In Japanese, maitake literally translates to dancing mushroom. Legend has it that this beneficial mushroom received its name because people danced with happiness after finding it in the wild. Maitakes are adaptogens that exhibit impressive healing properties. Researchers note that adaptogens help the body fight mental or physical difficulties, regulating systems in the body that are out of balance. 

What Are Maitake Mushrooms?

These edible mushrooms are native to China, but they also grow in Japan, Europe, North America, and other parts of Asia. You may also know maitake mushrooms as hen of the woods or sheep’s head mushrooms. They exhibit a tasty umami flavor, making it a sought after culinary ingredient, but they also offer an impressive nutritional profile. Maitakes are naturally rich in antioxidants, beta-glucans, potassium, fiber, vitamins B, C, and D, copper, amino acids, and other minerals. They are also low-calorie, low-sodium, fat-free, and cholesterol-free. 

Maitake mushrooms are of great interest to scientists because of their unique antioxidant profile. Existing research points to the fact that these mushrooms have a unique way of supporting overall health and fighting certain illnesses. They have many bioactive compounds, which likely contribute to their many medicinal properties. Continue reading to learn more about the health benefits of maitake mushrooms. 

They Provide Cancer Support

According to research, the beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms have an anti-tumor immune response. Some scientific studies on mice found that maitakes blocked tumor growth. Additional research found that beta-glucans potentially enhanced the activity of certain immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages. These cells help to identify and destroy cancer cells. Maitake mushrooms also promote apoptosis, which is programmed cell death that eliminates abnormal (cancerous) or damaged cells. Some studies suggest that maitake mushroom extracts may induce apoptosis in breast cancer and bladder cancer cells. One such extract, which is available in supplement form, is maitake D-fraction. Vitamin C helps to enhance this extract’s function to make it more effective in the body. 

They May Support Healthy Blood Sugar

A study from 2015 found that maitake mushrooms had a positive effect on rats with type 2 diabetes. Over the course of the study, the rats consumed maitake mushrooms, which had a positive effect on blood glucose levels. Study authors were able to conclude that the bioactive compounds in maitake mushrooms helped improve glucose tolerance. A separate study on diabetic mice found that maitake mushroom powder exhibited anti-diabetic properties, improving the condition of the mice over four months. Human research is necessary, but initial studies on animals are promising. 

They Promote Fertility

Before we explain how maitake mushrooms promote fertility, it’s crucial to understand that research is limited. Additionally, the research was specifically focused on how they affected women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This is a condition that causes the ovaries to develop fluid-filled cysts around their outer edges. These cysts contain follicles, but don’t release eggs, resulting in infrequent periods, excess hair growth, and lack of ovulation. A Japanese study from 2010 monitored women with PCOS who either took a maitake mushroom extract or the clomiphene citrate drug. At the end of the study, the maitake extract induced ovulation in 77% of PCOS participants, showing a very similar result to the prescription drug. 

They May Reduce Blood Pressure

Earlier in the article, we discussed the D-fraction maitake extract, which can induce apoptosis. In an animal study, researchers gave that D-fraction extract to rats and found that it reduced age-related high blood pressure. The extract also improved insulin sensitivity, which could help explain why maitake can aid with cholesterol reduction. In an older study from 1989, researchers fed maitake mushrooms to rats for eight weeks. At the end of the study, the rats had lower blood pressure, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels. The ability to lower all of these markers suggests that maitake mushrooms may be able to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease. 

They Support Immune Function

The beta-glucans in maitake mushrooms work to encourage optimal immune function. The polysaccharides work to optimize immune response, enhancing the body’s overall resilience towards foreign invaders. The bioactive polysaccharides support humoral and cellular immunity, two actions that ward off pathogens. This is particularly useful whether a virus is going around the office, or you are stressed and have a weakened immune system. When compared to shiitake mushrooms in a 2014 animal study, maitake mushrooms stimulated a more intense immune response. 

They May Balance Cholesterol Levels

If you have higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, you have a higher risk of heart disease. Although high cholesterol can result from poor diet and genetics, health experts suggest that insulin resistance plays a role in cholesterol levels. As it turns out, the antioxidants in maitake mushrooms work to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. When inflammatory markers reduce, less cholesterol accumulates in the arteries. That ultimately helps protect you from heart disease.

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This week, we will walk you through the Facts and Fiction about PCOS!

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Talcum powder seems like a wholesome product. After all, it helps to prevent babies from developing diaper rash. How harmful could it be, right? Well, up to 40% of women regularly use talcum powder on occasion, and that doesn’t account for the talc that exists in cosmetic products such as blush. 

