Guest guest Posted April 16, 2004 Report Share Posted April 16, 2004 Woman to Woman JoAnn Guest Jan 30, 2003 10:34 PST Researchers believe that several decades of environmental exposure to toxins (including the dioxin found in tampons) and malabsorption of nutrients (from long-term use of antibiotics and steroids) has caused a prevalence of female problems. A major factor in the progression of these diseases is an insufficient production of progesterone during the second phase of a woman's cycle, called the luteal phase. As a result of this imbalance, estrogen controls the second half of the menstrual cycle too. This is called a luteal phase defect. A common factor in hormonal imbalance involves the pituitary gland. The pituitary detects elevated estrogen levels, and lets the ovaries know they can start producing less of it. When the pituitary gland generates too much prolactin, a specific hormone, luteal phase defects may result. Too much Prolactin can lead to an imbalance in the female sex hormones. Estrogen Dominance and Hormonal Imbalances are caused by: Pesticide-laden Non-organic foods, excessive amounts of rBGH (growth hormones) in Dairy, Red meats, Caffeine, refined sugar, chocolate and Alcohol. Due to their high fat content, Dairy products sponge up Environmental Contaminants. In addition, dairy is saturated with Excess Estrogen, Antibiotics, Growth hormones rBGH and Genetically Engineered ingredients. Caffeine & Refined Sugar intake accelerates TUMOR formation and growth and is implicated in Cancer Growths. Caffeine is a factor in tumor formation and accelerates cell dehydration and constipation! " Women's Unique Challenges " Today... there are an unprecedented number of chemicals all around us---in our food, water and the very air we breathe! The EPA has estimated that 60,000 chemicals have been buried in the U.S. and are now penetrating our water supply! Our food has become a chemical feast that is sprayed with pesticides, injected with hormones,fed with antibiotics and adulterated with over 3,000 chemicals in the form of artificial colors, flavors, textures and preservatives! Many of the chemicals now in our environment have been proven to pose serious hazards to human health! " XENOESTROGENS " : are 'foreign' estrogens that are found in pesticides, herbicides, plastics, margarines, hydrogenated oils and salad dressings, etc. Due to these harmful estrogens many women are producing 50% less of the progesterone that their mothers did! Xenoestrogens are the main factor in estrogen dominance; they damage the developing follicles of the fetus and may cause breast cancer, osteoporosis and/or infertility! Xenoestrogens, like DDT and dioxins, can bond with *estrogen receptor* sites in your body and never leave!!!!! ISOFLAVONES: tie up " estrogen *receptor* sites " keeping more harmful " xenoestrogens " from attaching themselves to these receptor sites. Good sources of Isoflavones are... Non-gmo Soy, Lentils, Legumes, Sprouts, Chickpeas and Beans. Your Digestive process releases chemicals from Beans, Lentils and Legumes called " Protease Inhibitors " . " Protease Inhibitors " control abnormal cell division before it turns to cancer. FISH OIL-- the reason we recommend fish as an important addition to our diet is that oily fish contains immediately available EPA and DHA that do not have to undergo the extensive metabolism and enzymatic breakdown that Flaxseed oil does. I recommend Spectrum fish oil capsules. It is wise to take omega-3 fatty acids and eat fish as well. COLD-WATER FISH such as alaskan salmon, sardines in water and mackerel are highest in the Omega-3s. Omega-3s, commonly referred to as " Essential Fatty Acids " protect our bodies from the ravages of disease. Because it stops " prostaglandins " from going into dangerous overdrive, fish oil helps alleviate illnesses that are triggered by the prostaglandins. http://www.spectrumnaturals.com Apparently farmed fish have undergone genetic changes. Alaskan salmon remains the best cold water fish. If mercury is a concern, add Selenium to your list of daily supplements. Selenium provides an excellent detox from these heavy metals! Scientist believe that the promotion of cancer cells is somehow regulated by " prostaglandins " . Animal studies show that squelching the overproduction of these " hormone-like " substances can reduce breast, pancreas, lung, prostate and colon cancer. In humans it has been observed that Japanese and Eskimo women who have high seafood diets experience 80% less breast cancer incidence than American women! ALFALFA: Alfalfa sprouts contain phytoestrogens, so don't hesitate to use them liberally on salads. Phytoestrogens are much less potent than the body's own estrogens. They actually block the body's own estrogen receptor sites, thereby reducing the detrimental effects of estrogen dominance. LICORICE: Contains estrogen-balancing compounds. These compounds appear to decrease estrogen levels in women when they're too high, and increase the levels when they're too low. Chasteberry: promotes the proper estrogen-to-progesterone ratio, and helps regulate