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Diet and Nutrition

Proper Eating and Nutrition
Diet and Hormones
Nutrients and Supplements
Dietary Dangers

Unprocessed, organic food that is not preserved. The simplest way to help ensure you are getting what you need and don't need from your food.

Most of the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals we need should come from the food we eat. Individual needs of each person should be identified when evaluating the diet. Lifestyle, metabolism, genetics, geographic location, should all be considered. Western nutrition crossed with the understanding of food energetics (a skill of Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioners) should be combined for meeting individual requirements.

The quality of the food you eat plays a vital role in the optimal functioning of the body, its hormones, and cellular activities. The idea is understanding how to get the proper nutrition from your food intake, and why to avoid certain foods.

Living food (fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds) are nutritionally superior to packaged processed foods. If these can be eaten organically, even better. With animal meats, estrogen residues found in the edible portions of the food have been associated with the use of estrogen hormone implants in the animals. Because these estrogen implants can promote quicker growth and better yield, they are widely used in the non-organic meat industry. However, estrogen implants are prohibited in the production of certified organic products, including milk, eggs, and meats.

All food is made up of protein, carbs, and fats, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. First thing in the morning, room temperature water is important to consume before anything else. Then things simple to digest such as oatmeal. Fruit and yogurt or anything else is best left out of the fridge for a little while so it is not so cold it shocks the digestion. Lunch should be a small high protein meal to trigger a rise in dopamine. Too many carbs will release serotonin and make you sleepy. Supper should include your favorite carbs, this is the proper time to wind down and get sleepy. Try not to eat within 3-4 hours of bedtime. You should sleep better and not retain unwanted calories.

Protein repairs and renews cells, transports oxygen and nutrients, produces hormones, helps fight infection, and grow new tissues for muscles, bones, and traumatic injuries.
The building blocks of protein, the amino acids, are essential for proper building and functioning of eggs, and reproductive hormones.
Men and women both need approx. 60-70 grams of protein per day.
Sources include meat, fish, eggs, dairy, lentils, peas, beans, nuts, brown rice, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and quinoa.
Vegetarians must eat more food in general to acquire the daily recommended dose of protein. The supplementation of zinc may also be vital to vegetarians.
Spread out your protein consumption throughout the day for best absorption and usage of the essential amino acids.
Do not go overboard with protein, this also can cause problems such as calcium depletion.

Fats. Essential Fatty Acids make hormones, transport cholesterol, help reduce inflammation, keep skin healthy, and reduce PMS.
Sources include butter, margarine, vegetable oils, milk products, meats, nuts, and seeds.
Saturated fats found in meat and dairy products should be kept to a minimum.
Unsaturated fats found in vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, and fish, otherwise known as omega 3-6-9, are essential for brain, nervous, immune, cardiovascular, and integumentary (skin) systems development. Good sources are flaxseed oil, pumpkin seeds, evening primrose oil, and fish oils.

Carbohydrates. The body's basic fuel source.
Sources include whole grains, sugar, syrup, honey, fruits, and vegetables.
Stay away from refined flours and sugars, these are nutrient void and spike your blood-sugar causing a crash.
Fiber is also an important part of carbohydrate intake.

Micronutrients and Phytochemicals. Vitamins, minerals, phytochemicals (bioflavonoid, carotenoids, antioxidants, and phytoestrogens). Enough fruit and veggies in the diet should ensure you are getting enough of these vital substances. You cannot get too much of these.
Fiber. Less bowel problems, reduced risk of colon and breast cancer, less chance of gall stone formation, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Another reason to add plentiful fruits and veggies to your daily diet plan.
Sources. Whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and legumes. Too much wheat fiber in your diet can rob your body of estrogen, and block the uptake of essential nutrients.
Remember that the bowels get rid of old hormones.

Water. Second to oxygen, water is the most important nutrient in the body. It makes up 70% of the adult body, 85% of blood, 73% of muscle, 25% of fat, and 22% of bone. It is essential for the proper functioning of every body system, absolutely everything from walking to cellular production. Diuretics such as alcohol, coffee, and tea, raise the already large amount of 1.5 liters that we lose of water each day from sweating, breathing, and urinating.
Most people are dehydrated. The implications of this span every process of the body. Dehydration increases the production of cholesterol, which surrounds cells to seal in and conserve water. This traps toxins inside the cells, and inhibits nutrients from entering the cells. The ovaries and testes are of the first organs to have the water cut off from them when stores get low in the body.
Increase your intake gradually up to 2 liters per day. Drink filtered water preferably not from plastic bottles.

Diet and Hormones for Fertility & IVF

Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight will optimize your chances of conception by supporting your body and its hormonal functioning.

Your nutrient levels and how well your digestion is functioning is a huge determinant of hormonal balancing in your body. Essential Fatty Acids and nutrients such as vitamin A, B6, zinc, magnesium, and antioxidants are key factors to hormonal balance and therefore fertility.

The body has to expend valuable energy (that could be used within reproductive processes) when it is saturated with junk food and all the liver stressing elements that come with it. The body then works to detoxify, not reproduce.

Enough fiber and optimal liver function are important because once hormones have completed their function, they are processed by the liver and put back into the digestive tract to be eliminated. A Liver Detox before beginning any fertility programs is usually a good idea.

Food sensitivities are also important to be determined, they effect digestion and will ultimately decrease your absorption of vital nutrients, and therefore compromise your hormone balance. Most people already know if they are allergic to things such as peanuts and shellfish, but other commonly eaten foods such as dairy and wheat products cause problems without people knowing. Eliminate or at least limit greatly your consumption of milk, cheese, cream, sour cream, bread, pastas, and flour. After a couple of weeks, once the cravings for these items is waning, reassess how you are feeling, your energy levels, headaches, libido, bowel habits, etc.. If you feel a lot better than usual, it is almost certain that you are sensitive to these foods.

It is also recommended strongly, if you are a meat eater, to make the switch to organic. The growth hormones (i.e. testosterone) in commercial meats wreak havoc on your hormonal balance.

For more information on hormones and reproduction (including diet, weight, and more) go to...
Hormones: keeping the balance

Nutrients and Supplements for Fertility & IVF

Modern farming practices, your diet, and your lifestyle, may require that you supplement with certain nutrients to optimize fertility.

