Download a transcript of this episode
Topics:
- [04:46] Endometriosis
- [13:36] Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Birth Control Pills, and Sex Drive
- [19:03] Cold Sore
- [24:27] Mouth Ulcers From Betaine HCL
- [26:04] Harder To Lose Weight After Gaining It Back
- [30:50] Easy Strength, and Greasing The Groove Type Training
- [48:55] Navy Seal Training and Preparation For BUD/S
Questions:
1. Questions about my Paleo uterus
Christa says:
Hi Robb and Greg,
I thought for weeks and weeks about how to make this opening paragraph hilarious so that you would read it and respond, but I’m at a loss. I’m just not that funny, so I’m going to take the straightforward approach. I think I’ve checked all the previous podcasts for any information you might have given already about endometriosis and other uterine issues. You mentioned it in episode 66, but I didn’t find a whole lot that addressed my specific questions. In case I missed something, I apologize in advance for asking a redundant question. I know that many people experience relief from endometriosis just by switching to a standard Paleo diet, but that hasn’t been the case for me.
I had a laparoscopy last week to get a good picture of all my organs. I have stage- three endometriosis on my appendix, intestines, bladder, uterus, ovaries, and other organs. I also have adenomyosis. I had a miscarriage last fall and switched to a Paleo diet immediately after that. My doctor (who supports a Paleo lifestyle) has suggested that endometriosis and/or low progesterone could have caused the miscarriage. I am going to have an open surgery in a few weeks to remove the endometriosis and hopefully improve my pain and fertility.
Even though I switched to a Paleo diet, I’m still getting severe cramps every month. Last month, I tried to be a Paleo hero and avoid taking any Aleve. Well, I ended up getting such severe cramps that I took six Aleve, passed out several times, and had to go to the emergency room for morphine. Faileo. The surgery might help the endometriosis, but it won’t address the adenomyosis, which may be responsible for the cramps. Is there anything that you know of that can help reduce cramps? I’ve considered trying the autoimmune diet. I’ve also heard that a very low carb Paleo diet can help. Other people have said red meat is the problem (and I eat a lot of that). Have you heard of n-acetylcysteine helping with cramps?
Also, despite my Paleo diet, I still get acne every month. I’ve wondered if there is an estrogen dominance issue here. If so, is that related to the endometriosis and what should I do to address that?
This might be unrelated, but I also have chronic hives. I’m wondering if it’s somehow connected to all the problems I have with my uterus.
In case this is relevant, I’m currently eating a standard Paleo diet (as I already mentioned). I eat some fruit and sweet potatoes. I also eat a fair amount of 85% dark chocolate and one cup of coffee per day. I don’t eat dairy except for a tiny bit of cream in my coffee. I take Zyrtec because of the hives. I’m 5’5”, 125 pounds, and about 20% body fat. I workout three times per week with my husband, who is a personal trainer. We focus on general, functional fitness.
Thank you so much for reading this and responding. Please tell Keystone I said hello.
2. PCOS
Jim says:
Hi Robb and Greg,
I first found your podcast about 2 weeks ago, and have listened solidly to about 90 episodes in a straight run. What can I say… amazing! I really think what you’re doing is set to go viral and change the lives of millions of people worldwide.
Now, the question: My girlfriend was diagnosed with PCOS a couple of years ago. She initially got a lot of persistent spots and started losing some hair, but after I convinced her to basically stop eating grains and stick to low GI foods, things got a lot better. She also went on the pill, as recommended by her doctor, and everything seemed to be fine. However, after a couple of months on the pill (diane 35 I think), she experienced a really serious drop in sex drive and basically became totally disinterested in sex – bad news. Anyway, after about 6 months on the pill, she came off it, and the sex drive soon came back – good news! Her PCOS symptoms were also pretty much gone, except for slightly longer periods. This lasted for about a year, until her periods started getting more and more irregular, and she got a couple of spots, so she went back on the pill. As before, she has started to lose sex drive… Her diet is getting a lot better, and she is basically grain free now, and doing intensive exercise 1-2 times a week, as well as some basic resistance exercise with kettlebells. She is also supplementing with about 1g of fish oil a day and a multivitamin (http://dietarysupplements.nlm.nih.gov/dietary/detail.jsp?name=Natures+Bounty+Ultra+Woman&contain=14010160&pageD=brand).
