A couple changes I've made

I don't think I've mentioned these other changes in our attempt to improve my health and balance my hormones.  First, about a month ago we started making a point to sleep in complete darkness.  Turning off all electronics and any thing that puts out even the smallest amount of light in our room at night.  It has been very nice.  Here is an article about how a woman's fertility cycle can correspond with the lunar cycle.  Interesting!

Also as of about 2 weeks ago, Tom and I have stopped drinking our daily cup (or 2) of coffee.  We have replaced it with tea or hot cocoa (I'll have to share that recipe).  We will still drink a cup socially, but didn't think our habit was healthy.

This week I purchased an ovulite which makes it easier to check for ferning daily.  It also is portable - I about went crazy when we traveled for a week at my peak time recently and I didn't have my microscope with me for observations.

Some interesting notes

I've noticed a few changes over the last couple weeks.

I have been getting tired at a more normal time.  Around 10pm or so, I am ready for bed.  May be due to it getting dark earlier?  As a result, I've been able to get up earlier again, which is very nice!

I am dreaming every night and remembering my dreams in the morning... that is something that I haven't had happen in a very long time and definitely not consistently in years.  Do most people dream on a regular basis?

I also have become more weepy/emotional.  I was reading a book last week and cried through several parts, I cried during an episode of Little House on the Prairie the other day, and watched "It's A Wonderful Life" for the umpteenth time a couple nights ago and had tears rolling down my face.

So... what does this mean?  I don't know!  It is quite foreign to me.  I've never been a "crier" or "dreamer".  Is this what it's like to be a normal woman?  Is it a sign that hormones are getting to levels they should be?  I have no idea... but, it's an interesting thought!

Book notes

Finished reading The NaPro Technology Revolution:  Unleashing the Power in a Woman's Cycle. Yes, all 400 pages of it!  It was good, enlightening, sobering, encouraging and overwhelming all at the same time.

Here are a few notes that I took:

In PCOD women, 61% of their ovulations (often 6 or fewer per year) are defective in some way.  That alone drastically reduces chances of conception!  That means if I ovulate 6 times this year, only 2-3 of them will be viable chances... a woman of normal fertility would have 12-13 chances in a year.

Androgen levels can be treated medically, but the gonadotropin levels respond only to surgery.

Benefits after surgery (ovarian wedge resection) include:

1. decrease in testosterone, free testosterone, androstenedione, & DHEAs. 
2. LH comes down significantly while FSH remains the same - correcting the ratio
3. over 90% return to regular cycles.

Long-term medical impact from PCOD (besides the obesity, abnormal hair growth, skin problems):

1. 7x increased risk of heart attack and heart disease due to lower HDL, higher triglycerides, higher homocysteine levels.
2. by age of 40, 40% of PCOD women have Type II diabetes
3. increased risk of endometrial cancer due to elevated insulin levels and unopposed estrogen (because of long follicular phases without ovulation to produce progesterone).
4. 3x increased risk of postmenopausal breast cancer
5. increased risk of hysterectomy because of dysfunctional uterine bleeding
6. ovarian cancer risk increased
7. women with PCOD are more likely to have chronic fatigue syndrome

He states that all too often we are asking "Is ovulation occurring?" when we should be asking "Are there defects in ovulation?"
Quote:  "In actuality, when one studies ovulation closely by daily ultrasound and hormonal parameters, one realizes that there are a number of different "ovulatory events" that mimic ovulation but are either completely annovulatory or represent a significant defect in the ovulation mechanism.  An example of an ovulatory defect that is anovulatory is the luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome.  An example of an ovulatory defect in which the ovulation process is significantly defective is the immature follicle.  While ultrasound is commonly used in the ART programs to monitor ovulation inducing medications, it is rarely used for studying spontaneous ovulation patterns and their defects.  The latter is extremely important if one is to design treatment strategies that meet the specific demand of the underlying problem."

It goes into descriptions of several different types of ovulatory dysfunction and the follicular and luteal phase deficiencies associated with them, along with symptoms.  Intriguing and mind boggling!

Day 1

A new cycle.  Adding cinnamon for further blood sugar control and ToCoQ10 to help lower cholesterol and give antioxidant protection.

Tom and I have also decided to try soy isoflavones this cycle.  We are concerned about the health risks of the long periods of unopposed estrogen with the long follicular phases.  We've read that taking soy isoflavones at twice the doseage of clomid for days 5-9 of the cycle can shorten follicular phases and strengthen ovulation.  We will see how it goes and report back.  I am not a fan of soy, but wasn't sure about clomid either and those were the only options I was getting.  I figure the risk was less, the cost was way less and we'd give it a try.

This also means I get to start journaling in my new printed journal - yippee!

Not this month...

Still a very encouraging cycle.  Temp finally dipped below coverline this morning and I can feel af on her way.  I tested with a First Response on Sat morning (12dpo) and it was negative.  I had been hopeful as I could see a true ovulation.  I do still think that ovulation was "weak" and the corpus luteum was definitely not producing sufficient progesterone as the temps were barely above coverline.  I hope to see more improvements on the next cycle.

We are thinking and praying about the next steps and will update here as we decide.  Thanks for your prayers and support!

Ovulation!

I am so excited!  By all signs, it appears that I have actually ovulated and my charts looks so beautiful to me. :-)  Check out the TCOYF chart in the sidebar link --->.  I am in the lovely 2ww, actually half way through it now, so we shall see... I may start testing the middle of next week because if I get a + I want to get a progesterone test ASAP.  Pray for us!

Currently reading...

The NaPro Technology Revolution: Unleashing the Power in a Woman's Cycle

by Thomas W. Hilgers

Very impressed so far, will update once finished.  Thank you LaDean for sending it to me!

Fertility Journal completed and printed!

I am pretty excited about how this turned out.  I will start using it next cycle, want to keep using my current notebook so this cycle is all together.  It will be a lot less work for me on a daily basis a time-saver, gotta love that!

It has 50 double-sided pages that are a form (one form per page per day).  There are blanks for you to fill in all your TTC / health info... BBT, CM, fern, OPK, BD, meds, vitamins, as well as water, weight, exercise, foods eaten, blood sugar readings, symptoms, etc...

I am planning to use it for at least one cycle and contemplating getting a few volunteers to be "testers" and give feedback.  In the meantime, looking into the basics of how to offer them for sale at a reasonable price. Any advice?  Leave a comment if you are interested...

Testing mobile blogger. :)

Brief update

I just had a lovely chat with my Creighton practitioner.  I just love her.  It is so encouraging to hear that you're on the right track.  She is going to look into some things for me and I am also going to contact my Dr at the end of this cycle with all the info I have gathered (my bathroom looks like a lab -seriously!) and see about some more aggressive / long-term treatment.  Waiting is so hard and it seems we've been on this track forever - even though it's really only been since August since we've been actively pursuing this!  I am still encouraged with my temps, have only had one dip in the 19 days of this cycle - much more stable so far which is encouraging.  Still waiting for my peak this cycle but feeling much more positive thus far.  Tom has been doing my CrMS charting for me each night - somehow that helps my sanity lots!  :-)  That's it for now...

B12 and Metformin

This article discusses the malabsorption of B12 that taking Metformin causes.  I am planning to start a sublingual B12 supplement to be sure this does not become an issue.

Looking a bit encouraging

I am encouraged with this cycle so far (granted - only on day 9, but still)... my temps in the AM have been much more steady, haven't seen any peaks or dips showing hormone fluctuations.  I am hoping this continues, we will see.

I am upping my doseage of Metformin to 1500mg this evening which is where Dr. Yeung wanted me and we've gradually increased over 3 weeks now.  I am not noticing any side effects other than a bit of gassiness on the days that I have upped the dose.  Hoping that continues.  I need to get out more blood glucose test strips to check my fasting #s and see what kind of difference it has made.