Consult someone who understands, or can test for deficiencies, so a tailored program can be set out for you.

Amino Acids
The building blocks of life. Necessary for egg and sperm production. Some healthcare practitioners will prescribe amino acids such as l-arginine to enhance fertility.
Sources: protein foods such as meat, fish, eggs, dairy, lentils, peas, beans, nuts, brown rice, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and quinoa.

Vitamin A
Essential for the production of female sex hormones. It has antioxidant qualities which protects cells against damage from free radicals in the body. It also is important for the developing embryo.
Retinol (the version of vitamin A found in liver) has been linked to fetal abnormalities.
Sources: eggs, yellow fruits and vegetables, whole milk and milk products, dark green leafy veggies, and fish oils.
Dosage: RDA 2565 IU for pregnant women.

Beta Carotene is a pigment in plants that is converted into vitamin A. The corpus luteum is very high in beta carotene, so it may be cardinal in the regulation of the reproductive cycle hormones.
Sources: peas, broccoli, carrots, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin B1 (thiamin)
Needed for ovulation and implantation.
Sources: molasses, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, organ and other meats, egg yolks, fish, poultry, legumes, and seeds.
Dosage: RNI 0.8 mg per day (women)

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
Deficiencies are linked to sterility, miscarriage, and low birth weight. The liver uses B2 to clear away old used hormones (estrogen and progesterone). If these are not excreted, the body thinks there is enough and less production happens, resulting in hormone deficiencies.
Sources: molasses, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, organ and other meats, egg yolks, fish, poultry, legumes, and seeds.
Dosage: RNI 1.1 mg per day (women)

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)
Important for fetal development.
Sources: molasses, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, organ and other meats, egg yolks, fish, poultry, legumes, seeds, wheat germ, salmon, sweet potatoes, broccoli, oranges, cashews, pecans, and strawberries.
Dosage: RNI 3-7 mg per day (adults)

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
Together with zinc, B6 is essential for the formation of female sex hormones and the proper functioning of estrogen and progesterone. A deficiency causes the ovaries to shut down production of progesterone which leads to estrogen dominance. B6 is used to treat luteal phase defects because of it encourages the production of progesterone. It also has shown to improve fertility rates if taken over a 6 month period.
Sources: molasses, brewer's yeast, whole grains, nuts, brown rice, organ and other meats, egg yolks, fish, poultry, legumes, seeds, and green leafy veggies.
Dosage: RNI 1.2 mg per day, but up to 50 mg may be used per day.
Note: Zinc is needed for its absorption.

Vitamin B12
Folate and B12 are needed for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. These make up the blueprint for the genetic code of the entire body.
Sources: lamb, sardines, salmon, fermented foods that contain bacteria. Calcium aids in its absorption.
Dosage: RNI from 1.5 to 50 mcg per day.

Folate (folic acid)
This should be taken for at least 3 months before conception, and 2 months after. It reduces the risk of neural-tube damage (brain and spinal cord) in the developing embryo. Vitamin C aids in absorption. The contraceptive pill depletes stores of Folate.
Sources: dark green leafy veggies, broccoli, organ meats, brewer's yeast, root vegetables, whole grains, oysters, salmon, milk, legumes, asparagus, oatmeal, dried figs, and avocados.
Dosage: RNI 200 mcg per day (women)

Vitamin C
An antioxidant that prevents damage from free radicals. Too high a dose (over 1000 mg per day) may dry cervical mucus.
Sources: citrus fruits, rosehips, cherries, sprouted alfalfa seeds, cantaloupe, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, sweet peppers, black currants, mangos, grapes, kiwi fruit, pineapples, asparagus, peas, potatoes, parsley, watercress, and spinach.
Dosage: 500 mg per day.

Vitamin E
Deficiency may cause miscarriage. Taken with vitamin C may improve ovulation. Taken with vitamin C and selenium creates a healthy endometrium. Vitamin E has anticoagulant properties, so caution if taking blood thinners.
Sources: cold pressed oils, wheat germ, organ meats, molasses, eggs, sweet potatoes, leafy veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and avocados.
Dosage: 400 IU per day

Iron
Iron helps prevent miscarriage. Tea, coffee, and tobacco all inhibit the absorption of iron.
Sources: organ meats, lean meat, eggs, fish, poultry, molasses, cherries, dried fruits, prunes, green leafy veggies, kelp, spinach, parsley, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, broccoli, oatmeal, sardines, and nuts.
Dosage: 20 mg per day (only take if you have tested positive for deficiency)

Magnesium
We need B1 and magnesium for energy production. Take with selenium, calcium, vitamin B6, and D to aid in absorption. Take with protein foods. Alcohol, tea, coffee, and smoking inhibit absorption.
Sources: kelp, green leafy veggies, tofu, legumes, rye, buckwheat, millet, molasses, brown rice, bananas, dried figs, dried apricots, nuts, barley, seafood, and whole grains.
Dosage: up to 400 mg per day

Selenium
Deficiency may cause infertility and an increased risk of miscarriage. Selenium is required for conversion of Thyroid hormones so they can be used to produce energy for the cells.
Sources: tuna, herring, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and bran, whole grains, and sesame seeds.
Dosage: 200mcg per day

Manganese
Deficiency may lead to defective ovulation, and inhibit the synthesis of sex hormones. Manganese competes with iron for absorption. It is advisable to take manganese supplements with protein foods and vitamin C.
Sources: whole grains, green leafy veggies, carrots, broccoli, ginger, legumes, nuts, pineapples, eggs, oats, and rye.
Dosage: RNI 1.4 mg per day

Zinc
Deficiencies of Zinc are quite common. Zinc is important for the cell division in the fetus, producing good quality eggs, and maintaining the menstrual cycle. Alcohol and the contraceptive pill deplete zinc in the body. Folic acid, tea, coffee, high fiber intake, and iron may inhibit absorption. Vitamin B6 and C may aid absorption.
Sources: lean meat, fish, seafood, chicken, eggs, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, rye, oats, whole grains, legumes, ginger, parsley, mushrooms, brewer's yeast, and wheat germ.
Dosage: RNI 7 mg per day (women), up to 30 mg may be recommended.

