Monthly Archives: May 2008

Is it Me or is it PMS?

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In the month of May I wanted to address as many women’s health issues as I possible could…

When Mother Earth was a young girl and became a woman it was a bit of a wow.  The joke for my parents was the note I left under my mother’s pillow ” I desperately need a bra ” ( Couldn’t they see that? ) When I got my trainer bra I proceeded to sortof bust ( excuse the pun ) right out it it! My mom exclaimed, ” where the heck did those come from?” 

Compared to most of my girlfriends the only drama I had in relationship to getting my period was the one my mother created when I didn’t rinse out my underpants.  I never had all the pain and suffering my friends had. Thus premenstrual syndrome just wasn’t part of what I knew. In HS, I had a normal cycle, normal period,  no concerns. Tons of my friends lost days from school, took drugs, had flow issues, slept with heating pads, were on the pill to help regulate.  I hadn’t even heard of PMS. Until my senior year. 

Symptoms of PMS: 

weight gain
tender breasts
mild to severe cramping
lower back pain
moodiness 
moderate to severe food cravings - usually in the form of chocolate and salt  
periods longer than 3 days
heavy bleeding

My senior year in high school was intense for about 6 million reasons. Whatever the reasons were I was stressed and it showed up physically with what was the beginnings of PMS, I again didn’t know that at the time, nor did we ever talk about it.  I just started experiencing some symptoms.

As I continued to be stressed, to eat poorly and to start life out on my own, my symptoms increased.

I was nutritionally deficient.  Severely.

See stress pulls nutrients from the body. One nutrient in particular,  B Complex regulates hormones, contributes to the brain, helps convert food to energy.

I had a horrific first tri-mester during my first pregnancy – with what I know now I can’t help but wonder if all those years of nutrient depletion contributed to that.

When trying to concieve my second child I begun to read about ovulation. I began to notice a very specific pattern in the way I felt after I ovulated. The pattern was so specific It was rather frightening. It’s not something I ever talked about with my mom or my sisters. We didn’t have the internet to discover that tons of woman had these symptoms too.  I never felt I could ask my friends hey do your breast swell right before your period? I felt like a freak.

After I ovulated, or 2 weeks after my last period stopped, I’d get tender very full breasts – I’d have to wear a different bra. I’d get indescribable lower back pain, I’d start to gain weight – I’d fluctuate up to 10 lbs,  I’d get so moody and weepy. Just about anything would make me cry. I found my abilty to cope limited.  This was often more than I could bare – I at times felt deep despair. I’d start cramping about 3 days before getting my period and then once it began I’d cramp severely and bleed heavily for about 7 days. This pattern was worse after the birth of my first child.  I thought this was the way it was supposed to be – the woes of being female. We all go through this. I had heard others complain so I thought to myself – I am just like them.  It’s normal to be so miserable. I at one point remember asking my husband if during these times – during the especially weepy emotional times if he could just be nice to me – I actually begged him.  This was not a particularly good time in our marriage. As you can probably imagine he wasn’t responsive to my request.

In addition to this I had blood sugar issues. I had a horibble habit of skipping breakfast. I ate junk. I’d wake each and every morning trembling – I’d eat, only to get a headache – start trembling again a few hours later.  More headaches.

This Mother Earth was a  mess.

By the time I had gotten through my second pregnancy, there was nothing left of me – I used to say I gave birth to every healthy living cell. I gave what was left of me,  all to my daughter.

Several years followed. My marriage issues intensified. Stress and Fear ruled my universe.

I got scared. I began to shift my focus – I wanted my life to be more positive. I began to investigate healthy living, I started Jazzercizing – I started to learn about food choices – I began to question things.  A  very wonderful person encouraged and introduced me to supplementation

She asked me to take 2 high quality multi – vitamins, 3 B Complex and a Soy Protein smoothie each morning. While I purchased these three items I heard like heck about it from my husband. You bought what?? I felt undeserving, he was a skeptic. I wasn’t sure this would help me but I wanted to believe her.  I wanted to feel different.  I only took 1/2 of what she recommended. I wasn’t worthy to consume nutrients and incur additional expense.  Yet, I noticed a little bit more energy and on the days I had a smoothie in the morning. I had no headaches.  She continued to encourage me. I finally  took the protocol she suggested. 4 months later ALL my PMS symptoms disappeared.  Everything.  I was a completely different person.

The difference in my health is what precipitated my sharing wellness with others, the more I learned the more I wanted to share. With the income potential I also began to see a way out of my first marriage. Courage and boldness followed.

I have not had PMS symptoms since 1993.  I began menstruating when I was 12 - since 1997 I had PMS symptoms.  16 years!  I have been absolutely free of PMS symptoms now for 15 years!

