Natural cures for Fibroids

Fibroids are over growths of fibrous tissue and/or muscle that occur in and around the womb walls and are classified as non-cancerous tumours (or uterine myomas). They tend to grow within the muscular layers of the womb or sometimes around the cervix or fallopian tubes. They appear in approximately 2 out of every 5 women of menstruating age and usually shrink (or at least stop growing) after the menopause is complete.

  They are relatively common and, if small, can remain unnoticed and symptom free. Problems and symptoms can arise if there are multiple fibroids or if they grow large in size. Symptoms can include dull pain in the pelvis or bladder region, heavy bleeding during or between periods, painful penetrative sex, bowel problems (due to pressure on the bowel), frequent urination, infertility, repeated miscarriages, abdominal swelling (if large) and lower back pain. Mostly caused by estrogen dominance. 

There appearance and growth is thought to be linked to an excess of oestrogens in the body although being overweight, not having children, early puberty and being of afro-caribbean descent all increase the likelihood of their formation.

Conventional treatment for problematic fibroids consists of hormonal treatments, physical removal of the fibroid in some form or hysterectomy.

Herbal treatments and natural healing aim to shrink the fibroids using hormonal balancing herbs, improve energy and circulation to and from the womb and relieving symptoms where possible.

Uterine fibroids are hormonally responsive; estradiol and progesterone stimulate their growth, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists shrink them. Phytoestrogens, including isoflavones and lignans, can act as weak estrogens or antiestrogens.

Lignans act as anti-oestrogens and can cause the fibroids to shrink in size. Lignans bind to your estrogen receptor sites and reduces total estrogen activity. 

Food Sources of Lignans:

Seeds and Nuts -

Sesame seeds which is the most effective, followed by flaxseeds (use ground), pumpkin seeds and cashew nuts are excellent sources of lignans. 

Wholegrains - 

   Rye, barley, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, oat bran and have shown very promising results in treating fibroids for many women. Best way to consume is to make a morning hot cereal of almost all the ingredients and eat it often. I love rye hot flake cereal from vitacost, oat bran, rye hot flakes and hot buckwheat from vitacost which I make into a pudding with my almond milk.

Vegetables - 

    Eat lots of dark leafy organic vegetables and fruits as much as you can. I currently eat 70% vegan and 30% animal protein. Broccoli, curly kale, mustard greens, brussel sprouts, carrots, sweet peppers, cauliflower, red potato and much more. Fruits like apricots, apples, grapes, plums, peach, strawberries, pears, nectarines, cranberries, pink grapefruit and cherries. Beans such as adzuki, kidney beans and lentils.

Take resveratrol, a pigment found in red grape skins, causes a potent "anti-fibrotic" effect by reducing type I and III collagen levels, as well as decreasing the proliferation of unhealthy cells and hastening the death of sick cells.

Stay away from sugar, high salt content and processed foods:

    Sugar feeds tumors and increases fibroids. All these creates a burden on the liver. The liver releases excess hormones from the body and much off these  increase oestrogen levels in the body.

   

Avoid any foods that contain oestrogens or oestrogen components:

   Unfortunately most commercial meat includes most oestrogen and xenoestrogens. Organic animal foods are better however it might be best to completely avoid them. Avoid pesticides, chemical laden cleaning products, food dyes, 

Avoid food, drink or anything that goes in or on your body that has been stored for long periods in plastic containers. Never heat foods that are in plastic containers in the microwave. Many plastics contain hormone disruptive compounds (BPA) that leach from packaging into the foods, drink or toothpaste stored within it and thus pass into the body. These chemicals have been found to enhance the growth of cancer cells in animals. 

  Avoid chocolate, coffee and alcohol. Use spices such especially cumin, coriander, and caraway.

If you are carrying excess body fat try to loose some of it with proper diet and exercise, just a small reduction can make a difference as excess oestrogens are stored in body fat.

Use warming spices and foods like ginger, horseradish, mustard, chill etc in your food to keep your inner warmth alive.

Eat Maitake Mushrooms: This mushroom has been shown to enhance immune system function and has been shown through several studies to contain anti-tumor properties. It is also useful for improving glucose metabolism.

Take vitamin D and vitamin A. Or eat foods high in both vitamin a and d.

Herbs to shrink Fibroid:

1. Vitex:

It  is perhaps the most reliable of hormonal balancers capable of shrinking fibroids. Take half a teaspoon of the tincture in water twice daily for best results (Renowned herbalist and wise woman Susan Weed says you can safely do this for up to 2 years if needed). Take it during your first half of menstrual cycle.

