infertility

Toxins – Are They The Real Reason For Infertility?

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toxins

Although we live in a pretty toxic world, women are still managing to have babies.  So, are toxins really that important?

YES! We all have different levels of exposure to toxins and different abilities to deal with toxins. If you have gene variants that make it difficult for you to detox, then you definitely need to reduce your exposure as there is a strong correlation between environmental toxins and infertility.

Top 10 Products To Watch For Containing Toxins!

toxins in nail polish

Nail Salons

I might be shot for saying this, but one of the most toxic places is a nail salon.  Especially since nail polish is toxic all on its own. If you can’t avoid the nail salon, at least find one that is well ventilated and sit as close to the door as you can.

You can also bring in your own non-toxic nail polish. Good brands include;

Plastic

Nearly everything we buy contains plastic.  Plastic contains ingredients, like BPA, that interfere with hormones so watch out for the following:

  1. Receipts – carry gloves with you when you shop and use them to grab receipts. Have cashiers put receipts directly into the bag, or get an email receipt.
  2. Food containers/dishes – heated plastic releases more chemicals and can cause these chemicals to leach into food. Look out for;
  • Styrofoam containers for coffee
  • Microwaved food packaging
  • Canned foods (the lining contains BPA)
  • Limit the amount of bottled water you drink
  • Never let bottled water sit in a hot car
  • Transfer any leftovers from restaurants to glass containers

Eat at home and prepare meals from scratch as much as possible to reduce plastic exposure.  Also, use fabric or wood toys whenever possible over plastic toys.

Dryer Sheets

These are loaded with chemicals and toxins so choose wool balls and add essential oils.

Hand Sanitizers

Hand sanitizers increase the absorption of BPA, one of the main toxins in plastic.  Thus, you really don’t want to handle receipts while wearing hand sanitizer.

toxins in makeup

Red Lipstick

Colored make-up and particularly red colors contain more lead. Other ingredients in make-up (and hair and skin care) you want to avoid are;

  • BHA/BHT
  • Coal Tar Dyes
  • DEA
  • Parabens
  • PEG compounds
  • Petroleum
  • SLS
  • Formaldehyde releasing preservatives

Using more natural make up can help reduce your toxic load. Good brands include;

  • Annmarie Skin Care
  • Beautycounter
  • Bare Minerals
  • Mineral Fusion
  • Zuzu Luxe

You can use the Environmental Working Group’s Healthy Living app to scan products at the store to see how toxic they are. Ideally, you want products rated a 1 or 2.  However, try to stick with products that are under 4 at least.

Click here to read, “What Chemicals Are You Putting On Your Face?!”

Sunscreens With Chemical Filters (ie. oxybenzone)

Chemical filters contain chemicals that can interfere with fertility and also cause birth defects. Use sunscreens containing mineral filters like zinc oxide and antioxidants like green tea. Good brands include;

  • Aveeno Baby
  • Goddess Garden Organics
  • Babyganics
  • Badger

Click here to read, “Are You A Sun Worshiper? What You Need To Know Before Stepping Out In The Sun!”

Aluminum

You will find aluminum in deodorant/anti-perspirant and cooking equipment. To reduce exposure, avoid aluminum cookware. Especially if you are making something acidic like spaghetti sauce as acid leaches more of the aluminum. Use parchment paper instead of aluminum foil. Use aluminum free deodorant like Native or Schmidts.

Non-organic Feminine Care Products

Most feminine care products are made with cotton. Cotton is a GMO crop. GMOs cause infertility in animals so you do not want these products on your body. Instead try;

  • Rael
  • Diva cups
  • Natracare
  • The Honest Company

Non-stick Cookware

These products contain perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs).  These chemicals can accumulate in your body and make it difficult to get pregnant. If you must use non-stick cookware, do not heat it any higher than medium heat.

