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Posts from the ‘Fertility’ category

A Complete Fertility Diet

If you have followed my advice to eat real food, manage blood sugars and have fun with ferments, you are right on track!

So what else?

Avoid These Dirty Dozen:
1. Artificial sweeteners; aspartame, sucralose, etc. Causes brain tumors and much more. (Documentary – “Sweetened Misery”)
2. MSG (monosodium glutamate, maltodextrin). This causes blood brain barriers, causes damage to the brain. ex. processed foods.
3.  GMO (genetically modified organisms). Scary experiment. ex. soy, corn, canola.
4.  Soy – Hormone disruptor – reduce sperm, wreak havoc on menstral cycle. Impossible to grow without pesticides..
5.  Corn – little nutrition, GMO crop.
6.  Caffeine – not great if trying to conceive, can be damaging to developing eggs and can effect the way genes turn on and off.  If you can’t live without, choose a local coffee brewer that uses high quality beans, as not all coffee beans are created equal!  (green tea is not a fertility food – it does have caffeine but has polyphenols. Probably could consume a little of lighter green tea – gemeicha).
7.  Decaf products – takes heavy hexane chemicals to pull caffeine out.
8.  Alcohol – not the best for developing eggs, sperm production.  Consume in moderation.
9.  HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) – insulin resistance in a can!
10.  Hydrogenated oil – hydrogen added to oil to increase shelf life, most processed food have hydrogenated oil.
11.  Preservatives – “embalming food,” it looks alive after shelf life.
12.  Wheat – hard on digestive system, not much nutrition and gluten intolerance is on the rise..

cutepregolady

Yummy Substitutes:
-Teecino for coffee
-Caffeine free rooisbos tea
-Lots of creative herbal teas online
-Kale chips
-Sparkling water
-Crispy seaweed
-Chewing gym with xylitol – prevents plaque on teeth, doesn’t increase blood sugar.
-Vinegar – consume with our greens to absorb. Balsamic, Rice, Apple Cider Vinegar.

Foods Turn a Switch on Our Genes:
-We’re learning from the field of epi-genetics that foods affect gene expression.  What we eat affects the expression of genes.
-What a woman does prior and during pregnancy affects her baby and her grandchild.
-Poor food choices play a role in the AAA epidemic (Autism, Allergies, Asthma) that we see in children today.
-Nourishing our bodies and our genetic material turns on good genes.

 

Rooted in healthy bodies and babes.

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Shake it UP

Blue Bird Rising
almond milk, blueberries, raisins, almonds, walnuts & honey

Splendid
almond milk, strawberries, dates, chia seeds & vanilla extract

Whole Hearted
almond milk, cantaloupe, banana, coconut butter, coconut, dates, cinnamon, almond butter & vanilla extract

Energize
almond Milk, coconut water, kale, banana, nut butter, dates & walnuts

Grazer
almond milk, banana, dates, nut butter, coconut, flax seeds & granola

San Diego Happiness
coconut milk, Greek yogurt, banana, nut butter, dates & coconut

Musculos
coconut milk, banana, blueberries, almond butter, protein blend

West Coast
coconut, water, kale, apple, lemon & ginger

Start Strong
coconut water, kale, spinach, celery, apple, chia seeds, flax seeds, dates, honey & spirulina

Sweetness
coconut milk, banana, orange, pineapple, nut butter & almonds

Screen Shot 2015-12-14 at 5.23.46 PM

<- Immune, Inflammation, Infection ->
For Extra Boost Add:

– Bone broth
– Apple cider vinegar
– Collagen powder
– Carlson’s cod liver oil
– “Green Food”
– Bee products (local)
– Protein powder

*Use “unsweetened” milks and other products to keep sugars down.

Rooted in liquid nutrients.

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What is Collagen and Why we Need it

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the body, is part of the connective tissue for bones, muscles, blood cells, cartilage, arteries and organs. As you age, the production of collagen decreases, leading to a slew of potential side effects. Drinking beverages containing collagen powder, made from animal or fish materials, may be beneficial by helping offset some of that collagen loss.

