3 Ways to Support Your Fertility
Infertility affects over 6 million women in the United States.
As a Holistic Reproductive Practitioner, I work with people on a regular basis who are trying to conceive. About 12% of women under the age of 44 are unable to get pregnant after trying for one year. However, infertility is not just a woman’s issue! In 35% of cases of couples with infertility, both male and female factors are found.
There are many factors that can affect your fertility. Fibroids, Endometriosis, PCOS, blocked fallopian tubes, infections, hormonal and genetic disorders are just a few. While many of these conditions do require medical assistance, there are some natural ways you can support your hormones and fertility whether you’re trying to conceive naturally or with medical assistance.
1. Reduce Stress
Stress is the enemy of health and fertility! Both physical and emotional stress can take a toll on the body and affect fertility. We are biologically wired to go into a fight-or-flight response when we sense danger. This response helped the human species survive for thousands of years. The problem is, our bodies can’t tell the difference between a predator and a stressful commute to work.
Chronic stress can disrupt our hormones including ovulation and healthy sperm production. If our bodies are always in survival mode, we don’t have the energy to focus on healing and reproducing.
Try incorporating some daily stress management practices such as meditation, prayer, yoga, taking a walk after work and spending time in nature.
Research shows that even 2 hours in the forest has a positive impact on blood pressure, pulse rate, cortisol levels and the immune system.
Take a step back from stressful situations and people in your life. Before you look at your phone or check your email, make sure you’ve taken a few minutes to center yourself.
2. Eat for Conception
Focus on organic fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and proteins. It sounds simplistic but what we put into our bodies now are the building blocks for future eggs and sperm. It takes 90 days for an egg to mature and 72 days for sperm to mature. This is just as important if you are going through IVF. Healthy eggs and sperm are vital to a successful IVF cycle.
Your body needs antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, omega fatty acids and quality protein to make healthy eggs and sperm. Fats are essential for hormone production so don’t be afraid of adding healthy fat to your diet.
Fertility superfoods you can incorporate into your diet:
Healthy Fats for hormone production including avocado, avocado oil, coconut oil, olive oil, nuts and seeds
Grassfed organic animal protein for A and B vitamins, iron, zinc and omega-3s including chicken, turkey, wild caught salmon, shellfish, beef, liver and free range eggs
Plant based protein for folate and fiber including chickpeas, black beans and lentils
Cruciferous vegetables and leafy greens for liver support and vitamins A, C, manganese and iron such as kale, spinach, broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts
3. Try Reflexology
Reflexology is a holistic therapy that has roots in ancient China, Egypt and North America. There are over 1200 nerve endings in the feet that correspond to every organ and system of the body. These points are stimulated in a Reflexology session and it feels like an amazing foot rub!
Remember the importance of stress reduction? Reflexology promotes a parasympathetic nervous response in the body, which is the opposite of fight-or-flight. This response is also known as “rest and digest.” When the body is in a state of deep relaxation, it can focus on healing and reproduction.
Other benefits include increased blood flow to the reproductive organs, which is beneficial for egg and sperm health, improved digestion and nutrient assimilation and increased detoxification.
Book a session with me if you live in the Denver area or look for a certified Reflexologist in your area.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/infertility/index.htm
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31001682/
Davis, Sami S. and Blakeway, Jill. "Making Babies." New York, NY, Hachette Book Group, 2009: 99-108