PCOS Survival Strategies

May 30, 2006 - Tuesday
6:57 PM to (EST)
Guest Speakers: Lesa Childers

Categories
Acupuncture • Fertility • IVF • PCOS

Session Date:	May 30 , 2006 - Tuesday
Guest Speaker:	Lesa Childers
Topic:	PCOS Survival Strategies

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Lesa_Childers	Hello to everyone! Looking forward to this chat!
Lesa_Childers	I am gearing up for an exciting event in Newark, Delaware on Saturday. We will be doing a Syndrome O Survival Strategies program there at the Hilton Wilmington Christiana with Dr. Alice Domar of the Domar Center for Complimentary Healthcare. We'll be discussing in detail my favorite topic -- lifestyle and fertility!
Lesa_Childers	I have a personal success story that made me a believer in healthy eating and exercise for improved fertility.
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Lesa_Childers	I have decided to use my experiences to help others via my work at PCOStrategies.
Lesa_Childers	Has anyone read that In Focus magazine that the AFA recently published all about PCOS?
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Lesa_Childers	Anyone have questions about how healthy lifestyle can improve health/fertility for those with PCOS or those experiencing infertility?
debi	what are some of the worst foods to eat if you have POF
randycherylcase	My wife was diagnosed with PCOS about 2 years ago. We will be undergoing IVF within the next few months. Do you have any suggestions as far as nutritional advise before we have IVF.
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Lesa_Childers	I was diagnosed with PCOS after several years of irregular periods. I was overweight and eventually was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 28.
debi	what is PCOS
Lesa_Childers	Debi - define POF for me? What does that stand for?
Lesa_Childers	Debi - PCOS is polycystic ovarian syndrome.
debi	premature ovarian faliure. i have to use a donor
Lesa_Childers	randycherylchase -- I would advice that your wife eat a well balanced, lower carbohydrate diet and that she regularly exercise (4-5 times a week for 30-45 minutes). Eat as many whole foods as she can and avoid processed foods laced with transfats.
Lesa_Childers	Debi - I'd give you similar advice. You will want to be in as good shape as possible before you attempt pregnancy. I am assuming that you are.
Lesa_Childers	How old are you debi, if you don't mind me asking?
Lesa_Childers	randcherylchase - Is your wife overweight?
debi	i'm trying - my dr also recomended acupuncture. What is it important that I AVOID
deb_capone	Lesa, not to be obtuse, but a lower carb diet, limited transfat and regular excercise is good advice for everyone....so can you tell us why it is so important for those with PCOS or those trying to get pregnant...
debi	i'm 39, was diagnosed 4 yrs ago but was told this came on slow several years prior
randycherylcase	No, she does have high cholesterol and she is trying to improve that with diet and exercise!
Lesa_Childers	Debi - I would AVOID food with transfats, too much sugar, processed with white flour. Add in lots of colorful vegetables and fruits.
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Lesa_Childers	It is a good idea for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome to avoid carb loaded diets because of their tendency toward insulin resistance. So avoiding white sugars, processed foods, trans fats and too many starches is incredibly important.
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sana	which food comes in carb loaded diet?
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mim	Are there any particular foods that should especially be avoided or included in the diet in the case of higher FSH levels?
Lesa_Childers	I do not recommend one particular diet over another -- except that I do tend to favor diets like The Zone, The South Beach Diet and those that promote a lower carb approach. I recommend that you eat Smart Carbs -- fruits, vegetables and whole grains instead of unhealthy carbs such as white breads, sugary sweets, soft drinks with sugar, starchy vegetable, etc.
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sana	should we avoid rice totally
Lesa_Childers	I am not aware of any foods that specifically affect POF or higher FSH levels, mim. But you can't go wrong with eating more healthy whole foods and avoiding processed foods -- beware of food that come in boxes.
randycherylcase	sana - Most grocery stores are now carrying whole grain wheat rice
randycherylcase	It has a pretty good flavor
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Lesa_Childers	Sana - I wouldn't recommend that you totally avoid any food (as this could lead to your feeling deprived), but I would seriously limit foods that are processed and have trans fats as ingredients.
Lesa_Childers	randycherylcase is right. You can usually find healthy alternatives to your less healthy versions of foods.
sana	I read on some alternative site that we should avoid wheat .Is it right?