Collagen is comprised of long chain proteins, and when you consume collagen powder – or collagen containing foods – your digestive system breaks down the proteins into amino acids. The amino acids are then absorbed and used as building blocks that support collagen production throughout the body. Collagen can then help heal the body from within. Collagen powders are a particularly rich source of the amino acids glycine and proline, which supports metabolic functions and detoxification – especially for bones, joints, cartilage, skin cells, hair and nails. Collagen is also important for healing the gut and strengthening the immune system.

For optimum digestion and absorption of amino acids, consume collagen powder on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal.

Maple Pumpkin Collagen Shake
(makes 2 large or 4 small)

1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1 large navel orange, juiced
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
2 frozen bananas, peeled and roughly chopped
1 tbsp pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp collagen hydrolysate – Great Lakes Gelatin
(http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KG7EDU/?tag=heafameat-20)
Pinch sea salt

Put all ingredients into a blender and whizz until completely smooth and well blended, adding a dribble or two of filtered water if you find it too thick. Serve immediately.

collagenface

Rooted in beautiful skin!

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Bone Broth

Prep and cook time:  12-24 hours. Makes 6-8 cups.

5 pounds organic raw chicken/beef bones, rinsed and cleaned; 
2 tbsp raw apple cider vinegar, seasoned with Celtic Sea Salt / Himalayan Pink Salt, herbs and spices to taste, such as basil, oregano, thyme, cayenne.

-Chicken bones: When you ask the butcher for the bones, be sure to ask for the feet, as well, since that is where collagen is found.
-Beef bones: Ask for marrow bones, such as oxtail, short ribs, knuckle bones (cut in half).

Mix all ingredients in a slow cooker filled with water, or cook in a large pot on the stove.  Turn on low and cook for 10-24 hours.  After cooking, strain fat and solids and save the broth.  This broth can be used for soups, cooking grains, beans, or just drink from a mug.  The solidified fat from the top is excellent for your pets, and can be mixed with their food.

Broth can be stored for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, 6 months in the freezer.

By cooking the bones slowly over a long period of time, it draws the minerals out of the bones, making it pure nutrients for immunity and strength.  Especially excellent for pregnant mamas!

BENEFITS?

Promotes Strong, Healthy Bones -> Lots of calcium and magnesium.
Fights Infection -> So many nutrients to help balance pH and battle sepsis in the body.
Reduces Joint Pain / Inflammation -> Lots of amino acids – arginine, glycine, proline – and other compounds to decrease inflammation and other compounds.
Heals and Repairs Guts / Improves Digestive Function -> The gelatin can attract and hold liquids, including digestive juices, supporting proper digestion.  
Aids Healthy Hair, Skin and Nails -> Gelatin and collagen.

 bonebroth

Rooted in bone broth.

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Top Foods for Heathy Conception

No matter what age you are starting this journey; it is best to start preparing your body 3-6 months in advance.

1) Greens

So important for balancing your pH, the acid-alkaline balance of your blood. Balancing your pH improves whole-body health and decreases inflammation. This creates an ideal environment for conception. Greens will decrease mineral deficiencies in mom during both pregnancy and post-partum, leading to more energy, better sleep, and more balanced hormones.

Kale, collard greens, ginger, apple cider vinegar, daikon radish, sweet potatoes, sea vegetables, burdock root, pumpkin seeds, avocados, and raspberries.

2) Protein

Amino acids are the building blocks of your body’s cells – and your baby’s as well.  It is very important to your brain health and baby’s.

Beef, poultry, fish, bison, venison, organ meats, legumes (such as beans, lentils, garbanzo beans), eggs, dairy.

3) Fat

Critical for mom’s health, hormone balance and also for baby’s brain development.

Coconut oil (anti-viral), ghee (clarified butter), sesame oil, palm kernel oil (cold-pressed, deep red, high in vitamin E), olive oil, flax oil, walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, butter (raw).

