Can you lower your FSH? Can you improve your egg quality?Doctors will say you can't.
Tour eggs are as old as you are, and nothing you will do will make any difference.
You will be told,
Your eggs are too oldand
You are a poor responder,
Even
2/3 of women over the age of 35 require medical intervention in order to conceive.
Yes, some women will need help to conceive.
But
keep in mind there is a large financial incentive for you to believe these demoralizing prognoses – reproductive medicine is an ever-growing multi-billion dollar per year cash industry, whose financial rewards grow exponentially when you submit to the belief your only chance of becoming a parent is through medical intervention. They make no money when you conceive on your own. They make a maximum profit when multiple women are involved in helping you achieve a pregnancy at all costs.
So what CAN you do to help yourself?
Ovarian health depends upon three factors – nutritional status, blood flow, and the balance of reproductive hormones with stress hormones.
1) Nutritional status – the reproductive system, like the rest of our body, has certain nutritional requirements. Most of my patients are asked to avoid sugar, wheat, and dairy. They take nutritional supplements specific to their Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern of imbalance. Most women with high FSH or poor ovarian reserve take super greens like wheatgrass, royal jelly, and Co-Enzyme Q-10, to name a few.
2) Blood flow – a woman of age 40 typically has five times less blood flow to her ovaries than a woman of age 20. This dramatically impedes the attention the ovary requires during the follicles' all-important growth phase, the 90-day process before ovulation in which the quality of the egg is determined. The follicles insist upon adequate oxygenation and circulation to function efficiently (i.e., with a healthy egg, capable of fertilization and implantation.)
3) Hormonal balance – the endocrine system is a delicate interplay of the reproductive hormones, stress hormones, and emotions, in symphony with each other. This system operates via feedback, which means anytime you introduce an outside hormone into its influence, it shuts that system down. Synthetic hormones can't cure hormonal imbalances, they can only override them. The endocrine system is the most sensitive bodily system which requires the perfect balancing act of multiple factors, inside and out. Like all other mammals, our bodies do not want us pregnant when our endocrine systems are stressed.
Photo credit: How did I ever get stuck with *two* kids?, by Ed Yourdon
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
 |
| Taking Charge of Your Fertility |
by Toni Weschler
-- Clear and comprehensive, yet warm and approachable, Taking Charge of Your Fertility is one of the most universally lauded health books on the market today. It is an essential reference for every woman of reproductive age.
For any woman unhappy with her current method of birth control; demoralized by her quest to have a baby, or experiencing confusing symptoms in her cycle, this book provides answers to all these questions, plus amazing insights into a woman's body.
Weschler thoroughly explains the empowering Fertility Awareness Method which, in only a couple minutes a day, allows a woman to:
• Enjoy highly effective, scientifically proven birth control without chemicals or devices
• Maximize her chances of conception or expedite fertility treatment by identifying impediments to conception
• Increase the likelihood of choosing the gender of her baby
• Gain control of her sexual and gynecological health
📚 Paperback: 512 pages
Click to order/for more info: Taking Charge of Your Fertility
Infertility affects more than 6 million people in the United States alone, or 1 out of every 6 couples, according to Lafayette-based Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado.
And despite a common fallacy -- it's a woman's problem -- fertility difficulties are equally as likely to be caused by male difficulties. It is a combined issue in about 20 percent of infertility cases, Conceptions says.
For women, it is most commonly a problem with ovulation, according to Robyn Curtis, with the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine, which has a Louisville office.
For men, it is mostly sperm health or motility,Curtis says.
But there are so many other influencing factors - dealing with a difficult conception can feel like a guessing game, says McGinnis, the new Boulder mom. That's why she recommends getting professional help after one year of trying -- and sticking to research-proven advice such as staying away from cigarettes and minimizing stress.
We've solicited the expertise of a spectrum of experts: a local acupuncturist, nutritionist-dietitians, reproductive endocrinologist-ObGyn, reproductive clinic, physician, Chinese herbal medicine practitioner, and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, as well as the results from some studies and a nontraditional pharmacy.
Here's their take on some wives' tales -- and some truths.
Enhancing fertility
Drink raspberry leaf tea. FALSE.-- This tea may promote uterine health after you're pregnant, but does nothing for fertility. (Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy)
Have sex during a full moon. FALSE.
-- Menstrual cycles can coincide with the phases of the moon, but it doesn't matter if the moon's full if you're not ovulating. (Pharmaca)
Eat organic foods and drink purified water; eat alkaline foods.
DEPENDS on whom you ask.
-- Acupuncturist Amy Dickinson says pesticides and herbicides in non-organic food can harm a woman's eggs, and food chemicals and additives often have estrogen-like substances that can throw the hormonal balance off.
Dickinson recommends alkaline foods, such as vegetables, non-citrus fruits, sprouts, and wheat grass. Acidic foods, such as sugar, dairy, and grains, can create an acidic cervical pH, which sperm don't like, she says. Plus, she says fruits and vegetables contain bioflavonoids, which help create healthy blood vessels that can help prevent miscarriage and prepare the uterus for implantation.
Physician Robert Gustofson, with the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine at the Avista Hospital, says no food types have been shown to improve pregnancy probability. He says they won't harm your chances, however.
Be at a healthy body weight. TRUE.
-- Being overweight or underweight can have adverse effects.
Get acupuncture. TRUE.
-- Acupuncture increases the chances of implantation and increases blood circulation to the uterus. (Journal of Fertility and Sterility, 2003)
Adopt. FALSE.
-- Everyone knows someone who had adopted a child and then gotten pregnant, but research has not shown a connection.
Dream you are pregnant. FALSE.