2. Cleansing & Detox herbs:

Dandelion, milk thistle, blessed thistle, burdock root, yellow dock, raspberry leaf and nettle leaf. Use equal parts a 1/4 teaspoon each in a cup. Take a teaspoon twice daily.

Drink a cup daily of marigold aka calendula leaf, mullei, fresh ginger and a touch of yarrow. This will help to clear away the area as the fibroids are gradually broken down or shrunk.

Drink a cup of chickweed tea for 2 months. For heavy bleeding use sheperds purse.

****Use Castor Oil Packs: Shrinks fibroids and ovarian cysts. Also clears fallopian tubes. First half of cycle from first day of menstrual cycle.

One of the major benefits of castor oil is it keeps lymphatic system healthy, which is very important to cleansing the body. Castor oil also promotes healthy function of the kidneys, bowel, intestine, thyroid gland, ovaries and uterus.

When used properly castor oil packs have anti-inflammatory effect that causes fibroids to shrink. When applied castor oil penetrates the skin and relaxes smooth muscle so it penetrates through to the uterus. It is placed on the skin because it helps improve circulation in pelvic region. It also stimulates liver to eliminate toxins, reduces inflammation, relieves pain and improves lymphatic circulation. 

Add approximately 20 drops of poke root tincture to 100ml castor oil and rub gently into the pelvic area, front and back, every other night to benefit from its remarkable dispersing and clearing effects. 

Then saturate a flannel cloth with the castor oil mixture and place it on your body over the lower abdomen. Put a plastic sheet or towel and then a hot water bottle or heating pad. Lie on your back relax, Leave on for 5 minutes while massaging below the navel anticlockwise and wipe off. Do this every other night for at least 6 months.

Add Enzymes to your daily intake: 

Three powerful enzymes are digestive enzymes, Serratiopeptidase (Serrapeptase) and Nattokinase. I personally take digestive ezymes which has greatly reduced my bloating and big tummy. 

Fibroids are also susceptible to being dissolved by high-dose enzyme therapy. 

Digestive Enzymes: Includes bromelain, protease, amylase, lipase and  papain.  

• Bromelain, extracted from the core and stem of the pineapple, breaks down protein and is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.
• Protease digest proteins to help improve the body’s immune system response to invaders; invaders are proteins in the form of fibrin which is the tissue that makes up a scar, some blood clots and Candida overgrowth.
• Lipase breaks down fats for proper absorption in the intestines supporting the body’s ability to properly absorb fat which is very important for reproductive health; helps the body achieve optimal pH balance and maintain a healthy weight.
• Amylase breaks down carbohydrates helping the body regulate glucose levels and achieve optimal Ph balance, both necessary for healthy fertility; healthy blood and environment within the female reproductive organs.
• Papain, extracted from papaya, breaks down protein and is most beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.

Serrapeptase is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is a commonly used drug (Takeda Chemical Industries) in Japan and Europe. Serrapeptase helps the body break down protein. This might help decrease inflammation and mucous. It is used for so many benefits such as blocked tubes, inflammation and much more. Use only for 4 weeks. Avoid use if taking blood thinners. 

   The enzyme serrapeptase is particularly effective for this purpose. Keep the bottle of enzymes by your bedside and take 250,000 SPU with a little water first thing in the morning and last thing at night, at least 2 hours after eating. The point is for the enzymes to digest the fibroids, not your food. 

One last consideration: if you have estrogen dominance, you may very well have a thyroid problem. Classic symptoms of this (hypothyroidism) are heavy menses, constipation, lack of energy, and constantly feeling cold. 

Fibroids and natural ways to reduce them

    Fibroids are over growths of fibrous tissue and/or muscle that occur in and around the womb walls and are classified as non-cancerous tumours (or uterine myomas). They tend to grow within the muscular layers of the womb or sometimes around the cervix or fallopian tubes. They appear in approximately 2 out of every 5 women of menstruating age and usually shrink (or at least stop growing) after the menopause is complete.

  They are relatively common and, if small, can remain unnoticed and symptom free. Problems and symptoms can arise if there are multiple fibroids or if they grow large in size. Symptoms can include dull pain in the pelvis or bladder region, heavy bleeding during or between periods, painful penetrative sex, bowel problems (due to pressure on the bowel), frequent urination, infertility, repeated miscarriages, abdominal swelling (if large) and lower back pain. Mostly caused by estrogen dominance. 

There appearance and growth is thought to be linked to an excess of oestrogens in the body although being overweight, not having children, early puberty and being of afro-caribbean descent all increase the likelihood of their formation.

Conventional treatment for problematic fibroids consists of hormonal treatments, physical removal of the fibroid in some form or hysterectomy.

Herbal treatments and natural healing aim to shrink the fibroids using hormonal balancing herbs, improve energy and circulation to and from the womb and relieving symptoms where possible.

