Quick vs Sustainable weight loss: What is the difference and why does it matter?

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Photo credit: CNN

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably come across advertisements in various places for different types of weight loss drugs promising to melt the fat so you can achieve the pants size of your dreams. What these ads are not so transparent on is the side effects they can have, the lasting negative effects that may occur, and the fact that you’ll need to stay on them for as long as you want to maintain your weight loss.

While there are clearly cases where the benefits outweigh the risks, for many people they’re just a band aid, a very expensive, and potentially harmful band aid to other possible problem(s) lurking beneath the surfaces that may be the cause of weight issues. 

Without getting to the root cause of the weight management struggle and examining our mental health, as an example to evaluate if there’s a connection there, weight loss simply cannot be sustainable. In addition, there needs to be a clear nutritional and exercise program to go along with these medications to reduce side effects, especially gut health, deal with nutritional deficiencies that come from a lower caloric intake and build muscle mass to fuel metabolism and prevent muscle wasting and bone loss. 

In case you’re not familiar with what I am speaking about, I’m talking about glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) drugs. This class of drugs mimic the action of hormones naturally produced in the gut. These hormones regulate blood sugar levels, stimulate insulin release, and slow down the emptying of the stomach, which can promote feelings of fullness and reduce appetite. 

The appetite-suppressing effects and promotion of weight loss are now key reasons they are widely prescribed, though their original purpose was blood sugar control for people with type 2 diabetes. Don’t get me wrong, for some people they are life changing and a real benefit. For example, they can reduce inflammation, improve fatty liver disease, reduce pressure on joints after losing weight so exercise is more comfortable, and promote a feeling of well-being for those who have tried everything without success. But there are also significant side effects that need to be explored. 

Let’s talk about some of these side effects for the different types of GLP-1 drugs.

There have been several major clinical studies done in the last decade to test the efficacy and safety of GLP-1 injectable and oral drugs. In addition to proving the drug’s benefits for blood sugar control and weight loss, they also exposed the side effects and risks that are commonly associated with these meds.

The 5 major clinical studies I’m talking about are: 

  • STEP (Semaglutide Treatment Effect in People with Obesity) Trials
  • SUSTAIN (Semaglutide Unabated Sustainability in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes) Trials
  • LEADER (Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes: Evaluation of Cardiovascular Outcome Results) Trials
  • SCALE (Satiety and Clinical Adiposity–Liraglutide Evidence) Obesity and Prediabetes Trials
  • PIONEER Trials *focused on oral GLP-1 but provided data applicable to injectables.

Taking a look at the side effects that presented during these 5 studies, the most common for both oral and injectable GLP-1 drugs were gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. The more serious side effects that occurred were pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and potential risks for thyroid tumors and diabetic retinopathy complications.

I do want to highlight, however, that these medications were shown to be effective for both diabetes management and weight loss, with careful monitoring required to manage the risks.

Sources: Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. “Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity.” NEJM, 2021. Marso SP, Bain SC, Consoli A, et al. “Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes.” NEJM, 2016. Marso SP, Daniels GH, Brown-Frandsen K, et al. “Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.” NEJM, 2016. Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. “A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management.” NEJM, 2015. Pratley R, Amod A, et al. “Oral Semaglutide versus Placebo in Type 2 Diabetes.” Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol, 2019.

But what about mental health side effects? 

Good question! 

The clinical trials I listed above did not focus a lot on mental health outcomes, but there was some evidence to suggest a low-level risk of mood changes or depression, particularly in people predisposed to mental health conditions. 

Regulatory agencies, like the EMA and FDA, have flagged mental health issues, such as depression and suicidal thoughts, as potential but rare side effects of GLP-1 drugs used for weight loss. 

So even though these mental health changes are not as common as the gastrointestinal or cardiovascular issues, they should still be considered and monitored by a professional especially if there’s a history of mental health conditions!

Sources: Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, et al. “A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management.” NEJM, 2015. Marso SP, Daniels GH, et al. “Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes.” NEJM, 2016. EMA’s Saxenda safety updates, FDA Saxenda prescribing information. 

What is the difference between taking these quick weight loss drugs vs a sustainable weight loss program?

For anyone who may be taking these drugs, or have consulted with their physician, you may have been told that GLP-1 drugs work best in combination with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and exercise. And I agree! 

That right there is the difference: are you taking the drugs but not making any changes to your habits? 