-- Dreams are unrelated to fertility. (Gustofson)
Relax. TRUE.
-- Stress is a fertility killer. You need progesterone for pregnancy. When a body is stressed, it redirects to produce the stress hormone, cortisol, instead of creating progesterone. (Boulder acupuncturist Amy Dickinson)
Have sex 14 days after your period. FALSE.
-- Not every woman has a 28-day menstrual cycle with ovulation in the middle.
Have sex in a certain position. FALSE.
(Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine)
Be well rested. TRUE.
-- This helps combat stress. (Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado)
You have sex in a swimming pool. FALSE.
-- The chlorine will not kill all sperm. (Julie McGinnis, Boulder nutritionist, dietitian, and herbalist)
You douche after sex. FALSE.
-- There is no evidence douching will prevent pregnancy, even if you use certain essential oils or other liquids. (McGinnis)
You have sex while on your period. MAYBE.
-- The chances of ovulating while on your period are smaller, but you can still get pregnant.
The man was kicked hard in the groin while playing a sport. FALSE.
-- It's very unlikely a single traumatic event will result in sterility. The male system is pretty hardy. (Conceptions)
The woman is older than 35. FALSE.
-- In general, the chance of getting pregnant in one year is about 90 percent until age 34. It drops to 67 percent by age 40, and after age 45, it declines to 15 percent. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) However, fertility varies with every woman.
The man is older than 35. FALSE.
-- Growing evidence suggests age may be a factor eventually, but the number and quality of sperm doesn't decline until after age 64. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
You're stressed. TRUE.
-- Stress can reduce sperm count and stop ovulation. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine and Conceptions)
You took birth control pills. FALSE.
-- A few months after you stop taking the pill, your body should be back to normal. (Conceptions)
Your mom took birth control pills. FALSE.
-- (Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine)
You've already had one child. FALSE.
-- (Conceptions)
You had a C-section. FALSE.
-- Not unless it was complicated by something affecting the Fallopian tubes. (Conceptions)
You are breastfeeding. MAYBE.
-- It can decrease ovulatory function but doesn't stop it. It depends on the woman. (Conceptions)
You haven't re-started your period after childbirth. FALSE.
-- You can ovulate and not have your period first. (Conceptions)
You have diabetes. TRUE.
-- Good glycemic control prior to conception can decrease birth defects. And women with pre-diabetes glucose intolerance can have disrupted ovulation. (Conceptions)
You have had a heart attack or liver or kidney failure. TRUE.
-- Significant, life-threatening medical conditions may decrease the chance of pregnancy until treated or resolved. (Gustofson)
If the man masturbates a lot. TRUE.
-- Masturbation can temporarily lower sperm count. It cannot make you sterile. (McGinnis)
You have anal sex. TRUE.
-- Anal sperm deposition does not fertilize an egg in the uterus. (Gustofson)
The man spends a lot of time in saunas or hot tubs. TRUE.
-- Overheating may temporarily reduce sperm count. (Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine)
The guy wears tight underwear. TRUE.
-- This can increase the temperature of the testes. (Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine)
The man smokes cigarettes or marijuana. TRUE.
-- Smoking can reduce sperm count. (Infertility.about.com)
You drink alcohol. TRUE.
-- Excessive alcohol can damage sperm and eggs. (Infertility.about.com) More than two drinks a day can suppress hormones. Plus, the byproduct of alcohol is a toxin, and if it goes to the uterus, it doesn't enhance pregnancy rates. (Conceptions)
You drink a lot of caffeine. TRUE.
-- (Conceptions)
The man uses steroids. TRUE.
-- Steroids can severely impair sperm production. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
The man consumes too much vitamin C (more than 1,000 mg). FALSE.
-- Vitamin C will be urinated out if not absorbed. It does not necessarily acidify the semen or kill sperm. (Gustofson)
You unnecessarily take over-the-counter drugs, including ibuprofen. TRUE.
-- Ibuprofen can inhibit prostaglandins and inhibit ovulation. (Dickinson)
The woman has an iron deficiency. TRUE,
-- Acupuncturist Amy Dickinson says pesticides and herbicides in non-organic food can harm a woman's eggs, and food chemicals and additives often have estrogen-like substances that can throw the hormonal balance off.
Dickinson recommends alkaline foods, such as vegetables, non-citrus fruits, sprouts, and wheat grass. Acidic foods, such as sugar, dairy, and grains, can create an acidic cervical pH, which sperm don't like, she says. Plus, she says fruits and vegetables contain bioflavonoids, which help create healthy blood vessels that can help prevent miscarriage and prepare the uterus for implantation.
Physician Robert Gustofson, with the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine at the Avista Hospital, says no food types have been shown to improve pregnancy probability. He says they won't harm your chances, however.
Be at a healthy body weight. TRUE.
-- Being overweight or underweight can have adverse effects.
Get acupuncture. TRUE.
-- Acupuncture increases the chances of implantation and increases blood circulation to the uterus. (Journal of Fertility and Sterility, 2003)
Adopt. FALSE.
-- Everyone knows someone who had adopted a child and then gotten pregnant, but research has not shown a connection.
Dream you are pregnant. FALSE.
-- Dreams are unrelated to fertility. (Gustofson)
Relax. TRUE.
-- Stress is a fertility killer. You need progesterone for pregnancy. When a body is stressed, it redirects to produce the stress hormone, cortisol, instead of creating progesterone. (Boulder acupuncturist Amy Dickinson)
Have sex 14 days after your period. FALSE.
-- Not every woman has a 28-day menstrual cycle with ovulation in the middle.
Have sex in a certain position. FALSE.
(Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine)
Be well rested. TRUE.
-- This helps combat stress. (Conceptions Reproductive Associates of Colorado)
Diminishing fertility
You may adversely affect conception if:You have sex in a swimming pool. FALSE.
-- The chlorine will not kill all sperm. (Julie McGinnis, Boulder nutritionist, dietitian, and herbalist)
You douche after sex. FALSE.
-- There is no evidence douching will prevent pregnancy, even if you use certain essential oils or other liquids. (McGinnis)
You have sex while on your period. MAYBE.
-- The chances of ovulating while on your period are smaller, but you can still get pregnant.
The man was kicked hard in the groin while playing a sport. FALSE.
-- It's very unlikely a single traumatic event will result in sterility. The male system is pretty hardy. (Conceptions)
The woman is older than 35. FALSE.
-- In general, the chance of getting pregnant in one year is about 90 percent until age 34. It drops to 67 percent by age 40, and after age 45, it declines to 15 percent. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) However, fertility varies with every woman.
The man is older than 35. FALSE.
-- Growing evidence suggests age may be a factor eventually, but the number and quality of sperm doesn't decline until after age 64. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
You're stressed. TRUE.
-- Stress can reduce sperm count and stop ovulation. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine and Conceptions)
You took birth control pills. FALSE.
-- A few months after you stop taking the pill, your body should be back to normal. (Conceptions)
Your mom took birth control pills. FALSE.
-- (Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine)
You've already had one child. FALSE.
-- (Conceptions)
You had a C-section. FALSE.
-- Not unless it was complicated by something affecting the Fallopian tubes. (Conceptions)
You are breastfeeding. MAYBE.
-- It can decrease ovulatory function but doesn't stop it. It depends on the woman. (Conceptions)
You haven't re-started your period after childbirth. FALSE.
-- You can ovulate and not have your period first. (Conceptions)
You have diabetes. TRUE.
-- Good glycemic control prior to conception can decrease birth defects. And women with pre-diabetes glucose intolerance can have disrupted ovulation. (Conceptions)
You have had a heart attack or liver or kidney failure. TRUE.
-- Significant, life-threatening medical conditions may decrease the chance of pregnancy until treated or resolved. (Gustofson)
If the man masturbates a lot. TRUE.
-- Masturbation can temporarily lower sperm count. It cannot make you sterile. (McGinnis)
You have anal sex. TRUE.
-- Anal sperm deposition does not fertilize an egg in the uterus. (Gustofson)
The man spends a lot of time in saunas or hot tubs. TRUE.
-- Overheating may temporarily reduce sperm count. (Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine)
The guy wears tight underwear. TRUE.
-- This can increase the temperature of the testes. (Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine)
The man smokes cigarettes or marijuana. TRUE.
-- Smoking can reduce sperm count. (Infertility.about.com)
You drink alcohol. TRUE.
-- Excessive alcohol can damage sperm and eggs. (Infertility.about.com) More than two drinks a day can suppress hormones. Plus, the byproduct of alcohol is a toxin, and if it goes to the uterus, it doesn't enhance pregnancy rates. (Conceptions)
You drink a lot of caffeine. TRUE.
-- (Conceptions)
The man uses steroids. TRUE.
-- Steroids can severely impair sperm production. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
The man consumes too much vitamin C (more than 1,000 mg). FALSE.
-- Vitamin C will be urinated out if not absorbed. It does not necessarily acidify the semen or kill sperm. (Gustofson)
You unnecessarily take over-the-counter drugs, including ibuprofen. TRUE.
-- Ibuprofen can inhibit prostaglandins and inhibit ovulation. (Dickinson)
The woman has an iron deficiency. TRUE,
at least for people with chronic anemia.
-- It can affect ovulation. (Conceptions)
Eating soy, which contains plant-based estrogens. FALSE.
-- There is no research showing a high-soy diet creates infertility. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
Using a cell phone. MAYBE.
-- One study by The Cleveland Clinic found men who used cell phones the most had poorer sperm quality than men who used them the least, but more research is needed.
You have an eating disorder. TRUE.
-- Too-low body fat levels can stop the reproductive process. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
You are a hard-core athlete. TRUE.
-- Low body fat can mean irregular periods. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
The man is an avid cyclist. TRUE.
-- For men, pressure from the bicycle seat can damage blood vessels and nerves. Mountain biking shocks the perineum and can injure the scrotum. One study found mountain biker men were more likely to have twisted veins in the scrotum, cysts or calcium deposits. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
You have a sexually transmitted infection. DEPENDS.
-- Chlamydia or gonorrhea are associated with male and female infertility. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) HPV (human papillomavirus) typically is not, unless it is linked to cancer and the woman must have her cervix operated on. Herpes does not affect fertility. (Conceptions)
The woman has endometriosis. TRUE.
-- (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
The woman has thyroid problems. MAYBE
-- Too much or too little thyroid hormone can interrupt ovulation. (Conceptions)
The man has retrograde orgasms (sperm deposition in the bladder). TRUE AND FALSE.
-- It will be more difficult to conceive, but it not impossible. (Gustofson)
You were exposed to harmful chemicals. TRUE.
-- Some chemicals can hurt sperm or eggs or cause birth defects. (McGinnis)
You go under an anesthetic at the dentist's office. FALSE.
-- (Conceptions)
You've had radiation treatment. TRUE.
-- Cells exposed to significant levels of radiation may take up to two years to resume normal sperm production or, in severe cases, may never recover. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
You're exposed to some kinds of plastics and rubber or pesticides.
-- It can affect ovulation. (Conceptions)
Eating soy, which contains plant-based estrogens. FALSE.
