Focus on Health

• Today’s clothing industry is a seven trillion dollar a year industry that uses an astounding 8,000 synthetic chemicals;
• Consumers have the mistaken illusion that synthetic fibers in clothing are safe;
• For over half a century people have been reacting negatively to chemicals interacting with their skin causing disorders like infertility, respiratory diseases, contact dermatitis and, yes, even cancer;
• The more synthetic clothing you wear, the greater your risk of absorbing toxic chemicals that can precipitate health conditions most often not attributed to synthetic fibers.

Key Points

• Your skin is the largest organ of elimination and absorption—what goes ON the skin goes IN the body;
• When toxins are absorbed through your skin, they are taken-up by the lymphatic system, then into the blood stream and eventually the liver—the chemical-processing plant of the body responsible for removing toxins;
• Your skin also keeps you healthy by actually venting approximately one pound of toxins daily;
• Petrochemical fibers restrict and suffocate your skin—shutting down toxic release rather than allowing it to escape—contributing to your total body burden and may be the trigger for the onset of disease;
• A “toxic soup” is created when combining multiple chemicals that interact to create an even more toxic substance and health consequences than individual chemicals by themselves.

Fabric may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about living a healthier lifestyle, but it definitely should be considered. Even many “health nuts” don’t realize that synthetic fabrics are teaming with chemicals and dyes that cannot be washed out, making them a potential health hazard.

Most synthetic fabrics, from towels to dress shirts and bed linens, are treated with chemicals during and after processing. These chemicals not only leach into the environment, impacting groundwater, wildlife, air and soil, but they also may be absorbed or inhaled directly.

“The use of man-made chemicals is increasing, and at the same time we have warning signals that a variety of wildlife and human health problems are becoming more prevalent,” says Dr. Richard Dixon, Head of the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) Scotland. “It is reckless to suggest there is no link between the two and give chemicals the benefit of the doubt. Urgent action is needed to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives especially in clothing and other consumer products.”

WWF is so concerned about one fairly new clothing additive that they advised parents to check their children’s clothing labels. If the chemical is on it, they advise switching to clothing made from natural fibers whenever possible.

Teflon in Your Trousers
The chemicals that the WWF was warning about are perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), which include the non-stick additive Teflon. These chemicals are increasingly being added to clothing because it makes them last longer and also can make them wrinkle-free. Most clothing labeled “no-iron” contains PFCs.

I have written about and consulted with patients worldwide regarding their allergic responses from synthetic fibers—bedding, clothing, car interiors, exercise/athletic clothing, mattresses, hats, etc.—that said, the frequency of recent incidents is very alarming to me and it should be to you. The allergic responses now commonly being reported as a result of these synthetic chemicals include, but are definitely not limited to:

• Skin rashes and lesions that can be cancerous
• Nausea
• Unexplained fatigue
• Burning and itching
• Unexplained headaches
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty breathing
• Reoccurring sinus infections not previously experienced
• Sudden inflammation and pain; especially in soft tissues

Keep in mind that if you have mysterious “invisible illnesses” that linger and yet you’re told “everything is within normal range,” it’s time to look into whether the fibers your clothes and bedding are made of could be the problem; it is for many.

Recent Case History:
The following is a quote from a patient of mine who I have worked with via long-distance for years. Hopefully her experience will assist others when mysterious skin eruptions appear and to further make my point about the toxicity of chemicals used in synthetic fibers and coloring.

“I wore a white cotton tank top with orange embroidery around the neck line. After a few hours the skin around the neck line was scratchy and bothersome so I removed the garment. I noticed small red irritation where the embroidery touched my skin but really thought very little of it as I assumed it would go away. After a few weeks the skin still appeared irritated so I started using my ‘safe’ moisturizing lotion. When this had no affect I saw a dermatologist and explained the situation. He determined the skin was pre-cancerous and prescribed a cortisone ointment for the next five weeks. If the skin is not completely healed at the end of this time the doctor said we need to remove it. I questioned the dermatologist about how and why this happened and he informed me that skin irritations such as these can lead to cancer.

I have been very careful to wear only 100 percent cotton for years and soak/wash any new clothes four times (powdered milk soak, safe detergent, vinegar, baking soda) prior to use since I have been immune challenged for years.

I have noticed that even if I touch my father’s colored cotton/polyester blend shirts/socks that I feel an odd sensation in my fingertips. This does not persist but is a very strange feeling. I have similar experiences with the cloth grocery bags from health food stores that make me immediately put it down. It is not the exact feeling of a static shock but close. The dermatologist shared with me that he has seen this type of reaction from other patients that can only be attributed to toxic chemicals and dyes used in manufacturing.”

1. Easy Care—Wrinkle-free, shrinkage-free—these garments release formaldehyde;
2. Water Repellent—Fluoropolymers (as in Teflon) are used to repel oil and water;
3. Flame Retardants;
4. Bacterial and Fungicidal Chemicals—Triclosan and nano-particles are used for these purposes, dangerous neurotoxins and irritants.

• Anti-cling, anti-static, anti-shrink
• Waterproof
• Perspiration-proof
• Moth-proof and mildew resistant
• Chlorine resistant

It’s also used in dyes and printing to fix the design and prevent “running.” It is widely used in bedding so it’s best to use bedding that is all cotton and in light or white colors to eliminate risk from formaldehyde used to set colored fabrics.

What You Need to Know

• Most governments restrict formaldehyde levels in clothing… but NOT the U.S. One of the worst offenders is China. Beware of “Made in China” labels.
• Use of formaldehyde in clothing is extremely widespread. There have even been lawsuits alleging high levels of it in Victoria’s Secret bras.
• High temperatures and humidity make “poison clothes” even worse—they open your pores and increase chemical absorption.
• You absorb formaldehyde from multiple sources daily, so don’t be fooled by manufacturers’ reassurances.
• Disperse Blue Dyes may look gorgeous—even regal—but they put you at high risk for contact dermatitis. . . especially dark blue, brown, and black synthetic clothing. It’s important to note—laundering does not reverse that risk.
• Worse. . . Disperse Blue # 1 is classified as a human carcinogen due to high malignant tumor levels in lab animals.
• Incidentally, you might be interested to know that this dye also shows up in cosmetics and semi-permanent hair dyes.

Fire and Burn Hazards
The U.S. Marine Corps now prohibits troops in Iraq from wearing synthetic clothing while off base . . . after too many unfortunate burns from soldiers wearing polyester, acrylic, and nylon—which readily melts in high heat and fuses to the skin. (What did you expect? This stuff is a first cousin to plastic—both products of the oil industry.)

