The Nutritional Supplement

Published by Author Essentials (Indepenpress) 1 Oct. 2014.  First Edition (paperback), ISBN – 978-1—78003-698-4

Belinda (also known as Nim) Barnes begins her book by describing her journey into the world of pre-conceptual nutrition.   Through reading books on nutrition as well as meeting professionals in the field, she eventually felt that she had the knowledge and resources to share her findings with the world.  So in 1978, she established ‘Foresight’; a charity dedicated to helping couples conceive and deliver healthy babies, naturally.  She believes that eating nutritious foods, correcting nutrient deficiencies and removing damaging toxins are the key areas to focus on in order to bring about a healthy conception.

In the next chapter, Belinda discusses the ‘nutrition’ part of the Foresight program, starting with the pioneering work of Dr Weston Price, Dr Francis Pottenger and Sir Robert McCarrison in nutrition research.  She then moves on to the importance of nutrients in the diet. First, macronutrients and water, and then the micronutrients.  She discusses what their role is in the body, why it is important in the pre-conceptual health of the man and / or woman and she also suggests good sources of each nutrient.  Menu plans, food preparation methods and tips are also provided.

In the third chapter, she follows up with the correcting nutrient deficiency part of the program, as well as gaining a deeper understanding in toxic amounts of some minerals.  She focusses on one of the key aspects of the Foresight program – hair mineral analysis.  Belinda advocates that if you don’t know your nutrient status, you can’t correct nutrient deficiencies or eradicate toxins, and therefore are unlikely to have a healthy baby.  

She considers the minerals present in the body, their functions and what happens in a deficiency state or a state of excess.  

The following chapter deliberates the effects that toxins, which Belinda names the ‘voluntary social poisons’, have on reproduction.  Belinda lists the main ones as smoking, alcohol and recreational drugs.  She communicates the need to refrain from using all of these substances if you are trying to conceive. In her opinion, the motivation of wanting to have that perfect and healthy baby should be enough to overcome any desire to continue consumption of these substances.  Another factor which Belinda regards as key to their avoidance, is building the inner strength to not conform to social pressures.

Continuing on the theme of ‘removing toxins’, Belinda cites the possible side effects that the contraceptive pill may be having on fertility and lives in general, before championing the idea of natural family planning using charts to calculate the most fertile days in a woman’s cycle.

In Chapter Six, the author confers her belief that it is necessary to check for infections, genitourinary or otherwise, which may have a damaging effect on an unborn child.  In Chapter Seven, she expounds on the idea that if allergies and parasites are assessed and treated, sperm and ova are more likely to be healthy; in addition to a general feeling of wellbeing.  Chapter Eight details what emits ‘electrosmog’ (Electromagnetic Radiation), and how and why Belinda thinks it is best to avoid it.  Chapter Nine looks at the inability of the foetus to detoxify effectively and therefore, pre-conceptually and during pregnancy its parents should avoid chemical exposure where possible.

The penultimate chapter proposes reforms which the government could implement which Belinda believes would enhance fertility and maternal and infant health.  Finally, the last chapter summarises all of the above.  References and some relevant research is provided in the appendices.

Overall, this book is very inspirational for potential parents.  Valuable information and insights are provided, although not all of it appears substantiated with sufficient evidence.  The second and third chapters are particularly relevant to nutrition practitioners and may be a good starting point for further research.