Coenzyme Q10
Important for energy production. Levels of CoQ10 are lower in a woman who has experienced a recent miscarriage. ICSI fertilization rates may rise when taking this supplement. It also improves blood flow. Dosage: talk to your healthcare professional.

Iodine
A trace mineral most of which is converted into iodide in the body. It supports the development and functioning of the thyroid gland as an integral part of thyroxine, the main hormone produced by this gland. Iodine plays a role in regulating the body's production of energy, influencing growth and differentiation, stimulating the rate of metabolism, and helping the body burn excess fat.
Sources: Sea food, sea vegetables (kelp),asparagus, garlic, lima beans, mushrooms, Swiss chard and turnip greens.
Dosage:

Essential Fatty Acids
Very important to take when trying to conceive. EFA's act as hormone regulators. Omega-3 DHA and Omega-6 arachidonic acid are important structural elements of cell membranes, body tissue, and brain development in the fetus. Start taking EFA's at least 3 months before you try to get pregnant.
Sources: Omega-3; flaxseed, oily fish, walnuts, green leafy veggies, and tuna (not more than 150g/week).
Sources: Omega-6; seeds and their oils.
Dosage: 700-1000mg per day.
Note: be careful if you are currently taking blood thinning medication.

Dietary Dangers for Fertility & IVF

Soy

High levels of phytic acid in soy reduce assimilation of calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and zinc. Phytic acid in soy is not neutralized by ordinary preparation methods such as soaking, sprouting and long, slow cooking. High phytate diets have caused growth problems in children.
Trypsin inhibitors in soy interfere with protein digestion and may cause pancreatic disorders. In test animals soy containing trypsin inhibitors caused stunted growth.
Soy phytoestrogens disrupt endocrine function and have the potential to cause infertility and to promote breast cancer in adult women.
Soy phytoestrogens are potent antithyroid agents that cause hypothyroidism and may cause thyroid cancer. In infants, consumption of soy formula has been linked to autoimmune thyroid disease.
Vitamin B₁₂ analogs in soy are not absorbed and actually increase the body's requirement for B₁₂.
Soy foods increase the body's requirement for vitamin D.
Fragile proteins are denatured during high temperature processing to make soy protein isolate and textured vegetable protein.
Processing of soy protein results in the formation of toxic lysinoalanine and highly carcinogenic nitrosamines.
Free glutamic acid or MSG, a potent neurotoxin, is formed during soy food processing and additional amounts are added to many soy foods.
Soy foods contain high levels of aluminum which is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys.

Pyrolysis. A process that occurs when proteins are cooked at high temperatures in unsaturated fats. This adversely affects eggs and the genetic material they contain. So stick to poaching and braising using olive oil.

Sufficient levels of vitamin A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, Folate, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and essential fatty acids help protect against mutagens that may cause damage.

Vitamin A, C, E, are potent in the digestive tract and continue their action in the blood and around cell membranes. They are antioxidants and help to limit damage by pollutants. An excess of vitamin A however can cause birth defects, so the recommended daily dosage is under 3000 IU.

Calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are powerful antimutagens and reduce uptake of aluminum, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Green Tea contains substances known as catechins that are powerful antimutagens.

Cholorella is considered to be an exceptionally broad spectrum antimutagen supplement. A freshwater algae that is a rich source of nutrients, chlorella binds to heavy metals and chemicals that have accumulated in the body.

Cilantro is a powerful heavy metal detoxifier, as well as pectin-rich foods such as apples, pears, and bananas.

Dietary fiber from fruit, veggies, whole grains, oat bran, and legumes helps in the excretion of toxins from the body. Avoid wheat bran because it can block mineral absorption.

Low protein levels in the body create a situation where the production of DNA is impeded. Amino acids from protein are the essential building blocks of life. Protein intake is shown to be most important around ovulation, and up to the end of the first trimester.

Flavorings and additives appear in many prepared foods and drinks. Many dried fruits are sulfured. Salt additives in theory are not so bad but the amount used to preserve food plays a role in the upset of hormonal balances.

Aspartame (click for shocking article on aspartame) is likely to be found in any sweetener you put in your drink. Anything labeled 'diet' or 'sugar free', any gum or breath freshener, all will have aspartame as a sweetener. When the temperature of aspartame exceeds 30 degrees centigrade (86 F), which the body accomplishes quite quickly once it is ingested, the wood alcohol in it converts to formaldehyde (a poison used to preserve body parts) and then to formic acid which is even more toxic.
Aspartame may cause miscarriage because it makes the body have an immune reaction to it, which can destroy the fetus.

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is found in a lot of food in Chinese or Mexican restaurants, or prepared foods. It has been shown to cause infertility in animals. It is also in chips, meat seasonings, and soups.

During your Pregnancy

It is extremely important to avoid certain foods that you may have enjoyed pre-pregnancy. This is because many foods either contain harmful bacteria or environmental pollutants that negatively affect your baby. Listeria, salmonella, E. Coli and methyl mercury poisoning are among these harmful elements. Be sure to post a copy of our complete guide of foods to avoid during pregnancy on your refrigerator! Lastly, poor food safety preparation can also mean exposure to harmful substances.

Unpasteurized Products : Listeria

Unpasteurized products are made from raw milk; if the milk process was not performed properly and the milk is 'dirty', then it may be infected with listeria. It is therefore advised that pregnant women not consume the following unpasteurized products:
- raw milk
- soft cheeses : feta goat cheese, brie, camembert
- Mexican-style cheeses : queso blanco and queso fresco
- unpasteurized juice
Listeria is a serious threat: it has been responsible for 2,500 illnesses and up to 500 deaths a year. Some studies estimate that 30% of those deaths involve pregnant women and their fetuses. Listeriosis can cause miscarriage or premature birth. While 'dirty' milk may be contaminated with listeria, there are many advocates of the health benefits of Grade A Certified raw milk. Talk to your doctor to find out more about the benefits of unpasteurized milk.

