Fertility-Boosting Herbs and Supplements

I am a strong believer in taking your vitamins. If you are trying to get pregnant or even if you are not - taking your vitamins is essential.

It took me a while to get to that place and take them every day but I am there and it's worth it! I've been around the block with vitamins and supplements so below is what I've tried and what I take now on a daily basis.  I started with fertility boosting herbs, etc.

-Evening Primrose Oil - is natural source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). GLA, an essential fatty acid, helps maintain hormonal balance and may support healthy growth of hair, skin and nails.
-Red Raspberry Leaf Tea (loose tea) - tones the uterus, improves contractions and decreases constipation. You can buy it in a tea bag but loose tea is said to work better, which you can get at any health food store.
-False Unicorn Root - It was used in a variety of ways in traditional Native American medication, particularly among tribes located in the Eastern United States. It also has long been part of herbal medicine to treat a variety of conditions, most of them having to do with disorders affecting the uterus and ovaries, and a woman’s menstrual cycle.
-Women's Health Tonic - Supports Healthy Function of the Female Reproductive System

I went to a chiropractor who put me on a "fertility-boost" vitamin regime through Standard Process -
which are top quality vitamins made from whole foods which are easily digestible. The difference between vitamins like this and ones you buy at the grocery store like Centrum is quality. Centrum has fillers and synthetic ingredients meaning it is not absorbed well in your system.

Standard Process can only be bought through suppliers like doctors or chiropractors. You can, however, buy them online at http://www.naturamart.com/.

My regime included:
-Ovex - ovary support
-Promaline Iodine - helps support women with thyroid issues. While an under active thyroid can have many causes, one of the primary causes is an iodine deficiency.
-Cataplex C - is an important antioxidant and has long been recognized as an important nutritional compound essential for supporting the immune, cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and hematopoietic systems.
-Catalyn - is a multiple vitamin, mineral, and trace mineral concentrate
-Diaplex - is formulated to support the healthy function of the pancreas and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. Chromium is an essential trace mineral that helps to maintain normal levels of blood sugar and fat in the body.
-For Til B-Complex - For-Til B12 is a ‘fortified’ tillandsia product combined with the vitamin B12 complex.
-Omega Plus - provides omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in a ratio designed to create a healthful balance of these essential fatty acids in the body.

I was taking all of these three times a day. There are some others I might have forgotten but those are the bulk. I was feeling better and had more energy but then I feel like I just reached a plateau.

I also didn’t get pregnant after what this certain chiropractor said was a "chemical imbalance" in my system. He was so sure of that and told me that he was going to get me pregnant. But there is a point when you have to become your own doctor. Listen to that voice inside and go with it!

I was always one to get sick a few times during the year! Last year I only got sick once...this year I have not gotten sick yet (knock on wood or touch wood as the brits say :)

Aside from trying to get pregnant, I needed to boost my immune system and taking vitamins has absolutely helped that. So if you are feeling tired or weak or get sick a lot...you need to get on this band wagon!

From suggestions from holistic doctors and acupuncturists and herbalists below is what I take now everyday!


-Catalyn - is a multiple vitamin, mineral, and trace mineral concentrate.
-Nordic Naturals - Cod Liver Oil with D - yes, its liquid but it is one of the best things you can take daily. They have flavors so it is not as bad as you think! It doenst taste like fish.
-Folic Acid B-12 - this is super important if you are trying to get pregnant! Folic acid and vitamin B12, taken together work to prevent birth defects of the central nervous system, and help to mature and strengthen red blood cells. Folic acid has also been shown to have protective cardiovascular benefits. Folic Acid B12 is also essential in the important processes of DNA formation and genetic replication
-Borage Oil - which is much like evening primrose oil, contains gamma linolenic acid, or GLA, a fatty acid that the body converts to a hormone-like substance called prostaglandin that has anti-inflammatory properties and may also act as a blood thinner and blood vessel dilator.
-For Til B-Complex - For-Til B12 is a ‘fortified’ tillandsia product combined with the vitamin B12 complex.
-Maca Root - is a nutritional supplement from the Andes in Peru, that has been called a 'superfood". Maca has long been considered the ginseng of the Andes, supporting energy, stamina and vitality it has also been associated with promoting healthy female sexual interest and healthy reproductive system function.
-B6-Niacinamide -  helps the cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine, circulatory, and central nervous systems at the cellular level.
-Probiotics - I take one everyday after I eat dinner. These are very important. Click here for more info on why probiotics are important from the Mayo Clinic. They help promote good digestion, treat diarrhea, especially following treatment with certain antibiotics, prevent and treat vaginal yeast infections and urinary tract infections among other things.
I also take liquid iron from time to time to boost energy but sometimes that gives me a headache. I also take zinc as well which is also very important for men!

