F is for Fertility

  F is for Fertility and fertility as defined in the dictionary as: the state of being fertile, and fertile is a person capable of producing off spring.

Fertility is also a relationship about parenting and communication.

Although, I did not have trouble conceiving, I have been interested in things revolving around fertility and infertility. I am going to college now at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and you are asked to decide on a group to work with. Some people choose obese clients, some women, some men and some more specific. I hope to work with Mothers... mother's that are too busy to eat right, mother's who might feel they let themselves go... and women who want to be mother's but have problems.
 It has been said that since 1995 at least 1 in 6 women of childbearing age has sought professional support for infertility, and now that number is rising.
 Difficulty conceiving a child can be attributed to a number of complex and biological, nutritional and social and emotional factors. Being diagnosed as infertile can lead to emotional and social stresses, There is no guarantee that natural methods of approaching conception will be successful, they can improve your health and self-concept which could lead to fertility but there is no guarantee, as I said.

  Physical causes of difficulty with conception in women usually include: endocrine changes, (age) gynecologic diseases can be a cause because their maybe  scarring of the Fallopian tubes or other reproductive structures, endometriosis, poly cystic ovarian syndrome, antibody production to sperm or STD's even insufficient or excess body weight can be a cause. I have also know hormonal imbalances to be a problem, and anxiety and insufficient estrogen levels.
  Infertility is descibed as the inability to conceive a child after a1 year of trying...( but many try longer than this) Many people who find themselves unable to conceive seek diagnostic tests like: hormone level testing, analysis, examination of the fallopian tubes and ovaries. The natural fertility therapies out there have a goal to enhance overall wellness in both partners, while addressing specific problems. Nutrition and herbs have been shown to improve the success of couples trying to get pregnant. Which is how I became intersted in what I learned at IIN and further research. Many people know about evening primrose, borage oil and flaxseed oil as helpful along with vitamin A , B-complex, folic acid, zinc, magnesium, potassium, selenium and vitamin E. What many women don't know is about the benefits of herbs and diet. As far as diet is believed that lowfat plant based diets can help women from developing polycystic ovary syndrome and or endometriosis.  Meat and poultry contain chemicals such as dioxins, which are known hormone disrupters. Vegetables, on the other hand contain more productive antioxidants. Staying away from a lot of sugar is a great practice too, 1 of the simple sugars in lactose is toxic to the ovaries.
  Optimal fertility is an excellent diet based on minimally processed, natural and organic whole grains, legumes vegetables and fruit and small amounts of dairy, poultry and fish. We also know that moderate exercise on a regular basis is healthy for all of us. Working out as a couple can be very helpful. Acupuncture can be helful too.

* passion flower

The passionflower has special herbal approaches for female reproductive problems.

This is a Chaste tree. The chasteberry herb is said to increase fertility by stimulating the pituitary gland. This gland is responsible for producing sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone and estrosterone.

I have read the book by Francesca Naish's Natural fertility where is suggests finding a qualified herbalist, naturopathic physician, or acupuncturist trained in the use of Chinese herbs. Herbal programs to treat infertility can be expected to take from a few months to a year.

Decreased estrogen levels could be helped with diet and herbs. Legumes are rich in phytoestrogens. Herbs that promote hormone balance and improve fertility include: red clover, Asian ginseng, wild yam and licorice root, to be used in either teas, tintures or capsules.

Endrometriosis- can be associated with difficulty conceivinga nd herbalists have tried Chaste tree ,cramp bark,dandelion root, milk thistle.

Chinese medicine also believes that phlegm-damp foods are to be avoided... such as dairy, ice cream, bread- they also think you should increase chickpea,adzuki beans, millet and barley.

If herbs and accupucture are not for you.. maybe fertility massage is:

many women are struggling to become pregnant when medical techniques have failed them. Fertility massage is a procedure that starts with following the women's monthly cycle and massaging before ovulation, focusing on the abdomen and energy centers which has the potential in assisting conception with or without in vitro fertilization (IVF).

While infertiolity is not a mater of going crazy positive thinking has been associated with impovements in fertility. Excessive stress elevates prolactin a hormone that interferes with regular menstral cycles. Reliable herbs like chamomile, passion flower and lemon balm canb e use in teas to help relax.

Using a natural approach to fertility may it be alone or with a combination of other therapies, give you time to nurture your body, mind and spirit.