It seems like making babies should be the most natural thing in the world. But whether you are just starting to consider pregnancy or having been trying to conceive for some time, it can be a challenge to know what to do to enhance your chances of a healthy pregnancy.
Join Dr. Watson as she explores the current research on natural ways to enhance your fertility - from which foods to eat and which to avoid, the impact of your mood, stress and exercise, which supplements are useful and whether acupuncture can improve your chances of conception. This seminar is for anyone who wants to take charge of their fertility and improve their chances of achieving a healthy pregnancy, naturally.
4. 1
Clean
Your World
Reproductive disorders are one of
the top ten work-related illness
for both men and women
Fertility Factors
•Radiation – fax
machines, computers
• Poor ventilation,
low-oxygenated air
• Toxic chemicals
• Extreme temperatures
5. 1
Clean
Your World
Computers
A mix of fact and fiction…
Links that appear to be true:
• Increased risk of
miscarriage
• Increased risk of birth
defects
• Decreased fertility for
men and women
7. 1
Clean
Your World
Computers
Fertility Tips
• Stay clear of the
transformers at the rear
of the monitor
• Turn your monitor off
when doing non-
computer tasks
• Use a laptop or flat-style
monitor
8. 1
Clean
Your World
Household Cleaners
Chemicals lurking in common household
cleaners can have cumulative negative
effects on fertility.
An Australian study found common
household chemicals were associated
with a 33% increase in infertility and a 75%
increase in miscarriage.
9. 1
Clean
Your World
Household Cleaners
The Biggest Offenders
• Rug or upholstery shampoo
• Furniture polish
• All-purpose sprays
• Bug sprays
• Bathroom cleaners
• Room deodorizers
10. 1
Clean
Your World
Pesticides, Insecticid
es
& Fungicides
Many chemicals used on food crops have
been identified as endocrine disruptors
They have widespread effects on our
hormonal systems – and as a result
our fertility.
11. 1
Clean
Your World
Pesticides, Insecticid
es
& Fungicides
Some of the effects of exposure to these
chemicals include:
• menstrual irregularities
• decreased sperm count
• high number of abnormal sperm
• increased risk of miscarriage
14. 2
Modify your
Life Style
Quit Smoking
Smokers are 4x more likely to take
longer than a year to conceive
Rate of pregnancy per menstrual
cycle is 22% in smokers
(32% in non-smokers)
15. Modify your
Life Style
Quit Smoking
Female smokers:
Smoking affects the inside of the
fallopian tubes causing difficulty in
egg transport, implantation and
delivery of the fertilized egg to the
uterus
Increased risk of ectopic pregnancy
2
16. Modify your
Life Style
Quit Smoking
Male smokers:
Smoking is very damaging to the
sperm, causing changes in sperm
quality and shape and decreases
in sperm count and motility
Babies whose fathers smoked at
any time in their lives are 33% more
likely to develop childhood cancer
2
17. Modify your
Life Style
Tampons
During manufacture a chemical
known as dioxin is produced
Dioxin has been linked to cancer,
endometriosis and infertility
Direct exposure to the vaginal
mucosa can lead to absorption of
dioxin and cumulative toxicity
2
18. Modify your
Life Style
Tampons
The only safety studies looking at
the impact of dioxin and human
health are done by the
manufacturers.
If you are planning on becoming
pregnant, limit use of tampons or
use organic cotton products that
are manufactured without dioxin.
2
19. Modify your
Life Style
Boxers or Briefs?
Myth: Briefs increase the scrotal
temperature and negatively impact
sperm production
Fact: A study found no significant
temperature differences between
men wearing boxers and briefs
2
20. Modify your
Life Style
Boxers or Briefs?
So...
While the impact of boxers over
briefs may have been exaggerated a
man with a lower sperm count
may still opt for boxers in the
days before planned intercourse.
Even small changes can make a
big difference.
2
21. Modify your
Life Style 2
One of the most important things you
can do to enhance your fertility.
Both underweight and overweight
women are at risk for lowered fertility.
