How to assess nutritional status when trying to conceive can be daunting. What specific labs should be looked at and what foods should women be eating?
Everyone loves babies! That is why it is extremely frustrating, and sometimes heartbreaking, when couples aren’t able to conceive. The stress alone can be overwhelming making infertility a vicious cycle, as stress can interfere with the ability to get pregnant. How can nutrition help?
One of the biggest problems women may have when they are trying to conceive is high blood sugar and possible insulin resistance. What most people do not realize is that hormones and blood sugar are closely connected. If blood sugar is elevated, this promotes the release of insulin. When insulin is in excess, estrogen and testosterone levels increase, and progesterone is less abundant. Progesterone is known as the pregnancy hormone, as it helps prepare the uterus for pregnancy and will nurture the fetus once conception occurs. So before you pay thousands of dollars for in vitro fertilization, you may want to take a natural approach to getting pregnant by doing the following:
- Schedule a FREE consultation with me to assess possible contributors to infertility, such as abnormal blood chemistry patterns or food sensitivities
- Start eating a low glycemic index diet: diets high in protein and good fats from olive oil, avocado, nuts, coconut oil, etc. and low in sugar/refined carbohydrates (think crackers, pasta, etc.) will promote healthy blood sugar levels
- Supplement with essential fatty acids (EPA-DHA from fish oil) and vitamin D, as this will also promote the production of hormones
I have been fortunate to work with patients who were able to conceive naturally after addressing the above issues. The preparation for one patient in particular started 9-10 months prior to attempting to get pregnant. Having a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), we thought this could be a long road. She had all of her blood chemistries evaluated, had food sensitivities checked to reduce insult on the body, supplemented appropriately, and became pregnant in the first month of trying to conceive. Nine months later I was there to see a perfectly healthy, beautiful baby boy come into this world. So before you consider thousands upon thousands of dollars in fertility drugs, consider WHY you may not be conceiving.
Call 612-708-1676 or visit FunctionalHealthUnlimited.com to request a free consultation!
Dr. Lori Jokinen, DC, CACCP, CFMP
