x-h-x

iVF program starts - all the scanning tests ,injections

2011-06-06T19:35:00.001+08:00

IVF - 2 week waiting

2011-05-19T13:59:00.003+08:00

6 June 2011:

1 Embryo transfer in at 2pm.
Before the transfer could begin I was briefed by the embryologist that only 1 embryo fertilized successfully. The embryo grew to 4 cells on 2 days culture. A photo snapshot on the 4 cells embryo was taken .
Doctor show the procedure on the ultrasound monitor screen. it was a very quick procedure that only took less than 5mins.
My bladder was So full i couldn't bare laying on the bed for more 15mins, it's very uncomfortable laying down in a cold room .

Instructed by the nurse I would need to return on the 10 June 2011 , morning to do a blood test check on my progesterone level
And the final check on the pregnancy test was to conduct on the 20 June 2011 morning.

I thoughts was pretty negative as the day began with a cold raining day, a bad sign for starting.
My body felt cold on the afternoon. There seems no warm sunlight to warm me up.

On the way back home , I had a tea break of a Milo drink n a cold cheese hams. That caused me to have a upset stomach , I had a mild diarreo . Another bad sign for today. I Took quite a lot of warm water to warm me back.

My daring hubby cooked fried rice for me for dinner that immediately warms me up for the coldness.

13 days left . I wonder tomorrow will be a better day for me.

Tablet release in 2011 - Motorola Xoom

2011-03-14T12:54:00.003+08:00

Shipping to Singapore by sgbest.com , Order here

Motorola XOOM Android Tablet US$799 , US$599 wifi only

Product Features

Next-generation tablet with 10.1-inch display, Android 3.0 platform, and Verizon Wireless mobile broadband connectivity
Powered by NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual-core mobile processor; support for Adobe Flash for viewing web sites, movies, games, and more
Front-facing 2-megapixel camera and microphone for video chats; rear 5-megapixel camera for high-res stills and HD 720p video
32 GB internal memory; Wireless-N Wi-Fi with Mobile Hotspot capabilities; HDMI output; microSD expansion (with software upgrade)
Up to 10 hours of video playback/Wi-Fi web browsing and up to 336 hours (14 days) of standby time; released in 25 February, 2011

Dimensions

Size (LWH): 7.48 inches, 4.74 inches, 0.47 inches
Weight: 13.6 ounces

Product Features

Network Compatibility: CDMA

Cons:

1. There is no comfortable way to hold the Xoom while using it for more than a couple of minutes.
2. It feels very heavy when holding it with one hand for more than a couple of minutes.
3. Many of the apps in the market place crash.
4. Many of the apps in the market place are designed for a small smartphone screen and only fill a small portion of the screen.
5.No micro-usb charging. Motorola makes you drag around a clunky old one-of-a-kind A/C adapter to charge the Xoom
6. The volume rocker is too flush with the Xoom, and thus it can be incredibly hard to push the buttons sometimes. You'll have your finger on the volume up or down button and swear you're pressing it, but you're not pressing it in the right spot.
7. The speakers are good, not great
8. there's a huge lack of optimized apps for it on the marketplace (like 20 or so). A lot of the un-optimized apps run fine, but some have graphics issues and others crash period. Android 3.0 is brand new and this is the first and only tablet with it, so these issues will likely be addressed with time.

Wow:
1. Flash 10.2 will be available in a few short weeks as will support for microSD cards, so don't let that keep you from purchasing the Xoom.
2. 0 to 100 percent battery life in about 3 hours
3. The Xoom's screen is made from Gorilla Glass which means you won't be neeeding a screen protector anytime soon (unless you don't like a glassy feel)
4. The keyboard is very accurate and the widgets are great. Most android apps work beautifully even if not created for Honeycomb
4. This thing moves fast
5. not noticed one hiccup in speed or performance even when doing the most multitasking on a portable device

Widespread Pollutants with Endocrine-disrupting Effects

2010-06-07T11:56:00.000+08:00

Widespread Pollutants
with Endocrine-disrupting Effects

[background information about some common EDCs]

Information is regularly added to this page.
If you have additions--new data on chemicals, references,
corrections or things we missed, etc.--
send information here

Persistent organohalogens

Compound(s)	Hormone system affected	Mechanism if known	References
Benzenehexachloride (BHC)	Thyroid		Akhtar et al. 1996
1,2-dibromoethane	Reproductive		Brittebo et al. 1987
Chloroform	Reproductive		Brittebo et al. 1987
Dioxins and furans (in order of antiestrogenic potency : 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin > 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran > 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-furan > 1,2,3,7,9-pentachlorodibenzofuran > 1,3,6,8-tetrachlo-rodibenzofuran)	Estrogen	work as anti-estrogen through binding with Ah receptor, which then inhibits estrogen receptor binding to estrogen response elements, thereby inhibiting estrogen action	Krishnan and Safe 1993 Klinge et al. 1999
Octachlorostyrene	Thyroid		Sandan et al. 2000
PBBs	Estrogen/ Thyroid		Bahn et al. 1980 Henderson et al. 1995
PCBs (in order of antiestrogenic potency: 3,3' -pentachlorobiphenyl > 3,3,4,4,5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl 3,3',4,4-tetrachlorobiphenyl > 2,3,3',4,4',5'-hexa, 2,3,3',4,4'- and 2,3,4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl > Aroclors 1221, 1232. 1248, 1254, and 1260 were inactive as antiestrogens at the highest concentrations used in this study (10-6 Ni)	Estrogen/androgen/Thyroid Adverse outcomes in reproductive systems.	Inhibits estrogen binding to the receptor; works as anti-estrogen. anti-androgenic via Ah receptor interaction	Korach et al. 1988 Zoeller et al. 2000 Grey et al. 1999
PCB, hydroxylated	Thyroid	Binds to thyroid hormone binding protein, but not to the thyroid hormone receptor.	Cheek et al. 1999
PBDEs	Thyroid	Interfere with thyroxine (T4) binding with transthryetin	Ilonka et al. 2000
Pentachlorophenol	Thyroid	Reduces thyroid hormone possibly through a direct effect on the thyroid gland.	Bear et al. 1999 Gerhard et al. 1999

Food Antioxidant

Compound	Hormone system affected	Mechanism	References
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)	Estrogen	Inhibits binding to the estrogen receptor.	Jobling et al. 1995

Pesticide (for information organized by pesticide class)

Compound	Hormone system affected	Mechanism	References
Acetochlor	Thyroid (decrease of thyroid hormone levels, increase in TSH)		Hurley et al. 1998
Alachlor	Thyroid (decrease of thyroid hormone levels, increase in TSH)		Wilson et al. 1996
Aldrin	Estrogen	Binds to estrogen receptors; competes with estradiol.	Jorgenson 2001
Allethrin, d-trans	Estrogen		Go et al. 1999
Amitrol	Thyroid	Thyroid peroxidase inhibitors; inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis.	Hurley et al. 1998
Atrazine	Neuroendocrine-pituitary (depression of LH surge), testosterone metabolism.	Inhibits ligand binding to androgen and estrogen receptors.	Danzo 1997
Carbaryl	Estrogen and progesterone		Klotz et al. 1997
Chlofentezine	Thyroid	Enhances secretion of thyroid hormone.	Hurley et al. 1998
Chlordane	Testosterone and progesterone		Willingham et al. 2000
Cypermethrin	Disruption of reproductive function		Moore and Waring 2001
DDT	Estrogen	DDT and related compounds act in a number of ways to disrupt endocrine function by binding with the estrogen receptor, including estrogen mimickry and antagonism, altering the pattern of synthesis or metabolism of hormones, and (4) modifying hormone receptor levels	Soto et al. 1994 Lascombe et al. 2000 Kupfer et al. 1980 Rajapakse et al. 2001
DDT Metabolite, p,p'-DDE	Androgen	Inhibits androgen binding to the androgen receptor, androgen-induced transcriptional activity, and androgen action in developing, pubertal and adult male rats.	Kelce 1995
Dicofol (Kelthane)	Estrogen		Vinggaard et al. 1999
Dieldrin	Estrogen	Binds to estrogen receptor;competes with estradiol.	Soto et al. 1994 Jorgenson 2001
Endosulfan	Estrogen		Soto et al. 1994 Soto et al. 1995
Ethylene thiourea	Thyroid	Thyroid peroxidase inhibitor.	Hurley et al. 1998
Fenarimol	Estrogen	Estrogen receptor agonist.	Vinggaard et al. 1999
Fenbuconazole	Thyroid	Enhances secretion of thyroid hormone.	Hurley et al. 1998
Fenitrothion	Antiandrogen	Competitive androgen receptor antagonist.	Tamura et al. 2001
Fenvalerate	Estrogen		Go et al. 1999
Fipronil	Thyroid	Enhances secretion of thyroid hormone.	Hurley et al. 1998
Heptachlor	Thyroid		Akhtar et al. 1996 Reuber 1987
Heptachlor-epoxide	Thyroid/Reproductive	Metabolite of heptachlor	Reuber 1987
Iprodione	Inhibition of testosterone synthesis		Benhamed 1996
Karate	Thyroid	A decrease of thyroid hormone in serum; direct effect on the thyroid gland?	Akhtar et al. 1996
Kepone (Chlordecone)	Estrogen	Displays androgen and estrogen receptor-binding affinities.	Waller et al. 1996 Soto et al. 1994 McLachlan(ed)
Ketoconazole	Effects on reproductive systems		Marty et al. 1999 Marty et al. 2001
Lindane (Hexachlorocyclohexane)	Estrogen/Androgen	Inhibits ligand binding to androgen and estrogen receptors.	Danzo 1997
Linuron	Androgen	Androgen receptor antagonist.	Waller et al. 1996 Lambright et al. 2000 Grey et al. 1999
Malathion	Thyroid	Significant decrease of thyroid hormone in serum, with perhaps a direct effect on the thyroid gland.	Akhtar et al. 1996
Mancozeb	Thyroid	Thyroid peroxidase inhibitors.	Hurley et al. 1998
Maneb	Thyroid	The metabolite ethylenthiourea inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis.	Toppari et al. 1995
Methomyl	Thyroid		Porter et al. 1993 Klotz et al. 1997
Methoxychlor	Estrogen	Through mechanisms other than receptor antagonism. Precise mechanism still unclear.	Pickford and Morris 1999
Metribuzin	Thyroid		Porter et al. 1993
Mirex	Antiandrogenic activity; inhibits production of LH. Potentially thyroid.		Chen et al. 1986 Chernoff et al. 1976
Nitrofen	Thyroid	Structural similarities to the thyroid hormones; nitrofen or its metabolite may have thyroid hormone activities.	Stevens and Summer 1991
Nonachlor, trans-	Estrogen	Estrogen receptor agonist?	Willingham et al. 2000
Oxychlordane	Reproductive		Guillette et al. 1999
Pendimethalin	Thyroid	Enhances secretion of thyroid hormone.	Hurley et al. 1998
Pentachloronitrobenzene	Thyroid	Enhances secretion of thyroid hormone.	Hurley et al. 1998
Permethrin	Estrogenic		Go et al. 1999
Procymidone	Androgen	Androgen receptor antagonist.	Ostby et al. 1999 Grey et al. 1999
Prodiamine	Thyroid	Enhances secretion of thyroid hormone.	Hurley et al. 1998
Pyrimethanil	Thyroid	Enhances secretion of thyroid hormone.	Hurley et al. 1998
Sumithrin	Androgen		Go et al. 1999
Tarstar	Thyroid	A decrease of thyroid hormone in serum; direct effect on the thyroid gland?	Akhtar et al. 1996
Thiazopyr	Thyroid	Enhances secretion of thyroid hormone.	Hurley et al. 1998
Thiram	Neuroendocrine-pituitary (depression of LH surge), thyroid (decrease of T4, increase of TSH)		Stoker et al. 1993
Toxaphene	Estrogen/ Thyroid		Soto et al. 1994
Triadimefon	Estrogen	Estrogen receptor agonist.	Vinggaard et al. 1999
Triadimenol	Estrogen	Estrogen receptor agonist	Vinggaard et al. 1999
Tributyltin	Reproductive		Horiguchi et al. 2000
Trifluralin	Reproductive/ Metabolic		Rawlings et al. 1998
Vinclozolin	Androgen	Anti-androgenic. (Competes with androgens for the androgen receptor (AR), inhibits AR-DNA binding, and alters androgen-dependent gene expression.)	Soto et al. 1994 Soto et al. 1995 Kelce et al. 1994 Grey et al. 1999
Zineb	Thyroid	The metabolite ethylenthiourea inhibits thyroid hormone synthesis.	Toppari et al. 1995
Ziram	Thyroid	Inhibits the iodide peroxidase. Structural similarities between ziram and thiram; ziram can be metabolized to thiram in the environment.	Marinovich et al. 1997

Phthalate

Compound	Hormones affected	Mechanism	References
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)	Estrogen	Inhibits binding to the estrogen receptor	Jobling et al. 1995
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)	Estrogen Androgen	Inhibits binding to the estrogen receptor. anti-androgenic	Jobling et al. 1995 Harris et al. 1997 Grey et al. 1999
Di-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP)	Estrogen Androgen	Inhibits binding to the estrogen receptor. anti-androgenic	Jobling et al. 1995 Harris et al. 1997 Moore et al. 2001 Grey et al. 1999
Diethyl Phthalate (DEP)	Estrogen		Harris et al. 1997

Other Compounds

Compound	Hormones affected	Mechanism	References
Benzophenone	Estrogen	Binds weakly to estrogen receptors, roles of its metabolite remain to be clarified.	Schlumpf et al. 2001
Bisphenol A	Estrogen	Estrogenic; binds to estrogen receptor	Fisher et al. 1999 Anderson et al. 1999 Rajapakse et al. 2001
Bisphenol F	Estrogen	Estrogenic; b inds to estrogen receptor	Perez et al. 1998
Benzo(a)pyrene	Androgen	anti-androgenic	Thomas 1990
Carbendazim	Reproductive		Gray et al. 1990
Ethane Dimethane Sulphonate	Reproductive		Gray et al. 1999
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)	Thyroid, reproductive	suppression of T3,T4; mechanism unknown	3M data
Nonylphenol, octylphenol	Estrogen	Estrogen receptor agonists; reduces estradiol binding to the estrogen receptor.	Soto et al. 1991 Soto et al. 1995 Danzo 1997 Lascombe et al. 2000 Rajapakse et al. 2001
Resorcinol	Thyroid		Lindsay et al. 1989
Styrene dimers and trimers	Estrogen	Estrogen receptor agonists	Ohyama et al. 2001

Metals

Compound	Hormones affected	Mechanism	References
Arsenic	Glucocorticoid	Selective inhibition of DNA transcription normally stimulated by the glucocorticoid-GR complex.	Kaltreider et al. 2001
Cadmium	Estrogenic	Activates estrogen receptor through an interaction with the hormone-binding domain of the receptor.	Stoica et al. 2000 Johnson et al. 2003
Lead	Reproductive		Telisman et al. 2000 Hanas et al. 1999
Mercury	Reproductive/ Thyroid		Facemire et al. 1995

Singapore stocks dividend announcement for 30 DEC 2009

2009-12-31T13:51:00.001+08:00

Last updated on: 30-Dec-2009 23:50

Company	Dividend	Ex-Date	Date Payable

AsiaPacBrew	SGD0.18	Jan 26	Feb 10
Aust Group	AUD0.02	Dec 29	Feb 8
Cerebos	SGD0.06	Feb 4	Feb 23
Cerebos	SGD0.19	Feb 4	Feb 23
CityDevt	3.9%	Dec 8	Dec 31
Eastern	SGD0.004	Jan 5	Jan 18
Ezra	SGD0.015	Dec 30	Jan 18
F&N	SGD0.105	Feb 1	Feb 12
GP Ind	SGD0.01	Dec 24	Jan 12
Glbl Invest	SGD0.01	Jan 7	Feb 25
Goodpack	SGD0.01	Dec 15	Jan 5
Goodpack	SGD0.02	Dec 15	Jan 5
Hiap Seng	SGD 0.01	Dec 30	Jan 18
Lyxor Japan	USD0.008	Dec 14	Jan 11
Miyoshi	SGD0.003	Jan 8	Jan 29
Novo	SGD0.005	Dec 28	Jan 21
PNE	SGD0.0025	Feb 3	Feb 26
SingTel	SGD0.062	Dec 18	Jan 14
Suntec Reit	SGD0.0244	Dec 17	Jan 20
Suntec Reit	SGD0.0038	Dec 17	Jan 20
ThomsonMedic	SGD0.003	Dec 15	Jan 5
ThomsonMedic	SGD0.015	Dec 15	Jan 5
TransitMixed	SGD0.015	Dec 8	Dec 30
WBL	SGD0.06	Feb 1	Feb 17
Xpress	SGD0.0011	Jan 19	Feb 2
Xpress	SGD0.0004	Jan 19	Feb 2

Latest ongoing airfare promotion from Singapore

2009-06-09T13:40:00.002+08:00

airfare to shanghai 2009 JUL by Cathay Pacific

2009-06-09T13:23:00.001+08:00

Magical June (Operated by Cathay Pacific / Dragonair)		Fare Code: CXPVG090045

Cathay Pacific	Depart	Singapore	(Singapore Changi Airport)
	Destination	Shanghai (view routing)
	Routing	SIN-HKG-PVG-HKG-SIN

Adult Price	S$430.00
Est Tax	S$104.00
Total	S$534.00

lowest airfare to Shanghai for 2009 JUL by Malaysia Airlines

2009-06-09T13:01:00.004+08:00

Outbound journey		Detail
MH610 Economy	Singapore - Changi International Kuala Lumpur International Airport	Sun, 19 Jul	21:15 22:15
MH386 Economy	Kuala Lumpur International Airport Shanghai - Pu Dong	Mon, 20 Jul	01:40 07:00 (+1)

Inbound journey		Detail
MH387 Economy	Shanghai - Pu Dong Kuala Lumpur International Airport	Thu, 23 Jul	10:15 15:30
MH613 Economy	Kuala Lumpur International Airport Singapore - Changi International	Thu, 23 Jul	17:30 18:25

Air fare cost					Rules
Type	Travellers	Net	Tax		Total
Adult:	1	SGD 171.00	SGD 272.00	(details)	SGD 443.00 each
Total:					SGD 443.00

How to take your Basal Body Temperature

2009-02-04T17:05:00.003+08:00

How to take your Basal Body Temperature

Your Basal Body Temperature can be taken orally with a normal mercury thermometer or a basal digital thermometer. Ideally, a larger thermometer that registers from 96F to 100F / 34C to 39C degrees (in easy-to-read one-tenth degree increments) is recommended.

