The public health system is not working as it should be, which is why many people opt for private healthcare plans. Paying for a monthly membership plan that is not exactly low-priced, they expect high quality healthcare and quick access to different specialists. Does it really work that way? Do the most expensive healthcare membership plans really provide help in every case? We have prepared a comparison of MediSky insurance vs. the most popular healthcare membership plans to give you the opportunity to make a conscious decision regarding the way you want to protect your health.
Healthcare membership plan – is it worth it?
After a cursory reading of a healthcare membership agreement, everything looks clear, so we decide to buy the cover without hesitation. The problems begin when there is a real need to use the services of a specialist at a very short notice. It turns out that there are a number of restrictions in the agreement that we simply did not expect. Ultimately, the healthcare membership plan turns out to be insufficient.
So, is there a solution that will satisfy even the most demanding customers? A solution that will fully meet their needs. Of course! MediSky private health insurance was created to meet all the expectations of patients and to provide them with appropriate preventive and medical care of the highest standard.
Healthcare membership plan vs. MediSky insurance
What distinguishes MediSky health insurance from standard healthcare membership plans? Why is it worth trusting our company? What do we mean by “medical care of the highest standard”?
MediSky insurance is primarily:
– free access to all private and public healthcare facilities throughout Poland – without exception,
– access to all specialists,
– full hospital care in all public and private hospitals throughout the country,
– second medical opinion,
– road and air ambulance services,
– all laboratory and diagnostic tests without additional charges,
– treatment of cancer and other serious diseases,
– full range of outpatient surgery,
– HIV/AIDS treatment,
– covered prescription medicine costs.
Thanks to MediSky, you do not have to worry about long waiting times for appointments or not having consultation with a given specialist included in your package. MediSky insurance means all-inclusive and comprehensive healthcare. You choose the facility where you want to receive treatment. Additionally, payment for all services is made with the MediSky card! You do not have to cover the treatment costs on your own – it is extremely convenient.
If you care about peace, convenience and safety, check out the available MediSky insurance packages and enjoy your highest quality healthcare.
In this exclusive iPMI Magazineinterview, Christopher Knight, CEO, iPMI Magazine, met with SIR Zahal Levy, President of MediHelp International. They discuss in detail MediHelp International iPMI plans, developments and markets plus where the iPMI market is heading, and the affect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Please introduce yourself and background in the international private medical insurance market:
My name is Zahal Levy and I am the president and founder of MediHelp International. I have a wealth of experience in the medical and in the medical insurance industry, having managed as many as 2,000 employees in companies with turnovers reaching €50 million. I have led these companies through start-up, survival, turnaround and growth modes.
Before assuming my current role in 2007, I was Vice President Business Development for Euromedic (Affidea) International, based in Budapest. I came to Eastern Europe in 1997 to set up a challenging business enterprise, SOS Medical and Ambulance Emergency Services (in Romania). Previous to this, I held various management positions and shareholdings in insurance enterprises in Israel.
As an expatriate living in Central Eastern Europe for 15 years, I understand the specifics of the area and I designed appropriate health insurance packages for both expatriates and locals while at the same time creating a dedicated team to professionally and efficiently meet customer demands.
Who is MediHelp International and what do you provide the international private medical insurance market?
MediHelp International is the leading private health insurance provider in Central Eastern Europe, with offices in Romania, Hungary, Poland and Bulgaria.
We have been present on the health insurance market for more than 15 years and we have a clear mission: to create and develop innovative solutions adapted to the needs of our clients and partners. We have been pioneers in providing comprehensive health insurance plans, along with health care and high-standard customer care services.
We have become a well-recognized company, constantly growing, respected and appreciated by the most important international health insurance companies, as well as by our business partners, employees and customers around the world.
Can you walk us through the range of international private medical insurance plans MediHelp International provides?
Our international private medical insurance plans offer coverage from €500,000 up to €3,000,000 per policy. The MediHelp plans cover, but are not limited to hospitalization, emergency transportation and treatment, outpatient medical services, maternity care, preventive treatment.
MediHelp International health insurance policies cover hospital and treatment costs for severe illnesses such as cancer or chronic diseases and even tissue and organ transplant, which would normally be extremely expensive.
We invite you to discover all the benefits of our plans on our website (www.medihelp-assistance.com or www.medisky.pl).
What are the advantages of MediHelp International IPMI plans?
With international private medical insurance, our customers can choose the clinic and the specialist for their treatment, thus ensuring that all medical procedures are performed so that the diagnosis and treatment are the most appropriate for them.
If our customers choose private health insurance with international coverage, they will benefit from direct settlement for a series of medical services in a network made up of more than 1.4 million of private clinics and hospitals throughout the world.
We have a dedicated Customer Care department and we offer assistance in local languages as well as provide fast reimbursement of medical costs.
Geographically speaking, where does MediHelp International do business?
We have a strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe with offices in Romania, Poland, Hungary and Bulgaria.
We are currently carrying out market research into the possibility of expanding our reach into other countries.
How has the international private medical insurance market changed in the past 15 years?
In the last 15 years the market has changed like this: 15 years ago, we could only insure ex-patriots. They came from abroad, from countries where they knew what health insurance was. They were used to buying a health insurance policy and making the most of advantages that come with having health insurance, so it wasn’t a strange idea for them. Health insurance for themselves or for their families was a priority. At that time locals did not know what health insurance was or involved. Then those same people, those managers from overseas, started to worry about their senior employees and they asked us to also insure these employees as well. This was the catalyst for the provision of private international health insurance to local residents. Today, senior managers who are nationals within a firm owned by foreigners tend to get medical health insurance included in their salary package in the way many foreign employees have done for decades. The ‘product’ has now become localised and there is far greater take-up from local owners of companies. At the same time, over the years more and more Romanians have travelled further afield and now either work, study or go on holiday abroad. What they saw in many foreign countries was a healthcare system different to the one at home, one which provided services to many who had health insurance. While medical facilities in Romania might not have matched those in other foreign countries, international health insurance gave Romanians access to better, international hospitals. Now, the standard of healthcare for Romania has improved and the demand for proper healthcare has grown, healthcare that still isn’t fully available in Romania.