I am a huge advocate of supplementation for woman.  A simple regime of a Multi-Vitamin, B Complex and Soy Protein could assist your PMS symptoms too.

Perhaps you know of someone who is wondering if their monthly symptoms are normal or who might begin to question their sanity?

It’s not normal to have PMS symptoms.

More information about B Complex

Research about B Complex

Not all B Vitamins are created equal.


flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Publisher
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean  

 

Folic Acid For Your Pregnancy

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Below is an article written by Dr Steve Chaney, who is a high level sales leader in our field, remarkable published researcher and professor in the department of biochemistry and biophysics at the University of North Carolina’s Medical School.

I have always appreciated Dr Chaney’s way of explaining things and after reading this felt it would be a great addition to the 2 posts I wrote about prenatals, especially for the role folic acid plays in preventing birth defects.

Would you take these vitamins during your pregnancy?

Nutritional supplement suggestions for the expectant mother.

A few comments: 

As long as I have explored research as a tool for understanding or prooving the validity of one nutrient or another – I always find more than one opinion and often opposing sides.  I find articles come and go – the best always rise to the top.  There is also plenty of really bad research. This is why I appreciate the perspectives of others to help me understand.

I remember when my company touted the importance of folic acid, especially for the prevention of birth defectsand that after testing many brands most didn’t deliver any folic acid to the blood stream. I found that appalling. My company equally horrified, explored the remarkable value of folic acid and said what can we do differently. Now our B Complex has its folic acid in it’s exterior coating  The ever important folic acid is the first nutrient to hit the blood stream. This process is now patented. Isn’t that cool??

When I was learning about the value of B Complex I was taught that most companies skimp on Biotin and Folic acid because they are expensive.  Time and time again I would see this on other brands labels.  Sometimes Biotin would be completely missing. Additionally I was taught how all eight b vitamins need to be present and in balance to each other in order to assimilate well into the body. Yet so many competitors would have very high doses of one b, none of another and most of the time not in balance to each other

Dr. Chaney speaks to the concept of isolating nutrients, and how that’s NOT how it works. Nature is a symmetric project.  Plants need air, water, soil and sunshine in order to grow – remove part of the equation and a plant will wither. The same for our bodies human.

I will add one more thought and that is that it doesn’t say what type of folic acid was used in the studies that had negative impact. If it was a low quality or petroleum derived product could that have impacted the study?

Here is what Dr. Chaney has to say:

The news about folic acid or folate seems to be decided mixed of late, so many of you may be asking whether you should supplement with folate or not.

Let me start first with a review of some of the recent studies, and then I’ll help you put those studies into perspective.

Most of you are probably aware of the studies initiated by Dr. Smithells in England showing that supplementation with RDA levels (400 mcg per day) of folic acid prior to conception significantly reduced the risk of giving birth to babies with birth defects.

These were paradigm-shifting studies because they provided the first really good evidence that supplementation in advance could actually prevent a disease from occurring.

The data was so overwhelming that the United States now mandates enrichment of flour with 140 mcg of folic acid per 100 gm of flour – meaning that most Americans now are assured of getting at least 100 to 200 mcg per day of folic acid from their diet.

There were also a number of well done studies showing that supplementation with RDA levels of folic acid decreased levels of homocysteine, an amino acid byproduct thought to be associated with increased risk of heart disease and cognitive decline as we age.

However, the role of homocysteine in these and other diseases has become murkier in recent years.

So what do the recent studies show?

On the positive side, a recent Swedish study has shown that people who consumed RDA levels of folic acid from food and supplements were 44% less likely to develop invasive breast cancer than those consuming 160 mcg per day or less.

Two recent studies, one of which used supplements delivering 800 mcg of folic acid per day and a second in which participants were getting at least 400 mcg of  folic acid a day from food and supplements, showed that those receiving the highest amount of folic acid had less cognitive decline than those consuming lower amounts.

Finally, a recent report showed that older women in the Nurses Health study who got 1,000 mcg of folic acid a day from food and supplements were 18% less likely to develop high blood pressure, and another study showed that supplements providing at least 500 mcg a day of folic acid lowered the risk of stroke by 18%.

On the negative side a recent study reported that people receiving at least 1,000 mcg of supplemental folic acid a day were more likely to develop pre- cancerous colon polyps than people on the placebo. Another study reported that women consuming over 1,000 mcg of folic acid a day were 32% more likely to develop breast cancer than women consuming around 250 mcg of folic acid a day.

Of course, this study is in obvious contrast to the study showing that 400 mcg of folic acid per day decreased the risk of breast cancer by 44%.

Because of this sort of conflict between studies, it is clear that more studies need to be done before we can be sure that high dose folic acid has any detrimental effects.