Important: Your BBT temperature refers to a 'resting' or 'base' temperature. That means that your BBT must be measured prior to any physical activity, after at least four hours of sleep.

1. Taking Your BBT Temperature
Take your BBT temperature first thing each morning - as soon as you wake up. You must remain in bed (as physical activity can increase your temperature) and avoid eating or drinking or even moving. Either insert the thermometer in your mouth - or alternatively your rectum - and wait five minutes. Read the temperature to within 1/10 of a degree and record the reading.

2. Charting Your BBT Temperature
Starting on day one of your menstrual cycle - the first day of your period - begin recording your BBT temperature using a calendar or notebook and graph paper. Each morning, record your temperature. Plot each day's BBT on the graph. Your temperature rise may be sudden, gradual, or in steps. The pattern may vary from cycle to cycle.

3. Predicting Ovulation, menstruation and Pregnancy
For most women, 36.2 to 36.5 degrees is considered normal prior to ovulation and 36.7 to 37.1 degrees after ovulation. By charting the differences - in one-tenth degree increments - you can determine when ovulation has taken place. Typically a rise of at least 0.4 to 0.6 degrees will take place after ovulation, though for different women the temperature increases may be sudden or gradual.

Pretty common for women who find their temperature cross 36.7 degree as the point of their ovulation day

And when your temperature drop down back to the normal range , your menstruation would start within the 24hrs. Another way of predicting your menstruation day is by adding 10 to 14 days from your ovulation day (the day when you detected a sudden increase of temperature).

18 consecutive days of ovulation high temperatures means a woman is almost certainly pregnant

recent studies show that if your BBT chart show signs of triphasic pattern (3 time of upward shift temperature within the cycle) there is sign of possible pregnant.

BBT Limitations in Ovulation Prediction

BBT charting only tells you when ovulation has already occurred - and is therefore important for predicting general patterns. To predict ovulation, LH testing (ovulation predictor kits) is more effective - and examining cervical mucus is also a very valuable method.

Ways To Get Pregnant - relaxing enough ?

2009-02-04T16:15:00.002+08:00

Ways to Get Pregnant

4. Getting rid the unnecessary stress that is delaying your ovulating

Problem:
stress can affect the functioning of the hypothalamus. This is the gland in the brain that regulates appetite and emotions, as well as the hormones required to release the eggs in women and produce testosterone in men. If you or your partner are feeling stressed, you may feel less interested in having sex and may not have sex as often, which isn't going to help you get pregnant. If the effect of stress on your normal hormone levels is severe then it could result in you ovulating later in your cycle than usual or not at all. This is a recognised condition, which is sometimes called "stress-induced anovulation".

It's important to differentiate between constant and sudden stress. Your body often gets used to constant, everyday stresses so you'll probably ovulate fairly consistently each cycle. It's a sudden stress, such as a death in the family, which can throw your cycle off and interfere with conceiving. But this varies from woman to woman. Some women find that even a business trip away can delay ovulation, while others find that a severely traumatic incident doesn't affect their cycle at all.

It's also important to note that positive stress can affect your cycle; again, you might ovulate later or not at all. Brides often report strange cycles because they're happily stressed about their weddings. Women who go back-packing round the world may also find their periods stop temporarily. It doesn't matter that the stress is good; it can still affect ovulation.

If you're trying to get pregnant and you're under stress, your cervical mucus may give you a warning that something's wrong. Rather than noticing increased cervical wetness as you approach ovulation, you might find patches of wetness interspersed with dry days; it's as if your body is trying to ovulate but the stress continues to delay it. You won't know that you've ovulated unless you're using a method of detection, such as ovulation predictor kits or charting your basal body temperature and cervical mucus. Even then you may not be totally sure that you've ovulated;

Best way to do it:
The good news is that stress-induced delays to ovulation should not stop you getting pregnant. That is provided you are having sex every two to three days throughout your cycle, which is the frequency fertility experts recommend to optimise your chances of success. Also if you have completely stopped ovulating as a result of stress, you can be treated with hormone therapy to get your system going again or some experts recommend cognitive behaviour therapy for better long-term health results.

Ways To Get Pregnant - what you eat ?

2009-02-04T14:28:00.003+08:00

Ways To Get Pregnant

3. eat correctly and properly that will boost your fertility and increase your egg health.

Problem: Overweight
Are your eating correctly and properly? You may have a improper eating lifestyle that defer you from conceiving.
Research have found that extreme weight gain /loss have a direct impact of your hormones balance. If you are already overweight, obese, overly fat, then your chances of getting pregnant will have drop -80% out of 20% that will be left 4% of chances getting conceiving.

Best way to do it:
maintain a healthy weight. You can always check your healthy weight status by using the BMI calculator . For a normal healthy weight , your BMI should keep to 18.5-24.9, on average of 21.7

What you can do is Regular exercise, proper meals at the proper time.
(There is a large pool of advise on the weight management that can be easily found from the internet.)

Tips 1:
You should eat carbohydrates with a protein and not alone. Eat proteins in a ratio of 1:1 with carbohydrates. For example, if you eat 4 ounces of cooked rice, you should also eat 4 ounces of chicken or tempeh at the same time. This will help forestall blood sugar spikes that can affect your fertility and fertilized egg attachment. You can consume protein powders (an occasional choice), eggs (the best choice for fertility), raw dairy, fish, or meats.

Tips 2:
Getting enough calcium is important to keep your body in an alkaline state, which is important for fertility. You can get calcium from dark leafy green vegetables, organic cottage cheese or yogurt, other organic dairy products, quinoa, almonds, seaweed, sesame seeds, and other calcium rich foods.

Tips 3:
You also need to get a certain amount of fat in your diet to produce the proper hormones. Remember that fat is not the enemy. It provides essential vitamins such as vitamin A that you need for good health. In addition, if you're trying to get pregnant, you need to avoid very low-fat diets. Instead, focus on getting a moderate amount of fat from healthy sources such as organic meats and dairy, flax seed, olive, and fish oils.

Tips 4:

Fertility Cycle Nutrition Diet guidelines

Drink clean water.

Don't ingest refined sugars or processed fruit juices; you can consume freshly squeezed juices.

Don't consume soy unless it's fermented, such as tempeh or miso.

Only eat whole, natural grains.

Eat protein and carbohydrates in balance with each other, in a ratio of 1:1.

Eat enzyme rich foods at every meal.

Eat free-range organic chicken.

Eat organic, grass fed red meats.

Eat fish at least three times per week.

Eat small amounts of organic dairy products only.

Eat organic vegetables and fruits.

Tips 5:
breakfast is even more important, since it kick starts your metabolism and can help balance your blood sugar levels. The two foods you should definitely avoid for better fertility are coffee and any processed sugars.

Ways To Get Pregnant - when do you intercourse ?

2009-02-04T13:41:00.002+08:00

Ways To Get Pregnant

2. how often you should be having intercourse to increase your chances of conceiving

Problem: One of the most important components of getting pregnant is knowing when you should be having intercourse to enable you to get pregnant.
you need to make sure you are having intercourse during your fertile window. That means the several days that are leading up to ovulation, and also the day after you ovulate. Assuming you have used one of the several methods to figure out when your fertile days are, you also need to know how often you should be having intercourse to increase your chances of conceiving.

Best way to do it :

Avoid 1: It is not a good idea to have intercourse several times a day in an effort to increase your conception odds. In fact, this can have the opposite effect. There will not be enough good quality sperm if the male partner ejaculates several times a day over the course of a few days.

Avoid 2: On the other extreme, it is also not a good idea to "save up the sperm" by waiting for the "fertile window" in hopes that you will then have alot of extra sperm to increase the chances of conceiving. This too, can have the opposite effect. The sperm supply needs to be flushed out to be kept fresh, so "saving it up" will cause a lot of sperm to be stale, and sluggish.

Try 1: to have intercourse either every day or every other day starting several days before you actually ovulate. The every day approach is slightly more favorable, but only if you are certain there are no issues with sperm count.

Try 2 best coverage: it might be best to vary this by trying every other day one month and every day another month just so you have all your bases covered. This way, if the sperm quality/count is not the best, you'll be doing the more favorable every other day approach as well.

Ways To Get Pregnant - when do you ovulate ?

2009-02-04T13:01:00.006+08:00

Ways To Get Pregnant

1. determine approximately what time each month that you do ovulate.

Problem:
Part of the problem is the widely held notion that women ovulate on day 14 of their cycle. This myth comes from the false assumption that women have a perfect 28 day cycle and ovulate right in the middle. The truth is, many women have cycles that are much shorter or longer than this, and they don't necessarily ovulate at the halfway point. There is a great range which is personal to each women, and therefore it is fundamental that you get to know your body and figure out what time of the month you are generally ovulating. Also keep in mind that this can change from month to month. It's quite common to ovulate on day 13 or 14 or 15 or even 16 for the same woman on different months.

It is important to note, the best way to get pregnant is to make sure the sperm is "waiting" before the egg is released. The sperm can live for approximately 3-5 days inside a woman, but the egg only lives for about 12-24 hours. So, for the best chance of conceiving, it is best to time intercourse for several days leading up to ovulation and on the day of ovulation too.

Best way to do it:
Choice 1 : Basal body temperature. The best way to do that is to get a basal body thermometer and chart your temperature each morning upon waking, before doing anything else. If you do this for some time you will see that your temperatures rise each month a few tenths of a degree and then stay up until your period comes. This shift in temperatures signifies that you have indeed ovulated. Once you have a good idea when this occurs month to month, you will have a better chance of predicting when you might be ovulating.
Keeping your temperature chart regularly will help to detect possible female fertility problems such as short luteal phase that leads to insufficient progesterone production.

How to do it : Basal body temperature <- Click to find out. For what type of people: Anyone, who willing to keep track their temperature shift regularly.
and for people not willing to spend big bucks on test kits.

Choice 2: ovulation test kits. Using ovulation test kits will give you a helpful indicator of when ovulation is approaching. Usually the test will predict ovulation within about 36 hours, so once the test turns positive, it is important to have intercourse that day and for the next couple of days until your temperature shows that you have already ovulated.

How to do it : buy ovulation test kits from any pharmacy.
For what type of people: Anyone,who can't keep their temperature shift tracking regularly
and for people willing to spend big bucks on test kits.

Dietary Recomendations for Estrogen Progesterone Balance

2008-11-02T23:37:00.001+08:00

Dietary Recomendations for Estrogen Progesterone Balance

Estrogen/Progesterone Balance

If estrogen and progesterone levels are not balanced, it will be difficult to conceive. If estrogen levels are not elevated in the first part of cycle, ovulation will not occur. If progesterone levels are not elevated in the second part of the cycles, a viable endometrium will not form. Too much estrogen (which could manifest as particularly heavy menstrual flow) can sometimes be regulated by a vigorous program of exercise. Obesity can also cause elevated estrogen levels, so try to make sure that your weight is within the normal range.

The dietary fiber in B6 vitamin rich foods can also reduce estrogen levels. These foods are tofu, kelp, whole grains, walnuts, and wheat germ. Insufficient estrogen can be counteracted by increasing your consumption of para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which stimulates the pituitary gland into increasing estrogen production. Consuming wheat germ will satisfy your need for this nutrient. Insufficient progesterone levels can be aided by increasing your consumption of foods rich in vitamin B6, tofu, kelp, whole grains, walnuts, and wheat germ. These foods can also reduce Prolactin levels. Progesterone production in the luteal phase can also be affected if prostaglandin impairs the functioning of the corpus luteum. Avoid arachidonic acid, a precursor or prostaglandin found in animal fat.

Finally, yams eaten in the pre-ovulatory phase of the cycle are beneficial for women whose short luteal phase leads to insufficient progesterone production.

Dietary Recomendations for PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

2008-11-02T23:33:00.001+08:00

Dietary Recomendations for PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

In Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) the body produces increased male hormones which are converted into estrogen. In an obese woman, estrogen is also stored in fat cells. Because estrogen is normally made from the developing follicles, the brain's hypothalamus, confused by the constant level of estrogen, assumes that it is due to a developing egg inside the follicle. Therefore, the hypothalamus tells the pituitary gland to stop or slow down the release of follicle stimulating hormone. Thus, the follicles don't mature and burst, and ovulation never occurs. Instead the follicle turn into small cysts on the ovaries. There have been very few good nutritional studies done on PCOS, and the only nutritional recommendations currently given is that PCOS sufferers should shed their excess weight. We have two suggestions: One is that you follow the general guidelines for anovulation. The other is that you consume yams, and elevate your levels of vitamin B6. The second suggestion is since PCOS can often be characterized by elevated Prolactin levels try following the dietary guidelines for elevated Prolactin levels: eliminate alcohol, marijuana, aspartame, dioxins in meat and dairy, too much protein and too strenuous exercise.

Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance

2008-11-02T23:30:00.001+08:00

Research has shown that many women in their 30s - some even younger - will occasionally not ovulate during their menstrual month.[1] Without ovulation, no corpus luteum results and no progesterone is made. A progesterone deficiency ensues and several problems can result from this, one being the month-long presence of unopposed estrogen with all its attendant side-effects.

A second major problem results from the interrelationship between progesterone loss and stress. Stress combined with a bad diet can induce cycles where ovulation does not occur. The consequent lack of progesterone interferes with the production of the stress-combating hormones, worsening stressful conditions that give rise to further anovulatory cycles and so continues the vicious cycle.

Another major factor contributing to this imbalance between estrogen and progesterone is the industrialized world now live in, immersed in a rising sea of petrochemical derivatives. They are in the air, food and water and include pesticides and herbicides (such as DDT, dieldrin, heptachlor, etc.) as well as various plastics (polycarbonated plastics found in babies bottles and water jugs) and PCBs. These estrogen-mimics are highly fat-soluble, not biodegradable or well excreted, and accumulate in the fat tissue of animals and humans. These chemicals have an uncanny ability to mimic natural estrogen and thus are given the name "xeno-estrogens" since, although they are foreign chemicals, they are taken up by the estrogen receptor sites in the body, seriously interfering with natural biochemical activity. Drinking sodas out of plastic bottles is one of the leading causes of estrogen dominance.