Uterine fibroids are hormonally responsive; estradiol and progesterone stimulate their growth, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists shrink them. Phytoestrogens, including isoflavones and lignans, can act as weak estrogens or antiestrogens.

Lignans act as anti-oestrogens and can cause the fibroids to shrink in size. Lignans bind to your estrogen receptor sites and reduces total estrogen activity. 

Food Sources of Lignans:

Seeds and Nuts -

Sesame seeds which is the most effective, followed by flaxseeds (use ground), pumpkin seeds and cashew nuts are excellent sources of lignans. 

Wholegrains - 

   Rye, barley, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, oat bran and have shown very promising results in treating fibroids for many women. Best way to consume is to make a morning hot cereal of almost all the ingredients and eat it often. I love rye hot flake cereal from vitacost, oat bran, rye hot flakes and hot buckwheat from vitacost which I make into a pudding with my almond milk.

Vegetables - 

    Eat lots of dark leafy organic vegetables and fruits as much as you can. I currently eat 70% vegan and 30% animal protein. Broccoli, curly kale, mustard greens, brussel sprouts, carrots, sweet peppers, cauliflower, red potato and much more. Fruits like apricots, apples, grapes, plums, peach, strawberries, pears, nectarines, cranberries, pink grapefruit and cherries. Beans such as adzuki, kidney beans and lentils.

Take resveratrol, a pigment found in red grape skins, causes a potent "anti-fibrotic" effect by reducing type I and III collagen levels, as well as decreasing the proliferation of unhealthy cells and hastening the death of sick cells.

Stay away from sugar, high salt content and processed foods:

    Sugar feeds tumors and increases fibroids. All these creates a burden on the liver. The liver releases excess hormones from the body and much off these  increase oestrogen levels in the body.

   

Avoid any foods that contain oestrogens or oestrogen components:

   Unfortunately most commercial meat includes most oestrogen and xenoestrogens. Organic animal foods are better however it might be best to completely avoid them. Avoid pesticides, chemical laden cleaning products, food dyes, 

Avoid food, drink or anything that goes in or on your body that has been stored for long periods in plastic containers. Never heat foods that are in plastic containers in the microwave. Many plastics contain hormone disruptive compounds (BPA) that leach from packaging into the foods, drink or toothpaste stored within it and thus pass into the body. These chemicals have been found to enhance the growth of cancer cells in animals. 

  Avoid chocolate, coffee and alcohol. Use spices such especially cumin, coriander, and caraway.

If you are carrying excess body fat try to loose some of it with proper diet and exercise, just a small reduction can make a difference as excess oestrogens are stored in body fat.

Use warming spices and foods like ginger, horseradish, mustard, chill etc in your food to keep your inner warmth alive.

Eat Maitake Mushrooms: This mushroom has been shown to enhance immune system function and has been shown through several studies to contain anti-tumor properties. It is also useful for improving glucose metabolism.

Take vitamin D and vitamin A. Or eat foods high in both vitamin a and d.

Herbs to shrink Fibroid:

1. Vitex:

It  is perhaps the most reliable of hormonal balancers capable of shrinking fibroids. Take half a teaspoon of the tincture in water twice daily for best results (Renowned herbalist and wise woman Susan Weed says you can safely do this for up to 2 years if needed). Take it during your first half of menstrual cycle.

2. Cleansing & Detox herbs:

Dandelion, milk thistle, blessed thistle, burdock root, yellow dock, raspberry leaf and nettle leaf. Use equal parts a 1/4 teaspoon each in a cup. Take a teaspoon twice daily.

Drink a cup daily of marigold aka calendula leaf, mullei, fresh ginger and a touch of yarrow. This will help to clear away the area as the fibroids are gradually broken down or shrunk.

Drink a cup of chickweed tea for 2 months. For heavy bleeding use sheperds purse.

****Use Castor Oil Packs: Shrinks fibroids and ovarian cysts. Also clears fallopian tubes. First half of cycle from first day of menstrual cycle.

One of the major benefits of castor oil is it keeps lymphatic system healthy, which is very important to cleansing the body. Castor oil also promotes healthy function of the kidneys, bowel, intestine, thyroid gland, ovaries and uterus.

When used properly castor oil packs have anti-inflammatory effect that causes fibroids to shrink. When applied castor oil penetrates the skin and relaxes smooth muscle so it penetrates through to the uterus. It is placed on the skin because it helps improve circulation in pelvic region. It also stimulates liver to eliminate toxins, reduces inflammation, relieves pain and improves lymphatic circulation. 

