These Meals Might Just Boost Your Sex Drive…Really!

By Admin|2014-07-31T10:59:27-05:00January 15th, 2014|Articles, General, Recipes|

Sexy-Time Steak*
Quick Broccoli & Mushroom Sauté**
Chocolate Coconut Mousse***

*Protein has been shown to naturally boost levels of dopamine and noepinephrine, two chemicals in the brain that heighten sensitivity during sex. Steak is also packed with zinc, a mineral that boosts libido by reducing production of a hormone called prolactin, which may interfere with arousal. Fatty steaks, such as rib-eyes, are high in cholesterol, from which testosterone is produced in the body.

**Broccoli contains DIM (click here to read about DIM). Butter contains cholesterol, from which testosterone is produced in the body.

***Chocolate contains phenlethylamine, a chemical believed to produce the feeling of “being in love”.

Sexy-Time Steak
Serves 2
(Edited from The 4-Hour Chef by Timothy Ferriss)
•2 Thick, Grass-fed Ribeye Steaks
•Expeller Pressed, Coconut oil
•Sea Salt
•Pepper
•Minced Garlic
•Fresh Rosemary stems (if desired)
•Grass-fed butter (if desired)

One to two days before, pat steaks dry with a paper towel. Salt them heavily on both sides. Place in a pan or dish, cover and place in the refrigerator overnight or up to two days to “dry-brine” them, adding flavor and tenderizing the meat.

Two and a half hours before cooking, remove steaks from the refrigerator, rinse them off, pat them dry again and season with salt, black pepper and minced garlic. Allow them to sit on the counter for an hour and a half.Then move the steaks to the freezer for one half hour. This eliminates surface moisture from the meat.

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees.Remove the steaks from the freezer and quickly sear them on both sides in a very hot pan. Use an organic, expeller pressed and refined (to avoid a coconut flavor) coconut oil in the pan, just prior to adding the steaks.

Finally, place the steaks in the oven until a probe thermometer inserted into the middle of the steak reads 135 degrees. Steaks can be rested on top of fresh rosemary stems in the oven for added flavor. Melt butter over the top of the steaks the last few minutes of cooking and use the rosemary butter sauce to top off the steak slices on the plate prior to serving. Remove from oven, carve and enjoy.

Quick Broccoli & Mushroom Sauté
Serves 2 generously
•1 Package of Organic Broccoli Slaw
•1 Pint of sliced Mushrooms
•3 Tablespoons Grass-Fed Butter
•1 Tablespoon Bragg 24-Spice Blend (or similar)

On medium heat, melt butter in a sauté pan. Add mushrooms to the pan and cook until mushrooms are tender and lightly browning. Increase heat slightly before adding the bag of broccoli slaw and 1 Tablespoon of spice blend or Italian Seasonings. Stir-fry until desired doneness and serve.

Chocolate Coconut Mousse
Serves 2
(from Grain Brain by David Perlutter, MD)
•1 can Organic, Expeller Pressed, Full Fat Coconut Milk (Thai Kitchen)
•3 Tablespoons unsweetened Cocoa Powder
•1-2 teaspoons Stevia or Xylitol (depending on desired sweetness)
• Optional: shredded Coconut, chopped Walnuts, 70% dark chocolate shavings and/or Cinnamon

Chill the unopened can of coconut milk in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. (Canned coconut milk is usually found in the Asian section of the grocery store. We recommend the organic, expeller pressed brands only. Thai Kitchen is one such brand).

Scoop out the solidified cream in the can into a mixing bowl and beat vigorously with a whisk or electric mixer until softened. (It shouldn’t liquefy). Add the cocoa powder and stevia and continue to beat until the mousse is light and fluffy. Place in a parfait dish or custard dish and top with shredded coconut, chopped walnuts, cinnamon and/or grated 70% dark chocolate shavings. Refrigerate until served.

Eat This to Cure That-Natural and Simple Solutions for Symptoms

By Admin|2014-06-17T10:39:23-05:00October 30th, 2013|Articles, General|

Holiday Survival Guide

Preventing illness and stress begins by avoiding the triggers that cause them. Most commonly this means eating healthy, whole foods (and avoiding most processed ones) and managing our stress levels effectively. Symptoms are just our body’s way of trying to communicate with us. It is our job to listen and interpret exactly what it is trying to say. As the fast pace and stressors of the Holiday season steadily approach, I would like to offer that sometimes the most natural and simple solutions may provide the best relief from stress related symptoms without the serious side effects of prescription and over the counter medicines.