Raw Eggs : Salmonella

Any dish containing raw eggs is infected with Salmonella. Avoid:
- raw eggs
- Caesar dressing
- egg nog (unpasteurized)
- Hollandaise sauce
- cookie batter
- homemade ice cream

Undercooked Meats : Salmonella, E. Coli, Toxoplasmosis

Pregnant women should avoid all undercooked meats. Remember to take precautions when preparing meats: make sure your steak has an internal temperature of 170 degrees Fahrenheit and heat hamburger and pork to 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid:
- deli meats
- sushi
- pates
- hot dogs
- raw seafood, especially shellfish
- undercooked chicken or meat
Hot dogs can be especially harmful, and have even been found to increase the risk of leukemia in children if eaten more than once a month.

Aspartame

Aspartame (click to red article on aspartame) is a sweetener made by Monsanto found in many diet foods and available in packets to sweeten your foods. Be advised that aspartame has been linked to cancer as well as neuro- and immunotoxicity due to long term ingestion. Because of aspartame's bad press, Monsanto has come up with a new sweetener, Neotame. Neotame has not been sufficiently tested and is thought to be more toxic than its predecessor, aspartame; it contains carcinogenic ingredients, such as formaldehyde. Because aspartame contains phenylalanine, it can be toxic for certain children. Make sure the foods you eat do not contain artificial sweeteners. When sweetening foods, opt for natural sweeteners like honey or fruit juice.

Certain Fish : Methyl Mercury

Fish is an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids, integral in the development of your baby's brain and vision. Yet, because of coal plant pollution, most of the world's fish population is contaminated with methyl mercury. Methyl mercury is a neurotoxin and causes neurological damage, developmental delays and learning deficits. Although the FDA has issued warnings on certain fish species, the US Public Interest Research Group (USPIRG) states that independent studies have shown a need for more rigorous limitation of certain fish species.
safe
- wild pacific salmon
- farm-raised trout
- farm-raised catfish
- fish sticks
- summer flounder
- croaker
- mid-Atlantic blue crab
- haddock

restricted consumption
- canned tuna
- mahi mahi
- eastern oyster
- blue crab from the Gulf of Mexico
- lake whitefish
- blue mussels
- cod
- pollock

dangerous
- shark
- swordfish
- sea bass
- tilefish
- tuna steaks

Trying to get enough uncontaminated fish in your diet is understandable difficult; using a mercury calculator will help you figure how much mercury you're ingesting with your fish. You can also get other sources of the nutrients found in fish. You may want to make up for Omega-3s by eating crushed flaxseed with your breakfast or snacking on walnuts. While flaxseed and walnuts have about a fifth of the Omega-3s, it may be the safer option until pressure is put on industries that contaminate our waters. Pregnancy diets deficient in Omega-3s will result in children with behavioral problems and abnormal vision.

Farm-Raised Fish : PCBs

As if you didn't already have enough on your plate. Fish farming raises a number of health and environmental concerns. Farm-raised fish have significantly higher levels of PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, for a number of reasons. Because PCBs embed themselves in fat, 'fatter' farm-raised fish are rich in this cancer-causing toxin. And while you may think the nutrients of fish even out the dangerous effects of PCBs, farm-raised fish are considerably less nutritious than their wild counterparts. This is because farm-raised fish don't have the opportunity to fulfill their natural and healthy diets. Therefore, stay away from farm-raised fish at the supermarket; farm-salmon is typically labeled "Atlantic" or "Icelandic", while wild salmon is named "Alaskan" or simply "Wild". Be sure to ask your fishmonger what waters your fish comes from.

Food Allergies

If you or your family has a history of food allergies, it is advised that you stay away from peanuts and products that may contain traces of peanuts. Your fetus can be exposed to food allergens and may develop peanut allergy if he has a predisposition.

Food Preparation Tips

Even food preparation needs to be handled carefully as improper handling of food can lead to infection or disease. Here are some tips to help you in the kitchen:
- avoid dented cans or jars that leak or don't 'pop' when you open them
- completely defrost foods, especially meats, prior to cooking; thaw foods in the refrigerator or in a plastic bag submerged in cold water; never thaw foods at room temperature.
- do not freeze anything that has been defrosted
- reheat food only once, then toss it
- when food shopping, avoid fish, meat and eggs that are not well refrigerated or kept on ice
- always wash your hands after preparing food, between foods and after the restoom
- avoid contaminating foods with each other
- wash raw vegetables thoroughly, as unwashed vegetables can harbor toxoplasmosis

Common Cooking Herbs

The following may encourage miscarriage (if used in therapeutic dosages):
Basil, Caraway seeds, Celery seeds, Ginger, fresh Horseradish, Savory, Marjoram, Nutmeg, Rosemary, Saffron, Sage, Parsley, Tarragon, Thyme, Watercress.
Note: amounts commonly used with the preparation of food are generally regarded as safe (GRAS).

For more information on things to avoid go to...
Things to Avoid!

Aspartame

Aspartame - What are you or your patients drinking or chewing??

MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS FOUNDATION & FDA Are SUING For COLLUSION With MONSANTO
By: Betty Martini

I have spent several days lecturing at the World Environmental Conference on "Aspartame: Marketed as 'NutraSweet', 'Equal' & 'Spoonful'. In the keynote address by the EPA. They announced that there was an epidemic of Multiple Sclerosis, Systemic Lupus, and they did not understand what toxin was causing this to be rampant across the United States. I explained I was there to lecture on exactly that subject.

When the temperature of Aspartame exceeds 86 degrees F, the wood alcohol in Aspartame coverts to Formaldehyde and then to Formic Acid, which in turn causes metabolic acidosis. (Formic acid is the poison found in the sting of Fire Ants.) The Methanol toxicity mimics Multiple Sclerosis; thus, people were being diagnosed with having Multiple Sclerosis in error. The Multiple Sclerosis is not a death sentence, where Methanol toxicity is.

In the case of Systemic Lupus, we are finding it has become almost as rampant as Multiple Sclerosis especially in Diet Coke & Diet Pepsi drinkers. Also, with Methanol toxicity, the victims usually drink 3 to 4 12-oz. cans of them per day, some even more. In the cases of Systemic Lupus, which is triggered by Aspartame, the victim usually does not know that the Aspartame is the culprit. The victim continues its use aggravating the Lupus to such a degree, that sometimes it becomes life threatening.

When we get people off the Aspartame, those with Systemic Lupus usually become asymptomatic. Unfortunately, we cannot reverse this disease. On the other hand, in the case of those diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (when in reality, the disease is Methanol toxicity), most of the symptoms disappear. We have seen cases where their vision has returned and even their hearing has returned. This also applies to cases of Tinnitus.