I’d really like to know whether you can think of any mechanism that might be behind the changes in sex drive, and whether there’s anything she can do to fix it. If she does come off the pill and tightens up her diet even more, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, how likely is it that the PCOS would go away totally?
Some background information: She’s 30, about 110lbs, 5’6″ with a pretty slender figure. Her doctor says she has an unusually high basal body temperature.
We’d be really grateful for your advice.
Thanks a lot!
3. cold sore
Charles says:
Greg and Robb,
I was listening to podcast 118 and you mentioned cold sore, something about running your body down. I used to get a cold sore on average 2 to 3 times a year. Fingers crossed I haven’t had one in almost 2 years. Things that I have changed is diet(Paleo all the way) and high intensity weight training. Can these two things help? I’m always nervous one will just pop up again. Am i cured? LOL probably not but you never know. Thanks in advance
4. Mouth Ulcers from Betaine HCL
Jamie says:
Alright Robert and Gregory
My question is simple. I get mouth ulcers whenever I use Betaine HCL so I was wondering if it is something to worry about? I know it’s a sign of inflammation.
They literally appear almost straight away on my tonuge when I eat a tablet full of Beatine HCL.
Also, if I can’t use Betaine HCL is there another supplement that I could use to help increase stomach acid.
Ciao
p.s. Congrats on your kid if its arrived by the time this is read out.
5. Paleo Flunkies…Harder the Second Time?
Wendy says:
Hi Robb,
I’ve conducted several Paleo challenges at my gym. Some people make the lifestyle change, while others retreat to their old habits and gain the weight they lost back (and sometimes more!). When they decide to get back on the wagon, they seem to have a harder time than the first losing weight.
Have you heard/seen this before? Any scientific facts to back up the notion that this yo-yo dieting makes it harder to trim up?
6. Easy Strength
Patrick says:
Hey Guys!
I’ve listened to every Podcast, some two or three times, and I’m enjoying how some of the more recent podcasts have centered around training and programming. In that vein, I was wondering what you guys thought of Easy Strength (specifically), but a steady-state/”greasing the groove” type of training program (generally). This has come up before when Rob talked about working towards a one-arm chin. What I’d like to hear is not only about this type of program, but how it relates to ancestral fitness. The more I think about it, the more sense it makes to me that we’re wired for many reps at an “easy” weight: think building shelter, moving shelter, hauling wood, felling trees, killing prey and moving food. Now, I know the typical “Primal” notion is to “move around a lot at a slow pace”, but I don’t classify those actions as such. So, a program that’s built around deads, squats, pullups, presses, kettle bell swings, farmer’s walks, etc., done most days (or every day) at a sub maximum weight (60 – 80%) seems to be more inline with out evolutionary needs than a few HIT workouts per week and a lot of hiking/moving slowly. What do you think about this? In application, yes, one would still sprint and hike and play; but, one would also do a ton of lifting with a robust amount of volume at sub max weights. I know you guys will ask, so in terms of “why?” or “What’s the goal?”, I’d answer that by saying maximum muscle and strength capacity with minimal stress and injury. I’m moving in this direction in a N=1 experiment coming from Crossfit then moving towards a MEBB template. I think I like the idea of not straining much (and I’m only 30!) I’m sick of getting hurt and moving injured. Any thoughts would be great! As I write this I’m incorporating a steady state program of handstand holds, chins, l sits, deads, and ring dips. My strength numbers are going up, I feel good, and I’m not working out hard. I do still sprint once a week, though.
Thanks guys!
Keep up the great work.