Don’t let symptoms weigh you down. Try these easy swaps that really work as a natural alternative to synthetic drugs in order to feel better, minimize illness, and increase your energy levels. Feel the benefits of long term health and wellness.

If you suffer from Insomnia and /or stress:

Bananas, dates, nut butters, tuna, plain yogurt, salmon and turkey are all high in tryptophan and can be helpful in promoting sleep.
If you are not allergic to ragweed, a cup of chamomile tea is another nice way to prepare your body for sleep.
Raw nuts & seeds, whole grain brown rice and avocados are excellent sources of magnesium which aids the body in relaxing.

To eliminate Sour Stomach & Heart Burn:

Try ¼ cup of aloe vera juice on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and at bedtime.
Eat fresh papaya and fresh pineapple both of which offer beneficial digestive enzymes.
Try a couple tablespoons of sauerkraut or cabbage before meals to stimulate digestive enzymes & good digestion.

Headaches:

Eat your vegetables to get plenty of important minerals such as magnesium and calcium.
Hydrate with water. A headache is a common symptom if dehydration.

Allergies/Cough:

There are whole foods that act as natural anti-histamines. Enjoy carrots, broccoli, berries, onions, garlic, pineapple, apples, spinach, mangoes, tomatoes and other green vegetables as well as citrus fruits.

PMS:

To alleviate symptoms juice raw celery and parsley with one apple. Add a teaspoon of ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil.

Sore Muscles:

Drink plenty of water.

Jet Lag:

Good sources of protein such as eggs, fish, beef & chicken help to increase alertness.
Avoid starchy carbohydrates such as potato, rice, pasta and breads.
To avoid Jet Lag, look into the “Anti Jet Lag Diet” also known as the Argonne Diet.

Low Blood Sugar:

Eat regularly including a protein, some healthy fat and a high fiber carbohydrate such as asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, greens, and green beans.
Juice organic spinach, celery, one beet and an apple. Stir in the juice of one lime.
Enjoy an apple with some almond or peanut butter.

Bad Skin:

Raw foods help to heal the skin with detoxification. Raw almonds, beets, cashews, greens & lettuces, strawberries and pineapple are good examples for detoxification & clearing of the skin.

Low energy:

Avoid energy drinks and opt instead for a high quality whey or rice protein mixed with almond or coconut milk.
Juice raw fresh vegetables.

Bad Mood:

Eat salmon and turkey to lift the spirits. They are both high in tryptophan which is a precursor to serotonin.
Enjoy a cup on peppermint or Valerian root tea.

Weak Immune System:

Increase your zinc by eating oysters, roast beef, roasted pumpkin seeds, 60% or higher dark chocolate, lamb, crab & peanuts.
Eat and juice plenty of fresh, raw vegetables to increase critical antioxidants.
Enjoy healthy fats such as avocado, olives & nuts for beneficial antioxidants and strong cellular repair & function.

Sunburn:

Be sure to eat some high protein foods to heal the skin tissue as well as raw fruits and vegetables to supply needed minerals and vitamins to the skin.
Soak in a cool bath with 1 pound of baking soda.

The Sun and Vitamin D

By Admin|2013-06-23T09:09:35-05:00June 23rd, 2013|General|

by Mila McManus MD

Now that school is finally out and we will all be spending more time outdoors, I believe the time has come to debunk the sunscreen myth.

Sunlight elevates our mood and exposure to it is crucial for optimal health for a number of reasons, with Vitamin D production being the most important. Vitamin D is one of the most effective anti-cancer vitamins and can be produced in the skin through exposure to U.V. light. It is essential for a strong immune system that helps protect us from, and ward off, cancer(s). It is also very important for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Toxicity of Sunscreens

Sunscreen ingredients, such as Zinc Oxide and Oxybenzone are linked to cancer. Absorbing chemicals through the skin can be more dangerous than ingesting them orally. The reason for this is that when chemicals or medications are applied directly on the skin, they are not broken down by the strong acids of the stomach before reaching the bloodstream, and they bypass being metabolized by the liver on initial entry. Moreover, the aluminum content in these carcinogenic ingredients commonly used in most sunscreens will stay in the body forever, accumulating as a heavy metal toxin.

The survival of the sunscreen industry is reliant upon keeping us ignorant and afraid of the sun. None of us would ever consider eating sunscreen, yet we follow the advice of the medical “establishment” that reports continually that many of us will suffer from skin cancer without it. “Experts” recommend applying generous amounts of the products every few hours. It has been shown that strict sun protection exacerbates Vitamin D deficiency. Sunscreen creates an actual physical barrier and blocks your skin’s ability to produce Vitamin D by more than 95%.