Extensive research is now revealing an alarming situation worldwide, created by the inundation of these hormone-mimics. In their book, Our Stolen Future, authors Theo Colburn of the World Wildlife Fund, Dianne Dumanoski of The Boston Globe, and John Peterson Meyers, a zoologist, have identified 51 hormone mimics, each able to unleash a torrent of effects such as reduced sperm production, cell division and sculpting of the developing brain. These mimics are not only linked to the recent discovery that human sperm counts worldwide have plunged by 50% between 1938 and 1990 but also to genital deformities, breast, prostate and testicular cancer, and neurological disorders.

Causes & Development

Dr. John Lee, MD has discovered a consistent theme running through women's complaints of the distressing and often debilitating symptoms of PMS, peri-menopause and menopause: too much estrogen or, in other words, estrogen dominance. Now, instead of estrogen playing its essential role within the well-balanced symphony of steroid hormones in a woman's body, it has begun to overshadow the other players, creating biochemical dissonance. Even natural estrogens should not be prescribed unless it is clear that a deficiency exists.

Signs & Symptoms

Female hormone imbalances can manifest in many and diverse symptoms. More specific suggestions regarding individual hormone levels may be made elsewhere in this report.

Diagnosis & Tests

The hormone issue is a complicated one. There are three types of natural estrogen, and multiple degradation pathways and metabolites. Depending on the area of concern, a skilled natural doctor should be able to recommend those tests which will yield the most information, and guide you into balance. While a therapeutic trial of progesterone may help a condition of estrogen dominance, specific laboratory testing on a doctor's recommendation should be conducted prior to hormone replacement. Blood, saliva, or urine measurements may be made. Your doctor should be aware that the timing of specimen collection in relation to your cycle is important in progesterone testing. The best time is day 21 - 24 of your cycle (sooner if cycle is shorter and later if cycle is longer). If progesterone levels are normal, elevated estrogens can be reduced by means other than progesterone use.

The need for testing is seen in the situation of two menopausal women having similar symptoms but one with elevated estrogens (or an imbalance of estrogens) and the other with low estrogens. Both may have normal or low levels of progesterone. Giving natural estrogen to a woman in menopause seems the logical thing to do, but may make the situation worse if her levels are already too high. Giving a women low in estrogen, more progesterone won’t solve the underlying deficiency.

Treatment & Prevention

Dr. Lee has been able to balance the estrogen-dominance effect through the use of transdermal natural progesterone cream.

Anti-aging Benefits of Natural Progesterone

Progesterone is a primary precursor in the biosynthesis of the adrenal corticosteroids. Without adequate progesterone, synthesis of the cortisones is impaired and the body turns to alternate pathways. These alternate pathways have masculine-producing side effects such as long facial hairs and thinning of scalp hair. Further impaired corticosteroid production results in a decrease in the ability to handle stress, e.g., surgery, trauma or emotional stress.
Many peri- or post-menopausal women with clinical signs of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, lack of energy, intolerance to cold, are actually suffering from unrecognized estrogen dominance and will benefit from supplementation with natural progesterone.
Estrogen and most of the synthetic progestins increase intracellular sodium and water uptake. The effect of this is hypertension. Natural progesterone is a natural diuretic and prevents the cell's uptake of sodium and water, thus preventing hypertension.
Whereas estrogen impairs homeostatic control of glucose levels, natural progesterone stabilizes them. Thus, natural progesterone can be beneficial to both those with diabetes and those with reactive hypoglycemia. Estrogen should be contraindicated in patients with diabetes.
Thinning and wrinkled skin is a sign of lack of hydration in the skin. It is common in peri- and post-menopausal women and is a sure sign of hormone depletion. Both estrogen and progesterone restores skin hydration.
Progesterone serves a role in keeping brain cells healthy. A disorder such as premature senility (Alzheimer's disease) may be, at least in part, another example of disease secondary to progesterone deficiency.
Progesterone is essential for the healthy development of the myelin sheath which protects the nerve cells. Low progesterone levels lead to recurring aches and pains.
Progesterone creates and promotes an enhanced sense of emotional well being and psychological self-sufficiency.
Progesterone is responsible for enhancing the libido. [John R. Lee, M.D., Slowing the Aging Process with Natural Progesterone, BLL Publishing, CA, USA, 1994, p.14]

Complications

Estrogen's role in osteoporosis is only a minor one. Estrogen replacement will reduce bone breakdown, but only progesterone increases new bone growth or deposition. Progesterone deficiency results in bone loss. In a three year study of 63 post-menopausal women with osteoporosis, women using transdermal progesterone cream experienced an average 7 to 8% bone mass density increase in the first year, 4 to 5% the second year, and 3 to 4% in the third year. Untreated women in this age category typically lose 1.5% bone mass density per year.[3] Dr. Lee believes that the use of natural progesterone in conjunction with dietary and lifestyle change can not only stop osteoporosis but can actually reverse it - even in women aged over 70.

Effects of Estrogen Dominance

When estrogen is not balanced by progesterone, it can produce weight gain, headaches, bad temper, chronic fatigue and loss of interest in sex - all of which are part of the clinically recognized premenstrual syndrome.
Not only has it been well established that estrogen dominance encourages the development of breast cancer thanks to estrogen's proliferative actions, it also stimulates breast tissue and can trigger fibrocystic breast disease - a condition which wanes when natural progesterone is introduced to balance the estrogen.
Excess estrogen implies a progesterone deficiency. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the rate of new bone formation in a woman's body by the osteoblasts - the cells responsible for doing this job. Although most doctors are not yet aware of it, this is the prime cause of osteoporosis.
Estrogen dominance increases the risk of fibroids. One of the interesting facts about fibroids is that, regardless of the size, fibroids commonly atrophy once menopause arrives and a woman's ovaries are no longer making estrogen. Doctors who commonly use progesterone with their patients have discovered that giving a woman natural progesterone may cause fibroids to atrophy.
In estrogen-dominant menstruating women where progesterone is not peaking and falling in a normal way each month, the ordered shedding of the womb lining doesn't take place. Menstruation becomes irregular. This condition can usually be corrected by making lifestyle changes and using a natural progesterone product. It is easy to diagnose by having a doctor measure the level of progesterone in the blood at certain times of the month.
Endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb) develops only where there is estrogen dominance or unopposed estrogen. This, too, can be prevented by the use of natural progesterone. The use of the synthetic progestins may also help prevent it, which is why a growing number of doctors no longer give non-human estrogens without combining them with progesterone drug during HRT. However, all synthetic progestins have side effects.
Water logging of the cells and an increase in intercellular sodium, which predispose a woman to high blood pressure or hypertension, frequently occur with estrogen dominance. These can also be side effects of progestins use. A natural progesterone cream often resolves this problem.
The risk of stroke and heart disease is increased dramatically when a woman is estrogen-dominant. [Leslie Kenton, Passage to Power, Random House, UK, 1995]

Progesterone Low or Estrogen Dominance

2008-11-02T23:30:00.000+08:00

Female hormone imbalances can manifest in many and diverse symptoms. More specific suggestions regarding individual hormone levels may be made elsewhere in this report.

Diagnosis & Tests

Dr. Lee has been able to balance the estrogen-dominance effect through the use of transdermal natural progesterone cream.

Anti-aging Benefits of Natural Progesterone

Progesterone is a primary precursor in the biosynthesis of the adrenal corticosteroids. Without adequate progesterone, synthesis of the cortisones is impaired and the body turns to alternate pathways. These alternate pathways have masculine-producing side effects such as long facial hairs and thinning of scalp hair. Further impaired corticosteroid production results in a decrease in the ability to handle stress, e.g., surgery, trauma or emotional stress.
Many peri- or post-menopausal women with clinical signs of hypothyroidism, such as fatigue, lack of energy, intolerance to cold, are actually suffering from unrecognized estrogen dominance and will benefit from supplementation with natural progesterone.
Estrogen and most of the synthetic progestins increase intracellular sodium and water uptake. The effect of this is hypertension. Natural progesterone is a natural diuretic and prevents the cell's uptake of sodium and water, thus preventing hypertension.
Whereas estrogen impairs homeostatic control of glucose levels, natural progesterone stabilizes them. Thus, natural progesterone can be beneficial to both those with diabetes and those with reactive hypoglycemia. Estrogen should be contraindicated in patients with diabetes.
Thinning and wrinkled skin is a sign of lack of hydration in the skin. It is common in peri- and post-menopausal women and is a sure sign of hormone depletion. Both estrogen and progesterone restores skin hydration.
Progesterone serves a role in keeping brain cells healthy. A disorder such as premature senility (Alzheimer's disease) may be, at least in part, another example of disease secondary to progesterone deficiency.
Progesterone is essential for the healthy development of the myelin sheath which protects the nerve cells. Low progesterone levels lead to recurring aches and pains.
Progesterone creates and promotes an enhanced sense of emotional well being and psychological self-sufficiency.
Progesterone is responsible for enhancing the libido. [John R. Lee, M.D., Slowing the Aging Process with Natural Progesterone, BLL Publishing, CA, USA, 1994, p.14]

Complications

When estrogen is not balanced by progesterone, it can produce weight gain, headaches, bad temper, chronic fatigue and loss of interest in sex - all of which are part of the clinically recognized premenstrual syndrome.
Not only has it been well established that estrogen dominance encourages the development of breast cancer thanks to estrogen's proliferative actions, it also stimulates breast tissue and can trigger fibrocystic breast disease - a condition which wanes when natural progesterone is introduced to balance the estrogen.
Excess estrogen implies a progesterone deficiency. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in the rate of new bone formation in a woman's body by the osteoblasts - the cells responsible for doing this job. Although most doctors are not yet aware of it, this is the prime cause of osteoporosis.
Estrogen dominance increases the risk of fibroids. One of the interesting facts about fibroids is that, regardless of the size, fibroids commonly atrophy once menopause arrives and a woman's ovaries are no longer making estrogen. Doctors who commonly use progesterone with their patients have discovered that giving a woman natural progesterone may cause fibroids to atrophy.
In estrogen-dominant menstruating women where progesterone is not peaking and falling in a normal way each month, the ordered shedding of the womb lining doesn't take place. Menstruation becomes irregular. This condition can usually be corrected by making lifestyle changes and using a natural progesterone product. It is easy to diagnose by having a doctor measure the level of progesterone in the blood at certain times of the month.
Endometrial cancer (cancer of the womb) develops only where there is estrogen dominance or unopposed estrogen. This, too, can be prevented by the use of natural progesterone. The use of the synthetic progestins may also help prevent it, which is why a growing number of doctors no longer give non-human estrogens without combining them with progesterone drug during HRT. However, all synthetic progestins have side effects.
Water logging of the cells and an increase in intercellular sodium, which predispose a woman to high blood pressure or hypertension, frequently occur with estrogen dominance. These can also be side effects of progestins use. A natural progesterone cream often resolves this problem.
The risk of stroke and heart disease is increased dramatically when a woman is estrogen-dominant. [Leslie Kenton, Passage to Power, Random House, UK, 1995]

understanding hormones

2008-11-02T23:24:00.002+08:00

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 comsumption 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.

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 counsellor that specializes in this area. Being underweight is also a problem for women trying to concieve.

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.

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.

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.

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 miscarrige.
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 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 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.

Low Progesterone, Clomid as treatment

2008-11-02T23:00:00.000+08:00

Reasons ,Symptoms ,Results of Low Progesterone

Progesterone is a steroid hormone made by the ovary at ovulation and in low amounts by the adrenal glands. Progesterone is manufactured in the body from the steroid hormone pregnenolone, and is a precursor to most of the other steroid hormones, including cortisol, androstenedione, the estrogens and testosterone. When there is a low progesterone level, it needs to be replaced. The most important role of progesterone is to balance or oppose the effects of estrogen.

When progesterone levels are low the following symptoms may occur:

* Depression * Decreased libido * Fibrocystic breasts * Food and sugar cravings * Uterine fibroids * Irregular or excessive uterine bleeding * Endometriosis * PMS * Infertility * Weight gain * Increased blood clotting * Thyroid dysfunction

Three symptoms of low progesterone include early disintegration of the corpus luteum, poor follicle production, and the failure of the uterine lining to respond to normal levels of progesterone, which may cause a miscarriage. One way to determine if low progesterone is the problem is by charting your basal body temperature. If the temperature drops early after ovulation, usually before the tenth day, there might be a problem with progesterone levels. Another way to determine if there is enough progesterone to sustain the pregnancy is with an endometrial biopsy. This is a test where a small section of uterine tissue is removed during the second half of a woman’s cycle to determine if it is developing correctly.

Why Clomid is taken ???

Clomid is actually quite a potent and somewhat complicated medication. It is capable of reacting with all of the tissues in the body that have estrogen receptors. These tissues include hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, endometrium, vagina, and cervix. Clomid influences the way that the four hormones required for ovulation, GnRH, FSH, LH and estradiol, relate and interrelate. While we do not completely understand the mechanisms by which this drug works, in essence it appears that Clomid fools the body into believing that the estrogen level is low. This altered feedback information causes the hypothalamus (an area of the brain) to make and release more gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn causes the pituitary to make and release more FSH and LH. More follicle stimulating hormone and more luteinizing hormone should result in the release of one or more mature eggs - ovulation.

Clomid Intake increase/Decrease & when ,what days?

When used for ovulation induction, Clomid is taken orally for approximately five days early in the menstrual cycle. Depending upon your clinic protocol this may start as early as day 3 or as late as day 5. It is important to remember that the first day of the menstrual cycle is the first day of normal bleeding, not spotting. Most women begin with an initial dose of one tablet (50 mg.) per day. This dose may be increased by your physician in subsequent cycles if pregnancy does not occur. Once ovulating, most pregnancies occur in the first 6 cycles of treatment. Clomid is said to be able to induce ovulation in as much as 85% of the women who use it, though only half of those will actually become pregnant. Most authorities agree that continuing for more than 6 ovulatory cycles in not likely to increase the chances of success.

At many clinics a pelvic examination or ultrasound is done each cycle shortly before starting on CC in order to determine if there are any ovarian or uterine abnormalities. Approximately 5% of women using Clomid will develop an ovarian cyst at some time during their treatment period. These cysts are benign and will usually resolve spontaneously without any treatment, but may cause discomfort. If you are using Clomid and do not have a menstrual period by cycle day 35, you may have failed to ovulate or you may be pregnant! In either event you need to schedule a visit to your doctor to ascertain what is happening. If you are not pregnant, your doctor may prescribe other medications to help bring on your period. Extended luteal phases (late periods, long cycles) are not uncommon on Clomid.

What are the side effects of Clomiphene?

Twin pregnancies may occur in as many as 5% of the women who use Clomid. Triplet pregnancies are far more rare. Other reported adverse effects include ovarian enlargement 13.6%,Vasomotor Flushes 10.4%, abdominal or pelvic discomfort, distention or bloating 5.5%, nausea and vomiting 2.2%, breast discomfort 2.1%, visual symptoms (blurred vision, lights, floaters, waves, unspecified visual complaints, photophobia, diplopia, scotoma, etc.) 1.5%, headache 1.3% and abnormal uterine bleeding (intermenstrual spotting, menorrhagia)

Did your OB&GYN discuss all these ,Side effects of Clomid,Increase or decrease of clomid and explain how ovulation takes place ,if no please refer following URL :

http://www.oasisserene.com/hormones… http://infertility.about.com/cs/clo… http://www.fwhc.org/health/moon.htm… http://www.conceivingconcepts.com/l… http://www.conceivingconcepts.com/c…

Personal Recommendation Instead of KY Jelly or Astroglide or Replens try using Pre-seed lubricant next time during your intercourse,cause most of time's Sperms cant be motile in the above lub's and if they are motile upto 70% than they can't sustain life of 20-24 hours long ,so better use Pre-seed,it costs something around 170-180$ & can be used atleast 6-10 times,but it work wonders.

Am I /Will I be Pregnant : Well dear its really too early to say these cause mostly after using Clomid the success rate for Conception is around 25-40% not more.Better see the Cervical Mucus change,Measure your Leutal phase (14 days by default) and measure your basal temp ,if you get mid ovulation pain than yes you are pregnant and if you have leautal problem we recommend at times for few patients to watch leautal phases of Moon that also makes difference at times.Though its just natural remedy.