The purpose of the powder is to help absorb moisture and reduce friction. This can keep the skin dry in more moist areas, which can help prevent rashes. The unfortunate reality is that many published health studies demonstrate a link between talcum powder use and ovarian, uterine, and lung cancers and mesothelioma. Johnson & Johnson alone shelled out over $700 million for cancer-related lawsuits in 2016 and 2017. There are currently tens of thousands of dollars in pending lawsuits. 

What Is Talc?

Talc is a soft mineral that exists in rocks buried in the ground. After a process of grinding and milling, the resulting ground talc gets incorporated into a wide variety of products. Technically, talc is hydrous magnesium silicate, which is made from silicon, magnesium, oxygen, and hydrogen. 

In its natural state, talc may contain asbestos, a mineral that causes cancer, especially when inhaled. In 1976, the trade association that represented manufacturers asked them to remove asbestos from talc that was in their personal-care and cosmetic products. Unfortunately, this is not formally enforced and that’s why talc’s potential link to cancer still exists. People who use products that contain talc, or those who work mining talc, are the most at risk for cancer development. 

Asbestos In Talcum Powder

Manufacturers aim to prevent cross-contamination of talc and asbestos by choosing mining sites carefully and testing samples. Talc and asbestos are two different minerals, but they exist in close proximity to each other. That makes it easy for cross-contamination to occur, especially since one gram of talc can contain millions of asbestos fibers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) deemed asbestos to be a cancer-causing agent. Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer.

Lung Cancer

According to a 2015 study, there was an increase in lung cancer mortality rates in talc miners. Talc exposure may not have been the only cause, though. It’s possible that these miners also inhaled other carcinogens, which weren’t measured in the study. A different study monitored the risk of lung cancer among workers who were exposed to asbestos-free talc and silica. The exposure took place during the manufacturing of ceramic plumbing fixtures. The research stated that workers exposed to high levels of silica did not have a significant lung cancer risk. The workers exposed to talc and silica experienced a 2.5-fold increased risk of lung cancer. 

Mesothelioma

This type of cancer affects the lining of certain areas in the body, especially mesothelial cells that line the chest. Mesothelioma is not very common, with only about 3,000 diagnoses per year. For comparison, there are over 200,000 new diagnoses of lung cancer each year. The primary risk factor for mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Upon inhaling asbestos fibers, they can penetrate mesothelial cells and cause irritation. This ultimately leads to cancer development. Anyone who has been around asbestos, especially in regards to construction, insulation, automotive, and other similar industries, is more at risk. 

Granulomatosis

When intravenous drug abusers inject tablets that contain talc, which are meant for oral use, they run the risk of developing granulomatosis. This is a condition that stems from the formation of granulomas in the lungs. These granulomas come about because of inflammation or infection caused by a foreign substance. Injecting talc into the blood can cause arterial obstruction, loss of blood flow, or granuloma formation.

Ovarian Cancer

The American Cancer Society documented many studies in women regarding talcum powder’s link to ovarian cancer. Applying baby powder, or any product containing talc, to the female genital area can cause powder particles to travel through the vagina. These particles can then enter the uterus and fallopian tubes, and ultimate the ovaries. One study investigated 1,300 African-American women with ovarian cancer. Baby powder use was common in 62.8% of those women, suggesting an increased cancer risk from regular talcum powder usage. A 2016 study analyzed the association of ovarian cancer and genital talc use. Results indicated that genital use of talc increased ovarian cancer risk by 33%. The risk decreased the longer a woman went without using talc in the genital area. 

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Alternative medicine and herbal remedies receive more attention nowadays for the treatment of various bodily disorders. Herbs like stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) offer therapeutic effects, especially for women who aim to balance hormones. It’s an herb that has been a staple ingredient in herbal medicine since ancient times. 

Cultures in Asia, Europe, and Africa have used nettle for thousands of years. Some healers created nettle tinctures to remedy lower back pain, while others used it to increase bodily warmth during winter. Fresh nettle causes a stinging reaction upon contact, but cooking or drying the leaves cancels out that stinging effect. 

Nettle Is Nutrient Dense

According to several studies, stinging nettle exhibits antioxidant effects in the body. Antioxidants work to protect the cells from oxidative stress, which can increase the risk of cancer, cognitive decline, and early signs of aging. Researchers found that stinging nettle extract works to raise blood antioxidant levels. It’s also rich in calcium, potassium, sodium, iron, beta-carotene, lutein, carotenoids, essential amino acids, essential fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and K. 