Achieve a
Healthy Weight
22. Modify your
Life StyleAchieve a
Healthy Weight
2
Risks of being underweight:
•Up to one-third of the body’s estrogen is
produced in fat cells
• Inadequate estrogen can result in a poor quality
uterine lining that won’t support implantation
and growth of a fertilized egg
• Drops in body fat (10% below normal) can lead to
complete hormonal shutdown
23. Modify your
Life StyleAchieve a
Healthy Weight
2
Risks of being overweight:
• Excess fat cells results in excess estrogen
• Elevated levels of estrogen can cause your
body to react as if it’s on birth control –
preventing ovulation
24. Modify your
Life StyleAchieve a
Healthy Weight
2
Risks of being overweight:
• Being overweight is associated with increased
insulin levels
• Elevated insulin causes the ovaries to
over-produce male hormones
(testosterone), blocking egg release
• This causes cysts to form on the ovaries and a
condition known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
26. 3 Exercise
Endurance workouts can lead to
menstrual irregularities and
reduced fertility
• marathon running
• excess jogging
• frequent high-intensity aerobics
•triathalon training
27. 3 Exercise
Endurance workouts impact the
function of the hypothalamus –
the source of GnRH – the first
step in the hormone cascade
that leads to egg development
and release
28. 3 Exercise
Exercise should be a part of a
healthy fertility plan.
• Mild-moderate
aerobics
• Swimming
• Dancing
• Cycling
• Walking
• Stretching
• Tennis
• Weight lifting
• Yoga
29. 3 Exercise
Yoga
Also an effective stress management
technique, promoting healthy function of
the hypothalamus.
Yoga has also been shown to improve
blood flow and circulation to the ovaries
and uterus.
30. 3 Exercise
General Guidelines
• Have a day of rest between workout days
• Maximum of 45-60 minutes per session
• Avoid heavy competition – even with
yourself
32. 4
Stress
Management
Stress can play a major role in
disrupting hormone function
The hypothalamus is very
sensitive to both physical and
emotional tension – any stress
can have immediate impacts
on its function
33. 4
Stress
Management
The Hypothalamus
The link between the
nervous system (thoughts)
and the hormone system
Mediates the relaxation
response and regulates all
aspects of reproduction
34. 4
Stress
Management
Infertility is a major cause of
stress and depression
One-third of infertile women
are depressed - with rates
increasing the longer she is
trying to conceive
38. Balance
Hormones5
Many of the most common causes of
infertility are due to imbalanced
hormones
•PCOS
• Endometriosis
• Elevated
prolactin
• Amenorrhea
• Thyroid disorders
39. Balance
Hormones5
Hormone imbalances are specific to
each person and require
targeted, personalized care
• Nutrition
• Lifestyle
• Supplements
• Herbs
• Acupuncture
40. Balance
Hormones5
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
One of the most common causes of low
fertility in women.
An imbalance of
estrogen and
testosterone
resulting in lack of
ovulation
41. Balance
Hormones5
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Insulin resistance is another characteristic
of PCOS. This leads
to further increases
in testosterone and
continues the cycle
of hormone imbalance
in PCOS.
44. 6
Fertility
Awareness
Basal Body
Temperature
Takes less than a minute and provides a
wealth of information for pregnancy
planning (or natural birth control).
• If you are ovulating
• When you are fertile
• How long each phase of your
cycle is
49. 6
Fertility
Awareness
Cervical Fluid
Steps to observing cervical fluid
1. Begin checking the first day after your
period has ended
2. Check every time you use the
bathroom – or a minimum of three
times daily
3. Do Kegels on your way to the
bathroom to get the cervical fluid to
the opening of the vagina
50. 6
Fertility
Awareness
Cervical Fluid
Steps to observing cervical fluid
4. Separate your vaginal lips and check
your cervical fluid at the lower
opening closest to your perineum
5. Rub the fluid between your fingers
and notice how it feels –
dry, sticky, creamy, slippery (like egg
whites)
51. 6
Fertility
Awareness
Cervical Fluid
Steps to observing cervical fluid
6. Open your fingers slowly to see if the
cervical fluid stretches
7. Note the quality and quantity of the
cervical fluid
(colour, opacity, thickness)
8. Close to ovulation your cervical fluid
may become very thin but you should
feel a slippery vaginal sensation
52. 6
Fertility
Awareness
Cervical Fluid
Once you have charted a month or two of
cervical fluid you will be able to identify
your Peak Day - or most fertile day.
This is the last day of slippery fertile
cervical fluid or a slippery vaginal
sensation.
This is most likely the day you ovulate or
the day before.
