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Vitamin and Nutrient Injections

By |2022-10-10T21:15:08-05:00March 9th, 2021|

Vitamin and Nutrient Injections at TWIHWThere are many vitamins and nutrients needed for your body to function as it should. Sometimes, no matter how vigilant you are with a healthy diet and exercise, you could still be lacking in some specific areas that are holding you back from optimal health. At The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness, we offer our valued patients booster shots to help them achieve their health goals. Our team offers vitamin and nutrient injection boosters that each offer a long list of ways they can help to improve your quality of life.

IV and Injection Flyer: View for current Pricing and Specials

Benefits of Vitamin B12 Injection

If you rely heavily on coffee and energy drinks to get you through the day, you could likely benefit from a vitamin B12 booster. This gives you a natural energy boost to help you enjoy life to the fullest. You can take Vitamin B12 oral supplements, but when you have them injected, it bypasses the digestive system and will give you almost instant results. Whether you are trying to achieve optimal athletic goals or are simply looking to solve a vitamin B12 deficiency, you can rely on TWIHW. There are several ways that a vitamin B12 booster could help to improve your quality of life.
– Can increase energy levels
– Boosts metabolism & aids in weight management
– Can improve quality of sleep
– Can improve mood and emotional health
– Boosts immune function
– Can increase hair growth

LIPO-B12 INJECTIONS

LIPO-B12 (Amp-Mic-b12) injections are used to help release fat throughout the body by specifically targeting its primary fatty deposits, namely the abdomen (stomach), inner thighs, neck, buttocks, hips, and underarms. They contain Methionine, Inositol and Choline (fat burning substances) in addition to Carnitine, Adenosine and Vitamin B12.

How Amp/MIC-B12 Injections Work

When Amp-Mic-B12 injections are administered in combination with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise, they help the body to eliminate fat, while simultaneously increasing your energy levels both via the energy released by fat metabolism and the energy properties of vitamin B-12. The formula in the LIPO-B12 Injection:

  • Adenosine-Mono-Phosphate (AMP). An intermediary substance formed during the body’s process of creating energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from food. In order to maximize energy production at the cellular level, the intermediate compounds like AMP must be present in sufficient amounts to drive the biochemical reactions in the Krebs Cycle (body’s cycle to produce energy). AMP appears to be beneficial for correcting low energy production due to mitochondrial dysfunction and may also have a significant impact on stabilizing biochemical imbalances that result from impaired metabolism. 
  • Methionine. An essential amino acid, which means that it is not synthesized in humans. This amino acid acts as a fat burner assisting in the breakdown of fats within the liver; helps to lower cholesterol thereby preventing excess fat buildup in the liver and throughout your body’s circulatory system; is helpful in preventing and relieving fatigue. Other reported benefits include: improvement of liver disease; skin tone and elasticity; nails; hair; and cardiovascular and muscular functions. It has also been used to treat premature ejaculation, chronic depression, pancreatitis and Parkinson’s disease. Foods containing Methionine: cheese, eggs, fish, meats, spinach, potatoes, Brazil nuts, sesame seeds, and select other plant seeds
  • Inositol. Is a B vitamin that promotes the health of cell structures and nerve conduction; aids in the metabolism of fats; helps reduce blood cholesterol; and participates in the action of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to control mood and appetite. Has been shown to be of help for the treatment of depression, panic disorder, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and fatty liver. It is also important for optimal brain function. Inositol deficiency may manifest as symptoms of constipation, high cholesterol, vision problems, and hair loss. Foods containing Inositol : nuts, beans (especially red beans and kidney beans), grains, cantaloupe melons, and oranges.
  • Choline. Is an essential nutrient that helps to support the liver in its processing and excretion of chemical waste products. Moreover, it is required for the transport and metabolism of fats and cholesterol, which is important for the healthy support of the endocrine, cardiovascular, and hepatic systems. Choline can promote liver health by maintaining cholesterol homeostasis. Also Choline, has been shown to specifically aid with memory, and to support the maintenance of a healthy nervous system. Foods containing Choline: peanuts, soybeans, wheat, chicken, fish, beef, cauliflower, eggs, and lettuce.
  • Carnitine. Plays a critical role in energy production. It transports long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria so they can be oxidized (“burned”) to produce energy. It also transports the toxic compounds generated out of this cellular organelle to prevent their accumulation. Given these key functions, carnitine is concentrated in tissues like skeletal and cardiac muscle that utilize fatty acids as a dietary fuel. Foods containing Carnitine: meat, fish, poultry, and milk.
  • Adenosine. Adenosine monophosphate (AMP) is a substance the body creates on the way to making adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a source of energy used throughout the body. ATP is everywhere in the body and is called the body’s “energy currency”.
  • Vitamin B-12. It plays an important role in DNA replication, the normal functioning of the nervous system, and the formation of all cells of the body. Vitamin B-12 injection has been shown to boosts energy and overall metabolic rate; assists in the burning of stored body fat; detoxifies the body; increases red blood cell production; maintains a healthy liver; helps regulate sleep, mood, appetite and energy; works synergistically with other nutrients to improve health; and slows aging. Foods containing Vitamin B-12: fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products.