Most of the time, weight problems are caused by underlying issues that have nothing to do with “being lazy” or “glutinous” like mainstream fat-phobic critics would have us believe. Whether it’s a medical issue, a mental health issue, or a combination of both, it is very important to include the discovery of that in our weight loss and weight management journeys

Make no mistake, these drugs can be lifesavers for people with pre-existing medical conditions where it is of the utmost importance to shift the weight effectively before more serious conditions, comorbidities or diseases, set in.

However, for those of us looking to “shed a few pounds” whether to drop down into a more “healthy weight range” as outlined by our doctors, or for more aesthetic reasons, taking a GLP-1 medication on its own for however long it takes to achieve the desired results is not the sustainable way to do this. The prolonged use of these drugs causes not only a fat mass decrease, but also a loss in muscle mass. 

This loss in muscle mass results in a slower metabolism than before you started the weight loss journey, which makes it increasingly more difficult to maintain any weight loss once going off the medication.  

As a professional, what do I recommend?

I highly recommend that anyone deciding to incorporate GLP-1 weight loss or weight management drugs into their journey do so in conjunction with a medical professional and professional nutritionist coach to support your emotional well-being and uncover underlying issues contributing to your weight gain story. 

In addition, nutritional support to deal with common deficiencies from consuming less essential nutrients like Vitamin D, B12, Iron and calcium is recommended and gut health support to build up the gut microbiome and prevent side effects. Lastly, making sure there is enough protein in the diet to fuel the metabolism and prevent muscle wasting. 

For over 20 years I have helped countless people root out the underlying cause of their weight gain, lose their desired weight, and find sustainable ways to keep it off. Some of the biggest underlying causes I’ve found are:

  • Hormonal disorders/imbalances
  • Underlying inflammation
  • Bad gut bacteria and yeast overgrowth throughout the body
  • Emotional eating due to mental health stressor
  • Inability to moderate food intake for either physical or emotional reasons

My approach with my clients is to use a combination of dietary changes and lifestyle coaching with a variety of clinical tests to find answers to the deep-rooted problems that a traditional doctor may not initially address or look into. About 12 years ago, I decided to go back for additional training in yoga and mindfulness coaching. I did this to help more people who had a greater need to learn stress management techniques and tools to help them heal deep rooted problems that were leading to their symptoms, including weight challenges. The mind, body, and spirit are all connected when it comes to our deep-rooted problems, and addressing all three of these important aspects is what makes my programs unique and life changing.

Are you finding yourself in a difficult position and having challenges with weight loss? Would you like to start off your journey more holistically? Or maybe you’re currently taking a GLP-1 and are in need of assistance to make the weight loss/ weight maintenance sustainable and want help with some of the side-effects you are experiencing? 

Join me in a 90-day coaching program, tailored to your specific needs and designed to help you lose weight and keep it off sustainably. Click here to schedule a free, 15 minute discovery call to find out how I can help you meet your personal health goals, or you can email me at [email protected]. This is a tough journey, but I am here to support you all the way! 

Client Testimonials

“I have been going to Renee for over a year now. At first it was difficult to confide in someone and relinquish food as my comfort source. Renee has shown me, through her compassion and sensitivity , that it was safe for me to actually feel good and want to take care of myself. She has guided me nutritionally so that the weight and inflammation in my body have subsided and this has allowed me to have greater mobility and health. Renee’s knowledge of nutrition is just the tip of the iceberg. Her healing energy and spiritual sessions have been powerful and healing. Treating the source and not just the symptoms, has given me a positive outlook for the future. Thank you Renee.”

– R.Y., NY

I just lost 40.4 pounds while working with Renee Simon. For the last 11 years I have been trying to lose weight. Weight Watchers didn’t work as I would gain all the weight back. My doctor wrote in his files “obese. ”    I tried on my own but of course gained more. My doctor put me on a weight program where a scale is sent to me and whenever I weigh myself it goes  directly to him. I was supposed to be given a nutritionist with the program, but as my luck would have their nutritionist left and I had no one to help me.  I luckily found Renee. It’s been a godsend. I’ve been on the program since January 2023. As of today, September 18th, 2023 I have lost 40.4 pounds. The best part is I’m actually keeping it off. I’m now wearing clothes I haven’t fit into since 2005.  I am so happy I cannot express. The other day I dropped something on the floor and had to bend down to get it. I realized that’s the first time I bent down with absolutely NO difficulty!!!  I cannot recommend Renee‘s talents enough!   