Of course, that begs the question of whether flame retardants are safer. . .

Historical Perspective
Flame Retardant use began in 1971, when government required children’s sleepwear to be self-extinguishing; their solution was to add Brominated Tris. Studies measuring urine samples showed that this chemical is readily absorbed.

Brominated Tris is a mutagen*, and causes cancer and sterility in animals and have also shown they cause testicular atrophy and sterility.
*Mutagens cause inheritable mutations by damaging DNA

Tris was banned in children’s clothing in 1977 (but lives on in upholstered furniture foam, baby carriers, and bassinets). Today most synthetic fabrics contain a new generation of flame retardants bonded into the fabric, which must survive 50+ washings.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s National Burn Center, only 36 children a year suffer serious injuries from sleepwear catching fire. My heart goes out to these tragic victims and their families. But is the toxic contamination of millions of children worth protecting 36 children per year from burns?

The Way I See It
This sort of regulation is a product of the “precautionary principle”—the notion that there should be no limit to the amount of money spent or the amount of inconvenience inflicted on millions of people when it comes to preventing rare dangers that affect a tiny number of people. The mania for making our society risk-proof and accident-proof actually increases danger in many cases.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission exempts certain sleepwear from flammability standards. Two companies selling kids’ sleepwear without flame retardants are L.L.Bean and Lands’ End.

But it’s not just children’s sleepwear—demand is high for fire-retardant uniforms and civilian clothing.

Lab studies show that flame retardants (PBDEs) can cause a slew of health issues—thyroid problems, brain damage, ADHD symptoms, fertility problems and even cancer.

• Scientists find that restrictive bras suppress the lymphatic system—needed to flush toxins from your breasts and lymph nodes and to help prevent breast cancer;
• Despite wide appeal of synthetic athletic apparel, medical studies show that synthetic fibers cause muscle fatigue— which can make the difference between winning and losing for competitive athletes;
• A study of 24–27-year-old-males, showed that natural linen long sleeved shirts were worn for five hours—and then polyester ones were worn for another five hours. Their arms were monitored during both with electrodes measuring skin temperature and velocity of the men's muscle tissue. No changes were measurable when they wore linen. However, when they donned polyester they endured a range of muscle disruptions.

• While individual chemicals might not endanger your health, the synergistic effect of multiple chemicals (a “toxic soup”) interacting can have unpredictable negative health effects;
• Choose natural fibers. While not always as easy to find, its best to do so when possible:

Cotton — preferably organic still remains the “king” of textiles. Organic accounts for less than one percent of worldwide production;
Flax — one of nature’s strongest fibers;
Hemp — grows without any need for fungicides, herbicides, or pesticides because it’s naturally insect-resistant. Its fibers are reported to be four times stronger than cotton. This is NOT the hemp known for its mind-altering properties;
Silk —known as the “queen of fabrics.” Watch out for the use of synthetic dyes in this fiber.
Wool —most of today’s wool is contaminated with chemicals, i.e., pesticides used to kill parasites. But organic wool is becoming more common.
Other — alpaca, angora, camel, cashmere, mohair, ramie, aluyot.

You Need to Know…
The Organic Trade Association estimates that one non-organic cotton T-shirt uses one-third pound of pesticides and fertilizers. Cotton production uses one-fourth of the entire world’s fertilizers. It’s another good reason to choose organic cotton to add to the ones above.

Don’t get over-whelmed, start small. Choose organic for clothing closet to your skin most of the time—underwear, sleepwear, camisoles, sheets/pillow cases, etc. Build on your organic wardrobe as you replace items.

Are You Getting a Charge? Electrostatic charges accumulate in synthetic clothing. There are reported incidents of shocking mini-explosions from mixing layers of synthetic clothing with synthetic carpeting. And get this…synthetic undergarments contribute to infertility in men.

A 24-month study of male dogs wearing either loose-fitting polyester underpants or loose-fitting cotton ones showed that wearing polyester created significant decreases in sperm count and degeneration of the testes. The animals wearing cotton suffered no side effects. (And, please, no emails to the editor about dogs wearing underwear. I agree, it sounds silly but no humans would volunteer!)

Scientists hypothesize that polyester traps body heat, encourages chemical absorption, and creates electrostatic buildup… which all affect sperm count.

Personal Perspective
I'm mindful of the problems with synthetic fibers and dyes because (cancer concerns aside) I'm sensitive to a wide range of chemicals as are most of my patients.

A few years ago I bought a beautiful set of sheets from an upscale store. The label said they were 100 percent cotton, but after sleeping in them a few nights I experienced all my old fibromyalgia pains that had long ago resolved (unless I eat foods in the nightshade genre or consume MSG) and I was now again experiencing bone and muscle pain from head to toe. Repeated washings didn't get out whatever the offending substance was—it never does.

I got a terrible reaction from the dyes or maybe the chemicals used to make those all-cotton sheets "no-iron." You can only imagine what true synthetic cloth can do to us; after all, it's largely a product of the oil industry. After I switched to a high-quality set of organic sheets, all my symptoms were resolved.

Invisible Saboteurs
We have the illusion that clothes made from synthetic fibers are safe, but the materials are in fact full of invisible chemicals the clothing industry prefers we donft think about.

A hundred years ago, clothing was made of natural fibers like cotton, flax, wool, and silk—synthetics weren't developed until the early 1900s.

Although rayon was introduced in 1924, the first truly synthetic fiber was nylon, made by DuPont from the petro-molecule toluene. Nylon was first used because it was a popular material for women's stockings and later panty hose.

• Acrylic (1950), aka, "wash-and-wear fabrics"—a "revolutionary time-saving leap" for homemakers.
• Polyester (1953), "wrinkle free" fabrics developed from xylene and ethylene.
• Spandex and olefin (1959), which became the mainstay of sportswear, swim suits, and thermal underwear. Olefin is produced by "cracking" petroleum molecules into propylene and ethylene gases.

The Way I See It
Don't wait until you or a loved one has a health issue before changing the products you purchase. Yes, organic cotton does cost a bit more...but then...isn't it more cost effective to stay healthy than to get well?

I'm especially concerned about pregnant woman and their newborn children, make the decision as parents and grandparents to create a safe nontoxic nursery beginning with non-toxic no VOC paint to hard surface flooring, the crib and bedding and the clothing used for a newborn whose immune system is not fully developed to provide maximum protection, naturally. 

