Herbs may also interact with pharmaceuticals so it’s important to disclose any other drugs or supplements you are taking to your herbalist.
My favourite prenatal supplement is Mygen. Mygen is pioneered right here in Australia by integrative medicine professionals and contains high quality, therapeutic levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Preconception herbs should be taken a minimum of 3-4 months prior. This is because your eggs take approximately 120 days to develop to maturity, so what you do now affects the eggs you release in 4 months time.
It’s also crucial to understand that you can not out-supplement a crappy diet.
What you eat does affect your fertility.
For example, the excess hormones found in dairy may disrupt the endocrine system. Whilst soy, corn and gluten can all cause inflammation in the body.
Inflammation can disrupt ovulation and the proper balance of hormones in your body. Inflammation can also be the cause of implantation failure and early miscarriage.
Trans fats, which are found in cookies, cakes, animal protein and fast foods, increase insulin resistance, while highly processed carbs and sugars cause more insulin to be released into the blood stream. High insulin levels and insulin resistance impact fertility by inhibiting ovulation.
So what should you eat?
Firstly, you want to be eating loads of fruits and vegetables as they are rich in glutathione, which is important for egg quality.
Nuts, avocados and olive oil reduce inflammation in the body, whilst good carbs that are high in fibre have a gradual effect on insulin and help the body to get rid of excess hormones.
Lean meat and fish are a great source of protein, zinc and iron – which are all crucial for a healthy pregnancy. Herbs and supplements can be a highly beneficial, safe way to boost your fertility when used correctly. Do what you can to look after your own health, eat well and ensure you start your supplements early to give you the best chance at falling pregnant, having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.
Originally published here.
Sara Laharnar is the owner of Tree of Vida Acupuncture, a women’s health clinic on the Mid North Coast. She is a passionate acupuncturist/herbalist dedicated to women’s health, fertility and pregnancy support.