EMF

EMF’s (electromagnetic frequencies)

Cell phones and wifi are everywhere but these technologies have a dark side. They can cause health problems and reduce fertility. Keep cell phones off your body (do not carry them in bras or pockets). Furthermore, keep them away from your bed when sleeping.

When talking on the phone, use the speaker or ear buds (not Bluetooth). Turn the wifi off while sleeping and get computers out of the bedroom. You can get shields for your phone that block the EMFs.

Detox Diet

The more natural the products you use, the better. Eat a healthy diet with proteins, carbohydrates, and fats to support the body in detoxing these chemicals.

Cruciferous vegetables like;

  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Cabbage
  • Kale
  • Avocados
  • Cilantro
  • Artichokes

In addition, spices/herbs such as;

  • Turmeric
  • Cloves
  • Cinnamon
  • Thyme
  • Oregano
  • Black pepper

These are all great to include in your diet to support healthy detox.

If you’d like more information, click here to download my free guide to reducing toxic exposure.

How You & Your Partner’s Fertility Can Be Affected By Gum Disease

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hydroxyapatite, hydroxyapatite toothpaste, calcium hydroxyapatite, nano hydroxyapatite

When you and your partner decide that it’s time to start or grow your family, it’s a special time for everyone involved.  You may feel that you and your partner have taken the necessary steps to prepare.  However, dental care and having a healthy mouth is one thing that’s often overlooked when couples are trying to conceive.

Dental health can play a big role in fertility.  Especially if you or your partner are suffering from gum disease.  Practicing dentistry for more than 20 years, I have helped many couples with their dental health.  Helping to ensure they have a healthy mouth increasing the chances of conceiving.

Here’s how gum disease can affect your fertility and some ways that you can work to prevent the condition.

gum disease

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is a bacterial infection in your mouth that causes inflamed gums.  Early symptoms of gum disease include red, swollen gums, and bleeding during brushing.

Left untreated, symptoms can become more severe and cause receding gums or loose teeth.  It can also quickly turn into Periodontitis which is a more severe form of the disease.  Gingivitis is caused most often from poor oral hygiene habits.  However, other factors can cause the disease as well.  This includes medication, illness, and hormone changes.

This condition can have an effect on you and your partner’s chances of conceiving.  So, if you think you may have gum disease, it’s important that you visit your dentist as soon as possible and discuss treatment plans in order to achieve a healthy mouth.

Gum Disease & Fertility

You may be wondering, how gum disease affects your fertility while trying to conceive a child?  Well, women who suffer from gum disease may take up to seven months or more to conceive.  This is in contrast to women who don’t have the disease and can conceive in about five months.

However, this goes for men as well.  Men with poor oral health are more likely to face male factor infertility due to the elevated levels of bacteria in the mouth.

If you and your partner are trying to conceive, ask your dentist for a review of your gum health.  You and your partner will want a healthy mouth so it doesn’t affect your fertility.  Furthermore, increasing your chances of conceiving.

oral hygene

Taking Preventative Measures

Working towards preventing gum disease is the best way to keep your mouth healthy so it doesn’t affect your chances of conceiving.  Continue practicing a good dental care routine.  This includes;

  • Brushing twice a day
  • Flossing once a day
  • Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash
Other ways to help prevent oral diseases include;
  • Reducing stress
  • Maintaining a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins
  • Avoiding grinding your teeth

However, even if you do take the proper measures to help prevent gum disease, you still may be susceptible to the disease.  If so, your dentist or periodontist may recommend;

  • More frequent check-ups
  • Cleanings
  • Treatments

All in order to better manage the condition.

Natural Solutions

You can also work to combat the disease naturally, at home, if you choose.  One study shows that the compounds in cranberries may help regulate periodontitis-related inflammation.  They may also prevent bacteria from sticking to the teeth.

While natural remedies can help prevent gum disease and lessen the symptoms, they may not work for everyone.  So, if you suffer from severe gingivitis or periodontitis you will need to work with a dentist on treating the condition.

foods high in vitamin c

Vitamin C is another natural remedy for protecting your gum health.  Research has shown that those who consume more vitamin C have a lesser risk of developing periodontal disease.