54. Timing is
Everything7
Having a high amount of fertility
awareness allows for you to
maximize your chances of
conception by identifying ovulation
and fertile days.
55. Timing is
Everything7
Timing intercourse is important
because once an egg is ovulated it
is viable for no more than 24 hours.
While the egg lasts only a day, sperm
can live in your reproductive tract for
up to five days.
56. Timing is
Everything7
Partner has Normal Sperm
Count
If your partner has normal sperm
count have intercourse every day
that you have wet cervical fluid, up
to and including the day of your
temperature rise.
57. Timing is
Everything7
Partner has Low Sperm Count
If your partner has a low sperm
count you may choose to have
intercourse every other day that you have
wet cervical fluid, up to and including the day
of your temperature rise.
Be sure to have intercourse on your Peak Day.
58. Timing is
Everything7
Time of day
Generally time of day doesn’t
seem to impact fertility, however
a man’s sperm count is highest in the
morning – providing you didn’t make
love the night before.
59. Timing is
Everything7
Time of year
Researchers have found that having
sex from October to March can
double your chances of pregnancy!
Egg quality and uterus health can
increase in relation to changes in
temperature and light that occur
during these months.
60. Timing is
Everything7
Boy or Girl?
Dr. Shettles, MD recommends:
Boy: have intercourse as close to
ovulation as possible (Y-containing
sperm are faster and shorter-lived)
Girl: have intercourse 3-5 days before
ovulation, then abstain (X-containing
sperm are slower but live longer)
62. Fertility Diet – Foods to Avoid
Coffee
Yale University study of 2000 women:
The risk of not conceiving in one year is
55% higher if you drink as little as
one cup of coffee per day.
One and a half cups – risk jumps by 100%
Three or more cups – risk jumps by 176%
8
63. Even more troubling…
A study by McGill University found that
2-3 cups of coffee before conception
doubled the risk of miscarriage.
Fertility Diet – Foods to Avoid
Coffee 8
64. FertilityDiet
A Note on Tea…
Drinking one-half cup of caffeinated
tea every day can increase the odds
of conceiving
Thought to be due to the aromatic
polyphenols – inhibit development of
chromosomal abnormalities
8
65. Tea also contains
hypoxanthine which is a
component of follicular fluid
and helps foster egg
maturation and fertilization
8
FertilityDiet
A Note on Tea…
66. Alcohol
As little as one glass of wine or beer
daily can cut a woman’s chance of
conception by up to 50%
Alcohol can interfere with
ovulation, egg movement in the
fallopian tubes and healthy
implantation
Fertility Diet – Foods to Avoid
8
67. Consuming four drinks per day can
significantly lower sperm count.
Fertility Diet – Foods to Avoid
Alcohol 8
68. The anti-fertility effects of peas were first
recognized in 1949
A natural compound in peas –
M-xylohydroquinone
has contraceptive effects
In high doses can decrease
sperm counts by up to 50%
8
Fertility Diet – Foods to Avoid
Peas
69. Monosodium glutamate is one of the
most common food additives
Especially damaging to male fertility –
regular consumption can decrease
success in impregnation by up to 50%
8
Fertility Diet – Foods to Avoid
MSG
70. • Artificial sweeteners
• Soda, candy
• Rare red meat
• Hot dogs, salami, bologna, luncheon meats
• BHA – a preservative in baked goods and
snack foods – mimics estrogen and confuse
the body’s natural estrogen receptors
Fertility Diet – Foods to Avoid
Other foods to avoid… 8
71. Fertility Diet – Foods to Enjoy
Slow Carbs 8
Slow carbs – those high in fiber like
whole grains, beans, lentils and
vegetables – cause a slow and
gradual rise in blood sugar
72. Fertility Diet – Foods to Enjoy
Slow Carbs 8
Slow carbs minimize insulin
resistance, regulate blood
sugar, improve fertility and prevent
gestational diabetes in pregnancy.
Eliminate all white carbs –
white bread, pasta, rice,
potatoes and flour.
73. Fertility Diet – Foods to Enjoy
Plant Foods 8
Plant-based foods include a rainbow
of high fiber, high antioxidant fruits
and
vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, an
d whole grains.
Improves overall health,
prevents disease and
supports fertility.