Add approximately 20 drops of poke root tincture to 100ml castor oil and rub gently into the pelvic area, front and back, every other night to benefit from its remarkable dispersing and clearing effects. 

Then saturate a flannel cloth with the castor oil mixture and place it on your body over the lower abdomen. Put a plastic sheet or towel and then a hot water bottle or heating pad. Lie on your back relax, Leave on for 5 minutes while massaging below the navel anticlockwise and wipe off. Do this every other night for at least 6 months.

Add Enzymes to your daily intake: 

Three powerful enzymes are digestive enzymes, Serratiopeptidase (Serrapeptase) and Nattokinase. I personally take digestive ezymes which has greatly reduced my bloating and big tummy. 

Fibroids are also susceptible to being dissolved by high-dose enzyme therapy. 

Digestive Enzymes: Includes bromelain, protease, amylase, lipase and  papain.  

• Bromelain, extracted from the core and stem of the pineapple, breaks down protein and is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.
• Protease digest proteins to help improve the body’s immune system response to invaders; invaders are proteins in the form of fibrin which is the tissue that makes up a scar, some blood clots and Candida overgrowth.
• Lipase breaks down fats for proper absorption in the intestines supporting the body’s ability to properly absorb fat which is very important for reproductive health; helps the body achieve optimal pH balance and maintain a healthy weight.
• Amylase breaks down carbohydrates helping the body regulate glucose levels and achieve optimal Ph balance, both necessary for healthy fertility; healthy blood and environment within the female reproductive organs.
• Papain, extracted from papaya, breaks down protein and is most beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.

Serrapeptase is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is a commonly used drug (Takeda Chemical Industries) in Japan and Europe. Serrapeptase helps the body break down protein. This might help decrease inflammation and mucous. It is used for so many benefits such as blocked tubes, inflammation and much more. Use only for 4 weeks. Avoid use if taking blood thinners. 

   The enzyme serrapeptase is particularly effective for this purpose. Keep the bottle of enzymes by your bedside and take 250,000 SPU with a little water first thing in the morning and last thing at night, at least 2 hours after eating. The point is for the enzymes to digest the fibroids, not your food. 

One last consideration: if you have estrogen dominance, you may very well have a thyroid problem. Classic symptoms of this (hypothyroidism) are heavy menses, constipation, lack of energy, and constantly feeling cold. 

Is Iodine affecting your fertility?

Iodine is best known for its role in thyroid function. It helps the synthesis of the thyroid hormones T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). T4 and T3 play an important role in the body's control of metabolism. Low levels of iodine intake are thought to create a cascading series of hormone changes that lead to a hyper-estrogen state, which is linked to poor ovarian, endometrial, depression and breast health.

   Iodine deficiency can cause infertility in women and men. Iodine deficiency can lead to lack of ovulation, micarriage, pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, stillborn, hormonal imbalance and menstrual irregularities. If your thyroid is functioning at 10% you can have a 80% miscarriage rate. Many physicians only test your TSH (thyroidstimulating hormone) levels. But there are three thyroid tests you can do: T3, T4 and thyroid antibodies. (Iodine is a component of thyroid hormones.) Some studies show that if your thyroid isn’t working properly, it can be more difficult to get pregnant and maintain a pregnancy.

   During my infertility journey, I found out I was lacking in folic acid and iodine. Are you having enough iodine? 

Iodine is also extremely important to take 90 days before conception. You must take iodine before the 90 day period before conception. conception because iodine forces out toxic bromine. Therefore, bromine can substitute for iodine where the body uses iodine. This is not good because then this toxic bromine when used instead of iodine messes up the body. 

When you first take iodine bro toxic bromine is forced out of the tissues and people get sick from bromine. This temporary detox reaction is blamed on iodine mistakenly. But it is not iodine that is causing the problem. It is bromine that is causing the problem.

Iodine pushing out toxic bromine can cause a rash, acne, hair falling out, emotionality, sinus draining, coughing, mouth and tongue sores, tingling in twitching hands and feet, urination, vision changes, and many other side effects. The most common side effect is vivid dreams. The most worrisome side effect is a sore thyroid. This indicates thyroid cells breaking up. The inside of the thyroid cells may induce a Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Therefore, it is extremely important to start off with small amounts of iodine and work your way up gradually. I like to start with 3 mg per day of iodine or less and increase 5 mg per day every one to two weeks. You should work your way up to 50 mg per day for three months. Then, cut back to 10 mg per day for maintenance.

we need less than one teaspoon of iodine for proper health and development. Since the body cannot store iodine, you need to eat a little bit of it every day. Excess consumption of iodine can also inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism, thyroid papillary cancer and iodermia.

Best sources of Iodine:

As always we prefer using food sources before supplementing.