4) Raw Dairy

Although this is controversial during pregnancy because of the bacteria, I am a big proponent as long as you trust the source. Whole raw milk is beneficial because it will give you the perfect blend of 50% carbs, 25% protein, and 25% fat. This ratio is exactly what the thyroid needs to get fed and function well, especially if it is underactive. The thyroid plays a key role in ovulation. Plus, raw milk is full of good bacteria that can support both your health and baby’s health in the womb and beyond!

Raw milk, butter, yogurt, cheese.

5) Bee Pollen

This is a super food for your immune system; using bee pollen in your pre-conception phase will help with reproduction. Local bee pollen is your healthiest option. You can add bee pollen anywhere: smoothies, cereal, yogurt, salad or stir-fry!

5) Bone Broth

This is a must-have SUPER food for both mom and dad during preconception and is essential for baby during pregnancy. Bone broth and collagen aid in nutrient absorption, digestion, hair and nail growth, immune support, and are filled with amino acids. Buy at a local health foods store, order online or make some!  Whole Foods is now selling bone broth!

6) Folate Foods

*Know the difference between folic acid and folate and always choose folate. Folic acid (the artificial form of folate) must be processed by the liver, which doesn’t contain a lot of enzymes to actually use it, so a lot goes un-metabolized which can be dangerous.

Natural folates however are absorbed through your small intestine and are easily utilized. This is a key nutrient to prevent birth defects and to make sure the baby’s neural tube – which forms the brain and spinal cord – forms correctly and to the best of its ability.  I would also recommend a folate supplement (Standard Process).

Lentils, asparagus, oranges, and avocados.

7) Vitamin C Foods

Vitamin C will keep you healthy, strong, lower stress, and keep your adrenals balanced. It will also contribute to the formation of baby’s skin, hair, and nails.

Cauliflower, red bell peppers, papaya.

8) Water / Salt

Salt water is the lifeblood of the amniotic fluid. What people are trying to avoid is sodium chloride (iodized salt), or table salt.  Himalayan Pink Salt or Celtic Sea Salt contains all 84 essential trace minerals needed for so many additional functions in the body. Staying hydrated (~34 ounces per 50 lbs. of body weight) during pregnancy is of utmost importance.

Rooted in Healthy Babies.

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The Golden Diet

Also called The Traditional Diet, as this is the cornerstone to ultimate health. I highly suggest following these tips to maintain, repair or rebuild. Perhaps just pick a few tips to incorporate into your diet regime each week.. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!

1. Eat whole, natural foods.
2. Eat only foods that will spoil, prior to spoiling!
3. Eat naturally-raised meat including fish, seafood, poultry, beef, lamb, game, organ meats and eggs.
4. Eat whole, naturally-produced milk products from pasture-fed cows, preferably raw and/or fermented, such as whole yogurt, cultured butter, whole cheeses and fresh and sour cream.
5. Use only traditional fats and oils including butter and other animal fats, extra virgin olive oil, expeller expressed sesame and flax oil and the tropical oils—coconut and palm.
6. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably organic, in salads and soups, or lightly steamed.
7. Use whole grains and nuts that have been prepared by soaking, sprouting or sour leavening to neutralize phytic acid and other anti-nutrients.
8. Include enzyme-enhanced lacto-fermented vegetables, fruits, beverages and condiments in your diet on a regular basis.
9. Prepare homemade meat stocks from the bones of chicken, beef, lamb or fish and use liberally in soups and sauces.
10. Use herb teas and coffee substitutes in moderation.
11. Use filtered water for cooking and drinking.
12. Use unrefined Celtic sea salt and a variety of herbs and spices for food interest and appetite stimulation.
13. Make your own sauces and salad dressing using raw vinegar (apple cider vinegar), extra virgin olive oil and expeller expressed flax oil.
14. Use natural sweeteners in moderation, such as raw honey, maple syrup, molasses, dehydrated cane sugar juice and stevia powder. Most importantly use the real thing.
15. Use only unpasteurized wine or beer in strict moderation with meals.
16. Cook only in stainless steel, cast iron, glass or good quality enamel.
17. Use only natural / whole-food based supplements.
18. Get plenty of sleep, exercise and natural light.
19. Think positive thoughts and minimize stress.
20. Practice forgiveness.
21. Take time to enjoy your life.

