said, there were “dramatic improvements in their ability to process information and memorize it.” Rosemary, he said, helps improve alertness.
Parsley. This herb helps protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation and is a diuretic that can flush extra fluid from the body, Oz said.
Valerian root. “This is nature’s Valium,” Oz said. “It’s very powerful.”

By Mila McManus MD|2014-04-24T12:59:24-05:00April 24th, 2014|Articles, General|

Overcoming Depression

Depression is a common disorder. While we all may experience temporary blues or discouraging setbacks in life, when these feelings persist and compromise our daily functioning, it can be a sign of a serious problem. Depression can take a major toll on our lives as well as the lives of those around us.

Depression is much more prevalent today than it was 50 years ago. Ten times more people suffer from major depression today than in 1945. Fifty years ago the average onset of depression was 29 years old and, sadly today, the average onset is just 14.5 years of age! Depression cuts across all ages, genders, every socioeconomic level, and it’s estimated that at least 1 in 10 Americans takes anti-depressant medication.

Symptoms of depression include:

Persistent sad, anxious, or empty feelings
Markedly diminished interest or enjoyment in nearly all activities most of the time
Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or unworthiness
Irritability and restlessness
Persistent fatigue, sleeplessness, or excessive sleeping
Increase or decrease in appetite
Recurrent suicidal thoughts or attempts
Constant pains, headaches, or stomach problems that do not respond to treatment

Every individual may exhibit different signs and symptoms with varying frequency and severity. If five or more of these symptoms apply to you or someone you know – it could signal depression.

Here is a list of possible reasons a person may be experiencing depression that you may not know about:

Imbalances between abnormal gut bacteria and healthy gut flora
Nutritional deficiencies, especially Vitamin D, B Vitamins, Omega 3’s and Magnesium
Hormonal Imbalances such as estrogen dominance, adrenal fatigue, chronically elevated insulin levels, and functional hypothyroidism.
Hormonal deficiencies including thyroid, DHEA, Estrogen, Progesterone, Cortisol, and Testosterone just to name a few. (Click here to understand why your hormone levels may appear normal on labs despite your symptoms)
Food allergies and sensitivities, such as gluten (wheat products)
Chemical imbalances in the brain and gut (80-90% of the body’s serotonin is made in the intestinal tract if it is healthy!)
Foods and additives including artificial sweeteners, sodium nitrate, monosodium glutamate, Acesulfame-K, some food dyes, aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal), alcohol, sugar, and grains.

The good news is that today we know much more about the underlying causes of depression and here at TWIHW we seek to find and correct the underlying causes of depression rather than band-aiding with antidepressants. Depression is NOT caused by a deficiency of Cymbalta, Zoloft or Wellbutrin. Through targeting the underlying causes of depression, which may be related to dietary habits, vitamin deficiencies, food sensitivities and hormonal imbalances described above, TWIHW helps you to overcome depression and get your health and life back on track. If you or a loved one is suffering from any form of depression, please call 281.298.6742 and ask to speak to a Wellness Consultant.

Click here to read a testimonial from a real patient.

References:

http://www.depressionperception.com/depression/depression-facts-and-statistics.html

http://www.clinical-depression.co.uk/dlp/depression-information/major-depression-facts/

By Mila McManus MD|2014-06-16T09:52:12-05:00April 18th, 2014|Articles, General|

Elimination Diet

by Mila McManus MD

Hit your factory reset button with the elimination diet! Dr. Mark Hyman was interviewed on the Today show this morning discussing this very thing. We’ve been recommending the elimination diet to our patients for over 10 years now. It’s comical how behind the times the media can be regarding health issues. An elimination diet is simply taking certain foods out of your diet to see if particular health issues improve. Perhaps you have “FLC” disorder, quoted by Dr. Mark Hyman this morning, which stands for “feel like crap”. Or perhaps you have an autoimmune disease or a skin disorder or joint pain or brain fog or depression or anxiety, all of which may improve with eliminating certain foods from your diet. The most common culinary culprits causing your symptoms include gluten (wheat products), dairy, eggs, soy, and sugar. I know this sounds scary, but you really can be very satisfied with what you still have to work with, such as fruit, vegetables, avocados, nuts, seeds, lean meats, and so on. Call 281-298-6742281-298-6742 today to get help with whatever ails you.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-04-18T08:42:34-05:00April 18th, 2014|Articles, Ask Dr McManus, General|

Testosterone Pellet Therapy

Testosterone Booster via Pellet Therapy for Measurable Results
Testosterone is very important for both men and women.As we age, our natural levels decline and we may need a testosterone booster. There are significant benefits of testosterone replacement and optimization.