gland function. Chasteberry also has diuretic effects, which helps women who suffer from fluid retention. Chasteberry is recommended for infertile women who have a luteal phase defect and high prolactin levels. Bilberry: Bilberry contains chemicals called anthrocyanidins, which have muscle-relaxant properties, and it also contains OPCs. For menstrual cramps, some herbalists suggest taking 20 to 40 mgs of concentrated bilberry extract three times a day. If you can't find extracts, try a half cup of fresh bilberries or blueberries, which have similar properties. GINGER: With at least six pain-relieving compounds and another six anti-cramping compounds, ginger tea is a trustworthy remedy for menstruation. Clinical Applications:Healing Herbs : WILD YAM Contains estrogen-balancing compounds. The progesterone taken from the wild yam is nearly identical to what the body produces, says John Lee, M.D. of Sebastopol, California. Most studies report that the cream and oil are most effective because the progesterone absorbed through the skin enters the bloodstream directly! http://www.johnleemd.com GLA: Borage oil, EPO and Black Currant oil are all excellent sources of gamma linoleic acid (GLA)., GLA is an effective anti-inflammatory agent that has no side effects. These oils are effective treatment for Estrogen Dominance, but they don't work instantaneously. You must take one or the other for six to eight weeks before it takes effect and you notice changes. Evening Primrose oil also contains an abundant amount of GLA. Mix a tsp. of Borage oil in juice and drink daily. Dr. Weil recommends 500 mg of black currant oil twice a day as the most economical form. FLAXSEED OIL contains the omega-3 fatty acid known as alpha linolenic acid. It is this specific acid that undergoes enzyme conversion in the body to the principle omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA. FISH OIL.. the reason we recommend fish as an important addition to our diet is that oily fish contain immediately available EPA and DHA that do not have to undergo the extensive metabolism and enzymatic breakdown that flaxseed oil does. If you don't like fish, I recommend fish oil capsules. I take both omega-3 fatty acids and eat fish. COLD- WATER FISH such as salmon and mackerel are high in the Omega-3s. Omega-3s, commonly referred to as " Essential Fatty Acids " protect our bodies from the ravages of disease. Because it stops " prostaglandins " from going into dangerous overdrive, fish oil helps alleviate illnesses that are triggered by the prostaglandins. ____________________ Why are so many women " Estrogen Dominant " ? ___________ Today, many women over the age of 35 are producing only 50% of the progesterone their mother's produced----- This is due to: Stress: Cortisol alters the message the brain sends to the ovaries. Diet: Highly processed " exhausted " food does not give the body the complex nutrients it needs to function optimally. Xenoestrogens: These are " foreign " estrogens that are found in pesticides, herbicides, plastics, salad dressings, etc. They damage the developing follicles of the fetus. Women produce less progesterone and men produce less sperm than they should. The worst side effects of estrogen dominance include: breast cancer, osteoporosis and infertility. What is the best way to measure Hormone Levels? Serum blood tests measure only the amount of progesterone that is bound to protein. Of this only 5% is usable by the body, so this is an inaccurate number Progesterone is fat soluble, so it does not mix with serum. A saliva test will measure the amount of progesterone that is actually available to the body. Fibrocystic Breast Disease/Painful Breasts: Take natural progesterone day 12-26 of your cycle. Start with a little dab and go higher (crescendo effect). Results occur in about 3 months. Birth Control pills further exacerbate these problems! Cramping/Clotting: Clotting is caused by blood that was not shed properly (not enough progesterone). The blood stays behind and comes out in the next cycle. Add natural progesterone. Cramping is due to Estrogen Dominance! This increases Endometrial cells which can work up into the wall of the uterus and become very painful because the blood stays in the muscle and has an inflammatory effect. Restore progesterone which keeps the endometrial build-up inside the uterus. Irregular Bleeding: Younger women, you are probably making more estrogen (the hormone that builds up the bloody lining. Progesterone holds it in place). Either the progesterone quit too soon causing early bleeding or you were estrogen dominant which extends the time. Cycle progesterone from day 12-26 in regular rhythm. When you quit the progesterone your period follows. Older women, you many have hyperplasia. Check with your physician. Thyroid: Thyroid function often improves when natural progesterone is used as progesterone works with the thyroid hormone. PreMenstrualSyndrome: You may be making enough progesterone but are under stress and making cortisol which actually causes a blockade of the progesterone. You become estrogen dominant. Breasts