During a lecture I said, "If you are using Aspartame [NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc.] and you suffer from Fibromyalgia symptoms, Spasms, Shooting Pains, Numbness in your Legs, Cramps, Vertigo, Dizziness, Headaches, Tinnitus, Joint Pain, Depression, Anxiety Attacks, Slurred Speech, Blurred Vision, or Memory loss, you probably have ASPARTAME DISEASE!" People were jumping up during the lecture saying, "I've got this! Is it reversible?" It is rampant. Some of the speakers at my lecture were suffering from many of these symptoms.

In one lecture attended by the Ambassador of Uganda, he told us that their Sugar industry is adding Aspartame! He continued by saying that one of the industry leader's son could no longer walk due in part to product usage! We have a very serious problem.

A stranger came up to Dr. Espisto, (one of my speakers) and myself and said, "Could you tell me why so many people seem to be coming down with MS?"

During a visit to a hospice, a nurse said that six of her friends, who were heavy Diet Coke drinkers, had all been diagnosed with MS. This is beyond coincidence.

Here is the problem. There were Congressional Hearings when Aspartame was originally included as a sweetener in 100 different products. Since this initial hearing, there have been two subsequent hearings, but to no avail. Nothing has been done. The drug and chemical lobbies have very deep pockets. Now there are over 5,000 products containing this chemical, and the PATENT HAS EXPIRED!!

At the time of this first hearing, people were going blind. The Methanol in the Aspartame converts to Formaldehyde in the retina of the eye. Formaldehyde is grouped in the same class of drugs as Cyanide and Arsenic - DEADLY POISONS!!! Unfortunately, it just takes longer to quietly kill, but it is killing people and causing all kinds of neurological problems.

Aspartame changes the brain's chemistry. It is the reason for severe seizures. This drug changes the Dopamine level in the brain. Imagine what this drug does to patients suffering from Parkinson's Disease. This drug also causes birth defects. There is absolutely no reason to take this product.

It is NOT A DIET PRODUCT!!

The Congressional record said, "It makes you crave Carbohydrates &will make you FAT." Dr. Roberts stated that when he got patients off aspartame, their average weight loss was 19 pounds per person. The Formaldehyde stores in the fat cells, particularly in the hips and thighs.

Aspartame is especially deadly for Diabetics . All physicians know what Wood Alcohol will do to a Diabetic. We find that physicians believe that they have patients with Retinopathy, when in fact, it is caused by the Aspartame. The Aspartame keeps the blood sugar level out of control, causing many patients to go into a coma. Unfortunately, many have died.

People were telling us at the conference of the American College of Physicians that they had relatives that had switched from Saccharin to an Aspartame product and how that relative had eventually gone into a coma. Their physicians could not get the blood sugar levels under control; thus the patients suffered acute memory loss and eventually coma and death.

Memory loss is due the fact that Aspartic Acid and Phenylalanine are Neurotoxic without the other Amino Acids found in protein, thus it goes past the blood brain barrier and deteriorates the neurons of the brain.

Dr. Russell Blaylock, a prominent neurosurgeon of Jackson, Mississippi, said, "The ingredients stimulate the neurons of the brain to death, causing brain damage of varying degrees." Dr. Blaylock has written a book entitled EXCITOTOXINS: The Taste That Kills , (Health Press 1-800-643-2665).

Dr. H. J. Roberts, diabetic specialist and world expert on Aspartame poisoning, has also written a book entitled Defense Against Alzheimer's Disease (1-800-814-9800). Dr. Roberts tells how Aspartame poisoning is escalating Alzheimer's Disease, and indeed it is. As the hospice nurse told me, women are being admitted at 30 years of age with Alzheimer's Disease.

Dr. Blaylock and Dr. Roberts will be writing a position paper with some case histories and will post it on the Internet.

According to the Conference of the American College of Physicians, "We are talking about a plague of neurological diseases caused by this deadly poison."

Dr. Roberts realized what was happening when Aspartame was first marketed. He said, "His Diabetic patients presented memory loss, confusion, and severe vision loss." At the Conference of the American College of Physicians, doctors admitted that they did not know. They had wondered why seizures were rampant (the Phenylalanine in Aspartame breaks down the seizure threshold and depletes Serotonin, which causes Manic Depression, Panic Attacks, Rage and Violence)

Just before the Conference, I received a fax from Norway asking for a possible antidote for this poison because they are experiencing so many problems in their country. This "poison" is now available in 90 PLUS countries worldwide. Fortunately, we had speakers and ambassadors at the conference from different nations who have pledged their help. We ask that you help too.

Print this article out and warn everyone you know. Take anything that contains Aspartame back to the store. Take the "NO ASPARTAME TEST" and send us your case history. I assure you that MONSANTO the creator of Aspartame, knows how deadly it is. They fund the American Medical Association, American Dietetic Association, Congress, and the Conference of the American College of Physicians.

The New York Times, November 15, 1996, ran an article on how the American Dietetic Association takes money from the food industry to endorse their products. Therefore, they cannot criticize any additives or tell about their link to MONSANTO.

How bad is this? We told a mother who had a child on NutraSweet to get off the product. The child was having Grand Mal seizures every day. The mother called her physician, who called the ADA, who told the doctor not to take the child off the NutraSweet. We are still trying to convince the mother that the Aspartame is causing the seizures. Every time we get someone off of Aspartame, the seizures stop. If the baby dies, you know whose fault it is, and what we are up against.

There are 92 documented symptoms of Aspartame, from coma to death. The majority of them are all neurological, because the Aspartame destroys the nervous system. Aspartame Disease is partially the cause to what is behind some of the mystery of the Desert Storm health problems. The burning tongue and other problems discussed in over 60 cases can be directly related to the consumption of Aspartame product. Several thousand pallets of diet drinks were shipped to the Desert Storm troops. (Remember heat can liberate the Methanol from the Aspartame at 86 degrees F) Diet drinks sat in the 120 degree F Arabian sun for weeks at a time on pallets. The servicemen and women drank them all day long. All of their symptoms are identical to Aspartame poisoning.

