"Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome is a potentially life-threatening complication during controlled ovarian stimulation for fertility treatment. Since no association of this condition with ABO blood groups was known, we compared ABO antigens with severity and onset of symptoms in a case-control study…The odds ratio for patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation with blood group A versus O to develop the early-onset form of this condition was 2.171 (p-value 0.002). Blood group A may be associated with early-onset ovarian hyper-stimulation syndrome in Caucasians…This possible association may be considered for an individualized hormone dosing in controlled ovarian stimulation."

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is a complication from some forms of fertility medication. Most cases are mild, but a small proportion is severe. Symptoms can range from a more mild form that includes abdominal bloating and feeling of fullness, nausea, diarrhea, and slight weight gain to a more severe form that includes fullness/bloating above the waist, shortness of breath, urination significantly darker or cessation of urination altogether, calf and chest pains, marked abdominal bloating or distention, and lower abdominal pains. The Albert Einstein Blood Type O and Fertility Study looked at 127 Caucasian patients hospitalized because of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after receiving in vitro fertilization, in the period from January 2000 to February 2007 and found that blood group A was markedly more frequent and blood group O less frequent in patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.

Other studies have found a slightly greater incidence of ovarian cancer in women who are blood group A (link) and blood group antigens (as mucins or ‘blood group substances’) are known to be richly deposited on ovarian tissue. (link) Hopefully fertility specialists will consider individualizing hormonal treatment by blood group when working with fertility patients.

Four patients developed thrombosis (clots) in the jugular or subclavian vein, none of whom had blood group O; this correlates with earlier studies linking blood groups other than type O with an increased risk of thrombosis (link) as some of this clotting may in fact be due to enhanced sensitivity to estrogen, at least in women who are not blood group O. (link)

When our girls were growing up, they used to refer to February as “love month.” It was such a sweet expression, and there were many events throughout the month that they planned to celebrate “love.” It was so touching, and what was really wonderful about it, was that the love was not selective or exclusive. One day we loved each other, one day was a special sister’s day, another was for showing appreciation for the dog (sweet!). In looking back, I have to think that they intuitively started the random acts of kindness movement, as we would find a hidden note, a chore completed without being asked (what a gift!), or witness their generosity of spirit with another, whether it was an adult, a baby or one of their peers.

I am dusting off the idea for the month of February as a challenge for myself. Can I perform one random act of love each day this month? Am I willing to put myself out there and connect with someone or something in a way that breaks through the daily routine? I have a feeling that in doing so, there will be a transformative quality about this process, and I invite you to join me this month in this experience.

We also need to remember to include ourselves as the recipients of the love. Self-care and nurturing are vital to our own well-being, and February provides a great opportunity for us to revitalize ourselves and begin to rebuild after the cold and bleak month of January. I assess my diet and food choices and make any adjustments I need to. I find that because it is so cold in January, I’ve been eating a lot of cooked veggies, and I try to add some live greens back into my diet with salads as well as with Live Cell (Type O, Type A, Type B, Type AB) . I continue with my Vitamin D supplementation, as it is essential during these cold, somewhat dark winter months. And of course, I boost my immune support with Proberry Caps and Genoma Security!

Taking care of ourselves, whether it is eating well, taking our supplements, or taking time out to exercise or rest, are hidden acts of love that we tend to take for granted or overlook. Let’s use this month to appreciate all that we do for ourselves and for others and take the time each day to do one extra special thing that we would not normally do or that has gotten pushed to the side because of our busy daily lives.

