204 Achieving pH Balance to Treat Specific Ailments
infl ammation of the uterine lining. When infl ammation is chronic,
the lining disintegrates and the fragments are carried by fl uids to the
ovaries, where they cause adhesions and cysts to form. Intercourse
during menstruation can exacerbate endometriosis because it pushes
mucus and blood up the uterus and fallopian tubes into the ovaries.SUGGESTIONS FOR PMS AND ENDOMETRIOSIS*
➤ Progesterone. The most effective treatment for both PMS
and endometriosis is progesterone. Take natural progesterone
in the form of a topical cream. Apply once or twice a day in
the areas where the blood vessels are close to the skin: the
neck, the wrists, and inside the elbows. Take time off from this
hormone the last two weeks of the menstrual cycle or, if you
are postmenopausal, use it no more than three weeks out of
every month.
➤ Fatty acid blood profi le. This profi le indicates possible
defi ciencies in alpha linolenic acid (ALA), although too much
ALA has been implicated in prostate cancer; linoleic acid
(LA); deoxyribonucleic acid (DHA); gamma linoleic acid
(GLA); and arachidonic acid (AA). Primrose oil, which
contains GLA fatty acid, has relieved PMS symptoms.
Michael Schmidt in his book Smart Fats states that British
studies show GLA relieves menstrual tension in 90 to 95
percent of cases. Meat eaters, however, should limit the
quantity of polyunsaturated fatty acids in their diet. (See
Resources.)
➤ Avoid milk. Milk is linked to a variety of reproductive
disorders because the mucus it generates blocks the fallopian
tubes.
➤ Thyroid supplements. A slightly above-normal thyroid
function (as indicated by a temperature slightly higher than
98.6 degrees) helps relieve PMS and endometriosis by
getting rid of acidic wastes in the body (see
Chapter 5).