(Rated by 11 Council Members)

My Basal Body Temperature chart (BBT Chart)

2008-09-21T19:41:00.002+08:00

To be added file link

thyroid self test

2008-09-18T15:24:00.002+08:00

Thyroid Self-Test:
To test yourself for an under active Thyroid, keep an Electronic Thermometer by your bed at night. When you wake up in the morning, place the thermometer in your armpit and hold it there for about 10 minutes. Keep still and quiet. Any movement of the body can upset your temperature reading. Temperature of the Body rises when you begin moving around. A temperature of 97.5°F / 36.39 deg or lower is indicative of an under active Thyroid. Keep a Temperature log for five days. Menstruating women should perform test on 2nd, 3rd & 4th day of menstruation. Menopausal women or women with irregular periods can check on any day.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Insufficient Thyroid Hormone causes bodily functions to slow down. The symptoms of Hypothyroidism are subtle and gradual and may be mistaken for Depression. Facial expressions become dull, the voice hoarse and the speech slow, eyelids droop and the eyes and face become puffy and swollen. Many people with Hypothyroidism gain weight, become constipated and are unable to tolerate cold. The hair becomes sparse, coarse, dry, scaly and thick. Many people develop Carpal Tunnel Syndrome which makes the hands tingle or hurt. The pulse may slow, the palms and soles appear slightly orange (carotenemia) and the side part of the eyebrows slowly falls out. Some people, especially older people may appear confused, forgetful, or demented - signs that can easily be mistaken for Alzheimer's Disease or other forms of dementia.

China Bank List

2008-09-13T15:12:00.012+08:00

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什么叫不孕症，常见原因有哪些

2008-08-08T17:11:00.000+08:00

凡处在生育年龄的妇女，配偶生殖功能正常，婚后同居两年以上，未避孕而不怀孕者，成为原发性不孕症。若曾有过孕育，又同居两年以上，未避孕而不再怀孕者，称为继发性不孕症。可以引起女性不孕的原因很多，主要有以下几个方面的因素：

1.阴道因素
处女膜闭锁、阴道闭锁或缺如、阴道中隔、阴道肿瘤等都可引起性交障碍而导致不孕。有霉菌或滴虫性阴道炎症时所产生的炎性分泌物，可以改变阴道生化环境，大量白细胞或滴虫可以吞噬精子，消耗精液中的营养物质，降低精子的活动力，不利于精子生存，从而影响受孕。

2.宫颈因素
凡子宫颈的狭窄、炎症、肿瘤、外伤、粘连等均可影响精子通过；宫颈若有糜烂，其分泌物也有杀伤精子的作用；若宫颈黏液分泌异常，或存在抗精子抗体，则不利于精子穿透宫颈管，以上因素均可影响受孕。

3.子宫因素
子宫因素引起的不孕症发病率比较高。主要的是子宫发育不良、子宫内膜炎症、子宫肌瘤等；其次则是子宫畸形、粘连性子宫后倾、宫腔粘连等。存在以上因素可导致受精卵不能着床。

4.输卵管因素
输卵管因素造成的不孕，以输卵管炎症引起的管腔堵塞最多。倘若输卵管过长或狭窄等因素也影响精子、卵子或受精卵的运行。

5.卵巢因素
卵巢内滤泡发育不良，不能排卵形成黄体，卵巢早衰、多囊卵巢、卵巢肿瘤及子宫内膜异位症等，均严重影响卵泡发育及卵子排出或受精卵着床。

6.内分泌因素
下丘脑-垂体-卵巢轴系的器质性或功能性异常，引起月经不调，导致闭经，无排卵月经或黄体功能失调。因卵子未能正常发育，或卵巢未能排卵，或未能使子宫内膜有足够的分泌期改变。以致影响受精卵的着床而造成不孕。另外，甲状腺与肾上腺皮质功能的亢进或低下都能影响卵巢功能而阻碍排卵。

7.先天性因素
先天性因素造成不孕者为数极少。这类因素主要是严重的先天性生殖器官发育不全、性染色体异常等。

8.免疫因素
免疫因素可以造成不孕是近些年才提出来的，因为患者的血液或体液中存在抗精子抗体，这种抗体是精子的敌对物质，一旦女方摄纳精液后，就立即将精子杀灭，从而导致不孕。
除去以上这些因素可以导致不孕外，代谢性疾病、慢性消耗性疾病、营养不良等全身性因素；情绪不良、植物神经功能失调等神经精神性因素也可造成不孕。

排除10大隐患让你轻松受孕

2008-08-08T16:57:00.002+08:00

这些隐患，你了解吗？排除孕前10隐患，让你受孕轻松而来！

隐忧1 减肥过度

这是一个以瘦为美的时代，本来不算胖的人也加入到减肥队伍中，包括许多男性在内。美国科学家研究表明，女性身体必须具有一定的脂肪，才能维持正常的生理代谢脂肪过少，容易造成闭经。同样，生理代谢在对男性性功能的研究中发现，脂肪的多少也影响生育能力。男性体重过轻，脂肪组织减少，就会减弱性能力。随着体重继续降低，致使前列腺液减少，使精子活力受到影响。

隐忧排除法：
正确对待体重问题，科学地控制饮食和运动方法，使体重保持在正常范围之内。避免实际体重低于平均体重15的，以保持正常的生育能力。

隐忧2 男性年龄过大

很多人都知道女性年龄过大生育孩子有很多不利之处，但对男性的生育年龄就不那么在意了。美国科学家在排除母亲年龄和种族因素的影响外，采取3种统计学方法对这一问题进行了研究。经过分析后发现，男性的年龄超过40岁时生育，发生畸形的危险性比年龄小于40岁的男性所生的孩子增加20见其中有几种常见的先天发育缺陷与父亲年龄超过35岁有显著关联。

隐忧排除法：
国外研究表明，健康出色的孩子与父母生育时的年龄及年龄组成关系密切。父亲年龄在30岁左右，母亲年龄在24－28岁左右时，所生的孩子健康出色的可能性最大。

隐忧3 妇科疾病未治愈

阴道炎是育龄女性常见的妇科病，有不少人在疾病尚未治愈便怀上宝贝。可是；患有阴道炎的女性怀孕后，会带来很多不良后果。滴虫性阴道炎容易并发其他细菌的感染，可能会引起畸胎，还有可能引起绒毛膜炎，导致胎膜早破及胎盘早剥，一旦炎症通过胎盘还可能直接引起胎儿感染，更严重的是胎儿从阴道出来时可能会造成感染，角膜被侵犯，视力受到影响。患有霉菌性阴道炎的孕妇在分娩时，容易使胎儿受到霉菌感染。

隐忧排除法：
如果存在以上情况，孕前先要积极进行治疗，待病情得到控制或完全治愈后再考虑怀孕。

隐忧4 在不利于生育的环境工作

一些职业对人的生育能力有一定影响，如工作在高压线、变电站、雷达站、电磁波发射塔；从事毒理实验室的研究人员以及接触铅、汞、苯、镐、锰、砷、有机溶剂、高分子化合物；工作中经常需要使用电子仪器、医疗设备、办公自动化设备等。这些职业环境中的有毒物质，会损伤精子或卵子，使它们的染色体发生畸变。

隐忧排除法：
从事以上有害职业的夫妻，尤其是女性，最好从孕前6个月暂时离开工作岗位一段时间。

隐忧5 过量提取高糖食物

有些人有吃高糖食物的嗜好。这个嗜好在平时并不是什么问题，但对于准备怀孕的女性会产生一些不利影响。孕前过食高糖食物，可能会引起糖代谢紊乱，甚至成为潜在的糖尿病患者。在这种状态下怀孕，由于摄入量增加极易诱发孕期糖尿病，危害孕妇健康和胎儿的正常生长发育，导致流产或死胎等不良结局。另外，这种嗜好容易使胎儿长成巨大儿，分娩时引起难产。

隐忧排除法：
怀孕前应该终止这些不良嗜好，饮食上要均衡合理地安排营养摄取。

隐忧6 慢性便秘未纠正

很多职业女性总是长时间坐着工作，又缺乏运动，导致肠蠕动减弱，排便能力差。加之工作繁忙和精神紧张，饮食上经常马虎，未能合理进食富含膳食纤维的食物和多饮水，因此便秘的女性越来越多。由于子宫、输卵管、卵巢等器官都位于盆腔内，它们的前面是膀味，后面及左右两侧与肠道接近，尤其是左侧输卵管与乙状结肠和直肠靠近。如果长期慢性便秘，就会使经常停留在肠管内粪便中的各种病菌，通过毛细血管、淋巴管侵入到左侧的输卵管和卵巢，引起炎症，导致输卵管功能受损或造成异位。

隐忧排除法：
积极纠正便秘。除了在生活中注意多喝水、多运动、多吃杂粮及新鲜蔬菜和水果外，平时多饮杜仲茶，经常吃核桃、酸奶、青梅干等润肠通便的零食，有助于纠正慢性便秘。

隐忧7 准备还不充分

有些女性即使在最适当的年龄怀孕，如果心理尚未准备好，也不见得是怀孕的最佳时机。因为一旦怀孕就要经历怀孕和分娩过程的考验，宝贝出生后对工作、家庭、夫妻关系及经济也都会带来很大影响。所以，心情常会处于复杂中，对面临的责任感到担忧。妻子担心自己能否承受分娩痛苦，担心孩子能否健康出世，丈夫常会担心收入满足不了家庭开销。如果没有做好心理准备，宝贝出生后就不能适应生活环境的种种变化，对下一代的健康成长造成不利影响。
隐忧排除法：
怀孕前夫妻双方就要把这些问题充分考虑清楚，彼此的安慰和鼓励也格外重要，它会给对方以莫大的安慰。做好这样的心理准备，到时候就会从容应对，不会乱了方寸。

隐忧8 选择不适宜季节受孕

怀孕早期正是胎儿脑神经发育初步形成阶段，如果在严冬、盛夏及初春时受孕，不利于胎儿的脑发育。我国是个季风为主的国家，北方冬春季节寒冷干燥，风沙大，门窗紧闭，室内新鲜空气少；加之这个季节是风疹、流感、腮腺炎等疾病流行的时候，很容易遭受病毒感染．使受精卵发生畸变。盛夏气温过高容易加重妊娠反应。进食更少，蛋白质摄取不够；加之出汗多使身体消耗增大，不容易满足胎儿的营养需要，阻碍胎儿的生长发育。

隐忧排除法：
初秋气温宜人，此时受孕可使胚胎发育的致时期避开了病毒流行、疾病爆发的时间，胚胎的脑细胞增殖期也处在营养充足的时间内。在这个时机受孕，有利于胎儿的神经系统功能协调。

隐忧9 生过畸形孩于又立即怀孕

有些女性上一胎生出的孩子不正常，或是好几次发。生习惯性流产，但还坚持要自己生一个孩子。如果引起上一胎畸形的原因仍然存在，如年龄过大生育、病菌感染、染色体异常、家庭史及环境有害等，那么下一胎生出不正常孩子的可能性还很大。当然，引发因素都不存在，生畸形儿的可能性就很小，可再准备怀孕。

隐忧排除法：
一定要去仔细请教遗传医生，以免再生出不正常的孩子。

隐忧10 在生理低潮受孕

人的身体里存在着体力、情绪及智力等三方面的周期性变化，这种周期性变化就是人体的生理节律。处于生理节律高潮期时，人的精力充沛、情绪稳定。心倩愉快、思维敏捷、记忆力强、反应灵敏、富有创造力并抵抗力较强，这时受孕生出的孩子身体健康，智力较好；处于低潮期时，身体易疲倦、情绪不稳、做事效率低、注意力难以集中、健忘并判断力下降，有可能生育出体质弱、智力有问题的孩子；临界日人的身体抵抗力下降，容易受病菌的侵扰，感染疾病的几率增大。

隐忧排除法：
准备受孕时选择好夫妻双方都处于生理节律的最佳时间，要避开生理周期的临界日及低潮期的影响。

哪些饮食阻碍你的好孕

2008-08-08T16:41:00.002+08:00

很多夫妻从准备怀孕开始，就已经向各类美食进军了，特别是准妈妈们大有为了宝宝的质量而牺牲诱人身材的英勇气概，但是一味地大吃特吃也是不可取的，有时还会适得其反！

她的饮食误区

过量食用辛辣食物

辛辣食物会刺激人的食欲，让人胃口大开。但如果过量食用，会引起胃部不适、消化不良、便秘、痔疮等不适，给她的身体大打折扣。而且，随着怀孕后胎儿的增大，她的消化功能和排便本来就会受影响，如果仍然保持进食辛辣食物的习惯，不仅会影响到营养的供给，也会加重便秘、痔疮等症状。因此在计划怀孕前3～6个月，她应尽量少吃辛辣食物。

过量食用高糖食物

若经常食用高糖食物，常常会引起糖代谢紊乱，甚至成为潜在的糖尿病患者。如果这种习惯维持到怀孕之后，那就更危险了，极易出现孕期糖尿病。这不仅会危害孕妇本人的健康，还可造成胎儿在母体内发育或代谢障碍，出现胎儿高胰岛素血症及巨大儿。

避免食物污染

食物从其原料生产直至食用前的全过程中，会经历很多必须的环节，可能会不同程度地受到污染，给人的身体带来危害。应尽量选用新鲜天然食品，避免食用含添加剂、色素、防腐剂的食品；蔬菜应充分清洗干净，水果最好去皮后再食用，以避免农药污染；尽量使用铁锅或不锈钢炊具，而避免使用铝制品及彩色搪瓷制品，以防止铝元素、铅元素损害妻子的健康。

他的饮食误区

叶酸和维生素

通常，医生会建议妻子从孕前就开始补充叶酸，以避免造成染色体断裂而出现畸形儿。其实对准备做老爸的你来说，叶酸同样重要。此外，还建议你多食用一些维生素含量高的食物，主要是新鲜的瓜果蔬菜，以提高精子的成活量。
富含叶酸的食物包括：动物肝、红苋菜、菠菜、生菜、芦笋、龙须菜、豆类、苹果、柑桔、橙汁。

优质蛋白质

蛋白质是细胞的重要组成部分，也是生成精子的重要原料。摄入充足的优质蛋白质，可以提高精子的数量和质量。这类食物包括三文鱼、牡蛎、深海鱼虾等海产品，它们不仅污染程度较低，还含有促进大脑发育的DHA等营养元素。此外，各种瘦肉、动物肝脏、乳类、蛋类等也是较好的选择。

女性的排卵日期

2008-08-08T16:39:00.001+08:00

Click above to go to the calculator

女性的排卵日期一般在下次月经来潮前的14天左右。下次月经来潮的第1天算起，倒数14天或减去14天就是排卵日，排卵日及其前5天和后4天加在一起称为排卵期。例如，某女的月经周期为28天，本次月经来潮的第1天在12月2日，那么下次月经来潮是在12月30日（12月2日加28天），再从12月30日减去14天，则12月16日就是排卵日。排卵日及其前5天和后4天，也就是12月11-20日为排卵期。除了月经期和排卵期，其余的时间均为安全期。在安全期性交可不必采用任何避孕药物和避孕工具。

雌二醇, 雌三醇 , 孕酮 ,人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG), 促卵泡激素(FSH)和促黄体生成激素(LH)

2008-08-08T16:15:00.003+08:00

雌二醇
1.正常妊娠雌二醇轻度升高，胎盘娩出后急剧下降。

2.异常妊娠。双胎或多胎妊娠以及糖尿病孕妇，雌二醇大都升高;妊娠高血压综合征重症患者雌二醇较低，若雌二醇特别低，则提示胎儿宫内死亡的可能性，宜结合其他检查予以确定，以便及时处理;无脑儿雌二醇降低;葡萄胎时，雌二醇低落，尿中雌二醇含量仅为正常妊娠者的1--12％。

3.雌二醇值增高的病理病因：①卵巢疾患：卵巢颗粒层细胞瘤、卵巢胚瘤、卵巢脂肪样细胞瘤、性激素生成瘤等，均表现卵巢功能亢进，雌二醇分泌量增加。②心脏病：心肌梗塞、心绞痛、冠状动脉狭窄。③其他：系统性红斑狼疮、肝硬化、男性肥胖症。