We have decided to wait another couple months to see if the Met gives me a good strong ovulation before any further testing, etc... I am so anxious and excited, it's hard to be patient, but this is best.  :-)

Antibiotics done!

I am glad that is over.  I only had to take them for a week, but had several side effects that weren't horrid but annoying for sure.  I am praying that the probiotics that I am taking now will take over and repopulate my gut so I don't have any further issues.  I had a weird taste in my mouth, thick swollen tongue, sores on my tongue, burning/dry eyes, a strong sense of smell.  Looking forward to getting back to normal!

A new month, a new cycle...

Feeling a bit encouraged this morning.  I had a rough week last week, feeling very moody and overwhelmed and confused.  :(  However, last night that cycle ended - AND it was right when I predicted that it would come.  My peak day and probable ovulation was on day 30 which gives me a 12 day luteal phase.  I say probable because while cm and ferning support this, it wasn't a very strong shift in temps - you can see a gradual shift but the variance wasn't great and it's not a good indication.  Dr. Yeung thinks that I am ovulating but not very strongly or adequately.  The corpus luteum is not producing enough progesterone to support a pregnancy (build a lining).  The corpus luteum could be underdeveloped due to insufficient FSH or my ovaries not responding to the FSH... need to look into that more.  We will be doing progesterone blood levels on peak day +7, +9 and +11 of this coming cycle to confirm this.  I am taking the antibiotic during menses right now in hopes that it will clear up any other reason for the continuous cm and make identifying peak more clear.  Please pray for my ability to easily identify peak day this month!

Infertility Journal

I don't know about you ladies, but I have been keeping a small journal of my daily cm observations, temps, medications, appts, food, exercise, moods, etc...  I was getting tired of filling in all the "fields" each day before filling in that day's info, so I am looking at getting some printed with all the fields already filled in.  Thought this might be something that others would use.  What do you think?  Do you use one?  Would you?  What information would be helpful for you?  Was thinking of having some extras printed when I did mine and then maybe trying to sell some on Etsy and on the blog here.

Lab results

Finally got my lab results from LapCorp over to Dr. Yeung.  He says that my kidney and liver panels were fine and I can go ahead and start on the Metformin, which I plan to do tomorrow.  My LDL (bad cholesterol) was 141 which he said wasn't high but on the higher end of normal and I need to improve it with diet and exercise and keep an eye on it.

Lab tests

I scheduled to go tomorrow morning for my fasting blood draws.  Dr. Yeung ordered a CMP and a Lipid test.  Not sure when results will be in, but will post when I get them.

NaPro Dr appt update

Hi everyone!  We are sitting outside Duke having ice cream and I
thought I'd send an update.  The appt went fine - quick, but Dr Yeung
did a good job answering our questions and concerns.  I have a script
to get lab work done to check on my kidneys and liver and cholesterol
and if they check out fine then I have a script for Metformin which
will help with insulin resistance and weight and lowering
testosterone.  It may help me to ovulate.  He said my cervix looks
fine and I have great CM.  :-).  He did give me a script for an
antibiotic too to see if that clears up some of the continual CM.  He
said he does not suspect endo based on his exam.  He reinforced the
fact that there is no cure for PCOS and the 3 options for treatment if
one wants to conceive are Met, Clomid and Femara - the other 2
stimulate ovulation and he admitted are less of a long-term help and
more of a band-aid fix.  We were clear about wanting my long-term
health to be top priority but that we would love to be fertile also!
I am to stay in touch with LaDean and to send Dr Yeung my chart and an
e-mail every 3 months or if anything changes.  If I become pg, I need
to notify him right away so he can order a lab for a progesterone
test.  I think that's it!  Let me know if there are any ?s.

On the edge...

... of the unknown.  I am excited, nervous, a bit scared, mostly excited!

Tomorrow is my appointment with my NaPro Dr.  :-)

This will be my initial visit and some testing, possibly ordering some labs and getting some prescriptions, maybe an ultrasound to see my ovaries, possibly discussing a lap to check for endometriosis... just guesses.  I am working hard on not obsessing and trying not to get carried away with attempting to predict and prepare for every possible scenario.

Last week I was going kinda nutso, Tom and I went out for dinner and left the kids with our wonderful friends.  It was so good to talk about my feelings with him.  I was feeling a little alone on the fertility train... but he really is right there beside me, holding my hand, making sure I don't jump overboard with crazy obsession and paranoia.  He is so good for me.  I started into a long discussion about how I am doing this and this and I think this will happen and what if this happens and what do we think about this possibility, on and on.  He looked at me and said "Above all, I want you to be healthy and with me for as long as possible.  If getting you healthy means we can have more children, I would love that.  We will not take short-cuts and do things that may harm you.  Let's see what the Dr finds and recommends and we will ask questions and research as things come up.  I love you.  Calm down."  (Paraphrased but that's the gist.)

I've been much better since then.  :-)

I know that while I have all the daily charting and testing and observing and temping and things that I can do and be absorbed in, it may seem that he is hardly participating (except obvious necessities, ha!)... but that is not the case.  I know that he is thinking about it and working very hard to stash away money for treatments and probably bearing more of the burden than I realize.

So, pray for us!  We are leaving at 9am and have a 2 1/2 hour drive to Duke University.  My appt is at 1:30pm.  I will post an update here as soon as I can.  We are driving another 4 hours down to SC to see some wonderful friends and spend the weekend with them.  It will be very nice.  Thank you!

Test results at last

I finally got copies of my blood work from the PCOS / Acupuncture study done at the UVA in 2008.  These blood draws were taken on April 8, 2008 which is day 53 out of a 77 day cycle.

Vitals
Blood pressure - 137/81 and later 99/67 (normal 120/80))
Pulse - 95 and later 80 (normal 60-80)
Respiration - 18 and later 16 (normal 12-18)
Temp - 95.7 and later 98.1 (normal 98.6)

Oral glucose tolerance test
Fasting - 87 (normal 60-100)
1 hour - 128 (normal less than 200)
2 hour - 129 (normal less than 140)

Hemoglobin A1C

Click word to go to wikipedia definition.

Result - 5.0% (normal 4-5.9%)

DHEAS
Result - 287.0ug/dL (normal 35-430ug/dL)
Women with PCOS often have levels over 200.

Testosterone
Result - 93 (normal 6-86)
Women with PCOS have elevated levels of testosterone.

17-Hydroxyprogesterone
Result - 149.00 ng/dL (normal follicular phase is 15-70, luteal phase is 35-290)
Since I have no idea which phase of my cycle I was in or whether I ovulated that cycle, this seems difficult to understand how it my relate.


TSH
Result - 1.64 uIU/mL (normal 0.4 - 4.0)
PCOS women usually have normal levels, this was tested to rule out a thyroid problem - very good news!)


Prolactin
Result - 5.0 n/mL (normal 2-29)
PCOS women usually have normal levels, this was tested to rule out a pituitary tumor or other problem).


That's it!  I was hoping there was an FSH/LH reading in there somewhere and maybe some more hormone levels, but good to finally get these!

Fresh Fig and Greek Yogurt pie recipe

Fresh Fig Pie  (adapted from here)

2 cups Greek-style strained yogurt
up to 2 tablespoons raw, unfiltered honey
6 to 8 ripe Mission figs, cut into 1/4-inch slices
1 8-inch almond flour pie shell
additional honey, if desired

Fold up to two tablespoons raw honey into two cups strained Greek-style yogurt. Stir well so that the honey is fully incorporated into the yogurt.  Spoon the yogurt into an almond flour pie shell. Gently place the sliced figs over the yogurt.  Drizzle the sliced figs with additional honey, if it suits you.