Benefits include:

improvement of energy
improved overall vitality
sharpened brain function and memory
reduction in depression and anxiety
increase in motivation and drive
increased libido
improved symptoms of erectile dysfunction
increased fat loss
increase in muscle mass
decreased blood pressure
improved bone health
reduced risk for Alzheimers
reduced risk for prostate cancer

So how is testosterone optimization achieved?

While some physicians order labs to evaluate testosterone levels, the reference ranges for “normal” levels are very large and result in many patients being advised that their levels are “normal”.However, this does not mean they are optimal for the patient who is still symptomatic of low testosterone levels.In other words, your lab results may reflect a “normal” testosterone level, butyour symptoms may not resolve until a higher level of testosterone in the “normal” range is achieved.This is optimization.

We are excited to announce that we are now offering testosterone pellet therapy for women and testosterone pellet therapy for men. Both are a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that’s been increasing in popularity over the last few years. Pellet therapy has actually been around since the 1930s but was not FDA approved until 2008. Pellets can provide a more consistent dose of testosterone over a longer period of time.It can eliminate having to remember to use a messy, daily, transferable cream, or to apply a new patch frequently, or to inject yourself once or twice a week, which can be a painful hassle.

Testosterone pellets are bio-identical, not synthetic, meaning they are identical to your body’s hormone structure. They are cost effective and doses are individually customized based on your needs. Pellets are very convenient because the effects typically last for 3-4 months. They are very small in size and are made at a sterile compounding pharmacy.As the name suggests, a testosterone pellet insert is inserted into the fatty tissue of the hip using a local anesthetic. The procedure is done in the office.The procedure takes approximately 10 minutes, is relatively painless, and no stitches are required.Labs are checked prior to dosing and insertion, as well as periodically thereafter to assure desired levels are achieved.

To determine if testosterone pellet therapy is right for you, contact us today to schedule an appointment. You may also be interested in taking our online low testosterone test to see if your symptoms may be caused by low T.

By Mila McManus MD|2018-05-16T17:32:28-05:00March 29th, 2014|Articles, General|

Effect of High Protein Diet on Longevity

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

Note: Paleo and Yeast-free Don’t Equal “High Protein Diet”.

Recently two studies (one mouse and one human) have been discussed in the journal Cell Metabolism suggesting that a high protein diet may not support longevity and may contribute to cancer death. TWIHW wanted to give some perspective on this research since it has been widely covered by the media in recent weeks. In describing the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in any diet, it matters to be specific about what kind of protein, fats and carbohydrates are being discussed. Proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are NOT all the same!

One common misunderstanding is that Paleo diets and similar ketogenic diets support a high animal protein diet. While it is true that animal meat is included as a part of a healthy diet for life in these dietary models, the portion amount AND the animal’s lifestyle are taken into account, something that is not mentioned or discussed by the media. We presume that these studies were done using animal protein from cows raised in the standard CAFO (concentrated animal feeding operation) used in the food production industry. The end result of feeding cows a very unnatural diet of soy, corn and animal by- products along with hormones and antibiotics, in a very crowded unhealthy environment, is an inflammatory, unnatural piece of meat. This beef, in conjunction with the Standard American diet rich in grains, dairy and sugar results in a very inflammatory, disease promoting diet.

Beef looks very different when a cow has been allowed to graze on grass in a sunny pasture. This Nature made food intended for cows results in a meat that is lower in saturated fat, higher in Omega 3 and chock full of essential nutrients such as Vitamin E and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid). These characteristics result in a very nourishing, if not healing, food when consumed in low to moderate portion.

Likewise, there are natural, undamaged healthy fats that are critical to consume in moderate to high amounts in order to sustain good health and feel satiated. Alternatively, there are many damaged, highly processed fats which are harmful to the human body, yet commonly used in most of our packaged, processed and fast foods. Grass fed butter, pastured eggs, avocados, expeller pressed coconut oil and raw nuts and seeds are just some examples of healthy, natural fats that promote healthy hearts, hormone balance, brain function, immune strength and digestive health. Genetically modified canola and soybean oil along with cottonseed oil and margarine are just a few examples of harmful man-made oils which have proven very damaging to your health.

Finally, in the carbohydrate arena, there are many foods including vegetables, fruits, grains, lactose (milk sugar), and alcohol. The molecular structure of carbohydrates dictates their impact on the human body. Vegetables are the ideal, Nature given carbohydrate of choice for optimal functioning of the human body. This is the food which should garner the greatest space on our plates at every meal rather than the insulin elevating, acidic and inflammatory grains and sugary foods of our society. If vegetable carbohydrates are consumed in good quantity, this still will not result in a high carbohydrate diet, because vegetables have the lowest carbohydrate gram count and most of the carbohydrate is in fibrous form providing the most important role our vegetables serve in the human body – to cleanse and detoxify.