(The Case for High-Carb Paleo article)
7. Preparing for BUD/S
Kevin says:
Hey Robb & Greg,
I just finished my first year at the United States Naval Academy and I hope to service select SEALs when I graduate. Obviously one of my big questions is how to physically prepare myself for the SEAL screener, BUD/S, and a future career as a SEAL operator.
I spent the better part of my first year following the Starting Strength program in addition to required morning workouts. I am coming to the point where my strength gains are starting to dwindle on the linear progression and I no longer have required morning workouts so I would like to switch to a program that includes conditioning. My plan is to start following Crossfit Football, but it is no secret that the screener and BUD/S are endurance biased events. I have about 18 months until the SEAL screener and 3 years until BUD/S if I am selected. So to prepare for this I am considering maintaining the CFFB strength workouts year-round while alternating the conditioning workouts between those posted by CFFB and a more endurance/PT based program such as the SEALFIT SOF Candidate workouts. Do you think that this would be a good approach to preparing myself and if so how often should I alternate the conditioning programs (every week, every month…)?
I really enjoy the show; keep up the good work, and thanks for any advice you can give me.
Gianna says
I’ve cleared up my endo pain pretty much entirely and I eat paleo (with some modifications because I have so many intolerances which could be an issue for others with endo too).
I found that I needed to add a critical supplement…really made a big difference…pycnogenol or pine bark.
I’ve also, like the guy in the interview, did a ketogenic diet for a while.
I never found a doctor that helped me out at all…really good or otherwise…but I did clear it up on my own…took some years but I’ve arrived….I had surgery that never helped for more than a year or two, two times.
I was facing needing it one more time when I got my diet etc in gear and cleared it up.
I realize everyone is different but I thought I’d share my experience.
Gianna says
oh! one significant intolerance that helped minimize pain was to nightshades…(tomato, potato, peppers and eggplant!) cutting those out also made a big difference…as did cutting out dairy but that’s clearly not paleo. For me the dairy included cultured milk (I even made my own at home)…which is often unusual…and broke my heart…
Blake says
Best episode EVER! I’ve listened to them all and this is the first time I have laughed out loud while sitting alone in my car! Keep up the good work you two! I’m reading “trust agents” by julien smith, one of your previous guest, and you guys are the definition of trust agents.
Whitney says
Hey Robb,
I pretty much have the same deal with PCOS. Been CFing for 2 years, 80/20 paleo, 7-8 hours of sleep a night. Starting taking birth control and got my period for the first time in a year, but I don’t really want to take this stuff. I don’t have any other symptoms except for not getting a period (i.e. I don’t have a mustache, weight gain, hair loss, etc.)
Any other insight/feedback?
Nicole says
I feel like Christa was telling my story, asking my questions. I’ve had 3 LAPS for endo- April 2005, March 2006 and January 2008. I recently started feeling HORRIBLE after a couple of years of not feeling so bad or having very severe flares. I’m pushing through my workouts, but I’m finding it hard to keep my eating in line thanks to my dependency on food to make me “feel better”. I actually have an appointment with my GYN this afternoon so I took notes to discuss with him. I trust him greatly, but if he discounts anything without much thought, I will make an appointment with Dr. Blackwell- http://paleophysiciansnetwork.com/doctors/TX/Webster/michele-blackwell-md-facog
Thanks so much for what you do and the information you provide.
Abby says
I found these two books helpful in troubleshooting my menstrual cycles after quitting birth control pills. They have info on how to track your cycles, recommended blood tests, and possible supplements and treatments for things like PCOS, thyroid issues, irregular cycles, etc.
Taking Charge of Your Fertility
http://www.tcoyf.com/
Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition
http://www.amazon.com/Fertility-Cycles-Nutrition-4th-Edition/dp/0926412345
Tom C says
Hi Robb,
Following your comments on arginine and lysine for cold sores I did a little digging around as I was curious to the mechanism behind arginine promoting herpes infections. Thought you might like this link. http://www.metametrixinstitute.org/post/2011/10/31/Should-Herpes-Patients-Avoid-Arginine.aspx
Seems to be a bit of controversy (for a change).