So, now that we have determined that sunscreen is full of known carcinogens and provides a physical barrier against the production of the amazing cancer fighter Vitamin D, what is the best solution to having optimal Vitamin D levels?

Sun Safety Solutions

The best solution is healthy tanning. This does not mean that we should all go out and get as much sun as we want. Caution must be exercised and the key is avoiding a burn. This means that we should limit exposure initially until we accumulate some brown pigment, called melanin, which gives the skin brown color and protects it naturally from burning. As the skin becomes well tanned, a person can increase their exposure with little risk of cancer. If burning does occur, apply coconut oil or aloe vera overnight and miss a day or two of sun exposure to allow the skin to recover. In the middle of summer, when the sun is very strong, avoid the midday hours or wear lightweight, light colored clothing that covers the skin and a wide brimmed hat.

Have a Happy and Healthy Summer!

Does Your Engine Need a Tune Up? Adrenal Fatigue May Be Cause

By Admin|2020-10-08T09:47:46-05:00June 5th, 2013|Articles, General|

In This Issue

Supplement: ZINC

Recipe: Grilled Healthy Power Burgers

Lost your GAME?

Nutrition News

Testimonial

Quicklinks

Current Promotions

More About Us

TWIHW Events

Join Our Mailing List

Supplement of the Month: ZINC

zinc

Did you know?

Zinc:

is required for the catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes
Can shorten the duration of a cold
is a natural aromatase inhibitor (i.e. slows the conversion of testosterone into estrogen)
supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence
is required for proper sense of taste and smell
is found in high amounts in oysters

Click here to learn more about zinc.

Click above to ‘Like’ us on Facebook and receive 15% off the supplement of the month!

Recipe of the Month:

Grilled Healthy Power Burgers on a Sweet Potato “Bun”

You will need the following ingredients:

1 pound Grass-fed ground beef
1/2 cup chopped veggies (yellow, green or red onions, zucchini and yellow squash work best)
1 Tablespoon Grass-fed Butter or coconut oil
2 Tablespoons chopped Parsley

Click here for full recipe

We are dedicating this newsletter to dads. Happy Father’s Day!

Lost your Game?

by Mila McManus MD

Wellness and hormones aren’t just for women. Men develop hormonal imbalance and deficiencies as well. Have you developed ‘Grumpy Ole Man Syndrome’? Are you too pooped to play with your kids? Have you lost your game? Have you lost your drive? Have you developed a beer belly? Might be time to optimize your testosterone and/or adrenal function.

Have you had your testosterone level checked and it’s always in normal range? Besides the fact that the normal reference range for testosterone is quite large, there are many factors that can affect how your body is utilizing testosterone. If you are overweight or are eating a particular diet, you may have excess estrogen in the body, which then blocks testosterone function. If you have adrenal fatigue (test yourself here), your body may be shunting hormone production to make more cortisol instead of making adequate testosterone. If you are deficient in certain nutrients, e.g. zinc, your testosterone may be metabolizing into estrogen at an excessive rate, causing a downward spiral in testosterone function. (test yourself for low testosterone symptoms here).

Call 281-298-6742 and give yourself the best Father’s Day gift there is-the gift of good health! We can help you address your adrenal fatigue and even have an online adrenal fatigue test.

Nutrition News

by Nancy Mehlert

Food for the Man in You

Staying strong and young requires maintaining muscle and bone mass as well as a healthy sexual desire.

Testosterone is the chairman of the board in the male body when it comes to staying strong. Foods that support healthy testosterone levels in the body include those high in zinc and healthy fats.

CLICK HERE to find out which foods are high in zinc and healthy fats.

Testimonial:

“Below are a few comments about my experience:

After the first week I started feeling much better and started having more energy

At the end of the second week I ran The Woodlands Half Marathon and turned in a personal record beating my old time by one minute per mile for thirteen miles.

In the thirty days I dropped ten pounds and lost over a couple of inches in my waist.

My taste buds changed, that was crazy. I do not crave the sugar and breads as I used to.

My memory, the fog I had has cleared up and it is awesome!

Last but not least, as I got older my patience seems short and my moods change suddenly not for the better. Since starting the wellness program, those episodes for the most part have gone away which makes my wife and family happier.

Dr. McManus and the whole team are wonderful and they care so much to do what they can to make you successful.

