CGM – Should You Wear One?

by Mila McManus, MD

Wearing a CGM [continuous glucose monitor] provides critical insight into one's unique physiology and how lifestyle choices impact it.

Everyone can benefit from wearing a Continuous Glucose Monitor [CGM]. Commonly prescribed for weight management and diabetes management, a CGM can do so much more! Wearing a CGM can give critical insight into a person’s unique physiology and allow the wearer to fine-tune diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices to optimize results. Plus, learning to stabilize your blood glucose is foundational to preventing all diseases and aging.

Last January, we introduced you to CGMs. Our main article discussed who benefits from wearing one, the reasons why, and the problems created by chronically spiking blood glucose. We also described our CGM program. Here is a link to that article.

But wait! There is so much more. Did you know that wearing a CGM can inform you if…

Your sauna, cold plunge, or high-intensity exercise puts too much strain on your body?
Stress alone is causing glucose destabilization?
Food intolerances are causing unexpected glucose spikes and dips?
Overeating or undereating is resulting in irregular glucose fluctuations?
Portions are too large or small? Even a no-carb meal can cause abnormal blood sugar fluctuations if the portions are inadequate or too much.
during long cardio exercises [running, biking, hiking], your glucose remains consistently high throughout? This can signal chronic blood sugar elevation.
your resistance training is paying off and building muscle? Muscles consume glucose!
a part of your home or workspace is moldy? Glucose can react as the immune system reacts to mold. This is something to explore if glucose rises in certain parts of your home or workspace.
an area of your home or workspace is poorly ventilated? High carbon dioxide buildup can cause inflammation in the body and spike glucose.
allergies to pets, dust, and plants are impacting blood sugar.
chemicals, heavy metals, and sometimes bacteria in the body are harming your blood glucose levels?

If you are working hard to take control of your health, wearing a CGM is one way to gather personal information you can use to adjust your lifestyle for optimal results. Check out our CGM Program and call (281) 298-6742 for more information about getting started.

Know you. Be Well.

References:

http://theiahealth.com

By Mila McManus MD|2024-11-20T08:48:43-06:00November 21st, 2024|Articles, General|

Semaglutide: NEW Weight Loss Program

Semaglutide Weight Loss Program at The Woodlands Institute for Health and Wellness

A Highly Effective Weight Loss Medication That’s Safe for Patients with Cardiovascular Disease

Have other weight loss protocols failed?

Did you find HCG to be too strict?

Was KETO too difficult to follow?

This protocol has been FDA approved for weight loss! Semaglutide slows gastric emptying which helps stabilize blood sugar but also reduces cravings and hunger. This is a once weekly injection that can be administered in the office or at home. Our protocol also includes weekly vitamin injections.

Serving patients since 2004 in The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Houston, Tomball, Montgomery, Magnolia area. Call today for more information about how this exciting weight loss program can work for you.

What is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic, Wegovy, among others, is used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and ongoing weight management. Semaglutide is a Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist which improves blood sugar control in people with Type II Diabetes. Because it also slows gastric emptying, which keeps you fuller longer, people can lose large amounts of weight overtime. It was FDA-approved in 2021 for weight loss.

Who is this Weight Loss Program for?

Because it is not a stimulant, Semaglutide is a good solution for those who may not be able to take stimulant-based appetite suppressants such as phentermine. Stimulants are often not prescribed for patients who have existing cardiovascular disease as they can complicate these conditions.

Semaglutide is for patients who want to lose weight, especially patients with type 2 diabetes or whose weight puts them at risk of a serious cardiovascular event (like heart attack or stroke).

How does it work?

Semaglutide slows down the rate at which your stomach sends food to your large intestine. This results in slower digestion (which improves blood sugar) and a longer feeling of fullness. It also stimulates the pancreas to produce more insulin, removing sugar from the bloodstream.

Patients on Semaglutide have reported reduced appetite and a reduced craving for sweets, both of which contribute to weight loss. Patients also report that over-eating while on Semaglutide results in unpleasant side effects, which discourages poor eating habits.

What to eat when taking Semaglutide?

Eat slowly, and eat smaller meals.
Eat foods that are light and bland.
Drink clear or ice-cold drinks (like water or unsweetened tea)
Avoid fried, greasy, or sweet foods.