October 7

My first appointment is set!  I am excited and nervous to move on in this journey.  My 60 days of initial charting will be up on September 29 and my appt with Dr. Yeung is a week later.  I will continue to chart using the Creighton Method and send it to the Dr, but this gets enough to hopefully give him a decent picture of what is going on with me and where to go next.  My wonderful teacher, LaDean Barnes is preparing my referral letter and gathering all my data for him.  My hope for this appt is to have a good consult with the Dr, to get some initial exams and tests done or labs ordered, I also am hoping for a prescription for Metformin as it will often help by stabilizing any insulin resistance and lowering testosterone.

Please keep us in prayer as we will have many decisions to make - pray for answers and clarity.  Thank you all!  :-)

Painful cycle

 I am in lots of pain today.  I get this way every few months, so far this year has been December, January and April and now today.

I am on CD 21, taking no medications currently.  My ladycomp says that I ovulated on CD 16 (not sure why) my temp has been up the last 3 days.  According to my mucus symptoms, I would guess maybe an ovulation on day 18, but not quite certain.  I am still trying to learn how to tell the difference between semen and my mucus.  I had right abdominal pain/twinges  for the past 4 or 5 days.

Today, I have lots of lower back pain and sciatica pain, my legs are achey, I have this very irritating itchy feeling inside my right hip (nerve being pressed on? - can't scratch it!), I was very hot during the night last night and have slept restlessly the last couple of nights, I have joint pain and a slight headache today, I am SO tired... with the pain and exhaustion, I have been in bed for most of the day today, sleeping for 8 hours of it.

Not sure whether to associate it with actual ovulation, attempted ovulation, enlarged ovary, ovarian cyst, endometriosis, what???  I have 3 weeks until my appt with my specialist, but meet with my charting instructor next Thurs and will ask her if other clients have had this too... very curious and painful... wondering where it fits into the puzzle.

Blessings and update

Thought I would do a quick update here.  We are now on day 23 of charting with CrMS and all is going well so far.  We can tell there is definite low progesterone happening so far.  We meet with LaDean again on Thursday and will learn some more parts of the charting and evaluate everything so far.  I really look forward to our visit, she has blessed us in immeasurable ways already.

I am currently searching for a local care provider that would be willing to work via Dr. Yeung so that we don't have the expense of traveling to see him in NC.  I have some leads, but nothing definite yet.  Hoping to talk with a couple more possibilities tomorrow.  We will make the trip if we have to, but he has offered this as a way to reduce our costs and I am so very thankful.  Please pray that someone would be willing to work with us in this way!

Another unexpected blessing was a LadyComp given to us by our very good friends along with their prayers for our fertility.  I had lots of fun getting it set up this afternoon and can very easily temp my bbt each morning and the computer tracks and evaluates it.  Since my cycles are irregular, it will take a while for it to be able to predict ovulation and menses, but it should help to confirm my other charts and eventually as I stabilize my hormones it should be very helpful.

I have been feeling pretty well.  Thankful my cycle was not longer than 41 days this time.  I have been eating well for the vast majority of the past 6 weeks and have lost a few more pounds, but seem stalled.  Tom and I had decided to start running on the Couch to 5K program and really enjoyed it, but I ended up with a knee injury a couple days after our 2nd run.  :-(  I spent about 10 days in bed but am much improved now.  I was able to walk 1/4 mile this morning while Tom ran and will build up to longer distances eventually.  I am planning to get back to T-Tapp on the other 3 days a week.

So, that's about it for now.  I have some studying to do before our next class and many other pressing matters about the home here.  I will update again in the next week or two.  Thank you for your prayers and support.

Tropical smoothie recipe

A friend shared this recipe with me and Tom and I have enjoyed it, so wanted to share with you.

Tropical Smoothie
1 can frozen, unsweetened pineapple juice
1 can coconut milk
1/2 lime, squeezed
ice

Put cans in blender, add lime juice and fill with ice.  Blend well and enjoy!

Video talking about the Creighton Model that I am learning

My teacher, LaDean Barnes and her son put these videos together.  It includes couples and doctors that she works with.  Dr. Yeung is the doctor I will be seeing.

A Big Step

Yesterday Tom and I went and consulted with LaDean Barnes who is a certified teacher of the Creighton Model Fertility Care System.  We went through the initial informational meeting and will begin charting in a couple of days.  We found the training to be very helpful and are looking forward to working with LaDean.  

While I have charted my cycles before, this method is a bit more involved and working with a teacher who can help with knowing how to chart different situations and help interpret things will be very helpful I think.  We will chart for 60 days and then evaluate where to go from there.  At that point, most infertility clients are recommended to a doctor who is trained in NaPro Technology and the teacher works with you in accurately charting so that the doctor can see what is going on and help with diagnosis and treatment, she also acts as a liaison between you and the doctor.  The information regarding infertility success rates on this link was encouraging!

How far we go with treatment is still undetermined, we prefer natural treatments and there are some lines that we will not cross.  However, the doctors who are trained in this only use natural hormones, do not do IVF or sterilizations or abortions - so that is a plus!  A big consideration in this is that, being self-employed, we do not have health insurance and some of this could be very $$$.  The nearest trained doctor is in NC, so it would also be a drive.

Tom is very excited and hopeful and looking forward to helping me with the charting (though not looking forward to the 30-day abstinence required in the beginning - eek!).  The children are excited, it has been difficult for them as they pray daily for a brother or sister.  I am cautiously optimistic.  I was impressed with the teacher and look forward to working with her.  I was impressed with the research and information provided in the system.  I am hopeful that with my continued weight loss and healthy eating and exercise and the charting that we will see results.  I am very interested in getting some more tests and diagnostics done but a bit leery of what we will be able and willing to do medical-wise if we need it.  Please pray with us for wisdom!  We all want a baby very, very much but need to make sure we are in God's will for us above all.  :-)

We have a follow-up appt every 2 weeks for a while and then monthly.  Feel free to ask questions!

Diet stiflers - Vacation / Travel / Summer

I was away from home for 3 weeks and, well, that's not so good on the diet.  I gained 9# even though I went for several walks and climbed many stairs.  I did not do very well with my eating.  I tried, and I wanted to, but when everyone around you can eat treats and desserts and breads - and you're on vacation and want to have fun with others - it's just hard!!!  I am going to work on being much more careful the next 2 weeks and trying to exercise daily, would like to at least lose the bloating and pounds I gained before we go on another vacation and my brother's wedding.  I definitely don't feel as good and saw a few symptoms returning also.  So, back to it!  :-)

Peanut Butter Fudge

A yummy recipe that we all enjoyed!

Peanut Butter Fudge
1 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup peanut butter
2 Tbsp honey
dash of salt
1 tsp vanilla

Melt coconut oil gently in pan on low.  Pour into blender with remaining ingredients.  Blend well.  Pour into 8x8 pan and put in freezer for 15 min or so, until hardened.  Keep in fridge once solid.

GAPS Nut Bread

Nut Bread
1 1/2 cups blanched crispy almonds
1 1/2 cups crispy brazil nuts
4 eggs
1/4 cup ghee, slightly melted
2 Tbsp lard, slightly melted (I have used coconut or palm oil)
1 tsp natural sea salt

Preheat oven to 325.  Line loaf pan with wax paper cut to fit into the bottom of loaf pan.  Grease paper and sides of loaf pan with lard or melted ghee.  Pulse/blend almonds and brazil nuts in food processor until it turns into a thick nut butter.  Remove 1/2 cup of nut paste and set aside.  Add eggs, ghee, lard and salt.  Blend until well mixed.  Add back the nut paste that was set aside little by little until the mixture resembles very thick cake batter, blending with each addition.  Refrigerate an leftover nut paste to use in a future batch of nut bread.  Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.  Smooth out the top of batter with a wooden spoon or flexible spatula.  Bake in preheated oven for approximately an hour, or until knife comes out clean.  Cool for 5 to 10 minutes in pan, then run a knife around the edge of the bread and remove from pan.  Cool completely before slicing.