But even if high dose folic acid has detrimental effects, what would this mean to you?

It is yet another example of the recent paradigm shift from the “magic bullet” approach to a holistic approach to supplementation.

In the 60s, 70s and 80s whenever an article appeared showing a beneficial role for a particular nutrient in reducing the risk of a certain disease, it would inevitably be followed by recommendations to take high potency supplements containing that nutrient.

Now we know that those recommendations can be counterproductive, possibly even dangerous.

Most likely, this is because a single nutrient at high doses can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb and utilize other, similar nutrients.

Thus, a high potency supplement containing a single nutrient can actually create deficiencies of other essential nutrients.

For folic acid my recommendation is to get no more than 400 mcg of folic acid per day from supplements unless that folic acid is in balance with all of the other essential B vitamins.

We have heard similar reports in recent years about the potential side effects of high dose pure alpha- tocopheral and high dose pure beta-carotene.

Many experts now recommend no more than 200 IU per day of alpha-tocopherol unless it is provided in balance with all of the other naturally-occuring tocopherols and tocotrienols or no more than 2,500 IU of beta- carotene unless it is provided in balance with the other carotenoids and fat soluble antioxidant nutrients.

Thank you Dr Chaney for this impressive perspective.

Other Research about B Complex.


artist rendition of birth flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Publisher
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean  

Best of Mother Earth Turns One – Guest Authors Needed – Wanted Actually

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I apologize for the repeat of this – it never went live on my blog???

On Friday June 6th Best of Mother Earth Turns One.

ONE!!!!!

I can’t believe it’s been a year.

How does one celebrate these things ?? 

I did bloggy posts at these milestones:  

First Post Ever
3 months
6 months
9 months

What I do know is that I have alot of days in June that I need Guest Authors. Eleven Guest Authors Actually.

What better way to celebrate then to share the amazing people I have met along the way.

You are invited to celebrate June and a year of Blogging with me by selecting one of these dates and send me a guest post.  It can be a post that’s your favorite something, it can be a post of how you came to know Mother Earth, something you perhaps learned from Mother Earth or it can be something you think my readership might enjoy. Have fun with it. You only turn one once!!

if you are not a blogger but a friend who writes poetry, or has a funny story to tell or a testimony – don’t hesitate to participate  

June 15th – Father’s Day
June 16th – Lill
June 17th – Brad
June 18th
June 19th – Sheila
June 20th – Thea
June 21st – Summer begins – nadine gets this one
June 22nd
June 23rd
June 24th
June 25th

Since I am asking…

I also need Guest Authors for July 4th – July 10th and July 18th – 21st.

July 10th – Jon

Happy Summer!

P. S. If I can return the favor and send you a guest post for a day or two in the summer where you might need a guest author – I’d be delighted.


birthday hats painting flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Publisher
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean  

Nutritional Supplement Suggestions for Expectant Mothers

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Everyone knows that caloric intake rises while pregnant but nutritional needs rise enormously. We also know to increase ones consumption of fruits and vegetables, choose low-fat, high quality sources of protein such as chicken, fish, beans and legumes. It is also highly recommended to add  a high quality nutritional supplements to enhance and insure the health of both the mother and child. 

Perhaps you remember the post would you take these prenatals during your pregnancy?  

I have often mentioned that not all nutritional supplement products are the same. I am very particular about the products I share with my clients and choose only one company’s products. Why? The answer is scientific integrity. Each and every supplement is actually bioavailable—meaning it breaks down, enters your blood steam and ultimately goes to the cell where life’s energy processes begin. This gets results for my clients. Over and over the quality shines through. This company sets extraordinary standards for raw materials and finished products. They tests every incoming raw material batch to confirm that its stringent product specifications have been met and they do numerous tests on its finished product to insure that what is listed on the label is actually in the tablet or capsule. This is hugely important to me. The products I am recommending to you are the industry leader in conducting and publishing clinical research. Proudly I have adopted their mission of Creating Healthier Lives, as I think it describes best what it is that I do.  

Below are recommendations utilizing high quality nutritional supplements for an expectant mother. Other supplement companies may not invest money into the testing of their products and may contain harmful contaminants that would not be advisable for a growing fetus. Please do your research before taking large quantities of supplements from other manufacturers.

most of this information are excerpts from Nutritionist Barbara Lagoni’s Writings – thank you! Barb has mentored me forever. Sure wish I knew her or about supplements when I was pregnant. 

Why Supplement During Your Pregnancy? 

For basic nutritional insurance – healthier, brighter, non-colicky babies and ease of delivery 

Where to begin:

A high quality multi-vitamin - if you do anything – do at least this.

