Mushrooms and Onions

By Admin|2014-07-31T10:43:30-05:00May 4th, 2014|General, Recipes|

Serves 2 to 3

1 pint of Mushrooms
1 to 2 Sweet Onions (Vidalia’s if available)
2 T Grass-Fed Butter
½ tsp Thyme
Salt & Pepper to taste

Rinse mushrooms and slice. Peel onion(s), cut in half and slice. Melt butter over medium to medium high heat and add mushrooms and onion. While sautéing, add thyme, salt and pepper, stirring frequently until mushrooms and onions are browned and caramelized. Provides a rich source of B vitamins, Vitamin D and Potassium. Serving suggestion: Enjoy with a grass fed steak or grilled wild shrimp or lobster.

Overcoming Depression

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

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/

Immune Boosting Foods To Keep You Well

By Admin|2014-03-03T11:01:43-05:00February 14th, 2014|Articles, General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

by Nancy Mehlert, MS

Supplementation is often a necessary step to ensuring our body is getting all of the vitamins, minerals and micronutrients necessary for optimal healthy living. Many of our food sources are contaminated, and we don’t always choose the right variety and quality of food necessary to stay well. But that does not mean we should not make every effort to eat well and make wise food choices. We know that Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin C, and Probioticsare all critical players in the ability of the immune system to fend off disease and germs. To help you make wise food choices that will arm your immune system with all the right weaponry, we have provided a list of the best food sources for each of these key immune boosting foods.

Zinc is found in highest levels in oysters, though they can also be ocean polluted with chemicals and metals so are not recommended as a daily food choice. Better daily sources include grass fed beef, lamb, pork, liver, herring, egg yolks, pecans, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, ginger root, mustard, chili powder, and black pepper.

Vitamin D is difficult to obtain from food and the body’s ideal source is to manufacture it from cholesterol in our skin from the ultra violet rays of the sun. With busy indoor lives, northern climates, cholesterol-lowering medications, clothes covering our skin and concerns about skin cancer, we are getting less sunshine, so Vitamin D deficiency is very common. We recommend supplementation of Vitamin D with regular monitoring for optimal levels by your healthcare professional. However, modest amounts of naturally occurring vitamin D are provided in egg yolks, butter, liver, mackerel, salmon, sardines, herring, mushrooms and dark leafy greens.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that our bodies cannot manufacture and is only available in plant foods. It is also not very stable, so is most potent and available in very fresh, uncooked fruits and vegetables. Fresh vegetable juicing and eating fresh, whole fruits are two very effective ways to get Vitamin C. All fruits and vegetables are very good sources but the very highest levels are found in the citrus fruits, cantaloupe, strawberries, red and green bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, asparagus, avocado, parsley, dark leafy greens, and cabbage.

Probiotics are the amazing bacteria that form the military force that protects your body from invasions of every kind. Also called favorable or “friendly” bacteria, they serve to help in the production of some B vitamins and vitamin K, breakdown our food, and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. This is especially true of invading germs that arrive in, and on, our food. While we recommend probiotic supplementation, fermented and cultured foods are the ideal choice due to the very high population or concentration of living friendly bacteria. Unfortunately, food processing has killed the living aspects of most of our foods so few foods exist today in typical grocery stores that are truly living and full of favorable live bacteria. Whole Foods stores carry several brands of fermented sauerkraut and a high quality organic, living yogurt. (Most live cultures in typical store bought yogurts are inconsequential in number, damaged by pasteurization and combined with a great deal of sugar.) Additionally, fermented vegetables can also be purchased online at Immunitrition.com. Additional resources to learn more about fermenting foods can be found on the Internet at many websites, one such example is www.culturesforhealth.com.

Eat Well, Stay Well!

