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Turning back your ovarian clock

 

A healthy egg (ovum) is the basis of conception. Without this essential component, a viable pregnancy is not possible. Egg health is related to a number of factors including: a woman’s age, genetics, exposure to environmental toxins, nutrition, drug and alcohol consumption, stress, blood and oxygen flow, and hormonal balance. Because a woman is born with all of the eggs she will ever possess, lifestyle factors beginning as early as birth can have a direct impact on the health and quality of her eggs. Moreover, the home to the eggs- the ovaries, are also impacted by these lifestyle factors. Each month at ovulation, chance of conception is based upon both the health of the egg and the ovarian environment in which the egg developed.

Ovarian reserve is another fundamental factor linked to fertility. Ovarian reserve refers to a woman’s current supply of eggs within her ovaries and is closely associated with reproductive potential. In general, the greater the number of eggs remaining, the better the chance for conception. As a woman ages, her supply diminishes over time, reducing her fertility, until all of the eggs are depleted at menopause.

The Good News…….

But what most women don’t know, is that there are things you can do to help support the health of the ovaries and eggs, but it must be done for at least 90 days to have an impact. During the cycle of an eggs journey towards ovulation there is a window of opportunity, a period of time when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation.

1. Blood Flow and Proper Oxygenation
Blood flow and proper oxygenation is key to healthy ovaries and healthy eggs.. Blood flow can become impaired from stress, lack of exercise, dehydration. To increase blood flow to the ovaries follow these suggestions:
a. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can cause your blood to become thick and decrease circulation in the body, as well as many other issues. Make sure to drink purified water that is NOT bottled in plastic.
b. Move! Brisk walks, jogging, swimming, hiking, yoga, the elliptical, spinning, pilates- find something you enjoy doing, and do it regularly.  While some clinicians advise against overexertion while trying to conceive, it is generally recommended that patients engage in mild to moderate aerobic activity.  Not only does it move your blood, it reduces stress which also encourages blood flow to your reproductive organs.
c. Get Fertility Massage or Learn Self Massage Techniques
Massage is great for increasing blood flow to the reproductive system. You can have a massage therapist perform abdomen massage or find a therapist who specializes in fertility or Maya abdominal massage. There are also self massage techniques that you can learn that you can do on your own at home to encourage blood flow to your ovaries and uterus.
d. Acupuncture and Moxibustion!

2. Nutrition
Top foods for egg health

• Royal Jelly
• Maca
• FertiliGreens
• Broccoli
• Berries
• Dark Leafy veggies

• Halibut
• Salmon
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sesame seeds
• Turmeric
• Ginger

Foods that may damage egg health

• Cigarettes
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Sugar
• Non-organic meats and dairy

• Soda
• Low fat diet
• Processed Foods
• Trans Fats
• GMO Foods
3. Supplements
a. Take a multivitamin, antioxidants and L-arginine

Summary
Supporting egg health is important for every woman who is preparing for conception, especially as we get older. There are many things you can do to help support and protect your egg health, but they must done consistently on a daily basis for at least 90 days to have the best effect. At Reproductive Wellness San Diego we recommend basic steps to our patients wanting to improve their reproductive health:
1. Increase circulation to the reproductive system with massage, exercise and drinking water.
2. Encourage hormone balance.
3. Eat a nutrient dense diet and use supporting supplements such as antioxidants, multivitamin, L Arginine and fertility superfoods
4. Create a ‘stress support system’ to help you reduce stress and have a healthier response when stressful situations happen.
 

If you are ready to start turning your ovarian clock:
1. Like us on facebook. We share a lot of great health and wellness tips to help you live a better life. http://on.fb.me/19isQBK
2. Enter your name and email to get our free e-book called Fertility Guide which will answer many of the questions you have about natural healing modalities. http://on.fb.me/11eNT3g
3. If you would like to talk about your health concerns with our practitioners, Call our office at 858 381 2281. We offer Complimentary First Consultations.

 

Tamara Roe, LAc

To know more about Tamara.  If you would like to discuss your case with her, please call Reproductive Wellness at 858 381 2281

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