The Healing Power of Hado Water

Hado water, discovered by Dr. Masaru Emoto, is water treated with the intrinsic electromagnetic vibrations of healing words like "love", "gratitude" and prayer.

Emoto claims that if human speech or thoughts are directed at water droplets before they are frozen, images of the resulting water crystals will be beautiful or ugly depending upon whether the words or thoughts were positive or negative. This water is used to heal health problems and since more than 70% of our bodies are water this technique could be key to living happier and healthier.

Emoto has written several books on this topic and documented the different water crystals that formed when positive and negative energies were used.

                                                                     

Mozart Symphony

Heavy Metal Music

To see more evidence of Emoto's work visit: http://www.hado.net/index.php

Here are some steps you can take to prepare and drink the HADO water  (from the EMR Labs website)

Buy some mineral water. If you can find some in a glass container, that's best. The plastic containers leach plasticizers into the water that pollute it. Tap water is hard to purify because the chlorine seems to affect the structure even after the chlorine evaporates according to Dr. Emoto's research.

Keep a gallon or two of mineral water in front of a music source where you can play purifying water music. In Dr. Emoto's two books, you can find out the names of various symphonies and songs that produce great crystals. Some of these musical sources of HADO include Beethoven's Ninth, John Lennon's Imagine, and Amazing Grace.

Prepare a HADO bottle of water. This process is highly individual.

--Start with a clear glass jar. One that holds about a quart is fine. Peel off any labels and clean the outside of the jar.

--Cut out small pieces of paper (about 3" by 5").

--Write messages on the pieces of paper.

--One message should be "Love and Gratitude".

--If you have some illness or pain you want to go away, another message can be "[Name of pain or illness] Has Gone".

--A third message should be "The eternal power of the universe has gathered itself to create a world with true and grand harmony".

--I also suggest you put a message on another sheet of paper with the name of your religion.

--Tape these messages onto the outside of the container so that they face inward towards the water.

--Put them in different places on the outside so that no message obscures any other message in facing the water inside.

--Keep this HADO jar full of mineral water that has been in front of your speakers that have been vibrating with high HADO music.

--Keep the water away from microwaves, televisions, computers and cell phones. All of those energy sources harm the structure of water as shown in Dr. Emoto's photographs.

--Drink as often as possible from the HADO jar and refill it. Drink the amount of water that's healthy for you. But try to get as much of that water as possible from this jar. You can carry some of the water with you when you are away from your source.

--Be thankful as you drink the water.

Dr. Emoto's experiments suggest that you will further purify the water if you say or think the following thoughts as you drink the water:

--"We love you, water."
--"Thank you, water."
--"We will take care of you, water."

Also thank God and the Angels for the water and ask them to bless it as you drink it.

Notice any changes that occur after you begin drinking HADO water and eating high HADO foods.

You may notice no changes . . . or you may notice quite a few. Finding some improvement is essential to seeing whether this approach is for you.

The Good, The Bad and The Smelly...Natural Deodorant Scorecard

Here is the down-low on natural deodorants....most do not work as well as the regular stuff (in terms of keeping you dry and smelling nice) but those deemed "all-natural" are without the harmful chemicals that are known to cause disease and hormonal imbalances.

The problem is that finding the right one for you might cost you...its trial and error.


Deodorants that are said to be "pure" don't contain parabens, PEGs, synthetic ingredients including hormone-disrupting fragrance and antibacterials, petrochemicals, or aluminum compounds.

The Environmental Working Group - is a non-profit group that uses the power of public information to protect public health says...