74. Fertility Diet – Foods to Enjoy
Plant Foods 8
A high plant-food diet is naturally
high in antioxidants.
Fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices
decrease oxidative stress - a major
factor in male and female infertility.
75. Fertility Diet – Foods to Enjoy
Plant Foods 8
Select primarily organic produce – it
has been shown in studies to be
higher in antioxidants (and free of
hormone-disrupting pesticides!).
76. Fertility Diet – Foods to Enjoy
Healthy Fats 8
Healthy fats improve hormone
sensitivity and combat inflammation.
Your diet should include
monounsaturated fats in raw
olive oil and avocado,
polyunsaturated fats in fish and
nuts and the medium-chain fatty
acids found in coconut oil.
77. Fertility Diet – Foods to Enjoy
Healthy Fats 8
Avoiding unhealthy fats is also
important – trans fats (found as a
shelf-stabilizing agent in processed
foods) can disrupt normal
ovulation by interfering with a
cell receptor that controls
inflammation, glucose
metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
78. Small amounts of full-fat dairy
products daily have been found in
large studies to enhance fertility.
Choose from:
• Live culture yogurt
• Kefir
• Organic goat and cow cheeses
Fertility Diet – Foods to Enjoy
High Quality Dairy 8
80. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Eating a nutritious diet is the
cornerstone of health.
Vitamins and minerals can build on that
foundation and allow us to fine-tune our
fertility and support the
health of our babies.
83. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Vitamin A
Essential to sperm production, deficiencies
of vitamin A have been directly linked to
infertility in men.
If a deficiency exists,
supplementation can
improve sperm count.
85. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Zinc
Even a minimal deficiency can lead to low
testosterone and low sperm count and
motility.
It is estimated that 79%
of men consume less than
the RDA for zinc.
86. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Zinc
Required for DNA transcription and repair it
also has anti-oxidant properties.
Supplementation can
improve sperm counts
and motility.
87. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Folate
Not just important for female fertility!
The folic acid concentration
of seminal fluid is correlated
with sperm count.
88. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Folate
Folate is necessary for all rapidly dividing
cells – including sperm.
It also an antioxidant.
64% of men consume
less than the RDA.
90. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Antioxidants
The leading cause of male infertility is
oxidative stress.
Free radicals can easily
damage sperm, resulting
in lowered counts and
more abnormal sperm.
91. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Antioxidants
Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in
the semen (8x higher than in blood!)
Supplementation can
increase sperm count,
sperm motility and
decrease abnormal sperm.
92. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Antioxidants
Selenium is an antioxidant and is essential
for normal sperm production, motility and
function.
Sperm motility is highly
correlated with seminal
levels of selenium.
93. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Antioxidants
Selenium can also balance male hormones
– decreasing LH and FSH and increasing
testosterone.
94. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Antioxidants
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is often given with
selenium for male infertility.
A precursor to glutathione – the body’s
natural antioxidant.
95. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
Antioxidants
NAC and selenium supplemented together
are associated with increased sperm
counts, sperm concentration and
percent normal sperm.
96. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
L-Carnitine
Levels of this amino acid are found to be
decreased in a large number of infertile men.
Supplementation is
associated with a
significant increase in
pregnancy rates.
97. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Nutrients for Men
L-Carnitine
Improvements in sperm motility and fewer
abnormal sperm are seen, but not increases
in sperm count.
Also acts as an energy
source for sperm
post-ejaculation.
98. Vitamins &
Minerals9
Botanicals for Men
American Ginseng – Panaxquinquefolium
An antioxidant, antistress and immune
enhancing botanical.
Can improve male libido,
sperm motility and
decrease sperm defects.
99. Vitamins &
Minerals
Nutrients for Women
Folate
Not only can folate decrease the incidence
of spinal defects in your offspring, it can
also enhance fertility.
9
100. Vitamins &
Minerals
Nutrients for Women
Vitamin B6
B6 increases levels of serotonin and
dopamine – two neurotransmitters that
influence the production
of LH and FSH.
9
101. Vitamins &
Minerals
Nutrients for Women
Vitamin D
With receptors in both the hypothalamus
gland and the ovaries, deficiencies may
contribute to infertility.
Canadians have low levels
in winter months.
9
102. Vitamins &
Minerals
Nutrients for Women
Calcium
In a state of calcium deficiency, estrogen
production decreases. This impacts egg
production and
ovulation.