often swell (retaining water intracellularly). Augment with natural progesterone. Adrenal Fatigue: Progesterone helps combat cortisol interference and can help restore energy levels. Mood Swings: Hormone-regulating herbs such as chasteberry and Dong Quai can also help to smooth out the mood swings irritability and depression often associated with menopause. other herbs to consider: Try taking 40 mgs. gingko capsules 3 times daily or 10 to 15 drops of St. John's wort tincture of extract 2 times a day. Healing Herbs : WILD YAM: Contains estrogen-balancing compounds. The progesterone taken from the wild yam is nearly identical to what the body produces, says John Lee, M.D. of Sebastopol, California. Most studies report that the cream and oil are most effective because the progesterone absorbed through the skin enters the bloodstream directly! A synthetic form of the female hormone progesterone is often prescribed for women with menstrual problems, osteoporosis and menopausal symptoms.however, synthetic progesterone has been linked to a number of unpleasant side effects, such as fluid retention and salt buildup as well as blood clots and uterine and breast cancers! A natural and safer form of progesterone, derived from wild yam is readily available and effective in relieving the symptoms for which synthetic progesterone is prescribed! ----- Strawberry: and strawberry leaf may help relieve cramps, according to Germany's Komission E, the body of scientists that advises the country's government about herbs.It's leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals plus ellagic acid, a highly touted cancer preventive. Raspberry: Many women herbalists recommend raspberry tea for easing menstrual cramps. One study showed that the herb also helps relax the uterus. Researchers don't know the active compound in Raspberry, but they speculate that it might be Pycnogenol (an oligomeric procyanidin, or OPC. In one study, taking 200 mgs of OPC daily over two cycles eliminated menstrual cramps in 60 percent of the women who took them. Among women who took OPCs for four cycles, the number who benefitted was even higher--60 to 80 percent. You can buy pure OPC in the form of Pycnogenol capsules. CRAMPBARK: Otherwise known as (Black Haw). This herb is recognized as a treatment for menstrual cramps in most pharmacology reference books through the nineteenth century. The bark contains at least nine substances that relax the uterus. Two (aesculetin and scopoletin) also help relieve muscle spasms. With so much folklore and science to recommend it, this is one of the very best for pain! Kava-Kava: Contains two pain-relieving chemicals that are as effective as aspirin, according to pharmacognosist Albert Leung, Ph.D., and Askansas herbalist Steven Foster in their book, " The Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. Although Kava-Kava has been described as narcotic and hypnotic, it is neither hallucinogenic nor stupefying. Furthermore, according to Dr Leung and Foster, it is nonaddictive and does not cause dependency. Some Europeans use kava kava extracts for its relaxant or anti-anxiety effects. Since the plant also helps relax the uterus, it is used to treat menstrual cramps. Chasteberry: promotes the proper estrogen-to-progesterone ratio, and helps regulate gland function. Chasteberry also has diuretic effects, which helps women who suffer from fluid retention. Chasteberry is recommended for infertile women who have a luteal phase defect and high prolactin levels.It appears to help regulate the ovulatory cycle. Chasteberry helps relieve breast tenderness by regulating prolactin. Chasteberry may help to slow,stop, or reverse the development of lumps in the breast. It appears to work by increasing lymph vessel circulation in the breast tissue while promoting hormonal balance. Eat Organically grown foods Traditional Dairy and Meat contribute to Estrogen Dominance because of the *Bovine Growth Hormones* in these foods. These unnatural hormones interfere with the balance of natural female hormones. Organic Sites: http://www.horizonorganic.com http://www.laurasleanbeef.com http://www.stonyfield.com Pesticides have deleterious effects on immunity! They disrupt the function of the Thymus which produces T-Cells. T-Cells search out and destroy roaming cancer cells! ---------------- -------------------------- http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Botanicals.html http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Womantowoman.html _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest The complete " Whole Body " Health line consists of the " AIM GARDEN TRIO " Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.html PLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER We have made every effort to ensure that the information included in these pages is accurate. However, we make no guarantees nor can we assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process discussed. Tax Center - File online by April 15th Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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