Follow these tips, based on Western A. Price philosophy, and you are going golden.  Share what you find to be the most helpful! xo

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The Healing Power of Sleep

Your Body is Working Behind the Scenes

Sleep is often overlooked and underrated, as many of us seem to forget how necessary and important sleep really is. Getting quality sleep can be the easy, natural and inexpensive fix you need. Whether you are preparing for fertility, trying to lose weight or challenged by certain ailments, you can’t complain about things not operating properly if you are not getting sufficient zzzz’s.

→ Take a Look:

– While your sleeping, your follicles are growing and being recruited.
– Hormones are being released.
– Tissue and muscle repair/growth occurs.
– Energy is restored.
– You’re also detoxing your body in your sleep.
– The adrenal glands need deep sleep, in order to restore themselves.
– Go to sleep by 10:00 pm to renew your adrenals and allow your body to naturally detox.
– Every hour of sleep before midnight is worth 2 hours.

→ How to Attain Deep Sleep:

– Remove EMF emitting appliances from bedroom – tv, radio, cell phone, computer.
– Stop watching TV or using the computer 2 hours before bed.
– Put appliances throughout your house on walls facing outside if possible.
– Avoid, moderate caffeine and alcohol throughout the day – stimulants.
– No sugar or simple carbs after dinner, to prevent a spike in blood sugars.
– Have a little protein and fat right before bed.
– A hot bath, Abhyanga, sauna, castor oil packs and meditation are ideal before bed.
*This can work for people addicted to Ambien.

 

Get your sleep, it may be just what you need.

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Preconception Diet Advice

Grazing?
Don’t want to be eating every hour, want to digest before eating new food. At least 2 hrs. in-between. This is important to maintain our metabolism and hormones.

Breakfast/Skipping Meals?
Eat it. If you don’t feel hungry in the morning your body has given up on sending you hunger signals. You have been fasting all night long and you should be hungry and you want blood sugar to be stable. *When you skip meals/fast the body knows there is no fuel going to brain/body/cells → Adrenal glands stimulated to produce adrenaline to trigger liver to make glucagon, which gets converted to glucose to raise blood sugar and go up. When it goes up at steep angle it goes down at a steep angle, get cravings – contributes to insulin resistance.

Can’t Cook?
Make the best choices you can – Find a great food counter with healthy choices and/or hire a chef.
Need to find time to feed yourself → make a little time.
Good preparation for having a baby!

Drinking?
Drink 3 quarts of water a day!
Herbal teas, Peppermint tea, Fruity teas
Rooisbos Chai
Kombucha
Honest Tea
Ferments – kefir w/blueberries

Fish?
Very nourishing, but also full of mercury. If bodies are compromised, can’t chelate the mercury out. If you are healthy you should be able to handle toxins. Be mindful of mercury and consume some fish!
Eat smaller fish, lower on food chain, lower mercury – Anchovy, Mackerel (4-6x/wk.), Sardines – lots of omega 3 fatty acids.

Snacks?
Minimized processed foods, minimal ingredients → Stick to whole foods.
Shop the perimeter of the market.

Sugar?
No go: Sugar consumption contributes to low progesterone/ high estrogen that is no good for the luteal phase of your cycle. Sugar contributes to polycystic ovarian syndrome, which causes immature eggs and sometimes causes absent ovulation. Sugar taxes your adrenal glands, and you need those babies working hard to make hormones!

Food is the Best Medicine
-Just improve your diet; you don’t need to be perfect!
-Take a year to prepare your body for pregnancy.
-The progression of the egg from the primordial stage to ovulation takes 1 year.
-Think of a Fertility Diet as a new way of life.
-How will you feel when you get that Big Fat Positive and you know in your heart that you did all you could!