At The Woodlands Institute we offer virtual and in-office appointments to fit your schedule. The first time you complete the Weight Loss Protocol you will meet with one of our medical providers to discuss the program and make sure that you are a candidate. Once approved to start you will receive 8 weeks of medication, 8 Lipo-B12 (in-office only) or B12 injections or upgrade to PolyMVA $49. After the 1st 8 weeks you will be able to continue to titrate up following the recommended titration schedule or repeat any dose in 4 week cycles. Virtual patients will receive all supplies needed for each cycle to self administer medication.

Call (281) 298-6742 today to learn more.

By Mila McManus MD|2023-04-27T17:09:42-06:00August 29th, 2021|General|

Our Best Supplements for Weight Loss

By Mila McManus, M.D.

Many of you may be wanting to clean up your diet and perhaps shed a few pounds. Needless to say, eat healthfully, eat less, and move more are top three foundational steps to weight loss and weight management. You may be interested to know that there are several supplements that also support weight loss and weight management! If you are deficient in them, your battle of the bulge may be an uphill one. Consider adding these to your weight loss strategy.

Collagen[1] – The most abundant protein in the body, collagen makes up the majority of your muscles, ligaments, tendons, and skin. As we age, we produce less of it, resulting in sagging skin, achy or swollen joints, less energy, and a decline in muscle mass. Adding collagen can help support appetite suppression, satiation, increased lean muscle mass, and improved metabolism.

Curcumin[2] – Found in the Indian spice turmeric, curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent, and obesity is considered a low grade inflammatory disease. In fact, over-eating causes inflammation. Curcumin also helps to regulate metabolism by increasing a hormone called adiponectin. In one study of 1600 people, curcumin helped reduce weight, inches in the waist, and over all body mass index. Curcumin also helps liver detoxification, and increases fat burning, which in turn boosts weight loss.

5-htp – Naturally occurring in the body, this amino acid derivative is a precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is produced in the intestinal tract and brain and is important for mood, promoting calmness, and sleep. It can also be helpful with reducing carbohydrate cravings and supporting healthy eating patterns. (stress eat much??)

Hepatothera[3] – Successful dieting and detoxification require support for the liver to perform its many duties. This Klaire Labs product is designed to support cellular levels of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and super oxide dismutase (SOD) – the crucial antioxidants that protect hepatocytes and help detoxify everyday foreign substances helping to strengthen the liver against every day challenges. Moreover, some studies suggest that, because toxins are stored in our fat cells, the more toxins we carry, the more fat the body wants to make to sequester them.

Fiber – Essential to good gut health, fiber cleanses the intestinal tract. It is essential to keeping bowels moving, assists with feelings of fullness, and feeds your favorable gut bacteria. It is important to drink plenty of water when taking fiber.

L-Tyrosine – This amino acid helps to boost chemicals in the brain that affect energy, mood, and appetite. It is also a precursor to thyroid hormone.

So eat healthfully, eat less, move more, and consider complementing your efforts with one or more of these supplements, all available in our office. Cheers to better health!

[1] https://www.naturalhealthynews.com/4-of-the-best-supplements-for-weight-loss/, published Saturday, December 12, 2020

[2] https://www.naturalhealthynews.com/4-of-the-best-supplements-for-weight-loss/, published Saturday, December 12, 2020

[3] https://klaire.com/hep-hepatothera, accessed on 12/16/2020

By Mila McManus MD|2022-10-10T16:59:59-06:00January 13th, 2021|General|

Blood Sugar Made Very Simple

By Nancy Mehlert, MS

1. We have about 1 gallon of blood. Ideally, it should have about 4 grams (1 teaspoon) of glucose in it at all times for optimal function. Less or more negatively affects function.
2. If you consume, for example, 2 ounces of Gluten Free Pasta, it contains 42 grams of net carbohydrate. As it digests, blood sugar rises from the optimal 4 grams to 46 grams of glucose. This creates a significant blood sugar imbalance and the body responds quickly to address the problem.
3. The corrective measure is two fold. First, the liver stores a portion of the glucose as glycogen for future release when blood sugar is too low. Second, the body releases insulin to usher the excess glucose into any cells willing to receive it, which most of the time, it will be fat cells, thus storing the glucose as fat causing weight gain.
4. This lowers blood sugar back to normal optimal levels and stockpiles sugar supplies in the liver. Next time you fail to eat, the liver will release fuel in the form of glucose, RATHER than burn fat from the body.
5. So every time we eat excessive amounts of carbohydrate, we are storing excess sugar in the liver and in fat cells and the next time the body needs fuel, it will access the liver stores, rather than burn fat. This cycle prevents weight loss. Learning to maintain stable blood sugar is key to weight loss.

