PCOS Review Newsletter #105

A free health newsletter for women with polycystic ovary syndrome or polycystic ovaries.   Issue #105      May 2, 2010

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1) Seven Ways NAC Might Be Useful to You

2) Sasha's Success Story

3) How to Promote Fertility Naturally with Naturopathic Medicine

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1) Seven Ways NAC Might Be Useful to You

NAC (n-acetyl-cysteine) is a substance that has antioxidant properties. Adequate antioxidants are essential for protecting your cells from damage.

NAC is not found in the diet but is available as a nutritional supplement. It is also available as a FDA-approved prescription drug.

Research is suggesting that NAC has a number of possible uses for women who have PCOS:

• Reduce insulin resistance.
• Improve probability of ovulation.
• Reduce inflammation.
• Improve detoxification.
• Reduce consequences of NASH (non-alcoholic liver disease).
• Reduce pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
• Reduce "advanced glycation products" (AGEs).

In this article, we'll just briefly review the last item in the list: AGEs (advanced glycation products).

Glycation is the result of sugars combining with protein or fats. The combined materials are referred to as advanced glycation products or AGEs.

Some AGEs are benign but for the most part they are harmful or toxic. Typically, they cause inflammation and have been linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer, peripheral neuropathy and other chronic disorders. AGEs may also shorten your lifespan.

Other AGEs are found in your diet. Any foods containing sugars, protein and fat will produce AGEs when they are subjected to heat while cooking or processing. Some processed foods also have AGEs added to them to improve flavor or give them a more appealing color.

A few examples are donuts, barbecued meats, baked goods, French fries, and dark colored soda pop. Another example is dark colored agave syrup, which some people mistakenly assume is a healthy sweetener. AGEs in processed foods is one reason why you will not find these types of foods in The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility ebook.

Other AGEs occur inside your body as a byproduct of your metabolic processes. You stimulate AGE production when you consume foods that are high in sugars, including especially processed fructose such as high fructose corn syrup.

Another problem with excessive levels of AGEs is that they increase the probability of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia. Moreover, they are toxic to your developing baby.

It appears that NAC might reduce the risk of AGEs to an unborn fetus. The Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine in Japan studied rat embryos that were exposed to AGEs. Some of the embryos were also exposed to NAC. They discovered that NAC reduced the levels of AGEs in the treated embryos.

In summary, NAC is a nutritional supplement that may be helpful in a number of ways, especially if your diet is not so good.

You can find more information about NAC here.

Source:
Hao L et al, Adverse effects of advanced glycation end products on embryonal development, Acta Med Okayama. 2008 Apr;62(2):93-9

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2) Sasha's Success Story

It's so very important to remind ourselves that we are not alone...and to be inspired by others! There are thousands of women just like you who are trying to figure out how to overcome symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome such as infertility, acne, hair loss, weight gain and hirsutism.

Here is a success story from Sasha, who lives in Toronto.

"Hi Ladies :)

I was diagnosed with PCOS at 20. I have had my period since I was 10 years old, and it has always been irregular. Unfortunately, my family doctor always told me that this was normal, even though I could always sense that something was wrong.

A transvaginal ultrasound confirmed that I had PCOS and at that point, the specialist I was referred to put me on the Birth Control Pill. I proceeded to use this method of "treatment" for the next six years.

At 26, I found myself having sporadic breakouts of cystic acne, struggling with hair growth, hair loss and painful periods. It was only until I gained 23 pounds in a matter of three months that I realized that something was completely wrong.

It was at this moment that I decided to take control of my health.

I had never had issues with my weight. I had always been able to eat anything, in any quantity, with seemingly no consequences to my health or my waistline.

Furthermore, I trusted my specialist to prescribe treatments that would have maximum benefits with minimum risks. I now realize that the birth control pill is simply a mask for this disorder; it does nothing to tackle the root issues of the disorder.

I spent months researching alternative therapies for PCOS. All of my efforts led to one simple truth; there can be no success in tackling this disorder without implementing lifestyle changes.

The fact is that women who struggle with this disorder will have to fight daily for the rest their lives.

It was incredibly frustrating and discouraging to realize that I would have to make great changes to my diet, even though I was already eating much healthier than anyone else I knew. Unfortunately, a healthy diet for the average person differs from what is required for a woman with PCOS.

I found this website and I ordered the book "The Natural Diet Solution for PCOS and Infertility". This was in October of 2008. It was the best decision I ever made…"

Click here to read the rest of Sasha's story and her hard-fought victories over PCOS.

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3) How to Promote Fertility Naturally with Naturopathic Medicine

By Amy Day, ND

Making a baby. It seems very simple. Sperm meets egg, cells divide, wait nine months and ta da… baby is born. For many couples, this is a natural process that takes place without a glitch.

However, when you've been diagnosed with PCOS, you know you will face additional challenges and things might just not work out that easily. Actually, all the steps are so complicated that it's a bit of a miracle that it ever works out for anybody.

Whether you are planning for a pregnancy now, preserving your fertility for the future or are actively treating your infertility, natural medicine can help. Taking steps to improve your health will treat your PCOS symptoms and improve your chances of a successful conception, plus you will set the stage for a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby.

Click here to read the rest of Dr. Day's article…she gives you 9 valuable fertility tips.

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Thought for Today: "Don't be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams." -- Anon.