A life giving, healing and healthy diet will be calorically dominated by natural, undamaged fats, while volume/space on the plate will be dominated by vegetables, and then supplemented by a modest portion of humanely raised, properly fed animal proteins. Keep perspective and eat to nourish the body so that you can live long and well!

By Mila McManus MD|2014-03-31T12:56:31-05:00March 29th, 2014|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Paleo Recipe for Tortillas

Each recipe makes 3 eight-inch tortillas with each tortilla counting as 9 carbohydrates. Similar and suitable to replace a flour tortilla or a French crepe, the simplicity of making these will thrill anyone with a busy life who enjoys good food. This great Paleo recipe for tortillas will leave you feeling fulfilled.

-2 eggs

-1 teaspoon melted butter or coconut oil

-1/4 cup arrowroot powder

-1 teaspoon coconut flour

-pinch of salt

-1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using a sweet crepe application)

1. Crack the eggs into a medium-sized bowl and whisk in the melted ghee, butter or coconut oil. For a thinner tortilla, add one tablespoon of water. If using as a crepe sweet application, add vanilla extract also.

2. Add the dry ingredients, arrowroot powder, coconut flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Beat well to combine.

3. In a small, 8” skillet, over medium heat, pour in about 1/3 of the batter and immediately roll it around to evenly coat the bottom. The tortilla should start to pull away fro the edges as it cooks.

4. Cook for 1 minute on each side.

5. To store, cool completely and put in a plastic bag or airtight glass container.

Serving Suggestions:

Use the tortilla to fill with taco seasoned ground buffalo, chopped tomato, onion and avocado, topped with pico de gallo.

Use in the lunchbox as a wrap in place of sandwiches.

Create a treat and fill with unsweetened applesauce and topped with cinnamon and chopped pecans.

Make a burrito filled with chicken and beans and topped with a tomato sauce or create a quesadilla for the cheese tolerant among you.

By Mila McManus MD|2014-07-31T10:47:30-05:00March 29th, 2014|General, Recipes|

Histamine Balance to Fight Allergies

When we suffer from seasonal allergies with runny noses, congestion, watery and itchy eyes, these symptoms are the result of our immune system mounting an attack on those incoming allergens. These symptoms are reflective of the inflammation caused by the allergen and the body’s release of histamines. Inflammation is often also partnered with pain and is a contributing factor to numerous chronic, degenerative conditions.

Histamine Balance is an effective anti-inflammatory supplement to combat seasonal allergies and general pain and inflammation by combining three key ingredients:

Quercetin is a unique anti-inflammatory bioflavonoid that has been shown to normalize histamine release in the body.

Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapple that supports the body during times of stress and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Magnesium ascorbate is a combination of magnesium and vitamin C which helps strengthen immune response.

There are some simple things that The Woodlands Institute can help you do to reduce or eliminate allergic reactions. Contact us today for more details on fighting allergies with Histamine Balance. You can also try our online allergy testing page.

By Mila McManus MD|2015-02-08T11:57:55-05:00March 29th, 2014|Articles, General|

Easter Basket Ideas: A Makeover

Part of our nutrition journey to health and wellness is figuring out how to celebrate life, love our families and enjoy celebrations while still improving the health and nutrition offered by our food choices. Unfortunately, we have become a society that gets loved and gives love by offering up “sweets and treats” filled with sugar, a highly addictive and harmful substance to the human body. This ultimately makes us face the fact that an Easter Basket filled with marshmallow chickadees, jelly beans and malted milk eggs is not really a gift of love and celebration. So what can be done to keep the celebration fun and filled with love, without the monstrous sugar load? Here are some ideas to guide you in an Easter Basket Makeover:

1. Limit candy and sweets to one or two choices in a very small serving, choosing ingredients such as coconut, dark chocolate and nuts. The healthier fats will help to balance the sugar digestion better. Dark chocolate covered nuts are available in bulk nut sections of the grocery store and can be bagged up into party bags. Check out www.hailmerry.com for gift packs of healthier “cookies” made from whole food, quality fat ingredients.

2. Add a piece of fruit using small tangerines and baby bananas as a treat, or include dried mango or papaya as a special sweet.

3. Fill in the rest of the basket with non-food items such as blowing bubbles, Play dough, DVD’s, books, games, puzzles, harmonicas, dice, Matchbox cars, Frisbees, hair accessories, balls, flash drives, gift cards, loose coins or dollar bills in plastic eggs, cell phone accessories, a Slinky, post-it notes, notepads, pens, and pretty tissues. Check out www.vermontcountrystore.com for novelty and old fashioned toys.

