I have had 2 miscarriages! How can I find out if I have a vitamin b or progesterone deficiency or possible?

Q. out of whack blood sugar level? Any ladies who have had miscarriages & than found out why & then went on to conceive? Thanks for those who have responded! Your experiences give me hope!

A. Hi-OK since this one has been sent to me personally-I will give as thorough an answer as I can: Yes progesterone plays a huge role in miscarriage....and in rare cases/a rare condition based on vitamin B deficiency can also cause problems. Let me further explain...1 out of every 5 pregnancies end in miscarriage due to a one time genetic defect in the fetus. It is not necessarily due to your egg being unhealthy or your partner's sperm being unhealthy but ore than likely what occurs when the two are combined to form a fetus.

Addressing the progesterone problem: up until 8-9 weeks your body is producing the vital progesterone it takes to support a healthy pregnancy then it shifts to your placenta producing the progesterone. If at this point there is not enough progesterone being produced - your body will miscarry. Supplementation at this point will not help you to prevent the miscarriage

Progesterone deficiency (is primarily found in those that have 26-27 day cycles). If you are tested and found to have no progesterone deficiency (or a steadily dropping production rate) after the placenta has taken over-it is no guarantee but miscarriages are less likely to happen due to Progesterone Deficiency. But once the decline starts - miscarriage is inevitable and cannot be prevented. The majority of miscarriages that occur could not have been caused or prevented-due to all the factors that play in to normal development. It takes extensive testing to see a lot of things effecting pregnancies and then a lot of them happen simply because lack of health on the fetus.

In regards to Vitamin B deficiency's is a very rare inherited blood disorder caused by the subunit B of Factor XIII-which deals with blood clotting issues and stabilization.

You can be tested for both deficiencies if you can health insurance that covers it or have the means to cover the costs.

If you discover that it is not either factor: I can recommend one website to you:www.Parents.com concerning articles on how to get in your best pre-pregnancy shape.

I also have my all-time favorite book choices (have given it as a gift countless times to my TTC friends). #1) is Beth Kileys, Personal Path To Pregnancy. I consider her to be almost a pro on the subject due to her years of exhausting research that she did in the face of her own fertility issues and the hundreds of testimonies I have read that women have now successfully gone on to have several children after following the means/methods of practice that she suggests (as well as Beth herself now having a couple of children). She talks about everything from preconception factors/influences, nutritional therapies for those TTC, What to do if low sperm count is an issue,alternative treatments to help you conceive faster, which vitamins enable the body to prepare for pregnancy, what to do if you have irregular periods, even a suggested beverage that helps the embryo implant in the uterus....etc. I love her advise because being in my mid 40's now-I have had countless friend from their mid thirties forward have difficulty getting pregnant. All of them had the initial idea to run to a dr. and seek medical intervention in getting pregnant. I told them go have your baseline blood work done-get checked for abnormalities of any kind, BUT before they considered any expensive (and not guaranteed treatments)-first PLEASE read the book that I had given them. I am happy to say that only one of my girlfriends had to go the full route and seek medical intervention via invitro. Beth Kiley's research runs very close in line to what I did on my own as a RN ( who btw - at the time faced fertility issues of my own and very much wanted a child). It didn't happen for me but it became my passion to help anyone else that had a glimmer of hope to conceive...to have the child they so very much wanted.

Another viable nutritional suggestion is a book called Prescription for Nutritional Healing by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC. I also recommend it since it is in line with my thinking to try first naturally. It has a plethora of information concerning drug free remedies, vitamin/mineral usage,
-as well as herbs and food supplements that can be used when you have fertility (miscarriage) problems.

The secondary set of books that I recommend and also give as gifts all the time are for after conception: (SEE positive thinking here-think you will probably need these in awhile) What to Expect When You Are Expecting and What to Eat When You are Expecting. They are two books written by Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi E. Murkhoff and Sandee E. Hathaway, RN.

I hope this information has been of some help to you-best of luck in your pursuits and feel free to shoot me a question anytime.

Original Question

How can my boyfriend seek help for depression without the Marine Corps finding out?

Q. My boyfriend feels that he may be clinically depressed. I feel that this in and of itself is a major stride considering that seeking help for oneself is especially hard when you are suffering from depression. He is in the Marine Corp and he feels that it would be better to keep his problem hidden from the Corps because they can be "kind of sketchy about that kind of thing" as he put it. How can he begin treatment for his illness while not jeopardizing his career?