Lesa_Childers	I use whole grain pastas if I eat pasta. My family likes spaghetti at times and they can't really tell that I am using whole grain.
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Lesa_Childers	Eat whole wheat. I wouldn't say avoid it altogether. Just don't over eat it.
Lesa_Childers	Please note that I am not a nutritionist, but I do work with women all the time who are struggling with fertility issues and diet.
deb_capone	Welcome, Chrisrn05. Thanks for joining our session. Lesa Childers is discussing healt, nutrition and fertility!
deb_capone	Welcome to you, too, Eddie
debi	does caffine have an adverse affect on fertility?
sana	what about eggs? is it increas the quality of ovum?
Lesa_Childers	You all may see more information about healthy lifestyle for PCOS at www.pcostrategies.org.
Lesa_Childers	Excessive caffeine use has been shown to reduce fertility.
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debi	pls define what is excessive - what is normal intake
Lesa_Childers	Eggs are a good source of protein and is often a part of a good healthy diet.
sana	is there any advantage of organic egg on normal egg?
Lesa_Childers	I'm not sure Debi -- but I think anything beyond 2-3 cups a day would be excessive.
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Lesa_Childers	Organic eggs are eggs from chickens that have not had any chemicals (such as hormones) used to increase egg production. I would think these would be a healthier choice. Anytime you can avoid artificial chemicals, it is a good thing. Sometimes these foods are cost prohibitive, however.
deb_capone	Lesa, this is all great, common sense information, but yet many people struggle with maintaining a healthy diet and regular excercise. Do you have any suggestions to help us get started on or adjust our diets and lifestyles.
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deb_capone	Welcome, JennTx. We are talking with Lesa Childers from PCOStrategies about health, nutrition and fertility. Feel free to jump in with any questions you may have for Lesa.
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JennTX	Thanks Deb. :waving hi to everyone:
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Lesa	Sorry, I got disconnected.
Lesa	OK -- 50% of the battle is fought in the mind, I would say, Deb.
deb_capone	No problem, Lesa....
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Luly	Lesa - I have started taking Omega 3 Fish Oil pills on a daily basis. Are you aware of any contraindications this may have in regards to fertility?
Lesa	Setting realistic goals - ex. 10 lb weight loss instead of 100lbs all at once. Once you reach the 10 lb goal, then work toward the next 10lbs.
Lesa	Also, don't try to change everything in your diet all at once. Work at improving it over time. Begin by cutting out excessive white sugars and cutting out sugary soft drinks.
Lesa	Luly - I believe that Omega 3 Fish Oil is considered very healthy. I am presently taking them myself.
sana	I have a confusion?in pcos we have to avoid carbohydrate food but on the other hand it is suggested to eat fruits and vegetables . how to maintain the balance between protein and carbohydrate?
Lesa	Add exercise plan in increments -- first begin by doing 15 minutes of exercise 2-3 times a week. Work up to more minutes and more days by adding on as you reach that goal.
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Lesa	sana - unfortunately, there is a concept that people with PCOS have to cut out all carbs. This is not true. We need to eat Smarter Carbs -- healthy fruits (limited) and vegetables (not as limited).
deb_capone	Good evening sunnynanc and mrswoodigit. Welcome to the Online Education Session. We are talking about health, nutrition and fertility with Lesa Childers from PCOStrategies.
Lesa	I'd advise that you do a food journal to determine how you feel after eating certain types of meals. Note meals where you feel sleepier or not so well afterwards. You probably overate or ate the wrong combinations of foods.
Lesa	I'd advice you try a tip from The Zone diet
deb_capone	Lesa can you discuss the relationship of healthy living i.e. diet and excercise in folks without PCOS-those who are none the less 'fertility challenged'
Lesa	1/3 of your plate should be a healthy, lower fat protein - fish, chicken, lean meats and 2/3 healthy vegetables - green salads, colorful vegetables,etc.
Lesa	One thing is for certain, none of us can go wrong by living a healthier lifestyle. Eating right, exercising regularly and lowering stres levels are likely to improve overall health -- thus improve fertility.
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sunnynanc	Dear Lesa, Are there any particular foods that one should eat to boost chances of conception during ovulation time or foods one should avoid?
Lesa	If you are doing fertility treatments, it is always a good idea to be in the best shape possible to improve your chances of conceiving and having a healthy pregnancy. Try to be as healthy as you can be each day. This makes a real difference. None of us are in perfect health.