**** Start small before using a iodine supplement and test your thyroid before. When your thyroid is in failure and you start taking kelp supplements, you can literally shut down your thyroid. So avoid kelp!**

1. Iodized Salt:

Iodized salt is the main source of iodine in our diet. Iodized salt consists of table salt combined with minuscule amounts of iodine containing salts. Just one gram of salt provides the body with 77 micrograms of iodine and 0 calories.

2. Sea Vegetables:

Sea vegetables contain excellent sources of iodine. Kelp contains the highest amount of iodine than any other food on this planet. One serving of kelp contains around 2000 micrograms of iodine while one tablespoon of arame contains 730 micrograms of iodine. Wakame is another excellent source of iodine with one tablespoon providing 80 micrograms of iodine.

Again avoid kelp. 

3. Baked Potato:

Baked potatoes are another great source of iodine. A medium sized baked potato provides 60 micrograms of iodine, helping you meet 40% of the daily-recommended value. Besides, the baked potato is also rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and potassium.

4. Codfish:

Fishes are able to extract iodine from the seawater. Cod is a delicious, moist and a low calorie fish that comes packed with several essential nutrients like omega 3 fatty acids, protein, folate, vitamin D, E and potassium. A three-ounce serving of cod provides 99 micrograms of iodine, amounting to 99% of the daily value.

5. Yogurt:

Yogurt is one of the healthiest foods to include in your daily diet. It is also an excellent option for increasing the iodine levels in your body. A cup of yogurt provides 154 micrograms of iodine and 154 calories. So, enjoy yogurt smoothie in your breakfast or combine it with berries for a light evening snack.

   Ensure your yogurt contains live probiotics, I prefer Kefir - I do not drink milk due to cysts but I do consume organic 1% kefir or kombucha due to it's high probiotic content.

6. Lobster:

A serving of lobster daily can prevent you from iodine deficiencies. A 100 grams serving of lobster provides 100 micrograms of this essential mineral, around 67% of the daily value. Moreover, lobsters are quite low in fat content, making them a perfect choice for health conscious people. Lower cholesterol levels in lobsters help to maintain the triglyceride levels, thereby keeping the heart healthy. Lobsters are also rich in omega 3 fatty acids.

7. Cranberries:

This bright colored fruit provides a plethora of health benefits. It contains high concentrations of vitamin C, K, B, antioxidants and fiber. This fruit is an amazing source of iodine as well. Four ounces of cranberries provide 400 micrograms of iodine, equaling to 267% of the daily value. Cranberry is also renowned for its positive effects on urinary tract infection. The fruit is low in calories as well. While purchasing packaged juice, be aware of its sugar content.

8. Green Beans:

A half-cup serving of green beans can help you meet 2% of the daily value of iodine. Green beans are a great source of folate, vitamin B, C, protein and potassium as well. It provides nearly 40% of the daily value of folate and 53% of the daily value of fiber, which protects the colon and flushes the amount of toxins from it.

Tips to Optimize the Iodine Levels Naturally:

• Try to purchase as much organic food as possible. Wash all the fruits and vegetables thoroughly to clear the pesticides and other chemicals.
• Avoid eating and drinking from plastic containers.
• Avoid soda and aerated drinks. Drink, pure filtered water instead.
• Your personal care products should be as chemical free as possible.

Will you include these iodine rich food sources to have sufficient levels of iodine in the body system?

Lastly, before taking supplements get tested by your doctor to avoid taking dangerous levels of iodine supplement. 

WONDERFUL BENEFITS OF RASPBERRY TEA LEAF

Raspberry Leaf has been traditionally used by midwives and Western herbalists during pregnancy as well as to help ease the discomfort of menstruation. Midwifes, herbalists, and even many doctors will recommend the use of raspberry tea to pregnant mothers. The main reason is that it can make the labor process much easier on mother and child, with less severe contractions and less bleeding during the process. After the labor process, it can improve lactation and reduce the occurrence of post partum depression. During menstruation, drinking it can help alleviate the majority of symptoms that a woman commonly deals with. Cramping, hot flashes, and mood swings can all be lessened greatly when this tea is drank regularly. Even the frequency and duration of the menstrual cycle can be lessened thanks to the use of this tea. Another major benefit for women is that they can obtain a lot of relaxation and soothing stress-relief as a result of drinking this tea. For this reason, it really is no wonder that raspberry tea has become the choice herbal drink among many people.

