I was doing an article for one of my other blogs about artificial sweeteners and how they can actually make you fat. I cam across some interesting information about Stevia. I always thought that it was a good healthy substitute until now.
According to some research Stevia can lower sperm counts. "Reproductive problems. Stevioside “seems to affect the male reproductive organ system,” European scientists concluded last year. When male rats were fed high doses of stevioside for 22 months, sperm production was reduced, the weight of seminal vesicles (which produce seminal fluid) declined, and there was an increase in cell proliferation in their testicles, which could cause infertility or other problems. And when female hamsters were fed large amounts of a derivative of stevioside called steviol, they had fewer and smaller offspring. Would small amounts of stevia also cause reproductive problems? No one knows." Nutrition Action
There is a lot of information out there about Stevia and really none of it is conclusive. Even the information about it causing low sperm counts is controversial. But when you are having problems already, you don't need to take any chances. I know there are a lot of drinks out now that have stevia as a sweetener and I thought that you may want to have information to make a decision for yourself.
Here are some other web sites you may want to check out.
WebMd
Health World
Wikipedia
Nutrition Action
MSNBC
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Vitex
I have had a comment about Vitex. I have not heard of it, so my research bone became activated. Here is what I have learned.
Vitex has been used in Mediterranean countries for years to help women with a wide range of female issues. Vitex agnus-castus L., commonly known as chaste tree, is native to West Asia and southwestern Europe. The small round fruits (seeds) have a pungent scent and flavor reminiscent of black pepper.
"In 1938, a German researcher, Gerhard Madaus, was the first to initiate use of chaste tree in the twentieth century. Recognizing the long value of the plant in gynecological disorders, he designed a series of animal experiment to determine which part of the plant had the greatest biological activity. Madaus found that extracts of the leaves, fruits, and bark retarded estrus (heat) in female rats, without evidence of adverse effects on reproductive performance. The fruits had the greatest activity." Steven Foster
"Chaste tree berry acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) production and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, in favor of progesterone. The ability of chaste tree berry to raise progesterone levels in the body is an indirect effect, so the herb itself is not a hormone. " Natural Health Solutions
"Vitex does not actually contain hormones. It appears to increase progesterone by stimulating the release of a hormone called luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland. Vitex is also thought to normalize excessive prolactin levels and promote fertility.
"More common side effects include mild digestive upset or skin rash. Other side effects may include rapid heartbeat, hair loss, headache, dry mouth, nausea, rash, itching and bleeding between periods.
About.com
Natural Health Solutions for PCOS
BabyHopes.com
Steven Foster Group
Vitex has been used in Mediterranean countries for years to help women with a wide range of female issues. Vitex agnus-castus L., commonly known as chaste tree, is native to West Asia and southwestern Europe. The small round fruits (seeds) have a pungent scent and flavor reminiscent of black pepper.
"In 1938, a German researcher, Gerhard Madaus, was the first to initiate use of chaste tree in the twentieth century. Recognizing the long value of the plant in gynecological disorders, he designed a series of animal experiment to determine which part of the plant had the greatest biological activity. Madaus found that extracts of the leaves, fruits, and bark retarded estrus (heat) in female rats, without evidence of adverse effects on reproductive performance. The fruits had the greatest activity." Steven Foster
"Chaste tree berry acts on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands by increasing luteinizing hormone (LH) production and mildly inhibiting the release of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). The result is a shift in the ratio of estrogen to progesterone, in favor of progesterone. The ability of chaste tree berry to raise progesterone levels in the body is an indirect effect, so the herb itself is not a hormone. " Natural Health Solutions
"Vitex does not actually contain hormones. It appears to increase progesterone by stimulating the release of a hormone called luteinizing hormone from the pituitary gland. Vitex is also thought to normalize excessive prolactin levels and promote fertility.
- Female infertility
- PMS, especially breast tenderness, cramping, and headaches
- Acne, especially if it is related to the menstrual cycle
- Fibrocystic breast disease
- Heavy menstruation
- Menopausal symptoms" About.com
"More common side effects include mild digestive upset or skin rash. Other side effects may include rapid heartbeat, hair loss, headache, dry mouth, nausea, rash, itching and bleeding between periods.
Vitex is not recommended during pregnancy. It shouldn't be used by nursing women unless under the guidance of a qualified health professional.
People with hormone dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancers of the breast, ovaries, uterus or prostate shouldn't take vitex.
Small amounts of vitex could increase the production of breast milk in post-partum women. High doses may have the opposite effect and decrease the production of breast milk.