-- There is no research showing a high-soy diet creates infertility. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
Using a cell phone. MAYBE.
-- One study by The Cleveland Clinic found men who used cell phones the most had poorer sperm quality than men who used them the least, but more research is needed.
You have an eating disorder. TRUE.
-- Too-low body fat levels can stop the reproductive process. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
You are a hard-core athlete. TRUE.
-- Low body fat can mean irregular periods. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
The man is an avid cyclist. TRUE.
-- For men, pressure from the bicycle seat can damage blood vessels and nerves. Mountain biking shocks the perineum and can injure the scrotum. One study found mountain biker men were more likely to have twisted veins in the scrotum, cysts or calcium deposits. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
You have a sexually transmitted infection. DEPENDS.
-- Chlamydia or gonorrhea are associated with male and female infertility. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine) HPV (human papillomavirus) typically is not, unless it is linked to cancer and the woman must have her cervix operated on. Herpes does not affect fertility. (Conceptions)
The woman has endometriosis. TRUE.
-- (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
The woman has thyroid problems. MAYBE
-- Too much or too little thyroid hormone can interrupt ovulation. (Conceptions)
The man has retrograde orgasms (sperm deposition in the bladder). TRUE AND FALSE.
-- It will be more difficult to conceive, but it not impossible. (Gustofson)
You were exposed to harmful chemicals. TRUE.
-- Some chemicals can hurt sperm or eggs or cause birth defects. (McGinnis)
You go under an anesthetic at the dentist's office. FALSE.
-- (Conceptions)
You've had radiation treatment. TRUE.
-- Cells exposed to significant levels of radiation may take up to two years to resume normal sperm production or, in severe cases, may never recover. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
You're exposed to some kinds of plastics and rubber or pesticides.
DEPENDS on whom you ask.
-- McGinnis says some plastics contain materials can disrupt hormones. (McGinnis)
Gustofson says large amounts of pesticide ingestion may cause infertility, but minimal exposure will not cause harm. He says plastics and rubber do not cause infertility.
You use petroleum-based lubricants, including spermicides, oils or Vaseline. TRUE.
-- Astroglide, Replens, mineral oil or all-natural lubricants may not be as harmful to sperm. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
Read more: Misconceptions about conception
Eat, Love, Get Pregnant: A Couple's Guide To Boosting Fertility and Having A Healthy Baby
by Karen Daniels
--
Renowned fertility expert Dr. Niels Lauersen and women's wellness expert Colette Bouchez help readers take charge of their fertility with a revolutionary new self-help plan designed to show couples how to work together to boost their conception odds, plan for a healthy pregnancy, and get pregnant faster – all without the use of expensive fertility treatments or medications.
Based on scientific research and tested on thousands of couples Eat-Love- GET PREGNANT is a simple yet revolutionary plan that provides the quintessential
📚 Paperback: 116 pages
Click to order/for more info: Eat, Love, Get Pregnant
📚 Start reading Eat, Love, Get Pregnant on your Kindle in under a minute!
📚 Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
-- McGinnis says some plastics contain materials can disrupt hormones. (McGinnis)
Gustofson says large amounts of pesticide ingestion may cause infertility, but minimal exposure will not cause harm. He says plastics and rubber do not cause infertility.
You use petroleum-based lubricants, including spermicides, oils or Vaseline. TRUE.
-- Astroglide, Replens, mineral oil or all-natural lubricants may not be as harmful to sperm. (American Society of Reproductive Medicine)
Read more: Misconceptions about conception
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
by Karen Daniels
--
A breakthrough revolutionary plan for getting pregnant fast, solving common fertility problems and having a healthy baby – this is NOT your average book on getting pregnant!
Renowned fertility expert Dr. Niels Lauersen and women's wellness expert Colette Bouchez help readers take charge of their fertility with a revolutionary new self-help plan designed to show couples how to work together to boost their conception odds, plan for a healthy pregnancy, and get pregnant faster – all without the use of expensive fertility treatments or medications.
Based on scientific research and tested on thousands of couples Eat-Love- GET PREGNANT is a simple yet revolutionary plan that provides the quintessential
missing linkabsent from most other fertility programs – namely, the importance of not only boosting both male and female fertility simultaneously but bold new evidence showing how, when couples work together in certain special and unique ways, they can create a unified
fertility power booststrong enough to take them from infertile to fertile in as little as three months
📚 Paperback: 116 pages
Click to order/for more info: Eat, Love, Get Pregnant
📚 Start reading Eat, Love, Get Pregnant on your Kindle in under a minute!
📚 Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Research has shown up to a third of couples struggle to conceive - so what can people do to increase their fertility?
Nutritionist Yvonne Bishop-Weston gives her advice on the best foods to help to make you fertile.
1. Eat organic - We don't yet know what the impact may be of untested combinations of pesticides and food additives on fertility.
2. Go up-to-8-a-day - Five handfuls of veg and three pieces of fruit a day in a variety of colors such as red, purple, orange and dark green help to top up antioxidant levels which may help protect the genetic material in the egg and sperm.
3. Phytoestrogens for hormone balance - These plant-based hormone balancers help to prevent imbalances between estrogen and progesterone which may lead to fertility problems and early miscarriage.
4. Cut out the fertility hinderers - Two of the most important things to remove from your diet are alcohol and caffeine.
5. Get prepared - It's also a good idea to reduce the foods and drinks you can't eat during pregnancy before you fall pregnant so you are fully prepared and don't need to worry if you had something early on which is better avoided.
6. Essential fats - These fats support male and female fertility and hormonal balance and also help the baby's brain, nervous system and eyes to develop once pregnant.