The Use Of Nettle For Women

Many studies concluded that nettle can positively impact female hormones. In general, two substances are necessary for keeping hormone levels check. Nettle works to balance hormones by influencing aromatase and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The former is an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen, while the latter is a protein that the liver makes. SHBG carries three hormones, estrogen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and testosterone, in both men and women. High SHBG levels mean that there is not a lot of testosterone available for bodily tissues. Low levels of SHBG indicate high testosterone levels, which can increase the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hair loss, depression, and more in women.

Benefits of Nettle For Women

Managing Aromatase and Estradiol

Unlike men, women experience extreme hormonal changes, specifically during menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or menopause. Hormones can change as a result of taking birth control pills as well. Nettle root can help reduce the harmful effects of estrogen metabolites in a woman’s body. By decreasing levels of estrogen metabolites, a woman can reduce the risk of certain cancers, according to several studies. Blocking aromatization, a process sex hormones undergo, it effectively reduces several primary causative factors of hormone-induced breast cancer and uterine cancer. 

Encouraging Thyroid Health

Stinging nettle contains iron, and iron deficiency can affect the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Without sufficient production of TSH, it’s easier to experience hypothyroidism, which can cause weight gain or make weight loss difficult. The thyroid needs iron and iodine, but iodine often receives more attention when it comes to optimizing thyroid health. The pituitary gland produces TSH, and the thyroid cannot receive the necessary signals for T3 and T4 hormone production if TSH production isn’t optimal. Nettle leaf is a rich source of iron, which is a nutrient that can enhance thyroid function. 

Relieving PCOS Symptoms

Three primary characteristics of PCOS include irregular menstrual cycles, excess male hormones (testosterone), and cysts in the ovaries. It’s one of the leading causes of infertility in women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS typically have higher levels of testosterone, which causes hormonal imbalance. In a 2014 study, young women received 300-600 milligrams (mg) of dried nettle extract daily for 16 weeks. The results indicated that the women experienced a reduction in testosterone and improvement in menstrual cycles. Additionally, many naturopathic doctors work with nettle to help women with PCOS. 

Helping Control Blood Sugar

It’s estimated that about one in nine adult women in the U.S. has diabetes. Various human and animal studies found that nettle has the ability to help lower blood sugar levels. One of nettle’s primary compounds may mimic the effects of insulin. In a three-month study, 46 participants took 500 mg of nettle extract three times daily. The results indicated that everyone experienced lower blood sugar levels. Finally, the antioxidants in nettle may help assist with glucose-lowering activity. 

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After starting a new diet or exercise program, the first thing that people do is head for the scale with high hopes of a decrease in body weight. Some people’s efforts yield successful weight loss results, but many others don’t seem to budge the scale. They are left frustrated, wondering why their hard work and newly adopted healthy habits have not paid off. So what’s up?

Depending on the diet, it’s possible that portions are too large, exceeding the number of calories that you should be eating. It might be time to stop eyeballing and start measuring correct portion sizes. If you are regularly exercising and not losing weight, you may not be working out as hard as you think you are, i.e. not maintaining a consistent heart rate to assist with weight loss. What if you followed your dietary and workout programs exactly as they were detailed? Your program may not be inhibiting your weight loss; rather, the culprit may be an underlying health condition or medication.

Medical Explanations For Weight Gain

A number of health conditions can make it difficult to lose weight. On top of that, the medications that patients are prescribed for their health conditions can also contribute to weight gain. This can put a patient in a no-win situation. A doctor may suggest that a patient lose weight to improve his or her condition, but that same doctor will prescribe medication, which can inhibit weight loss, to the patient. According to various studies, the following conditions are most likely hindering weight loss.

Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid is underactive, the body cannot produce enough thyroid hormones to burn fat that is stored in the body. A person with hypothyroidism typically has a slower metabolism, and that means that he/she is storing more fat than he/she is burning. This is especially true for people who don’t exercise and people who eat unhealthily.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is the result of prolonged exposure to cortisol, which is made in excess by the adrenal glands. The condition is typically characterized by a fatty hump between the shoulder blades, purple stretch marks on the skin, and a rounded face. This condition commonly results in weight gain, type 2 diabetes, bone loss, and high blood pressure.

Depression

Depression affects each person differently. Some people decide not to eat and become wildly malnourished, while others resort to food to ease emotional distress. It is also common for people with depression to avoid exercise, due to the lethargy associated with the condition.