Raspberry Leaf Tea Benefits

• Relaxation and stress reduction
• Attack inflammation
• Lowers possibility of C-section
• Balances PMS symptoms
• Boosts fertility in men and women
• Aids in miscarriage prevention
• Eases morning sickness
• Alleviates leg cramps and edema in the 3rd
  trimester
• Produces more productive contractions
• Increases quality of breast milk
• Regulates postpartum hormones
• Cures stomachaches

Raspberry tea has been commonly referred to as ‘the woman’s herb’, but it certainly isn’t only for women. Regardless of whether you are a pregnant mother or just someone looking for a boost in nutritional intake, this tea can be incredibly helpful. Raspberries will continue to be one of the most delicious and prized fruits on the market. As more studies come to prove the health benefits that teas made from the plant can provide, it certain that it will increase in popularity in the herbal remedy market as well. And with good reason since it certainly is one of the most effective natural remedies that can be offered today.

   You can purchase the tea now at target, Walmart and most grocery stores. Get drinking!

Included in our fertility tea click here

Natural Ways to deal with heavy bleeding Fibroids Fertility Infertility PMS Build Uterine Lining

 The herbs below not only address heavy bleeding but also builds uterine lining which is necessary for implantation. I used to bleed heavily until I changed my diet and started incorporating the herbs below as a tea. Heavy bleeding is most always linked to fibroids. So what causes heavy bleeding during menstrual cycle? Hormonal imbalance (estrogen or progesterone), blood thinners, pelvic inflammatory disease, Polyps or fibroids are usually the cause for heavy bleeding. And mostly common in African Americans. In literary terms it is called "menorrhagia".  Needing a new pad every half-hour to an hour is not normal, passing large clots and a period lasting more than 7 days. The amount of blood that a woman loses should be one that is manageable with most of today’s hygiene products.

       There are medications given to help with heavy bleeding. I strongly believe those with heavy bleeding should control their high levels of estrogen and stay away from estrogenic foods. The question is are you high in estrogen - do you have hair underneath your chin always? I am not a fan of medications so the herbs to help are below:

Wild Yam:

    I actually eat the wild yam which is sold in Caribbean or Mexican store in the usa. Grown in Mexico, Caribbean and Africa. The wild yam itself when cooked looks like potato. 

Wild yam root is a potent source of diosgenin, a chemical that resembles female sex hormones and was used in the manufacture of the first oral contraceptives. It supports healthy menstrual cycles by lessening pain and cramping. Wild yam's diosgenin, is a precursor in the chemical synthesis of progesterone, a hormone whose numerous functions include uterine health and warding off PMS.

Raspberry Leaf
   This leaf is great for uterine cramps, It's astringent properties stop excessive bleeding and recommended during pregnancy to tone the uterus.

Ladys Mantle:
    In herbalism, lady's mantle is commonly used to prevent and treat menstrual cramps, excessive menstrual bleeding, endometriosis, and uterine fibroids. Proponents of herbal and folk remedies may also recommend lady's mantle tea for muscle spasms, diarrhea, nausea and certain gastrointestinal disorders.
Sage:
   Yes the same sage you cook with for turkey is wonderful for heavy menstrual bleeding and hot flashes.

Burdock:
   Burdock helps to cleanse the body from the inside out and is myost useful in those conditions that can be traced back to liver disorders or a general overload of toxins in the system. The liver and kidneys control the hormone system. So it is essential to treat the kidney and liver also.

Dandelion:

  It is great for the liver - the major organ that helps rid the body of toxins and excess hormones. it also benefits the female reproductive system by helping to regulate and normalize hormone production.

Juicing:

    There are so many great benefits to juicing and you should incorporate them into your daily life. That means no sodas, white starches, junk foods and fast foods.

More veggies like - amaranth, avocado, okra, lettuce, onions, watercress, zucchini, squash, olives, mushrooms except shitake, turnip greens, kale, bell peppers, cucumbers, ginger.

Fruits: Apples, bananas, cherries, Soursop also called guanabana(highly recommended), tamarind, pear, peach, prickly pear, plums, papaya, prunes, raisins, dates, berries no cranberries, figs, limes, mango, melons, orange - sevile or sour is best and currants.

Grains/flours/bread  - hempseed, kamut, rye, spelt, tef, amaranth, fonio, wild rice

Nuts/Seeds - Hempseed, raw sesame, walnuts,  Brazilian nuts

Oils - Grapeseed oil, Sesame, Avocado, Hempseed oil.

Sweetener - Agave syrup and date sugar

DIY HERBAL TEA BLEND FOR HEAVY BLEEDING/FIBROIDS/HORMONE BALANCE

1 teaspoon raspberry leaf

1/2 teaspoon lady's mantle

1/2 teaspoon burdock 

1 teaspoon dandelion

1 stick cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger

Boil hot water, use 4 cups of hot water pour in the ingredients. Then cover in a pot.  Let it steep for at least 5 minutes. Sieve the herbs and drink. You can keep the tea in a clean glass bottle with cap(I love the ones Ikea sells for like $5), sweeten with agave nectar and drink. Drink a week before your period and during your period.

