Mila Chia Wellness

Facts about Mercury in fish and shellfish

I have received several requests for information about the mercury content of seafood. I am sharing here the report of one of the more recognized authorities, the US FDA.

Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. Fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children’s proper growth and development. So, women and young children in particular should include fish or shellfish in their diets due to the many nutritional benefits.

However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child’s developing nervous system. The risks from mercury in fish and shellfish depend on the amount of fish and shellfish eaten and the levels of mercury in the fish and shellfish. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.

Read the rest of this report from the US FDA site:

http://www.fda.gov/Food/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/ucm110591.htm

Of course, there are safer non-marine alternatives to obtain the valuable Omega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 (and in optimum ratio) — from Mila chia seeds, the miracle seed.

Almost 20 years of research by its rediscoverer Dr. Wayne Coates have proven that, on a gram per gram comparison, Mila chia seeds contain 8 times more Omega-3 than Atlantic salmon, without the fish taste nor the mercury content.

Learn more about the chia seed for this site and from the Lifemax Mila official website.

1 Comment October 27, 2009

From skeptic to beginner

I have to admit that I was a skeptic, like most of my colleagues, when I was presented with yet another “supplement” to aid my treatment of patients and to add to their wellness and preventative medicine programs. However, the potential of a product with high source Omega-3 fatty acids intrigued me. I researched chia over the course of a few months and could find little, if any, fault with the science.

As a busy Family Practitioner, I am presented on a daily basis with patients with GI problems, arthritic complaints, menopausal symptoms, sleep disorders, weight issues, hypertension and elevated cholesterol.  The treatment of these conditions are plagued by side effects and high cost.  Mila has the potential to treat all of these conditions and more.  The future of medicine is effective, low cost treatments with minimal side effects that will benefit preventative medicine programs.  I honestly believe that Mila has a place in that future.

Early research has suggested that pregnant women given Omega-3 fatty acids have children with better eye-hand coordination and reach milestones earlier in life. Chia is safe in pregnancy and can be given to children without detrimental effect. Studies in the treatment of hyperlipidemia, attention deficit disorder, hypertension and weight loss are underway.

In addition, I am the medical director of a weight loss clinic and plan on offering Mila to patients as an adjunct to medication. Taken before meals, Mila absorbs 7 to 10 times its volume of liquid and gives a sensation of fullness.

On a personal note, since starting Mila, I find that I have more mental alertness, energy and sleep better. I suffer from chronic insomnia and typically only get 5 to 6 hours of sleep a night.  The first week I took Mila, I overslept 3 days and was late to the office!  I take Mila one hour prior to lunch and find my appetite significantly diminished with no afternoon hunger pangs.

I recommend Mila to anyone who wants to feel better and am working to get my local medical community on board!

1 Comment October 18, 2009

Mila and Psychotherapy

Following my personal experience with taking Mila, and the several positive effects noted, I began to research the effects of Omega-3 as it relates to mental health and was appalled with my ignorance!  Through a mutual friend, I was introduced to a research physician at NIH who specializes in Omega-3.  With his encouragement, I began an informal “anecdotal” experiment with a few of my patients who struggle with depression.  Each one of them reported improvement in mood within a week of consumption.  Three of them decided (without my recommendation) to stop taking their anti-depressant meds, and reported that they did just as well without them.  While I still do not advise patients to stop their medication, I believe at this point that Mila enhances the effectiveness of the meds.

In addition to the most common effects of Mila such as improved energy and gastro-intestinal improvement, I have had reports of lowered blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as a decrease in joint and muscle pain and weight loss.

A side benefit of Mila relates to the encouragement and hope that comes when long-term symptoms of physical and mental distress are diminished.  One couple came to see me recently with intense emotional, relational, and financial pressure.  Each presented an affect of hopelessness.  Following a general assessment and mental status exam, it was apparent that the husband had been experiencing life-long endogenous depression (and now, situational depression) and the wife had ADHD, neither of which had been diagnosed.  I referred them both to a psychiatrist for medical evaluations, but while waiting for their appointment date, they began taking Mila.  When I saw them the following week, he demonstrated more energy and optimism, and gave familiar reports of the positive effects of the grain.  She reported that she was focusing more clearly and really liked the changes she saw in her husband. More important than these reports, to me, was the renewed hope that their marriage could be saved and they could find a way to stabilize their financial situation.

Leave a Comment June 14, 2009