Author: gpnaus

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Castor Oil Pack

Did you know that castor oil pack can be beneficial for you when trying to get pregnant?
Castor oil has been used to aid healing for thousands of years. Applying a warm a castor oil pack is easy, relaxing and inexpensive. It can benefits The Lymphatic system as it removes waste from cells in the body.
Castor oil pack can also promote circulation bringing fresh oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to the reproductive organs. It can be also beneficial for your liver as it help to detoxify them. Our liver removes hormones, drugs, and other biologically active molecules from the blood. If there are excess toxins and hormones overwhelming the liver, they may be stored, in the liver and fat. This can lead to hormonal imbalance which may impair fertility. Other benefit is an anti-inflammatory effect when used topically.
How to use castor oil pack? It’s easy. Just apply layer of castor oil to flannel cloth (bamboo towel), place it over your lower abdomen or liver, cover with a towel, then lay a heating pad or hot water bottle on top of that and relax 15 – 30 minutes.
Use the castor oil pack daily during the follicular stage on uterus (from the end of your period until ovulation). You can use it in other stages on liver.
Don’t use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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3-day fast

Spring is great time for detox and clean your body after winter. 3-day fast is great option when you want to reset your body and clean out damaged cells in order to regenerate newer, healthier cells.
What is 3 day fasting? You are only allowed to drink water for 3 days. There is no food, no tea, no coffee, no alcohol, no bone broth and no juices allowed when you do 3-day fasting. Only drink plenty of water.
3-day fasting can help you boosts hormone production, boosts metabolism, reduce Inflammation, lose weigh, improve heart health (increase the levels of ‘good’ cholesterol and reduce triglycerides, lower blood pressure), regulates blood sugar levels, lower the risk of chronic diseases.
But 3-day fast is not everyone, pregnant or breastfeeding women, people who have health conditions such as diabetes and people with heart problems shouldn’t fast. Fasting should be done before you start trying to conceive.
There are also side effects of fasting such as dizziness, fatigue, weakness, muscle aches, headaches, low blood sugar, dehydration. Make sure you drink plenty of water during fasting. If you feel the long fasting is not right for you or you experience symptoms as dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, vomiting, chest pain or diarrhea stop immediately. 3- day fasting is also not right for you when your goal is only loose weight. There is plenty of diets which are more suitable. If you haven’t done longer fasting before, start with shorter for example 1-day fasting or detox diet which you can find in my previous post.
You should prepare before you start with fasting and eat only light and healthy food for 3 days.
We don’t recommend eat big meal directly after your fasting finished. Start slowly with small meals, such as smoothie, fruit, vegetable salad, bone broth and slowly introduce regular food. Eating big meal directly after 3-day fasting could lead to stomach ache, discomfort, nausea or refeeding syndrome.
We recommend chose days when you don’t have any commitments and you can just relax as energy levels might be low. Also try not to exercise or stick to light exercise, such as walking or yoga. Meditation will be also great for you during fasting.
If you thing fasting would be to hard for you, try our detoxing tea or detoxing liquid.
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Easy 7 day detox

This is my favorite detox. I detox my body once or twice a year.
Detox your body before you start trying to conceive is good idea as it improve fertility and pregnancy.
Detox helps you get pregnant faster as it can improve egg quality and environment of your womb is healthier. You shouldn’t be cleansing while you already trying to get pregnant.
This detox diet is very easy:
Day 1 – eat only 3 apples, 3 carrots and lots of water
Day 2 – eat only 3 apples, 3 carrot, 1 banana, slice of bread (can replace with rice) and lots of water
Day 3 – eat only 3 apples, 2 bowls of vegetable soup, lots of water
Day 4 – eat only 3 apples, 1 bowl of vegetable soup, 1 bowl of vegetable salad, lots of water
Day 5 – eat only 3 apples, 1 bowl of vegetable soup, 1 bowl of vegetable salad, slice of bread, lots of water
Day 6 – eat only 3 apples, 1 bowl of vegetable soup, 1 bowl of vegetable salad, slice of bread, lots of water
Day 7 – eat only 3 apples, 1 bowl of vegetable soup, 1 bowl of vegetable salad, slice of bread, you can add grilled meat (chicken or fish), lots of water.
 