7. Algae - Algae is a true super-food as it contains a vast array of nutrients, essential fats and amino acids in a totally natural and easy to absorb form.
Read more: Foods that make you fertile
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
 |
by Tami Quinn and Beth Heller
-- Women who are trying to conceive will find a holistic approach in this hands-on manual.
Step-by-step guidelines help implement a three-part program — of yoga, hypoallergenic and anti-inflammatory nutrition, and stress-reduction techniques — to cleanse the body, mind, and spirit in preparation for pregnancy.
In addition, this program draws on cleansing methods from traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda and has been specifically designed for women who are trying naturally or with assisted-reproduction plans.
Also based on new clinical research that suggests that gut health, chronic inflammation, and environmental toxins may be root causes of infertility, this important book offers all women a natural, holistic approach to readying the womb for a child.
📚 Paperback: 192 pages
Click to order/for more info: The Infertility Cleanse
📚 Start reading The Infertility Cleanse on your Kindle in under a minute!
📚 Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
 |
| Photo credit: The Courier-Mail |
This smoothie is rich in B vitamins, zinc and essential fatty acids to support a healthy hormone balance; antioxidants to help protect sperm and eggs; and vitamin E, which can reduce miscarriage risk and aid sperm production.
Just blend and serve.
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp lecithin powder
• 1 tsp LSA powder (finely ground linseed, sunflower seeds and almonds)
• 1 tsp wheat germ (powder or oil)
• 1 tsp yogurt (acidophilus-cultured)
• 1 egg (medium size, organic) (note: eat a maximum of 3 eggs per week)
• 1/2 medium banana (or 1/2 cup of strawberries or mango pieces)
• 250ml low-fat cow's milk, soy milk, nut milk or rice milk (preferred)
Options:
• Add 1 tablespoon of low-fat ice-cream, sorbet or gelato.
• Carob powder is also nutritious and can add flavour and texture
Read more: A smoothie to boost fertility
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Eat, Love, Get Pregnant: A Couple's Guide To Boosting Fertility and Having A Healthy Babyby Karen Daniels
--
A breakthrough revolutionary plan for getting pregnant fast, solving common fertility problems and having a healthy baby – this is NOT your average book on getting pregnant!
Renowned fertility expert Dr. Niels Lauersen and women's wellness expert Colette Bouchez help readers take charge of their fertility with a revolutionary new self-help plan designed to show couples how to work together to boost their conception odds, plan for a healthy pregnancy, and get pregnant faster – all without the use of expensive fertility treatments or medications.
Based on scientific research and tested on thousands of couples Eat-Love- GET PREGNANT is a simple yet revolutionary plan that provides the quintessential
missing linkabsent from most other fertility programs – namely, the importance of not only boosting both male and female fertility simultaneously, but bold new evidence showing how, when couples work together in certain special and unique ways, they can create a unified
fertility power booststrong enough to take them from infertile to fertile in as little as three months.
Paperback: 116 pagesClick to order/for more info: Eat, Love, Get Pregnant
Start reading Eat, Love, Get Pregnant on your Kindle in under a minute!Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
The decision to get pregnant and to expand your family is an exciting moment of your life.
Once you have decided to have a child enter your life, the next steps are to make sure we do everything possible to get pregnant by natural means if possible.
There are a variety of ways to get pregnant easily by changing your lifestyle today. To live a healthier life, you are more likely to enjoy these ways to get pregnant and have a healthy body for your baby’s future!
Look for changes in lifestyle that can help you get pregnant more easily in the future.
If you have recently discovered that you are already pregnant, it is possible to adopt these changes and reap success. It is never too late to be healthy for your child!
Most of these recommendations are based on traditional wisdom coupled with the statistics. Some mothers and babies do not follow all these tips of a great lifestyle, but it is always better to be safe when you are responsible for the life of another human being.
Some of the best ways to get pregnant through a healthy lifestyle are the following:
What to Eat? Whatever goes into your body will go into the body of your child as well. This fact alone should make you rethink some of your choices. Prefer to eat "junk food" rather than a balanced diet? You need to reconsider some of your food choices every day so that your child is getting all the nutrients and vitamins that he or she needs now.
There are a number of foods to avoid during pregnancy. Some of these foods are considered at risk even if you were not pregnant, but with the increased risk of carrying a child, some of these foods should be avoided at the risk of complications or problems. Some examples are fish high in mercury, soft cheeses and sushi.
Are you in shape? Carrying a baby takes a lot of work. It is logical therefore that the more normal your body weight and strength were prior to pregnancy, the better you will be while carrying your child. It takes a lot of strength to make your job easier.
Furthermore, strong abdominal muscles and good fitness will help you throughout the nine months and when the work begins at last during childbirth. Try to maintain a level of physical activity throughout pregnancy if you have consistently worked out before you conceived. Never push yourself and always follow your doctors orders
Taking drugs, alcohol or smoking? You know excessive drinking of alcohol is not healthy for you, so participating in these activities, while your baby is sharing your blood does not make much sense. Both legal and recreational drugs can also affect the growth of your child.
Consult your doctor to ensure that medicines that are prescribed may not affect your baby. Avoid smoking and alcohol to give your child the best chance of being born healthy and strong.
Heard of folic acid? Even before pregnancy, doctors prescribe folic acid as one of the ways to get pregnant safely. Most doctors recommend folic acid supplements for pregnant women, because women do not get enough in their daily diet.
Folic acid is important to take well before you actually get pregnant, so you should start taking at least a month before trying. What it does is help prevent certain neural tube birth defects such as Spina Bifida.