4.雌二醇降低的病理原因：①卵巢疾病：卵巢缺如或发育低下，原发性卵巢衰竭、卵巢囊肿。②垂体性闭经或不孕。③其他：甲低或甲亢、柯兴氏综合征、阿狄森氏病、恶性肿瘤、较大范围的感染、肾功能不全、脑及垂体的局灶性病变等，均可使血浆雌二醇降低。

雌三醇
1.监测胎盘功能：胎盘功能不良，胎盘硫酸脂酶缺乏症以及妊娠高血压综合征影响子宫胎盘血液循环者，均可导致雌三醇值下降。一般说来，孕周＞42周的孕妇，其胎盘功能逐渐减退，每周检测雌三浓度2--3次，将有助于临床随时发现问题。如雌三醇持续高水平，可等待自然分娩;当雌三醇值降低，则反映胎儿—胎盘功能已趋向不良，胎儿随时可发生宫内意外，临床应及时引产或进行剖腹产。

2.监护高危妊娠：定期动态检测孕妇血或尿液雌三醇含量，可帮助估计孕期;雌三醇继续上升，提示妊娠未足月;若几次检测均在同一水平，提示为足月妊娠;如测定值逐渐下降则常为过期妊娠;明显降低，提示胎儿宫内窘迫，临床应严密监测胎动、胎心等指标，并针对实际情况积极采取相应措施;血浆雌三醇含量＜2mg/L，则胎儿宫内死亡的可能性很大。

3.协助诊断胎儿疾病：胎儿宫内生长发育迟缓、因孕妇吸烟过多或营养不良而影响胎儿发育者，雌三醇下降;胎儿先天性肾上腺发育不全或因无脑儿等畸形影响肾上腺功能者，雌三醇下降;而仅为正常值的10％左右。

4.其它疾病：冠心病、肝硬化等疾病时，雌三醇含量增高。

孕酮
1.正常妇女月经周期中，血中孕酮含量以黄体期最高、卵泡期最低。动态检测，有助于判定排卵期，了解黄体功能以及研究各种类固醇避孕药及抗早孕药的作用机理。

2.正常妊娠自第11周开始，血中孕酮含量升高，至35周达高峰，可达80--320ug/L。先兆流产时，孕酮仍为高值;若有下降趋势，则有流产之可能。多胎妊娠时，孕酮增高。

3.孕酮的病理性增高见于糖尿病孕妇、葡萄胎、卵巢颗粒层膜细胞瘤、卵巢脂肪样瘤、先天性肾上腺增生、先天性17a-羟化酶缺乏症、原发性高血压等疾病。

4.孕酮的病理性降低主要见于黄体生成障碍和功能不良，多囊卵巢综合征，无排卵型功能失调子宫出血、严重妊娠高血压综合征、妊娠性胎盘功能不良、胎儿发育迟缓及死胎。

人绒毛膜促性腺激素(HCG)
1.诊断早孕：在受精卵着床后5--7天即能测出HCG，以血清HCG值作为诊断早孕的指标，符合率达98--100％。

2.滋养层细胞肿瘤的诊断、疗效观察和预后判断：葡萄胎和绒毛膜上皮癌患者的血清HCG明显高于正常妊娠，且其分泌量与癌细胞总数以及病情严重程度呈正相关。在治疗过程中动态检测HCG浓度，实际上反映了癌细胞群生长或退化的状态。这对临床选择治疗方案、观察疗效和判断预后都有实用价值。一般葡萄胎刮宫术后，血清HCG浓度降至正常，随访期间若回升则提示复发。同时测定脑脊液和血清HCG浓度，计算其浓度比值，有助于确定有无绒癌脑转移。

3.诊断宫外孕：对月经过期而无早孕症状、HCG较高而人工流产未见绒毛组织者，考虑为宫外孕。

4.先兆流产的处理依据：通过动态检测，观察HCG的变化，对HCG浓度下降不明显而仍接近正常者，可积极保胎，经治疗HCG浓度渐上升，并与妊娠月份相符，多能继续妊娠;而对HCG逐渐下降，且下降至一定程度者，孕妇流产已不可避免，宜人工流产以终止妊娠。

5.不全流产的鉴别诊断：流产4周后HCG应转为正常，而不全流产者HCG仍会高于正常;若宫腔感染或产后子宫复旧不全，其HCG在正常范围。

6.诊断异位HCG肿瘤：作为肿瘤标志物，不同组织脏器肿瘤HCG的阳性检出率高低不一，依次分别为：绒毛细胞管细胞瘤66％，乳腺瘤60％，睾丸瘤51％，卵巢腺瘤36％，胰腺瘤33％，胃癌22％，肝癌17％，肠癌13％，肺癌9％。7.用于生育研究：HCG可作为观察抗早孕药物效果的指标之一。

促卵泡激素(FSH)和促黄体生成激素(LH)
1.FSH、LH增高常见于性腺原发性病变，如卵巢功能早衰、性腺发育不全、原发性闭经、原发性性功能减退、曲细精管发育障碍、完全性(真性)性早熟。

2.FSH、LH降低主要见于垂体或下丘脑性闭经、不完全性(假性)性早熟。

3.垂体FSH瘤或LH瘤以及FSH/LH瘤患者，因腺瘤类型不同，血清FSH和LH浓度呈不同类型的改变：FSH瘤主要表现为FSH增高，LH可正常;LH瘤者，LH明显增高，FSH降低;FSH/LH瘤者，FSH和LH皆增高。

4.检测闭经妇女FSH和LH浓度，可对卵巢性闭经和垂体或下丘脑性闭经作出有效鉴别。一般认为低LH(＜51U/L)较可靠地指示腺垂体分泌GTH功能不足，而高FSH(＞40IU/L)比较可靠地指示卵巢功能衰竭，如为高FSH伴高LH，则能够可靠肯定为卵巢功能衰竭。如果血清FSH、LH均为异常低值或FSH在正常下限，LH为异常低值，可诊断为垂体或下丘脑性闭经。继而应用促黄体生释放激素(LRH)作垂体兴奋试验，即可进一步区分垂体与下丘脑性闭经：兴奋试验表现为LH和FSH增高而峰时推迟，提示垂体储备功能良好，应考虑为下丘脑性闭经;如LH和FSH弱反应，提示垂体储备功能低，应考虑为垂体性闭经。综上所述，可联合分析多项指标对闭经的病变部位作出鉴别。爱心提示：检查内分泌(性激素)最好在月经来潮的第三天。但对于月经长期不来潮而且又急于了解检查结果者，则随时可以检查，这个时间就默认为月经前的时间，其结果也就参照黄体期的检查结果。

Estradiol (Estrogen) 17β雌二醇

2008-08-08T15:52:00.004+08:00

Estradiol (17β-estradiol) (also oestradiol) is a sex hormone. Mislabelled the "female" hormone, it is also present in males; it represents the major estrogen in humans. Estradiol has not only a critical impact on reproductive and sexual functioning, but also affects other organs including bone structure.

Production

During the reproductive years, most estradiol in women is produced by the granulosa cells of the ovaries by the aromatization of androstenedione (produced in the theca folliculi cells) to estrone, followed by conversion of estrone to estradiol by 17β-hydroxysteroid reductase. Smaller amounts of estradiol are also produced by the adrenal cortex, and (in men), by the testes.
Estradiol is not only produced in the gonads: in both sexes, precursor hormones, specifically testosterone, are converted by aromatization to estradiol. In particular, fat cells are active to convert precursors to estradiol, and will continue to do so even after menopause. Estradiol is also produced in the brain and in arterial walls.

Metabolism
In plasma, estradiol is largely bound to sex hormone binding globulin, also to albumin, -only a fraction is free and biologically active. Deactivation includes conversion to less active estrogens such as estrone and estriol. Estriol is the major urinary metabolite. Estradiol is conjugated in the liver by sulfate and glucuronide formation and as such excreted via the kidneys. Some of the watersoluble conjugates are excreted via the bile duct, and partly reabsorbed after hydrolysis from the intestinal tract. This enterohepatic circulation contributes to maintaining estradiol levels

Measurement
Serum estradiol measurement in women reflects primarily the activity of the ovaries. As such they are useful in the detection of baseline estrogen in women with amenorrhea or menstrual dysfunction and to detect the state of hypoestrogenicity and menopause. Furthermore, estrogen monitoring during fertility therapy assesses follicular growth and is useful in monitoring the treatment. Estrogen-producing tumors will demonstrate persistent high levels of estradiol and other estrogens. In precocious puberty estradiol levels are inappropriately increased.

Estradiol levels (blue line) during the menstrual cycle
In the normal menstrual cycle estradiol levels measure typically pregnancy estrogen levels including estradiol rise steadily towards term. The source of these estrogens is the placenta that aromatizes prohormones produced in the fetal adrenal gland.

Female reproduction
In the female, estradiol acts as a growth hormone for tissue of the reproductive organs, supporting the lining of the vagina, the cervical glands, the endometrium and the lining of the fallopian tubes. It enhances growth of the myometrium. Estradiol appears necessary to maintain oocytes in the ovary. During the menstrual cycle, estradiol that is produced by the growing follicle triggers, via a positive feedback system, the hypothalamic-pituitary events that lead to the luteinizing hormone surge, inducing ovulation. In the luteal phase estradiol, in conjunction with progesterone, prepares the endometrium for implantation. During pregnancy estradiol increases due to placental production. In baboons, blocking of estrogen production leads to pregnancy loss suggesting that estradiol has a role in the maintenance of pregnancy. Research is investigating the role of estrogens in the process of initiation of labor.

Estrogen and Progestin Bioactivity of Foods, Herbs, and Spices

2008-08-08T15:39:00.003+08:00

Over 150 herbs traditionally used by herbalists for treating a variety of health problems were extracted and tested for their relative capacity to compete with estradiol and progesterone binding to intracellular receptors for progesterone (PR) and estradiol (ER) in intact human breast cancer cells. The six highest ER-binding herbs that are commonly consumed were soy, licorice, red clover, thyme, turmeric, hops, and verbena. The six highest PR-binding herbs and spices commonly consumed were oregano, verbena, turmeric, thyme, red clover and damiana. Some of the herbs and spices found to contain high phytoestrogens and phytoprogestins were further tested for bioactivity based on their ability to regulate cell growth rate in ER (+) and ER (-) breast cancer cell lines and to induce or inhibit the synthesis of alkaline phosphatase, an end product of progesterone action, in PR (+) cells. In general, we found that ER-binding herbal extracts were agonists, much like estradiol, whereas PR-binding extracts, were neutral or antagonists. The bioavailability of phytoestrogens and phytoprogestins in vivo were studied by quantitating the ER-binding and PR-binding capacity of saliva following consumption of soy milk, exogenous progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, or wild mexican yam products containing diosgenin. Soy milk caused a dramatic increase in saliva ER-binding components without a concommitant rise in estradiol. Consumption of PR-binding herbs increased the progestin activity of saliva, but there were marked differences in bioactivity. In summary, we have demonstrated that many of the commonly consumed foods, herbs, and spices contain phytoestrogens and phytoprogestins that act as agonists and antagonists in vivo.

Herbs and Spices Containing ER Binding Components
Micrograms of Estradiol Equivalents/200 cc or 2 g Dry Herb

Soy milk
8/200cc
Yucca
0.5/2g
Licorice
4/2 g
Turmeric
0.5
Clover (red)
3
Hops
0.5
Mandrake
3
Verbena
0.5
Bloodroot
2
Yellow dock
0.5
Thyme
2
Sheep sorrel
0.5
Soy milk, herbs, and spices were extracted and tested for their ER-binding capacity as described in the Methods. Soy milk and 11 of the herbs and spices with the highest activity are listed and expressed in total estradiol binding equivalents per 200 cc of soy milk or 2 g of dried herb. Values were rounded to the nearest 0.5 micrograms of estradiol binding equivalents. Results are representative of at least two other assays.

Herbs and Spices Containing PR Binding Components
Micrograms of Progesterone Equivalents/2 g Dry Herb

Bloodroot
100
Thyme
4
Ocotillo
8
Calamus rt.
3
Mandrake
8
Red clover
3
Oregano
8
Goldenseal
3
Damiana
6
Licorice
3
Pennyroyal
5
Mistletoe
3
Verbena
5
Cumin
2
Nutmeg
4
Fennel
2
Turmeric
4
Camomille
2
Yucca
4
Cloves
2
Herbs and spices were extracted and tested for their PR-binding capacity as described in the Methods. The 20 herbs and spices with the highest activity are listed and expressed in progesterone-binding equivalents. Values were rounded to the nearest microgram of progesterone-binding equivalents. Results are representative of at least two other assays.

Endometriosis - Diet and Nutrition

2008-07-05T14:42:00.001+08:00

Endometriosis is an estrogen-sensitive condition, but the painful menstrual cramping that occurs is predominantly due to prostaglandin synthesis in the body. Prostaglandins are naturally occurring fatty acids, which are derived from dietary sources. The body can produce different types of prostaglandins through a complex series of pathways. There are the ‘good guys’ and the ‘bad guys’ of the prostaglandin group. The goal of a controlled diet is to block the ‘bad guys’ for their negative actions on the body, and increase the ‘good guys’ for their opposite and beneficial actions. The action of the bad guys is to increase uterine contractions, and the good guys have a soothing effect. By changing the types of oils that are taken into the diet, the production of the good guys can be stimulated, which helps with uterine relaxation. These oils are composed of omega-3 fatty acids, which lead to positive prostaglandin production. Excellent sources of the omega-3 fatty acid producing oils are:
evening primrose
Walnut oil
flax seeds/oil
It is also important to decrease intake of those fatty acids that will stimulate the bad guys which are found in saturated fats, butter, animal and organ meat, lard. For a comprehensive description of Prostaglandins, how they work, and what effects they have on endometriosis, infertility, pain and inflammation - read further here In addition to decreasing bad fat intake, the diet should also consist of high fiber. Not only does this help with good digestion, but it is also thought that a diet high in fiber can decrease total circulating estrogens. It is recommended to incorporate 25 grams per day of fibre. Good sources are:
whole grains excluding wheat and rye
beans, peas and pulses
brown rice
vegetable and fruits
oatmeal

The following foods are recommended to modulate estrogen levels by incorporating one or two servings a day:
mustard greens
broccoli
cabbage
turnips

FOODS TO AVOID
wheat * - this includes breads, cakes and pasta products, all based on wheat
refined and concentrated carbohydrates
refined sugars and honey - causes inflammatory reaction
alcohol
caffeine which is found in tea, coffee, soft drinks -increases abdominal cramps
chocolate
dairy produce including all milk and cheese - inflammatory
fried food, margarine and hydrogenated fats
soy products and soy protein - tamari can be used in small amounts
tinned and frozen packaged foods as little as possible
additives and preservatives Note: Meat, dairy and eggs, promote the pro-inflammatory prostaglandins.

FOODS BENEFICIAL FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
beans, peas, lentils
onions
garlic (raw or lightly cooked)
carrots (contain beta-carotene)
live yogurt (good for healthy intestinal flora)
rhubarb
seeds and sprouted seeds
ginger
green tea

HORMONE REBALANCING
Foods containing natural plant sterols can be helpful. They are thought to block the estrogen receptors, so in turn excess estrogen in the body cannot ‘lock-in’ to these receptors. These include:
peas, beans and pulses
red and purple berries
garlic
apples
parsley
fennel
brassicas: cabbage, cauliflower etc
nuts and seeds
celery, carrots
rhubarb
sage

VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS
Although the best source of vitamins and minerals is through a well balanced diet, many foods today are depleted in these vital trace elements. Today, most of us need to supplement our diet with some of the vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to function optimally.
The following is a list of supplements that will help women with Endometriosis:
Magnesium - is a mineral and is believed to ease cramping with menstruation
Zinc - is essential for enzyme activity, helping cells to reproduce which will help with healing. Zinc is also reported to boost the immune system and helping to create an emotional sense of well-being
Calcium - levels of calcium in menstruating women decrease 10 to 14 days before the onset of menstruation. Deficiency may lead to muscle cramps, headache or pelvic pain.
Iron - women with Endometriosis tend to have very heavy periods which can lead to an iron deficiency. This can lead to anemia which is characterized by extreme fatigue and weakness.
B vitamins - these are important for the breakdown of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the body. B vitamins are reported to improve the emotional symptoms of Endometriosis, and have proved helpful in dealing with PMT
Vitamin C - is well known for helping to boost the immune system and help provide resistance to disease. It is also used in the body to build and maintain collagen within the body.
Vitamin A - is another immune system booster
Vitamin E - plays an important role by increasing oxygen carrying capacities and also strengthens the immune system
Selenium - when taken together with vitamin E has been reported to decrease inflammation associated with Endometriosis, as well as immune system booster.