By Mila McManus MD|2020-03-03T09:12:56-06:00March 5th, 2020|General, NANCY’S NUTRITIONAL NUGGET|

Keys to Successful Weight Loss

By Mila McManus M.D.

The three most common excuses given for the inability to lose weight are thyroid malfunction, eating too many calories, and inadequate exercise. Everyone knows that. Right? Not so fast. In fact, we wish we had a nickel for every time someone has said, “No matter what I do, what I eat, how much I exercise, I can’t lose weight!”. Truth be told, there are many variables that can prevent weight loss even when it seems like the diet and exercise are more than adequate. Our stressful and toxic world contributes more than you might realize, along with important lifestyle habits. There may also be other physiological reasons. For most people, there are several variables at play.

Here is a list of considerations when you are at your weight loss wit’s end.

Inflammation affects metabolism. Inflammation stems from various factors, but one, in particular, is a food sensitivity. You may not realize, for instance, the eggs, almonds, or wheat in your diet are sabotaging your efforts because of an underlying food sensitivity. Another source of inflammation is alcohol. (Of course, the calories from alcohol don’t help either.)
Poor sleep quality and sleep deprivation cause an increase in ghrelin, a hormone that stimulates appetite, as well as cause a decrease in leptin, a hormone that tells you when to stop eating.
Thyroid function may be low despite normal lab results. Test yourself here for low thyroid symptoms. Your thyroid ratios may be suboptimal because your body can’t adequately convert inactive thyroid (T4) to active thyroid (T3) due to vitamin deficiencies, stress, poor gut health, or heavy metals. In addition, infection and inflammation increase Reverse T3 (RT3) which blocks thyroid function at the cellular level.
Guessing at caloric needs and exercise needs without knowing your own biological, physiological needs can sabotage your efforts. Consider having a metabolic test to determine your accurate resting metabolic rate, caloric needs for weight loss and for weight maintenance. It is easy and affordable. Ask for a Metacheck appointment.
Trying to exercise your way to weight loss is pretty fruitless when not examining your diet. Dietary adjustments will be a much faster route to weight loss compared to trying to overcompensate with exercise. HCG Protocol or Weight Loss Protocol are good places to start your weight loss journey.
Doing the wrong types of exercise is a recipe for long term disaster. Muscle mass contributes greatly to your metabolic rate. If you are trying to jog off your behind and belly fat, you may find that strength training to increase muscle mass is more effective at burning calories, toning every area of the body, and getting faster results.
Hormonal Imbalances for both men and women can greatly impact the ability to lose weight. For example, imbalances of sex hormones (e.g., testosterone, estrogen, progesterone) can impact thyroid function which, in turn, affects metabolism. Have you heard of estrogen dominance? Men can struggle with this as well if testosterone is declining while exposure to estrogenic plastics, chemicals, or soy causes increased estrogen levels.
Poor gut health (even with absence of any obvious gastrointestinal symptoms) caused by medications, poor diet, antibiotics, and artificial sweeteners, to name a few, will often affect weight. Good gut health is mission-critical for weight loss.
Lectins, which are in many healthy foods, can cause weight gain and inhibit weight loss. Read about lectins here, and read about which foods contain the most lectins here.
Nutritional deficiencies affect metabolism. Are you deficient in iodine, selenium, vitamin D, or iron perhaps? Deficiencies here will affect your thyroid function. There are a number of tests available to help identify nutritional deficiencies.

Medications can affect your metabolism, including birth control pills, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Even Zyrtec and Allegra, common allergy medications, can cause weight gain.

Toxins may be sabotaging your efforts, too. Today, our toxin exposure is significantly higher than it was just fifty years ago. Additionally, some of us don’t eliminate toxins as well as others do. A good detox program may be helpful! Read our article on toxin testing and search our site for detox recipes that will help you get rid of harmful toxins. PEMF Therapy and IR Sauna are two additional detoxifying options available at our office.

Inadequate hydration can slow your metabolism.

Unaddressed emotional trauma can affect eating habits and have neurohormonal effects that contribute to weight gain.