Luly	Lesa - What can you tell me about yoga and/or tai chi?
Lesa	sunnynanc - I would recommend you eat healthy throughout the month to improve egg quality and overall reproductive health. I am not aware of any foods that are indicated or not indicated around times of ovulation. I'd avoid excessive caffeine and smoking for sure.
Lesa	Luly - I have not actively participated in either in any kind of organized way. But I recommend Yoga for exercise and relaxation. Phyical movement is a good thing.
ahchealth7800	someone mentioned that her dr recommended acupuncture. Lesa, what is your opinion on using acupuncture to assist the natural pregnancy or IVF?
Lesa	I am not an expert on acupuncture - but I hear stories of it being very effective for some women seeking pregnancy. I would be skeptical about it being able to do miracles like open blocked tubes or reverse POF, but it certainly has its benefits.
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deb_capone	As a reminder, check the archives of these sessions, a few months ago, Marc Sklar did a session on accupuncture. I am sure you will find it very helpful.
Lesa	I would invite all of you to check out the PCOStrategies website to learn more about our services. www.pcostrategies.org
debi	the reason my dr recomended acupuncture was to increase blood flow to my uterius - a secondary problem that i have
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Lesa	That sounds great, deb. I don't claim to be the expert on all things. Debi - that sounds reasonable to me.
deb_capone	There are tons of resources for everyone on the AFA's website as well. All info is free to all "No Barriers" members...and membership is also free.
deb_capone	Go to www.theafa.org and join now!
Lesa	The AFA has a great website!
deb_capone	Right back at you, Lesa...the PCOStrategies site is great, too.
Lesa	This topic of lifestyle and fertility is a huge one. There are so many things we can do to help ourselves.
Lesa	We have to remember -- we are most fertile when we are most healthy -- usually. There are exceptions to every rule.
deb_capone	We are in the homestretch...with ten minutes to go. As you know, we are rigourous with our time constraints. Let's get in our last several questions before Lesa signs off for the night.
Lesa	With all the money that we spend on fertility treatments -- it makes sense to maximize our chances of conceiving by doing what we can to help ourselves.
Lesa	Can't go wrong by eating mindfully, exercising regularly and taking time to breathe. Our American lifestyles can be very stressful and not so healthy.
deb_capone	Lesa, can you give us a quick summary-i know that is difficult-of how we can proactively enhance our fertility.
Lesa	Seek the care of a qualified fertility specialist, if you are experiencing problems conceiving after 6-12 months.
randycherylcase	Lesa, My wife and I have been using a fertility supplement called Fertility Blend for Women (my wife) and for Men (for me). It is made by GNC. Have you heard of it? Will it Help?
Lesa	Learn all that you can about your personal diagnosis -- PCOS or whatever.
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Lesa	randycherylcase - I am not aware of that product, but it probably has a nice mix of vitamins to improve your egg and sperm quality theoretically. Sounds like its worth a try.
Lesa	Be a partner with your fertility care provider. Improve your chances of fertility by improving your life -- sounds too simple but eating right, exercising regularly and lowering stress levels can make a big difference in outcomes.
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Lesa	Keep a positive attitude -- that's extremely important.
Lesa	I have been there (doing the fertility treatments) and I know how much work it is. Its hard to stay positive when you don't get the results you want at first. But hang in there.
Lesa	I am a believer in the mental greatly influencing the physical and vice versa.
deb_capone	I want to thank Lesa for her generousity. I think we have all learned so much. Leas's website is www.pcostrategies.org. You will find tons of great information there. And don't forget to join us next week-same time, same channel! 8pm Eastern. Our guest will be Dr. Guy Ringler, MD from California Fertility Partners. He will be taking all fertility-related questions.
Lesa	We can't afford to forget the connection between the mind and body. Glad to be here. Thanks for the opportunity!
JennTX	Thanks Lesa for all the great info and support!! This has been a very nice chat session. Good night everyone.
Luly	Thank you Lesa
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Lesa	Thanks to you all for your great questions.
deb_capone	Thank you all for spending part of your day with us. As always, if you have any comments or suggestions on topics, please email me at deb@theafa.org. These sessions are all about YOU....good night.
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Lesa	Good night to all.
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loisabarrett	thank you lesa
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