OTHER USEFUL SNIPPETS:
Certain vegetables have substances that activate liver enzymes and help the liver to detoxify chemicals. This allows the liver to eliminate excess estrogen from the body more effectively. These vegetables include: broccoli, cauliflower and brussel sprouts.
Auto immune diseases are thought to be triggered by free- radicals in the body, which could be an added factor in Endometriosis. Free radicals are destructive molecules and are found naturally in the body but can be made worse by pollution, stress, illness and smoking. There are minerals and vitamins that will help to fight off these free-radicals because of their antioxidant properties, including: vitamins A,C,E, CoQ10, selenium, vitamin B complex, as well as specific supplements being sold specifically as Antioxidants.
It is very common for women with Endometriosis to suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I used to suffer from it myself, and it took quite a while to define which foods would trigger it off. These triggers can vary from one woman to another. Even simple things like drinking a hot drink when it was too hot would trigger it off in me. You need to really pay attention as to what your own subtle triggers are, as well as which foods will set it off.

TO SUM UP
increase omega-3 fatty acids
avoid meat, dairy products, wheat and sugar
increase fiber
modulate estrogen
avoid caffeine and alcohol
avoid refined foods, e-numbers, additives
minimize or avoid soy products as they contain high levels of phytoestrogens, and soy contains a particular toxin which seems to be particularly detrimental for women with Endometriosis
peel fruit and vegetables to remove toxic chemicals
eat organic produce wherever possible
drink lots of filtered or mineral water

Start consuming with (纤维粉) Psyllium Husk

2008-06-21T23:33:00.005+08:00

Psyllium Husk is a supplement that will helps you if you suffering from Constipation.
mind you , i don't have Constipation problem , just ocassionally having problem clearing my bowels if i eat small portion of meals. : )

if i consume a 2 to 3 spoon of Psyllium at night an hour after my dinner, on the next day i can clear my bowel with ease. wow i like the improvement and the after feel .
However, if i consume that in the morning before my breakfast does not obtain the similar effect.

I started off with 3 spoons of psyllium husk , mixed with 150CC warm water (abt 60 deg or less) and 250cc of room temp. water and when you stir the Psyllium in it , the Psyllium immediate expand to become gel or gum form , turns Mucilage is the actual word to describe it ,

Psyllium husk itself is tasteless, some people says it taste bland. I not particular keen of eating that just by that alone, So i mixed with fruits like cherry , grape , fruits that are good for me.
i now really like the taste of it. Of course , after eating that , i have to drink another 400cc of warm water before i sleep. You must know to wash out the psyllium effectively from our system is by drinking more water and it will come out on the next day morning.

points to take note:
psyllium is not good to consume alone when it is dry. It is prefered to be consumed after it turns mucilage. How watery or sticky you mix the psyllium with water is really up to you. but i prefer slightly watery, so that it will no interfere or obstruct the gastrointestinal tract ; another words my gastro will still absorb my foods which i have taken in an hour ago and the fruits taken down with the psyllium , plus will not dehydrate your body that much.
unless what you eat just now are oily and unhealthy , you wish the psyllium to cleanse your gastro , then mix the psyllium as thicky n sticky as possible. Do drink alot of water afterwards, it will kinda of dehydrate your body easily.

Blood Type Diet - Type O

2008-06-21T22:18:00.001+08:00

Type Os thrive on intense physical exercise and animal protein. Unlike the other blood types, Type Os muscle tissue should be slightly on the acid side. Type Os can efficiently digest and metabolize meat because they tend to have high stomach-acid content. The success of the Type O Diet depends on the use of lean, chemical-free meats, poultry, and fish. Type Os don't find dairy products and grains quite as user friendly as do most of the other blood types.

The initial weight loss on the Type O Diet is by restricting consumption of grains, breads, legumes, and beans. The leading factor in weight gain for Type Os is the gluten found in wheat germ and whole wheat products, which interferes with insulin efficiency and slow down metabolic rate. Another factor that contribute to weight gain is certain beans and legumes (lentils and kidney beans) contain lectins that deposit in the muscle tissues making them less "charged" for physical activity. The third factor in Type O weight gain is that Type Os have a tendency to have low levels of thyroid hormone or unstable thyroid functions, which also cause metabolic problems. Therefore it is good to avoid food that inhibits thyroid hormone (cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard green) but increase hormone production (kelp, seafood, iodized salt).

Several classes of vegetables can cause big problems for Type Os, such as the Brassica family (cabbage, cauliflower, etc.) can inhibit the thyroid function. Eat more vegetables that are high in Vitamin K, which helps the clotting factor which is weak in Type Os. The nightshade vegetables can cause lectin deposit in the tissue surrounding the joints.

Because of the high acidity stomach, Type Os should eat fruits of alkaline nature such as berries and plums..

Type Os should severely restrict the use of dairy products. Their system is not designed for the proper metabolism. If you are a Type O of African ancestry, you should eliminate dairy foods and eggs altogether.

	Characteristics of Type O		Best on High Protein Diet
	Thrive on intense physical exercise and animal proteins
	Do not do well with dairy and grain products
	Hardy digestive tract
	The leading factor in weight gain for Type Os is the gluten found in wheat germ and whole wheat products.
	Type O have a tendency to have low levels of thyroid hormone and unstable thyroid functions, which cause metabolic problems and weight gain.
	Type O have high stomach-acid content, can digest meat easily.
	Comments	Most Beneficial	Food allowed	Food not allowed
	The more stressful your job or demanding your exercise program, the higher the grade of protein you should eat	Beef, Lam, Mutton, Veal, Venison
Protein	Type Os can efficiently digest and metabolize meats		Any meat except for those listed not allowed	Bacon, Ham, Goose, Pork
	Cold-water fish are excellent for Type Os. Many seafoods are also excellent sources of iodine, which regulates the thyroid function.	Cod, herring, Mackerel	Any fish or seafood except for those listed not allowed	Barracuda, Pickled herring, Catfish, Smoked salmon, Caviar, Octopus, Conch
Dairy	Type Os need to severely restrict the use of dairy products and eggs		Butter, Farmer, Feta, Mozzarella, Goat cheese	All other dairy products and yogurts
Fat	Type Os respond well to oils	Olive Oil, Flaxseed oil	Canola oil, Sesame Oil	Corn oil, Peanut oil, Cottonseed oil, Safflower oil
Nuts	These foods should in no way take the place of high-protein meats, and they are high in fat especially if you are overweight.	Pumpkin seeds, Walnuts	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Brazil, Cashew, Peanut, Pistachios, Poppy Seeds
Beans	Type Os don't utilize beans particularly well. They tend to make muscle tissue slightly less acidic and inhibit the metabolism of other nutrients.	Aduke beans, Azuki beans, Pinto beans, Black-eyed peas	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Beans - copper, kidney, navy, tamarine. Lentils - domestic, green, red.
Grains	Type Os do not tolerate whole wheat products at all.	Essene Bread, Ezekiel Bread	Amaranth, Barley, Buckwheat, Rice, Kamut, Kasha, Millet, Spelt	Corn, Gluten, Graham, Wheat (Bulgur, Durum, Sprouted, white and whole, Germ and Bran) farina, Oat, Seven-grains, or any products such as flour, bread and noodles made with these grain products
Vegetables	These vegetables inhibit the thyroid function for Type Os			Brassica family: Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, mustard greens
	These vegetables help blood clot, Type Os lack several clotting fractors and need vitamin K to assist in the process	Kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce, broccoli, spinach
	These vegetables irritate the digestive tract and the high mold count can aggravate Type O hypersensitivity problems.			Alfalfa sprouts, shiitake mushrooms, fermented olives
	These vegetables can cause arthritic conditions in Type Os			Nightshades: eggplant, potatoes
	This vegetable affect the production of insulin, often lead to obesity and diabetes for the Type Os.			Corn
	This fruit agglutinate all blood types but Type Os.		Tomatoes
		Artichoke, Chicory, Dandelion, Garlic, Horseradish, Kale, Leek, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Parsnips, Red Peppers, Sweet potatoes, Pumpkin, seaweed, turnips	All kinds except those listed not allowed	avocado
Fruits	Dark red, blue and purple fruits tend to cause an alkaline reaction the digestive tract, and therefore balance the high acidity of the Type Os digestive tract to reduce ulcers and irritations of the stomach lining.	Plums, prunes, figs
	These fruits contain high mold counts which can aggravate Type Os hypersensitivity problems (allergies)			Melons, cantaloupe, honeydew
	These fruits are high in acid content which may irritate the acidic stomach of Type Os		Grapefruit, most berries	Oranges, tangerines and strawberries, blackberries, Rhubarb
	Fruits are not only an important source of fiber, minerals and vitamins, but they can be an excellent alternative to bread and pasta for Type Os		All kinds except those listed not allowed
	Type Os are extremely sensitive to this fruit.			coconut and coconut-containing products
Spices	Rich source of Iodine to regulate the thyroid gland	Kelp-based seasonings, iodized salt
	Soothing to the digestive tracts of Type Os	Parsley, curry, cayenne pepper
	Irritants to the Type O stomach			White and black pepper, vinegar, capers, cinnamon, Cornstarch, Corn syrup, Nutmeg, Vanilla
Condiments				Ketchup, pickles, mayonnaise, relish
Beverages		Seltzer water, Club soda and tea		Coffee, Distilled liquor, Black Tea

Blood Type Diet - Type A

2008-06-21T22:16:00.003+08:00

Type As flourish on vegetarian diets. Type As are predisposed to heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. It is particularly important for sensitive Type As to get their foods in as natural a state as possible: fresh, pure, and organic. When you get on the Type A Diet, you will naturally be thinner. If you are accustomed to eating meat, you'll lose weight rather rapidly in the beginning as you eliminate the toxic foods from your diet. And when you follow the Type diet, you can supercharge your immune system and potentially short-circuit the development of life-threatening diseases.

When Type As eat meat, they experience sluggishness. Type As have low stomach-acid content, therefore they have a hard time digesting meat. Since Type As eat very little animal protein, nuts and seeds supply an important protein component. Type As also thrive on the vegetable proteins found in beans and legumes, except those mentioned for the "Avoid" list. These beans can cause a decrease in insulin production, which may cause obesity and diabetes. Tofu should be a staple in the Type A Diet.

Dairy foods are also poorly digested by Type As, and can cause metabolic slowdown. Type As can tolerate small amounts of fermented dairy products such as yogurt, kefir, nonfat sour cream, and cultured dairy products.

Vegetables are vital to the Type A Diet, providing minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. Type A are very sensitive to the lectins in potatoes, sweet potatoes, yams, cabbage, tomatoes and peppers. They aggravate the delicate stomach of Type A. Type A should eat more fruits that are alkaline, avoid mangoes, papaya and oranges for they are not good for your digestive tract.

			Best on Vegetarian Diet
	Comments	Most Beneficial	Food allowed	Food not allowed
Meats and Poultry	Type As should eliminate all meats from their diet.		Chicen, Cornish hens, Turkey	Beef, Pork, Lamb, Veal, Venison, Duck, Goose
Seafood		Carp, Cod, Grouper, Mackerel, Monkfish, Pickerel, Red snapper, Rainbow trout, Salmon, Sardine, Sea trout, Silver perch, Snail, Whitefish, Yellow Perch	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Anchovy, Barracuda, Beluga, Bluefish, Bluegill bass, Catfish, Caviar, Clam, Conch, Crab, Crayfish, Eel, Flounder, Frog, Gray sole, Haddock, Hake, Halibut, Herring, Lobster, Lox, Mussels, Octopus, Oysters, Scallop, Shad, Shrimp, Sold, Squid, Striped bass, Tilefish, Turtle
Dairy	Most dairy products are not digestible for Type As		Yogurt, Mozzarella, Feta, Goat cheese, Goat milk, Kefir, Ricotta, String cheese	All other cheeses and milk
Fats		Flaxseed oil, Olive oil	Canola Oil, Cod liver oil	Oil of corn, cottonseed, peanut, safflower and sesame
Nuts		Peanuts, Pumpkin Seeds	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Brazil nuts, cashews, Pistachios
Beans	These beans can cause a decrease in insulin production for Type As.			Beans - copper, garbanzo, kidney, lima, navy, red, tamarind
	Type As thrive on the vegetable proteins found in beans and legumes	Beans (Aduke, Azuki, Black, Green, Pinto, Red soy), Lentils and Black-eyed peas	All kinds except those listed not allowed
Grains	Type As generally do well on cereals and grains. Select the more concentrated whole grains instead of instant and processed cereals.	Amaranth, Buckwheat		Cream of wheat, Familia, Farina, Granola, Grape nuts, Wheat germ, Seven grain, Shredded wheat, Wheat bran, Durum wheat
Bread & Noodles	Type As have a wonderful selection and choices in grains and pastas	Bread (Essene, Ezekiel, Soya flour, Sprouted wheat), Rice cakes, Flour (Oat, Rice, Rye), Soba Noodles, Pasta (Artichoke)	All kinds except those listed not allowed	English muffins, Bread (High-protein whole wheat, Multi-grain), Matzos, pumpernickel, Wheat bran muffins, Flour (white, whole wheat), Pasta (Semolina, spinach)
Vegetables	Type As are very sensitive to these vegetables. They have a strong deleterious effect on the Type A digestive tract.			Peppers, olives, Potatoes, Sweet potatoes, Yams, All kinds of cabbage, Tomatoes, Lima beans, Eggplant, Mushroom
	These vegetables enhance the immune system of Type As	Garlic, Onions, Broccoli, carrots, collard greens, kale, pumpkin, spinach
	Vegetables are vital to the Type A diet, providing minerals, enzymes and Antioxidants. Eat vegetables in as natural a state as possible (raw or steamed) to preserve their full benefits	Artichoke, Chicory, Greens (Dandelion, Swiss Chard), Horseradish, Leek, Romaine, Okra, Parsley, Alfalfa Sprouts, Tempeh, Tofu, Turnip	All kinds except those listed not allowed
Fruits	Most fruits are allowed for Type As, although try to emphasize more alkaline fruits can help to balance the grains that are acid forming in Type As muscle tissues	Berries (blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, cranberries), plums, Prunes, Figs	All kinds except those listed not allowed
	High mold counts of these fruits make it hard for Type As to digest			Melons, cantaloupe, honeydew
	Type As don't do well on these fruits			Mangoes, papaya, Bananas, Coconuts
	These fruits are stomach irritant for Type As, and they also interfere with the absorption of minerals.			Orange, Rhubarb, Tangerines
	The digestive enzyme in this fruit is an excellent digestive aid for Type As	Pineapples, Cherries, Apricots
	These fruits exhibit alkaline tendencies after digestion which has a positive effects on the Type A stomach	Grapefruit, Lemon
Spices	The right combination of spices can be powerful immune-system boosters for Type As	Tamari, miso, soysauce, garlic, ginger
	Good source of iron, a mineral that is lacking in the Type A Diet	Blackstrap molasses
	Avoid these because the acids tend to cause stomach lining irritation			Vinegar, Pepper (black, cayenne, white), Capers, Plain Gelatin, Wintergreen
Condiments	These products should be avoided because Type As have low levels of stomach acid			Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Pickles, Relish, Worcestershire sauce
Beverages	These beverages help to improve the immune systems for Type As	Hawthorn, Aloe, Alfalfa, Burdock, Echinacea, Green tea, Red wine (1 glass / day)
	These beverages help Type As to increase their stomach-acid secretions	Ginger, Slippery elm, Coffee (1 cup / day)
	These don't suit the digestive system of Type As, nor do they support the immune system			Beer, Distilled liquor, Seltzer water, Soda, Black Tea

Blood Type Diet - Type B

2008-06-21T22:15:00.001+08:00

The sturdy and alert Type Bs are usually able to resist many of the most severe diseases common to modern life, such as heart disease and cancer. In fact, a Type B who carefully follows the recommended diet can often bypass severe disease and live a long and healthy life. Type Bs are more prone to immune-system disorders such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

The Type B Diet is balance and wholesome, including a wide variety of foods.