COVID-19 has had a dramatic impact on travel and global mobility. How has COVID-19 affected the IPMI market?
I think the effect of the pandemic is waning and international travel is starting up again. Consequently, where before we have had little demand for assistance to seek overseas treatment for medical conditions, that is once again on the increase, even though in an emergency we would have been able to arrange foreign travel for a patient. With a sense of things ‘getting back to normal’, it seems that everyone is beginning to accept that COVID-19 is just something we will all just have to learn to live with. Normal life now means normal healthcare when needed, whether it is treatment abroad or at home.
What are the biggest risks the international private medical insurance market currently faces?
I am afraid that the risks are going to materialize in front of our eyes very soon. The pandemic has dealt a big blow to the international health market, to the local health markets, and the amount of money that was invested in healthcare. The pandemic has actually coloured the black spots of healthcare. Some of them we had known before, while some we found out during the time we were busy with the pandemic. Europe is going to see an exhausted medical system after the pandemic, and the situation will probably be even worse than before, and I think we’ll see a big increase in the price of private health care. And that represents a risk for us because we do not want to sell our products at higher prices than we sell them now, but on the other hand we need to pay claims for services that are being provided by private medical facilities around Europe, and we are subject to their prices and to medical inflation. So it is a huge risk because we still want to make sure that we keep the affordability of our products.
In the next decade, how will the international private medical insurance market develop?
I feel that the idea of the state being the one responsible for an individual’s health in Romania is slowly disappearing. I think everybody understands that if they want to have proper healthcare, they have to have some kind of medical insurance and to assume the responsibility for the health and well being of themselves, their families, and where appropriate, their employees. The way to do this is not to look to the state for the provision of all your medical needs, but nor should you expect your employer to pay for any medical expenses.. So if your boss does not want to pay for your “abonament” or for your health insurance then you don’t have one. I think that is changing though. There are more ways of assuming responsibility and I believe that in the end in Romania the “abonament” will probably be discontinued and will pave its way to private medical insurance. This is a trend that we see everywhere. Medical providers such as Medlife, Sanador or Medicover will probably sell their services for a fee. It means that you will go to a clinic, get your treatment, and you will either pay with our payment card which we are already providing to our customers, or you will be reimbursed for your costs.
Last, but not least, if you could live anywhere in the world, on land, or at sea, where would it be?
This is a very good question which I don’t have an answer to. Sometimes when I am working in my garden, I have these moments when I think that one day, I will buy a small plot of land on a nice small island or by a nice beach in Greece and I could build a nice house where the front is made of glass and looks out over the beach. I could swim and ride my bike as why do I need all these headaches that come with my work? At my age, most people are retiring. But then I say to myself “No”. The time isn’t right yet to travel across the globe in search of a dream location for my retirement home. I am happy for now living in a place called MediHelp. This is where I live. It is a place where I am still developing, creating, working, growing with my wonderful team and this is the place I have chosen to remain. I want a life that is interesting, has wonderful moments and development options which I do not want to miss out on. So, in short, the place that I want to be is called MEDIHELP.
A digital nomad – sounds cool! You quit your corporate job, you are free, you win new clients and stubbornly pursue your goals. You pack your laptop, mobile phone, small suitcase and… off you go! The world is truly beautiful, and you can work from any place around it. Porto today, Norway the day after tomorrow, and the Maldivesnext month. It is fantastic. Or rather it will be once you take care of one important thing – protect your health. After all, accidents and illnesses can happen to anyone. Health insurance is essential! But… is there an insurance policy or private healthcare offering on the market that will give you access to treatments worldwide? Can a digital nomad be fully protected? We actually have the answer to that question.
Insurance for freelancers and digital nomads – does it exist?
When you travel the world, even if your business is based in Poland, the insurance offered by the National Health Fund will not help you much. Of course, while staying in the EU/EFTA countries, you can use an EHIC. However, you must remember that the range of treatments provided under an EHIC is somewhat limited. You are only entitled to necessary and unplanned treatments. Furthermore, you are insured on the same terms as citizens of the country where you are staying, so if part of the cost of a given treatment is paid by a citizen in a given country, you are also obliged to do so. From a financial point of view, this option may not be the best.
Besides, if you want to travel outside the EU/EFTA countries, you will not be able to use an EHIC. Travel insurance could be an option, but it is not cheap and covers only the time of your trip. If you have an accident, it will help, but if you require longer hospitalization – then not necessarily. In such cases, you are usually required to continue treatment in Poland. And you do not want that, you want to live and work in different parts of the globe. You want to live peacefully and not worry about visits to surgeries, hospitals, and clinics. In this case, international private health insurance is a must! Fortunately, the right solution is now available!
MediSky international health insurance – this is the option for you!
Yes, it really does work! The MediSky health insurance will provide you with the highest quality healthcare anywhere in the world. You can be treated in Poland, Great Britain, Cyprus, Bali, Thailand – wherever you go. No queues, no unnecessary formalities (you pay for visits with a MediSky prepaid card!), no restrictions. The MediSky insurance covers e.g., emergency treatment, hospitalization, cancer treatment, preventive treatment, medical consultations with numerous specialists, rehabilitation, outpatient treatment, as well as obstetric, dental, and ophthalmic care. You are given total freedom when it comes to choosing the private medical facility to be treated at. And if necessary, the multilingual Customer Service Center is at your disposal 24/7!
Peace of mind, safety, highest quality private healthcare in your country and anywhere else in the world! Check the available packages and choose one that is the best for you.
Health care in Poland is insurance-based and is delivered through a publicly funded health care system. It is free for all the citizens if their health insurance is paid for by their employer, or are the spouse or child of an insured person. The right to healthcare is guaranteed by the Constitution, and citizens are granted equal access. The government is obliged to provide free healthcare to the unemployed, young children, pregnant women, disabled people, students, and the elderly.
The percentage of the population that has insurance is high at 91%, but still lower than in many other European countries.
However, private healthcare use is very extensive in Poland. Patients who are uninsured must pay the full cost of medical services. According to a study conducted by CBOS in 2016, out of 84% of all patients taking the survey, 40% declared use of both private and public health services, 37% use only public, and 7% use only private health services.