As we can see, all the components of the LIPO-B12 injection are present in food that we eat and in nature. By injecting it into our muscles we can rapidly achieve high concentrations which many researchers and physicians believe results in more effective mobilization and elimination of abnormal fatty deposits. 

Glutathione Boosters

Glutathione is an antioxidant that is produced in cells. There are three amino acids that make up this powerful antioxidant: glutamine, glycine and cysteine. If you are looking for a way to take your skin to the next level, glutathione boosters may be the way to go. Glutathione actively fights against the aging process in your skin so your skin is smoother, clearer and healthier. While you can take an oral glutathione supplement, the injections have proved to be far superior at delivering the results you are after.

Benefits of Glutathione Boosters: Not only does glutathione provide you with several skin benefits, but this booster offers many other health benefits as well.
– Reduces oxidative stress
– Reduces cell damage in fatty liver disease
– Improves insulin resistance in older individuals
– Fights against autoimmune diseases

Benefits of Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid, also known as Vitamin C, is an antioxidant that plays an important role in the body. It not only protects the body’s cells from damage, but it is also needed to maintain the health of skin, teeth, bone, cartilage, and blood vessels.
– Encourages Wound Healing
– Prevents Cell Damage
– Builds Collagen

Benefits of Vitamin D

Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is necessary for mineral homeostasis and proper formation of bone. The major biological function of Vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus.
– Helps fight disease
– Anti-oxidant
– Helps bone strength
– Helps muscle strength
– Boosts weight loss

Benefits of Magnesium

Magnesium is important for many systems in the body, especially the muscles and nerves.
– Lowers blood pressure and improves insulin resistance
– Prevents and relieves headaches
– Decreases anxiety/ depression 
– Lowers risk of osteoporosis
– Eases muscle and menstrual cramping
– Improves Cardiovascular health, sleep, and cognition

Benefits of Tri-Immune

Tri-Immune is a power-packed immunity blend of Glutathione, Ascorbic Acid and Zinc that is the ultimate immune system enhancer. This high concentration blend of nutrients helps maintain a healthy immune response.
– Decreases inflammation 
– Optimizes healthy cell function 
– Aids in wound healing
– Strengthens weakened immune system

Benefits of NAD+

Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, more commonly referred to as NAD+, is found in every cell in the body and is essential to life. As a coenzyme to Vitamin B3, NAD+ participates in more reactions than any other vitamin-derived molecule. It helps transfer the energy we get from food to the rest of the body and is a cornerstone to maintaining healthy internal organs and neurological systems.
– Fights the physical effects of aging 
– Reduces depression and anxiety, while improving sleep and mental clarity
– Mitigates effects of EMF exposures
– Combats chronic fatigue
– Helps autoimmune/ inflammatory diseases
– Can help with weight management

