Mila Chia Wellness

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’s Nutritional Content

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

MILA contains one of the highest, if not the highest, amounts of omega-3 fatty acids known in the plant world. In the 1970s and 1980s, the “fat-free diet craze took all the fats out of our diet, including the good ones.  Now we know that impact that healthy fats have on our general well-being.  The alpha linolenic fatty acid (ALA) found in Mila is known as the only essential omega-3 fatty acid. This means that a person must consume this fatty acid because the body cannot manufacture it.  The fatty acids in MILA are a near perfect balance, plus there is no cholesterol.

Amount    % Daily
per serv.    Value

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 (alpha-linolenic)     3 g            **
Omega-6 (linoleic acid)           1 g            **
Omega-9 (oleic acid)            0.3 g            **

Total Fat                                      4 g            6%

Saturated fat                              0 g            **
Trans fat                                      0 g            **
Polyunsaturated fat                   0 g            **
Monounsaturated fat                 0 g           **

Cholesterol                                 0 g          0%

View the detailed MILA Nutritional Content

FIBER

A number of studies have found that a high intake of total fiber contributes to a healthy heart and circulatory system.  High-fiber diets may also modulate blood sugar levels. Since fiber is filling and has very few calories, high-fiber foods may also help with weight loss.

ANTIOXIDANTS & PHYTONUTRIENTS

These two components have recently been recognized as important to human health, but are not necessary for life.  Interestingly, phytonutrients may act as antioxidants, but not all phytonutrients are antioxidants. Antioxidants in foods can be divided into two main groups, with similar, as well as different, benefits to human health. These two groups are Vitamins & minerals and Phenolic Compounds.

PROTEIN

Protein is found throughout the body in hair, nails, outer layers of skin, muscle tissue, the inner structure of bones, and red blood cells. Protein is used by the body to perform many functions in the body including building & repairing body tissues, hormone production & carrying nutrients throughout the body. MILA is a great source of protein and contains both essential and non-essential amino acids.

View the detailed MILA Nutritional Content

Source: http://milachawellness.lifemax.net

Leave a Comment September 8, 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