I was blown away at all of the benefits from doing the thirty day yeast cleanse that I will continue to reap for years to come. I highly recommend it. I plan on living a long, healthy, very active , pain free , medication free life.”

from W.H.B.

In Good Health,

Mila McManus MD

26110 Oakridge Drive

The Woodlands, Texas 77380

The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness

281-298-6742
Email Us!

Food for the Man in You

By Admin|2013-06-03T18:35:28-05:00June 3rd, 2013|Articles, Men, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

Staying strong and young requires maintaining muscle and bone mass as well as a healthy sexual desire. Testosterone is the chairman of the board in the male body when it comes to staying strong. Foods that support healthy testosterone levels in the body include those high in zinc. Oysters, roast beef, pumpkin seeds, 72% dark chocolate, peanuts, and crab are several great sources for zinc.

The right fats are essential for boosting testosterone levels. Research shows that a diet with less than 40% of energy as fat leads to a decrease in testosterone levels. Wise fat choices include grass-fed butter, grass-fed meats, coconut meat and oil, avocado, cold pressed olive oil and olives, nuts, and seeds.

Staying mentally sharp and young requires taking care of the central command center for the body, otherwise known as the brain. This is your hard drive. It needs protection and back up in the form of essential antioxidants and plenty of oxygen. Foods that increase oxygen flow to the brain and provide mega-loads of antioxidant power are the best. Ideal choices include most organic raw fruits and vegetables; however, the most powerful are berries, grapes, apples, leafy greens (examples include spinach, mustard greens, collard greens, bok choy, romaine, arugula, kale, Swiss chard, field greens), and avocados.

Eat well and live well!

Low Testosterone?

By Admin|2014-04-14T13:51:56-05:00May 17th, 2013|Articles, General|

Wellness and hormones aren’t just for women. Men develop hormonal imbalances and deficiencies as well. Have you developed ‘Grumpy Ole Man Syndrome’? Are you too pooped to play with your kids? Have you lost your game? Have you lost your drive? Have you developed a beer belly? Might be time to optimize your hormones and test for adrenal fatigue.

Have you had your testosterone level checked and it’s always in normal range? Besides the fact that the normal reference range for testosterone is quite large, there are many factors that can affect how your body is utilizing testosterone. If you are overweight or are eating a particular diet, you may have excess estrogen in the body, which then blocks testosterone function. If you have adrenal fatigue (click link for list of symptoms), your body may be shunting hormone production to make more cortisol instead of making adequate testosterone. If you are deficient in certain nutrients, e.g. zinc, your testosterone may be metabolizing into estrogen at an excessive rate, causing a downward spiral in testosterone function. (Click link for low testosterone symptoms).

Call 281-298-6742 and give yourself the best gift there is-the gift of good health! Testing for low T is as simple as taking this quick, online questionnaire as an initial step.

Minerals Matter

By Admin|2013-03-04T17:59:19-05:00February 21st, 2013|NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Over the course of my own journey and relationship with food, I have found that one source of motivation for me is understanding why it is important for me to try a new food. For me, motivation can be found in the facts, the science and the intricacies of what I cannot see. Kale is a good example. It became increasingly apparent to me that it is one of the healthiest foods we can be eating, but upon examination at the grocery store, I struggled visually, emotionally, to get excited about it. But the more I understood the massive antioxidant and cleansing power of kale, and the fiber content, the harder I worked at buying it, preparing it different ways and finding ways to make it a delicious part of my dietary path. As a result of this process, I really like kale! So as we feature Selenium this month, I want to use this opportunity to take a closer look at minerals, what they are, why you need them and where they are found in your food. I hope greater understanding motivates you to expand the variety in your whole food choices to optimize your intake of valuable minerals.

Minerals naturally occur in rock and stone formations. When rock and stone are slowly broken down into tiny fragments by erosion from wind, rain, water and sun, the end result is dust and sand that make what we call soil. From the soil grow numerous grasses and plants. We also plant our herbs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and grains in this soil. Mineral rich soil will yield mineral rich plants. Likewise, animals that graze on mineral rich plants will also yield mineral rich meat and milk. The body demands larger quantities of the minerals calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and phosphorus but equally important and necessary in much smaller amounts are selenium, boron, chromium, copper, germanium, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, silicon, sulfur, vanadium and zinc.