For Type Bs, the biggest factors in weight gain are corn, buckwheat, lentils, peanuts and sesame seeds. These foods have different lectin that affect the efficiency of the metabolic process, resulting in fatigue, fluid retention, and hypoglycemia. The gluten lectin in wheat germ and whole wheat products also adds to the problems cause by other metabolism-slowing foods.

It is important to leave off chicken for Type Bs. Chicken contains a Blood Type B agglutinating lectin in its muscle tissue, which attack the bloodstream and potentially lead to strokes and immune disorders. Type Bs thrive on deep-ocean fish, but should avoid all shellfish. The shellfish contain lectins that are disruptive to the Type B system.

Type B is the only blood type that can fully enjoy a variety of dairy foods. Most nuts and seeds (especially peanuts, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds) are not advised for Type Bs., they contain lectins that interfere with Type B insulin production.

Wheat is not tolerated well by most Type Bs. They contain a lectin that reuce insulin efficiency and failure to stimulate fat "burning". Rye contains a lectin that settles in the vascular system, causing blood disorders and potentially strokes. Corn and buckwheat are major factors in Type B weight gain, they contribute to a sluggish metabolism, insulin irregularity, fluid retention, and fatigue.

Eliminate tomatoes completely from Type B diet. It has lectins that irritate the stomach lining. Fruits and vegetables are generally well tolerated and should be taken generously.

			Best on Balanced Omnivores Diet
	Comments	Most Beneficial	Food allowed	Food not allowed
Meat and Poultry	These meats contains a Type B blood agglutinating lectin.			Chicken, Cornish hens, Duck, Goose, Patridge, Quail, Pork
	These meats help to boost the immune system	lamb, mutton, Venison, Rabbit
	Give up chicken, but use these meats instead		Beef, Pheasant, Turkey, Veal
Seafood	Deep-ocean fish and white fish are great for Type Bs	Cod, Salmon, Flounder, Halibut, Sole, Trout	All kinds except those listed not allowed
	These seafood are poorly digested by Type Bs. They are disruptive to the Type B system.			All Shellfish (crab, shrimp, lobster, mussels, oysters, crayfish, clam, etc), Anchovy, Barracuda, Beluga, Eel, Frog, Lox, Octopus, Sea bass, Snail, Striped bass, Turtle, yellowtail
Dairy	Type B is the only blood type that can fully enjoy a variety of dairy foods. That's because the primary sugar in the Type B antigen is D-galactosamine, the very same sugar present in milk.	Cottage cheese, Farmer, Feta, Goat cheese and milk, Kefir, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Milk, Yogurt	All kinds except those listed not allowed	American cheese, Blue cheese, Ice cream, string cheese
Fats	The oils not allowed contain lectins that are damaging to the Type B digestive tract.	Olive		Canola, Corn, Cottonseed, Peanut, Safflower, Sesame, Sunflower
Nuts	Most nuts and seeds are not advisable for Type Bs. They contain lectins that interfere with Type B insulin production		All kinds except those listed not allowed	Cashews, Filberts, Pine, Pistachio, Peanuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds
Beans	These beans interfere with the production of insulin for Type Bs.			Lentils, garbanzos, black-eyed peas, Beans (pintos, aduke, Azuki, Black)
Grains	Wheat reduce insulin efficiency and failure to stimulate fat "burning" in Type Bs			Wheat (bran, germ bulgur, durum, whole and white), Shredded wheat, Cream of wheat or any products such as flour, bread and noodles made with these grain products
	Rye contain a lectin that settles in the vascular system causing blood disorders and potentially strokes.			Rye and any products such as flour, bread and noodles made with these grain products
	These contribute to a sluggish metabolism, insulin irregulariry, fluid retention and fatigue.			Buckwheat, Corn (cornflakes, cornmeal) and any products such as flour, bread and noodles made with these grain products
		Millet, Oatmeal (Bran, flour), Puffed Rice, Rice (bran, flour), Spelt	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Amaranth, Barley, Kasha, Seven-grain, Wild rice, Couscous
Bread		Bread (Brown rice, Essence, Ezekiel, WASA), Fin Crisp, Millet, Rice cakes	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Bagels, Muffins (Corn and Bran), Bread (Multi-grain Rye, Whole wheat), Soba Nooldes, Wild Rice, Couscous
Vegetables	This vegetable contain a lectins that irritage the stomach lining of Type Bs.			Tomatoes
	This vegetable has insulin- and metabolism-upsetting lectins for Type Bs			Corn
	The mold in this can trigger allergic reactions			Olive
	These vegetables contain magnesium, an important antiviral agent to help Type Bs fight off viruses and autoimmune diseases	Green leafy vegetables	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Artichoke, Avocado, Corn, Olives, Pumpkin, Radishes, Sprouts, Tempeh, Tofu, Tomato
Fruits	Pineappple has enzymes that help Type Bs to digest their food more easily.	Pineapples
	Avoid these fruits for they interfere with your digestive system			Coconuts, Persimmons, Pomegranates, Prickly pear, Rhubarb, Starfruit
		Bananas, Cranberries, Grapes, Papaya, Plums	All kinds except those listed not allowed
Spices	Sweet herbs tend to be stomach irritants to the Type Bs			Barley malt sweeteners, corn syrup, Cornstarch, Cinnamon
	Type B do best with warming herbs	Ginger, horseradish, curry, cayenne pepper	All kinds except those listed not allowed
	Avoid these spices also			Allspice, Almond extract, Gelatin, Pepper (black and white)
Condiments				Ketchup
Beverages	Generally Type Bs don't reap overwhelming benefits from most herbal teas.	Ginger, Peppermint, Raspberry leaf, Rose hips, Sage, Green Teas		Aloe, Coltsfoot, Corn silk, Fenugreek, Gentian, Goldenseal, Hops, Linden, Mullein, Red clover, Rhubarb, Senna, Shepherd's purse, Skullcap
	This is highly recommended for Type Bs because it seems to have a positive effect on the nervous system.	Ginseng
	This has antiviral properties.	Licorice		Distilled liquor, Seltzer water, Soda

Blood Type Diet - Type AB

2008-06-21T22:14:00.001+08:00

Multiple antigens make Type ABs sometimes A-like with weak stomach acid, and sometimes B-like with genetically programmed for the consumption of meats. Type AB do best when their muscle tissues are slightly alkaline. Type ABs can't metabolize meat efficiently because of low stomach acid, so it is important to watch the portion size and frequency. Chicken has lectin that irritates the blood and digestive tracts of Type ABs also. Tofu is a good protein supplements for Type ABs. Nuts, seeds, beans and legumes present a mixed picture for Type ABs. Eat nuts and seeds in small amounts and with caution.

Type ABs can tolerate dairy foods fairly well. But watch out for excessive mucus production.

Generally Type ABs do well on grains, even wheat, but keep in mind that the inner kernel of the wheat grain is highly acid forming in the muscle for Type ABs. Type AB benefits from a diet rich in rice rather than pasta.

Type ABs has a weaker immune system, so you will benefit from the vegetables, which are high in phytocheicals and the more alkaline fruits, which can help to balance the grains that are acid forming in the muscle tissues. Tomatoes do not impose any ill effects on Type ABs.

Type AB should begin each day by drinking a glass of warm water with the freshly squeezed juice of half a lemon to cleanse the system of mucus accumulated while sleeping.

			Best on Mixed Diet in moderation
	Comments	Most Beneficial	Food allowed	Food not allowed
Meat and Poultry	Type AB do not produce enough stomach acid to effectively digest too much animal protein. So the key is portion size and frequency.	Lamb, mutton, rabbit, turkey	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Beef, Chicken, Cornish Hens, Duck, Goose, Pork, Patridge, Veal, Venison, Quail
	Cured meats can cause stomach cancer Type ABs with low levels of stomach acid
Seafood	If you have family history of breast cancer, introduce snails (Helix pomatia) into your diet	Tuna, Cod, Grouper, Hake, Mackerel, Mahimahi, Monkfish, Ocean Perch, Pike, Porgy, Trout, Red Snapper, Sailfish, Pickerel, Sardine, Shad, Snail, Sturgeon	All kinds except those listed not allowed	All Shellfish (crab, shrimp, lobster, mussels, oysters, crayfish, clam, etc), Anchovy, Barracuda, Beluga, Bluegill Bass, Flounder, Haddock, Halibut, Herring, Eel, Frog, Lox, Octopus, Sea bass, Striped bass, Turtle, Yellowtail
Dairy	Cultured and soured products are easily digested for Type ABs	Yogurt, Kefir, Non-fat sour cream, egg, Mozzarella, Goat cheese and milk, Ricotta	All kinds except those listed not allowed	American Cheese, Blue cheese, Brie, Buttermilk, Camembert, Ice cream, Parmesan, Provolone, Sherbet, Whole Milk
Fats	Use sparingly	Olive		Oil (Corn, Cottonseed, Safflower, Sesame, Sunflower)
Nuts	Powerful immune booster for Type A and Type AB	Peanut, Walnuts
	Type Abs tend to suffer from gallbladder problems, so nut butters are preferable to whole nuts. Also eat small amounts with caution.		All kinds except those listed not allowed	Filberts, Poppy seeds, Pumpkin seeds, Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds
Beans	These beans are important cencer-fighting food for Type AB. They are known to contain cancer-fighting antioxidants.	Lentils
	These beans slow insulin production in Type AB.			Kidney beans, Lima Beans
		Beans (navy, pinto, red, soy)	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Beans (Aduke, Azuki, Black, Fava, Garbanzo) Black-eyed Peas
Grains	The inner kernel of the wheat grain is highly acid forming for Type AB. Wheat is not adviced if Type AB is trying to lose weight. The inner kernel of wheat grain is alkaline in Type Os and Bs, it becomes acidic in Type As and AB.	Millet, Oat bran, Oatmeal, Rice Bran, Puffed rice, Rye, Speltand sprouted wheat and any products such as flour, bread and noodles made with these grain products	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Buckwheat, Corn (any products such as flour, bread and noodles made with these ), Kamut, Kasha, soba noodles, Artichoke pasta
	Type AB benefits from a diet rich in rice rather than pasta	All kinds of Rice and any products such as flour, bread and noodles made with these
Vegetables	Fresh vegetables are an important source of phytochemicals which have a tonic effect in cancer and heart disease prevention, these diseases afflict Type AB more often as a result of weaker immune system.	Broccoli, Beets, Cauliflower, Celery, Green Leafy Vegs, Cucumber, Eggplant, Garlic, Maitake Mushroom, Parsley, Parsnips, Sweet potatoes, Alfalfa Sprouts, Tempeh, Tofu, All types of Yams	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Artichoke, Avocado, All thype of Corns, Lima Beans, Black Olives, All kind of Bell Peppers, Radishes, Mung Bean Sprouts, Radish Sprouts
Fruits	Emphasize the more alkaline fruits to balance the grains that are acid forming in Type AB muscle tissues	All kinds of Grapes and Plums, Berries (cranberries, Gooseberries, Loganberries), Cherries
	Tropical fruits doesn't agree with Type AB. But pineapple is an excellent digestive aid for Type AB.	Pineapples		Mangoes, Guava, Coconuts, Bananas
	Oranges are stomach irritant for Type AB, they also interfere with th absorption of important minerals. But Grapefurit exhibit alkaline tendencies after digestion. And lemons aid digestion and clearing mucus from the system.	Grapefruits, Lemons		Oranges
	Vitamin C-rich fruits help preven stomach cancer because of the antioxidant properties of vitamin cup	Kiwi	All kinds except those listed not allowed
Spices	Se salt and kelp should be used in place of salt. Kelp has immensely positive heart and immune system benefits	Kelp, Miso, Curry	All kinds except those listed not allowed	Allspice, Almond extract, Anise, Barley Malt, Capers, Cornstarch, corn syrup, Gelatin, Tapioca
	The ingredients are acidic			Vinegar, Pepper (white, black, cayenne, red flakes)
	This is a potent tonic and natural antibiotic for Type AB.	Garlic, Horseradish, Parsley
Beverages	Type AB employed these herbal teas to rev up the immune system.	Alfalfa, burdock, Chamomile, Echinacea, Green tea
	These herbal teas and beverages build protections against cardiovascular disease and cancer.	Hawthorn, Licorice, Red wine (1 glass/day)
	These herbal teas aid in absorption of iron and preven anemia	Dandelion, Burdock root, Strawberry leaf
	Coffee increase stomach acid and has the same enzymes found in soy.	Coffee or Decaf Coffee (1 cup / day) and alternate day use green tea		Distilled Liquor, Sodas, Black Tea

Blood Type Diet

2008-06-21T22:11:00.002+08:00

According to Dr. Peter DÁdamo, author of Eat Right For Your Type, a chemical reaction occurs between your blood and the foods you eat. This reaction is part of your genetic inheritance. This reaction is caused by a factor called Lectins. Lectins, abundant and diverse proteins found in foods, have agglutinating properties that affect your blood. So when you eat a food containing protein lectins that are incompatible with your blood type antigen, the lectins target an organ or bodily system and begin to agglutinate blood cells in that area. Different lectins target different organs and body system.

Fortunately, most lectins found in the diet are not quite so life threatening, although they can cause a variety of other problems, especially if they are specific to a particular blood type. For the most part your immune systems protect you from lectins. Ninety-five percent of the lectins you absorb from your typical diets are sloughed off by the body. But at least five percent of the lectins you eat are filtered into the bloodstream and different reactions in different organs.

Your blood type diet is the restoration of your natural genetic rhythm. Your blood type diet works because you are able to follow a clear, logical, scientifically researched plan based on your cellular profile. Each food groups are divided into three categories: Highly beneficial ( food that acts like Medicine), Foods allowed (food that are no harm to the blood type) and Foods not allowed (food that acts like a Poison)

Below is a summary of the various Blood Type Diet and detail plan of each one according to Dr. DÁdamo.