My first act! Sharing a recipe that is being developed for a new series of blood type specific ebooks that we are developing with Kristin O’Connor. The books will have recipes, food lists, menu and meal plans plus lifestyle tips for living right for your type. We are planning to release them in late spring, and over the next few months, I’ll be sharing some highlights with you. For those of you who love chocolate…

Cocoa Chocolate Truffles 8 oz 100% dark chocolate ½ cup agave nectar ½ cup + 2 tablespoons almond milk 4 tablespoons ghee 1/8 teaspoon large grain sea salt 3 tablespoons cocoa powder Over a double boiler, melt chocolate and ghee until smooth. Warm agave nectar and almond milk in a saucepan. Remove chocolate from heat, stir in agave and almond milk, cover and refrigerate until firm, 2-3 hours. Use a tablespoon or melon baller and scoop out truffles, roll into balls, then gently roll around in cocoa powder. Refrigerate until serving.

With love,

Martha

Dr. D’Adamo discusses the GenoType® Diet – how he developed the concept and food lists and how what happens in utero affects the health of your baby and the health of future generations.
(2008 interview; 6:56)

The decision to have a baby is a happy one for most couples. But for some, the road to pregnancy can be a bumpy one. According to the CDC, 10% of the total reproductive age population experiences some type of difficulty in conceiving a baby. In our lifetime, science has made incredible gains in reproductive technology, including in vitro fertilization, which assists couples in their dream of having a child.

One factor that is often overlooked is blood type. Research has shown that some of the problems associated with fertility result from some form of blood type incompatibility; either between the mother and her fetus, or between the mother and the father. Why would this occur? As you probably already know, each blood type has a chemical marker called an antigen. These blood type antigens protect your body against foreign intruders, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When the antigen encounters a harmful foreign intruder, it creates antibodies against it. The same thing that happens with viruses, bacteria, and food, can also take place when trying to conceive – the body responds by producing antibodies to the sperm or fetus and inhibits conception.

Several studies conducted over the past 40 years have concluded that infertility and habitual miscarriage may be the result of antibodies in the woman’s vaginal secretions reacting with the blood type antigens in the man’s sperm. In one of these studies, it was determined that the preponderance of miscarriages were of type A or type B fetuses, caused as a result of incompatibility with type O mothers who produce anti-A or anti-B antibodies.

What the scientists seem to be missing is that these anti-blood type antibodies are often the result of provocations produced by eating the wrong foods for your type. By eating foods that are beneficial and avoiding foods that trigger the antigen-antibody reaction, you create a hospitable internal atmosphere for conception and the fetus to thrive and grow.

Blood type incompatibility is, obviously, not the only reason couples may experience infertility, nor does the blood type diet magically resolve all fertility problems, but it makes good sense to approach pregnancy in an optimal state of health. Following the diet right for your type can help to put you on the road to good reproductive health - hopefully, the only bump will be the one on your belly!

Although it might smell good enough to eat, this body scrub will leave your skin incredibly soft and exfoliated. Sugar cane produces glycolic acid, one of the natural alpha hydroxy acids that exfoliates the skin and citrus juice helps to stimulate circulation at the skin surface.

Organic Lemon Sugar Body Scrub

Ingredients:

• Juice of one organic lemon
• 1/3 cup of organic olive oil
• 1/3 cup of organic granulated sugar

Phyto D 2000™, formulated by Dr. D'Adamo, includes a unique combination of vitamins D3 and K and is compounded with Epimedium and Drynaria—two traditional Chinese herbs with long historical usage in the support of proper bone and connective tissue health.

Vitamin D has essential, wide-ranging effects throughout the body, including maximizing bone health to stabilizing mood and energy levels.

Increased dietary Vitamin K intake is associated with increased bone formation and decreased bone breakdown.

Phyto D 2000™ also includes Strontium, a naturally-occurring mineral routinely prescribed throughout Europe that has been shown in many studies to reduce the risk of bone fractures.

Dr. Peter J. D'Adamo and the faculty of The Institute for Human Individuality (IfHI) will hold the 2011 IfHI Conference & Certification May 20-22 at The Dolce Conference Center located in Norwalk, Connecticut.

For information, call: (203) 761-6701 or email: ifhi@dadamo.com.

Download the registration form: 2011 IfHI Registration Form.

Download the IfHI Brochure: 2011 IfHI Brochure.

Seating is limited so make your reservations today.