Healthy Tips on How NOT to Catch The Crud

By Admin|2014-02-18T21:52:59-05:00February 14th, 2014|Articles, General|

We all hope it won’t happen to us, but somehow as late winter and early spring roll around, the bad germs and blooming plants abound and, before you know it, it seems like everyone around you has the flu or a cold or that mysterious thing that hangs on forever, lovingly called “The Crud”. Especially prevalent where people gather in larger numbers, office workers and school attendees are especially susceptible. If you have been fortunate to avoid it so far this year, or you want to make sure you don’t get hit again, there are many things you can do wherever you are to minimize your risk of getting sick this time of year. Here is a list of proactive things you can do to protect yourself:

Vitamin Vigilance – Now is an especially important time to be diligent about taking your vitamins. We know that a multi-vitamin, probiotics, vitamin D, vitamin C, and Zinc are effective in supporting healthy living and boosting the immune system.

Allergy Awareness – If you know you struggle with environmental or food allergies, do your best to minimize exposure where possible and seek quality treatment for your allergies. Left to fester, the relentless attack on the immune system and the resulting inflammation often leads to infection and illness. Today, there are numerous effective treatments to minimize the effects of seasonal allergies and promote healthy living and immune function. Call our office to speak to a wellness consultant about sublingual allergy drops!

Hand Hygiene – Our hands are useful and relentlessly busy, and this means they touch many surfaces and people throughout the day. Unfortunately, we also eat with them, touch our noses and lips, and cough into them. As a result, they are a major carrier of germs to and from other people and high-traffic surfaces. Here are some easy health tips: Keep hands clean using soap and warm water or citric acid/essential oil-based anti-bacterial hand sanitizer. Keep your hands away from your nose and mouth and never eat food with your bare hands without washing them well first.

Germ Gatherings – So where do these pesky little microbes tend to hang out together? Most of us fear public toilet seats, but you may be surprised to know that studies have shown they are one of the cleaner surfaces found in public areas because restrooms are generally cleaned on a daily basis. Do you work in a healthy workplace? The greatest populations of viruses and bacteria are found on surfaces that are used often, but not cleaned regularly. The germiest include desktops, office break room tables, restaurant tables (the rags to wipe them are usually not sanitized after each wipe), phones, computer mice and keyboards, grocery cart handles, and escalator rails. Cleaning your personal workspace daily, washing your hands after using others’ workspaces and encouraging others to do the same, are ways to minimize your exposure. It is a good idea to carry an antibacterial hand sanitizer to use after coming in contact with grocery carts, escalator rails, and other heavily handled surfaces.

Sugar, Stress, and Sleep Shortages – These little devils seem to hang out together when life gets busy and deadlines are looming. We become overly stressed, we have less time for a good night’s sleep or some exercise to relax us so we reach for a sugary treat to comfort our frustration. Unfortunately, we have created the perfect storm for a bacteria or virus to jump on board and do a happy dance on us. During this germy season, it is the very best time and reason to make wise snack choices, get a quick walk in during the lunch hour and get to bed on time. Avoid reaching for the bowl of candy at the office or resorting to the donut in the break room. Sugar can suppress your immune system and impair your defenses against infectious disease. Instead, keep pre-packaged single serving nuts, small mandarin oranges, low sugar KIND bars, and herbal teas at your desk (or in the office bowl of treats) to provide good nutrition and comfort. Take a few minutes every hour or so to stretch, stand up, and take a deep breath to reduce stress and move the body. Use 15 minutes of your lunch break to walk up a couple flights of stairs and back or around the building outside. Then when you get home, be sure to get a good night’s sleep.

Sit and Stay! –If you are sick, stay home. If you are a manager, encourage your team members to do the same thing. If you are a parent, keep your sick children home. There are no heroics in bringing germs to the office or schoolroom to share with everyone else. Rest will also allow the body to heal more rapidly.

Fat: Your Brain’s Best Friend

By Admin|2013-12-01T09:29:15-05:00November 21st, 2013|Articles, General|

Before you start to feel guilty about all of the decadent holiday treats and yummy food you are about to eat, breathe a sigh of relief and let’s get down to the facts about fat.

Fat is, and always has been, a fundamental pillar of our nutrition. We all know that monounsaturated fats, such as the kind found in nuts, olives, and avocados, are good for us. We all know that modified hydrogenated fats so commonly found in fast foods or commercially prepared food are very unhealthy for us; however, what about saturated fats, such as the kind found in meat, egg yolks, cheese, and butter? These fats, in addition to the cholesterol found in foods with high amounts of saturated fats, have been demonized as leading to cardiovascular disease.