Chicken Salad in Steamed Cabbage

This is an easy lunch and we all enjoy it.

Chicken Salad in Steamed Cabbage
Core a cabbage and then steam for a good 30 minutes to soften the leaves.


Cut up chicken and add a generous amount of mayonnaise, salt and pepper to taste, sauerkraut, onions, celery, olives, mustard as desired.

Place a mound of chicken salad in a cabbage leaf and wrap - simple!

Coconut Milk Custard

Coconut Milk Custard
5 large eggs
3 Tbsp honey
1 cup coconut milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 325.  Place rack in center of oven.  Beat eggs, honey, and  coconut milk until frothy.  A stick blender works well also.  Pour mixture into 8x8 baking dish or individual ramekins/containers.  Place in larger pan filled with hot water.  Water should be halfway up the sides of baking dish.  Bake 30-45 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.  Be careful not to overbake.  If serving hot, spoon into dishes; if serving cold, allow mixture to cool before cutting into squares.  Could top with sprinkles of cinnamon, fruit or whipped cream.  Serve warm or cold.  Makes 4 ramekins or 1 8"x8" pan.

Very Cherry Bars

(Similar to Lara Bars)

1/4 cup chopped dates (roughly chopped)
1/4 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
1/3 cup whole pecans, almonds or walnuts (I've also used cashews)
1/8 tsp cinnamon

Set out 2 pieces of plastic wrap for shaping and wrapping the bars.  Do this first; you'll have sticky fingers when you need it.

Place the dates and cherries in a food processor.  Pulse until processed to a paste.  Transfer paste to a medium bowl (don't clean processor).

Add the nuts to the processor and pulse until finely chopped.  Add the nuts, along with cinnamon, to the bowl with the fruit paste.  Use your fingers to knead the nuts into the paste.

Divide mixture in half.  Place each half on each of one of the sheets of plastic wrap.  Wrap the plastic around each bar and start squishing into a bar shape form, 3 1/2" long, 1" wide and 3/4" thick; press against countertop to flatten bottom side, flattening top side and ends with flat of hand.  Tightly wrap the plastic around each bar and store in the refrigerator.  Makes 2 bars.

Variations:
Apricot-Almond:  Use 6 Tbsp coarsley chopped dried apricots and 2 Tbs dates, use almonds for the nuts.

Tropical:  Use tropical fruit bits; cashews, add 1/8 tsp ginger, 1/2 tsp grated lime zest, and 1 tsp fresh lime juice to the mix.

PB&J:  Use 1/4 cup dried cherries or cranberries and 1/4 cup raisins or dates; use raw or roasted peanuts for the nuts.

Blueberry Bliss:  Use 1/4 cup dried blueberries and 1/4 cup dates; use almonds for the nuts.  Add 1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest, and a drop of almond extract to the mix.

Cashew Cookie Dough:  Reverse the proportions of fruit to nuts - use 1/3 cup date for the fruit and 1/2 cup raw cashews for the nuts.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough:  Same as cashew cookie dough, but add 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch cinnamon and 1/2 ounce very finely chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate to the mix.

Pistachio Heaven:  Same as cashew cookie dough, but use raw pistachios and add a tiny drop of almond extract.

Peanut Butter Cookie Dough:  Same as cashew cookie dough but use raw or roasted (lightly salted) peanuts for the nuts.

Jelly Donut Cupcakes

Recipe adapted from Elana's Pantry

Jelly Donut Cupcakes
3 eggs
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup coconut flour
1/2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp baking soda
For the filling:
1/2 cup GAPS legal jam or jelly (I used fermented apricot)


In a food processor, combine eggs, apple sauce, oil, honey and vanilla and pulse together.  Pulse in coconut flour, salt and baking soda.  Allow batter to sit and thicken just a bit.  Line cupcake tin with paper liners.  Spoon 2 heaping Tbsp cupcake batter into each cupcake liner.  Spoon 1 Tbsp jam on top of batter in each cupcake liner.  Spoon another Tbsp batter in to cupcake liners to cover jam.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 min.  Cool and Serve.  Makes 8 cupcakes.

PCOS Acupuncture Study Results Reported!

May 6, 2010

Dear Amber Sullivan (ID 70),

We have now completed recruitment and initial analysis for our study “The Influence of Acupuncture on Reproductive Hormones and Ovulation (IRB 12045)”. We have also unblinded the treatment categories for each participant. Based on our records, while you were enrolled in the study, you had 4 periods and ovulated 41% of the months you were in the study.* (A 50% ovulation rate means that you ovulated half the months in the study, 100% means you ovulated every month, and 0% means you never ovulated.) The study arm that you were assigned to was placebo acupuncture*.

On the next page, you will find a summary of the primary study’s findings. As you see, overall, this acupuncture regimen was not particularly effective for treating women with PCOS, although those of you with lower fasting insulin levels were definitely more likely to see a benefit (regular ovulation) than those with higher insulin levels. We’ll be exploring that finding more in the coming months.

It is just as important from a science point-of-view to learn what doesn’t work as what does work, although it sure is more fun to write a scientific article with a “wow!” punch line. I hope you don’t feel discouraged. Your participation in the clinical trial was very important, and we scientists will learn a great deal from your participation in the study. So thanks again, and I’ll send along the scientific papers when they are published, if you indicated that you wanted to see them.

Sincerely,

Lisa M. Pastore, PhD
Assistant Professor
Dept. of OB/GYN
UVA HealthSystem
LPASTORE@virginia.eduLPASTORE@virginia.edu>



Title: RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL OF ACUPUNCTURE FOR POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME (PCOS)


LM Pastore1, CD Williams2, J Jenkins1, J Patrie1
1University of Virginia, Box 800712 Charlottesville, VA, United States, 22908 and 2Reproductive Medicine and Surgery Center of Virginia, 595 Peter Jefferson Way Charlottesville, VA, United States, 22911.

Objective: To determine if acupuncture, compared to sham treatment, normalizes ovarian hormones and increases the ovulation rate in women with PCOS. 3 studies (< 50 acupuncture subjects, not randomized) reported that acupuncture may be an alternative treatment for PCOS.
Design: Randomized, double-blind, 5-month clinical trial.
Materials and Methods: 80 women (+5 women who dropped out during follow-up) completed the study. Eligibility required PCOS diagnosis (NIH criteria) and no hormonal medication 60 days prior to enrollment. Intervention: 12 sessions of true acupuncture or sham procedure (Park Sham Device) for 8 weeks. Biological specimens were collected before the 1st and after the last treatment, plus 3 months later. Ovulation was measured objectively with urine or blood. Analysis, using alpha=0.05, consisted of Wilcoxon tests, ANOVA, and Spearman correlations.
Results: Participants by intervention arm (n=41 true acupuncture, n=44 sham) were similar in demographics, baseline ovarian hormones and androgens, and eligibility criteria. Post-treatment improvement in the LH/FSH ratio was similar by arm (-0.4 and -0.8 in true and sham, respectively, p<0.03). The monthly ovulation rate was similar by arm (34% - 52%), and similar to self-reported pre-study menstrual frequency (most recent 12 months without exogenous hormones). Within the acupuncture arm, the 2 strongest predictors of the ovulation rate were lower fasting insulin (p=0.03) followed by lower insulin area under the curve (p=0.06), controlling for pre-study menstrual frequency and BMI; this pattern was not evident within the sham arm. Neither intervention was associated with any impact to androgen levels, with the exception of decreased SHBG in both arms (p<0.05). There were 7 pregnancies (no difference by arm).
Conclusions: This acupuncture intervention was not effective for increasing the ovulation rate in PCOS overall, although it is possible that acupuncture may be helpful for women with insulin processing closer to normal.