-A.E., FL

Solar Eclipse 2024

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Solar eclipses are a watch worthy natural phenomena and this year we can view it across the United States with 90% or more clarity from many places. But what other meaning does a solar eclipse have? The sight of the moon passing in front of the sun, gradually obscuring its light can be viewed not only with awe but with insight. Here are some things to consider if you are an eclipse fan:

  1. If you are able to view the eclipse outside it’s an opportunity to connect with the natural world and feel the largeness of nature and the cosmos. When we are able to do this regularly it helps us to focus less on ourselves as individuals and any problems or challenges we are facing, even if only for a short time
  2. If you are able to watch the eclipse with a group of folks, sharing in the excitement and wonder of nature, helps us to connect with each other and feel that sense of bonding and community that is so important for physical and emotional health and well-being
  3. Lastly if you are interested in self-growth, eclipses are sometimes associated with new beginnings, personal renewal, and societal transformation

Regardless of your reasons to see the eclipse, I hope you enjoy the experience because you’ll have to wait another 20 years for this opportunity to come again.

Face What You Need to Change

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This quote from James Baldwin really hit home for me. I have been having a few old health issues showing up recently. Whenever there is something challenging it is normal human behavior to try to ignore or hope it goes away. I did that for awhile, fully knowing that there was something deeper emotionally I had to look at. As a mind body practitioner, I truly believe that most physical problems also have a mind/emotional component. When we have a handle on the role the mind and emotions have on the body we can really go deeper into whatever is ailing us, and in many cases the problem will resolve.

I remembered a technique I learned in my Mindfulness Teacher Training class called dialoguing with a symptom or body part and decided to try it. The techniqe is simple. Take some breathes, relax completely and than connect to the part of you that needs support. Once you feel connected start dialoging asking questions such as “why are you there,” “what do you need to tell me,” “what do you need from me to feel better,” etc. After spending a few minutes practicing this technique I got a very strong story as to what the origin of the problem was and what I needed to do to feel better.

If you are struggling with an illness or a symptom of some sort and you have done the traditional medical approach and still not seeing any results, it may be time to look at something deeper. Healing is a complex process that usually needs time and multiple tools to help.

Feel free to contact me if you need help with this practice or any other mindfulness practices to get outside of your head and balance your body, mind and spirit.

 

 

What I learned from tropical storm Isaias

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Storms are hard. There is the fear of not knowing how bad it will be or how to prepare adequately. There is also fear watching the storm with the trees blowing in the wind and seeing branches coming down and hoping nothing will damage your house or property. I have had several trees come down in different storms and damage my house and deck. And then there is the aftermath of the storm in terms of cleaning up the debris, getting all of the trees that are down cut up and off the property and finally getting any lost power, internet and cable back up.

During Isaias, I was home watching the storm and went downstairs to where I felt it safest when the eye of the storm hit about 2 PM. I heard branches come down and later found two down trees on the property where I am renting, one making a nice sized hole in the gravel driveway. We lost power, cable and internet. I was incredibly lucky to have a partial generator which kept my refrigerator going, some lights on as well as microwave and toaster oven. I made 3 nights of prepared foods the night before the storm as a precautionary step. We had extra batteries for 3 lanterns and enough propane for the generator. I felt ready. We were lucky to get our power restored in 2 days. It took over 2 weeks however, to get our internet and cable back.

Here is what I learned from the experience:

  1. Having no cable TV was an inconvenience as I like relaxing with Netflix at night, but I enjoyed playing cards, doing cross word puzzles, reading, doing yoga stretches and drawing in my mandala coloring book. I also just closed my eyes and did nothing for just a few minutes which I seldom do which was very relaxing and helped me to sleep better.
  2. For the first week I stayed positive and upbeat, grateful that I had my power restored, had water, etc. I was fine without internet and used the offices at my town to catch up on email and do zoom yoga and nutrition appointments. They were genuinely nice in giving me the space and I was sure it was only for a few days.
  3. By the beginning of the second week frustration set in. I called Optimum many times and got no where with support and service. First, they refused to send anyone out insisting it was because of electricity outages around, even though we had no electric problems. Later, they sent out several people who were the wrong people and could not fix outside problems. I was on hold waiting to speak to a support person for at least an hour every time and most were from another country and far away from the problem. I felt anger creeping in and a sense of hopelessness and loss of control.
  4. Finally, I surrendered to the situation and gave up worrying about it and was resigned that it would be fixed when it was the right time. It was helpful that a good friend offered a spare room in her house for me to do all of my appointments so although it was inconvenient to run over there so much, I had a plan that was working.
  5. It felt good to relax about it and I realized that there were many others in the same situation, so I had empathy for them instead of worrying about my own situation. I also learned that a lot of my fear -based behavior was from conditioning that I had to get all my work done and not let down any of my clients by canceling appointments.
  6. I came to realize that losing internet and cable was worth the sacrifice so that the town and state senator could escalate the problem and that hopefully if we get a similar storm or worse there will be a better solution.
  7. The bottom line is we are all so dependent on technology these days that if it goes down, we are in trouble. I am hoping the experience will help the cable and utility companies to have a better emergency plan and that our local officials will take them to task with fines or whatever would help to fix the problem.
  8. For me, the bottom line is to be prepared, let go of what I cannot control and remain calm and at peace regardless of the storm. I am hoping we have all built resiliency from this experience that well help us to navigate future storms and other emergencies, as well as the rest of the this Covid experience.

I would love to hear what you have learned from the storm if it effected you and from Covid. My heart goes out to everyone in Louisiana and Tesas that have it much worse with Hurricane Laura.

 

Best Nutrients for Optimal Skin Protection

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Wanna nourish your skin from the inside out? Here are the nutrients I recommend and best dietary sources.

Vitamin A
Vitamin A can treat skin conditions including acne, eczema, psoriasis, cold sores, wounds, burns, and sunburn. DIETARY SOURCES: liver, egg yolks.
Zinc
Plays a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell Division, has anti-inflammatory effects, and protects against UV radiation.
DIETARY SOURCES: red meat such as beef and lamb, and seafood such as oysters, scallops, and other shellfish are the highest animal sources of zinc. Plant foods such as pumpkin seeds and other nuts can also be high in zinc as well, but are less bioavailable.
Vitamin C
Plays a crucial role in the regulation of the structural protein collagen, which is necessary for the extracellular stability of the skin.Vitamin C contributes to better skin appearance and less skin wrinkling. May also help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photo-damage by acting as an antioxidant.
DIETARY SOURCES: bell peppers, guava, dark leafy greens, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kiwi, citrus fruits, strawberries, and parsley are high in vitamin C.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Helps regulate the bodies inflammation levels where too much can cause skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis and rosacea. Omega-3 fatty acids have been demonstrated to inhibit inflammation in the skin caused by UV radiation, and may even reduce the risk of skin cancer.
DIETARY SOURCES: Cold water fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, mackerel, tuna, anchovies, and black cod. Walnuts and flax seed.
Probiotics
Probiotics influence systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, glycemic control, which may have important implications in skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, atopic dermatitis, and psoriasis.
DIETARY SOURCES: fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, yogurt, and kefir in your regular diet.
Vitamin E
Acts as an Important protective factor on the skin’s surface. Vitamin E is a potent anti-inflammatory agent, defending the skin against free radicals, prevents inflammatory damage from sun exposure, helping to reduce the aging and skin cancer risk from excessive UV radiation.
DIETARY SOURCES: soybean, canola, corn, and other vegetable oils. Spinach, turnip greens, chard, sunflower seeds, almonds, bell peppers, asparagus, collards, kale, broccoli, and brussels sprouts. Olive oil contains a moderate amount of vitamin E as well.
Good news, these are similiar to my list for building a strong immunity!
So taking a good multi vitamin and mineral pack with enough A, C, E, and Zinc and a probiotic and fish oil will protect your skin and boost immunity too. For info on my favorite supplement pack, click here

Best and Worst Diets Around The World Article

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Check out my recent article in conjunction with Medscape. Click here.

Weight Loss, High Cholesterol & Triglycerides, Osteoarthritis

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Brian was a retired 60 year old who came to see me to lose weight and lower his cholesterol and triglycerides. He was on medication for high triglycerides and blood pressure.

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To Continue Fertility Treatments or Adopt, That is the Question?

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By: Renee A. Simon, MS, CNS

I’ve worked with many Resolve clients over the years who ponder this question, and I had to answer it myself, twelve year sago. The following are some things for you to think about if you are evaluating this decision.