1. www.cancerdefeated.com Clement, Anna Maria, and Clement, Brian, Killer Clothes: How Seemingly Innocent Clothing Choices Endanger Your Health . . . And How to Protect Yourself! Hippocrates Publications, 2011. p. 75.
2. http://www.cool-organic-clothing.com/organic-clothes.html Much of the information in this article was taken from the book Killer Clothes, by the Clements.

1. www.cancerdefeated.com
2. Clement, Anna Maria, and Clement, Brian, Killer Clothes: How Seemingly Innocent Clothing Choices Endanger Your Health . . . And How to Protect Yourself! Hippocrates Publications, 2011. p. 75.
3. http://www.cool-organic-clothing.com/organic-clothes.html

Whenever a woman is considering some form of contraception, her doctor will immediately offer her a smorgasbord of options. Of course, the Birth Control Pill made with a combination of estrogen and progestins will usually be the first recommendation. But, she could also choose an implant called Nexplanon®, a tiny, thin rod about the size of a matchstick that is surgically implanted under the skin of the upper arm, releasing progestin for up to four years. Or, perhaps, she would prefer the NuvaRing®, a small, flexible ring containing estrogen and progestin inserted into the vagina and removed after three weeks and a new ring inserted one week later.

The choices keep coming. There is always the Depo shot (AKA Depo-Provera), an injection of progestin that prevents ovulation for up to three months. For women who prefer something other than the Pill or inserted devices, there is the Xulane® Patch (which replaced the Ortho Evra birth control patch now only available in Europe and Canada). The transdermal patch sticks to the body and releases synthetic estrogen and progestin hormones directly through the skin. It works mainly by preventing the release of an egg (ovulation) during your menstrual cycle. A new patch is used each week for three weeks and a week with no patch (during your period).

A Little Secret About All Hormonal Contraceptives
The two main ingredients in hormonal contraceptives are either a combination of estrogen and progestin (a synthetic form of the natural hormone progesterone) or progestin-only contraceptives. There are well-noted "minor" side-effects experienced by many women that include breast tenderness, weight gain, skin and acne issues, hair loss, increased facial hair growth, nausea, nutrient depletion, mood swings, vaginitis, varicose veins and decreased libido.

Major mood changes including depression, anxiety, irritation, and angry outbursts are commonly experienced. A study published in JAMA Psychiatry found that women using hormonal contraception faced a 23 percent greater incidence of developing depression and greater use of antidepressants than women who did not use the drugs. Among teens using these contraceptives, that rate nearly doubled.

However, there are even more serious problems. The hormonal combinations increase the risk of blood clots, strokes, heart attacks, migraines, high blood pressure, gall bladder disease, benign liver tumors, decreased bone density, infertility and yeast overgrowth. They alter the vaginal environment making it more hospitable to sexually transmitted diseases. Birth control pills adversely affect the beneficial microbiome in the intestines, which means a women is more susceptible to yeast overgrowth, has lower immunity and more frequent infections.

Using hormonal contraceptives is playing Russian roulette with your health. These hormone combinations increase the levels of clotting factors and are responsible for a three-to four-fold increase in the incidence of blood clots. The FDA warns that the patch version poses an even greater risk because the level of estrogen absorbed from the patch is 60 percent more than the amount delivered by the pills. A blood clot can occur in a leg (deep vein thrombosis) or in the lung (pulmonary embolism) and can lead to death.

The most alarming, yet least known, problem is the fact that estrogen and progestin can cause cancer. Both the World Health Organization's cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Toxicology Program have listed estrogens and progestins as known human carcinogens. What this means is that taking any of the hormonal contraceptive choices will increase the risk of developing breast, cervical, uterine, ovarian, or liver cancers. And, the younger the age of a woman when she begins using them, the greater her lifetime risk.

Modern women are caught in a terrible dilemma. While they want to control their fertility, they don't want to have to gamble with their health.

Smart Women's Choice Vaginal Gel—A Revolution In Totally Effective, Totally Safe Contraceptives.

There is really good news for women! Thanks to the passion and dedication of one woman to save women's lives, there is now an alternative to the dangerous hormonal contraceptives: Smart Women's Choice. SWC is a vaginal gel that contains no hormones and no spermicides; it is proven 100 percent effective, completely safe and causes no harmful side effects whatsoever.

Françoise Farron, PhD, an outstanding biochemist, earned her degree from New Your University Medical School and went on to work at Harvard Medical School, studying control mechanisms of cell growth, as part of a larger program designed to understand the phenomenon of uncontrolled growth in cancer cells.

Francoise knew of the contraceptive formula since her own reproductive years; she used it and it worked for her. But she was not going to abandon her fascinating and successful studies at Harvard to go into the birth control business—until tragedy struck. Her friend's daughter suddenly died from a blood clot while using the NuvaRing®. At that juncture, Francoise felt a personal obligation to bring her discovery of a safe contraceptive to market, to make it available to all women who wanted to avail themselves of its unique advantages.

Smart Women's Choice, is a novel approach to effective protection from unwanted pregnancies and works in an entirely different way from hormone-based birth control methods.

In order for fertilization to occur, the sperm must travel from the vagina, were it is deposited during intercourse, up the fallopian tubes to merge with an egg that has been released by the ovaries. But Smart Women's Choice completely immobilizes the sperm in the vagina, within seconds; therefore the sperm cannot make the journey from the vagina into the fallopian tubes and thus, never encounters the egg; so fertilization cannot and does not take place.

No fertilization = No pregnancy

Since SWC does not alter or affect a woman's hormonal system, there are no harmful side-effects. Smart Women's Choice is a simple solution to prevent fertilization; it's amazing that no one has thought of it before. It is unique and effective; a patent has been filed and is pending.

Where's the proof? Dr. Martin Bastuba, Medical Director at Male Fertility Specialists and head of one of the foremost fertility clinics in Southern California, performed a motility test on sperm samples to study the effectiveness of Smart Women's Choice on the motility of spermatozoa.

The results presented in the accompanying table show unequivocally that SWC vaginal gel immobilizes sperm completely at all dilutions. If spermatozoa are totally immobilized in the vagina and, thus, unable to travel up the fallopian tubes fertilization cannot and does not occur.

Conclusion: The results presented in the table above show unequivocally that SWC does agglutinate sperm to varying degrees, and immobilizes sperm completely at all dilutions. If sperm is immobilized and thus cannot travel up the fallopian tubes fertilization cannot occur.