Vitex may affect levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. People with Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, or any other condition in which dopamine levels are affected should avoid vitex unless under the supervision of a qualified health professional." About.com
"Interactions with dopamine agonists (potential/theoretical). An in-vitro study reported that chasteberry constituents had dopaminergic activity that may alter the effects of these medications and possibly the dose needed for treatment: selegeline, amantadine, carbidopa, levadopa, pramipexole, ropinirole, bromocriptine, pergolide. If you are taking any of these medication, it's a good idea to consult with your physician before taking vitex. " Natural Health Solutions
Seek guidance from a licensed naturopathic physician, who would have extensive knowledge of herbs and botanical medicines. Vitex or chaste berry is very safe ad can be taken daily for up to 18 continuous months, unless pregnancy occurs. It is usually taken in the morning as a single daily dose.
As a general guideline, your daily dose could be:
60 drops of Vitex tincture, standardized to contain 6% agusides.
175 mg. or more of standardized Vitex extract, standardized to contain 6% agusides.
You can also take a blend which includes Vitex like Fertilaid for Women to help you balance your hormones and induce ovulation.
I hope this helps answer any of your questions. Good luck to you all.
About.com
Natural Health Solutions for PCOS
BabyHopes.com
Steven Foster Group
Saturday, February 21, 2009
United Nations Interfering With Parenting World Wide
I just learned that the United Nations have put together a treaty that takes away any rights a parent has in raising their child. So far the United States has not signed the treaty.
It seems that this treaty will take away your right to decide on if you children will receive vaccinations no matter what your religious beliefs or any beliefs. You will not be able to discipline your child without the United Nations getting involved.
Some of the rights are being enforced throughout our court system now. For more information you can go to Parental Rights.
I am sorry, but I think the Government is getting to involved in how our lives are being lived. I think this is stepping way over the line.
Another Source for information on this treaty is United Nations Human Rights Treaty.
It seems that this treaty will take away your right to decide on if you children will receive vaccinations no matter what your religious beliefs or any beliefs. You will not be able to discipline your child without the United Nations getting involved.
Some of the rights are being enforced throughout our court system now. For more information you can go to Parental Rights.
I am sorry, but I think the Government is getting to involved in how our lives are being lived. I think this is stepping way over the line.
Another Source for information on this treaty is United Nations Human Rights Treaty.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Suleman IVF
Just watching an interview with Nadya Suleman about her view on having eight babies. I had some reservation on the situation when the story came out that Nadya had 6 other children at home and had no job and living with her parents.
Well, after watching part of the interview some new information came out that has changed my mind about the situation. Yes she is living in a home that her mother owns. She says she is paying rent, but there is no absolute evidence that Nadya is or is not working.
Nadya had a lot of problems getting pregnant and finally went through IVF to have a baby. She went through IVF many times and had one child at a time until the 4th pregnancy when she had twins. She had 6 frozen eggs from previous IVF cycles. She felt that she could not leave those eggs and decided to go through IVF one more time to see if she could have one more child with those 6 frozen eggs.
She convinced her doctor to put all 6 eggs back. It just so happened that all 6 took and 2 eggs split. We all know how rare that the split could happen and even that all 6 frosties would implant.
Nadya did say that 6 children was getting to be the limit, but she couldn't just let the 6 frosties go. She was an only child and decided at a young age that she would have a big family because she missed having a brother and/or sister to grow up with. I know that my grandmother was a single child and ended up having 12 children. I have heard that she did have a miscarriage along the way. My other grandmother had 9 children. Back then it was unusual to have that many children, but not unheard of. Nadya gave me some insight on my grandmother years after her death.
I have to agree that Nadya probably should not have gone through the last IVF and maybe donated the eggs to another couple. But I don't know that I could have done that if it was me. Most people have no idea what it is like to want a child and not able to conceive them in the "normal" way. In my case not even through IVF. It is really hard from me to really judge Nadya without really knowing the true story or even walk in her shoes.
I think that she should be given the help that all the other people who have had multiples received no matter what the circumstances. Those babies deserve the right to have at least the basics. I feel for the children especially seeing them and reminding me of my daughter who only lived 10 days. I pray that the children grow healthy and happy.
Well, after watching part of the interview some new information came out that has changed my mind about the situation. Yes she is living in a home that her mother owns. She says she is paying rent, but there is no absolute evidence that Nadya is or is not working.
Nadya had a lot of problems getting pregnant and finally went through IVF to have a baby. She went through IVF many times and had one child at a time until the 4th pregnancy when she had twins. She had 6 frozen eggs from previous IVF cycles. She felt that she could not leave those eggs and decided to go through IVF one more time to see if she could have one more child with those 6 frozen eggs.
