Fueling The Fetus: Prenatal Nutrition
Did you know that 7.3 million women in the United States struggle with infertility? Approximately 7% of men struggle with infertility as well which contributes to 50% of infertility for couples. These numbers are staggering! However, much of these issues are related to poor nutrition and stress. So, the good news is that with some lifestyle changes, both women and men can increase their chances of fertility.
Nutrition is key when talking about bringing new life into the world. Food is critical to preconception, conception, and post-partum. Remember, what the mother eats is what the baby eats as well! However, before even conceiving, nutrition plays a big role in the health of a future child. Both the woman and man want to be as healthy as possible to ensure the best chances of having a healthy child.
Key Players:
- Antioxidants – Help to fight oxidation from stress and from unhealthy foods. Free radicals cause oxidation in the body which greatly damage the cells and tissue in the body. Vitamin C and E are great antioxidants that also assist in multiple processes.
- Blood Sugar Regulation – Weight, Type II Diabetes, and PCOS are big contributors to infertility. One of the best ways to reduce weight is to regulate blood sugar. Eliminating processed foods, sugars, alcohol, and gluten can help to stabilize blood sugar and weight.
- Anti-inflammatory Foods – Inflammation can interfere with fertility because it is often a sign of leaky gut, immunity problems, and stress. This protocol takes out foods that can trigger inflammation like dairy, gluten, corn, soy, and certain vegetables.
- B Vitamins – provide energy and are involved in the processes that contribute to DNA production. Folic acid/folate assists with sperm production and motility for men and helps to regulate ovulation for women. Dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, and beans are food sources high in folic acid.
Not sure where exactly to get started? One of our nutritionists can assist you in customizes a plan designed towards your body’s individual needs.
Aside from nutrition, one of the biggest reasons behind infertility is stress. Stress not only shuts down digestion, so you can’t absorb the nutrients being put into the body, it also shuts down the reproductive system. Remember, when you are stressed your body is goes into fight or flight mode. In this situation, the last thing the body is thinking about is reproducing, its only focus is survival. Incorporating stress management techniques like breathing, meditation, and mindfulness can be beneficial. Even getting outside a little bit every day or spending less time on social media can also reduce the effects of stress. Our mindset healer, Sarah Wayne, can help clients shift their relationship with stress regardless of the situation you may be facing. We all experience stress for a variety of reasons whether it is work, family, or our relationships and unfortunately stress is a normal part of life. it’s not going to disappear for eternity, but how we react in every situation is under our control and it’s critical to renegotiate our response to stress. StressArrest™ is a great supplement that can help create a calming effect by activating GABA production.
In addition to traditional stress, there is also oxidative stress that wreaks havoc on the body. Oxidative stress occurs when free radicals are released in the blood stream. Free radicals often come from eating a poor, low quality diet high in processed foods, unhealthy fats, and sugar. These free radicals damage cells, tissue, and organs in the body creating a snowball effect of other problems. The amino acid glutathione helps to fight oxidative stress and would be a great compliment to the B-vitamins and antioxidants.
Increased nutrients + Decreased stress = BABY!
**There are some more complex and complicated infertility issues that will require medial attention and intervention. However, the practices and principles outlined above will still improve overall health and wellbeing.
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