Hormonal Changes In Women

As hormonal shifts begin to happen in women, they can find it difficult to lose weight, or they may find that they gain weight with ease. These hormonal shifts can occur at puberty, during pregnancy, and before, during, or after menopause.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Affecting roughly five million adult women in the United States, PCOS is a disease that stems from hormonal imbalance. Most women with PCOS experience irregular menstrual bleeding, weight gain not caused by excessive eating, thinning hair, or difficulty getting pregnant.

A Prescription For Weight Gain?

As we mentioned earlier, medications can contribute to weight gain or prevent you from losing weight. According to a medical doctor at the Scripps Clinic of Nutrition and Metabolism Research Center in San Diego, California, 25% of his patients take medications or have conditions that lead to weight gain. The reason for weight gain may be attributed to the fact that certain medications lower metabolic rate and increase appetite. Other medications can increase hormones that store fat. Common medications that lead to weight gain can include:

• Beta-blockers (for high blood pressure or other heart conditions)
• Antidepressants
• Birth control pills
• Medications like sulfonylureas (for type 2 diabetes)
• Corticosteroids (for conditions like lupus or asthma)
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Antiepileptics (taken to control seizures)

It may be beneficial to switch to a plant-based diet and focus your dietary efforts on real food to obtain essential nutrients. Processed foods, meats, dairy products, and other junk foods can often worsen your health condition and lead to weight gain. A vegan or raw vegan diet may improve your overall health, condition, and you may even start to see your efforts reflected on the scale. Remember, everyone is different and some people may experience more visual transformations without shedding a lot of pounds. The number on the scale doesn’t mean that you are not making progress! Check your waist size. Is it smaller? Appreciate the forward strides and maintain your willpower!

If you think that your condition or medication may be preventing you from losing weight or causing you to gain weight, consult with your medical professional to see what other options are available. Above all else, don’t give up on getting in shape. It may be difficult, but this shouldn’t deter you from leading a healthier lifestyle.

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We live in a world with some amazing medical and technological advancements, but many people often overlook the simplest and most natural solutions. While it may seem more like an old wives’ than medical advice, certain foods can influence a woman’s ability to become pregnant.

Diet influences your overall health, which means that eating the wrong foods can increase a woman’s chances of infertility. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one in ten women will experience infertility, with an unhealthy diet being high on the list of probable causes. Keep in mind that infertility can also stem from health issues like PCOS, hormonal imbalance, and endometriosis. To increase fertility, women should incorporate the following foods into their diet.

Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries contain anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that help boost female and male fertility. Much like citrus fruits, berries are high in vitamin C and folate, both of which aid healthy fetal development. Try to consume at least one cup of berries a day.

Quinoa

It can be hard to choose which carbs you should eat. It is best to opt for whole grains, but the best source of healthy gluten-free carbs is quinoa. Not only is quinoa high in fiber, but it is also rich in zinc, folate, and protein. Swapping animal proteins for plant-based proteins like quinoa can increase your odds for conception. Complex carbs also help to regulate a woman’s cycle, making it easier to pinpoint peak fertile days.

Don’t Overdo It On Botanicals

While it is beneficial to limit caffeine consumption and focus on herbal teas, it is integral to know what herbs to avoid. A lot of fertility problems can be attributed to too many botanicals in your diet. If you are trying to get pregnant, you should avoid ephedra, St John’s wort, ginseng, licorice, and sassafras.

Walnuts

Containing high levels of fiber and omega-3s, walnuts should be eaten when trying to conceive. They contain magnesium, which helps to increase blood supply to the uterus and promotes progesterone production, both of which are integral for increasing fertility. Magnesium also helps to alleviate morning sickness that women tend to experience in the first trimester.

Leafy Greens

One of the best ways to obtain prenatal nutrients (calcium, iron, and folate, which helps inhibit birth defects in the spine and brain in the first few weeks of pregnancy) is by eating dark leafy greens. Load up on leafy greens by including them in smoothies, salads, or vegetable medleys. Great greens to eat include kale, chard, collards, or spinach.

Beans

These plant-based protein sources are rich in B-vitamins, fiber, folate, and iron, which helps to naturally boost libido and increase fertility. An iron deficiency can cause an anovulation, which is when ovulation doesn’t produce a healthy egg. It is best to opt for dried beans and soak them before cooking. Try to have beans in at least two meals a week. If you buy canned varieties, make sure that the cans are free of BPA, a toxic chemical that can negatively affect estrogen levels.