Bottom line: Our bodies need fat. Our bodies need it to assist in many functions that we simply could not live without. We need a certain amount of healthy saturated fat in our diets to stay healthy, some experts recommending ~ 50% of our calories for optimal health. Yes, that’s right, 50%!

Let me provide you with some facts about saturated fat* to break through the misinformation and myths that have been harming you and your family’s health for decades:

• Our brains consist of more than 70% fat.
• If we deprive our brains of cholesterol, it directly affects how smart we are and how well we remember things.
• Cholesterol in the brain and in our bodies acts as a powerful anti-oxidant and protects the brain against the damaging effects of free radicals that lead to heart disease and cancer.
• Cholesterol is a critical component in the brain’s neurotransmitters, allowing the quick transfer of information.
• Our brains have the ability to grow new synapses, but only with the availability of cholesterol. The cholesterol latches the membranes together so that the signals can jump easily across the synapse.
• When we eat healthy, saturated fats (i.e. NOT fried foods), it slows down absorption, making us feel fuller, longer.
• Healthy, saturated fats from both animal and vegetable sources provide the building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones.
• Our endocrine system relies on saturated fatty acids to communicate the need to make certain hormones, including insulin.
• Vitamin D is a powerful anti inflammatory and is directly formed from cholesterol.
• Fat plays a pivotal role in regulating the immune system. White blood cells, a major component of the immune system, rely on the fats found in natural saturated fats such as butter and coconut oil to recognize and destroy invading germs and even fight tumors.
• Fat is a concentrated source of energy in the diet.
• Bile salts, which are secreted by the gallbladder to aid in digestion of toxins and fats, are made of cholesterol.
• Bones require saturated fats to assimilate calcium effectively.

Our no-fat, low fat, no cholesterol diet has wreaked havoc on our health today. The Food Pyramid of the 50’s and 60’s, which emphasized grains and dairy and removed all saturated fat and cholesterol, has resulted in an obesity and Alzheimer’s epidemic, as just two examples. The truth is we NEED healthy, undamaged saturated fats for optimal health.

To sum it all up, healthy saturated fats are great for our bodies and they taste great, too! This holiday season feel free to feel guilty about the stuffing and NOT the turkey leg or ham! Happy Holidays!

*examples of healthy saturated fats include eggs from free range organic chickens, butter from organic, grass fed cows, and coconut oil.

Information obtained from Grain Brain by David Perlmutter, MD, as well as Know Your Fats by Mary Enig, PhD.

Rethinking Cold and Flu Season

By Admin|2013-10-02T14:55:07-05:00September 24th, 2013|Articles, General|

Factors That Affect Your Immune System

by Mila McManus MD

As cold and flu season approaches, I thought I would take a moment to give some tips on creating an effective and strong immune system. Often what makes for a “strong immune system” can be confusing and, when you consider that your immune system is your body’s natural defense against threats to your health, you may think more seriously about taking steps to strengthen it. Let’s make your immune system so strong that it’s always ready to be in fighting mode when the risk for illness is at its highest.

A strong immune system is actually one that is optimized and resting until it is called to action and you can do your part to help yours stay that way by boosting supplements and also understanding several factors that can undermine it.

Hand Washing: It is very important to remember that influenza and colds are not caused by bacteria, but yet rather a wide variety of viruses. The most common way cold and flu viruses are spread is through hand to hand contact. One of the easiest ways to lower your risk is to frequently wash your hands with soap and water.
Vitamin D: While colds and flus are caused by viral infections, research shows that your body’s susceptibility to infection is related to, at least partially, an underlying vitamin D deficiency.
Probiotics: The road to good health is paved with good intestines. Probiotics can help you keep your immune system healthy by helping you ward off disease. Remember that 80% of your immune system lies in your gastrointestinal tract. Good gut bacteria actually turn on disease fighting genes to help suppress those genes that can cause a plethora of health troubles.
Good Sleep: If you are not getting adequate and restorative sleep, your body will be at risk for a hostile virile takeover. Your immune system is at its best when you are most rested. Also, the more rested you are, the quicker you are more likely to recover if you do catch a virus.