*Emphasis mine (Amber's) - I find this very interesting!!  I ovulated 41% of the time!!!!  I didn't think I was ovulating at all.  :-)

Avocado Mayonnaise

This is a current favorite!  We have had it with meatloaf, on top of burgers, and even in tuna salad.  I think it would be good on a lettuce salad too and plan to make another batch and try it soon.

This is from the GAPShelp e-mail list.

Avocado Mayonnaise
1/4 cup olive oil
around a Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 egg yolk
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 ripe avocado
1/4 tsp sea salt
1/8 tsp black pepper

I used a stick blender (immersion) in it's mixer cup.  I put all ingredients in the cup, inserted blender and blended until emulsified, smooth and creamy - it was very easy and fast!  Tom especially really loves this mayonnaise.

A nutritious snack

The kids really enjoyed this snack, full of good stuff but fun - kinda like pudding...

Green Banana pudding
1 whipped egg yolk
1/2 banana
1/2 avocado
a little ghee
Whip together the above (makes 1).  Top with chopped nuts, sprouted seeds, or dried coconut as desired.

Breakfast meatloaf

We made this recently and enjoyed it.

Breakfast meatloaf

2 pounds ground pork (beef or turkey would work too)
6 egg yolks
salt and pepper to taste
3 med carrots and 2 med onions, shredded or pureed
sausage seasoning mix

Mix well and bake at 350 for about an hour.

We also made these in cupcake tins and added an egg on top at the end.

Overdue update

We are doing quite well here.  Still doing GAPs, have added back in most items and considering ourselves done with intro for now.  I have yet to add in peanuts, but have done almonds and sunflower seeds and will be doing more this week.  We are only eating soaked and oven-dried nuts.  We are looking forward to our pizza recipe this week!

I did discover that egg whites are what causes my itchy face.  HUGE bummer as eggs are a large part of our diet.  I plan to not eat them for a while, then try adding just our home-grown egg whites to see if that makes a difference or not.  Need to do some research on what causes that allergy and how I can strengthen my body and digestion to be able to eat them.

I am also adding yogurt later this week as our first dairy since intro.  I hope to find some raw milk to make my own yogurt, cheese and kefir... need to make some calls this week.

Everyone is looking so good, less bloating and roundness, better complexions.  I am pleased, and they are all noticing and are happy about the improvements.  I feel some energy increasing and am having many more good days.

Tom's report

Tom sat down a few moments ago to tell me how good he is feeling - without my asking.  He says he feels more alert and "different", that his eyes don't feel like they are closing at the end of the day.  He has not been falling asleep on the couch every evening like he had been regularly.  He has lost 10# and the best part?  His joints are not hurting!  :-)

Day 7 Intro Update

Things are looking much better here a week later.  :-)  We ate lots of great broth, meat and soft cooked veggies for 4 days and then were able to add coconut milk kefir on Wednesday last week, then egg yolk to the soups on Friday and today we have added egg whites - hooray!  We are eating casseroles and meats cooked in broths, lots of veggies and now the eggs too.

After the initial "die-off" symptoms, we've mainly had just a few days of whiny / grouchy / runny noses here and there but nothing too bad.  Faces are becoming more cheerful and dark circles are disappearing from around eyes.  Tom has had  a couple days with headaches, but nothing more than that.  He has been having more energy and has lost 3 pants sizes so far!  He has been bragging to everyone about the yummy food and how good he is feeling.  :-)

We are currently on stage 2 of intro, we plan to introduce ghee on Thursday and then move on to stage 3 over the weekend if all is going well.  I am allowing 3 days between new foods and keeping careful track on a paper chart of everyone's foods, symptoms, moods, and bowels / digestion.  We are faithfully taking our cod liver oil and probiotics.

Intro Stage 1 "Die Off"

Feeling pretty crummy here today.  I started feeling "off" yesterday and was pretty tired and had a bit of a sore throat.  By the time I got to bed, I had a drippy nose too.  This morning I woke with a headache, sinus pain, swollen glands, runny nose, sneezing and tired and achey.  I have been having regular bowel movements.

Tom is feeling good.  He has been taking regular salt baths for his yeast rash and I think that may be helping him (if these symptoms are all die-off).  He is enjoying the soups, especially the creamy beef soup in the evening.  He has been having regular bowel movements.

Heather is feeling better than the rest of us so far.  She has said a couple times that she felt a little weak and had a bit of a sore throat but she has been acting fine and has not complained about her tummy.  She has been having regular bowel movements.

Rose woke up this morning feeling pretty bad.  Yesterday she said that her legs were weak and she felt dizzy.  Today, her tummy hurt and she ended up vomiting around noon.  She felt better afterwards and did not get a fever or look sick, so I am thinking this is die-off.  She is the only one who didn't have a bowel movement yesterday and has not yet today either, so we may need to do something about that.  She got a salt bath last night, I will make sure she takes another one this evening.

Will woke up also feeling tired and with weak legs and acheys.  He carried a bowl around for a bit during parts of the day but did not need to use it.  He actually fell asleep on the floor in the dining room - just was crawling around and then zonked out for about half an hour!  He got a salt bath this afternoon and it seemed to perk him up a bit.

We will stay put with the yummy soups and adding 3 tsp fermented beet kvass, sauerkraut juice, or whey to the bowls at dinner.  We are taking the probiotic and cod liver oil at dinner also.  We had planned to add coconut milk kefir today but decided to wait since everyone was feeling poorly.  I will decide tomorrow if we add the kefir in.

Beginning Intro

Tom and I have been dealing with some yeast issues and Heather has some eczema patches that I would like to see if are diet/gut related.  So, Tom and I talked about it and decided to go for starting intro on Monday.  Tom sat us down for a "family meeting" and told the kids what he had decided and why and what to expect and that they weren't to give me a hard time about it.  I so appreciate having his support!  :-)

Here is a link with more information on the GAPS intro diet.

We are starting Stage 1 on Monday, this could last from 3 days - a week or two, depending on reactions.  Here are the details:

• Eat meat and fish stock, which are healing and nourishing to the gut.
• Add soup from the stock with the addition of meat and non-fibrous veggies which have been peeled and de-seeded (no cabbage, celery, cauliflower or broccoli stalks).
• Add whey, juice from sauerkraut, beet kvass to soup - start with 3-4 tsp per cup.
• Add kefir and yogurt.
• Can drink water and tea (ginger, chamomile or mint).

We will also be taking a high-potency probiotic and fermented cod liver oil.  I will be stopping other supplements for a short while, adding them back in slowly to figure out what is truly helping and what is hindering or just a waste of $$$.

There are 6 stages to the Intro diet, how long it takes depends on each person.  We will likely experience die-off / detox reactions which will be helped by lots of salt baths.  I will keep you posted on how it goes!

Birthday cake!

Tom and I had a birthday yesterday, so we made the GAPS - legal homemade pizza and I found a carrot cake recipe that with a bit of tweaking was also mostly GAPS-legal (-baking powder).  We liked it, so I am including the recipe below!

