babymaking takes guts!

Trying to conceive? Fertility is supported by optimal health, and because gut health plays a key role in achieving it, it is important to maintain a healthy balance of gut microflora before conception.  Improving gut function helps the body to absorb and assimilate the nutrients we eat, respond effectively to stress, and strengthen and calm the immune system.  These factors are essential for fertility because of the way the gastrointestinal (GI) system interacts with other body systems critical for conception. 

A healthy gut plays a major role in immunity and stress response.  The enteric nervous system (ENS) is located in the GI tract and is literally a “second brain,” which sends out nine messages to the brain for every one message the brain sends to the gut.  The notion of “gut sense” is a physiological reality--we really do think with our gut!  In addition, the state of our gut can have a direct impact on (and be impacted by) the ways our body deals with stressors. Stress is often cited as a major cause of infertility, perhaps because of the impact it has on the production and circulation of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, FSH, LH, GABA, and seratonin (and the list goes on)—all of these hormones play a part in supporting fertility.

Not only that, 60-70% of our immune system cells are located in and around the GI tract as gut-associated lymphatic tissue, or GALT.  There is a direct link between the state of our immune system and our fertility.  For example, women with endometriosis often experience compromised GI health, and systemic inflammation can prevent a fertilized egg from implanting (or even cause miscarriage).  A strong immune system is resistant to inflammation, and protects the body from damage from infection and other physiological stresses.  A stressed immune system can signal to the body that it is not a good time for conception and pregnancy.

Pickled veggies

If you’re trying to conceive, be sure you’re including probiotic foods and beverages in your diet.  These include miso, yogurt, kefir, kim chee, sauerkraut, fermented pickles (and other pickled vegetables), and kombucha.  Probiotic herbs include dandelion and burdock root (also known as gobo). If you need to increase the amount of probiotics beyond what’s provided in your diet—for example, if you’ve been taking antibiotics, or your immune system is compromised—probiotic supplements are helpful.  But be sure to purchase them from the refrigerated section and to watch the expiration date.  Remember, bacteria are living beings—most probiotics found on the shelves are “dead” long before we get the chance to ingest them.

There are other ways to improve gut function for better health and in preparation for pregnancy and birth: 

hooping = better circulation = improved gut health

• Eliminate food allergens (common allergens include dairy, wheat/gluten, soy) that trigger the immune system
• Engage in movement, that stimulates abdominal and pelvic circulation—yoga, belly dance, walking, hoola hooping
• Add more aromatic spices (like cayenne, ginger, cardamom, fennel and mint) to your meals

More good news: the benefits of a healthy gut extend past conception and pregnancy and have an impact on babies’ health!  Bacteria (microflora) are located not only in our gut, but are concentrated in other areas of the body, including the vaginal canal and on the surface of the skin. When there is a healthy balance of flora in the vagina, there is a decreased chance of infection and inflammation which negatively impacts fertility, pregnancy and birth.  With a strong presence of beneficial microflora, we create a body environment that provides our babies their first inoculations against infection and other immune conditions like eczema, allergies and asthma later in life.

Need more directed support in increasing your fertility, supporting a healthy pregnancy, or simply improving your overall health and wellness?  Seeing an herbalist for a one-on-one consultation is a great way to start.  Contact me!