9
103. Vitamins &
Minerals
Nutrients for Women
Iron
An iron deficiency can disrupt the menstrual
cycle, in some cases stopping it all together.
Also important for
fetal health and preventing
pregnancy complications.
9
104. Vitamins &
Minerals
Nutrients for Women
N-Acetyl Cysteine
Improves insulin sensitivity in PCOS and
when used with folate decreases the risk
of miscarriage in women
with recurrent
pregnancy losses.
9
105. Vitamins &
Minerals
Nutrients for Women
Melatonin
An antioxidant that can help protect eggs
against oxidative damage.
Supplementation can lead
to higher numbers of
mature eggs and higher
quality embryos.
9
106. Vitamins &
Minerals
Nutrients for Women
Melatonin
Restoration of deficient progesterone
levels has been found with melatonin
supplements.
This is important in women
with a luteal phase defect
or recurrent miscarriage.
9
107. Vitamins &
Minerals
Nutrients for Women
Coenzyme Q10 – CoQ10
Women who supplement with CoQ10 have
more mature eggs and healthier embryos.
Protects eggs from
free radical damage.
9
108. Vitamins &
Minerals
Botanicals for Women
Chasteberry– Vitexagnus-castus
A phenomenal herb for hormonal
imbalances it acts at the level of the
hypothalamus and
pituitary – impacting levels
of LH and FSH and ultimately
estrogen and progesterone.
9
109. Vitamins &
Minerals
Botanicals for Women
Chasteberry
Useful for luteal phase
defect, PMS, elevated prolactin levels and
irregular menstrual cycles.
9
110. Vitamins &
Minerals
Botanicals for Women
Black Cohosh
Useful for normalizing hormonal
activity, especially estrogen, that may
support more regular ovulation.
Also an antispasmodic that
can smooth the transition of
a fertilized egg to the uterus.
9
112. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
recognizes infertility as a state of
imbalance and strives to correct that
balance through a combination of
diet, lifestyle, herbs and acupuncture.
113. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
TCM can be used alone, in conjunction with
other natural therapies or with cutting
edge assisted reproductive techniques.
TCM treatments are designed to stimulate
your body’s natural production of
hormones while restoring health and
harmony to your body and mind.
114. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
TCM Four Step Approach to Fertility
1. Diagnose your imbalances and how your
reproductive energies need to be
harmonized
2. Change your diet to support balance
3. Clear and balance the energy meridians
using acupuncture
4. Increase chance of conception through
herbs
115. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
TCM treatments are designed to work with
nature rather than against it – to allow
conception to occur rather than to force it.
The focus is on removing obstacles to
pregnancy, restoring our body to its
natural fertile state.
116. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
The herbs used in TCM are selected to help
the body produce the proper levels of
hormones on it’s own, rather than
providing chemically based substitutes.
117. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
Acupuncture
The basis of all TCM is energy (Qi) – every
living organism is simply energy that has
taken form (E=mc2)
Acupuncture allows us to access the energy
meridians of the body, removing blockages
and restoring proper energy flow.
118. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
Acupuncture
Acupuncture directly impacts our hormonal system.
Acupuncture causes the body to release
prostaglandins which in turn stimulate production
of chemicals in nerve endings. These chemicals
transmit a message to the hypothalamus – the
regulatory center for all hormonal activity.
119. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
Acupuncture
Acupuncture also:
• increases production of endorphins (which
increase GnRH release from the
hypothalamus)
• decreases levels of stress hormones
• increases blood flow to the uterus and
ovaries.
120. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
Acupuncture
Studies and systematic reviews
overwhelmingly support the use of
acupuncture for fertility, either alone or in
combination with assisted reproduction
techniques (like IVF).
121. Traditional Chinese
Medicine & Acupuncture 10
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been found to increase
success rates of IVF from 26.3% to 42.5%
infertility – no pregnancy with live birth after 1 year for less than 35yoa, or 6 months if >35yoaa woman’s fertility peaks in her early 20s and starts to decline as early as age 27. By 35 her chances of conceiving are decreased by 50%, shrink to 20% by the time she hits 40.