Carrot Cake
1 cup coconut flour
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (or could use ghee)
1/2 cup coconut cream / milk
12 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 cup honey
1 tsp salt
1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp baking powder
2 cups grated carrot
1/2 cup nuts, chopped

Combine melted oil (or ghee), coconut cream, eggs and vanilla.  Add honey and mix again.  Combine coconut flour with baking powder, salt and spices.  Whisk into batter until there are no lumps.  Fold in carrots and nuts.  Pour batter equally into 2 greased 8 or 9 inch layer cake pans (I used a flower-shaped 12" round pan).  Bake at 350 for 35-40 minutes or until knife inserted into center comes out clean.  Cool for a few minutes, remove from pan (this cake holds together well and slipped right out of the pan for me - no sticking).  Allow to cool completely, then frost.

Frosting
1 quart whole milk plain yogurt
2 Tbsp honey
1 tsp vanilla

Fasten cheesecloth over the mouth of a jar with a rubber band, allowing some to hang into the jar to make a "pouch" for the yogurt to be poured into.  Pour yogurt into jar and allow to sit for a day - this will cause the whey to drip into the jar (save for fermenting foods!), and the yogurt left in the cheesecloth pouch is a cream cheese like substance.  You may have to do this a few times to get the whole quart through and have enough "cheese" for frosting the cake.

Spoon out the cream cheese into a small mixing bowl, add honey and vanilla and stir.  Frost cooled cake.

I also sprinkled some coconut over the top and decorated with a few pecans.  Enjoy!

Chicken curry soup

Had this for dinner a couple weeks ago, we loved it!

One 14-oz can coconut milk
2 Tbsp grated ginger
2 tsp lemon zest (or lime)
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 onion, finely minced
3-4 chicken breasts, cubed
1 clove garlic
1 Tbsp curry powder
1 quart chicken stock
16 oz canned tomato puree
2 tsp salt
3 carrots, diced
1 celery stalk, diced
1 red pepper, diced
1/2 tsp Thai red curry paste
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup coarsley chopped cilantro (I didn't have this)

In large pot, combine coconut milk, lemongrass, ginger and lime zest, simmer for 10 minutes.  In a separate pan, saute onions in coconut oil until soft, stir-fry chicken cubes until cooked fully.  Add garlic, then remove from heat. Puree onions and garlic with curry powder, chicken stock and tomato sauce.  Add blended mixture, salt, carrots, celery, tomatoes and red pepper to simmer coconut milk, stir to combine.  Simmer until vegetables are tender, 8 minutes or so.  Stir in curry paste, lime juice, cilantro and serve.

Pizza!!!

Crust

1 1/2 cups sunflower seeds

1 1/2 cups pumpkin seeds

1 cup flax seeds

Grind all seeds in a coffee grinder, measure into bowl *after* grinding.  Add 3 tsp olive oil, 3 med eggs and 2 tsp salt.  I also added some oregano, sage and garlic salt at this point.  Mix well.  Grease pan (I spray olive oil or smear coconut oil).  Spread "dough" on pan evenly.  Will make a large 12"x16" or 2 smaller round pizzas.  Don't make too thick or it won't bake well, this is for a thin/crispy crust.  Place crust in oven at 375 for 20-25 minutes.

Toppings

While the crust bakes, chop your selected veggies.  We used spinach, red onion, green pepper, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, chunks of baked chicken... I would have like to add black olives and pineapple too, but didn't have any.

When the crust is done baking, remove it from oven and turn oven down to 350.  I spread a couple handfuls of baby spinach leaves on first, then topped with spoonfuls of canned tomato puree (only ingredient is tomatoes), then the chicken and chopped veggies, followed by another can of tomato puree and a sprinkling of minced garlic.  Bake in the oven until veggies are warmed and your kitchen smells wonderful!

Cut immediately with pizza cutter and serve!  We topped with mashed avocado and yogurt "cheese" (plain yogurt drained through cheesecloth to remove liquid whey - leaves a sour cream type substance, be sure to save the whey for fermenting other foods!)

Soooo very yummy and wholesome, the whole family loved it and we will definitely be making this again and again.  It is very filling too, so one large rectangle pizza was enough for my family of 5.

Gained 3# from one stinkin' meal!

Took hubby to Olive Garden (had a gift card) and to see Avatar 3D.  Gained 3# from that one meal.... uggh!!!!  Also constipated and hubby had lots of gas.  Won't be doing that again anytime soon!

Face itching

I have decided that the face itching does not seem to have anything to do with a food allergy as far as I can tell right now.  I stopped eating nuts for a week and then added them back in and noticed no difference either week.  I think it may just be dry skin and/or stress that triggers it.

Recipe - Beef and Eggplant casserole

Made this for dinner tonight - wanted to see how everyone liked eggplant and needed to use some ground beef we had in the fridge, so this is what I came up with.  We all liked it, everyone had seconds!  :-)

1 eggplant
2 lbs ground beef
1 cup sliced mushrooms
2 cups fresh spinach leaves (could use frozen)
2 cups tomato puree
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1/4 cup diced green pepper
oregano
garlic
salt
pepper

Wash eggplant, remove top with stem and leaves.  Peel and dice.  Brown ground beef, add red onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano to taste.  In a 13 x 9 glass baking dish, layer the eggplant and green pepper dices, top with the ground beef mixture, next put a layer of spinach leaves.  Pour tomato puree over top to cover, slice mushrooms on top.  Place uncovered in the oven at 375 for 20 minutes.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)

Reasons I choose to take Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) in my B-Complex supplement.


Recommended dosage:  500-1,000 mg for therapeutic dose / taking 500 mg


Reasons to take (pcos):  Deficiency in animal studies has been found to lead to sterility, or relative infertility. Helps to degrade excess estrogen.


Reasons to take (endo):  Women with endometriosis are found to have vitamin B complex deficiency during the menstrual cycle. It is not known if it is caused by unhealthy diet or the inability of digestive absorption.  It helps to reduce tension of the nervous system as a resulting of converting carbohydrates to energy which is necessary for the proper functions of the nervous system. Thereby it reduces symptoms of endometriosis in some women such as anxiety, depression, and mood swings.  Vitamin B1 helps to secrete hydrochloric acid in the stomach which is essential for the complete digestion of food particles and decreases the risk of nutrient deficiency causing hormone imbalance in the menstrual cycle.

Reasons to take (thyroid):  B vitamins are essential for energy production, mood, nervous system function and adrenals.


Warnings:  Water-soluble and generally non-toxic.  Overdose symptoms are: hypersensitivity, heart palpitation, agitation, high blood pressure and skin rashes.  This is why it is important to take B vitamins as a balanced complex.


Food Sources:  Germ and bran of wheat, brewer’s yeast, husk of rice, whole grains, peas, lentils, beans, sunflower and sesame seeds, nuts with the skin, peanut butter, liver, kidney, pork, ham, eggs, poultry, seafood.


My conclusions:  Taking a good dose, important to continue.

Vitamin A

The reasons that I take Vitamin A from fish oil.


Recommended dosage - 10,000 IU / Current dose:  10,000 IU


Reasons to take it (pcos):  maintenance of healthy skin and hormone balance, One of the lesser known facts about vitamin A is that it contributes to the development of sperm cells in males and eggs in women.


Reasons to take it (thyroid):  Individuals with low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) have a reduced ability to change beta-carotene into true vitamin A.  Vitamin A-deficient cattle and sheep show degeneration of the area of the pituitary gland where the TSH is synthesized.  Vitamin A intake also influences the thyroid gland in another way. Sufficient vitamin A -- not beta-carotene in this instance -- must be present for the thyroid gland to absorb enough iodine, upon which it depends for proper function.


Reasons to take it (endo):  Women with excessive blood flow during the menstrual cycle caused by endometrial implants or adhesion in the abdomen found to have low levels of vitamin A in there bloodstream. Together used with vitamin E will help to relieve menstrual bleeding and keep hormone balance in the body. Beta carotene is another form of vitamin A that also helps to enhance the immune system and protect against growth of endometriosis.