You’ll Be on Your Way to Being an Empowered Mom
-You will have a healthy pregnancy.
-Your labor and delivery will be a breeze.
-Your baby will be healthy and strong.
-Your grandchildren will be healthy and strong.

babylove

Baby Love xo

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Healthy Babies Begin in the Gut

A lot of us underestimate the value of the gut. I preach a lot about hormones, diagnostics and adrenals, but the gut is truly the center to everything. If the gut isn’t functioning correctly it effects our entire bodily system. What we digest and assimilate is what’s used to make a baby. This may sound obvious to you, but a lot of people do not consider this.

If our gut is not functioning properly, we will not be able to absorb and utilize much of the nutrients we are putting in our body.
Continue reading…

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Sperm Counts

HELLO Boys!  Just because you don’t carry the baby does not mean you don’t play a role in the reproductive process.  There are many reasons why a man can have reproductive problems: from hormonal imbalances, genetics, and effects of certain medications to exposure to toxins in the environment, workplace, and even home, parasites, high heat (hot tub use), radiation, excess alcohol, smoking, and stress, all of which impacts a sperms ‘survivability’ – meaning sperms production and/or quality.  On the flip side a healthy diet, exercise regimen and many lifestyle factors can have reproductive benefits.

  • A study by researchers at the UC Berkeley School of Public Health suggests that an antioxidant rich diet may help sperm quality, especially in middle-aged and older men.  In this study men over 44 who had higher intakes of Vitamins C and E, as well as zinc produced more sperm with less DNA damage, compared to those with lower intakes – similar to the sperm count of younger men.  This is not surprising as antioxidants vitamins C and E may help counter the oxidative damage that occurs with aging and that’s associated with increased risks of genetic defects in the offspring of older men.  Furthermore, insufficient zinc intake may compromise these antioxidant defenses.  Additional research has claimed that taking zinc with folic acid may boost sperm production more than taking zinc alone.
  • Going nuts has an upside!  According to a study from UCLA, men ages 21 to 35, who ate approximately 2.5 ounces of walnuts a day for 12 weeks had improvements in sperm motility and appearance, along with a greater percentage of live sperm and fewer sperm cell chromosomal abnormalities, while the control group who consumed no nuts showed no changes.  Although I tend to be skeptical of studies and their conclusions, this does not surprise me, as the benefits are likely related to alpha-linoleic acid, an omega-3 fat found in walnuts.  Its very possible that other sources of this fat, such as flaxseeds and canola, would have similar benefits.
  • Protein stores:  L-carnitine, found in red meat and dairy is an amino acid that may be beneficial for increasing sperm production and speed.  L-arginine, found in eggs, meat, nuts, and sesame seeds has also been regarded as a sperm booster.
  • Physical activity can undoubtedly be good for sperm.  Although I have not talked to hundreds of males about their sperm and physical activity, I can tell you that from the ones I have talked to, it usually makes a difference.  In a study in the European Journal of Applied Physiology, physically active men had ‘better-formed’ and faster-swimming sperm, as well as more valuable hormone levels for sperm production, compared to sedentary males.  Another study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, found that young men who were very active had a significantly higher sperm concentration then men who were least active.  Conversely, men who watched the most TV – more than 20 hours/week – had lower sperm concentrations than those who watched none.  Moderate to higher-intensity exercise may be key to the benefits, depending on which type of exercise.  Pumping iron and building muscle will increase testosterone production, while bicycling may be doing the opposite by creating an environment unfavorable for sperm production.  * Also good to note are the endorphins that come from physical activity.  People that are getting physical on a regular basis tend to have lower stress and ‘higher happiness’ than those who do not.

Sperm Synopsis:

Most of the studies I mentioned were observational, not proving a cause and effect, but they make sense given the role of these particular nutrients in the body.  More importantly, men who eat a healthy diet, are physically active and lead overall happy and balanced lives, tend of have healthier sperm.  As with anything, some people need more help than others; but by adding some antioxidants, nuts, protein, and physical activity to your daily diet, you may step up your game.

SPIFF UP THE SPERM!

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