Avocados

Not only are avocados great sources of folate, but they also contain omega-3s and vitamin K, which helps to balance hormones and absorb nutrients. Avocados are also rich in monounsaturated fats and potassium, which helps to stabilize blood pressure levels. Women with PCOS or diabetes are encouraged to eat avocados because they contain vitamin E, which works to protect cells against oxidative damage.

Figs

The Ancient Greeks believed that figs helped to increase fertility. This belief is now supported by scientific evidence! Containing a lot of iron, figs are beneficial for healthy eggs and ovulation.

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September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, so we wanted to give you some information about women’s health and helpful tips to help women reach optimum health. While this article is not about ovarian cancer, we feel that it is imperative to inform women about polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

What Is PCOS?

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that involves imbalanced estrogen and progesterone levels in women.  This imbalance can lead to ovarian cysts, which are benign masses on the ovaries.  The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that about 1 in 20 women of childbearing age has PCOS, and that the condition affects roughly five million women in America.  PCOS can also affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, cardiovascular health, and fertility.

Symptoms

Women with PCOS will typically experience mild symptoms at first.  Some of the common adverse side effects of PCOS include, but are not limited to, amennorhea (no menstrual period), dysmenorrheal, infertility, acne, pelvic pain, and high blood pressure.  The symptoms may vary from person to person, but common symptoms may include:

• Deeper voice
• Acne
• Irregular periods
• Hair loss
• More hair growth on face, chest, stomach, or toes
• Decrease in breast size
• Weight gain
• Pelvic pain
• Infertility
• Depression

What Causes PCOS?

Medical professionals are still unsure of the exact cause of PCOS, but it is thought that genetics may play a large role in the development of the condition.  It is a common belief that hormonal imbalances also play a large role as well.  The overproduction of androgen, which is a male sex hormone that women’s bodies also produce, is thought to be another contributing factor.  PCOS patients often have excess levels of androgen.  Some possible causes are listed below.

• Diabetes
• Genetics
• Imbalanced hormones
• Excess insulin
• Low-grade inflammation
• Excess androgen production

Natural Remedies For PCOS

It is important to note that it takes about 6-12 months of lifestyle and diet changes, in addition to the natural remedies listed below, to see positive change when living with PCOS.

• The body thrives on foods that are nutritionally dense, so it makes sense to eat foods that will nourish your body, especially when you have a condition like PCOS.  It is best to consume plant-based foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains.  Try to avoid eating processed foods like white flour, high fructose corn syrup, meat, pasta, added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and canola oil.  You should notice a change in how your body feels when consume a plant-based diet.
• Irregular menstrual cycles are common in women with PCOS.  It is beneficial to eat foods that have iron and magnesium because they help to build healthy blood, which is necessary for regular menstruation.  Raw cacao is a great source of both iron and magnesium.  You can also eat foods like avocados, bananas, hibiscus tea, apple cider vinegar, leafy greens, beans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and broccoli, among others.
• Licorice root helps the body to maintain balanced hormone levels because it promotes healthy production and release.  Additionally, licorice root can also help to support a healthy liver and healthy insulin levels, which is an integral part of naturally remedying PCOS.
• Eat foods that are low on the glycemic index and glycemic load list.  Low glycemic index foods are carbohydrates that slowly break down in the body, meaning that you don’t have a spike or drop in your insulin levels.  If you have insulin resistant PCOS and are overweight, try not to eat more than a half-cup of low glycemic carbs a day.  Great examples of these low glycemic foods include kale, grapefruit, walnuts, almonds, apples, beans, lentils, and asparagus.
• Stop drinking coffee because caffeine increases estrogen levels.  A recent study found that eating two cups of coffee a day boosts estradiol (a natural estrogen) levels.  If you drink 4-5 cups a day, you produce 70% more estrogen during the follicular phase of menstruation.  Since women with PCOS can have difficulty producing a viable follicle for ovulation, try to avoid coffee and caffeine in general.
• Try drinking an apple cider vinegar tonic because apple cider vinegar helps to maintain balanced pH levels in the body, while helping to inhibit bacteria, candida, or yeast build-up.  You can make a tonic that consists of 1-2 tablespoons of raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar in 8 ounces of filtered water.  Drink this first thing in the morning before consuming food.
• A lot of people enjoy doing high-intensity exercise routines.  Rather than doing that, it may be beneficial to try stress-reducing exercises such as Pilates, yoga, Tai Chi, biking, walking, swimming, or barre class.

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