Magnesium, Tri-Immune, NAD+, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, AMP/MIC-B12, Vitamin B12 & Glutathione Injection Booster Shots & More in The Woodlands, Texas (Just Minutes away from Houston, Texas)

It is clear that there are many more benefits that come from injections over taking an oral supplement. If you are looking for that edge that will help you achieve your optimal health goals, the team at TWIHW can assist you with our booster shot services. Call 281-298-6742 today to schedule your appointment.

 

Vitamin A

By |2024-04-09T14:12:31-05:00August 26th, 2017|General|

Vitamin A, also known as retinol, is a powerful antioxidant the body uses to help form Vitamin A sourcesand maintain good vision and eye health, a strong immune system as well as soft tissues, mucus membranes, and skin. It is not found in plant food; however, the body can use beta-carotene found in many fruits, vegetables and some fish sources to convert to retinol.  Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is important to avoid taking Vitamin A without the guidance of a medical provider since excess can result in toxicity.  Issues with skin, mucous membranes, and immune function can be an indicator that Vitamin A is deficient.  it promotes epidermal differentiation, modulates dermal growth factors, inhibits sebaceous gland activity, suppresses androgen formation, and promotes cell turnover in the skin.  Our medical providers can provide special tapering dosing protocols to meet your specific needs as well as monitor to avoid toxicity. Vitamin A can be a very helpful supplement for addressing skin issues.  Our office carries two forms manufactured by the ProThera Inc. supplement line.

References:

Nutrition for Skin, by Chris Kresser

Multivitamins Support Weight Management

By |2012-10-03T11:15:43-05:00October 3rd, 2012|Articles|

The relationship between dietary multivitamin and multi-mineral intake and the risk of becoming overweight or obese was evaluated in a new study. In the United States, approximately 68 percent of adults are overweight or obese, and over 33 percent qualify as obese. Overweight and obesity are categorized based on body mass index (BMI), which is a calculation based on height and weight. Overweight is defined as a BMI between 25 and 29.9 and obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 or greater.
In this new clinical trial, researchers analyzed the effect of supplementing multivitamins in a group of obese women. The subjects in this study included 96 obese Chinese women between 18 and 55 years of age. The women received a multivitamin and multi- mineral supplement daily or a tablet of 162 mg of calcium daily or a placebo for 26 weeks. The women were evaluated for body weight, BMI, waist circumference, fat mass and fat-free mass.
The researchers also evaluated blood pressure; resting energy expenditure, which is the amount of calories required by the body for a 24-hour period during a non-active period; and respiratory quotient(RQ), which is used to calculate basal metabolic rate. Additionally, blood tests, which measured fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, cholesterol (HDL “good” cholesterol), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, were performed at the beginning of the study and after 26 weeks.
The results showed that the group receiving the multivitamin had significantly lower body weight, BMI, fat mass, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol compared to the placebo group. Additionally, the multivitamin group had higher resting energy expenditure and HDL cholesterol values. There was also a trend in the multivitamin and multimineral group showing reduced waist circumference and respiratory quotient. The group receiving calcium supplementation alone showed higher HDL cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol compared to the placebo group.
The researchers concluded, “The results suggest that, in obese individuals, multivitamin and mineral supplementation could reduce body weight and fatness and improve serum lipid profiles, possibly through increased energy expenditure and fat oxidation. Supplementation of calcium alone (162 mg per day) only improved lipid profiles.”
Article obtained from complementary prescriptions newsletter