By following a smart and healthy lifestyle, you will be doing your best to contribute to a healthy conception and pregnancy. For much more comprehensive guidance to maximize the odds of getting pregnant, check out Taking Charge of Your Fertility, The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health.
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Taking Charge of Your Fertility, 10th Anniversary Edition:The Definitive Guide to Natural Birth Control, Pregnancy Achievement, and Reproductive Health
by Toni Weschler
-- For any woman unhappy with her current method of birth control; demoralized by her quest to have a baby; or experiencing confusing symptoms in her cycle, this book provides answers to all these questions, plus amazing insights into a woman's body.
Weschler thoroughly explains the empowering Fertility Awareness Method, which in only a couple minutes a day allows a woman to:
• Enjoy highly effective, scientifically proven birth control without chemicals or devices
• Maximize her chances of conception or expedite fertility treatment by identifying impediments to conception
• Increase the likelihood of choosing the gender of her baby
• Gain control of her sexual and gynecological health
Paperback: 512 pagesClick to order/for more info: Taking Charge of Your Fertility
Women who do not eat properly in the run-up to falling pregnant could be risking the future health of their children, says a researcher.Professor David Barker, of the MRC Epidemiology Unit at the University of Southampton, believes the nutrition the foetus receives in its first days is vitally important.
If mums-to-be do not eat the right things in the build-up to getting pregnant, he says, there could be damaging long-term effects.
Starting to eat properly once a woman finds out she is pregnant may be too late, he said.
Research monitoring the eating habits of 12,000 women in Southampton aged 20 to 34 suggested that 40% were eating an unhealthy diet, he said.
Diabetes and heart disease
He suggested that vulnerability to chronic disorders such as diabetes were set in the womb.
Other studies have suggested that the quantity a baby eats in its first few weeks after birth may influence future risk of diabetes.
Professor Barker presented his findings at a conference in Lyon.
He said:
Much of what is important in pregnancy happens really early - life in the womb establishes the risk of coronary heart disease in later life.
We're not suggesting anything revolutionary at all in terms of diet but the point is that many young women are not anywhere near getting it right.
He suggested prior to conception, women needed to eat a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, and dairy produce - and not to eat too much meat in relation to carbohydrates.
He said that at least two portions of carbohydrates should be eaten for every portion of meat, and blasted the fashionable Atkins diet, which focuses on high-fat and high-protein foods.
Read more: Poor pre-pregnancy diet 'dangerous'
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Ready: Why Women Are Embracing The New Later Motherhood by Elizabeth Gregory
-- Over the past three decades, skyrocketing numbers of women have chosen to start their families in their late thirties and early forties.
In 2005, ten times as many women had their first child between the ages of 35 and 39 as in 1975, and thirteen times as many had their first between 40 and 44.
Women now have the option to define for themselves when they're ready for a family, rather than sticking to a schedule set by social convention.
As a society, however, we have yet to come to terms with the phenomenon of later motherhood, and women who decide it makes sense for them to delay pregnancy often find themselves confronted with alarmist warnings about the dangers of waiting too long.
In Ready, Elizabeth Gregory tracks the burgeoning trend of new later motherhood and demonstrates for many women today, waiting for family works best.
She provides compelling evidence of the benefits of having children later -- by birth or by adoption.
Paperback: 336 pagesClick to order/for more info: Ready
Start reading Ready on your Kindle in under a minute!Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
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| Photo credit: aimeeraupp.com - All rights reserved |
Eat Liver. Yes, liver. Contrary to popular belief, liver is not the
toxic organ, rather it is the
detoxifier. The liver helps remove impurities from one’s system, but it does not hold onto those impurities.
I love liver for helping women get pregnant because it's an amazing source of folate (the active form of folic acid), all your B vitamins, choline (a substance imperative for optimal fetal development) and loads of antioxidants like inositol (which has been shown to improve egg quality in women undergoing In Vitro Fertilization procedures).
I recommend eating 3 ounces of liver per week. If you can't imagine eating liver, you can take it in pill form as recommended in my book.
Eat Eggs. Eggs are one of the most nutrient dense foods that exist; especially eggs from pastured hens. They are abundant in fertility-enhancing omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, Vitamin E, and choline. As I mentioned when discussing liver, choline is an essential nutrient for optimal fetal development.
As well, it’s imperative for young women trying to conceive to have a diet rich in choline as, during pregnancy, the body's demand for choline is the highest. I recommend women eat between 8 to 12 eggs per week. Be sure these eggs are organic and from pastured hens.
Take Cod Liver Oil. Cod liver oil is an oil from fish; however, it is different from fish oil. Both fish oil and cod liver oil are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids, however, cod liver oil also contains vitamins A and D, which are fat-soluble vitamins important to fertility and conception.
Most people are suffering from vitamin D deficiencies these days. If this is you, then I recommend cod liver oil over fish oil. Take cod liver oil in capsule or liquid form daily--and be sure to take an amount that delivers 2,000 IU of vitamin D.
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Yes, You Can Get Pregnant: The Diet That Will Improve Your Fertility Now and Into Your 40'sby Aimee E. Raupp
-- Worried about your ability to have children in the next five years?
Have you been trying to get pregnant for a while now and it's just not happening?
Does it seem like every woman you know is having a hard time getting pregnant and you don't want that to be you when you're ready?
If you answered yes to any one of these questions, Aimee's second book, Yes, You Can Get Pregnant: The Diet That Will Improve Your Fertility Now and Into Your 40s, was written for you.
Whether you're in your 20s, 30s or 40s, this book will give you all the nutritional information you need to keep your baby-making machinery in tip-top shape.