Specific prenatal nutrient suggestions:

B-Complex - Patented folic acid coating makes this nutrient more available for absorption by the body

Soy Protein - For added protein (easily digested and utilized by the body) and for increased energy (Incidence of gestational diabetes is lower because of protein.)

Fish Oil- 1st and last trimester is when fetal brain development occurs

Friendly Bacteria- helps with the absorption of food and supplements, brings remarkable benefits to the colon  

Senna - helps with constipation and detoxifies the blood – take when needed and start with only one right before bed
 
Calcium - a natural muscle relaxer - helps relieve labor pains ( calcium is drawn from mother to child )

Natural remedies during your Pregnancy:

Morning Sickness – Soy Protein shakes before bed, or right when you wake up along with B Complex helps (nausea is due to low blood sugar levels)

Nausea/Upset Stomach/Heartburn – peppermint ginger tea and chewable calcium

Prevent Toxemia - our natural laxative, zinc, soy protein, our hydration product, B Complex and Calcium/Magnesium

Fluid Rentention/Swollen Ankles – alfalfa ( natural diuretic), our hydration product, exercise, water and soy protein

Leg Cramps/ Back Aches – Calcium/Magnesium, Vitamin E

Birth Defects/Late Delivery/Difficult Labor – Zinc

Varicose Veins - Vitamin E ( important for circulation )

Increased Energy – Soy Protein, B Complex

Prevent Stretchmarks - Vitamin C

Excessive Hair Loss or Acne post birth – Saw Palmetto, Zinc

* additional information about the healing mineral zinc
 
Stop Breasts from Lactating - apply green cabbage leaves to breast area  - break cabbage leaf veins first with a heavy can ) and wear inside your bra – high sulfur halts milk production

For an Easier delivery and Faster Recovery Dr. Shantha Sutton OB/GYN recommends:  

Labor - chewable calcium- helps ease contractions – calcium relaxes muscles 

Bleeding or Hemmorrhaging in Labor – alfalfa ( contains a natural form of Vitamin K )

Recovery after Birth – our muscle repair product, designed to repair muscle tissue after strenuous exercise or strain from surgery or labor 

Who do you know that could benefit from this information? Are you pregnant and seeking quality supplements for your pregnancy? May I be of assistance?  I’d absolutely love to help.


nutrition facts flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Publisher
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition, Weight Loss, and Green Clean  

Potato Salad

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Certain summer holidays really require a good potato salad. I find I am experimenting, as the ones I made tried and true just don’t appeal to me anymore.

This one is a Martha Stewart recipe, and I goofed a bit in the way I made it, me hindsight thinks. It was delicious and different from your typical potato salad – I just could have executed it better.

Maybe read the recipe??

Red Potato Salad with Bacon and Blue Cheese-Buttermilk Dressing

Boil Red Skinned Potatoes - I filled a pot

Make dressing with 1/2  C buttermilk, teas red wine vinegar, teas dijon mustard, 1.5 ounces of gorgonzola ( my preferred type of Blue – milder ) cheese, crumbled. Mix together – I added white pepper and I think a small clove of crushed garlic would be awesome in this.

It calls for 8 slices of bacon. I only had turkey bacon and as I am experimenting with it. I find I don’t have much patience for the length ot time it takes to get this stuff cooked crispy.  So the bacon bits were a bit chewy – they should be crispy

I added chopped fresh parsley, and celery and if you like raw chopped onion this recipe could tolerate it. The recipe calls for chive – I adore chive

I drained the potatoes and added the dressing while they were hot, I think this was one mistake – the dressing didn’t stay creamy, it broke ( meaning it lost it’s texture)  

I also then added the fresh veggies and bacon, tossed it and then put it in the fridge. I think I should have cooled the potatoes completely and added the dressing and bacon bits and veggies later.

The salad was runny and sortof wilty

it tasted good – just didn’t look good

Now buttermilk is not something I buy often, but when I have it around I like to soak boneless chicken breasts in it – in the fridge, and then dredge them with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese and bake them in the oven. We had that last night and one is leftover for a great salad meal later this week. YUM – Other uses are in salad dressings, and a muffin recipe I want to make – I just keep forgetting to get molasses.

A great way to sour milk for a mock buttermilk, which I do all the time,  is to add vinegar.  1 T per cup. Let it sit for 30 minutes, it will thicken -  and just stir. I also think a good yogurt – like the greek yogurt made from whole milk, or even goats milk would also apply as fine alternatives in this recipe.


chive, beautiful chive flickr image credit

Karen Hanrahan ~ Wellness Educator/Nutritional Consultant/Blog Publisher
708.482.0678 ~ Websites: Nutrition Weight Loss, and Green Clean