A. Ask yourself: "Why do I feel depressed, and when did I first start to feel this way: can I associate this with any recent change in my life?" (if so, it is probably reactive [situational] depression: counselling, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy may be indicated, but most of life's adverse situations are resolved within 16 weeks, yet the medical criteria for depression, and the prescription of antidepressants is only 2 weeks!). Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, etc., becomes more likely as the cause). Antidepressants work quicker than the following; 2 - 6 weeks, but you may have to adjust dosage, or types. St. John's wort helps most people; tolerance doesn't develop, and the few side effects don't occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither should be relied on as a sole treatment).

It doesn't cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 - 6 weeks to become effective, but can work quicker than antidepressants, sometimes. A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it happens much more rarely with St. John's wort (I have noticed no effect in this area). A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not St. John's wort, because of interactions, and it's sensible to check out anything else first with your doctor.

(1.) Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or grapefruit, or their FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it. In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://www.mercola.com/ SEARCHBAR: enter: "vitamin D3", & Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don�t follow the typical �normal� reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you�re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)". The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at mercola.com - "vitamin D3; testing". Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; a deficiency in vitamin B9 (folic acid, or folate) is known to cause depression. Around 30% - 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. Depressed females using the contraceptive pill may benefit from vitamin B6 supplements.

(2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes minutes of exercise, daily, or 30 - 60 mns, 5 times weekly. Too much exercise can cause stress, which isn't wanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain). (4.) Use daily, a relaxation method* and/or yoga*, and/or Tai Chi*. (5.) Initially, at least, some form of counselling, preferably either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John's wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Take with a meal) or supplements, such as SAMe, or Inositol (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets, or mail order: view section 55).

If 5HTP is used to boost serotonin levels, (which are low in depressed people) it is best taken with a high carbohydrate, minimal protein meal, like pasta, with tomato & basil, and avoid protein for 90 minutes, before, and after, to maximise the amount crossing the blood/brain barrier. 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels, and these are known to cause depression & anxiety. Try pharmacies & supermarkets for the magnesium supplement types shown in http://www.real-depression-help.com/ or magnesium chloride. Low levels of calcium, and potassium can also cause depression. Have your blood tested, and correct any deficiencies, preferably through improved nutrition. An improvement can be noticed in as little as a week, if a deficiency is the cause. Use iodised salt, as many people are deficient, affecting thyroid function (one of the treatments in books on depression is iodine drops). View section 2, on the first 3 pages*, and also pages R, C, I, and section 11, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris

Original Question

How do I make my hair grow quicker in 1 year? And how to convince my Mom to grow my hair REALLY LONG?

Q. Please NO vitamins and have to go buy a shampoo and no extensions! I also know that the average persons hair grows 6 inches in a year. My hair is up to my shoulders, all of my families hair is short (I have the longest) how do I convince my Mom to grow it for a LONG time? Oh, and I already got a trim like 3 weeks ago an I NEVER EVER use heat in my hair!Thanks for all of the answers! :) p.s. I do ballet for 5 and a half hours a week :)

A. *** I do this and has been working for 2 years +***


Step 1: Assess YOUR hair type because this will allow you to realize what works for YOU and what doesn't. Also Assess your products that are working and actually not healthy. Think of this as cleaning house because you will be replacing and adding new products to help with your hair growth.

Stick to organic products. Products containing: SULFATE, SODIUM LAURYL, SODIUM LAURETH, AMMONIUM, DIETHANOLAMINE, ETHANOL & ISOPROPYL. ALCOHOL are really bad for your hair.

Heat and Styling are the biggest two problems that stop hair growth. You are doing good with no heat regimen. Wash your hair every other week and co-wash the other. When you wash your hair too much, you wash the natural oils in your hair.

If you did wash your hair too much use an avocado mask treatment (instructions listed below). Co-wash would be washing your hair with a conditioner and no shampoo. Avocado mask you would do once a month. If you do it too much, your hair will have too much essential oils which wont allow the hair to breath (suffocating the growth).

FOODS AND OILS TO MIX FOR HAIR GROWTH TREATMENT:- (Apply in your hair, not eat)
(Avocado Hair Mask includes just avocado or you can use the other foods listed below. Instructions are after these ingredients)

FOODS:
1. Avocado
2. Honey
3. Banana
4. Milk
5. Egg
6. Yogurt

OILS:
1. Jojoba Oil
2. Wheat Germ/Aloe Vera/Coconut Milk
3. Peppermint
4. Lavender
5. Burdock
6. Saw Palmetto
7. Stinging Nettle
8. Rosemary
9. Castor oil
10. Almond oil
11. Coconut oil
12. Cinnamon oil

Mix the foods and or the oil listed above. Apply the mask to your hair for approximately 45 minutes. Take a hand towel (bc it will fit in the pot) and close it up in a twisty with a rubber bands or hair band. Put it a pot to boil. The purpose of this is to generate warmth to your hair so your hair will soak up your concoction. Do this once every month or every other month.