Paperback: 52 pagesClick to order/for more info: Yes, You Can Get Pregnant
Before Ovulation (help implantation): pineapple, mango, papaya, one egg a day, roe, pumpkin seed, sunflower seed, etc.During or After Ovulation: Warm food like millet, brown rice, avoid cold food like Tofu, etc.
During Menstrual Cycle: Avoid beans, tomatoes or cold food, eat more warm food but not much spicy food.
Pregnancy: first 3 month of pregnancy follow warm food diet, absolutely to avoid seafood like crabmeat (cause miscarriage), sushi or raw salad not much either. Middle of pregnancy should avoid barley to prevent amniotic fluid drainage. Late stage pregnancy should eat more cooling food like cucumber, etc.
Postpartum: due to loss of blood, body the will feel chilly or cold, follow warm food diet and eat more ginger, chicken, sesame oil (help uterus constrict to remove placenta leftover), quail is ideal to heal wound and scar.
(Created by Dr. Li Liu based on her clinical insight and experience)
More info: AcuwellnessAtlanta.com
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Empty Womb, Aching Heart: Hope and Help for Those Struggling With Infertilityby Marlo Schalesky
-- Contains frank and emotionally resonate stories from both men and women facing the struggle of infertility.
Mother's Day is not a joyful occasion for all women, particularly those who would like to have children but cannot.
Marlo Schalesky's Empty Womb, Aching Heart: Hope and Help for Those Struggling with Infertility does for Christian women what Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin's Tears of Sorrow, Seeds of Hope: A Jewish Spiritual Companion for Infertility and Pregnancy Loss did for Jewish women: provide comfort and camaraderie in the face of infertility and pregnancy loss.
Paperback: 188 pagesClick to order/for more info: Empty Womb, Aching Heart
Start reading on your Kindle in under a minute!Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
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| Photo credit: Salad Pasta With Roast Beef, by Naomi Kuwashima |
CAREFUL WITH CAFFEINE
Although research is mixed, I suggest keeping caffeine intake down to a couple of cups of tea or coffee a day — especially men, because caffeine affects the mobility of sperm. (A sperm must flick its tail 800 times to move one millimeter.)
Caffeine is thought by some to delay conception — several studies say women who drink coffee find it three times as difficult to conceive within a year as those not drinking it. So give it up if you can. If you're watching the caffeine during the day and find yourself lacking energy at night, chocolate can be an ally, since it is high in phenylethylamine, which stimulates the production of feelgood and energetic endorphins. Why not indulge in a little good-quality, high cocoa-bean content chocolate therapy?
S IS FOR SELENIUM
Over the past few years, selenium has shot to the forefront of fertility research. Worryingly, selenium levels in European soil, and consequently in most food we eat (vegetables and vegetable-eating animals being its richest dietary sources), are far lower than, for example, in the US. Indeed, in a study of Scottish men, selenium supplements were shown to increase significantly the sperm cells' ability to swim, indicating they had been selenium-deficient.
However, we don't know enough about how much selenium we need in our diet to recommend supplements (although experts think it's about 60 micrograms a day for women and 75 men). So I'd advocate boosting your intake of the most concentrated dietary sources of selenium instead. These include Brazil nuts (254 micrograms per 100g), dried mushrooms (110 micrograms per 100g), lentils (40 micrograms per 100g cooked weight) and tinned tuna (80 micrograms per 100g).
VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
Zinc and vitamin C are both linked with fertility and libido, so it's vital to have a well-balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and pulses. Zinc deficiency has been shown to cause low sperm count and mobility, which means eating plenty of fresh figs when they're in season, seafood such as oysters, lean red meat and crumbly cheese such as Wensleydale.
Vitamin C has been found to increase sperm production, thereby improving chances of conception — so think about plenty of freshly-squeezed fruit juices; green leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli; and blueberries, kiwis, pomegranates, and the aptly named passion fruit. Cook foods lightly; eat as much raw food as you can, and as quickly after cutting and peeling as possible, to minimize the amount of vitamin C lost on exposure to the air.
FAT IS A FERTILITY ISSUE
The body needs essential fats — omega 3 and omega 6 oils — which are contained in oily fish such as salmon (preferably organic or wild), sardines, fresh tuna (tinned is fine, but contains fewer omega oils), herrings and mackerel, hemp oil, nuts and seeds. They're critical for both female and male fertility, regulating fluidity of cell membranes and allowing cells to function efficiently. Seeds and nuts (wholewheat products such as wholegrain bread, oat biscuits, and porridge are other options) are also rich in vitamin E, good for ensuring a healthy blood supply to the genitals.
Conversely, hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated oils, trans-fats (in crisps, kinds of margarine — declared on labels, luckily) and saturated fats (in fatty meat and dairy) are to be kept low, as they block the absorption of the essential omega fats.
Full article: TimesOnline.co.uk
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Getting Pregnant the Natural Way(Women's Natural Health)
by D. S. Feingold, Deborah Gordon
-- Are you experiencing infertility?
Written by an authority in complementary medicine, Getting Pregnant the Natural Way is a compassionate guide offers natural approaches to help you now.
Drawing on the benefits of herbal medicine, homeopathy, nutritional therapies, and mind-body medicine - in conjunction with the latest medical therapies, Dr. Deborah Gordon explains the mechanisms of fertility and the possible causes of infertility, then outlines a simple six-step program to help you:
• Prepare your body, mind, and spirit for pregnancy
• Prevent, control, or reverse conditions impairing fertility
• Improve your overall feelings of health and well-being
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Create balance in your life
Uniquely created from a woman's perspective, Getting Pregnant the Natural Way offers support, wisdom, and hope for you to reach your goal of a healthy pregnancy.