Women around the world who have decided to use Smart Women's Choice are delighted with its effectiveness in preventing unwanted pregnancies and a total absence of ill side effects.

Smart Women's Choice has been selling for over three years with a terrific track record. More than 1,500 women have been using SWC with no pregnancies reported so far.

Pharmacist, nutritionist and author, Ross Pelton, RPh, CCN recommends Smart Women's Choice. "I have been a long-time supporter of women's health issues. One of my concerns is the side effects caused by birth control pills. Consequently, I authored 'The Pill Problem,' which teaches women how to prevent the side effects from birth control pills. A safe form of contraception for women would be of tremendous worldwide health benefit to women (and their spouses if women are avoiding the side effects of BC pills & IUDs). I am happy to report that a safe form of contraception for women has been developed. It is named Smart Women's Choice. It works by causing the entire ejaculate to coagulate. Thus, the sperm are prevented from traveling up the fallopian tubes where fertilization takes place. The coagulate exits the vagina at the end of the intercourse and then rinse with water. It is easy and pleasant to use."

How To Use Smart Women's Choice
Using it is as simple as one, two, three!

Step 1: Squeeze approximately one inch of Smart Women's Choice birth control gel onto your middle finger.

Step 2: Insert into the vagina immediately before having sex. It helps lubricate for comfort, too. If you have sex repeatedly in short succession, you have to reapply SWC every time.

Step 3: After completion, just rinse with water to restore the vagina to its normal acidity.

Women Deserve a Safe, Non-Hormonal Alternative!
Ever since the Pill was first released in 1960, it has been fraught with serious side effects. Some of them have even been fatal. Women were forced to make the difficult decision, Use the Pill or some other hormone-based contraception and take your chances with the many uncomfortable side-effects and potentially dangerous consequences or risk an unwanted pregnancy. It has taken almost 60 years to find a truly safe natural contraceptive. Dr. Francoise Farron, a fiercely determined woman, has been passionate about her mission to save the lives of women worldwide. After years of research, she has succeeded in bringing her vision of a truly safe and effective, non-hormonal contraceptive solution, called Smart Women's Choice, into the world. As usual, it takes a woman! To learn more go to smartwomenschoice.com.

Infertility affects many young couples (estimates are as high as ~ 1 in 6), and the prevalence is increasing. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Survey of Family Growth done back in 1995 showed 6.1 million infertile women ages 15 to 44, 9.1 million using infertility services, and 2.1 million infertile married couples in the United States.¹ According to a press release from the National Fertility Association, the data from 2002 indicates an increase in the number of infertile people in the United States to 7.3 million.²

These numbers are continuing to rise as sperm counts drop worldwide and undiagnosed thyroid problems increase—so you are not alone. "It looks as if the amount of infertility in the Western world could double in the next decade," Prof. Bill Ledger, a fertility expert at Sheffield University in England, told a June 2005 meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology.

Various factors may be responsible for the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy. Despite research showing that fertility declines after age 30, women are delaying having children. Infertility may be caused by ovulatory, anatomic, immunologic, infectious, nutritional or hormonal factors on the woman's side. In men, abnormalities of semen parameters are the most common contributors. In 1940, the average sperm count was 113 million/ ml. By 1990 this had dropped to 66 million sperm/ml and semen volume dropped ~ 20 percent from 3.4 to 2.75 cc. These represent an ~ 60 percent decrease in sperm per ejaculate over a 50 year period.³ Treatments that improve cellular energy production may dramatically increase sperm motility.

After a thorough work-up, treatment can sometimes be planned that aims to correct the problems identified. In many cases, however, the cause of the infertility remains unexplained. In this setting, the only option many couples are given is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). IVF is given attention because it costs ~ $30,000+, while research on inexpensive natural options has been ignored (not because doctors don't care, but simply because no one will pay to publicize the information).

The good news is there are many natural ways to improve all steps of the reproductive process. A large number of studies have successfully explored the use of individual nutritional and hormonal therapies to do this, resulting in women with unexplained/ untreatable infertility often getting pregnant!

For The Woman

Life Style Education
These are important things to avoid from now until after you are three months pregnant, as they can cause infertility. Just do the best you can with these guidelines—OK to not be "perfect" with them.

1. Avoid coffee and sodas⁵ (Tea is OK). Coffee and sodas inhibit fertility-often markedly. Especially avoid caffeine if your Prolactin blood test is LOW as it can lower it further.
2. Avoid melatonin (which is sometimes used to treat insomnia) as it can affect reproductive hormones.⁶
3. Avoid taking over 900 mg of supplemental Vitamin C (causes reversible infertility). Taking 750 mg a day of Vitamin C however helps infertility⁷ so we will supply this amount. Do not take over 7000 units of Supplemental Vitamin A (causes birth defects—beta carotene is OK) daily. The supplement we supply has 3500 IU of Vitamin A (the other 3500 IU it contains is beta carotene).
4. Avoid hot tubbing (it increases birth defect risks). A hot bath, which is not over 100 degrees in temperature, is a safer way to relax. In a bath much of your upper body will remain out of the water, making you less likely to overheat. Additionally, the water in a bath begins to cool off, as opposed to a hot tub, further reducing any risk of overheating.⁸ A hot tub is usually set at 102–104 degrees, which can overheat your body and can harm the baby.
5. Avoid a high protein/Atkins' diet⁹(an Atkins like diet in a rat study decreased fertility over 50 percent).
6. No alcohol if Prolactin levels are higher than 10 (and avoid in general as is convenient).¹⁰
7. Avoid vaginal lubricants such as FemGlide, Replens and Astroglide, which can damage sperm. Pre-seed brand is OK.¹¹
8. If you smoke, stop till after the baby is born. Smoking contributes to infertility in many ways.¹²

Lifestyle Things To Do To Help Get Pregnant

1. It works best to have intercourse on the day you ovulate and up to four days before (otherwise "ad lib" whenever you feel like it). It is OK to have intercourse multiple times during this period. For purposes of getting pregnant, intercourse even one day after ovulation is unlikely to result in pregnancy—but OK to do anyway for its other benefits.
2. Enjoy milk products but use regular ones that have the normal amount of milk fat (e.g.-whole milk) instead of low fat or fat free milk products. In a Harvard study, high intake of low-fat dairy foods was associated with an increased risk of infertility, while an increased intake of high-fat dairy foods was associated with a lower risk of infertility. Women consuming at least two servings of low-fat dairy foods per day showed an 85 percent increased risk of infertility. On the other hand, women consuming at least one serving of highfat dairy foods per day showed a 27 percent reduced risk of infertility.¹³ Whole milk products (instead of low fat ) also taste better!