You can incorporate more vitamin C into your diet by eating foods such as;

  • Oranges
  • Grapefruits
  • Kiwis
  • Mangoes
  • Papaya
  • Broccoli

Also, consider taking natural supplements of Vitamin C to help you increase your intake.

Click here to read, “5 Super Foods For Natural Fertility”.

A final natural remedy that you can use to improve your dental health at home is oil pulling.  This long-used method involves swishing a tablespoon of oil (i.e. coconut oil or sesame oil) around your mouth for about 15 seconds.

While the research on the health effects of oil pulling are limited, research has shown that this remedy may reduce plaque buildup and offer some protection against gum disease. You can do your own research as well or talk to your dentist about some ways you can naturally protect your mouth against tooth decay and gum disease at home.

Final Thoughts

As you prepare to grow your family, it’s important to embrace all the special changes that will be happening in your life.  However, there may be outside factors that are affecting your fertility.  One of course being your oral health and gum disease.

If you or your partner suffers from gingivitis, it can take you longer to conceive and affect your fertility greatly.  That’s why it’s important to work towards preventing the disease and seeking treatment.  Click here to locate an emergency dentist near you.

 

All this could put you on the path towards conceiving quicker so you can bring a new life into this world. For further information on fertility, click here to read, “Trying To Conceive? Follow These Important Steps!”

5 Super Foods For Natural Fertility

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fertility

This is the second part of a seven part series on natural fertility.  Since diet is such a huge topic, it will be divided into two parts.  You’ve checked your cholesterol, iodine, and thyroid.  So, now it’s time to add some nutrient dense foods to your diet.

We have received diet advice over the past 50 years or so banishing foods that provide important nutrients for a healthy baby.  As a kid, I was fortunate enough to grow up with my grandmother living with us.  She did all the cooking from scratch using the dietary wisdom that had been passed down from generation to generation.  That means I grew up eating liver once a week (I know, yuck, but I actually liked it).

Here are some foods to include in your diet to enhance your chances of getting pregnant:

liver

Liver

This is the most nutrient dense food on the planet.  It has just about every nutrient you need to support a healthy baby.  These include choline, B vitamins, vitamins A and D, and minerals like iron and zinc.

All you need is three to four ounces per week,which you can eat in one serving or you can break it up into smaller daily servings.

If you can’t handle eating liver, you can take dessicated liver in pill form.  However, that requires around 10 capsules/tablets a day to get the same amount of nutrients in one serving of liver.  Click here for a video on a few ways to make liver taste better.

eggs

Eggs

To get the full benefits of eating eggs, you need to eat the yolk since that’s where all the nutrients are.  Egg whites are great for protein, so definitely eat the whole egg.  Eggs provide choline, vitamins and

minerals, and antioxidants.  I recommend eating three eggs a day.  Click here for a great recipe to cook breakfast (egg) muffins.  There perfect for the morning or a great protein packed snack when your on the go!

leafy greens

Green Leafy Vegetables

You want plenty of folate to support the healthy development of a baby.  Leafy greens like spinach, swiss chard, kale, beet greens, and collard greens are a great way to get this nutrient.  Frozen greens do not contain much folate.  Because of this, you

need to go fresh here.  I recommend cooking greens as too many raw greens can cause digestive upset and may contribute to kidney stones.  You can lightly steam them or sauté them.  Add some fat like olive oil, butter, or red palm oil to increase absorption of antioxidants.  For more information on antioxidants, click here to read, “Antioxidants – Can They Be Boosted With Chiropractic Care?”.

salmon

Salmon, Fatty Fish & Seafood

We need omega-3 fats, particularly DHA to support healthy brain development in babies.  Fish is one of the best sources for this.  Other nutrients provided with fish

and seafood are iodine, selenium, and vitamin D.  You just need to watch the source here to avoid mercury and plastic; click here to find the healthiest options.