We must consume minerals. Every living cell in the planet depends on minerals to work properly and maintain shape, including all the cells that make our own bodies. That is, after all, what you are…trillions of tiny cells clumped together to make up blood, organs, bones, muscle, skin and all the rest. Minerals are essential for:

Proper composition of all body fluids such as blood and the water that makes up as much as 70% of the body
Making blood and bones
Proper nerve function
Regulating muscle tone
Working in partnership with vitamins to produce energy, growth and healing
Proper utilization of vitamins in the body

Minerals work best in combination together with each other and with vitamins and this is how they occur in nature – together. So eating organic foods from rich, well cared for soils will provide the magical blend of minerals and vitamins that work in unison to provide your body with optimal health. Likewise, soil that is overworked and depleted of valuable minerals will not offer mineral rich foods.

Testimonial – Fertility Problems Resolved

By Admin|2012-10-10T12:18:13-05:00October 10th, 2012|Testimonials|

Fertility Problems Resolved

Oh Sandra,
Do I have some news for you. Sorry I have not gotten back with you in a while, but things around our house have been a bit overwhelming the past two months. Looks like you can add fertility treatment to your treatment protocol, because I am pregnant after 4 years of trying and 2 years of infertility. A few months with you guys and boom, problem solved.

I have gotten off the progesterone but am still taking everything else, except the zinc, because the prenatal has 25 mg of zinc in it. I am doing fine and all hormone levels look good. Baby Boy is healthy and due in August. I know what a surprise.

By the way, Chad says to tell you thank you for doing what the traditional medical and fertility specialist were not able to do. We know that by getting off all the medications and going all natural not only physically helped me, but helped us to begin our family. Words alone cannot express how indebted we are to you and Dr. McManus.

Thanks,
Amy and Chad

READY FOR FLU SEASON? (AND I DON’T MEAN VACCINE!)

By Admin|2012-10-03T11:08:26-05:00October 3rd, 2012|Articles|

How worried are you about flu season? Well, there’s no need to panic. Don’t believe the hype. There are 2 ways to lie. With statistics, and without! Last statistics I heard were that 1,000,000 had been infected with swine flu, and about 500 have died. That is 0.05%. And the majority of those killed had chronic health problems such as asthma or cerebral palsy.
I found an article that was so well written, it saved me the work, so instead of writing a lengthy article and reinventing the wheel, I’m inserting this link and I highly encourage you to read this!!
Are you confused about vaccines? to vaccinate, or not to vaccinate? I found another great resource and encourage you to visit www.homefirst.com. This is Dr. Eisenstein’s website and I had the pleasure of speaking with him at a conference I recently attended where he was a speaker.
So what can you do about flu season? First of all, if you are not healthy/well, you need to get there, and fast. If you are on a wellness path which includes eating right and taking vitamins, you have little to worry about.
I have a few recommendations to help you make it through flu season without a hitch:
• Vitamin D (make sure you serum level of 25-OH vitamin D is at least 50)*
• carry hand sanitizer and use it often
• Don’t eat with your hands! Think about where they’ve been and everything you’ve touched prior to picking up that food and putting it in your mouth
• Silver Sol-for prevention and/or treatment**
• zinc-25mg a day through the season (Oct thru March)
• Multivitamin
• Vitamin C 1,000mg 2 to 3 times a day***

*I’ve talked to experts recently at a conference who recommend 50,000iu vitamin D3 daily for 3 to 5 days at first signs of flu/cold, and then 5,000 to 10,000iu daily thereafter for maintenance for an adult. And for a child, up to 1000iu per pound per day for 3 to 5 days, then 2000-5000iu daily thereafter. It’s important to have your serum levels followed by your healthcare provider. Please remember that the normal reference range for vitamin D is HUGE and you want to avoid being in the lower half.

**Silver Sol is something I discovered recently. It’s much more potent than regular colloidal silver. We carry it in the liquid form and the gel form. You can apply it to wounds, use it as a nasal spray, drink it, douche with it, and even nebulize it! There are numerous studies proving its efficacy in killing bacteria, parasites, yeast, and viruses. It’s perfectly safe, non-toxic, and has no drug interactions. Consider using this for flu season as a preventative. Keep in mind, however, that it will also kill good bacteria so it’s important to take a probiotic while you are using this orally. I recommend a probiotic (at least 10 billion potency) twice daily while using Silver Sol, and take it between Silver sol doses, NOT with them.

***Vitamin C is very important for the immune system and supports the adrenal glands. It may cause diarrhea in sensitive individuals, typically at doses higher than 4000mg a day, but sometimes with as little as 500mg. Vitamin C is also important for heart health and has natural antihistamine properties at higher doses.
article by Mila McManus MD
Disclaimer: Do not add any supplements to your current regimen without first discussing with your health care provider.

Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity-PART II

By Admin|2012-10-03T11:07:49-05:00October 3rd, 2012|Articles|

Here is the conclusion of our article from last month’s newsletter.
Lifestyle Changes
It takes less than a gram per day of gliadin, which is less than 2 percent of a single ounce, to cause a reaction. Consequently, the only way to alleviate the symptoms of celiac disease is the total elimination of all grains and foods containing gluten, like pastas, breads, sauces, cakes, pies, and crackers. This can be a daunting task, as much of the American and western diets are essentially based on the gluten cereals. The cereal grains that contain gluten include wheat, barley, rye, triticale, spelt, and kamut. Also note there is some controversy as to whether or not oats have an effect on celiac disease. Findings are inconclusive; however many times oats are stored in the same facility as wheat and flour, so there is the possibility of trace amounts of wheat gluten found in oats.
Wheat isn’t just found in grain products. Wheat flour is used as a filler in cold cuts and deli meats, used to dust frozen vegetables, and is used as a thickener for soy sauce and many pharmaceutical medications use gluten as a filler or a binding agent. It is a common additive in soups, packaged products, and even found in sausages. It is important to keep in mind that if you have celiac disease, there is a risk every time you buy a packaged food. It is recommended that whole and unrefined foods are purchased and cooked to avoid any possibility of consuming a food containing hidden wheat gluten.
Going to a restaurant can be challenging for those with celiac disease or wheat sensitivities, since wheat products make up much of most restaurants’ menus. Be sure to ask a lot of questions, and if there is any doubt, don’t order it. Some restaurants, such as the Italian chain Carabbas, have a gluten free menu, and Budweiser even makes a beer from a gluten free grain called sorghum.
This may all seem very upsetting to those who like breads and pastas, but there are alternatives. There are many companies that make 100 percent wheat and gluten free pasta, bread, muffins, and other “wheat-type” items. A popular wheat-pasta alternative is rice pasta, which is a delicious change of pace for those even without gluten sensitivity. Also, a great way of circumventing all of this confusion is to buy and eat whole, unrefined, non-gluten grains, like brown rice, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, and many others. Not only are these grains all 100 percent gluten free, but you can make amazing pilafs and simple, tasty dishes that are quick and easy. The gluten free grains tend to cook quicker and are easier to digest then the gluten grains.

Celiac Disease Induces Mal-Absorption of the Following Nutrients
• Minerals
• Iron
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Selenium
• Vitamins B1, B6, B12, Folic Acid, A, D, E, K
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids
Screening For Celiac Disease and Gluten Sensitivity
The testing for celiac disease is somewhat obscure, but the “gold standard” is an intestinal biopsy. This biopsy examines to see if the villi, which are tiny finger- like protrusions in the walls of the small intestine that aid in nutrient absorption, have flattened and shriveled. Other testing includes the IgG ELISA test, which is a simple blood test that measures immune reactions mediated by the IgG antibody, and the very expensive and sophisticated IgA anti-endomysium test. It is recommended and encouraged to get some sort of testing done if you have any of the related symptoms listed here.
There is, however, a blood test called the IgA Anti- Tissue Transglutaminase Test, or tTG for short, and also known as the TGA ELISA or Celiac Antibody Profile. This test measures anti-transglutaminase IgA antibodies in human serum, and a positive test means that a positive diagnosis for celiac disease is very likely. According to studies in the USA and in Europe, this test is as accurate as the IgA antiendomysium test, but is much less expensive.
The importance of getting tested cannot be understated, even if obvious symptoms are not presented. Undiagnosed celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can increase one’s risk for abdominal cancer, lymphoma, and other diseases such as diabetes, especially if ones close relative has been diagnosed with celiac disease. A popular television personality was interviewed recently and she spoke about a more than ten-year struggle to find the source of her symptoms, and it wasn’t until a positive diagnosis for celiac disease, when she eliminated wheat gluten from her diet, that she was able to find relief. Because of the prevalence of gluten sensitivities and celiac disease that commonly goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, it is recommended that everyone have an IgG ELISA general food allergen panel done in addition to an anti-gliadin tTg test. These tests along with a food diary and a symptom scorecard can greatly assist a health care practitioner or nutrition consultant fine tune a non-allergic diet for the patient.
Remember, the only cure for celiac disease is strict avoidance.
Article obtained from Michael Joseph, HHC, AADP

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