First is your age and health status. Are you in tip top physical shape? Have you done everything possible to improve your diet and overall hormonal health? As a certified clinical nutritionist I always recommend that you get your body in the best possible physical state to achieve and maintain a healthy pregnancy. This usually takes about 3-9 months and usually involves a diet re-haul, a moderate exercise program, clinical testing to find any undiagnosed nutritional imbalances that might prevent you from getting pregnant, and a stress management program.

If you’ve done this type of work and you have had no success either on you own or through multiple IVF’s then it may be time to move on. Think about how many rounds of fertility drugs you have used, and what the long term effect might be on your body. If you are uncomfortable with this thought then it may a signal to pursue adoption. Your emotional state is key to your outlook on life and has a great impact on your physical wellness. If you are uncomfortable with the recommended treatments or if you cannot deal with the roller coaster of hope leading to disappointment, then it may be time to consider adoption. Adoption may not be an easy road but if you stick with it the outcome will always end up positive.

If you think you might be ready to make the switch first evaluate your own feelings about adoption:

  • Are you satisfied that you can provide a healthy family life for a child?
  • How do you and your family feel about parenting a child who is not biologically related, and may look very different than you do? Even if you feel comfortable your family may be not. Be prepared to discuss this with your extended family in depth, before deciding on the kind of child that you feel comfortable with. That is not to say that if your extended family is uncomfortable you should change your plans. It just means that you should know what opposition may be thrown your way so that you can prepare when you bring your child home. Although many family members who express displeasure with your decision may come around when they get to know the child, you cannot rely on this. It will be important to ensure that your child is exposed as little as possible to negative family members.
  • How do you feel about bringing up a child where there may be a little genetic and medical history information available?
  • Will you be able to put any fears you may have aside about the phantom birth parents coming back to claim your child? (Highly unlikely).

My husband and I made the decision to adopt after I underwent 1 laparotomy removing a cyst the size of an orange from my right ovary and subsequent laparoscopies. I had endometriosis that kept growing back and with each surgery there was scar tissue that surrounded my organs and tissues no matter how clean the job was or who performed it. I was also on a variety of meditation that made me gain weight and grow facial hair. When a new medication was suggested to me that was only clinically tested for male prostate cancer, I decided my body had enough. We began to research adoption and six months later adopted a beautiful newborn girl from Texas.

Our prayers were answers and I knew we made the right decision for us. Rebecca is almost twelve now and while there have been some adoption issues that have come up over the years, she has learned that family is far more than who your birth parents are.

A while ago one of my patients told me she was getting older, her FSH was high and she was planning to pursue adoption. She was coming to see me so she could “get healthy and feel better about herself and if she got pregnant it would be icing on the cake.” She lost 30 lbs, got her FSH down, felt younger and better than she had in years and adopted a baby girl. As an older parent, she had the energy and stamina to take care of her daughter.

The message here is to be good to yourself, heal your own body and emotions and have faith that your desires for a child will be resolved, one way or another.

Renee A. Simon is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, writer and workshop leader. She is President of her own company, Total Wellness, which helps clients restore their body’s to natural balance using food, nutrients, movement, coaching, and breathes work. She works with each individual to address underlying physical and emotional causes that hinder wellness – not just the symptoms. She sees clients in Ridgefield, CT, South Salem and Mount Kisco, NY and can be reached at (914)763-9107. Her book Take Back Your Health will be out in the spring and will have a chapter on female hormone balance and infertility.

Natural Fertility Boosters for Women Over 35

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By Renee A. Simon, MS, CNS

Many women today are waiting longer to conceive their first and second children. This is usually due to either establishing a career first or marrying late or just waiting because they are not ready. It is sometimes a surprise when a year or two goes by and there is no natural conception.

I have helped many couples in this age group over the years to maximize their fertility chances while in many cases working closely with their medical specialist. If a couples’ chances go down due to a combination of normal aging and environmental factors, then I feel it is my job to help boost the odds by making recommendations to get the body in the best possible physical shape it can to conceive and support a pregnancy. Because stress plays such an important role in our overall health status, then it is crucial to include mind/body recommendations to relax the mind, body and spirit while improving the diet and nutrient status. I usually recommend relaxation techniques to my patients such as exercise, yoga, journal writing, meditation, or visualizations to complement the physical component of the program.