The main financing source is health insurance in the National Health Fund. About 70% of health expenses in Poland are covered by the National Health Fund, with the remaining 30% coming from private health insurance.
The management of the public health system is divided between the Minister of Health and three levels of territorial self-government, which is believed to be one of the causes for the delays in the response to problems.
The basis of the healthcare system is the primary care physician, who is most commonly a specialist in family health, and is responsible for conducting treatment, as well as taking preventive actions for assigned patients. If a specialist is required, the first contact doctor issues referral to the specialist. A referral is not needed for oncology, gynaecology, psychiatry, dentistry, or sexually transmitted diseases. Not all dental treatment is covered by the health insurance scheme.
The public healthcare system in Poland faces similar problems and those in other Eastern European countries such as long wait lines, difficult access to specialist physicians and insufficient results in cancer treatment. According to the Euro Health Consumer Index 2018, Poland was 32nd out of 35.
While there have been some improvements – including greater longevity, a decrease in infant mortality and a greater focus on health prevention and promotion – some unfavourable trends and challenges remain such as limited access to care, underfunding and rising dissatisfaction with low salaries among health professionals. The “braindrain” of medical staff to western European countries can also be experienced in Poland, being replaced with specialist from other countries like Ukraine, Georgia, or India.
Current health policy reforms are primarily aimed at tackling the demographic challenges of an aging population, reducing hospital debts, restructuring the health sector and introducing alternative sources of revenue for healthcare financing.
Since fear, worry and stress are absolutely common reactions to perceived or real threats or at times of uncertainty, it is natural that people are experiencing all or any of the above during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The fear of potentially contracting the virus is not the only one we may face. There are changes to our everyday life such as the restrictions to move around or take part in regular activities that has been normal. The new setup of home office, temporary unemployment or – for many – the home-schooling of children test the mental state of most people.
And we have not even touched the more emotional challenge that the lack of physical contact with other family members, friends and colleagues means. At extraordinary times like this, it is of utmost importance to look after both our physical and mental health.
While some symptoms of stress are obvious. such as the increased use of tobacco or alcohol, the difficulty concentrating or sleeping, anger, sadness or frustration, others are less so but nonetheless very serious and need attention. These are, for example, the worsening of mental health conditions and chronic health problems, or physical reactions such as headaches, stomach problems and skin rashes.
Please see some tips that can help you cope with the challenges you are faced in the pandemic:
Make the most of staying at home
While staying at home also means that our regular social activities are temporarily not available, we can turn it around and look at this period as an opportunity to set up a new daily routine and allow time to look after ourselves. Some ways to do that are reading, watching movies, learning or exercising relaxation/meditation, or studying something new. Also, make sure you stay in touch with others on online platforms.
Try to enjoy a different type of social life
Staying in touch is largely limited to the online scene in the lockdown. Share valuable content but make sure it comes from a trusted source. Remember that your friends may be stressed and worried too. Likewise, if you find that the feed of certain people is increasing your anxiety, you can always mute or unfollow them.
You should also connect with faith-based community or organizations.
Try to avoid speculation and stick to reputable sources
As in any situation, rumour and speculation can fuel insecurity and anxiety. Make sure you get trustworthy, quality information to help you feel more in control. Of course, you cannot and shouldn’t avoid all news, but limit your news intake if it is bothering you. From time to time, consider taking breaks from watching, reading or listening to news stories, including those on social media.
Stay active and take care of your body
While gyms, swimming pools and other sports venues may be temporarily closed, make all the efforts to stay active as that will boost both your immune system and your spirit. You can go running, hiking, cycling, or simply walking the dog. There are also many exercises and training apps or sessions available online, many of which are free. The knowledge that you have done something for your health is already a factor that will ease your anxiety.
To combat stress it is great to simply take deep breaths, stretch or meditate. Also, remember to get plenty of sleep. Don’t neglect to carry on with preventive measures such as vaccinations and screenings. And get the Covid-19 vaccine when available.
Eat a balanced diet
Make sure that you include a lot of vegetables and fruits in your diet, so your daily intake does not come only from supplements. There is an increasing amount of evidence showing how food affects your mood, and eating healthy meals can improve this. It is reassuring to know that your diet provides the right amount of brain nutrients as well, such as essential vitamins and minerals. Remember to drink plenty of water.
While smoking and drinking may seem to ease stress initially, this is misleading as they tend to make problems worse. Stay away altogether from them or at least try to reduce their amount.
Keep a strict hygiene regime
The knowledge that you do everything in your power for prevention is in itself a factor to lessen stress. Follow standard hygiene advice such as washing your hands more often than usual for at least 20 seconds with soap and hot water. If you can’t wash your hands straightaway, use hand sanitiser until you have the opportunity to do so.
Make a personal financial plan
If the pandemic directly or indirectly impacted your financial situation, it is another factor to be anxious about. It may have reduced your income or left you temporarily unemployed or unsure about your job prospects.
So plan your finances, making sure that you are aware of what benefits you are entitled to get in your country, or if there is an easing on mortgage payments or other loans. It may also be useful to redo the household budgets for which several budget tools are available online. Staying in a stable financial position can have a rather beneficial effect on our wellbeing and mental state.
Help yourself as well by helping others cope
If you take care of yourself, you are better equipped to take care of your friends and family. Even if you are apart, you can always help others cope with stress through phone calls and video chats to feel less isolated. Helping others also helps you feel better.
While the situation is getting better in several countries of the world, things are still rough in several others. There is a long way to beat Covid-19, according to the World Health Organization. “The Covid-19 pandemic is a long way from over. But we have many reasons for optimism. The decline in cases and deaths during the first two months of the year shows that this virus and its variants can be stopped,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference mid-April.
If you find it difficult to cope, there are several ways to get help. You can always call your healthcare provider or general practitioner if you are struggling. In extreme cases, people may even have thoughts of suicide. It is preventable and help is available.