VITAMIN C

By |2020-02-03T14:58:22-05:00October 3rd, 2012|Articles|

VITAMIN C is a water soluble vitamin that should be taken daily along with other essential vitamins. Vitamin C plays a significant role in a variety of metabolic functions. It is best known for strengthening the immune system and aiding in the synthesis of collagen, which supports a healthy cardiovascular system.
Vitamin C is useful in protecting against infectious diseases like the common cold or flu, and any other infectious disease. Taking a daily dose of at least 1000mg is suggested for prevention. But what happens if you get an infection? You should definitely increase your vitamin C. Below is our recommendation for how to take vitamin C when you have contracted a cold, the flu, or other infection:

• Take, at minimum, 2000mg, 4 times a day. (if you develop loose stools, decrease intake by 1000- 2000mg)
• Take zinc 50mg daily.
• Colloidal Silver- 1 teaspoon twice daily.

Vitamin C has many benefits beyond supporting the immune system. As mentioned earlier, there has been extensive research on the benefits of vitamin C in preventing and even aiding in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C protects against cardiovascular disease in the following ways: It alters triglyceride metabolism, helps to strengthen arterial walls, prevents oxidation of low-density lipoproteins and may reduce blood pressure.
Immune support and cardiovascular support are not the only two benefits of taking Vitamin C. There are many other reasons to take Vitamin C: aids in wound healing, provides antitumor activity, provides relief from skeletal pain in various disorders, protects against periodontal disease, and is especially effective in helping regenerate vitamin E after it has been attacked by oxygen radicals, improves iron absorption from the small intestine, is an effective antioxidant, is a cofactor (helper) in the metabolism of folic acid, some amino acids, and hormones, and protects against cancers of the oral cavity, esophagus, stomach, colon, and lung, based on epidemiological evidence.
You should consult your physician about the proper dosage depending on your current condition and other medicines you may be taking.

Omega-3: Research Indicates Many Benefits

By |2024-03-20T10:01:53-05:00March 21st, 2024|General|

by Mila McManus, MD

There has been significant research demonstrating the value of omega-3 fatty acids but several new studies reveal many other benefits!

There has been significant research demonstrating the value of omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular benefits, and several new studies reveal many other benefits as well! It should be no surprise since omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory.

Brain Function: Learning, Memory, Behavior, Anti-Aging[1]

Nutrition Neuroscience presented a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (aka BDNF). BDNF is a protein in the brain and nerves that preserves nerve cells as well as encourages the growth of new nerves.  The growth of new nerve cells in the brain is called “neuroplasticity”, or “brain plasticity”.  This refers to the brain’s ability to heal and direct activity over new pathways. BDNF supports brain function as we age, as well as plays an important role in learning, memory, and behavior at all ages.

Migraine Headaches[2]

Advances in Nutrition posted a review of a meta-analysis of 6,616 participants treated over 18 weeks showed high dose omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA outperformed existing pharmaceutical drugs in reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches.

Reduced Risk for Autoimmune Disease[3]

The randomized VITAL trial reported that among 21,592 participants who agreed to be followed for an additional 2 years after discontinuation of the trial, found that the benefits of daily marine omega-3 fatty acids remained statistically significant even two years after taking it to protect against autoimmune disease. Both Vitamin D and Omega-3’s were found to be protective while being taken, but the Omega-3 benefit continued to be prevalent even two years after supplementation was discontinued.

Ideal dietary sources for Omega 3 fatty acids, which can be difficult to get in the standard American diet (aka SAD), include fatty fish such as mackerel, anchovies, herring, sardines, rainbow trout, and salmon. Flaxseed, chia seed, and walnuts are also rich sources. Supplemental krill or cod liver oil are also excellent sources.  A note–farmed salmon is extremely toxic, so be mindful about eating wild Pacific Salmon only!

Talk to your medical provider to determine if Omega-3 supplementation is right for you and to ensure the appropriate dose and type of supplementation for you.

Reduce inflammation. Be Well.

[1] Ziaei, S., et. al., A systematic review and meta-analysis of the omega-3 fatty acids effects on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Nutrition Neuroscience, August 17, 2023. Doi: 10.1080/1028415X.2023.2245996.