Avoid farmed fish and go with wild caught.  Tuna should be limited to 6 ounces or less per week.  You want to shoot for two to three servings of fish per week.  Vital Choice Wild Seafood is a convenient way to get good quality fish and seafood.

beets

Beets

Beets are great for liver and gallbladder health.  They also support healthy circulation due to their nitric oxide content which may improve fertility.  They also provide iron and folate.

An easy way to include beets is to boil them whole in salted water for about 45 minutes (until a fork can prick through easily).  Cool, peel and cut up in bite size pieces.  Marinate them in some olive oil and vinegar with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder (or whatever seasonings you like) and keep them in fridge.  Add to salads or eat plain.

Stay tuned for more diet tips and foods to avoid.  Click here if you want a little extra support and use the coupon code BLOOM100 until July 8, 2019 to get $100 off my Baby-Ready Body Basics course.  It contains 4 modules and 16 lessons with short videos, checklists, cheat sheets and more to help you with diet, stress management, eliminating toxins, and more.

It also includes meal plans, recipes and a weight loss guide in addition to a PDF copy of my book The Switch Diet.  If you’re serious about having a baby, this course will guide you step by step to get your body ready for a baby.

Trying To Conceive? Follow These Important Steps!

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trying to get pregnant

Trying to conceive?  Planning to start a family can be a lot of fun until months go by with no baby.  Sex can become more like a burdensome chore.  Relationships can become strained.  You may even feel betrayed by your own body.  However, consider this before you turn to fertility medicine which can be really hard on your body and quite expensive.

How To Conceive Naturally

There are some natural things you can try to get your body in the best shape possible to support a baby.  And, if you do end up needing fertility medicine, you will have a better chance of success.

This will be the first article in a series on how to conceive naturally.  We will cover:

• Getting the right tests
• Eating the right foods
• Supplements to consider
• Eliminating toxins
• Managing stress
• Healthy sperm
• Managing health challenges like obesity, endometriosis, PCOS, and fibroids

Get The Right Tests

When it takes a while to get pregnant, there are a few things to consider.  It could be that your thyroid is not working right, your hormones are out of whack, or you have a nutritional deficiency.  Testing can help you determine what next steps to take.

Cholesterol

• Your cholesterol should be over 150 mg/dl or 3.879 mmol/l.  Cholesterol is the building block on progesterone, the baby making hormone.  You need adequate cholesterol to conceive and maintain a healthy pregnancy.  Click here to learn The Myths About Cholesterol.

Full Thyroid Panel

• Get a full thyroid panel (not just a TSH) with antibodies.  You want to ensure you don’t have Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune thyroid condition that often gets diagnosed as depression or anxiety.  A full panel will help to determine what kind, if any, thyroid issue you might have.  Thyroid hormones are essential for a healthy pregnancy so you want to make sure you are taking proper care of the thyroid gland.  A TSH by itself is not very useful as TSH can be normal in many thyroid conditions.

Iodine Loading Test

• See if you are deficient in iodine.  This is a common problem with endometriosis, fibroids, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).  Iodine deficiency is very common because we don’t consume adequate amounts unless we are eating sea vegetables and seafood.  This is a urine test, not a blood test.  You want a score of 90% or better.  Click here to read how This One Urine Test Could Save Your Life!

Check Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone

• A very common hormone issue is estrogen dominance.  You may actually have normal values for both estrogen and progesterone, but they may not be balanced well.  This can hinder fertility.  Excess testosterone can also interfere with conception and is common in PCOS.  Click here to read my article on how Get Your Body Ready For A Baby.

These tests will give you a good picture of what could be preventing a pregnancy.  Once you know what is going on, you can take the right steps to solve the problem and enhance your chances of getting pregnant.

For more information, Click here download my free Baby-Ready Body guide or click here to visit my website .