Treatments

1. Supply overall nutritional support with the "Energy Revitalization Powder" by Enzymatic Therapy and a healthy, wellbalanced diet.^14,15,16,17 As noted above, dieting and high protein/ low carbohydrate diets are to be avoided.^18,19 Stay on these when you get pregnant and through breast feeding.
2. Add prescription Armour thyroid 30 mg adjusted to dose that feels best (to a maximum of 90 mg) or Synthroid 25–75 mcg 19 A&B while keeping Free T4 < 75 percent of the upper limit of normal. Take it in the morning. DO NOT TAKE IRON OR CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS WITHIN SIX HOURS OF THE THYROID DOSE, OR THE THYROID WILL NOT BE ABSORBED. Take your calcium at dinner and bedtime. If you get shaky or hyper or racing heart, lower the thyroid dose (or stop it) and discuss with your doctor. Stay on the thyroid through your pregnancy (it supports a healthy pregnancy).
3. Optimize iron levels. If the ferritin blood test is under 80 or iron percent saturation under 25 percent, treat with an iron tablet one a day after 2 PM on an empty stomach.^20,21 Continue the iron through your pregnancy.
4. If PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) is present (often present when testosterone or DHEA-S levels are elevated), research shows that treatment with the medication metformin 1500–2000 mg/day not only increased fertility, but also decreased the risk of serious birth defects considerably.^{22,23,24,25,2}6
5. If the Prolactin level is over 10, alcohol and melatonin, (which can raise Prolactin) are to be strictly avoided. Vitamin B6 100 mg or as needed to bring Prolactin within the normal range (but not greater than 200 mg of B6) should be added. Stop the extra B6 (except for what is in the B complex) around seven months into the pregnancy (otherwise it can suppress breast milk).
6. If folic acid levels are low (lowest 20 percent of normal range) a blood test looking for wheat allergies will be recommended and a gluten free diet instituted if positive. Also Folic Acid 5 mg BID will then be added.²⁷

For The Man

Life Style Education
These are important things to avoid from now until after your wife gets pregnant, as they can cause infertility. Just do the best you can with these guidelines—OK to not be "perfect" with them.

1. When convenient, avoid meat with Estrogen (i.e.—get your meat from a natural foods store).
2. Avoid Soy based foods (e.g.—tofu, tempeh, soy cheese and milk, etc). Even modest intakes drop sperm counts by 40 percent.²⁸
3. Avoid Melatonin, Testosterone, Verapamil and Nifedipine (latter two are heart/blood pressure medications), which can cause reversible infertility.
4. Avoid alcohol when convenient²⁹ and tobacco.³⁰
5. Sperm do poorly at temperatures over 96 (which is why the testes hang below the rest of the body to stay cooler). Avoid elevated scrotal temperatures by wearing boxer shorts. Do NOT wear briefs, tight fitting underwear or jeans. Avoid hottubs. Avoid rowing/ski machines, treadmills or jogging unless the testes can hang free.
6. Avoid aspirin, Motrin or similar medications, which block the hormone prostaglandin (Prostaglandins in the seminal fluid may assist sperm). Tylenol is OK in moderation (if you need high doses regularly, discuss with your doctor).
7. Increase liquid vegetable oils and avoid cottonseed (may contain gossypol which inhibit sperm function)³¹, palm or coconut oils or trans, hydrogenated or saturated fats as comfortably able.

Treatments All of these can be taken together in the morning (or split up or taken any time of day)

1. Supply overall nutritional support with the "Energy Revitalization Powder" (contains > 50 nutrients including 750 mg of Vitamin C and 100 IU of Vitamin E^32,33,34,35) by Enzymatic Therapy). It also supplies folic acid^36,37 and antioxidants.³⁸
2. CoEnzyme Q10 (chewables-contains 400 IU of Vitamin E as well) 200 mg/day.³⁸
3. L-Arginine 4 gm/day.³⁹
4. Acetyl-l-carnitine 1000 mg/day and Carnitine 1000 mg/day markedly improves sperm motility and the sperms defenses against attack.^40,41,42
5. Zinc 15 mg/day⁴³
6. Ribose 5 gm twice a day (can use like sugar and mix in food or drinks or use the chewable tablets). In many studies this increases energy production, which may also help sperm motility. The second dose can be taken any time during the day.
7. Clomiphene (Rx) 25 mg a night (or Monday, Wednesday, Friday nights) can increase sperm counts (more than doubles sperm count and motility).⁴⁴

References:

1. National Center for Health Statistics. Infertility. Accessed April 26,2006.
2. Resolve. National survey results reveal startling lack of awareness of infertility even as numbers climb to 7.3 million. October 27, 2005. Accessed December 8, 2005.
3. Carlson et al. Evidence for decreasing quality of semen over the last 50 years. Br Med J 1992;305:609–13.
4. Weight and pregnancy
5. Wilcox AJ, Weinberg CR. Lancet 337:1159-1160,1991;Williams MA, et al. Coffee and delayed conception. Lancet 335:1603, 1990.
6. Partonen T. Short note: melatonin-dependent infertility. Med Hypotheses. 1999;52(5):487–8.
7. Henmi H, Endo T, Kitajima Y, et al. Effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on serum progesterone levels in patients with a luteal phase defect. Fertil Steril 2003;80:459–61.
8. www.AmericanPregnancy.org for more information.
9. Atkins like diet in a rat study at the Colorado Center for Reproductive medicine decreased fertility over 50%- study presented at [2004] European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology Conference.
10. Psychiatry Letter 4(7): 35–8,1986.
11. Some Vaginal Lubricants May Damage Sperm WebMD, Oct. 19, 2005
12. Maternal Tobacco Use and Its Preimplantation Effects on Fertility: More Reasons to Stop Smoking.
13. A prospective study of dairy foods intake and anovulatory infertility," Chavarro JE, Willett WC, et al, Human Reproduction, 2007 Feb 28; [Epub ahead of print].
14. Czeizel AE, Metneki J, Dudas I. The effect of preconceptional multivitamin supplementation on fertility. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1996;66:55–8.
15. Thiessen DD, Ondrusek G, Coleman RV. Vitamin E and sex behavior in mice. Nutr Metab 1975;18:116–9.
16. Bayer R. Treatment of infertility with vitamin E. Int J Fertil 1960;5:70–8.
17. Sieve BF. The clinical effects of a new B-complex factor, para-aminobenzoic acid, on pigmentation and fertility. South Med Surg 1942;104:135–9.
18. Wynn A, Wynn M. The need for nutritional assessment of the infertile patient. J Nutr Med 1:315–324,1990.
19. Green BB et al. Risk of ovulatory infertility in relation to [high or low] body weight. Fertil Steril 50(9); 621-6,1988).
    19a. Thyroid and its indispensability in fertility.
    19b. Improved in vitro fertilization outcomes after treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism in infertile women.
20. Rushton DH et al. Ferritin and Fertility. Letter. Lancet 337:1554, 1991.
21. Iron intake and risk of ovulatory infertility Obstet Gynecol 2006 Nov;108(5):1145-52.
22. Costello MF, Eden JA. A systematic review of the reproductive system effects of metformin in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2003;79:1–13 .
23. Glueck CJ, Wang P, Kobayashi S, et al Metformin therapy throughout pregnancy reduces the development of gestational diabetes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2002;77:520–5.
24. Glueck CJ, Phillips H, Cameron D, et al. Continuing metformin throughout pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome appears to safely reduce first-trimester abortion: a pilot study. Fertil Steril. 2001;75:46–52.
25. Nestler JE, Stovall D, Akhter N, et al. Strategies for the use of insulin-sensitizing drugs to treat infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2002;77:209–15.
26. Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Metformin for Adolescents With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Bridger T, MacDonald S, Baltzer F, Rodd C. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006;160:241–6.
27. Dawson DW, Sawers AH. Infertility and Folate Deficiency. Case Reports. Br j Obstet Gynaecol 89:678–80,1982.
28. Eating soya could slash men's sperm count Roxanne Khamsi, ABC News, Oct. 17, 2007
29. Anderson RA Jr et al. Male reproductive tract sensitivity to ethanol: a critical overview. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 18 Supple 1:305-310, 1983.
30. Infertility: Tobacco, Marijuana, and Other Drugs WebMD
31. Weller DP et al. Gossypol...a male contraceptive Econ Med Plant Res 1985:1;87–112.
32. "Reduction of the incidence of sperm DNA fragmentation by oral antioxidant treatment," Greco E, Iacobelli M, et al, J Androl., 2005; 26(3): 349–53.
33. Dawson EB etal. Effect of Ascorbic acid on male fertility Ann NY Acad Sci 498:312–23,1987.
34. Improvement in human semen quality after oral supplementation of vitamin C," Akmal M, Qadri JQ, et al, J Med Food, 2006; 9(3): 440-2.
35. "Relationship between seminal ascorbic acid and sperm DNA integrity in infertile men," Song GJ, Norkus EP, Lewis V, Int J Androl, 2006; 29(6): 569–75.).
36. "The association of folate, zinc and antioxidant intake with sperm aneuploidy in healthy non-smoking men," Young SS, Eskenazi B, et al, Hum Reprod, 2008 Mar 19.
37. Low Folate Levels May Harm Sperm Steven Reinberg, Washington Post Thursday, March 20, 2008;
38. Mechanisms of male infertility: role of antioxidants," Sheweita SA, Tilmisany AM, et al, Curr Drug Metab, 2005; 6(5): 495–501.
39. Schacter A et al.Treatment of oligospermia with the amino acid arginine. J Urol 110(3):311-313, 1973.
40. Garolla, Fertility and Sterility, February 2005; vol 83: pp 355–61.
41. "Placebo-controlled double-blind randomized trial on the use of L-carnitine, L-acetylcarnitine, or combined L-carnitine and Lacetylcarnitine in men with idiopathic asthenozoospermia," Balercia G, Regoli F, et al, Fertil Steril., 2005; 84(3): 662–71.
42. Sperm Swim Better With Carnitine Miranda Hill, WebMD, March 9, 2005
43. Skandhan KP et al. Semen Electrolytes in Normal and Infertile Subjects ii Zinc. Experientia 34(11):1476–77, 1978.
44. Effect of clomiphene citrate on sperm density in male partners of infertile couples. Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2007 Apr-Jun;51(2):195-8.

Dear Readers,

Welcome to the November 2017 issue of TotalHealth Magazine Online.

Dallas Clouatre's, PhD, article, "Nutrient Combining," discusses the French Paradox with the large percentage of the French diet in fats and the French having fewer cases of coronary heart disease and, in actuality, remain ambulatory longer than us Americans. Comparing the diets of both French and Americans in several instances of food/nutrient combinations leaving us with food for thought.

Elson Haas, MD, in, "The 5 Keys to Staying Healthy," gives us a rare view of what makes the doctor tick. "Encourage and teach ways of health, and not just treat disease are part of my medical practice and teaching." The Five Keys are Nutrition, Exercise, Stress, Sleep and Attitude —Haas shows us how to use this simple and practical guide for taking our health care into our own hands on a day-to-day basis.

Hyla Cass, MD, and Mikayla Kemp, BS, contribute an overview "Cannabis and Its Effects on Skin Conditions" of Dr. Phillip Blair, MD, Ret. COL, presentation at the recent Cannabis World Conference and Business Exposition in Los Angeles. An international consultant on medical uses of CBD, Dr. Blair geared this presentation to the effects CBD can have on such conditions as acne, psoriasis, and even skin cancer.

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG), in "Treating the Common Cold And Sore Throat," is aiding readers who have suffered stuffy nose, watery eyes, low fever, aching, and possibly a sore throat and those having escaped the symptoms. Suggestions include supplementation with vitamin C, zinc lozenges, Echinacea, vitamin A, and a homeopathic remedy for colds.

If you are looking for a change in a pudding desert for this holiday season try Gloria Gilbère's, "Tembleque (Coconut Pudding)—A Dairy-Free South American Delight." Accompanying the recipe is a description of each of the healthy ingredients along with festive photos.

Shawn Messonnier, DVM, consults this month on, "Colloidal Silver For Infections In Pets." Reminding us to always consult with our veterinarian before supplementing our pets' diet.

In "Hemp Extract and Women's Health, How the Medicinal Discoveries of The Hemp Plant Are Transforming Women's Health," Sherrill Sellman, ND, explains why women are more challenged when it comes to their hormonal and over all health than men. Presenting a primer on the Endocannbindoid System for us—the immense healing potential of the non-psychoactive component of the hemp plant.