Keep up the good work,
Tom
Bryan Stell says
Robb,
Love the podcast. I did some PUBMEDDING of my own and found this on Arginine and HSV-1.
Antiviral effect of arginine against herpes simplex virus type 1.
“Abstract
We investigated the effects of arginine on the multiplication of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and the potential of arginine as an antiherpetic agent. Arginine suppressed the growth of HSV-1 concentration-dependently. Inhibition of HSV-1 by arginine leveled off at 50-60 mM, although the higher concentration was not suitable as an antiviral agent due to cytotoxicity. ‘Time of addition’ experiments revealed that arginine was particularly effective when added within 6 h post-infection (h p.i.), suggesting that the reagent sensitive step is in the early stages of the infection. A one-step growth curve of HSV-1 in the presence of 30 mM arginine revealed that: i) the latent period was significantly extended, ii) the rate of formation of progeny infectious virus decreased and iii) the final yield of progeny virus decreased to 1%. The addition of arginine at 8 h p.i., after the completion of viral DNA replication in the virus multiplication, allowed the normal formation of progeny virus in the subsequent 4 h, confirming that arginine does not directly interfere with the formation of progeny infectious virus. In addition, arginine also inhibits several RNA viruses.”
I believe this contradicts what you said about Arginine being problematic for viral replication. Perhaps you have some evidence to support your claim? PS, I’m not trolling I just wanted to make sure that if I were going to eat less arginine rich foods it’d be for a damn good reason. I like my dark chocololate and nuts.
paleoslayer says
fightfiya with fiya!fightfiya with fiya! BOOM!
Norcal Mike says
Great job guys, but Greg didn’t html the links in the show notes… 3 stars.
Deann says
Hi Robb and Greg-
LOVED the podcast. Robb’s baby stories are nearly Depends moments at times as I have 7 year old twins and his stories bring back great moments. Even the diaper explosions…ahh the joys of parenting ^_^. I digress…as a long time sufferer of PCOS, the last 2 months of Paleo eating have pretty much put me right back on track. I’m also considered obese. There was no measuring, calculating, or real brain power involved here. I just cut out the grains, legumes, most dairy (coffee lover here and I like my full fat cream) and kept the carb to yams and other fruit and veg. My cycles kickstarted all on their own. It just works.
Thanks guys for all that you and long live the coffee bean ^_^.
Alicia says
Hi,
I was able to cure my PCOS with diet and losing 130 lbs. I did the Fat Flush diet which is pretty much a Paleo diet. I confirmed that it is gone with an ultrasound and bloodtests and the ultrasound tech said she didn’t beleive that I ever even had it, that is how gone it is!
I still find that it is hard to get really lean though as Robb mentioned would be hard to do, even though my PCOS is gone. I am not fat but I feel like I have a layer of fat all over that is thicker than it should be. Any advice in this area? I am doing a leptin diet right now as my blood tests show my leptin levels are slightly elevated. I am also taking DHEA 25mg in the AM and other adrenal support supplements as prescribed by my naturopath.
Thanks! Alicia
Sage says
You’ve mentioned high dose antioxidants can be detrimental (ROS, etc.) but if one is avoiding fruit, is there some efficacy to adding a lower dose vitamin C supplement?
http://blog.grasslandbeef.com/the-biggest-epidemic-weve-ever-known?utm_campaign=BiggestEpidemicWeveEverKnown&utm_source=newsletter&utm_source=June+10+Newsletter+-+New+Template&utm_campaign=120610&utm_medium=email
Bobby says
Hey robb, can you post a link to the mark twight / pose article you mentioned? I’ve googled around and can’t seem to find it. Thanks.
-bobby
Christa says
Robb,
Thanks for the thorough reply to my question. I’m getting some blood work done per your suggestion, and I’ll let you know what happens in a few months.
Squatchy, thanks for including my question!
Christa