Simpler List
	Diet Profile	Allowed	Limited	Food to avoid for Weight Loss purpose	Food that help with Weight Loss
Type O	High Protein: Meat eaters	Meat fish vegetables fruit	grains beans legumes	wheat corn kidney beans navy beans lentils cabbage Brussels sprouts cauliflower mustard greens	kelp seafood salt liver red meat kale spinach broccoli
Type A	Vegetarian	vegetables tofu seafood grains beans legumes fruit		meat dairy kidney beans lima beans wheat	vegetable oil soy foods vegetables pineapple
Type B	Balanced omnivore	meat (no chicken) dairy grains beans legumes vegetables fruit		corn lentil peanuts sesame seeds buckwheat wheat	greens eggs venison liver licorice tea
Type AB	Mixed diet in moderation	meat seafood dairy tofu beans legumes grains vegetables fruits		red meat kidney beans lima beans seeds corn buckwheat	tofu seafood dairy greens kelp pineapple

女性月经期饮食注意

2008-06-18T19:00:00.002+08:00

女性月经期饮食注意：
月经是成年女子的健康生理现象，但月经来潮期间，机体也会相遇确定的涉及，比如抵对力跌落，情绪适宜波动、烦燥、焦灼等。因月经失血，使体内的铁元素丢失较多，尤其是月穿行多者。因此，月经期除了切忌过火劳碌，继续鬼魂快活外，在饮食方面应注意以下宜忌。

女性月经期饮食注意一、忌生冷，宜温热：祖国医学认为，血得热则行，得寒则滞。月经期如食生冷，一则伤脾胃碍消化，二则易危伤人体阳气，易生内寒，寒潮凝滞，可使血运行不畅，组成经血过少，甚至痛经。即令在酷暑炎夏季节，月经期也不宜吃冰淇淋及其它冷饮。饮食以温热为宜受益于血运畅通。在冬季还可以完美吃些拥有温补作用的食物，如牛肉、鸡肉、桂圆、枸杞子等。

女性月经期饮食注意二、忌酸辣，宜清淡：月经期常可使人感触万分疲劳，消化效能减轻，食欲欠佳。为继续营养的必要，饮食应以清凉为宜。清凉食物不只味道鲜美，易于吸取，而且营养毁坏较少，占倜婢呔也小。月经期的饮食在食物制作上应以清淡易消化为主，少吃或不吃油炸、酸辣等刺激性食物，以免涉及消化和辛辣刺激引起经血量过多

女性月经期饮食注意三、荤素搭配，预防缺铁：妇女月经期一般每次失血约为30～50毫升，每毫升含铁0.5毫克，也就是说每次月经要损失铁15～50毫克。铁是人体必需的元素之一，它不只加入血经蛋白及浩博庞大酶的融合，而且对免疫、智力、衰老、能量代谢等方面都展示庞大作用。因此，月经期进补含铁丰厚和受益于消化吸取的食物是十分需要的。鱼类和各种动物肝、血、瘦肉、蛋黄等食物含铁丰厚。生聪敏性高，适宜被人体吸取利用。而大豆、菠菜中富含的植物中的铁，则不易被肠胃吸取。所以，制定食谱时最好是荤素塔配，完美多吃些动物类食品，新式是动物血，不只含铁丰厚，而且还富含优质蛋白质。是货真价实的月经期保健食品。可挑选食用，欢笑妇女月经期对铁的异样必要。总之，月经期仍应遵循平衡膳食的原则，并并好靼茁经期异样生理必要，供给在理膳食，注意饮食宜忌而诺言发家。

活血、止血类食物，都属于理血类食物

2008-06-18T18:41:00.002+08:00

活血、止血类食物，都属于理血类食物。理血类食物又分两种：一种可促进人体气血运行，宜于治疗血瘀证，称为活血类食物，妇女月经期，妊娠期忌食。另一种有止血作用，宜于吐血，便血证，叫做止血类食物。

茄子味甘、性凉，归脾、胃、大肠经。作用：清热止血。宜于便血，便秘。虚寒泄泻、孕妇忌食。

柿子味甘涩、性寒，归心、肺、大肠经。作用：润肺止咳，凉血止血，涩肠止泻。宜于热证吐血，便血，反胃，呃逆。虚寒证、湿证忌食。

藕味甘、性寒，归心、脾、胃经。作用，生用凉血散瘀，清热生津，熟用健脾开胃，养血生肌，止泻。生用宜于瘀血胃腹疼痛，吐血，便血，寒证忌食。熟用宜于脾胃虚弱，食欲不振，大便泄泻。

空心菜（蕹菜）味甘、性寒，归肠、胃经。作用；凉血止血，滑肠通便，清热利湿。宜于血热吐血，便血，湿热胃痛，肠胃燥热便秘。虚寒证、泄泻者忌食。

黑木耳味甘、性平，归胃、大肠经。作用：凉血止血。宜于血热吐血、便血，大便干燥。虚寒证、脾虚泄泻者忌食。慈姑（白地粟）味苦甘、性微寒，归心、肝、肺经。作用：行血通淋，滑胎利窍，化痰止咳。宜于瘀血胃痛，腹痛。孕妇、出血者忌食。

桃子味甘酸、性温。作用：活血消积，补气生津。宜于瘀血胃腹痛，津亏便秘。虚寒证忌食。
醋味酸苦、性温，归肝、胃经。作用：活血祛瘀，止血，安蛔、解毒。宜于瘀血胃腹疼痛，食欲不振，吐血、便血。外感者忌食，不宜与茯苓同食。

What is Psyllium Husk?

2008-06-16T23:57:00.003+08:00

Psyllium seed husks, also known as ispaghula or simply as psyllium, are portions of the seeds of the plant Plantago{2} or Plantago ovata.
Psyllium seed husks come from the seed stalk of the common plantain. They are soluble in water, expanding and becoming mucilaginous{1} when wet.

Psyllium is indigestible in human beings and is often used as a source of dietary fiber: dissolved in water, they expand and scrape the walls of the intestine. They can be used as a bowel regulator, counteracting diarrhea and reducing constipation[citation needed]. The husks are used whole or placed into caplets after drying and chopping or powdering. They can also be combined with other ingredients (e.g., Blackstrap molasses is sometimes used with psyllium seed husks for its high mineral and vitamin content, as well as being an excellent carrier). A typical dose is 1 - 3 teaspoons per glass of water.
Psyllium seeds are very similar to the seed husks and can be used for many of the same purposes, although their use is less common.

Uses
The characteristics of psyllium seed husks make them useful for any treatment that requires improvement or maintenance of transit time in the gastrointestinal tract, because the inert bulk of the husks helps provide a constant volume of solid material irrespective of other aspects of the diet or any disease condition of the gut. Over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements such as Metamucil, Serutan, Effersyllium, and Isabgol have psyllium husks as their main ingredient, in finely chopped or powdered form. The husks can be consumed as-is (with plenty of water or other fluid) with much the same effect. Psyllium can also be added to food or drink to boost the fiber content of the diet, and some cereals (Bran Buds, Heartwise) contain it.[citation needed]
Psyllium husks are used to relieve constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, and diarrhea. They are used as a regular dietary supplement to improve and maintain regular GI transit. Some recent research is also showing them to be promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.

Psyllium supplements are typically used in powder form, along with adequate amounts of fluids. A dose of at least 7 grams daily taken with adequate amounts of fluid (water, juice) is used by some for management of elevated cholesterol. There are a number of psyllium products used for constipation. The usual dose is about 3.5 grams twice a day. Psyllium is also a component of several ready-to-eat cereals.
In India, mucilage from (Plantago ovata) is obtained by grinding off the husk. The mucilage is sold as Isabgol, a laxative which is used to control irregular bowel syndrome and constipation. It is also used in cereals as a treatment of mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia and for reducing blood glucose. It has been used as an indigenous Ayurvedic and Unani medicine for a whole range of bowel problems including chronic constipation, amoebic dysentery and diarrhoea.
In Romania and Bulgaria, leaves from Plantago major are used as a folk remedy to preventing infection on cuts and scratches because of its antiseptic properties.

Psyllium is produced mainly for its mucilage content, which is highest in P. ovata. Mucilage describes a group of clear, colorless, gelling agents derived from plants. The mucilage
obtained from psyllium comes from the seed coat. Mucilage is obtained by mechanical milling/grinding of the outer layer of the seed. Mucilage yield amounts to approximately 25% or more (by weight) of the total seed yield. Plantago seed mucilage is often referred to as husk or psyllium husk. The milled seed mucilage is a white fibrous material that is hydrophilic (water-loving). Upon absorbing water the clear colorless mucilaginous gel that forms increases in volume by ten-fold or more. Psyllium is mainly used as a dietary fiber, which is not digested by action in the small intestine. The purely mechanical action of psyllium mucilage absorbs excess water while stimulating normal bowel elimination. Although its main use has been as a laxative, it is more appropriately termed a true dietary fiber.
The United States is the world's largest importer of psyllium "husk" with over 60% of total imports going to pharmaceutical firms for use in products such as "Metamucil", "Effersyllium" and "Fiberall". Psyllium mucilage is also used as a natural dietary fiber for animals. The dehusked seed that remains after the seed coat is milled off is rich in starch and fatty acids and is used in India as chicken feed and as cattle feed.
Psyllium mucilage possesses several other desirable properties. As a thickener, it has been used in ice cream and frozen deserts. A 1.5% weight/volume ratio of psyllium mucilage exhibits binding properties that are superior to a 10% weight/volume ratio of starch mucilage. The viscosity of psyllium mucilage dispersions are relatively unaffected between temperatures of 68 to 122°F, by pH from 2 to 10 and by salt (sodium chloride) concentrations up to 0.15 M. These properties in combination with psyllium's natural fiber characteristic may lead to increased use by the food processing industry. Technical grade psyllium has been used as a hydrocolloidal agent to improve water retention for newly seeded grass areas and to improve transplanting success with woody plants.

Allergic reactions
including anaphylaxis, have been reported, particularly in healthcare workers with previous experience preparing psyllium-containing bulk laxatives. Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract by such laxatives has also been reported, particularly in patients with prior bowel surgeries or anatomic abnormalities, or when mixed with inadequate amounts of water.
Serious allergic reactions including anaphylaxis, difficulty breathing/wheezing, skin rash, and hives have been reported after ingestion of psyllium products. Less severe hypersensitivity reactions have also been noted. Cross-sensitivity may occur in people with allergy to English plantain pollen ( Plantago lanceolata ), grass pollen, or melon.

Side Effects and Warnings
Psyllium-containing laxatives, cereals, and other products are generally believed to be safe. Important exceptions include those with repeated psyllium exposure (such as healthcare workers frequently handling bulk laxatives who are at risk for hypersensitivity reactions) and patients with significant pre-existing bowel abnormalities (such as gastrointestinal strictures or impaired motility) or prior bowel surgery.
Obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract has been noted in numerous case reports of patients taking psyllium-containing laxatives, particularly in individuals with previous bowel surgery or problems and/or when the laxatives are mixed with inadequate amounts of water. Psyllium should be avoided by people who have throat problems or difficulty swallowing.
Gastrointestinal side effects are generally mild and have not prompted discontinuation of psyllium in most clinical trials. Esophageal obstruction has been reported in a patient with Parkinson's disease.
Due to potential reductions in blood sugar levels caused by psyllium, blood glucose levels in diabetic patients should be closely monitored.
Immediate medical attention should be sought if any of these symptoms appear after taking psyllium: chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding,
Psyllium-containing laxatives are considered class C-2 drugs in pregnancy, meaning that they appear to be safe in all three trimesters, although studies in pregnant humans and animals have not been done. Psyllium-containing products are considered class 1 (apparently safe) during breastfeeding.

Interactions with Drugs
Psyllium-containing products may delay gastric emptying time and reduce the absorption of some drugs. It is advised that drugs be taken at separate administration times from psyllium to minimize potential interactions (for example, one hour before or a few hours after taking psyllium).
Although no effect on warfarin (Coumadin®) levels with co-administration of psyllium was reported in one study, administration of these agents should be separated until better research is available.
Due to potential reductions in blood sugar levels caused by psyllium, requirements for insulin or other diabetes drugs in diabetic patients may be reduced. Blood glucose levels should be closely monitored, and dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Other drugs may be affected by psyllium, including anticoagulants, antidepressants, anti-gout agents, anti-inflammatory agents, diuretics, salicylates, tetracyclines, nitrofurantoin, insulin, lithium (Lithobid®, Eskalith®), and digoxin (Lanoxin®). People should speak with their healthcare providers before taking psyllium. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
Psyllium-containing products may delay gastric emptying time and reduce the absorption of some herbs, supplements, vitamins, or minerals. Absorption of calcium, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 may also be affected. Other agents should be taken one hour before or a few hours after psyllium to avoid potential interactions.
Psyllium should be used cautiously with other laxatives, such as senna, because effects may be increased.
Psyllium and chitosan together may increase fat excretion in the stool.
Theoretically, psyllium may reduce the absorption of anticoagulant herbs and supplements. However, no effect on warfarin levels by co-administered psyllium was found in one study.
Taking psyllium with herbs and supplements that alter blood sugar may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (lowered blood sugar). People using other herbs or supplements that may alter blood sugar levels, such as bitter melon ( Momordica charantia ), should be monitored closely by their healthcare provider while using psyllium. Dosing adjustments may be necessary.
Psyllium may interact with herbs and supplements with antidepressant, anti-gout, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic activities.
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{1} Mucilage is a gooey polar glycoprotein; an exopolysaccharide; a polymer produced by most plants and some microorganisms.
Mucilage is edible, but tastes rather bland. Mucilage is also a term for an adhesive composed of a solution of a sticky vegetable product or vegetable gum in water, used primarily to seal paper (e.g., postage stamps and envelope flaps).

{2} Plantago is a genus of about 200 species of small, inconspicuous plants commonly called plantains. They share this name with the very dissimilar plantain, a kind of banana. Most are herbaceous plants,
Plantago species are often used as herbal remedies. The herb is astringent, anti-toxic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, as well as demulcent, expectorant, styptic and diuretic. Externally, a poultice of the leaves is useful for insect bites, poison-ivy rashes, minor sores, and boils. In folklore it is even claimed to be able to cure snakebite. Internally, it is used for coughs and bronchitis, as a tea, tincture, or syrup. The broad-leaved varieties are sometimes used as a leaf vegetable for salads, green sauce, et cetera.
Plantain seed husks expand and become mucilaginous when wet, especially those of P. psyllium, which is used in common over-the-counter bulk laxative and fiber supplement products such as Metamucil. P. psyllium seed is useful for constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, dietary fiber supplementation, and diverticular disease. Recent research is also showing it to be promising in lowering cholesterol and controlling diabetes.

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Uses based on scientific evidence Grade*

High cholesterol A
Psyllium is well studied as a lipid-lowering agent with generally modest reductions seen in blood levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein ("bad cholesterol"). Effects have been observed following eight weeks of regular use. Psyllium does not appear to have significant effects on high-density lipoprotein ("good cholesterol") or triglyceride levels. Because only small reductions have been observed, people with high cholesterol should discuss the use of more potent agents with their healthcare provider. Effects have been observed in adults and children, although long-term safety in children is not established.

Constipation B
Psyllium has long been used as a chief ingredient in "bulk laxatives." Generally, an increase in stool weight, an increase in bowel movements per day, and a decrease in total gut transit time has been observed in most studies.

Diarrhea B
Psyllium has been studied for the treatment of diarrhea, particularly in patients undergoing tube feeding. It has also been studied in addition to orlistat therapy in hopes of decreasing gastrointestinal effects (diarrhea and oily discharge) of this weight loss agent. An effective stool bulking effect has generally been found in scientific studies.

Anal fissures (tears or cracks in the anus) C
Psyllium may help to prevent or relieve anal fissures, which can result from constipation, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. However, further research is necessary before psyllium can be recommended.

Colon cancer C
According to early research, diets that include psyllium may reduce the risk for colon cancer. More studies are needed to determine whether psyllium can help prevent colon cancer. C

Colonoscopy preparation C
Patients with new onset constipation or presumed hemorrhoid bleeding frequently require the use of both fiber supplements and diagnostic colonoscopy. Researchers have concluded that in non-constipated patients, psyllium-based fiber supplementation should not be initiated in the few days prior to endoscopy using a polyethylene glycol preparation. Instructions given by the appropriate healthcare professional and pharmacist should be followed when preparing for colonoscopy.

Fat excretion in stool C
Early research shows that dietary psyllium and chitosan supplementation may help to increase the excretion of fat in the stool.

Gas (flatulence) C
Early research suggests that diets high in fiber (such as psyllium) will increase gas production, yet promote gas retention. The effect of psyllium on gas needs to be explored further. C

Hemorrhoids C
Psyllium may reduce the symptoms of hemorrhoids, which can result from constipation. Further research is needed to determine whether psyllium can help relieve or prevent the symptoms of hemorrhoids.

Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) C
Several studies have examined the administration of psyllium with meals or just prior to meals in order to measure effects on blood sugar levels. Better evidence is necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Induction of labor/abortion (cervical dilator) C
An early study examined whether a preparation made from psyllium could help dilate the cervix when labor or abortion is induced. Further research is needed to determine whether psyllium can help to open the cervix.

Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) C
There is limited and unclear evidence regarding the use of psyllium in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

Irritable bowel syndrome C
Psyllium preparations have been studied for more than 20 years in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Results of these trials have been conflicting. In some cases, insoluble fiber may worsen the clinical outcome.

Obesity C
The reviewed evidence seems to show that psyllium may improve blood sugar and lipid levels, which can be related to obesity in some children. However, further studies are needed to clarify its effects and the mechanisms involved. Body weight reduction has not been proven to be associated with psyllium use in adults.

*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.
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Guidelines when Consuming Psyllium Husk
1. Make sure you consume it with liquid. Do not eat it alone as it can cause digestive problems. You can mix Psyllium Husk with practically anything: fruit/veggie juice, stew, soups, ice cream shakes, water, milk, etc.

2. Make sure you consume plenty of liquid before and afterwards. Psyllium Husk can cause dehydration since it makes the moisture content of our bowels higher. It would be good to keep an extra glass of water when consuming Psyllium Husk for the first time, because it can be hard to swallow.

3. Psyllium Husk is not recommended for those who are pregnant. Oxypowder would be the best choice for a colon cleanser.

4. Consume Psyllium Husk in between meals, never immediately after or before one. It can dilute enzymes and therefore interfer with digestion.