[2] Tseng, P.-T., et.al., High dosage omega-3 fatty acids outperform existing pharmacological options for migraine prophylaxis: A network meta-analysis. Advances in Nutrition, August 8, 2023. Doi.org/10.1016/j.advnut.2023.100163.

 [3] Osterweil, Neil. Preventing autoimmune disease: New findings on vitamin D,o Omega-3 supplements. Medscape Medical News. February 7, 2024.

Recognizing a Good Supplement

By |2024-02-20T08:21:30-05:00February 28th, 2024|Articles, General|

by Mila McManus, MD

Supplements are not all created equal! On Amazon, 1 out of every 2 sold is counterfeit. Identifying quality supplements is quite complex.

Supplements are not all created equal! Natural products and supplement choices have exploded as Americans search for the next magic bullet for good health and longevity. On Amazon, 1 out of every 2 supplements sold is counterfeit.  More recently, the FDA threatened legal action against Amazon for selling male energy supplements that contained undeclared quantities of Cialis and Viagra in them.[1] Frankly, identifying quality supplements is quite complex. In this article, I will attempt to point out many of the variables I’ve discovered over the years in my efforts to ensure the best quality, potency, purity, and production standards.

First, generally speaking, you DO get what you pay for with regard to supplements, and there are also expensive well-known brands that should be avoided.  Still, if you are faced with making a decision when purchasing a supplement with no one to offer guidance, choose the more expensive and avoid the cheapest, generic supplements.

Second, carefully scrutinize the ‘other’ and ‘inactive’ ingredients on the labels and choose those with the fewest number of them. Binders, colors, coatings, sweeteners, and fillers are often potential allergens (e.g., yeast, gluten, corn, soy) or known carcinogens (e.g., food colors, talc, dyes, artificial sweeteners). Some harmless ones include silicon dioxide, cellulose, and citric acid.

Third, look for third-party tested supplements to ensure quality control and purity. One study of 55 different brands of vitamin D showed that the actual amount of vitamin D per dose varied from 9 to 146% of what the labels listed.  Several years ago, Consumer Labs studied numerous brands of multivitamins and nearly half of them didn’t have in the bottles what the bottles listed were in the bottles.[3]  Higher-end, reputable supplement manufacturers use the best raw materials, create formulations based on solid scientific data, and use third-party testing to ensure quality and purity of their products.  These factors command a higher price.

Fourth, be aware that common contaminants found in vitamins and supplements include mold, pesticides, and heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, and mercury.  You won’t see that listed on the label!   While USP, GMP, and NPA are common quality seals on supplements that suggest it has met at least some minimum quality standards, it does not necessarily ensure top quality. There are many top quality supplements without these seals.  Remember, supplements are not very regulated. So who are you going to trust?

Fifth, the amount of active ingredients varies widely across supplements.  A supplement may appear great because of numerous healthy ingredients listed, such as CoQ10, turmeric, spirulina, chlorella, ginger, fruits, and vegetables, but they may be insignificant amounts that aren’t doing much good, if at all.  It’s also noteworthy that the RDA (recommended daily allowance) is often very suboptimal.  For instance, the RDA for vitamin C may be enough to prevent scurvy, but it’s hardly an optimal amount to support immune function, alleviate seasonal allergies, and neutralize the onslaught of free radicals and chemicals to which we are exposed on a daily basis.

Sixth, when looking at nutrient labels on vitamin and mineral supplements, it’s important to know the difference between their forms. You’ll notice, for example, that there are several forms of magnesium.  Magnesium glycinate, magnesium oxide, magnesium citrate, and magnesium malate are all different chelated forms of magnesium.  If your magnesium supplement is magnesium oxide, it’s nothing more than a good laxative. You aren’t absorbing that magnesium for its internal benefits.  Calcium is another good example.  Calcium carbonate is very inexpensive and also not well absorbed.  If this is the form in your multivitamin, it’s time to find a better one.