Biopro Probiotics

By Admin|2013-01-10T17:27:33-05:00November 16th, 2012|

Biopro Probiotics

Probiotics, or gut flora, are the natural bacterial barrier that line the entire digestive tract and protect us from invasive pathogenic (disease-causing) micro-organisms such as yeast, opportunistic bacteria and parasites, as well as chemicals and toxins that we swallow with food and drink every day. These tiny, invisible residents of the human body are essential to our wellbeing and life itself. They neutralize carcinogenic pathogens, chelate heavy metals, synthesize many of our B vitamins, amino acids, and proteins as well as assist calcium, iron and vitamin D absorption. Unfortunately, in our world today, this very tiny, but large population of micro-bacteria can be destroyed and reduced in population by antibiotics, long term prescription drug use, processed foods, stress, alcoholism, pollution, radiation and exposure to toxic substances. So in order to be healthy, digest our food well, and defend our body against disease, it is critical that we continually repopulate and replace our gut flora. In fact, 90% of the cells and genetic material in our bodies is gut flora. Probiotics are found in foods, such as yogurts, and other naturally fermented foods, and can also be purchased in the form of capsules, liquids, and powders.

Functional Medicine: Wellness 101

By Admin|2022-09-27T16:37:01-05:00October 22nd, 2012|

Learn about Functional Medicine and How TWIHW began and listen to real life experiences through their wellness journey!

“Health” and “wellness” are usually defined as the absence of illness or disease. It’s often used synonymously with holistic medicine, anti-aging medicine, age management and functional medicine. The term wellness is often used by acupuncturists, chiropractors, nutritionists, homeopaths, as well as by MDs who are specially trained in holistic medicine.

In contrast, conventional or traditional medicine is based on matching a symptom with a pharmaceutical drug. Functional Medicine – Wellness practitioners such as Dr Mila McManus, Sandra Caldwell PA-C, and Dyvette Warren PA-C, look to find and treat the root causes of symptoms and disease, rather than band-aiding symptoms with prescription medications. The vast majority of the time, the root causes of whatever ails a person include one or more of the following:

– hormonal imbalance not seen on blood work,
– vitamin deficiencies,
– food sensitivities and allergies,
– poor dietary habits in general (e.g. inflammatory foods, processed foods devoid of nutrition),
– overgrowth of opportunistic organisms in the gastrointestinal tract (e.g. yeast, pathogenic bacteria, parasites) with consequent deficiencies in the beneficial bacteria required for good health.
– Other contributing factors often include sleep disorders and toxins.

If you are not feeling your best, why not get to the root of the problem with true health and wellness? Contact The Woodlands Institute or give us a call at 281-298-6742 to schedule your appointment. We’ll discuss the symptoms that you’re experiencing, cover possible causes and determine the best holistic way to heal you. We also encourage you to test yourself with our online symptom checker.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. You will find listed some of the most frequently asked questions that we receive at The Woodlands Institute for Health & Wellness — from insurance to what is hormone therapy/HRT. If you have a question that is not answered about Functional Medicine, please contact us and it would be our privilege to serve you!

Want to learn more? Dr Mila McManus Discusses “Functional Medicine 101: Nuts and Bolts of Wellness” in this 45 minute video…

Additional videos available here:

Ask Dr. McManus

Depression

By Admin|2018-05-21T13:03:34-05:00October 3rd, 2012|NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Depression continues to be a perplexing and complicated arena and exact causes are not fully understood. But with increasing research and understanding, it is very clear that nutrition plays a critical role.

Chemical imbalances in the brain can be triggered by nutrient deficiencies from a poor diet, too much sugar, alcohol, aspartame (NutraSweet and Equal) and even possibly too many grains in the diet. There are also a number of chemical additives put in our processed and fast foods which may also trigger depression including monosodium glutamate, Acesulfame-K, sodium nitrate, and some food dyes, just to name a few.