With this detox you should be only drinking water which will help you flush the toxins (no coffee, no tea, no soda..). It’s better to choose all organic foods (when we are detoxifying we don’t want to add more toxins). Bread can be replaced with rice. Towards the end of the diet you can add your favorite herbs (or detox herbs). After you finish the detox, slowly start to add other meals to your diet and you can continue to use detox herbs or detox supplements.
If you really want detox and restart you body you can try 1 day or 3 day water fast.
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Seed cycling

Seed cycling is hormone supporting and balancing practice. The idea is that certain types of seeds, such as pumpkin, flax, sunflower and sesame seeds, can help regulate the levels of estrogen, progesterone and other hormones.
 
It is believed that Seed cycling can regulate periods, reduce acne, PMS symptoms, treat PCOS, endometriosis, and infertility. It can also help stimulate menstruation if it’s absent and ease symptoms of menopause as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and mood swings.
 
How does it work?
 
Phase 1(menstruation to ovulation, approx. day 1 to day 14 of your cycle): eat 1-2 tbsps of ground pumpkin and ground flax seeds daily.
 
Phase 2(ovulation to menstruation, approx. day 15 to day 24 of your cycle): eat 1-2 tbsps of ground sunflower and ground sesame seeds daily.
 
There is little scientific research that supporting the improved hormonal balance in women. However, seeds have many health benefits. Also when seeds are incorporated consistently especially with other hormone stabling practices it can be very beneficial for you.
 
You can mix the ground seeds into a smoothie or sprinkle them on your oatmeal (chewing well also counts as grinding.)
 
Benefits of seeds
 
Pumpkin Seeds
Studies have shown the benefits of complex carbohydrates, fiber, omega 3, and zinc on fertility. High omega 3 fatty acids and antioxidant helps stimulate blood flow to sexual organs. This ensures fluid supply to follicles for proper egg maturity. Pumpkin seeds are also good source of vitamins like B12, A, and C. Pumpkin seed can also helps fight urinary disorders.
 
Flax seeds
They are a powerful package for balancing hormones and boosting fertility. They contain a generous dose of nutrients such as lignans, isoflavones, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. Lignans can balance estrogen, whether it is an excess or a deficiency.
They are beneficial for women’s fertility by boosting the chances of conception, because they support normal ovulation and restoration of hormonal balance.
 
Sunflower seeds
They contain vitamin E, folate, zinc, omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, they have anti-inflammatory properties and are high magnesium. This all is helpful for female but also for male fertility.
 
Sesame seeds are a potent source of iron calcium, and contain the highest level of protein compared to all other nuts and seeds. Most women tend to be iron deficient, that’s why adding sesame seeds into your diet is a great way to create a more fertile environment in your body. They are also packed with calcium, vitamin E, healthy fats as well as lignans similar to flax. They are relatively high in copper. This mineral acts as a precursor to estrogen.
 
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Importance of Coenzyme Q10 for Fertility.

Coenzyme Q10 is important for for Fertility.

It exists in two common states – its oxidized form ubiquinone and in its reduced and active form ubiquinol. It can be taken as stand-alone nutrient in both of this forms. 
Co Q10 acts as a potent antioxidant and it’s important in cellular energy generation. As the body ages, CoQ10 level decreases.
Female fertility usually declines after age of 35 which is primarily due to an age-related decrease in egg quality and  number of eggs they have available. For women, that decline is much more rapid and drastic than for men. In the aging process, CoQ10 concentration declines in parts of the body including female eggs.  Therefore, CoQ10 supplementation is recommended for women over 35.
Egg cells and also sperm require a lot of energy to develop and are prone to destructive oxidation. Coenzyme Q10 functions as an antioxidant and in the key energy-generating pathway within cells.
CoQ10 can help support egg quality as you age, but CoQ10 doesn’t only help to older women. CoQ10 can help to improve egg and embryo quality and improve pregnancy rates in younger women as well. It has been also shown to improve IVF outcomes.
Co Q10 is also important for male fertility as well. The concentration of CoQ10 in the blood is connected with key semen parameters such as motility, sperm concentration and morphology.
How much Co Q10 should we consume?