Seventh, it seems intuitive that taking a ‘natural whole food’ supplement would be better than a synthetic form; however, that’s often not the case. A supplement claiming to have nothing but fruits and vegetables in it may be contaminated with pesticides, and it’s also difficult to get optimal doses of nutrients from fruits and vegetables.  Sure, it’s obviously important to eat your fruits and vegetables, but these days our bodies require much more than those can provide.  This is mainly due to depletion of nutrients available in soil, and increased toxins in the environment.   Another reason that whole food based supplements may not be ideal for some is the yeast content.  Yeast is a common allergen that could be affecting you without you realizing it.

Eighth, popularity does not mean quality. For instance, Centrum® is one of the most popular brands of multivitamin, however, it contains corn and soy (highly allergenic and genetically modified), 3 food dyes including red dye #40, Talc (yes, baby powder, and has been linked to cancer), and contains the cheapest and least absorbable minerals, namely calcium carbonate and magnesium oxide.

Ninth, there are synthetic and natural forms of many vitamins.  Remember that synthetic means it has been man made through chemical synthesis. While some water soluble vitamins can be acceptable in their synthetic form, the fat-soluble dl-alpha vitamin E should be avoided! The best form of vitamin E is “mixed tocopherols”.

Overwhelmed?  Well, we’ve done our homework and offer several product lines at our facility to make your life easier. And we’re happy to ship them to you.

Be Well. Choose Health.

[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/amazon-receives-fda-warning-over-male-energy-supplements-containing-viagra-2023

[2] https://www.westonaprice.org/health-topics/health-issues/dietary-supplements-what-the-industry-does-not-want-you-to-know/#gsc.tab=0

[3] O magazine, June 2004  (Article on Consumer Labs study)

 Other Resources:

Blog, Herbs and Supplements, Holistic & Functional Nutrition: Trending Topics/ July 26, 2023. The Hidden Dangers of Buying Supplements on Amazon and eBay.

http://www.drwhitaker.com/choosing-the-best-supplements-to-take/

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/26/health/policy/26herbal.html

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12867165

http://www.forbes.com/sites/melaniehaiken/2013/02/11/that-vitamin-d-youre-taking-it-may-not-be-vitamin-d/#7dc9ca6e6b6a

http://www.drwhitaker.com/how-safe-are-your-supplements/

http://www.consumerlab.com/

Sunscreen: Summer Skin Care Matters!

By |2023-05-31T11:56:34-05:00June 1st, 2023|Articles, General|

by Mila McManus, MD

Sunscreens can be some of the most toxic substances to put on your skin.  Remember that your skin is your largest organ.

As the warmer months approach, make sure you are ready to properly protect your family’s and your skin from the sun. Sunscreens can be some of the most toxic substances to put on your skin.  Remember that your skin is your largest organ. It covers your entire body and is filled with capillaries (tiny blood vessels) that feed into your larger blood vessels which circulate throughout the body. Your skin is HIGHLY absorptive. Because of the need to re-apply,  it is easy in one day to get a big dose of toxic substances onto and into your body in short order. As a result, the sunscreen you choose really matters.

Sunscreens are a well-known source of toxic chemicals, including hormone disrupters, carcinogens, and others. While there are many, the most concerning seem to be oxybenzone (hormone disruptor), methylisothiazolinone (allergenic, skin sensitivity), and retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A believed to speed the development of skin tumors and lesions).  