Warnings:  Symptoms of overdose include:  skin turning orange, nausea, hair loss, enlarged liver and spleen.  Higher than the RDA amount can cause birth defects if taken around conception.


Food Sources:  Animal sources - better for me - liver, milk, eggs
Plant sources - beta carotene - carrot, spinach, kale, cantaloupe, spinach, apricot, papaya, mango, oatmeal, peas, tomatoes, peaches, peppers.


My conclusions:  I am taking a good amount of Vit A from a good source.  Future considerations may be to take a fermented cod liver oil to get the right amount of A and D in a very usable format.

General update

Almost 3 weeks now since starting our new eating plan. It has been very easy and fulfilling to eat this way. I have lost almost 10 lbs in the past 3 weeks. I have days when I have a bit more energy, but am still fairly tired - though able to accomplish more throughout the day and not noticing the 3pm slump quite as much. I have not had issues with anxiety, difficulty breathing or heart palpitations recently, but am still taking SAM-e. I have not had severe endo pain, though some minor pain (not debilitating) in the past 3 weeks, but I also have not had a normal cycle since Nov 28. :-( I have not had a migraine in a while either, nigglings that I could get one but nothing serious. I have not any trouble with the tonsil stones for the last few weeks, my scalp has much improved, no thyroid pain. I have had itchiness on my face which I am working to figure out if it is an allergy to nuts or yeast growth, either way may need to cut them out of my diet. All in all, some good improvements.

My cycle is puzzling me for sure though. Have not had a menses since Nov 28 and have had 2 sessions of spotting for 2-3 days, now am spotting again. I get moody and achey and tired beforehand but then only spot. Need to figure that out. I have not used the pro cream since the end of December so it's not that. May need to consider another hair analysis and hormone panel soon.

Tom has mentioned that he has not had any heart burn for the last few weeks - hooray! The kids are doing very well on the plan. They are not complaining much, they are looking healthier. Rose said the other day that her lettuce tasted like candy - they were eating big wedges of it plain! Heather's attitude is much better the last few days, I had to stop in the middle of her grammar and tell her how much I liked seeing her smile and having her cooperate, she said that she felt happier - hooray!

That's it for now...

Bowels

Okay, not for the faint-hearted. :-)

Will try not to be too descriptive, but I did want to add this info here. We have noticed changes in our bowels with the change in eating. Tom was the first to notice, and I have had the children marking on a chart when they have bowel movements so that I know if they become constipated. If one skips a day or two, (Heather especially has always been prone), I have them drink some "Smooth Move" herbal tea and that works right away with no discomfort. I have noticed an improvement in frequency and quality myself. If you are interested in what "normal" is... here is a link with info and.... prepare yourself... pics.

The Bristol Stool Form Scale

"The Bristol Stool Scale or Bristol Stool Chart is a medical aid designed to classify the form of human feces into seven groups. It was developed by Heaton and Lewis at the University of Bristol and was first published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 1997. The form of the stool depends on the time it spends in the colon."

Changes in supplements

Here are the recent changes to my supplements:

Vitamin C - ran out of current bottle, haven't refilled

Cod Liver Oil - haven't refilled, am taking flax and EPO but should get a fish oil too...

Licorice Root - misplaced bottle? Will add back in if I locate it

Limcomin - ran out, may continue - not sure

Protease - digestive enzyme for digesting protein, really should refill this one!

Selenium - was taking an additional 200 mcg, stopped for right now due to nausea right when taken, reconsidering...

Possible nut allergy update

I am pretty convinced that I am allergic to cashews, possibly other nuts. I am cutting all nuts (except coconut for now) out of my diet as of tomorrow so that I can figure out for sure which ones affect me and be certain I am on the right track. I LOVE nuts!!! This would be a huge bummer for me. :-( I will stay off nuts for a whole week, then try a bit of peanut butter, then almonds, pecans, and finally cashews. The symptom that I have is a very itchy face... I'll keep you posted!

Will has not seemed to react any further to the cashews, so must have been something else bothering him at the time and it has stopped, so ?

Supplements update

I am updating my sidebar with current supplements, but this post will contain a tally of what I am getting from taking these so I can evaluate. I am also hoping to do some posts soon on each one and why I am taking it, as a reminder to myself! :-) Blogging is my external brain!

So here goes, this will be long...

Vitamins

A (from fish liver oil) 11,000 IU

B1 520 mg (thiamine)

B2 24 mg (riboflavin)

B3 220 mg (niacin)

B5 220 mg (as pantothenic acid)

B6 210 mg (pyridoxine)

B8 20 mg (inositol)

B9 2000 mcg (folic acid)

B12 1050 mcg (cobalamin)

Biotin 1010 mcg

Bx 20 mg (PABA)

C 200 mg

D (as cholecacliciferol) 1000 IU

D (from fish oil) 50 IU

E 40 IU

Minerals

Calcium Formula (horsetail grass, oat straw, comfrey root, lobelia)

Chromium 200 mcg

Iodine (kelp) 1015 mcg

Iodine (angstrom) 15 ppm - 1 tsp

Magnesium 30 mg

Manganese 2 mg

Potassium 30 mg

Selenium 50 mcg

Zinc (chelated) 52 mg

Free Aminos

5-L-Hydroxytryptophan 20 mg

L-Alanine 82 mg

L-Arginine 124 mg

L-Cysteine 28 mg

L-Cystine 124 mg

L-Glutamine 56 mg

Glycine 56 mg

L-Histidine 98 mg

L-Isoleucine 138 mg

L-Leucine 138 mg

L-Lysine 196 mg

L-Methionine 28 mg

L-Phenylalanine 15 mg

L-Serine 28 mg

Taurine 1028 mg

L-Threonine 112 mg

L-Tyrosine 716 mg

L-Valine 56 mg

MSM 1000 mg

Glandulars

Raw Thyroid 60 mg

Raw Adrenal 30 mg

Raw Pituitary 10 mg

Raw Spleen 10 mg

Herbs

Blessed Thistle 180 mg

Digestive Bitters Tonic (cardamom, raspberry, stevia, dandelion, orange peel, gentian root) 5000 mg

Milk Thistle 175 mg

Motherwort 500 mg

Pine Bark Extract (Pycnogenol) 100 mg

Vitex (agnus castus) 2000 mg

Winter Cherry (Ashwagandha) 570 mg

Probiotics

Lactobacillus rhamnosus 1.6 billion

Bifidobacterium bifidum 1.2 billion

Lactobacillus acidophilus 1.2 billion

Lactobacillus brevis 1.2 billion

Lactobacillus bulgaricus 1.2 billion

Lactobacillus plantarum 1.2 billion

Stretococcus thermophilus 1.2 billion

Bifidobacterium infantis 800 million

Bifidobacterium longum 800 million

Lactobacillus casei 800 million

Lactobacillus salivarius 800 million

Other (Foods)

Coconut milk - 8 oz in smoothies

Coconut oil - 1 tbsp in smoothies, also for cooking

Flax oil (unref, org, omega 3/6/9) - 1 tbsp

Maca - 5 g gelatinized powder

Favorite breakfast

I may have posted this before, but it is a favorite and worth doing so again. I have learned the way we like it best and can do it in one skillet for our family which is another reason to love it!