If you try this blend and it works for you please leave a comment. I would love to hear from you. This blend is also great for infertility as the herbs will tone the uterus and cleanse kidney/liver.

Happy Drinking!

Too Lazy to make your own? Click here to purchase

    

Pre-Conception and Fertility Nutrition by Marie Olson NTP

I love the springtime.  To me, it’s such a time of renewal and rebirth.  That’s when all the animals and plants seem to come back to life after the long, cold winter season.  I always think of baby bunnies hopping around the yard and their prolific fertility.

            Speaking of fertility…when we as Americans think of fertility and preparation for having babies, how many of us think about diet? Most people know that age-old advice that as an expecting woman, one is “eating for two.” But what is being eaten? Is it wholesome, nutrient-dense food? Or merely an increase in calories and/or quantity of our day-to-day diet? Is that the healthiest choice?

            Many of you have probably heard about the SAD diet in America; SAD being an acronym for the Standard American Diet.  The Standard American Diet is the diet touted by the US Government as being the best nutrition we can eat. The US Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest 45-65% of our calories should come from carbohydrates, while 20-35% should come from fat and 10-35% should come from protein.  Well, I teach Nutrition, and to me, those numbers are not very pro-health.  If you look at traditional diets, and the diets of typical Americans before the advent of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans in the 1970s, we ate far fewer calories from carbohydrates. 

            As a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, I typically urge clients to aim for a 40-30-30 ratio when eating; that is, 40% carbohydrates, 30% fats and 30% protein.  30% fat? Isn’t that a lot?  I can hear the questions now…the quick answer is, not really.  Think about the fact that for every gram of fat you consume, it has about 9 calories, so you need a lot less fat by weight than you do of protein or carbohydrates, which only have about 4 calories per gram.  So what that means, is that a half-pound of butter (1 stick or 8 oz, or 226.8 grams) will be a little over twice as many calories (2041.2) as half a pound of protein or carbohydrates (907.2 calories).  And who eats an entire stick of butter in one sitting, anyway?  In other words, eating the same amount of fat by weight makes more calories.  Make sense? That means that if we’re eating a ratio of 30-30-40, we need a lot less fat than you think to achieve that based on calories; it’s actually quite a balanced way to set up your plate and achieve an optimal amount of fat in your diet.

Why are fats so important, anyway? Fat is key to developing healthy hormones.  In fact, every cell membrane is made up of fat! Fat is essential.  It ensures we are absorbing our fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E and K.  Fat is required for proper protein absorption, and also serves as protection for our organs (think “padding”).  Ever run into something with your knee (no padding from fat)? It really hurt, right? What about your hip, where most of us have a little more padding? Not as bad? Fat also helps slow the absorption of food and make us feel full longer. 

When was the last time you had a meal without fat (usually cold cereal for breakfast comes to mind) – chances are you were starving a couple of hours later, right? What about if you had bacon and eggs for breakfast? You were probably good to go until lunch, right? Plus, fat just makes food taste better! This whole low-fat, no-fat mantra we’ve all been hearing for years is not only wrong, but dangerous.  Ever known anyone that ate a low-fat diet and had problems conceiving? I’ve known many.  When I see clients, that is one of the first things I ask them – what’s your fat intake like? And what types of fats are you eating? Because both of those questions are very important to determine if they are getting what their body needs to support life.  Fat-free and low-fat foods have the fat removed (along with the flavor it provides) and have to make up for that with other things – usually fillers, sugar and/or salt.  Wouldn’t it just be better to get the flavor from the fat that was there to begin with? I think so! Stop buying fat-free and low-fat yogurt and stick with the whole milk version – it tastes better, has fewer additives, and will sustain you for longer, too!

            There are three types of fats: saturated, the most stable of all the fats, which is found in animal products and tropical oils; your body can make this from carbohydrates; monounsaturated fat, also relatively stable, which is found predominately in nut oils like almonds, pecans, cashews and other sources like olive oil and avocado oil; the body can make this from saturated fats; and finally, polyunsaturated fat.  This is considered an unstable fat, and should never be heated or used for cooking.  Think of using this as a finishing oil to use AFTER something is cooked, just to give it some flavor.  It can also be used in cold applications like salad dressing.  Polyunsaturated fats are found in flax seed oil, some nuts, fish and seed oils. 