We highly recommend that you use the Environmental Working Group (ewg.org) consumer guides. They have an updated Sunscreen guide for adults, children, and babies. They write very insightful and helpful summaries of their findings and evaluate the ingredients of hundreds of products to protect you.  There are many price ranges, choices, and sources. Here is the link:  

ewg.org

Perhaps even more important is to take other simple, non-toxic precautions first such as:

  • During the heat of the midday sun, wear protective sunglasses, hats, and t-shirts and stay in the shade.
  • There really is no such thing as perfect sunscreen. It really should be used as a last resort as a protective measure. But if you must, choose the best.
  • We DO need some sun exposure for good health. Just 15 minutes of time in the sun every day, without sunscreen, helps the body to create about 10,000 units of natural vitamin D. Choose late morning to late afternoon hours and limit the time to 15 minutes to avoid skin damage.

So before you head out to the garden, or over to the lake, beach or hiking path, be sure you have everything on hand to protect your family and yourself from damaging your skin.

Happy Spring and Summer! Be well! Stay well!

 

It’s a Trifecta – of COVID, flu, and RSV

By |2022-11-10T07:56:30-05:00November 10th, 2022|General|

So Be Prepared, Not Surprised

By Mila McManus, MD

Public Health experts are already seeing significant COVID, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) kicking up.

As we move into the cold and flu season, take precautions now to protect yourself and your family from infections.  Public Health experts from the American Medical Association are already seeing significant COVID, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) kicking up and going around. 

Be proactive! That means focusing on all of the key pillars of your health:

  • A whole food diet and good hydration – maintaining balanced blood sugar is important
  • Exercise
  • Keep your gut healthy – easy on the alcohol, sugar, wheat, and pain relievers, while taking your probiotic and drinking some bone broth.
  • Get quality rest and sleep
  • Avoid toxins and support detoxification – see gut health above and step into the IR sauna too!
  • Manage stress – take time for quiet meditation and/or deep breathing
  • Make use of appropriate supplementation – see below

For most, a healthy diet still cannot provide adequate nutrition for a strong immune system because of poor food quality, daily stressors, and the toxicity of our world.  Especially in light of COVID, flu, and RSV season converging, I recommend a daily minimum of vitamin D3, a multivitamin, and a quality probiotic. For those with compromised immune systems, or who are living and working in higher exposure areas, or traveling, a selection from the following supplements would be wise additions:  

  • Quercetin
  • Melatonin
  • Viracid™
  • Wholemune™
  • Vitamin C
  • Nebulizer Treatments with Vitamin C/DSMO/Magnesium or Glutathione (and other options to discuss with one of our healthcare providers)
  • Tri-Immune Vitamin Injections (available at our office).  These contain vitamin C, zinc, and glutathione
  • Immune Booster IV
  • Zinc
  • Silverbiotics Silver Sol™

All of these options along with common sense measures such as thorough hand washing and avoiding crowds will help to make your holiday season and winter a healthy experience.  If you are unsure about which supplements would be best for you, do not hesitate to consult with our medical providers for a customized plan that’s right for you.

Please also remember that we offer phone and Zoom routine appointments as well as urgent care appointments. 

Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

References:

https://woodlandswellnessmd.com/silver-biotics-2.html/

MorningRounds@ama.custombriefings.com, October 24, 2022.

Is Monkeypox Next?

By |2022-10-28T11:53:38-05:00June 1st, 2022|Articles, General|

by Mila McManus, MD

Monkeypox

Whether it’s Monkeypox, COVID, or flu and cold season, it is always a good reminder to our patients and friends that we should always be engaged in ensuring our immune function is operating optimally.  

What is Monkeypox and what do we know about it?

  • Unlike COVID, Monkeypox has been well studied and occurred in America in 2003 and is endemic to Western and Central Africa. While the CDC believes we will see more cases popping up in the United States in the coming days and weeks, it is not novel, and there are antiviral treatments for it.
  • This virus is a rare disease closely related to smallpox, and according to the CDC, the small pox vaccine is 85% protective against it. Positive testing for Orthopox, the family of viruses that includes Monekypox and smallpox, is used for diagnosis. Monkeypox is unrelated to Chickenpox.
  • Monkeypox is also not as easily transmitted as COVID, colds, and flu. It is largely transmitted through close, skin-to-skin contact, and is transferred by body fluids, virus sores, and respiratory droplets of people with lesions in their mouths and throats due to infection. Shared bedding and clothing with intimate partners is a possible method of transmission. Most recent cases around the world have been identified within the gay and bisexual communities.
  • There are two strains. One out of Central Africa and another out of West Africa that is less severe. So far, the several confirmed cases in the US have been the less severe strain. Also, the positive diagnoses have been found in individuals who are recently returned from international travel. A pandemic is highly unlikely.
  • Traditional primary care physicians are the best source for diagnosis and treatment.