Dr. Roberts says "Consuming aspartame at the time of conception can cause birth defects." According to Dr. Louis Elsas, Pediatrician and Professor of Genetics, at Emory University, in his testimony before Congress, " The Phenylalanine concentrates in the placenta causing mental retardation. In the original lab tests, animals developed brain tumors, phenylalanine breaks down into DXP (a brain tumor agent.) When Dr. Espisto was lecturing on Aspartame, one physician in the audience, a neurosurgeon, said, "When they remove brain tumors, they have found high levels of Aspartame in them."

Although Stevia, a sweet food, NOT AN ADDITIVE, which helps in the metabolism of sugar, which would be ideal for Diabetics, has now been approved as a dietary supplement by the FDA for years, the FDA has outlawed this sweet food because of their loyalty to MONSANTO. If it says "SUGAR FREE" on the label - DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.

Senator Howard Hetzenbaum wrote a bill that would have warned all infants, pregnant mothers and children of the dangers of Aspartame. The bill would have also instituted independent studies on the problems existing in the population (seizures, changes in brain chemistry, changes in neurological and behavioral symptoms). It was killed by the powerful drug and chemical lobbies, letting loose the hounds of disease and death on an unsuspecting public.

Since the Conference of the American College of Physicians, we hope to have the help of several world leaders. Again, please help us, too. There are a lot of people out there who must be warned, please let them know this information.

Things to Avoid

Mutagens are substances and pollutants that you may be exposed to every day. These substances do damage on the genetic levels (sperm, egg, and embryo). Caffeine, tobacco, Alcohol, recreational drugs, Medical drugs, Dietary Mutagens, and environmental hazards, are what you should look out for. Also check out other misc. things to avoid.

Dietary Mutagens for Fertility & IVF

Pyrolysis. A process that occurs when proteins are cooked at high temperatures in unsaturated fats. This adversely affexts eggs and the fenetic material they contain. So stick to poaching and braising using olive oil.

Sufficient levels of vitamin A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, folate, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and essential fatty acids help protect against mutagens that may cause damage.

Vitamin A, C, E, are potent in the digestive tract and continue their action in the blood and around cell membranes. They are antioxidants and help to limit damage by pollutants. An excess of vitamin A however can cause birth defects, so the recommended daily dosage is under 3000 IU.

Calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are powerful antimutagen and reduce uptake of aluminm, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Green Tea contains substances known as catechins that are powerful antimutagen.

Cholorella is considered to be an exceptionally broad spectrum antimutagen supplement. A freshwater algae that is a rich source of nutrients, chlorella binds to heavy metals and chemicals that have accumulated in the body.

Cilantro is a powerful heavy metal detoxifier, as well as pectin-rich foods such as apples, pears, and bananas.

Dietary fiber from fruit, veggies, whole grains, oat bran, and legumes helps in the excretion of toxins from the body. Avoid wheat bran because it can block mineral absorption.

Low protein levels in the body create a situation where the production of DNA is impeded. Amino acids from protein are the essential building blocks of life. Protein intake is shown to be most important around ovulation, and up to the end of the first trimester.

Flavorings and additives appear in many prepared foods and drinks. Many dried fruits are sulfured. Salt additives in theory are not so bad but the amount used to preserve food plays a role in the upset of hormonal balances.

Aspartame (click for shocking article on aspartame) is likely to be found in any sweetener you put in your drink. Anything labeled 'diet' or 'sugar free', any gum or breath freshener, all will have aspartame as a sweetener. When the temperature of aspartame exceeds 30 degrees centigrade (86 F), which the body accomplishes quite quickly once it is ingested, the wood alcohol in it converts to formaldehyde (a poison used to preserve body parts) and then to formic acid which is even more toxic.
Aspartame may cause miscarriage because it makes the body have an immune reaction to it, which can destroy the fetus.

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is found in a lot of food in Chinese or Mexican restaurants, or prepared foods. It has been shown to cause infertility in animals. It is also in chips, meat seasonings, and soups.

During your Pregnancy

Unpasteurized Products : Listeria

Raw Eggs : Salmonella

Any dish containing raw eggs is infected with Salmonella. Avoid:
- raw eggs
- Caesar dressing
- egg nog (unpasteurized)
- Hollandaise sauce
- cookie batter
- homemade ice cream

Undercooked Meats : Salmonella, E. Coli, Toxoplasmosis

Aspartame

Aspartame is a sweetener made by Monsanto found in many diet foods and available in packets to sweeten your foods. Be advised that aspartame has been linked to cancer as well as neuro- and immunotoxicity due to long term ingestion. Because of aspartame's bad press, Monsanto has come up with a new sweetener, Neotame. Neotame has not been sufficiently tested and is thought to be more toxic than its predecessor, aspartame; it contains carcinogenic ingredients, such as formeldahyde. Because aspartame contains phenylalanine, it can be toxic for certain children. Make sure the foods you eat do not contain artificial sweeteners. When sweetening foods, opt for natural sweeteners like honey or fruit juice.

Certain Fish : Methyl Mercury

Farm-Raised Fish : PCBs

Food Allergies

Food Preparation Tips

Common Cooking Herbs

Caffeine

Dehydrates, leeches minerals, and produces cortisol which competes for progesterone receptor sites causing deficiency. Particularly during the luteal phase, caffeine is processed more slowly. It is been said that drinking 2-3 cups of coffee per day can increase your time to concieve by 50%!
It also increases the risk of miscarriage, low birth weight, and pre-eclampsia. If males drink a lot of coffee prior to conception, the chance of premature birth is raised. Stick to green tea is a little fix is needed.

Smoking

Zinc, selenium, and vitamin C are fators which are impeded in a smoker. It also increases the levels of cadmium and lead in the blood. Commercial tobacco contains at least 30 different chemicals that can adversely effect fertility.
Smokers are more likely to be infertile, have lower estrogen and progesterone levels, a poor LH surge (causing irregular menses and ovulation), take longer to concieve, increased risk of miscarriage, bleed during pregnancy, low birth weight babies, thinner linings during IVF, earlier menopause, decreased sperm count, less motile sperm, more abnormal sperm, reduced testosterone, babies with congenital abnormalities and asthma. These conditions are somewhat dependant on the amount of cigarettes smoked.