Happy Hunting, Happy Spring, Happy Health!

By Mila McManus MD|2014-03-31T13:04:14-05:00March 29th, 2014|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Sublingual Drops for Treating Allergies

Most of us have positive feelings and thoughts about spring as we enjoy longer, sunnier days and more time outside with family. For many, however, the blooming foliage, grasses and flowers create immune system havoc. We call them allergies and they can occur seasonally in response to pollens, or anytime in response to foods or as a result of other environmental influences such as chemicals or animal dander and dust. Allergic reactions are an inappropriate response by the body’s immune system to a substance that is not normally harmful.

Respiratory Allergies occur when a person is allergic to tree or grass pollen, pet or animal dander, molds and dust mites. Allergic symptoms most commonly include sneezing, itching, watery eyes, itchy and runny nose, and wheezing. Hay fever (rhinitis) and/or asthma are the most common results of respiratory allergies.

Skin Related Allergies occur in response to metals, fragrances and specific materials such as latex. Referred to as eczema or contact dermatitis, the common symptoms are itching, burning, reddening or blistered skin in the affected area. This most frequently occurs in early childhood though it is also seen in adults.

Food Allergies occur when a person’s immune system generates an antibody response to the ingested food. Food allergies are often confused with food intolerances or sensitivities usually created by a lack of necessary enzymes to digest or process the food correctly, or from a ‘leaky gut’ in the GI tract. When your GI tract is inflamed, it allows partially undigested food particles into your system that triggers immune responses. The most common food allergies are cow’s milk, egg, soy, yeast, corn, wheat and oat. Eczema, diarrhea, nausea, hives, and in some cases, anaphylaxis are potential symptoms of food allergies. Food sensitivities can cause many other symptoms, including mood disorders, joint pain, migraines, gastrointestinal symptoms and autoimmune diseases (just to name a few!). The best way to treat all of the symptoms caused by either food allergies or food sensitivities is to restore gut health and avoid and/or rotate foods to which you react. In addition, where appropriate, support resolution with sublingual drop therapy or allergy shots.

Allergies from all sources can cause fatigue and general malaise and it is not necessary to suffer! At The Woodlands Institute, we have many highly effective, definitive treatments through sublingual drop therapy, nutrition and/or hormonal balance that improve or resolve allergies, rather than band-aiding symptoms with antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays.

Sublingual drop therapy is especially effective at resolving allergy symptoms related to the environment (e.g. pollen, dust, pets). Allergy drops contain the same antigens that are used in allergy injections with virtually NO risk of anaphylaxis. The drops build up a blocking antibody against the allergen, which causes the immune system to become less sensitive to the allergen, thus reducing the symptoms when the same allergen is encountered in the future. The length of treatment is usually 3 to 5 years (some require less, some require more). Studies show that residual long-term benefit is seen after just one year on the drops. Your drops are specially formulated for you and address allergies year-round. You administer them yourself sublingually (under the tongue) in the comfort of your own home.

Now is the time to get started on treating your allergies rather than masking your symptoms with drugs. If you or your children are sick and tired of taking allergy medications or allergy shots, give us a call at 281-298-6742. We offer allergy testing for inhalant and food allergies.

By Mila McManus MD|2022-10-10T16:25:45-05:00March 16th, 2014|Articles, General|

Quinoa and Feta Salad

Enjoy this healthy recipe of quinoa and feta salad that serves 4 as a main course.

1 cup quinoa
2 cups chicken Broth
½ cup raw cashews
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
2 stalks celery, finely sliced
1 cup seedless grapes, halved
½ cup crumbled goat feta
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lime, juiced
Salt and Pepper, to taste

Bring chicken broth to a boil and add quinoa. Simmer for 12-15 minutes until the grains are tender and the broth is absorbed. Set aside and cool. Can be cooled faster by spreading out on a cookie sheet or pan.

In a dry, heavy frying pan, toast the cashews over moderate to low heat, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown. Cool, then chop roughly.

In a large bowl, combine dried quinoa, nuts, herbs celery, grapes and feta. Squeeze lime juice over all; add olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste and leave the salad to stand for at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutritional information per serving: 349 Calories, 19 grams fat (4g saturated), 10g protein, 37 g carbohydrates, 4g fiber, 162 mg sodium.

This recipe is from CD Kitchen http://www.cdkitchen.com

By Mila McManus MD|2014-07-31T10:50:35-05:00March 13th, 2014|General, Recipes|