Emotional eating habits are a common problem, such as binge eating chips or cookies when sad or stressed, or celebrating good times with cake and champagne.

Not eating enough calories can be disastrous on your metabolism. Starving yourself, or eating a normal number of calories, and then following with excessive exercise or exertion, can cause reduced muscle mass and, therefore, slowing of metabolic rate.

Eating too late at night can affect weight, mainly because studies show that late eaters tend to make poorer food choices and eat more calories.

Eating too quickly will tend to cause you to eat more calories because you’re shoveling in more food during the interval between intake of food and getting the signal from your brain that you are full.

Excessive fruit intake can affect weight because the sugar in fruit, fructose, more easily stores as fat than other types of carbs.
Stress-yes, stress. Its effects are evil in every way.

Ready to do something about it? Here are ways to get started:

Read Highway to Health, A Nutritional Roadmap, by Mila McManus MD, available in our office and on Amazon. This book includes everything you need to know about nutrition and lifestyle to maintain a healthy weight. The 2nd edition was published in December 2019.
Call 281-298-6742 to learn how we can help you start losing weight today with one of our medically monitored weight loss programs. HCG Protocol or Weight Loss Protocol are good places to start your weight loss journey.
Use our website to find healthy recipes that are sure to spice up your taste buds and make you feel better.
Follow the links in this article to test yourself and learn more.

References:

The Plant Paradox by Dr Gundry

www.medicalnewstoday.com

www.epocrates.com

Why Isn’t my Brain Working? by Dr. Kharrazian

Adrenal Fatigue by Dr. James Wilson

By Mila McManus MD|2022-10-10T18:36:30-06:00March 5th, 2020|Articles, Ask Dr McManus, General, Recommended Reading|

“I’m more healthy and I have lost over 100lbs.”

I’m more healthy and I have lost over 100lbs.

I started the yeast cleanse diet in March of 2019. With the help of Dr. McManus and Nancy, I was able to work through it, do some things my own way, and take it slow. I’ve been eating better since. I’m more healthy and I have lost over 100lbs. I have a better self-image and more confidence. The photo(s) was taken in December 2019.

-E. W.

By Mila McManus MD|2020-02-27T12:19:42-06:00February 2nd, 2020|General, Testimonials|

“I am already feeling like a new person.”

I am already feeling like a new person.

“Here is the good part, I am already feeling like a new person. I am amazed that I am not far along with the protocol and I have great energy, no depression at all, I am able to take care of my four year old grandson and do the routine chores here since my daughter has started a high pressure new job. I am doing good on the diet and feel I am starting to lose some weight.”
– L.P.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-11-25T16:12:04-06:00September 20th, 2019|General, Testimonials|

“Superb attention to my progress!”

Superb attention to my progress!

“I was referred here [TWIHW] by a friend. I was looking for the right place to assist me with improving my health and to lose some weight. This was exactly what I needed. Excellent staff! Superb attention to my progress!”

-Tony L.

By Mila McManus MD|2019-02-20T12:06:15-06:00January 17th, 2019|General, Testimonials|

ONDAMED Results in 3 months!

ONDAMED

Feedback from a patient K.H. who’s been having ONDAMED sessions for the past 3 months:

Really had significant things happen…

Went from constipated to regular BMs.
Lost 15 lbs without changing diet.
moved from depressed moods to better moods.

Just to name a few!

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-04T13:03:26-06:00November 21st, 2018|General, Testimonials|

“Win, Win. Hurray!”

Win, Win. Hurray!

I’m doing very well. No more die off symptoms. My pain has been greatly diminished. I have much more range of motion in my arms, getting up out of my lounge chair is no longer extremely painful. No more gastrointestinal bloating anywhere. I am slowly losing weight. I have not had to take pain relievers or Nexium since starting the (clean) diet. My skin has cleared up considerably. Win, Win hurray!!! I am so appreciative to my dear friend for recommending wonderful Dr. McManus and her staff for my journey into healing from the dietary war on our bodies and minds. It amazes me how food has become our bodies enemy. How what you could once eat with no problems builds to a toxic crescendo limiting your life in so many painful and mind altering ways. I look forward to working with you all going forward on a new healthier lifestyle.

Thank you!

-LK

By Mila McManus MD|2019-01-04T13:00:39-06:00October 26th, 2018|General, Testimonials|