"Treating Infertility—Information For Couples" Jacob Teitelbaum, MD, gives good news there are many natural ways to improve all steps of the reproductive process. With this advice you may save the $30,000 plus fees charged by infertility clinics.

Best in health,

TWIP The Wellness Imperative People

Click here to read the full October issue.

• Nutrient Combining
  Dallas Clouatre, PhD
• The 5 Keys To Staying Healthy
  Elson Haas, MD
• Cannabis And Its Effects On Skin Conditions
  Hyla Cass, MD and Mikayla Kemp, BS
• Treating the Common Cold And Sore Throat
  Gene Bruno, MS, MHS
• Tembleque (Coconut Pudding)—A Dairy-Free South American Delight
  Gloria Gilbère, CDP, DAHom, PhD
• Hemp Extract And Women's Health
  Sherrill Sellman
• Treating Infertility—Information For Couples
  Jacob Teitelbaum MD
• Colloidal Silver For Infections In Pets
  Shawn Messonnier, DVM

Click here to read the full October issue.

When it comes to women’s health, the knowledge of traditional Chinese medicine embodies may pearls of wisdom. One of the most well-known sayings is that a Chinese doctor would rather treat ten men rather than one woman! It is no surprise that women are the more complex gender. A woman’s unique physiology gives her extraordinary advantages, such as a longer life span. However, altering the very delicate and finely balanced female hormonal system can also predispose women to a long list of health problems that can compromise her physiological, emotional and mental well-being.

Infertility affects one in six couples. It is even more common in fibromyalgia because of the hypothyroidism, nutritional deficiencies, and PCOS. These numbers are continuing to rise as sperm counts drop worldwide and undiagnosed thyroid problems increase—so you are not alone.

Fortunately, it is often quite reversible, and we have seen many people with infertility who have been able to conceive. Please though…don't go telling people it's Dr. Teitelbaum's baby!

This information will have a lot of tips that can be very helpful, and are scientifically proven.

Various factors may be responsible for the inability to achieve a successful pregnancy. Despite research showing that fertility declines after age 30, women are delaying having children. Infertility may be caused by ovulatory, anatomic, immunologic, infectious, nutritional or hormonal factors on the woman's side. In men, abnormalities of semen parameters are the most common contributors. Treatments that improve cellular energy production may dramatically increase sperm motility (see below). In all couples, both the man and woman should be treated to optimize fertility.

After a thorough standard medical work-up, the cause of the infertility often remains unexplained. In this setting, the only option many couples are given is IVF (In Vitro Fertilization). IVF is given attention because it costs ~ $30,000+, while research on inexpensive natural options has been ignored (not because doctors don't care, but simply because no one will pay to publicize the information).

The good news is there are many natural ways to improve all steps of the reproductive process. A large number of studies have successfully explored the use of individual nutritional and hormonal therapies, resulting in women with unexplained/ untreatable infertility often getting pregnant!

Treatment: FOR THE WOMAN Life Style Education

These are important things to avoid from now until after you are three months pregnant, as they can cause infertility. Just do the best you can with these guidelines—OK to not be "perfect" with them.

1. Avoid Coffee and sodas¹ (Tea is OK). Coffee and sodas inhibit fertility-often markedly. Especially avoid caffeine if your Prolactin blood test is LOW as it can lower it further.
2. Avoid melatonin (which is sometimes used to treat insomnia) as it can affect reproductive hormones.²
3. Avoid taking over 900 mg of supplemental vitamin C (causes reversible infertility). Taking 750 mg a day of vitamin C however helps infertility.³ Do not take over 7000 units of supplemental vitamin A (causes birth defects-beta carotene is OK) daily. The recommended supplement below has 3500 IU of vitamin A (the other 3500 IU it contains is beta carotene).
4. Avoid hot tubbing (it increases birth defect risks). A hot bath, which is not over 100 degrees in temperature, is a safer way to relax. In a bath much of your upper body will remain out of the water, making you less likely to overheat. Additionally, the water in a bath begins to cool off, as opposed to a hot tub, further reducing any risk of overheating.⁴ A hot tub is usually set at 102–104 degrees, which can overheat your body and can harm the baby.
5. Avoid a high protein/Atkins' diet⁵(an Atkins like diet in a rat study decreased fertility over 50 percent).
6. No alcohol if Prolactin levels are higher than 10 (and avoid in general as is convenient).⁶
7. Avoid vaginal lubricants such as FemGlide, Replens, and Astroglide, which can damage sperm. Pre-seed brand is OK.⁷
8. If you smoke, stop till after the baby is born. Smoking contributes to infertility in many ways.⁸

1. It works best to have intercourse on the day you ovulate and up to four days before (otherwise "ad lib" whenever you feel like it). It is OK to have intercourse multiple times during this period. For purposes of getting pregnant, intercourse even one day after ovulation is unlikely to result in pregnancy—but OK to do anyway for its other benefits.
2. Use whole milk instead of low fat or fat free milk products. In a Harvard study, high intake of low-fat dairy foods was associated with an increased risk of infertility, while an increased intake of high-fat dairy foods was associated with a lower risk of infertility. Women consuming at least two servings of low-fat dairy foods per day showed an 85 percent increased risk of infertility. On the other hand, women consuming at least one serving of high-fat dairy foods per day showed a 27 percent reduced risk of infertility.⁹ Whole milk products (instead of low fat ) also taste better!

1. Supply overall nutritional support with the "Energy Revitalization System" by Enzymatic Therapy, and a healthy, well-balanced diet.^10,11,12,13 As noted above, dieting and high protein/low carbohydrate diets are to be avoided.^14,15 Stay on these when you get pregnant and through breast feeding.
2. Add prescription Armour thyroid 30 mg adjusted to dose that feels best (to a maximum of 90 mg) or Synthroid 25–75 mcg^16,17 while keeping Free T4 < 75 percent of the upper limit of normal. This can be helpful even if your blood tests are normal. DO NOT TAKE IRON OR CALCIUM SUPPLEMENTS WITHIN SIX HOURS OF THE THYROID DOSE, OR THE THYROID WILL NOT BE ABSORBED. Take your calcium at dinner and bedtime. If you get shaky or hyper or racing heart, lower the thyroid dose (or stop it). Stay on the thyroid through your pregnancy (it supports a healthy pregnancy).
3. Optimize iron levels. If the ferritin blood test is under 80 or iron percent saturation under 25 percent, treat with an iron tablet; one a day after 2 pm on an empty stomach.^18,19 Continue the iron through your pregnancy. Do this even if your doctor says that your blood tests are "normal." Get the actual ferritin test result.
4. If PCOS (Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome) is present (suspect if there is acne, overweight, and/or excess facial hair—often present when testosterone or DHEA-S levels are elevated), research shows that treatment with the medication metformin 1500–2000 mg/day not only increased fertility, but also decreased the risk of serious birth defects considerably.^{20,21,22,23,24}
5. If the Prolactin level is over 10, alcohol and melatonin (which can raise Prolactin) are to be strictly avoided. Vitamin B6 100 mg or as needed to bring Prolactin within the normal range (but not greater than 200 mg of B6) can be added. Stop the extra B6 (except for what is in the multivitamin) around seven months into the pregnancy (otherwise it can suppress breast milk).
6. If folic acid levels are low (lowest 20 percent of normal range) a blood test looking for wheat allergies is recommended and a gluten free diet instituted if positive. Also Folic Acid 5 mg twice daily should then be added.²⁵