SOME BRIEF DEFINITIONS ON WHAT EACH DOES AND SOME MORE INSTRUCTION ON HAIR REMEDIES.

Eggs contain vitamin A, E and B vitamins for scalp repair and moisture balance as well as vitamin D. A deficiency in vitamin D is directly related to hair loss. Eggs are also rich in protein to strengthen and protect the hair. Protein thickens each strand while the other vitamins encourage and support new hair growth.

Rosemary is a natural stimulant that boosts circulation and encourages growth. Make rosemary oil by combining 3 tablespoons of dried rosemary leaves with 1 cup of olive oil. Heat in microwave and apply with heated towel.

Avocados and bananas aid in hair growth and nourish brittle hair. Bananas strengthen hair because they contain vitamin A and potassium. Vitamin A regulates sebum production in the scalp. This creates a healthy moisture balance that encourages healthy hair growth.

Hope this helps and Good luck

Visit and stay tuned every Tuesday for new postings http://turquoiseknows.blogspot.com/

Original Question

What are the causes of iron loss?

Q. I've researched a little about iron deficiency due to blood loss, sweat, and impact while running, but I want to know more specific causes. Could someone be iron deficient because they lost a lot of blood through donating it? What about people who cut themselves? Are they more at risk because they lose blood on a daily basis? And why are alcoholics more at risk for iron deficiency?

A. The standard minimum hemoglobin requirements would keep somebody with borderline anemia from being able to be a donor in the first place, and somebody who had anemia certainly wouldn't be allowed to donate. The unit of blood that is taken doesn't seriously impact on the donor, the loss is primarily fluid and the cells get replaced fairly quickly. If they even suspected donation would put you at risk, they would turn you down as a donor. Additionally, you can't just donate and donate, day after day. In fact, you can't repeat donate until after 8 weeks after a previous donation. 16 weeks if it was a double red cell donation. People who cut themselves, even on a daily basis, usually don't lose significant amounts of blood for the most part, but I suppose they would have other risk factors which would probably contribute to their overall health and counted together with the minor bleeding might cause them to become anemic. I couldn't say if the cutting behavior alone would be enough. Alcoholics are often anemic because the disease affects liver function, and the fact that most are in a nutritionally challenged state because they drink rather than eat properly. They may develop anemia due to gastric bleeding or a vitamin B deficiency as well. It's rather complicated to explain anemia causes in alcoholics because there are lots of contributing factors related to how the body deals with the metabolism of alcohol and the damages which can be done by it, all of which or any of which can lead to anemia. It also depends on if the person in question is an active drinker or not. Those still active alcoholics are at higher risk than one in long term recovery. The alcoholic in recover may be at higher risk from the physical damage done to the liver. The alcoholic still drinking heavily is at risk because of damage that is ongoing, as well as the nutritional deficit created by the drinking vs. proper diet.
The big trouble with specifically citing a specific cause is that the populations you mention have other factors which can pose a higher risk. Cutters are typically young females, stressed and usually not eating well. Just being female means a certain loss through the monthly cycle, and stress also affects iron levels. And because they usually don't eat well, they may simply not be taking in a sufficient amount of iron to begin with. So while cutting certainly isn't helping matters, it is not the cause in and of itself. The alcoholic may be eating enough dietary iron, but due to a compromised liver function can't utilize it properly. And of course, they may just as easily not be eating enough to begin with. This is the same problem you run into with the athletes. Anemia due to the excess sweating or running is more due to the abuse of the workout, and compounded by the fact that such an athlete probably doesn't eat iron rich foods out of health concerns or a desire to control weight. And a person who experiences anemia due to blood loss from an injury hasn't suffered from a disease process- the anemia is an incidental problem which can be recovered from and not a long term problem. In fact, if a person suffers an injury that causes that much blood loss, they would typically recieve whole blood products and the hemoglobin would be replaced in the process. They would also be given iron as a supplement during the recovery process, just to prevent blood loss anemia from becoming an issue. In your studies, you will want to separate anemia into several categories- that caused by injury, disease- including inherited diseases,and diet/nutritional deficits. Anemia is a symptom of something, not necessarily a disease in and of itself. The treatment is not just to provide exta iron, but also to treat or eliminate the underlying cause.

Original Question

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