What are the symptoms for Monkeypox?

  • Starts with flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, headache, and achy muscles.
  • Swollen lymph nodes are also common.
  • After 1-3 days, a rash usually develops on the face, then can spread to the rest of the body.
  • Flat, circular lesions in different parts of the body that eventually turn into bumps filled with a clear fluid develop.
  • These bumps eventually become crusty and fall off.
  • Recovery usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Helpful Immune Boosters to Fight off Viral Infections

Daily Maintenance:

  • Multivitamin
  • Vitamin D3
  • Quality Probiotic
  • Vitamin C

Additional Support:

  • Tri-Immune Injections with Glutathione, Zinc, and Vitamin C
  • Viracid
  • WholeMune
  • Quercetin
  • Zinc 25-50mg daily

Finally, a healthy lifestyle including quality rest, stress reduction practices, exercise, avoiding sugar, handwashing, sunshine, and laughter are invaluable ways to support immune function.

For preventative support, we are happy to assist you in putting together an individual protection plan. Schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers to discuss the ideal plan for you.

References:

https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20220524/what-to-know-monkeypox-us-cases

 

 

ROOT CAUSES OF DISEASE

By |2022-10-28T11:07:46-05:00March 30th, 2022|General|

By Mila McManus MD

Dr. Mila McManus’s mission for TWIHW is to work with individuals to navigate the complexity of the body and get to the root cause of disease.

Root Causes of Disease:

  • Poor gut health
    • Antibiotics
    • Dysbiosis
    • Steroids
    • High sugar diet
    • Leaky gut
      • NSAIDs (e.g., Advil, Aleve)
      • Glyphosate pesticides on wheat products
      • Lectins
  • Poor nutrition/diet
    • vitamin deficiencies
      • from poor intake
      • from poor absorption
      • side effect of medications (e.g. birth control pills, anti-acids, and blood pressure medications)
    • inflammatory diet
      • fried foods, grains, standard meat products, sugar, chemicals
  • Food allergies and sensitivities
    o IgE vs IgG vs IgA reactions, as well as intolerance and non-Ig-mediated reactions to foods
  • Hormone imbalance and decline
    o Adrenal dysfunction
    o Estrogen dominance
    o Hypothyroidism and Functional hypothyroidism
    o Low testosterone from toxins, stress, insulin resistance
  • Toxins
    o PCBs, phthalates, food dyes, preservatives, pesticides, artificial sweeteners and flavors, to
    name a few
  • Sleep disorders
  • Microbes
    • e.g., viruses, parasites, tick borne illness (lyme, babesia, bartonella, etc)
  • Inactivity
  • Stress
  • Medication side effects
    • including everything on the list the pharmacist gives you
    • many cause deficiencies of important nutrients which will manifest in myriad ways
  • Genetic predispositions, minor and major mutations
  • EMF Exposures-wi-fi, cell phones, laptops, appliances, etc
    o Causes a lot of oxidative stress and damages mitochondria (children more than adults)
    o Linked to many chronic diseases and cancer

Functional medicine seeks to identify and treat the underlying cause of your condition. It centers on the idea that one condition may have many causes or one cause can have many conditions. Integrative medicine uses a combination of therapies and lifestyle changes to treat and heal the whole person.

The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness is here to serve your entire family. Call us today @ 281.298.6742.