Alcohol

Giving up alcohol completely is the best choice for fertility.
It reduces the absorption of zinc and B6, increase the amounts of cadmium and lead in the blood, increase the excretion of folic acid, cause male impotence, 80% of alcoholics are sterile, cause chromosomal abnormalities in the sperm, atrophy of the tubes that carry semen, decreased sperm concentration, output, and motility, poor formation of sperm tails, increased sperm abnormalities, lowered testosterone levels, and damages the livers ability to process estrogen leading to accumulation which depresses sperm production.
Gin and tonics contain antimalarial drugs and should be avoided completely.

Recreational Drugs

Cocaine affexts the brains mechanisms for releasing reproductive hormones. It adversely affects the fallopian tubes, causes birth defects, binds to the sperm affecting motility and penetration of the egg.
Marijuana. The chemical THC is structured similarly to testosterone, it fills the receptor sites where testosterone needs to attach. It is shown to accumulate in the ovaries and testes. It can effect the developing egg, disrupt ovulation, cause low sperm counts, poor motility, and increase abnormal sperm. Smoking one 'joint' can lower testosterone and libido for up to 36 hours.

Medical Drugs (prescription and non-prescription)

Painkillers. Heavy use of NSAIDs (ibuprophen) may interfere with ovulation. Acetaminophen seems to be safe.
Acne medication. Accutane is linked to miscarriage and serious birth defects.
Antibiotics. Some have major adverse effects to mother and baby. Some affext sperm production and motility.
Antidepressants. These interfere with the hormones of reproduction.
Antihistamines. Cough, cold, nasal sprays, sleep aids, all may dry up cervical mucus.
Diuretics. May also dry cervical mucus.
Expectorants. 'Guaifenesin' may be toxic.
Steroids. Cortisone and prednisone if taken in high doses prevent the pituitary from producing enough hormones necessary for ovulation. They also reduce sperm counts.
Motion Sickness pills. Can dry the cervical mucus.
Antimalarial drugs. Have been linked to abnormalities in embryos.
Ulcer and Gout drugs. Interfere with sperm production.
Antidepressants. Some can cause erectile difficulties.
Beta blockers. May cause impotence, and decreased sperm counts and motility.
Inhalers, sleeping pills, antiviral drugs, and decongestants, may also affect fertility.
Herbs. Burdock, Catnip, celery seed, chamomile, cohosh, fennel, juniper, pennyroyal, sage. St. John's Wort, echinacea, and Ginkgo may reduce sperm quality and penetration of the egg.

Environmental Hazards

Nitrous compounds, pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, and environmental estrogens from plastics.
Each year it is said that we consume 11 pounds (5 kg) of preservatives and additives, and 1 gallon (4 liters) of pesticides.

Eat organic and drink from a quality water source.

Lead. Exhaust, industrial pollution, old water pipes, food grown near polluted areas, and some shampoos.
High levels build up if you are low in calcium, zinc, iron, and manganese. Cigarette smoking is said to raise lead uptake by 25%. Lead has been shown to have detrimental effects on almost all aspects of sperm. In women it also shows to be a factor at almost any stage of the reproductive cycle.
Vitamin C, pectin, and sulfur and nitrogen rich foods such as garlic, onions, cooked beans, eggs, and lots of water are all beneficial in the removal of lead from the body.
Cadmium. Miscarriage and embryo defects. Cigarettes, processed foods, some drinking water supplies, sewage sludge, and high phosphate fertilizers are the culprits for accumulation in the body. B6, C, D, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, and calcium are beneficial for this.
Mercury. Neurological and slow cognitive development. Pesticides, fungicides, industrial processes, dental fillings, swordfish, king mackerel, shark, tile fish and tuna are the culprits. No more than 170 grams of tuna should be eaten per week before and during pregnancy.
Aluminum. Destroys vitamins and causes long term mineral loss. Saucepans, indigestion tablets, antiperspirants, food additives, tea, and foods that come wrapped in foil are the items to avoid.
Copper. Water pipes, saucepans, jewelry, the contraceptive pill, and copper IUDs are to blame. Zinc and vitamin C can help detoxify your body of copper.
Phthalates. Found in soft plastics and children's toys. They are now banned but are still found in some makeup products, toiletries, and perfumes. They are hormone disrupters.

Electromagnetic fields. Cellular phones, electric blankets, and hydro stations. May cause miscarriages.
Tampons. This is a topic every woman needs to research deeper. If you must use these, only unbleached 100% organic cotton should be used. Change them frequently.
Botox. Avoid use until further research is done.
Flying. Do not fly once pregnant, chances of miscarriage is greater, especially long flights. If there is a chance of being pregnant, the choice to not fly is probably the best one.

Other things to avoid...

Raw and undercooked meat
Radiation (x-rays, video display terminals)
DES (diethylstilbesterol)
Aspirin
Antihistamines, including Ephedra (Ma Huang), Osha root
Most laxatives, including flax seed, senna, aloes, castor oil, rhubarb, buckthorn, cascara sagrada
Antacids
Diuretics, including Buchu, Horsetail, Juniper berries
pHisoHex (or anything else containing hexacholorphene)
Hair dyes
Hemorrhoid medications
Chemical stimulants and depressants (LSD, psychotropics, phenobarbital, barbituates, tranquilizers)
Epinephrine drugs (adrenalin)
Vaccines, anesthetics, mercury vapors in the dentist's office
Steroids and herbs containing steroid-like factors, including Agave, Ginseng, Licorice, Hops, Sage (this herb also decreases lactation)
Hormones (birth control, non-organic meats)
Excesses of vitamins A, C, D.
Heavy metals: lead, nickel, cadmium, manganese
Pesticides, herbicides, and insecticides. These are designs to disrupt the reproductive capacities of their target pest!
Fumes from paints, thinners, solvents, wood preservatives, varnishes, glues, spray, adhesives, benzene, dry-cleaning fluids, certain plastics, vinyl chloride, rubber tuolene
Lithium, arsenic
Contact with cat feces
PCB's (polychlorinated biphenyl)
Prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures

Hormones: keeping the balance

Hormones are chemical messengers, made in special glands or in the brain, that are carried around in the bloodstream to various parts of the body, where they have an effect on the functioning of organs and body processes.