If you are in crisis, get immediate help:
Call 112
Hotline for abused women and children: 06-80 505-101
Mental First Aid: 06-1/20/30/60 116-123 or 06-80 505-505
Is your insurance premium reasonable? Is your price fair? Can we do anything to lower your insurance costs? What is the professional process that calculates the price of your insurance plan?
It is important for us to establish credibility around our pricing policy, and to make sure you know we are doing everything we can to control the price and keep it as fair and affordable as we possibly can.
Please see the main points below:
What is an insurance premium?
This is the name we call the sum of money you pay for your chosen insurance plan. Your quarterly or half-yearly payments are related to your chosen way to pay. You’ll see that your premium payments depend on the plan and option you have selected.
To avoid unnecessary surprises, you should double-check that you have chosen the correct plan, what is covered, and that you can afford to pay the premium to cover it.
Your personal premium calculations?
The main elements include your personal data, such as your age, where you live, whether you wish to have your family on your plan, and level of coverage you wish to obtain will influence the cost of your insurance plan. To this, we are forced to include additional factors which influence the cost of health care, and which can have an influence on the financial management of your plan. These include
Inflation
Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic
The cost of expensive and lengthy new drug and treatment therapies
This means that we have to be very precise when we calculate insurance premiums. We are aware of the fact that customers and brokers we work with are much more sensitive to premium increases than before. So, you should remain confident that our premium management is carried out with much care and attention as it is in our best interest to keep your premium low.
We work closely with our insuring partners (those who share the risk with us) to make sure you don’t have an unpleasant surprise when you receive your Policy Renewal Invitation each year.
Get to know the basic way insurance works:
Premiums increase as you get older
Making claims does not affect your premium
Your country of residence can make a difference
Your premium depends on the level of coverage you want
Regional, and global factors affect the cost of private healthcare
Premiums increase as you get older
Typically, your age-related premium increase will be around 3% per annum until you reach the age of 65. This percentage can be higher or lower depending on where you live, and the percentage increase will increase as you get older. Between the ages of 65 and 80, your age-related annual premium increase will be no greater than 6%.
Age is not the only factor that affects your premiums. Where you live, the level of coverage you want, and the actual cost of private healthcare also make a difference. So, your total premium increase will be higher than your age-related premium increase.
Claims won’t affect your premium
Unlike some providers, we won’t increase your renewal premium if you’ve made a claim. Members purchase an insurance policy in good faith, so we don’t think it is fair to penalise them for legitimate claims.
Instead, we use what’s known as a community-based model. We average the money we pay out in claims across all our members, so no one person or group of people has to suffer.
The country you live in
Premiums for health insurance are higher in countries where private healthcare is more expensive.
Directly and through our insuring partners, we are working closely with the leading private hospitals and clinics in pretty much every country on the planet. We know the doctors and specialists, we know how they like to work, and we know how much they charge for different medical treatments.
When we compare these charges to global averages, we begin to get a clear a picture of which cities, countries, and regions are expensive, and which are cheaper. We have decades worth of claims and medical data to help us accurately form our pricing model.
Of course, things change all the time. The cost of private healthcare in a country or region can skyrocket very quickly. Treatment for medical conditions in Switzerland and Belgium are as costly as they are in the United States of America. That simply wasn’t the case when we started our operations.
It is also true that international health insurance gives you cover for medical treatment in multiple countries, so we don’t calculate your premium solely according to the country in which you are currently living. For example, residents in Hungary or Poland, would typically travel to Germany or Austria for elective hospital treatment owing to these latter countries having better medical facilities.
Your premium depends on the coverage you want
If you want health insurance with a low excess (an excess is the agreed amount you will pay towards any medical treatment claim) and all the bells and whistles, you’ll have to pay more. Conversely, a plan with capped limits and fewer options won’t cost you so much. A policy with your co-payment (access) may reduce your premium.
For us, the most important thing is that you have the cover that you need. We are not keen on ‘upselling’ and we will never encourage you to purchase a more expensive plan. We’re just happy to have you as a member.
Regional, and global factors affecting the cost of private healthcare
Medical inflation – The inflation rate for private healthcare is consistently higher than general inflation. The ever-increasing demand for healthcare means that hospitals and clinics can charge higher prices. The costs of drugs and new sophisticated diagnostics procedures and treatments influence the cost of insurance premiums.
Cancer treatment costs – Increasing life spans mean that more people will have cancer at some point in their lives. Substantial investment in developing safer and more effective therapies has improved treatment outcomes. However, these therapies are often costly and can last for many years.
NextGen drug therapies – There are exciting advances in the field of medical technology, which are improving healthcare outcomes, but these are extremely expensive treatments.
The Coronavirus – The pandemic has caused unprecedented disruption and placed an extraordinary strain on healthcare systems around the world. It is a standard view that this strain will adversely affect hospital prices as they try to recover from COVID-19 disruption in the coming years.
Being fair to our members
Unlike other insurance providers, it is in our best interests to keep premium increases low!
Private healthcare is expensive and, as costs go up, health insurance premiums have to keep pace. We do everything possible to keep premium increases to an absolute minimum, and we’re completely transparent about how we calculate your premiums.
We are working with our insuring partners to secure the fairness of our pricing and also to offer you plenty of options to help reduce your insurance premium, if necessary.
Healthcare is a highly personal experience, so it deserves a personal service. There is a team of real people at the other end of the telephone line when you need us. Give it a try…
We also have a fantastic team in place who are here to help you during the lifetime of your plan, when it’s time to renew it, or when you need medical treatment. We’re smaller than global insurance conglomerates, but we like it that way as this means we can give each of our members much more personal attention.
Money-back guarantee
Whether you’re purchasing a new plan or you’re renewing your current plan, you can cancel it for any reason within 30 days of purchase or renewal. We’ll give you a full refund, provided you haven’t made any claim(s).
COVID-19
We know it’s tough out there, what with restrictions on personal freedom, impending economic recession, and everything else the COVID-19 pandemic entails. We’re here to help you through this period, so if you want to discuss your plan with us, please get in touch! We’ll be happy to help.
Did you know that good eating habits can help you get pregnant faster? Here’s how!