The most important dietary guidelines for everyone who is trying to lead a healthier life style is to follow as natural a diet as possible full of whole grains, fresh organic fruits and vegetables and quality low fat protein such as poultry with out the skin, fish (not swordfish and tuna due to high mercury content and other toxins), nuts, eggs, seeds, legumes and beans, and low-fat hormone free dairy products. Processed and fried foods and hydrogenated oils should be minimally used as well as caffeine, refined flour and sugar and alcohol. If this sounds difficult, remember to begin gradually, and it is OK to have some of these foods occasionally as long as the bulk of the diet is healthy.

It is also very important to drink at least six to eight class of water a day. This is important to keep the body hydrated, which will provide more energy, smoother skin and help to clear the toxins out of the system.

In terms of food supplements, many people need help because it is hard to eat healthy, balanced meals full of nutrients all of the time. One of the most important supplements for fertility enhancement is a good natural multi-vitamin/mineral complex to use as the base. Many prescription pre-natal vitamins are synthetic and do not absorb as well as natural vitamins. In addition, many of them have more iron and folic acid, but lack the minerals necessary for absorption of iron and calcium.

In addition to the multi-vitamin, I usually recommend a B-complex vitamin instead of just taking folic acid because B12 is one of the nutrients that can help protect against miscarriage and the whole B family works synergistically to provide more energy and help control stress. Vitamin E is also an important supplement because it keeps glands that make the hormones healthy and acts as a powerful antioxidant to protect the body against toxins. In addition, vitamin C is important for a healthy immune system, and zinc, which keeps the liver functioning properly, is important for healthy hormone production.

There are three particular medical problems related to women over 35, and especially over 40, that I frequently work with in my practice. They are high FSH, which is usually associated with egg quality problems, luteal phase defect and a greater than normal risk for miscarriage.

I will start with high FSH because many infertility clinics use this as a benchmark to determine if a couple should even try fertility treatments on their own or go straight to donor egg. I have consistently seen over the years FSH levels drop to coincide with a women’s improved nutritional status and overall better health and well-being. That the FSH level drops is just one indicator that everything is working better. One of the tests that I often recommend when taking on a new patient is a hair analysis for mineral and toxic metal status. Many times the results suggest low adrenal and thyroid function, overall lack of minerals, some which are very important for hormone function, and high copper (often due to years of birth control bills or IUD), aluminum, or mercury. When these problems are addressed nutritionally, there is often improvement in overall health and many times a drop in the FSH. Healthier diet and exercise programs as well as practicing stress management techniques are particularly important here.

The second problem, luteul phase defect, usually means altered hormonal secretions leading to a shortened second half of the menstrual cycle or possibly no ovulation or low progesterone. I often recommend a salivary female hormone profile be done in addition to the blood work traditionally done by the doctor. The saliva test uses 11 samples over 28 days to track the entire menstrual cycle. If luteul phase defect appears to be the problem, the herb Vitex may be helpful. Vitex helps the body naturally produce more progesterone . Some natural progesterone cream given on day 12 until menstruation can also be helpful if indicated. There are other herbs that have mild estrogenetic properties that may help if there is low estrogen.

Lastly, is the devastating possibility of miscarriage, which tends to be more prevalent in certain couples. From a nutritional perspective there has been some clinical data on lack of B12 being a possible cause of miscarriage as well as not enough vitamin C and E to help with free radical damage that might increase the odds of miscarriage. According to an article in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine, one woman suffered 7 miscarriages before doctors discovered that she was deficient in vitamin B12. The woman went on to have 3 children after the problem was corrected. Women who follow a vegan diet are more prone to B12 deficiency.

According to an article in New Scientist, a hereditary lack of an enzyme called G6PD may cause millions of miscarriages a year. But consuming antioxidant nutrients may offset the harmful effects of this genetic problem. By taking the basic nutrients that were mentioned earlier, the chances of miscarriage can be lessened.

In closing, I hope that this article has given you some insight and knowledge about some of the things that are in your power to control to help with this seemingly uncontrollable process. I recommend that you don’t self-prescribe the supplements and tests mentioned but instead work with your medical doctor and a qualified clinical nutritionist to design a diet and nutritional program for you to tip the conception odds in your favor.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Renee A. Simon is a certified Clinical Nutritionist and wellness educator. She is a long time member and supporter of Resolve and frequently speaks at their educational meetings. She has helped numerous Resolve members put programs together to help them conceive over the years. Ms. Simon practices in Ridgefield, CT and South Salem, NY. She can be reached at (914) 763-9107 or [email protected] to set up a phone consultation or office visit.