Okay well I’m guessing
that maybe plenty of you have read my past blog on my situation with trying to
conceive. Here’s a little more about my story. When I got my first
period I learned that I was irregular. And when I mean irregular I mean
terribly irregular. I would get my period maybe two times a year, and it
would last a month, my hemoglobin was extremely low all the time. When I
hit 28 I got really sick due to my hemoglobin, I had to go to a Hematologist
because my Gynecologist was concern that I might develop Leukemia (thank God
I didn't), but I now will have to continue drinking iron pills for
the rest of my days every time I get my period. Good thing about it my
hemoglobin has been perfect ever since. Bad thing, my period is still
irregular they wanted me to get on a birth control treatment but obviously I
reject anything that has to do with birth control. In this month (October) I
have my first OB/GYN appointment scheduled for this month (October 2013) here
in Ft. Bragg, and I hoping they can help me with my irregularity and my TTC situation,
but in the meantime I did my research and one of my friends (she should be a
Nutritionist or something) gave me so many suggestions and well this is what I
will begin doing:
PHASE I
Menstrual cycle!!!
PHASE II
Step 1: Body Cleanse
I think we all know by now that habits like smoking, drug use, and high
caffeine intake can severely impair fertility. There are many other factors
that contribute as well:
- Lack of sleep
- Exposure to toxins
- Lack of exercise or too much
- High stress
- Certain medications or supplements
This one was a shocker for me because honestly with two jobs and school, I am
always under stress and I can't sleep.
That's why before starting the process of natural fertilization I decided to
detox my body.
Benefits of detoxing:
- Supports the liver in
detoxification of excess hormones and toxins
- Assists the uterus in
cleansing out old blood
- Reduces occasional
reproductive system discomfort
- Promotes normal
circulation to the reproductive system for optimal health
- Works with the menstrual
cycle for optimal cleansing
What will I be taking for Phase II during menstrual cycle and 1
week after:
Detox Cleansing Tonic (the Vitamin Shoppe - Promotes healthy liver
and kidney function. Tea tastes nasty but it’s totally worth it.
Super Detox (4Life) - supports
a healthy liver and promotes its natural detoxification
process.
PHASE III
Step 1: Supplements
Belle Vie (4Life) - Helps strengthening the body’s natural
immune system response to promote healthy cell growth and function. Belle
Vie includes a potent and proprietary phytoestrogen blend of red clover which
has a very high vitamin content and contains almost every trace mineral. It has
been known to help balance hormones and restore fertility.
Omega-3 - Can help reduce inflammation and boost
proper hormone production.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea - A
well know fertility herb that is also good during pregnancy. It has a high nutrient
profile and is especially high in calcium and is a uterine tonic. It is
available in capsule form, but makes an excellent hot or cold tea.
Maca- A hormone balancing herb that is
known throughout the world for its fertility and vitality promoting properties.
Good for both men and women to increase fertility, though women should only
take between menses and ovulation and MAKE sure it is not taken during
pregnancy. It is a very potent herb that often has very noticeable effects on
fertility. It comes in powder form or capsule form.
Vitex- Nourishes the pituitary gland and helps lengthen the luteal
phase. It lowers prolactin and raises progesterone. For some women, this alone
will increase fertility.
· Folic Acid- Folic
acid is well known as a necessary vitamin in early pregnancy to prevent
complications, but it is most beneficial when taken for several months before
the pregnancy as well as during. It helps cell division and promotes ovulation.
Royal Jelly (do not use if you're allergic to bees)- Balances hormones, supports the endocrine
system, helps raise estrogen levels in women, and helps increase sperm quality
and testosterone levels in men. I put one tablespoon in my morning
smoothie
IMPORTANT: Do not take any of
these herbs in combination with fertility drugs, hormone treatments, or
hormonal birth control! As with any herbs, supplements, or medication, consult
a doctor or health care professional about your specific case and do your own
research!
Step 2: Nutrition
This is by far the most important
step. You have to nurture yourself with the healthy good stuff.
To optimize fertility through
nutrition:
Be at your optimal weight, a BMI that's too low or high decreases your
fertility. A BMI between 19.5 and 25 is
optimal.
Exercise regularly, walk more. Decrease stress,
start yoga for fertility and
for relaxation.
Remove grains, processed foods, sugars and starches from the diet. Obtain necessary carbohydrates from
vegetables, some fruits and starchy sources like sweet potatoes and squash.
Increase healthy fats in the diet especially from sources like
coconuts, coconut oil, olives and olive oil, butter, grass-fed meats, eggs,
avocado and nuts.
Get enough protein especially from grass fed meats, eggs, and nuts
(pumpkin seeds are the best).
Eat a lot of vegetables, especially green leafy varieties like lettuce,
spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collard, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and
similar veggies.
Drink enough water- your urine should be very lightly colored. For most women,
this is around 4 quarts a day.
Drink at least one serving a day of whole milk, ice cream, or yogurt.
Temporarily drink less skim or low-fat dairy.
Get plenty of iron from fruits, vegetables, beans and supplements, not
from red meat.
AVOID processed dairy and if you
eat dairy, eat raw, organic dairy.
AVOID CAFFEINE
AVOID trans fats, found in FAST FOODS and many commercial products.
Check package labels for amounts of trans fats and AVOID anything that
contains a “partially hydrogenated” ingredient.
Here are some of the pages where I did
my research:
http://wellnessmama.com
http://babymed.com
If you have any type of questions you
can contact me at melinad32@gmail.com
I hope this was all helpful for all of you!!!