Our research brings to light unsettling facts that you have a right to know. It shames and shakes up polluters and their lobbyists. It rattles politicians and shapes policy. It persuades bureaucracies to rethink science and strengthen regulation. It provides practical information you can use to protect your family and community.

The EWG runs a Skin Deep Database which is a free way to find out how safe your personal care products are and how they rate.

My experience with natural deodorants is a work-in-progress. I've tried many and am still not fully satisfied.

First ones I went for were Tom's of Maine and Jason. I wasn't impressed with either. Not much in the line of odor eliminators or anything else for that matter.

Next I bought, Burt's Bees Herbal Deodorant spray which mixes sage, lemon, and lavender to "minimize and neutralize odor while still allowing your body to sweat - a natural toxin-eliminating process." Yeah I did sweat naturally and it did not smell pleasant.

I also took a stab at Nature's Gate and found it to be like the others I already tried. Then I found one that really really worked well.

Crystal!

I thought I hit the jackpot on this one and I was super excited. It is all-natural mineral salts that prevent body odor from occurring - naturally. The deodorant is hypoallergenic, contains no aluminum chlorohydrate, and is paraben free, alcohol-free, non-sticky, and non-staining.

I used it for a long time and it was great. I bought it for my family and suggested to my friends. Then last year my underarms were uncontrollable itchy and wouldn't stop until I stopped using Crystal. So that was the end of that.

It seems to me that some of the most popular deodorants that work the best are the salt crystal ones. It works for A LOT of people so if you are looking for one I would try this out. It's completely affordable!

But I had to move on because it was not working for me any longer.

Next I tried Lafe. Here is what they have to say about their company and organic deodorant:

Lafe's deodorants are a healthy alternative to antiperspirants. Antiperspirants plug up the pores of the skin, which is an unhealthy process, as perspiration in a healthy process allowing toxins to be released from the body. We believe, as do many others, that long-term use of antiperspirants may contribute to breast cancer and other diseases common in the western world. Lafe's deodorant line does not contain any parabens, propylene glycol, synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, or petroleum-based chemicals.

I did like this one and might give it another shot. I wasn't completely satisfied but it comes in second so far after my beloved Crystal!

So I am in NY for the week and that means I can spend an hour in the beauty/vitamin isle at Whole Foods!! I took a poll of the ladies in the beauty isle the other day and bought my next one:

Aubrey Organics E-Plus High C roll-on. I cannot get past the smell to see how this one works. I am ultra sensitive to smell and mostly use a fragrance-free one. This 3 oz. bottle was over $8 and I will be returning it today.

I was not happy with my last purchase so I went back and bought Naturally Fresh roll-on. It is a crystal deodorant much like my fave but it hasn't lived up to the hype...yet. I think I need to give it another chance.

So I am going to try some others...one that is raved about (if you want to spend the money $20+) is Dr. Hauschka. The ingredients are pure and it comes in fresh and floral scents. Apparently Martha Stewart swears by it. Even the packaging is environmentally friendly.

I think I may run over to Sephora and check it out! I will give you an update on my testing.

Anyone have a good suggestion?? Leave me a comment and let me know what works for you and what doesn't!

Listen Up Ladies...The Bible!!

If you are looking for one book that will help you create physical and emotional health and healing...go to your nearest bookstore and pick up: "Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom" by Christiane Northup, MD.

This is the bible for all women that speaks to the mind-body connection. In it you can find tons and tons of info and really find out more about your body and how it works.

My mom gave me this book years ago and I really didn't read it until the last year or so. But it really is something to consider. It is a large, thick book but you can skim to your section of interest and really find out more about  your body and its connection to your thoughts and actions.

Internationally known for her empowering approach to women’s health and wellness, Dr. Northrup is a leading proponent of medicine and healing that acknowledges the unity of the mind and body, as well as the powerful role of the human spirit in creating health. Following a career as a practicing physician in obstetrics and gynecology for over 25 years, Dr. Northrup has dedicated her lifework to helping women (and the men who love them) learn how to flourish on all levels by creating health, prosperity, and pleasure in their lives.