Recent studies are pointing to a connection between insulin resistance and Type 2 Diabetes with depression. This is to suggest that diets high in sugar and rapidly digesting carbohydrates like potatoes, sugars and processed breads and cereals are not only wreaking havoc with our insulin function but are also triggering depression.

So nutritionally, what can you do to ward off depression? Here at TWIHW we would suggest considering a diet that includes plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds along with quality protein and undamaged fats. Omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D are both important nutrients in the treatment and prevention of depression so including foods in your diet such as salmon, scallops, tuna, eggs, flaxseed, walnuts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, mushrooms and Brussels sprouts can be very supportive. Avoiding or limiting alcohol and sugar as well as processed grains and fast food would also be wise steps.

Eating whole, real, unprocessed food the way it occurs in nature remains a tried and true way to good health.

Depression Symptoms & Treatment

By Admin|2014-04-16T09:20:29-05:00October 3rd, 2012|Articles|

Many people have felt sad or depressed at times. Depression occurs without regard to gender, age and lifestyle. Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to loss, life’s struggles or an injured self-esteem. But when feelings of intense sadness — including feeling helpless, hopeless and worthless — last for days or weeks and keep you from functioning normally, your depression may be something more.

Facts*:
• Depression is a common condition, affecting about 121 million people worldwide.
• According to a 2009 report in the New York Times, the use of antidepressants doubled between 1996 and 2005. Today, it’s estimated that 10% of Americans take antidepressant medication — that’s 32 million sufferers.
• Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide.
• Depression can be reliably diagnosed and treated in a primary care setting.
• Fewer than 25% of those affected by depression have access to effective treatments.

Signs of Depression**:
Two major signs of depression are:
1) Loss of interest in activities normally enjoyed and,
2) Overwhelming sense of hopelessness or pessimism.

Other symptoms or behavioral indicators for depression include:
• Persistent sad, anxious or “empty” feelings
• Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in nearly all activities most of the time
• Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt or worthlessness
• Irritability
• Sluggishness, loss of energy or fatigue most of the time
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia, especially early morning awakening, 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 different frequency or severity. But if five or more of these symptoms apply to you or someone you know, it could signal depression.

Depression can affect everyone***:
Depression can be prevalent in a specific phase of a person’s life. For example, teen depression is a serious condition that affects emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Although teen depression isn’t medically different from adult depression, teenagers often have unique challenges and symptoms. Issues such as peer pressure, academic expectations and changing body types can cause various moods, and ups and downs for teens. For some teens, the lows are more than just temporary feelings; they’re a sign of depression.

Many moms experience the “baby blues” after childbirth. Most common are mood swings and crying spells. Some experience a more severe, long-lasting form of depression known as postpartum depression.

Men also go through “andropause,” which is the equivalent of menopause in females. Andropause correlates directly with depression, a significant factor in the so-called mid-life crisis men experience during their late 40s to late 50s. There are a variety of symptoms and conditions that hormone-impaired men experience during this mid-life transition, including irritability, loss of libido, lack of energy and weight gain.

No matter how you look at it, depression can be a disabling condition, if left untreated.

Treatment:
Traditional therapies used to treat most emotional distress are antidepressants. Common among them are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, Lexapro and Zoloft. These drugs have been shown in clinical trials to be no more effective than a placebo for the vast majority of those taking them. Worse, they have a long list of side effects, including weight gain, sexual dysfunction and increased risk of suicide and violent behavior.***

Treatment options offered at The Woodlands Institute target the underlying causes of depression, which may be related to dietary habits, vitamin deficiencies, food sensitivities and hormonal imbalance (despite normal blood levels of hormones). Depression is NOT caused by a deficiency in a pharmaceutical drug!

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, who will assist you in finding the program that will best fit your symptoms and specific health goals.

Sources:
Some excerpts of this article have been derived from http://www.articles.mercola.com and from http://www.doctoroz.com
*Statistics from WorldHealthOrganization.com
**Adapted from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition and http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles
***Source: http://www.alternativementalhealth.com

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