Globally, approximately 15% of couples of reproductive ages are seen as infertile and rather more show fertility problems. The extent to which nutrition can play a role in this has been investigated in many studies. However, studies in this field are often of low-quality. The randomized clinical trials were often carried out with small groups of participants and had different designs – partly with nutritional supplements and partly with different nutritional questionnaires.
In recent years, more dietary factors have been studied more specifically. But here, too, more comprehensive data and more complex analyses are needed to be able to make precise statements.
Generally, it can be said that the dietary recommendations, which are also made for the prevention of “civilization diseases” and for the promotionof health, in the same sense improve some fertility conditions of women and men.
In the following, I highlight a few points that showed a clearer correlation in positive or negative context. In general, however, it must be emphasized that there are certainly always several factors interacting, just as these topics have already been dealt with in previous lesson units – e.g., the quality and combination of food, the pollution and production conditions, etc. – see previous teaching letters)
Since one knows that the healthy and optimal conditions cannot be achieved by single nutrients or supplements, but in numerous studies the effects regarding fertility relationships, in both women and men, have been investigated by looking on single substances or dietary supplements, such study designs are not suitable from the outset to cover all important aspects. Such study concepts cannot analyze the natural food conditions, since many thousands of substances interact with the diet and there are thus so many variables that do not allow it to define precisely, which particularly promotes the desired effect.
In prospective case-control studies with the use of defined doses of a selection of nutrients (to maintain clarity and correlation determination), one can better guess possible interactions, but even these cannot capture the complex interaction of the thousands of nutrients of a healthy diet. The studies are based on pharmacological concept, on a design that wants to determine and define effects on specifically used mono substances or only few interacting substances. Nature, however, does not work in this way.
Despite these immanent difficulties, I give in this teaching letter an insight into data obtained on the question of better pregnancy planning or reduction of infertility in the context of nutrition. However, you should always be aware that, as mentioned, many more factors canplay decisive roles and that the supplementation of single substances or also multivitamin preparations is generally not a solution and may have at most occasionally only a limited support.
Generally, and with limited expressiveness (reduced significance), the following can be observed about better fertility: A healthy diet that provides a good supply of omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals (secondary plant substances) as well as vitamins (more frequently were studied, cryptoxanthin, lycopene, β-carotene, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitaminB9 (folate) selenium and zinc,) – this can be translated to food given by eating fish respective seafood, poultry, whole grains, cereals, vegetables and fruits, legumes, low-fat dairy (low fat milk etc.). In contrasts fertility was reduced by: diets rich in processed meat (e.g. sausage products) and especially red meat, as well as full-fat dairy products, fast carbs (rapidly absorbable sugars) especially sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets, and alcohol.
In the past, soya and dairy products were described as detrimental to fertility. Better research does not prove this link. In the contrary soya and soybean products seem to have benefits in women in therapeutic infertility treatment.
Also, the consumption of moderate doses of coffee as well as even small doses of alcohol does not seem to have any disadvantages in terms of fertility. Here, too, attention should always be paid to the entire diet and consumption of semi luxury food, since, if the diet is already poor and other risk factors, even a small dose of alcohol can cause disadvantages. It should always be thought and analyzed more “holistically”.
Antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D
It is commonly written that antioxidants improve fertility. The administration of antioxidants as food supplements was occasionally seen to improve sperm quality; for the better fertility of the woman, this did not show a significant benefit. Note: Also, with regard to antioxidanteffects (e.g., by foods containing abundant phytochemicals and thus also antioxidant vitamins in the natural matrix of foods) the benefit cannot be limited to the biochemical antioxidant effects; these nutrients always develop many other important functions at the same time. In addition, based on the study results it is not possible to define which antioxidants are responsible for the benefit or which doses are responsible for this benefit.
This is explained by the fact that the synergic interaction of the many substances is needed, and individual substance analyses are not so meaningful.
Thus, antioxidant preparations are partly helpful, but partly not. Biology shows the need of the natural matrix and complex biochemical reactions catalyzed by many different substances!
If one nevertheless wants to make statements about individual substances, one can determine the omega-3 fatty acids and the folic acid as a mono-substance with a probable benefit in terms of fertility.
The extent to which omega-3 fatty acids can potentially benefit from the consumption of fish and seafood must be considered as a benefit-risk assessment if there is a risk of higher heavy metal pollution (e.g., mercury in some marine animals). The risk here does not only concern successful fertilization, even after that there is a significantly higher risk for e.g. an abort (heavy metals such as mercury pass through the placenta and develop on the fetus a 5-10times higher toxic effect compared to adults).
The additional folic acid intake (also as a supplement), which is above the dose of 400-450 g/day, as it is an evident recommendation for the prevention of spinal malformation (Spina Bifida with neural tube defects), seems to increase fertility in women.
Since folic acid doses up to 800 g/day are recommended anyway, if the early enough supplementation for the prophylaxis has been missed at least with 400 g folic acid /day minimum one month before pregnancy, and the higher dose did not show increased risks *, an intake approximately of 600 µg folate/day (in total from food and supplementation) can certainly be recommended in pregnancy planning. *a link with increased cancer risks, as in animal experiments, could not be substantiated in humans.
Although vitamin D is known to have much more important functions than previously researched mainly in terms of “bone health”; and although animal studies have seen links to better fertility, for humans studies vitamin D no benefits for better fertility were shown if there is no deficiency for vitamin D. In the case of vitamin D deficiency, which in any case comes only to a small proportion from the usual diet, but via the production in the skin during sun contact, vitamin D should be supplemented.
“Balanced healthy diet, supplementation of Folate, avoidance of pollutants, weight management and work life balance are key factors of getting pregnant.”
Of course, there should also be no insufficient supply of other nutrients (e.g., proteins, fatty acids, long-chain carbohydrates, phytochemicals, vitamins, fiber, etc.), as there may always be disadvantages for various organ functions from the deficiency situations, which also play a role in fertility. Just as the slogan about nutrition during pregnancy is true “not twice as much, but twice as good” applies, so does this already apply to better fertility.
The many effects of nutrition and the consumption of luxury foods are far from being fully analyzed, but many points can nevertheless show plausible, which can be rather disadvantageous or rather beneficial. In the same sense, this can be explained in the context of fertility.