Clean your worldLifestyleExerciseManage StressBalance hormonesFertility AwarenessTiming is everythingFertility dietVitamins and mineralsTCM and Acupuncture
contaminated or low-oxygenated air due to poor ventilation, dirty heating or AC systemsdangerously high temperatures – especially hazardous for men
Much of what has been alleged about computers and fertility was based on rumor and not fact.
Women who work on video display terminals have an increased incidence of endometriosis as well as a greater incidence of cervical factor infertilityMore than 20 hours per week on computers – twice as many miscarriages in the first 3 monthsFive hours per day – 40% increase in number of babies with congenital malformations
The Environmental Protection Agency found that in many homes the levels of pollutants are three to five times higher than they are outside.
Length of time that dad smoked for is more significant than the number of cigarettes smoked
GnRH – gonadotrophin releasing hormone LH and FSH from the pituitary estrogen from the ovaries and progesterone from the corpus luteum
you can find clinics full of doctors who can diagnose and treat infertility. But it’s much harder to find a physician who will help you cope with the anger, jealousy, sadness, confusion and profound yearning that accompany infertility80% of chronic health problems are exacerbated by stress
depression is a disease with biochemical origins - it is NOT a weakness of character
Guided Imagery Self hypnosis Yoga
Depending on your individual imbalance you may need a combination of therapies to correct the underlying cause of imbalance. In general you’ll need at least 3 cycles to see changes in hormone balance – so if you or your ND think you have an imbalance it’s best to start early.
PCOS affects up to 1 in 5 infertile couples
Intercourse BEFORE ovulation is the best way to dramatically increase your potential for pregnancy- a report featured in the New England Journal of Medicine found that even ONE DAY after ovulation the chance of getting pregnant drops so dramatically it is almost impossible to conceive.
To have a girl: missionary style, shallow penetration and NO orgasm – the acidic vaginal environment will kill off the male spermTo have a boy: deep entry, doggy style, have an orgasm – more alkaline environment favours male spermSELNAS method – around $400 – computer generated calendar based on your cycle – gives you an indication of the ionic draw of your egg – for X or Y sperm – 98.7% success rate
Minimize for at least 6 weeks prior to conception
Fewer chromosomal abnormalities decreased incidence of non-viable embryos
The Harvard University school of Public Health advises women trying to get pregnant to avoid ALL trans fatsTrans fats can increase your risk of infertility by as much as 70%
Nutrients for men either help the production of sperm or protect sperm from damage
Men should supplement with upt to 100mg daily Food sources: nuts (haha) and whole grainsToo much can be toxic to sperm and result in infertility.
seminal plasma contains the highest concentration of antioxidants of any human fluidsperm are particularly vulnerable to damage from oxidative stressAn imbalance in antioxidants makes sperm more susceptible to harmAntioxidants keep sperm DNA from becoming damaged
Shown to increase sperm count
NO ADVERSE EFFECTS
2-3g per day
Acts as a free radical scavenger – decreasing ROS damage
Increased risk of miscarriage?? Studies suggest that they way that folic acid protects against birth defects is by helping the body recognize and subsequently naturally abort a fetus with severe defects
NEEDS to be taken in conjunction with B2 and other B vitamins – B6 in isolation can lead to hormonal disruption rather than harmony. Up to 500mg daily with a B100 complex
(bc progesterone production by luteinized granulosa cells is inhibited by H202 – a ROS)preventing interference w/ endogenous progesterone production at the level of the ovaries
Increases LH, slightly decreases FSH and results in increased progesterone compared to estrogen – often balancing the ratio in favour of fertility.
There are MANY MANY other botanicals that can be useful for a woman seeking optimal fertility – but they need to be individually selected based on a woman’s individual symptoms and imbalances. You should NEVER self prescribe botanicals. They have profound impacts on the functioning of our body’s physiology and should only be used under supervision.
TCM is a complete system of medicine – just like Western medicine. It differs in that it has a more holistic (rather than reductionist) approach and emphasizes the environment that the organism (you) is living in. Changes to what you eat, how you move, etc are all important ways to bring your body back into a state of natural harmony and balance.
one of the beauties of Eastern medicine is that there is no separation of mind, body, emotions, and spirit, and TCM therapy is based upon ministering to them all
Chinese herbs act on the endocrine system by stimulating hormone production, altering the rate of hormone metabolism, or changing the response of the hormone receptors
Prostaglandins act like hormones but only function locally rather than remotely.