Paperback: 272 pagesClick to order/for more info: Getting Pregnant the Natural Way
Start reading Getting Pregnant the Natural Way on your Kindle in under a minute! Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
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| Photo credit: Alan Betson - All rights reserved |
1. THE MIND
It is a vicious circle: fertility problems lead to stress and stress exacerbates fertility problems. In The Fertility Code, Dermot O’Connor and fertility counseling psychotherapist Ann Bracken outline ways to reduce stress and anxiety, adopt a more positive outlook and enhance sleep – seen as a vital factor in improving your chances of conception.
O’Connor regards the psychological aspect as the pillar of the programme, because
if your mind is not in the right frame, it makes it difficult to implement all the other parts.
2. NUTRITION
Changing from poor or even average eating habits to optimum nutrition are
probably the most powerful thing you can do to enhance your fertility, says O’Connor. His recommendations include 10 portions of fruit or vegetables (organic) a day and eliminating dairy from your diet, as well as avoiding refined carbohydrates and eating
hormone-balancing phyto-estrogens, such as beans, lentils, and chickpeas daily.
The nutrition plan should not just help you to achieve your optimum weight, but also smooth out blood-sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body. It is designed to promote healthy ovulation and improve the quantity and quality of sperm.
3. DETOX
Decreasing exposure to toxins should not only improve fertility but also benefit the foetus if you do conceive. Top of the list of toxins to avoid are the obvious ones of nicotine, alcohol, and caffeine. O’Connor also recommends clearing your kitchen of all canned and processed food, as well as popcorn, cheese, salted nuts, jam, and marmalade, to mention just a few on the
food detox list. You are advised to choose chemical-free skincare products, and avoid household cleaners containing toxic chemicals.
4. EXERCISE
Forget the
no pain, no gainmantra – when it comes to exercise to maximize fertility, balance is key and overheating is to be avoided. However, regular exercise will help control weight and reduce stress – both key factors infertility problems. Walking, yoga, gentle swimming, and the Chinese exercise system chi gong are what O’Connor recommends.
5. MEDICAL SCIENCE
Although this is not part of the
codeper se, it is the fifth dimension that O’Connor advocates for couples with fertility issues because his programme is complementary and supportive rather than an
alternativeto assisted reproduction.
For their part, mainstream fertility clinics have moved in the past five years, he says, from putting no emphasis on the mind-body element to putting some emphasis on it,
but are yet to put a huge emphasis on it.
Read more: Increasing the odds for your family
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
The Fertility Codeby Dermot O'Connor
-- The Fertility Code program delivers a powerful and practical step-by-step approach for those who wish to give themselves the best chance of starting a family.
As many as 500,000 couples in the UK and Ireland actively seek help with fertility, such as IVF treatment each year. While some are legitimate candidates, many have been proven to just need proper lifestyle and fertility advice and assistance in order to conceive.
The Fertility Code is designed for these people, and for those who need more serious intervention, to optimize their fertility. There are a variety of factors that can contribute to preventing a couple from having a baby.
This is why it is important that a fertility plan should address as many of these potential issues as possible. Through many years' experience of helping thousands of couples to become parents, Dermot O'Connor knows that such a plan must be easy to understand, easy to implement and genuinely effective.
The Fertility Code combines the best of both Eastern and Western medicine to provide a comprehensive guide to conceiving successfully and carrying a baby to full term.
It details the optimum plan to enhance fertility, and delivers a proven strategy, incorporating the key elements consistently utilized by the couples Dermot has helped:
• Fertility Awareness Strategies
• The psychology of fertility
• Optimum nutrition for conception and pregnancy
• The importance of detoxification
Paperback: 224 pagesClick to order/for more info: The Fertility Code
Start reading The Fertility Code on your Kindle in under a minute!Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
Getting enough sleep, reducing stress levels and improving diets can help boost a couple's chances of conceiving, experts say.While many women are aware of ways to optimize their likelihood of falling pregnant, men often ignore the role of male fertility in the process of natural conception.
Yvonne Bishop-Weston, nutritionist for First Response, said low numbers of sperm can be due to high-stress hormones, which reduce the body's ability to stimulate sperm production.
She explained:
Poor motility or ability to swim prevent the sperm from reaching the egg.
If sperm tests show no specific problem areas, but borderline levels, general nutritional fertility support can help maximize quality and quantity.
Adopting a diet rich in magnesium, antioxidants and low in saturated animal fats can help enhance male fertility, she added.
According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2008, there were increases in fertility rates for all age groups compared to the previous year.
TODAY'S BOOK SUGGESTION:
Take Charge of Your Fertility (Teach Yourself)by Heather Welford
-- Explains everything the prospective parent may need to know as they face the physical, emotional and practical challenges of trying for a baby.
It covers health issues in full, from basic biology and an explanation of fertility and cycles to outlining what supplements are useful and which ones are not, and how you can maximize your chances by following a healthy diet and cutting alcohol or nicotine intake.
There are plenty of resources and guidelines for parents facing difficulties, including a guide to the medical options, and advice on how to seek further help.
It will help couples to deal with the emotional issues faced when trying for a baby, and will also give practical information on who you should tell and who you must tell, and when.
With coverage of all aspects of very early pregnancy, from do-it-yourself tests to the very first scan, it will be a useful resource which will help all prospective parents, whether looking to start or to expand their family.
Paperback: 192 pagesClick to order/for more info: Take Charge of Your Fertility
Start reading Take Charge of Your Fertility on your Kindle in under a minute!Don't have a Kindle? Get your Kindle here, or download a FREE Kindle Reading App.
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