Orientated, the so-called “Mediterranean Diet” (lots of vegetables and fruits, fish, legumes, herbs, whole grains, healthy vegetable oil such as olive oil) is good!
The intake of excessively high vitamin doses should also be avoided (especially vitamin A and especially isolated high dose vitamins in preparations or nutritional supplements), as these can damage the fetus. Anexception to supplementation is folic acid (folate or Vitamin B9). To ensure adequate folic acid supply and to avoid spina bifida malformation in the child, a higher intake of folic acid should take place at least already one month before fertilization (for safety as a supplement of at least 400µg/day). As mentioned above, a higher intake of folic acid may also increase fertility.
In addition to nutrition, other lifestyle factors, such as sufficient physical activity, avoidance of pollutants, reduction of stress and increasing resting time periods (work life balance) should promote health and thus fertility.
Avoiding obesity and achieving normal weight even before pregnancy is another especially important factor, as with greater overweight, many risk factors for the mother and child can increase during pregnancy and persist beyond that (see the article about Gestational Diabetes).
At least, women who are planning a pregnancy should be very careful when taking medication (always consult your gynecologist or other doctor).
In summary, it can be said and plausibly explained that, also in context of better fertility for both women and men, is important
• a balanced, healthydiet, as recommended in the food pyramid.
• The good composition with a clearly predominant vegetablecontent.
• Vegetable foods with a great variety of flavors and colors (great diversity – goal: at least red-yellow-green fruits and vegetables daily), which ensures the supply of phytochemicals (secondary plant substances), plays an important key role.
• Plenty of pulses and salads as well as culinary herbs complement the recommendation of at least “5 servings of vegetables and fruit a day” (3 vegetables and 2 fruit).
• In addition, there should be a supply of good fatty acids and good protein sources, which is why white, low-fat meat (poultry meat) and even better fish (especiallythe smaller sea fish that come from non-polluted seas) – via such cold sea fish (herring, salmon, cod), the bioactive forms ofomega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) are well supplied – if supplementation is required, oils from special microalgae are good vegan DHA and EPA sources.
• In all these points, attention should always be paid to the quality, which concerns the avoidance or reduction of pollutants (the dose makes the poison) and the hygienic, transport and storage conditions.
• Sufficient physical activity and avoidance of obesity (with its higher risk of diabetes and other diseases) must always be considered; the nutritional effects (risk factors or protective factors) cannot be seen separately from physical activity and weight management.
As we can see, it is always the same multifaceted interacting factors that are naturally important for the human organism and that play important key roles when considering special functional areas – such as better fertility ratios here.
For some people, therefore, only single areas need to be optimized (with low deficits or a few unfavorable conditions); for others, several interventions or optimizations are required, some of which can only be achieved with extended therapeutic measures.
In addition to lifestyle factors, success can always depend on individual genetic constitutions. The lifestyle factors play important roles for the basic requirements of well-functioning organs and homeostasis (balance of physiological body functions) e.g., blood flow and metabolic conditions as well as immune reactions and numerous protective mechanisms. Lifestyle factors, such as the diet and physical activity, even have epigenetic effects (they can modify gene functions – i.e., for example, mute some “risk genes” (gene silencing) or strengthen “repair genes”).
Prof. Dr. Werner Seebauer is Dean of Studies – Association of German Preventologists, Head of Preventive Medicine Department of Institute of Transcultural Health Sciences (European University Viadrina) and Head of Preventive Medicine – NESA (The New European Surgical Academy). Since 2000, prof. dr. Werner Seebauer worked only in preventive medicine, after ten years spent at the Frankfurt University Hospital. He is also involved in the medical professionals training for nutrition and prevention.
MediHelp International contributes to the medical science development and is actively involved in the international social responsibility advocacy.
Pregnancy diabetes increases the risk of later type II diabetes in women and child
In overweight women, the risk of diabetes increases regardless of pregnancy. Compared to women of normal weight, the diabetes rate was 3.6 times higher for overweight (BMI 25-30) and 15 times higher in Grade II obesity (BMI 35-40).
Every kg above normal weight increases type II diabetes risk by 16%
In particular, the risk increases to later diabetes (30 – 43 times); is shown in women with BIM >30 and gestational diabetes, when the weight gain was more than 5kg.
With a previous weight reduction of at least 2.5kg, the diabetes rate could be reduced by about 20%.
Bao W., Yeung E. et al. Long-term risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus in relation to BMI and weight change among women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study Diabetologia.2015 Jun;58(6):1212-9.
The obesity of pregnant women also significantly increases the frequency of high birth weight of the child (2-3 times more common macrosomia).
The diet form during pregnancy (composition or quality), as well as the excessive weight of the child already during the fetal period and after birth, show a programmatic influence on the early childhood development in the womb, and above it, a formative influence on the later development of obesity and a higher risk of diabetes type-II in the child.
Rememberalso, early childhood nutrition has an impact on the child’s risk of obesity. For example, breastfeeding leads to a reduction in the risk of developing obesity in later childhood, or adulthood compared to non-breastfeeding. (DGE currently 01/2009) Infants breastfed with breast milk later develop 20% less overweight and 25% less obesity. The benefit is better the longer breastfeeding has been. Each month of additional breastfeeding time (up to 7-9 months) the subsequent risk of obesity decreases by 4%. ( Koletzko 2011 / 2012/ 2013)The lifestyle in childhood and adolescence has a decisive influence(the behavior of the family plays a major role).
Adequate treatment of gestational diabetes can prevent excessive birth weight (macrosomia “large for gestational age”) but note that alone is not enough to prevent later obesity if the parents are also obese.
The study data are inhomogeneous for later obesity and diabetes in children. Numerous studies have shown this link, but some have not shown significant figures.
Since, in addition to lifestyle factors, genetic factors play different roles in the development of overweight and obesity in mother and child, which cannot be adequately corrected in statistical analyses, different correlations can be convincing.