She convinced her doctor to put all 6 eggs back. It just so happened that all 6 took and 2 eggs split. We all know how rare that the split could happen and even that all 6 frosties would implant.
Nadya did say that 6 children was getting to be the limit, but she couldn't just let the 6 frosties go. She was an only child and decided at a young age that she would have a big family because she missed having a brother and/or sister to grow up with. I know that my grandmother was a single child and ended up having 12 children. I have heard that she did have a miscarriage along the way. My other grandmother had 9 children. Back then it was unusual to have that many children, but not unheard of. Nadya gave me some insight on my grandmother years after her death.
I have to agree that Nadya probably should not have gone through the last IVF and maybe donated the eggs to another couple. But I don't know that I could have done that if it was me. Most people have no idea what it is like to want a child and not able to conceive them in the "normal" way. In my case not even through IVF. It is really hard from me to really judge Nadya without really knowing the true story or even walk in her shoes.
I think that she should be given the help that all the other people who have had multiples received no matter what the circumstances. Those babies deserve the right to have at least the basics. I feel for the children especially seeing them and reminding me of my daughter who only lived 10 days. I pray that the children grow healthy and happy.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
The Dash
I read of a reverend who stood to speak at the funeral of his friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth, and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard, are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when you eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash....
would you be pleased with the things they say about how yo spent your dash?
He noted that first came the date of her birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.
For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth, and now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own; the cars, the house, the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.
So think about this long and hard, are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true and real, and always try to understand the way other people feel.
And be less quick to anger, and show appreciation more and love the people in our lives like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect, and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So, when you eulogy is being read with your life's actions to rehash....
would you be pleased with the things they say about how yo spent your dash?
Monday, December 22, 2008
Secondhand Smoke Causes Problems
More studies have been done on smoking and difficulties with pregnancy, but now a small study shows that secondhand smoke can cause miscarriages.
It seems that the longer women have been exposed to secondhand smoke the more problems they have getting pregnant and/or staying pregnant. An article on MSNBC says that secondhand smoke contains most of the toxins that harm reproductive system.
This is one reason I am glad that Illinois passed the no smoking law. With the DJ business, we were playing music in a lot of bars and hotels that allowed smoking in their banquet areas. Now we don't have to worry about smoke at all.
If you have smokers in the family, try to minimize the exposure to the smoke as much as possible.
It seems that the longer women have been exposed to secondhand smoke the more problems they have getting pregnant and/or staying pregnant. An article on MSNBC says that secondhand smoke contains most of the toxins that harm reproductive system.
This is one reason I am glad that Illinois passed the no smoking law. With the DJ business, we were playing music in a lot of bars and hotels that allowed smoking in their banquet areas. Now we don't have to worry about smoke at all.
If you have smokers in the family, try to minimize the exposure to the smoke as much as possible.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Increase in Egg and Sperm Donations
It is a sign of hard economic times when more and more people are selling fertile eggs and sperm. In an MSNBC article, it is reported that a significant increase in people selling fertile eggs and sperm to help pay their bills or to help pay for college.
“I am seeing a huge increase,” said Mary Fusillo, director of The Donor Solution, an agency in Texas. She says egg donor applications have jumped in the past six weeks from two to five a day to 20. “It’s people who suddenly see it as a viable way to make a chunk of change all at one time.”
I am happy to report that donors are put through a lot of tests to make sure that they are healthy and disease free in most cases. This is something you have to investigate before accepting any donation.
Sperm donations can be made up to 10 times a month for $60.00 to $100.00 per donation. Women can sell their eggs for around $7,000.00. One college student sold enough eggs to pay for her college.
What does this mean for those of us going through fertility treatments? For those who use donor eggs and sperm, it means a wider selection of sperm or eggs to better fit your wants and desires.
Good luck to all who are going through fertility treatments. I hope and pray that you get that BFP soon.
“I am seeing a huge increase,” said Mary Fusillo, director of The Donor Solution, an agency in Texas. She says egg donor applications have jumped in the past six weeks from two to five a day to 20. “It’s people who suddenly see it as a viable way to make a chunk of change all at one time.”
I am happy to report that donors are put through a lot of tests to make sure that they are healthy and disease free in most cases. This is something you have to investigate before accepting any donation.
Sperm donations can be made up to 10 times a month for $60.00 to $100.00 per donation. Women can sell their eggs for around $7,000.00. One college student sold enough eggs to pay for her college.
What does this mean for those of us going through fertility treatments? For those who use donor eggs and sperm, it means a wider selection of sperm or eggs to better fit your wants and desires.
Good luck to all who are going through fertility treatments. I hope and pray that you get that BFP soon.
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