Eggs Benedict rendition

Place a couple Tbsp coconut oil in a large cast iron skillet, add 1/4 cup sliced red onion and 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms - cook until soft. Fill pan with spinach leaves and allow to cook down, fill again 2 more times, allowing to cook down between each. Stir to mix spinach with onion and mushrooms, add a couple squirts Bragg's aminos, and 2 Tbsp minced garlic. Next, crack eggs on top of the spinach, add salt and pepper, cover and allow to cook to desired doneness - less for sunny-side up, more for hard cooked yolks. Use a spatula to cut portions between eggs and scoop spinach and egg out onto plates. We like to add a bit of mayo mixed with lemon juice to the top for a bit of a kick.

Mock Shepherds Pie

Made this for dinner tonight:

2 heads cauliflower

2 pounds ground beef

3 large carrots, sliced thin

peas

green beans

Brown beef, I added minced garlic, minced onion, italian seasoning, and Bragg's aminos. Cut up 2 heads of cauliflower, put in large pot, cover with water and bring to boil. In smaller pot, place carrot slices, peas and beans and cook until soft. When cauliflower is soft, drain and place in blender, add 1 Tbsp coconut oil and 2 Tbsp chicken broth, garlic salt, salt and pepper - blend until creamy. I did this in 2 batches, adding seasonings to each. Place browned beef in bottom of 9x13 pan, drain veggies and place on top of beef. Pour 1/2 can of coconut milk on top and stir all together. Top with the pureed cauliflower and place in oven, uncovered at 375 for 25 min or until very lightly browned.

Comes out creamy and filling, you could taste the coconut milk - Tom said a bit too much and Will didn't care for that flavor at all but the girls and I loved the flavors and creaminess!

Notes re: supplements from GAPS book

Liquid is better than powder, tablet or capsule. Fulvic acid added ensures a very high absorption rate, also a good chelation of heavy metals. A good probiotic taken with supplements may have this soil bacteria (fulvic acid).

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

"Spaghetti"

We had spaghetti using spaghetti squash instead of pasta for dinner tonight. It always surprises me how yummy this is!

If you've never used a spaghetti squash, or never used it this way, you are in for a treat. I like to first wash mine and remove any produce stickers, then cut in half lengthwise with a long knife. I place both halves, cut side down, in a shallow baking pan with a bit of water. Bake at 350 for around an hour - if it is a large one, it may take longer.

The one pictured here baked for an hour and 15 min but was a bit crunchier than I had hoped for still, another 15 min would have been good. Just try a piece until you have the consistency the way you like it. When you take it out of the oven, scoop the seeds out of the center - then comes the fun part! Using a fork, gently loosen the "noodles" so that it comes apart in strings like spaghetti. The whole thing will come out this way. Tonight, we served it with homemade spaghetti sauce with lots of veggies - you could try white sauce, or just toss with coconut oil and more cooked veggies - yum!

A recommendation and resource

Hubby and I watched The Future of Food over the last couple days - lots of interesting info and I must admit a bit scary and overwhelming. Today was doing some searches on how to find non-GMO foods and came across the blog The Nourishing Kitchen who has a post (linked) which lists brands you can buy who have made a commitment to non-GMO food sources. Very helpful!

Possible nut allergy?

I have noticed itchy skin (mainly face) and Will has been more gassy since we added in raw cashews and peanut butter. Plan to go off them for a bit and add one at a time back in to see for sure.

Nut Butter "Brownies" - a big hit!

I saw this recipe come across from Eileen at the yahoo group GAPShelp and decided to give them a try today. They were a big smash with the kids and healthily curbed some sugar cravings they were having. Heather even said they were yummier than chocolate brownies.

Nut Butter Brownies

1 egg

1 cup nut butter (I used peanut butter, the original poster recommended almond butter)

1/2 cup honey

1/2 cup butternut or other winter squash puree (I baked and then pureed in the blender with a touch of water)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8x8 square pan and set aside.

In a bowl, beat the egg with a whisk and then add the peanut butter and honey. Beat until smooth. Add the squash and whisk until mixed. Pour into pan and bake 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean.

Regrouping with the kids

Had a great conversation with the kids at the end of lunch today. I have been concerned about their focus on food and frustrated by their lack of cooperation with our GAPS intro diet last week. I explained that we each needed to give a little, at this point I am not going to insist that we do the hard-core Intro, but that we do the basic GAPS diet - in turn I wanted to explain to them WHY we needed to do this and that I needed them to happily work with me and not complain. We talked about the gut and digestion and nutrition and *why* we eat (eat to live, not live to eat). We talked about how the stomach works and the acids and bacterias that need to be in the right balance, the difference in good and bad bacteria. We discussed symptoms that we have of our gut not working right or the balance not being good in our tummies and how great it will be not to have those problems. I stressed that this is not a mean diet that I am forcing them to do, but that we are trying to teach them how to eat the foods that God has given us and not the non-nutritive, over-processed foods that we often turn to. We also talked about cravings and how they will go away after a while. I think it was a very profitable discussion and will give us a good foundation for making good choices. I cleaned out our fridge and cabinets yesterday and got more good foods. We will eat meat, vegetables, fruits, nuts and honey (no sugar, grains or starches). At each meal we will have a small cup of bone/meat broth and a small dose of fermented beverage of choice (beet kvass, sauerkraut, kombucha, or kefir). We will take probiotics and cod liver oil daily. We will start the day with a glass of lemon water and make sure to drink lots of water through the day. I also plan to have an hour for exercise in the morning and offer more choices for them to do in that time. I feel much better now that we have discussed this as a family and have a plan and purpose! :-)

Failure?

Okay, so confession time: It has been a hard week. Thursday was very, very hard. Kids tummies were feeling better, but they were still weak and whiny. Will was having a hard time getting any energy or eating anything at all. I was in a lot of pain with my back/sciatica and had barely slept even with the heating pad. A wonderful friend brought us some herbal teas, and bless her heart some chicken noodle soup, a loaf of fresh whole wheat bread, basket of oranges and several DVDs. I gave up and served it all for dinner.... and then, I.... well, I convinced myself that I was battling depression and PMS and I *really* needed some chocolate.... so, I made brownies. Tom came home as they were coming out of the oven and made a hurtful comment, not on purpose, but ouch! So, I was in tears all night long (I NEVER cry). I felt sooo overwhelmed and tired of pain. I won't go into it all, but we talked through some stuff and I unloaded all my sorrows and yesterday was better, today is much better.

So.... today we have a church meeting and a planned meal at a local burger joint with the church officers and their wives (my hubby is a deacon). We will get more groceries on the way home. I am regrouping and re-evaluating. I am not sure what is going on with me, but I am thinking detox/die-off may have contributed. The kids were not very happy with eating soups for 3 days and were feeling very deprived. I *thought* it would be a good time to start since soups are great for sick tummies, but apparently not. I didn't think the food was that bad. Tom even liked the soups we had for dinner. But, I think we are going to step back and do the full GAPS diet for a while (meat, fruits, veggies - no sugar, no grains - broth and fermented at each meal) and reconsider doing Intro in a while, maybe then detox won't be as hard.

So, no failure, just learning and starting again. I need to do better about taking my supplements too, the last couple weeks have not been very good.

Pretty miserable today

All of us, well almost all, are feeling poorly today. Rose woke up feeling sick to her stomach and has lain around and slept most of the day without eating. Will is not vomiting anymore, but feels tired and says his tummy still hurts, he has not eaten either and took a good long nap today. Heather is feeling fine, Tom is feeling fine. I am in quite a lot of pain in my back, sciatica and legs. I have no idea if it is pre-cycle stuff or detox stuff or what, but not feeling well at all. I'm trying to get office work caught up on and I have a lot of other paperwork to do pre-taxes, but having trouble focusing and getting much accomplished. I took a small nap yesterday and today. I sure hope this all passes soon! We will all get salt baths again today to be sure we are detoxing well, I already got one and did my skin brushing.