There are two types of fats that are essential, which means we MUST get them from our diet, because our body cannot make them on its own.  They are linoleic acid (aka omega-6) and alpha linolenic acid (aka omega-3).  As I’m sure you’ve heard, salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acid, as are sardines and other oily fish.  Especially in pre-conception and during pregnancy, walnut oil, wheat germ and hemp are also good sources.  Omega-6 fatty acids can be found in sunflower and sesame oil; again, these are the best sources during pre-conception and pregnancy.  Most people get plenty of omega-6 fats in their diet, but are often lacking enough omega-3 fats.  In fact, most people are around 24:1 omega-6:omega-3, and should be more like 3:1 or even 1:1 for a better ratio. 

Getting back to nutrition and preparing for children…did you know that so called “primitive” cultures often had a pre-conception fertility diet to ensure healthy mother and offspring? Some started 6 months before marriage (assuming that conception would start shortly after), while others started 6 months before conception.  Typically these cultures would increase the vitamins, minerals, fats and organ meats in the diet for both the mother and father in preparation of children.  Not only that, but the special diet would continue through pregnancy and even after, to provide satisfactory nutrition to the baby while nursing.  These “special foods” were set aside specifically for those in the group/tribe that were preparing to conceive, because they were known to be the best sources of nutrients for a healthy pregnancy and baby. 

Here in the United States, we really don’t get much guidance when it comes to pre-conception nutrition.  Usually, it starts when we’ve already conceived:  “Limit your caffeine. Give up smoking. Stop drinking alcohol. Take pre-natal vitamins.” Yes, that is all good advice; and yes, it is best to start that as soon as possible, even before conception.  But does that advice constitute good nutrition?

Here’s what I would love to see instead: eat three to five meals a day, with a good combination of fats, protein and carbohydrates at each meal.  They don’t have to be big meals; eating consistently throughout the day will help balance blood sugar, alleviate cravings and give one steady energy.  This is especially important for anyone dealing with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), because low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets are associated with a higher risk of developing PCOS. 

Make sure you’re getting the best nutrition you can afford; ideally, aim for locally grown, organic foods.  If you can only afford to buy one thing organic, invest in organic butter.  I really like Kerry Gold Butter, which is cultured butter from grass-fed cows, high in fat-soluble vitamins thanks to the fresh grass and sunlight.  Toxins are stored in the fats of animals (and humans are an animal, too!), so getting the best sources of fat you can is crucial for a few reasons.  Toxins may be released into the placenta during pregnancy, and into the baby, especially if someone experiences significant weight loss during pregnancy (think: morning sickness).  This is also the case prior to pregnancy – since toxins are released when one loses weight, and if one loses significant weight, those toxins will be released into the blood stream.  If the body is not properly detoxified, those toxins can be reabsorbed into the body and wreak havoc in different body systems.

Get enough sleep! Pregnancy can take a toll on your body, and you won’t get much after baby arrives, so soak it up while you can! This will allow your body time to repair and recover, and you’ll have more energy to get things done the next day, too.  While eating a varied diet can certainly help ensure you have the vitamins and minerals you need, getting a good multi-vitamin certainly doesn’t hurt.  Some good choices that are bio-available forms are Metabolic Maintenance’s FemOne or Vital Nutrients Prenatal. 

Even better, join a local pre-conception support group! I am very excited to offer the Feed Your Fertile Body!^TM Program just for such support! In this class, which is designed for either couples or singles, you will get step by step recommendations on what to do to prepare for welcoming a baby into your family.  There are pantry clean-outs with recommended swaps, and we even get to try new foods in the group.  I look forward to working with you to address your nutrition needs.

 

 

Marie Olson, NTP is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in private practice.  She is the Owner of NutriSimplicity, and specializes in digestion, pre-conception nutrition, Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis and Get at the Roots^TM Weight Loss.  She serves as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at the Culinary Institute of Virginia, where she teaches Nutrition.  You can find her on the web NutriSimplicity

 

 

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Sources and Suggested Reading:  

Feed Your Fertile Body! Participant Workbook, Sara Russell, PhD, NTP, CGP

Mother Food: Food and Herbs that Promote Milk Production for a Mother’s Health, Hilary Jacobson

Nourishing Traditions: The Cookbook that Challenges Politically Correct Nutrition and the Diet Dictocrats, Sally Fallon

Nutrition and Physical Degeneration, Weston A. Price, DDS

Real Plans, Meal Planning Service

Special thanks to Sara Russell, PhD, NTP, CGP of Your Probiotic Kitchen for information about PCOS and Toxins in pre-conception

Super Nutrition for Babies: The Right Way to Feed Your Baby for Optimal Health, Katherine Erlich and Kelly Genzlinger

The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby and Child Care, Sally Fallon Morell and Thomas S. Cowan

The Nutritional Therapist Training Program, Nutritional Therapy Association