Recommended amount of Co Q10 is between 100mg and 600mg of CoQ10 daily. Most people consume between 3mg and 6mg of Coenzyme Q10 daily through their diet alone. Therefore, there is recommended taking CoQ10 supplements when trying to conceive.

If you have been taking CoQ10 supplements while trying to conceive or through fertility treatments, we recommend stopping as soon as you are pregnant or discuss with healthcare provider.
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Pre-pregnancy checklist

Before you start trying for pregnancy there are things you should do to increase chances get pregnant faster and have a healthy baby.

  1. Take Folic acid or Prenatal dietary supplements containing Folic acid.

It is recommended to start taking Folic acid 3 months before you start trying to conceive. It can help prevent major birth defects. You can take Folic acid in form of tablet but you can find it in many foods as well. Leafy greens, citruses and beans are natural sources of Folic acid. Most the women need pill though to get recommended daily amount which is 400 micrograms.

Some of the supplements contains Folate which is only different form of Vitamin B9. Folate is naturally occurring form of Vitamin B9.

Folic acid is a synthetic form of Vitamin B9, also known as pteroylmonoglutamic acid.

 

  1. Stop smoking, drinking alcohol and using certain drugs
  • Smoking can make it harder to get pregnant as it can affect egg quality. It can also can raise problems as miscarriage, premature birth or low birth weight.
  • Alcohol can sometimes make it harder to get pregnant and as you may not know you are already pregnant it is better to give up before you start trying. Drinking during pregnancy can raises chances of birth defects and learning problems.
  1. Avoid toxic substances and chemicals in environment

Harmful chemicals are in many products which we use every day, it is important to reduce exposure to this chemical as it can affect your fertility and can be also unsafe during pregnancy. You can find them in everyday products such as cleaning products, house paint, perfumes, makeups, beauty product as moisturizer, shampoos hair color and others.

Canned food can be lined with BPA (chemical found in plastic which can leach into food, it is concern for fertility and development of babies). Is better use fresh fruit and veggies but it can contain pesticides so wash it thoroughly before use or buy organic.

 

  1. Maintain healthy life style
  • Being physically active before and during pregnancy has many benefits. Try get into habit of regular moderate exercise. Avoid high-level workouts that leave you overheated and exhausted. Aim to be as close to your recommended ideal weight as possible before conceiving.
  • Eat healthy and balanced diet including variety of whole grains, fruit and vegetable. Don’t eat large fish as shark, swordfish, tilefish and mackerel because they contain high levels of mercury. Mercury has been associated with reduced pregnancy rates. Drink lots of water, hydration is very important during preconception and pregnancy. Limit or omit coffee, caffeinated tea and drinks.

 

  1. Maintain healthy weight

Being underweight can make it harder to get pregnant, but being overweight can also cause problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy. In both cases, women trying to get pregnant can experience greater difficulty to conceive and are at higher risk for miscarriage.
Your normal body mass index (BMI) should be between 18-24. You can calculate it by your self. BMI = WEIGHT (kg) / HEIGHT (m2)

 

  1. Get mentally healthy

Trying to conceive can be exiting but also incredibly overwhelming time. To manage mental health when trying to conceive don’t put too much pressure on yourself and don’t try to change too many things at once also practice self-care. Find your people is also good idea. Connect with people with similar interest such as online support group.

 

  1. Doctor and dentist check up
  • Check with doctor test vaccines you need and needs to be done before getting pregnant. Manage and control any health conditions which you have before getting pregnant.
  • See your dentist as pregnancy raises chances of gum disease. This health problem could also make early labor, miscarriage or preeclampsia more likely. Regular brushing, flossing and seeing your dentist can cut risk of miscarriage by up to 70%.

 

  1. Detox your body

Pre-pregnancy detox is good idea as it improve your fertility and pregnancy. Detox helps you get pregnant faster as it can improve egg quality and environment of your womb is much healthier for conception. The reward of detoxing is worth it. Babies today are born pre-polluted. Detox should be done before trying to get pregnant. There are many herbs used for Detox which may be contraindicated in pregnancy. You shouldn’t be cleansing with any herbs while trying to get pregnant. You can absolutely cleanse with dietary practices and teas.

