Here at Haynes Acupuncture Gold Coast we take a holistic approach to fertility and have put together a few steps to support you on your journey to conception. Acupuncture can help to regulate your menstrual cycle, hormones and immune system which are important for natural conception (1). Combined with developing clean eating habits and positive lifestyle choices you can enhance your chances of conceiving and maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Include
- Eat more freshly grown organic foods:
Vital for optimal health and well-being!
Consuming meats, fruits and vegetables grown in a safe and toxic free environment will allow your body to absorb fresher nutrients and better quality antioxidants. Red meat, preferably grass fed, is essential and rich in iron, which is lowered during menstruation (due to iron being attached to red blood).
- Foods Rich in Folate:
This will help reduce neural tube defects. Remember to include a variety of broccoli, lentils and leafy green vegetables (E.g. bok choy, kale and spinach), into your daily choice of meals.
- Foods Rich in Minerals:
By incorporating a variety of mineral rich foods, will enhance optimal hormone health, fertile mucus and healthy sperm in males essential during your pregnancy journey. Minerals such as magnesium, calcium and zinc (found in lean meats, whole grains, sunflower seeds, bone broth) often become deficient in many people with busy or stressful lifestyles. So nourish yourself and your loved one with mineral rich and quality food selections.
- Essential Fats:
Essential fats are vital for brain development and increased cognitive function (E.g. flaxseed oil, avocado, raw nuts and cold water wild fish).
- Filtered Water:
Replenish your body with at least 1.5 – 2 litres of filtered water per day. Allow your body to rehydrate with pure liquids opposed to tap water ridden with hidden nasty chemicals used to bleach and kill germs.
Avoid
- Refined Sugars and Carbohydrates:
These guys will simply have you grabbing for more food more often and will give you massive energy crashes. Instead increase the amounts of complex carbohydrates (E.g. Potato’s, sweet potato, pumpkin, leafy green vegetables, whole fruits, legumes).
- Excessive Salty Foods:
Sorry to say but potato chips, hot chips and table salt need to come off the menu. Not only are they high in refined salt, but generally also cooked in oxidised, trans oils. Swap for Himalayan or Celtic salt which are full of natural minerals and if you want to reach for a salty snack, try some natural organic popcorn or organic seaweed sheets!
- Excessive amounts of Caffeine:
Studies suggest that even two cups of coffee or a can of coke can drastically reduce fertility by up to 50% (2).
- Trans or Hydrogenated Fats:
Commonly found in margarine, packet foods, sauces and biscuits – read food labels to prevent consumption and alternatively select grass fed butter or foods cooked in organic coconut or olive oil.
Complimenting these simple changes with Acupuncture treatments can help assist and maintain your health throughout pregnancy and also welcome you’re new born in to a healthier environment.
References:
- McDonald J, Janz S. The Acupuncture Evidence Project: A Comparative Literature Review (Revised edition). Brisbane: Australian Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Association Ltd; 2017. http://www.acupuncture.org.au.
- Barbieri, R. (2001). The initial fertility consultation: Recommendations concerning cigarette smoking, body mass index, and alcohol and caffeine consumption. Retrieved from http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002937801110276