To find out more visit http://www.drnorthrup.com/

Flame Retardants in Your Furniture Linked to Infertility - Rodale

New study links a common chemical in the home to fertility problems.

By Emily Main
(Image: luigi diamanti / FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

Ask manufacturers what chemicals are used in their furniture, and keep your home dust free to minimize exposure to PBDEs.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Infertility is a condition that affects around 2 million couples in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And it appears that the problem could get worse, thanks to an increasing variety of chemicals used in consumer goods. The chemical used to make nonstick pans has already been linked to infertility in both men and women, and a new study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives suggests that a common class of flame retardants, used in everything from your car seats to your carpet padding, could be delaying pregnancies as well.

THE DETAILS: Researchers collected blood serum from 343 pregnant women and tested it for 10 different forms of PBDEs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers), chemicals used as flame retardants in furniture, carpeting, and electronics. Those women were pregnant at the time of the study and completed surveys about how long it took them to get pregnant and how long they had tried to conceive. After controlling for factors such as age, reproductive history, and other medical problems, the researchers found that each tenfold increase in PBDE levels in the blood was associated with a 30 percent increase in time-to-pregnancy (the time a couple started trying to the time they conceived).

WHAT IT MEANS: The health affects of flame-retardant chemicals on humans hasn't been well studied, and this study is only one of two that has looked at their influence on people. Previous research on PBDEs in rats suggest the chemicals interfere with thyroid hormones, which play a role in fertility, and that they can affect neurological development. Those studies provided enough evidence of harm that two forms of PBDEs, penta-BDE and octa-BDE (used in upholstered furniture, car padding, and carpeting), have been banned, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced that three companies will voluntarily phase out the use of deca-BDE (the form most commonly used in electronics) by 2013. However, such bans and phase-outs may have little effect, considering the flame retardants' widespread use before the bans went into effect and the fact that, once they enter the environment, they never break down. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has detected PBDEs in 95 percent of Americans tested, and the chemicals have been detected as far away as the Arctic Circle. Perhaps more concerning, say environmental health advocates, is that the replacements for these chemicals aren't adequately studied either, and there's no hard evidence that flame retardants have prevented enough fires to justify the health risks.
Read on to learn how to keep PBDEs out of your home.

Protecting yourself from flame retardants can be difficult, but there are ways to keep them out of your home, as well as some hope on the horizon:

• Demand answers. Don't buy a new piece of upholstered furniture without asking what flame retardants were used. While federal regulations require only mattresses to be flame retardant (and that's often done with barrier materials, not chemicals), California law requires that all upholstered furniture sold in that state be fire resistant (and studies have found that Californians have higher levels of PBDEs in their blood than residents of the other 49 states). Some furniture manufacturers nationwide have started making all their furniture comply with California's law, so when buying furniture, find out if it was made to comply with that standard. A recent ruling from the Environmental Protection Agency might make it easier to find out; the law requires companies that manufacture, process, or distribute chemicals to provide notice to EPA if they learn that a chemical presents a substantial risk of injury to health or the environment.

• Find flame-retardant-free furniture. If you can't find out what chemicals are used in a new piece of furniture, look for furniture WITHOUT tags that say "complies with California Technical Bulletin 117," the law that requires furniture be flame retardant. If money is no object, you can purchase couches made from organic cotton, wool (which is naturally flame resistant), or latex. These usually start at $3,000 and go up from there, but they're the safest way to ensure a chemical-free couch. A few flame-retardant-free furniture retailers include Q Collection, Bean Products, and Furnature. Alternatively, consider using a daybed as a sofa; mattresses are usually made flame resistant with synthetic barrier fabrics such as Kevlar and melamine, which, while not exactly planet-friendly, cause fewer negative health complications than PBDEs (it's still a good idea to grill the manufacturer, though, just to be sure chemicals weren't used).

• Keep it clean. There's little way to know if your existing furniture is treated with PBDEs or not, but if it's made with polyurethane foam, it's best to err on the side of caution and assume that it is. Because PBDEs aren't bound to foam (or plastic, when they're used in electronics), they get released into air and bind to dust as your furniture and electronics age. Vacuum your carpets and your furniture regularly, and damp-mop your electronics to keep dust at a minimum.