Diet, lifestyle, emotional stress, functional health imbalances and environmental exposures play a huge role in our increasing fertility issues in this modern world.
Our governments and large agencies are monitoring this (e.g. the CDC National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals) and world authorities in health, toxicology, environment, medicine, nutrition, and alternative health are all speaking out regarding our increasing body burden of chemicals impacting fertility among all mammals. Add to this poor lifestyle choices, an increasingly stressful life, and widespread malnutrition despite surplus calories and you are looking at a big mess. Our fertility is a telling tale.
It is so sad to me that we are struggling with our health and fertility often unawares that this is one of the consequence to our actions in our world as a species. It is not your fault, nor mine; but of all of us to some degree. Pollution, pesticides and herbicides on our food, synthetic additives in our food, chlorine and flouride in our water and swimming pools (for good reason; but a downside), the after effect of our use of medication and hormonal contraception, processed food, unclean water, electromagnetic radiation and wi-fi, heavy metals used ubiquitously in industry as well as for example mercury in amalgams, aluminium in vaccines or copper in pipes and lead in old paints, a cosmetic, toiletry and cleaning industry that is unregulated, the use of non-stick coating in cookware. The list goes on and on.
Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals Affect Reproductive Health
Obstetricians–gynecologists cannot afford to ignore the growing body of research suggesting that common chemicals can affect reproductive health, according to Marya Zlatnik, MD…. read on….here
My own heart sinks a bit thinking about it all. I can only do so much to protect my own health and that of those I love. My knowledge about it all can bring sadness, OR
I CAN CHOOSE TO DO WHAT I CAN, and advice clients to make simple manageable changes. To do something, which is more than nothing. To step by step clean up our lives and environment in the ways that are acceptable to each one of us as an individual and trust that this is ok. The stress of trying to do it all is too much; so making heavy hitting changes is a good place to start…. and then keep evolving from there.
The female reproductive system is a sensitive gauge of health; and the male reproductive system similarly so. Sperm however are remarkably sensitive to environmental exposure to fertility impacting toxins, to stress and to nutritional deficiencies coupled with oxidative stress.
In essence our fertility problems are a big shout out to us to pay heed to something that is going on. Mother nature is smart. Whether we have structural and physical issues going on, or imbalances within the body or from our external world our fertility success tells a story and gives us a nudge to go deeper…. for our own benefit and that of our offspring.
Infertility, reproductive issues, menstrual cycle problems, sperm health and many male and female health conditions can often be directly related to diet, lifestyle and stress.
Stress can be physical, emotional, chemical, electrical/ electromagnetic, or infectious for example. I am not using the word “stress” lightly to say that you must chill out; stress in the body is a very real thing impacting hormones in multiple body systems.
Whether you decide to try for a baby “all natural”, or with assisted reproductive technologies I highly recommend exploring your health balance, nutritional adequacy, hormonal balance and multiple organ function (did you know that gut, liver and gall bladder, thyroid and adrenal health for example are related to hormone balance?), and exposure to environmental anti-fertility “factors”.
A multi pronged approach that combines the very best of traditional medicine and holistic medicine is recommended. Get the medical tests, speak to the experts, explore your nutrition and lifestyle with an expert, get functional diagnostic tests done to explore other suspected imbalances, seek advice on how to clean up your home and environment. You can achieve such a lot with the support and guidance of people who know how to put the whole picture together.
It sounds like a lot; pretty overwhelming to be honest. But seeking the right support system can take the burden off and allow you all to work together as a team.
To make the changes that you are ready for and go from there.
No change won’t achieve much so yes you may need to make some changes, and perhaps consider exploring your daily routine, the foods you eat, the exercise that you are taking and maybe also shedding a few pounds. It may be recommended to up-skill how you deal with stress or how you cook your meals, and it may be worth adding in some helpful therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology, yoga and mindfulness. And you know what? All of this is helpful for you in the long-term regarding your health, your partners health and that of your family.
If you like to chat more please do contact me as that is what I am here for; supporting you on the journey. Even if all you want to do is pick my brains for a bit and continue on on your unique journey. It is a pleasure to help.
Andrea x
PS I know that it is all easier said that done. It is not. This is a very personal issue and experts butting in on your journey can feel invasive and unwanted. There are so many emotions wrapped up in all of this, never mind the dance that we get invited to with shame and guilt when something isn’t working in our bodies. I’ve experienced a lot personally. A menstrual cycle that was “stuck” for a long time. Experts saying it was x,y,z when I had a deep feeling it was something entirely different: a safety and trust thing. I had a gut feeling always that a perforated appendix op as a kid created damage and that for me children wasn’t a part of my journey. So I got on with it. I have a greater desire to help others, support others, and sort of be the mother to many if this makes sense.
But I did also go through the heartache of an ectopic so I feel the pain now also of not only the women told that they cannot have children, but of those that face losing / or have lost a child also. So many women silently carry this pain. Often many painful miscarriage losses.
This knowing has opened my heart even more, and given me a greater desire to use my knowledge of medicine, functional medicine, herbs/ supplements, and science, my wisdom from 20 years working with clients, and my love which gets channelled in my energy healing work. If you feel nudged to work with me please do. Spirit babies have a way to guide us that I can hear; your body speaks volumes in what he/ she needs in support and the love of the universe wants your dreams to be achieved. Love, Andrea.
