January 2010
Welcome to the monthly Ask Dr. Marty Newsletter. In response to several requests, I have decided to share some information based on questions that I frequently receive regarding natural health topics. I promise to keep the newsletter short. But if at any time you get overwhelmed with emails, please let me know and I’ll be glad to take you off of the mailing list. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the newsletter and hope that you will forward any questions you may have as well. Even if they don’t make it into the newsletter, I promise to answer all questions. All questions will be anonymous.
Question: I know so many people who are taking different forms of hCG. It seems to be effective, but how safe is it?
Answer: Before I answer this question, I have to explain one important point… There are many individuals who are using hCG and have very strong opinions regarding this subject. Just remember to keep an open mind and never shoot the messenger! Virtually all of us want that magic bullet for safe effective weight loss. So here’s the scoop…
Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone that is produced during pregnancy that maintains the production of estrogen and progesterone. Progesterone is what maintains the corpus luteum during pregnancy and enriches the uterine lining with a thick layer of blood vessels and capillaries for a fetus to thrive. To increase fertility, doctors sometimes prescribe hCG to generate ovulation and increase testicular production of testosterone. This hCG is extracted from the urine of pregnant women or horses, such as Follutein, Novarel, Pregnyl, and Profasi, or it can be a product of genetic modification, such as Ovidrel.
HCG is also produced by some types of tumors. It is uncertain, however, whether production of hCG causes tumors to form, or whether the hCG occurs as a result of the formation of tumors.
According to the Journal of the American Medical Association and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, hCG usage for weight loss is not safe, nor effective.
Use of hCG is most frequently accompanied by a very low calorie restricted diet (500 calories).
Some hCG is also in the form of a homeopathic preparation, which can be very powerful, but may produce fewer side effects. (More next month on homeopathy)
Bottom line? Any time you “fool with mother nature”, you’re on dangerous grounds. The endocrine system is a delicate balance of dominoes and when you tap one, other glands are usually impacted negatively. And anyone who is concerned about building the uterine lining due to a history of endometriosis should exercise extreme caution. A 500 calorie diet can be very dangerous, as well.
As is the case for all weight loss, whatever method you choose should be a choice you can happily continue for the rest of your life. If not, you are very likely to revert back to previous eating habits, regaining the lost weight, or gaining even more.
Next month…What are homeopathics?
References: Wikipedia, Medical Dictionary
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Maureen (Marty) Kernion is not a physician and does not diagnose nor prescribe. She received a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Louisiana State University, and a Master of Science degree and Doctorate of Natural Health degree from Clayton College of Natural Health. She is the author of Going Natural with Herbs. Marty lectures on natural health topics across the country and has been featured at 78 Barnes and Noble book stores since her book was published. She is also a retired adjunct professor with Clayton College of Natural Health where she authored 39 courses in nutrition and herbal remedies.
Hot Tip: Whenever you do research on the internet, make certain you know the source of your information and judge accordingly regarding any probable bias.
It is always wise to advise your pharmacist or health care practitioner about any change in diet or supplements you plan to take, especially if you take any prescription medication.
“Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.” Ezekiel 47:12
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