The higher numbers of children born too large and too heavy are 2-3 times more often with maternal obesity and gestational diabetes; and obesity is a very relevant factor for the development of metabolic syndrome (prediabetes), from which manifest type 2 diabetes if this persists for years. Depending on the form of mother hyperglycemia during pregnancy, the later risk of diabetes in children increases between 11 and 21% compared to 4% in children of women without diabetes or gestational diabetes (Clausen 2008).
Early screening – control by gynecologists – is very important!
Early screening for the risk of gestational diabetes should be carried out as early as the 1st trimester (in the first third of pregnancy) – between the 24th until the 28th week of pregnancy. For risk groups, the screening should be carried out much earlier.
For practical reasons, the fasting blood sugar and, if there is a suspicion of risk, the HbA1c value are determined in pregnant women.
The risk increases with the insufficiency of glucose metabolism; this can best be tested via the oral glucose load test (OGT). The fasting blood sugar level is a screening test that is not as reliable as the OGT, but since it is more complex, the general checkup during pregnancy will be done with the fasting blood sugar test and expands the determination of the HbA1c value in certain cases.
In more overweight pregnant women and also in already signs of metabolic syndrome (for which the doctor should look), an oral glucose load test is recommended; the analysis ofHbA1c (“blood sugar long-term value”)is not as meaningful for early detection, it is better used for therapy control after observed sugar metabolism disorders (insulin resistance and high blood sugar level).
Clausen TD, Mathiesen ER, Hansen T, et. al. High prevalence of type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes in adult offspring of women with gestational diabetes mellitus or type 1 diabetes: the role of intrauterine hyperglycemia.Diabetes Care.2008 Feb;31(2):340-6.
Since important functions and thus risks for the future are developed during the early imprinting (starting 1000 days of life from development in the womb), but the influences in early childhood can still change a lot, the study results should be interpreted accordingly with foresight.
The influences on the metabolism of the child and in terms of increased body weight make the process of risk formation plausible.
In terms of weight gain or calorie requirements, all pregnant women should not eat twice as much(“for two”) but “twice as good”.
Obese women should reduce their weight as much as possible in enough time before planning their pregnancy!
Extreme weight loss diets during pregnancy are not recommended. An overweight pregnant woman, however, should have a lower weight gain during pregnancy.
It is best to lose weight before pregnancy. For women with adiposity, a weight reduction of 5-10% of the starting weight before pregnancy can have a significant positive effect on the health and reduce some risks. From: Diet and lifestyle during pregnancy Thieme reprint 2018 (German Journal)
To a pregnant woman with a starting position at a normal weight, a recommended pregnancy weight gain is between 11 – 16 kg. While it should be slightly more kilograms in underweight women, overweight should increase significantly less (see Table 1). The later risk of overweight in women and in children increases more with higher weight gain and especially if women were already overweight before pregnancy.
Research Journal Obesity 2016 Volume24, Issue7; Goldberg, Gail R. Nursing Standard (through 2013); Rasmussen National Academy Press, 2009; RF Goldstein, JAMA. 2017; Margerison Zilko CE, American Journal of Obstetrics and GynecologyVolume 202, Issue 6, 2010, The normal weight gain during pregnancy is calculated based on the following factors • At birth your baby weighs about 3.300g. • During pregnancy, the uterus increases significantly by about 900g • The placenta weighs around 600g • Breasts are about 400g heavier. • The blood volume increases by 1,200g. • The extra fluid in the body has a weight of about 2,600g. • About 2,500g are for more fat reserves that provide additional energy for breastfeeding. Nutrient and energy requirements during pregnancy The nutrient and energy requirements are increased during pregnancy, but not so much that the women must eat for two. The motto is: not twice as much, but twice as good! The need for some micronutrients increases more than the energy requirement. Only in the last pregnancy months the energy requirement just about 10% higher than before pregnancy. In the second trimester of pregnancy, the energy requirement is about 250 kcal per day higher than beforeand in the third trimester (last 3 months), the demand is 500 kcal per day higher if the physical activity remains unimpaired. Many women, however, in the last months of pregnancy have significantly reduced physical activity, so then no increased energy intake is needed.
Overweight, obesity, and type 2 diabetes – risks for mother and child
The increased intrauterine sugar supply (glucose and fructose) leads to increased fetal insulin secretion. From fetal hyperinsulinism, diabetic fetopathy can develop.
Excessive amounts of insulin have a growth-enhancing effect e.g. on white fat tissue and thus an increased birth weight (macrosomia “large for gestational age” – birth weight above the 90th percentile; 4 kg and more).
The blood count (hemogram) can deteriorate (worse circulatory conditions and higher cardiovascular loads), and also a worse fetal surfactant formation can be the result(surfactant is important for lung development immediately after birth); thus, there may be more postnatal respiratory disorders up to respiratory distress syndrome. Overall, the risk of premature birth with further known complications increases.
For example, studies in Sweden from 1991 to 2003 show that in case of gestational diabetes, the risk of being born before the 37th week of pregnancy is 68% higher (Fadl 2010).
Fadl HE, Ostlund IKM, Magnuson AFK, et. al. Maternal and neonatal outcomes and time trends of gestational diabetes mellitus in Sweden from 1991 to 2003. Diabet Med.2010 Apr;27(4):436-41.
Early in pregnancy occurring diabetes can lead to malformations of the infant’s heart or even death if it’s undetected and thus untreated.
Under the diabetic metabolic situation of pregnant women, higher amniotic fluid production is more often observed. These and the macrosomic fetus (large or overgrown fetus) can overstretch the uterine wall so that the birth often threatens weeks too early. Furthermore, the mother is more often seen with the so-called pregnancy toxicosis (EPH gestosis Edema – Proteinuria – Hypertension; and also accompanying often liver damage. This is a high risk for the mother and the child. You can also see more urinary tract infections, which also increases the risk of premature births.
Even if there are no complications mentioned above, numerous further complications during childbirth are increased for mother and child. Also, treatments or monitoring in intensive care units in the hospital are necessary.
Risk for mother and child in case of gestational diabetes
Increased preterm birth rate, or infant death or malformations of the heart
Need for postnatal monitoring and therapies in intensive care
Hyperbilirubinemia (due to impaired liver function)
Similarly, there is an increased risk of hypoglycemia after birth – and if hypoglycemia is detected too late, potentially permanent brain damage.