As far as reproduction goes, the ovaries, uterus, breasts, and testes, are the important organs that are regulated by our hormones. Too little estrogen, too much estrogen, too little progesterone, too many male hormones, and cortisol deficiencies, are all common problems with reproductive hormones. More information on the specific hormones and their functions within the reproductive cycle can be found in our Reproductive Anatomy & Physiology section.

Our endocrine system, which regulates our hormones, is therefore of vital importance to the reproductive health of both men and women. Proper eating habits, avoiding certain things , and weight control, are some areas which should be given attention when conception, or health in general is your goal.

Many medical conditions can also adversely affect the hormonal balance, i.e. thyroid conditions, diabetes, and endometriosis , just to name a couple common contributors to infertility.

If you think you are experiencing signs and symptoms of hormonal deficiencies or imbalances, become informed, research your situation, and consult your doctor.

Diet and Hormones for Fertility & IVF

Weight and Hormonal Balance

You probably know if you have issues with being overweight. If you think you may have an eating disorder, consult a counselor that specializes in this area. Being underweight is also a problem for women trying to conceive.

Fat cells continually release estrogen, which suppresses the pituitary gland and therefore the release of follicle stimulating hormone, in turn making it difficult for the body to reach a state where ovulation can occur. Being overweight obviously can effect fertility.

Too little fat cells in the body (being more than 15% underweight) causes estrogen levels to drop and cause intermittent menstruation, or an altogether stopping of the menses. This may also effect the quality of cervical mucus.

Find your ideal weight. Do not go on any intense diets to gain or lose weight, this will throw the body further out of balance. Consult your healthcare professional to discuss your options.

Too Little Estrogen

The years leading up to menopause show a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen deficiencies also arise when estrogen is leached from the body via a diet too rich in wheat fober, or if not enough estrogen is recycled by the bowels or liver. It may also be caused by low body weight, vitamin A deficiency, too much exercise, smoking, taking antibiotics, or being on the contraceptive pill for too long.
Symptoms: (Yin vacuity), irregular menses, vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, hot flashes, night sweats, bladder infections, dry skin, lethargy and depression, and signs of premature aging such as memory loss.
Solutions: eating phytoestrogen rich foods and herbs (legumes, alfalfa sprouts, flax seeds, oats, hops, fennel, parsley, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cherries, and soy), and B vitamins which contain PABA that stimulates the pituitary to produce estrogen.

Too Much Estrogen

Environmental estrogens are found in pesticides, plastics, and PCB's (chemical pollutants in the water, air, and soil).
These forms of estrogen are thought to have a major influence on the excessive amounts of estrogen that are being found in both men and women.
Poor diet, with too much refined carbohydrate and saturated animal fat and too little fiber is also responsible.
Eat more high fiber foods (except wheat bran) to prevent excess reuptake of estrogen by the bowel. Organic food reduces your exposure to pesticides, antibiotics, and growth hormones.
Too much fat tissue increases your body's ability to convert male hormones into estrogen. Stress also plays a major role in your liver and digestive system removing excess estrogen.
Symptoms: (Yin excess), puffiness and bloating, water retention, rapid weight gain, breast tenderness, heavy bleeding, mood swings (anxiety, depression, weepiness), sleep problems, migraines, flushed face, low libido, foggy thinking, and high levels of copper in the system. Later, endometriosis, fibroids, gall bladder problems, poor blood sugar control, and hypothyroid conditions may arise. Symptoms in Men: hair loss, headaches, bloating, weight gain, prostate enlargement, irritability, and breat enlargement.
Solutions: low fat high fiber diet, live yogurt (encourage excretion of estrogen), eating cabbage family veggies increases the rate at which the liver converts estrogen into a water-soluble form that can be excreted, increase protein intake to improve estrogen metabolism in the liver, vitamin B6 reduces the effects of excess estrogen, more exercise, less stress, and lose weight.

Too Little Progesterone

Progesterone is used to produce three different types of estrogen, testosterone, cortisol, and aldosterone.
It helps control water balance, the use of fat for energy, proper thyroid function, and is a natural antidepressant.
This is the most common hormone to be deficient in all women. When ovulation fails (due to perimenopause or other reasons) progesterone is not produced in the luteal phase (second half of cycle), or it is not produced long enough to sustain implantation. This can happen after using the pill too long, having a miscarriage, or breastfeeding. This is called a luteal phase defect. The luteal phase should be at least 10 days for pregnancy to occur. Progesterone maintains a pregnancy in the beginning, so a deficiency may cause miscarriage.
Women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), faulty secretion of other hormones such as FSH, LH, or prolactin, endometriosis, and menstrual irregularities, may have a progesterone deficiency.
Symptoms: painful or lumpy breasts, headaches at a certain time of the cycle, anxiety, irritability, sleeping problems, unexplained weight gain, PMS, bleeding between periods, and reduced libido.
Solutions: the controversial progesterone therapy, natural progesterone cream, vitamin B6, E, magnesium, and evening primrose oil, vitex agnuscastus (man jing zi, chasteberry), reducing stress, less exercise, and increasing low body weight.

Too Many Male Hormones

Excess androgens can affect both men and women. In women this is usually a result of PCOS, a poor diet that includes a lot of sugar, refined foods, and simple carbohydrates. Adrenal disorders, anabolic steroid use, corticosteroids, and obesity can also cause this.
Symptoms: acne, ovarian cysts, excess body hair, unstable blood sugar levels, thinning hair on the head, mid-cycle pain, and erratic menses.
Solutions: high fiber vegetarian diet that is low in saturated fats and high in phytoestrogens.

Cortisol Deficiency

Long term low level stress and/or poor nutrition fatigue the adrenals which causes a cortisol deficiency. This stress hormone competes with progesterone for receptor sites, leading to a condition of estrogen dominance and less active progesterone.
Symptoms: (Kidney vacuity), unstable blood sugar levels, extreme tiredness, allergies, candida, fatigue, insomnia, PMS, loss of libido, weak immune system (frequent colds), low blood pressure, alcohol intolerance, chronic fatigue, weak muscles, depression, and headaches.
Solutions: reduce intake of stimulants such as sugar, caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, healthy diet, relaxation, meditation, yoga, and Chinese herbal medicine.