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Essential Oils for fertility

Essentials oils are calming and revitalizing which may help with functioning of reproductive system. Fertility essentials oils are intended to have a calming and revitalizing influence that may help improve the functioning of your reproductive system. Essentials oils can be helpful when you trying to conceive but be careful which essentials oils you are using. Since they are considered ‘natural’, many assume they are all safe to use but it’s important to be aware of the risks of some essentials oils and use only essentials oils which are right for you. Especially when you become pregnant essentials oils should be used with caution and only under the guidance of healthcare practitioners.

How to use essentials oils?

It depends on the type of oil you are using and reason you are using it. But generally it can be used topically (diluted with a carrier oil) or through aromatherapy (diffuser).

Many plants have toxic components which can cause allergies or irritation, particularly when used in the wrong way. Essentials oils shouldn’t be applied directly to your skin.

Which essentials oils should you use when you are trying to conceive?

Sandalwood Oil

Sandalwood has been used as an aphrodisiac and overall fertility helper. It’s been suggested that this oil can boost testosterone in men, but it may even be an aphrodisiac for women.

Geranium oil

Geranium oil can be helpful to balance hormones. It is used to help with estrogen production and restoring progesterone if needed. Geranium oil has soothing effects which can  reduce anxiety and boost mood. This can be helpful when you are trying to conceive, especially for those with PCOS as it’s good for balancing hormones. It is also known to detoxify the lymphatic system and tone the uterus. Geranium oil may also reduce anxiety during labor.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil can be a strong soother. It has numerous health benefits, including fertility. Its the refreshing aroma has been known to energize the body and alleviate headaches.

Lavender oil

Lavender oil is used to lower cortisol levels in our body and it appears to have a calming impact on the nervous system. It can also help to regulate sleep, promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and promote a feeling of calm allowing our mind to reach a state of peace. Stress and fertility are inextricably linked. Therefore using lavender oil can be really helpful. It promotes overall well being so that life’s stresses don’t impact conception goals.

Ylang ylang oil

Ylang ylang oil is often used for its aphrodisiac qualities.  This may not affect your fertility directly, but it may help you navigate your busy sex schedule. Ylang ylang oil has also been shown to help with menstrual cramps and other unwanted symptoms of menstruation.  Some studies also investigated how it can boost self-esteem and mental health, because both of this factors are affecting fertility.

Citrus oils (lemon, orange, tangerine and grapefruit)

Citrus oils have been known to increase energy and improve mood.  But they can be also helpful for fertility.  They support kidney and liver function. It has been also shown that they can alleviate anxiety during labour.

Frankincense oil

Frankincense oil is also known as the “king of oils”. This oil has many health benefits including reducing inflammation and supporting immunity. Studies shows its benefits such as balancing hormones, boosting libido and promoting digestion.  Frankincense oil can also help tone the uterus which can increase chances of a successful implantation. It’s also considered one of the essential oils for IVF that is safe to use.

Clary Sage oil

Clary Sage oil helps to regulate hormones naturally and assists with preparing the uterus for pregnancy.

Fennel oil

Fennel oil can help with regulating of menstrual cycle.

Bergamot oil

Bergamot Oil holds a graceful, fruity aroma with a slight balsamic undertone. Bergamot oil has powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Its fragrance helps to support relaxation, relieving the stress of muscles and joints.  Bergamot oil can be also powerful anti-depressant and stimulant. It supplies you with joy, helps you to feel refreshed and energized since it improves the circulation. It has also digestive benefits. It increases gastric juice secretion, enhances peristaltic movement of the intestine, which relieves constipation. It is also analgesic, anti-spasmodic and it has sedative effects.

Oregano oil

Oregano oil can help your partner with sperm mobility, which is one of the defining factors when it comes to male fertility. Oregano appears to have a positive effect on getting sperms to swim when used as part of IVF treatment.

Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus oil appears to have a positive effect on male fertility by improving the mobility and vitality of sperm.