Increased birth weight, with increased risk of later obesity and diabetes
Women with gestational diabetes have a significantly increased risk of preeclampsia (pregnancy- toxicosis).
Women with gestational diabetes have a 50% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the long term.
Prof. Dr. Werner Seebauer is Dean of Studies – Association of German Preventologists, Head of Preventive Medicine Department of Institute of Transcultural Health Sciences (European University Viadrina) and Head of Preventive Medicine – NESA (The New European Surgical Academy). Since 2000, prof. dr. Werner Seebauer worked only in preventive medicine, after ten years spent at the Frankfurt University Hospital. He is also involved in the medical professionals training for nutrition and prevention.
MediHelp International contributes to the medical science development and is actively involved in the international social responsibility advocacy.
Stress and fatigue are possibly our best buddies nowadays. We are kind of trying to eat healthily and have eight hours of sleep per day, yet nothing seems to be working. We wake up in the morning feeling as if we had not slept at all, lacking the energy to get out of bed, let alone get any work done. Are you looking for a way to summon the strength to live? I have just the solution for you. The source of this energy lies with certain little organelles found in almost every cell in our body and called mitochondria.
What exactly are mitochondria?
It is within the mitochondria that the source of our vital energy lies. They produce ATP, which is the energy currency that our body can use to buy anything it needs: regeneration, longevity, a healthy immune system, and an efficient nervous system; in a nutshell, our tissues can swap this currency for health. Mitochondria, our energy-producing factories, are also responsible for managing the cellular life and death process, and consequently they are also indirectly in charge of our life and death. Therefore, we should become friends with them, especially when we consider that they make up 10% of the weight of our body.
How do we improve the mitochondria factory work processes?
There are several ways to do this. A lifestyle in which we find the time for physical activity, while at the same observing certain calorie intake restrictions, can improve the quality of our mitochondria. I recommend a low-sugar diet and periodic fasting. Intermittent fasting could be a particularly attractive solution here. The idea is that we set a number of hours during the day, i.e. a window, during which we eat, while fasting outside of that time. I try to eat between 10 am and 6 pm only. And I feel great. As far as our lifestyle is concerned, physical activity is also crucial. It exercises not only our muscles, but also the mitochondria. Implementing these simple rules can protect us against diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension, cancer, and dementia throughout our lifecycle. And mitochondrial disorders are exactly what lies at the root of all the chronic diseases! It is also important to eliminate hazards such as heavy metals and other toxins capable of finding refuge in our bodies. I fell a victim to them a while ago myself. I struggled with chronic fatigue syndrome, where something as basic as just climbing the stairs to the first floor was an enormous challenge for me. I decided to check what was happening to me and found that some heavy metals, such as mercury and arsenic, settled in my body. It took a long treatment with intravenous chelation and removing the uninvited guests from my cells for my energy to finally return. This is just one of the threats to mitochondria, and there are quite a few of them; however, there are just as many ways to support them.
For mitochondria to work properly, you need a number of substances such as minerals (Mg, Se, Fe), vitamins (B group), cofactors (particularly the Q10 coenzyme), as well as phospholipids such as phosphatidylcholine. Polyphenols and curcumin are great for our mitochondria too. Sometimes, when our diet lacks these substances, informed supplementation is recommended.
Don’t wait for the future. You can take action today! See our medical plans and register for your next check-up.
Krzysztof Majdyło is a medical doctor specializing primarily in the treatment of chronic diseases (e.g. Lyme disease), modern diagnostics, and personalized therapies supporting oncological treatment. He trained at the Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center in New York with Dr. Richard I. Horowitz, one of the most experienced ILADS physicians in the world. He is the owner and head of the medical team at St. Luke’s Clinic in Gdańsk, where the personalised approach to the patient developed at the Clinic complements other modern supplementation solutions.
It has been said increasingly over the recent years that probiotics should be used not only during antibiotic therapy, but also in many other instances in our lives. Can good bacteria actually contribute to boosting our health?
As much as 75% of the immune system is housed in our intestines, which is why probiotic bacteria have a truly enormous impact on its maturation.
By introducing beneficial strains to the intestines, we are able to support and aid a huge part of our immunity, while failing to take proper care of our bacterial flora can lead to damaging our body’s natural defence system. This is acutely important in the time of an epidemic when we should be looking after our immunity with particular care.
The studies carried out by nutritionists and scientists in the recent past have yielded further unexpected observations indicating that the composition of the microbiome can make it harder or easier to lose unnecessary kilograms.
It is often said that stress has a big impact on our intestines, which actually is the case. The composition of the intestinal microbiome in people suffering from chronic stress very often leads to inflammation of the intestines and consequently to an increasing number of autoimmune diseases. The entire process starts with a disturbance of the intestinal microflora which reacts to prolonged and severe stress, just as it reacts to antibiotics. Elaborating on the topic, we could name other effects of stress, such as depression.
Mental disorders are also closely linked to the volume, lack or growth of specific bacteria in the intestines, and the fairly well-known serotonin, 90% of which is generated by properly working intestines and the microorganisms that reside in them.
These are just a few examples of how the bacteria in our intestines affect our health.
It is worth noting that a different probiotic with a different composition would be necessary for each of the abovementioned issues. It is always worth seeking the advice of a specialist as to choosing the right probiotic therapy and possibly testing your own microbiome to find out what repair strategy to implement.
We know that “treating” the intestinal microbiome will play an important role in the medicine of the future.
Don’t wait for the future. You can take action today! See our medical plans and register for your next check-up.
Krzysztof Majdyło is a medical doctor specializing primarily in the treatment of chronic diseases (e.g. Lyme disease), modern diagnostics, and personalized therapies supporting oncological treatment. He trained at the Hudson Valley Healing Arts Center in New York with Dr. Richard I. Horowitz, one of the most experienced ILADS physicians in the world. He is the owner and head of the medical team at St. Luke’s Clinic in Gdańsk, where the personalised approach to the patient developed at the Clinic complements other modern supplementation solutions.