Treatment: FOR THE MAN Life Style Education

These are important things to avoid from now until after your partner gets pregnant, as they can cause infertility. Just do the best you can with these guidelines—OK to not be "perfect" with them.

1. When convenient, avoid meat with Estrogen (i.e., get your meat from a natural foods store).
2. Avoid Soy based foods (e.g., tofu, tempeh, soy cheese and milk, etc). Even modest intakes drop sperm counts by 40 percent.²⁶
3. Avoid Melatonin, Testosterone, Verapamil and Nifedipine (latter two are heart/blood pressure medications), which can cause reversible infertility.
4. Avoid alcohol when convenient²⁷ and tobacco.²⁸
5. Sperm do poorly at temperatures over 96 (which is why the testes hang below the rest of the body to stay cooler). Avoid elevated scrotal temperatures by wearing boxer shorts. Do NOT wear briefs, tight fitting underwear or jeans. Avoid hot tubs. Avoid rowing/ski machines, treadmills or jogging unless the testes can hang free.
6. Avoid aspirin, Motrin or similar medications, which block the hormone prostaglandin (Prostaglandins in the seminal fluid may assist sperm ). Tylenol is OK in moderation.
7. Increase liquid vegetable oils and avoid cottonseed (may contain gossypol which inhibit sperm function)²⁹ palm or coconut oils or trans, hydrogenated or saturated fats as comfortably able.

Treatments To Optimize Fertility
All of these can be taken together in the morning (or split up or taken any time of day)

1. Supply overall nutritional support with the "Energy Revitalization System" vitamin powder. This contains over 50 nutrients including 750 mg of Vitamin C and 100 iu of vitamin E.^30,31,32,33 It also supplies folic acid34, 35 and antioxidants. ³⁶
2. CoEnzyme Q10 at 200 mg/day. Take it with food that contains some fats to enhance absorption.36
3. L-Arginine 4 gm/day.³⁷
4. Acetyl-l-carnitine 1000 mg/day and Carnitine 1000 mg/day markedly improves sperm motility and the sperm's defenses against attack.³⁸
5. Zinc 15 mg/day (present in the vitamin powder).³⁹
6. Ribose 5 gm twice a day (can use like sugar and mix in food or drinks or use the chewable tablets). In many studies this increases energy production, which may also help sperm motility. The second dose can be taken any time during the day.

References/Footnotes:

1. National Center for Health Statistics. Infertility. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/fertile.htm. Accessed April 26,2006.
2. Resolve. National survey results reveal startling lack of awareness of infertility even as numbers climb to 7.3 million. October 27, 2005. http://www.resolve.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fmed_mcpr20051027. Accessed December 8, 2005.
3. Carlson et al. Evidence for decreasing quality of semen over the last 50 years. Br Med J 1992;305:609-613
4. (Weight and pregnancy) http://abcnews.go.com/Health/wireStory?id=1141274
5. Wilcox AJ, Weinberg CR. Lancet 337:1159-1160,1991;Williams MA, et al. Coffee and delayed conception. Lancet 335:1603, 1990
6. Partonen T. Short note: melatonin-dependent infertility. Med Hypotheses. 1999;52(5):487-488.
7. Henmi H, Endo T, Kitajima Y, et al. Effects of ascorbic acid supplementation on serum progesterone levels in patients with a luteal phase defect. Fertil Steril 2003;80:459-61.
8. http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/hottubs.htm for more information
9. Atkins like diet in a rat study at the Colorado Center for Reproductive medicine decreased fertility over 50%- study presented at [?2004] European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology Conference
10. Psychiatry Letter 4(7): 35-38,1986.
11. http://my.webmd.com/content/Article/114/111034.htm
12. http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/572258 Maternal Tobacco Use and Its Preimplantation Effects on Fertility: More Reasons to Stop Smoking
13. A prospective study of dairy foods intake and anovulatory infertility," Chavarro JE, Willett WC, et al, Human Reproduction, 2007 Feb 28; [Epub ahead of print]. )
14. Czeizel AE, Metneki J, Dudas I. The effect of preconceptional multivitamin supplementation on fertility. Int J Vitam Nutr Res 1996;66:55-8.
15. Thiessen DD, Ondrusek G, Coleman RV. Vitamin E and sex behavior in mice. Nutr Metab 1975;18:116-9.
16. Bayer R. Treatment of infertility with vitamin E. Int J Fertil 1960;5:70-8.
17. Sieve BF. The clinical effects of a new B-complex factor, para-aminobenzoic acid, on pigmentation and fertility. South Med Surg 1942;104:135-9.
18. Wynn A,Wynn M. The need for nutritional assessment of the infertile patient. J Nutr Med 1:315-324,1990.
19. Green BB et al. Risk of ovulatory infertility in relation to [high or low] body weight. Fertil Steril 50(9); 621-6,1988)
    19a- http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3136077/
    19b. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20350920
20. Rushton DH et al. Ferritin and Fertility. Letter. Lancet337:1554, 1991.
21. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17077236
22. Costello MF, Eden JA. A systematic review of the reproductive system effects of metformin in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2003;79:1-13
23. Glueck CJ, Wang P, Kobayashi S, et al Metformin therapy throughout pregnancy reduces the development of gestational diabetes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertil Steril. 2002;77:520-525
24. Glueck CJ, Phillips H, Cameron D, et al. Continuing metformin throughout pregnancy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome appears to safely reduce first-trimester abortion: a pilot study. Fertil Steril. 2001;75:46-52.