Hi Marenna

As I'm one of those for whom the diet hasn't yet had major results, I was wondering if you had considered running a questionnaire for people who didn't seem to get the results from fish oil to see if there were any issues in common.

I'm writing a book on infertility and I'm sure omega 3 deficiency is likely to be a factor in some women who can't conceive. But there are also physical and emotional components that can affect women's ability to conceive or carry a baby to term. I'm wondering if there's a close link between libido and conception and if issues affecting libido could influence conception and visa versa.

I've just read Barry Sears Omega Rx book which highlights the effect of insulin on Omega 3 metabolism. Maybe for some women high levels of carb in their diet knocks out the Omega 3?

Personally my diet isn't too bad - but I have a lot of digestive problems and wonder if that may influence my ability to absorb oils? I'm fairly sure that my gut is inflammed (I've had problems for more than 20 years) and wonder if all my EFAs are being used up dealing with that inflammation.

I'm also wondering if various trauma in my life have had an affect on my sexuality and that may also be another reason why it isn't working for me as fast as it may do for others.

Has anyone persevered with the diet, even though they didn't see benefits in the first month and found the benefits came along after a few months supplementation?

I'd just be interested in seeing if there were any patterns in people who weren't benefitting with a view to finding a way to help me (them) too.

(I want my libido back!!!)

I realise my supps don't meet the full recommended level of DHA so will add some extra DHA and see if that helps any. There is a DHA only pill for babies here in the UK that I thought was worth a try :-)

PS the compulsive shopping has stopped... just as well it was only Amazon I was addicted to :-)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Fruitbat,

quote:

Originally posted by Fruitbat:
I'm writing a book on infertility...

You may be interested in the impressive results achieved by the foresight organisation, especially when using only diet and vitamin supplements:
http://www.foresight-preconception.org.uk

quote:

Originally posted by Dandelion:

quote:

Originally posted by Fruitbat:
I'm writing a book on infertility...

You may be interested in the impressive results achieved by the foresight organisation, especially when using only diet and vitamin supplements:
http://www.foresight-preconception.org.uk

I followed the Foresight programme for nearly 18 months but didn't see any improvement in my vitamin and mineral levels. I later realised this was probably due to the very poor state of my digestive system.

Foresight do have good results but a good digestive system is required. A lot of people have compromised digestion (due to overuse of antibiotics) and may not see benefits until they sort their guts out :-)

I don't like to pester women after the fact, but I do tend to ask a lot of questions when I get negative feedback. I'd say one out of four women who try it don't respond. I will go back and look at all of your posts to get a better idea of your situation.

Omega-3s tend to help with gut problems, you might want to stick with it for that reason.

Hi Fruitbat,

Following the Foresight programme for nearly 18 months without improvement must have been incredibly distressing. You must have a strong nature to have persisted for so long.

Do you mind my asking what steps you are taking to sort out your digestive system?

Another thought, Fruitbat. I daresay you have already investigated all the possibilites, but, just in case you have missed this one, here is the webpage: http://www.second-opinions.co.uk/ibs.html

The approach harmonises well with Marrena's. It is easy to imagine the author joining Marrena in her yearning for the days of the cowboy.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dandelion,

I've looked at all your previous posts. You've been on the full fish-oil dosage less than a month and noticed a definite improvement in libido after the first week on the full dose. I would count you as a responder.

The effect gets stronger over time. Since you responded in the first month, I would keep at it. Not every woman gets a huge libido boost right away, some women only see moderate improvement at first.

I think you should continue your efforts with the diet. I felt an intial response but then plateaued. After years of this struggle I can relate with the feelings of frustration. It has been several months now and I am still not where I want to be but am definately happier though and have renewed motivation. Now I am also concentrating on the other factors than affect a healthy sex life. There is no one magic answer but I think the diet gives you the best foundation to work from to enjoy a satisfying sex life and the components of the program are healthy for other aspects of our life as well. For example, I suffer from back pain and do believe the fish oil has reduced some inflammation. Don't give up.

Hi Fruitbat, my Mom had terrible IBS and digestion problems for a year or so and eventually tried Flora Source which she said starting improving it almost immediately. I believe this is the link. Lots of FAQ and testimonials:

http://www.goldenhealthproducts.com/florasource.php

Thanks to everyone who posted about my gut issues. I've found the most benefit from drinking lots of aloe vera juice. I've been told I have candida and leaky gut. The anticandida diet would try the patience of a saint.. no sugar, no fruit, no nothing for months... so although I've tried to beat it, I think it's still in there...

While I was going through my infertility stage I didn't eat wheat, dairy, tea, coffee, chocolate, soya for several years but it didn't seem to help matters...

I avoid roughage, can't eat bran or beans or anything irritating like that. I've read a book recently that suggests that fructose and fruit can both cause bowel problems due to fermentation, so I am trying to stick to meat and veg... I just have a terrible sweet tooth and chocolate... just don't get me started on chocolate :-)

I'm hoping that the Omega 3 will help over time.. it should certainly help the inflammation.

Thanks for the referral for Flora Source. They don't ship to the UK, but i'll try get a friend to bring them over for me.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Fruitbat,