TIMEHEALTH February 22, 2010
Omega-3 fatty acids – found in fish oil and flaxseed – are already known to help protect you from such age-related illnesses as heart disease [and cancer]. Now research shows they may slow cellular aging.
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Why do we recommend a grain-free diet as part of our fertility program? Based on the scientific research cited in this article, we believe wheat-avoidance is an integral part of restoration of health and fertility.
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We all know we’re supposed to eat our vegetables. But 80% of American children and adolescents and 68% of adults do not eat the minimal recommended five portions of fruits and vegetables a day. Putting two and two together, the vast majority of Americans are likely deficient in vital nutrients that help prevent disease. “A deficiency of any of the micronutrients: folic acid, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B6, niacin, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, iron, or zinc, mimics radiation in damaging DNA by causing single- and double-strand breaks, oxidative lesions or both. … Micronutrient deficiency may explain, in good part, why the quarter of the population that eats the fewest fruits and vegetables has about double the cancer rate for most types of cancer when compared to the quarter with the highest intake.”1 The article goes on to say that “common micronutrient deficiencies are likely to damage DNA by the same mechanism as radiation and many chemicals” and “appear to be orders of magnitude more important.”
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Restoring natural fertility or achieving a successful IVF cycle through complementary alternative medicine involves four essential steps. Your journey begins with the diagnosis of the source of the imbalances through a detailed history and physical, lab work, a basal body temperature chart, and Traditional Chinese Medicine evaluation. Next your diet is modified to include the essential micronutrients needed for fertility and exclude inflammatory insulin-resistance fueling foods. Third, acupuncture treatments are recommended to assist in restoring the balance to your body by removing obstacles to fertility, harmonizing the flow of energy and directing blood flow to your reproductive organs. And finally, yoga and exercise are essential to lower stress levels and complement the acupuncture and nutritional work you are doing.
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Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) places great emphasis on a normal menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is supposed to be a certain length, approximately 28 days. The time from menstrual period to ovulation is called the follicular phase, which should last 12-15 days. From ovulation to menstruation is called the luteal phase, which should last 14 days. Regularity in length between phases should be present, and irregularities indicate various hormonal issues. Ovulation is accompanied by a spike in basal body temperature. Your period should be non-painful, neither too scant not too heavy, and last 4-5 days. There should not be heavy clots or spotting before or afterwards. Menstruation shouldn’t be associated with back pain, cramping, mood swings and cravings. These are all signs of imbalances in TCM that can be addressed with acupuncture and nutrition.
The complementary alternative medicine approach to fertility, whether natural or using an Assisted Reproductive Technique, is three-pronged. First, you have to deal with the nutritional deficiencies that are interfering with overall health and fertility. The critical nutraceutical elements and peaceful internal environment issues were addressed in the previous article. Second, acupuncture works as a powerful tool to assist in restoring balance to the body and channeling energy to the reproductive organs. And third, yoga comes in as the best mind-body form of exercise to complement the acupuncture and reduce stress. These article installments will delve into the ways nutrition, acupuncture and yoga can assist in restoring health and fertility, maintaining the pregnancy, and carrying the baby to full term.
Whether you are going to use an Assisted Reproductive Technique to get pregnant or achieve a pregnancy naturally, having a peaceful internal body chemistry to nurture the very beginning of a new life cannot be over-emphasized.
Some of the most compelling pieces of evidence that nutrition plays a pivotal role in the condition called infertility are recent research articles linking the metabolic syndrome, or Syndrome X, to infertility.
