nutrition support for fertility

[SpiralWoman]

Yikes, it's time to take my vitamins again!

SO I wondered about starting a nutrition support thread!

It seems like a lot of us are making changes to help support our fertility & overall health during TTC.

here's the supplements I'm taking:
2TBSP flaxseed oil 1 or 2x daily
multivitamin
extra b complex
minerals (basic & colloidal)

DH is taking about the same, except no flax & extra zinc

Dietarily:
no white flour & sugar (again)
going all organic (again)

Herbs:
drink a brew of 2 ounces Nettle, 1 ounce RRLT, 1 ounce red clover
I steep it in the morning & then dilute it & drink it over ice all day in place of water

Anybody else following any good regimines? Does it make you feel good to be doing something to contribute to TTC or does it make you feel stressed?
I probably have a long way to go dietarily compared to some out there, but I figure if there's ever a time to act on my beliefs (foodwise) now is the time!
I have just gotten "the Fertility Diet" by Fern Riess, has anyone read it? I also heard of "Nutrition & Fertility Cycles" but haven't found it yet.

Blessings to all, maria

[boobykinmamma]

Green tea, or black tea. I read about this in a book on getting pregnant, also on several websites (don't have links, but try a google search). According to studies, women who drank half a cup or more of tea daily (some studies say green tea, others black (with caffeine) doubled their chances of conceiving. They aren't sure why this works--possibly something to do with the antioxidents in the tea. I know caffeine is supposed to be avoided while ttc, but somehow this isn't true of caffeinated tea, and I think those in one of the studies drank up to 4 cups daily. Also, I'm sure this refers to couples with fairly normal fertility. (meaning no pcos, etc). Anyway, I drank green tea for a couple of months before ttc and got pregnant the first month trying (also charting cm but not temp.). Good luck!

[karenpl]

I am doing all kinds of stuff, and it even seems to be working. Just found myself pregnant for the third time in three months, now I just have to hope it's a sticky one this time!!!!

Taking way more vitamins than I ever have, flax seeds, RRL, nettles, red clover blossoms (harvesting all 3 from own back yard, figuring that will add extra positive energy), false unicorn root, wild yam. Hmmm, I think that's about it for supplements.

I cut out all meat, am working on moving away from cow's milk. Still doing some white flour and sugar, but really cutting back on that too. Grind all my whole wheat flour right here at home just before using, which adds quite a lot of nutritional value too, compared to store bought.

I try to do as much organic as I can, is easier in the summer than the winter, because of having garden produce a lot right now.

Yes, it does make me feel like I am DOING something, feeling very good about myself and what I am doing. I mean, there is still lots of room for improvement, but I am not doing badly either.

Fertility vibes to all!

Karen

[SpiralWoman]

Hi karen-
here's hoping this one is very sticky!- are u still taking the FUR & wild yam now that u are pregnant? Both r listed in my Susun Weed Herbal as miscarraige preventers.
That is great that u r able to wildcraft your herbs. I have a big yard but in an urban area & I'm too afraid of pestcides & road residue to go looking around here. So I buy @ the local natural foods store or @ Wild Oats. I think you are definitely gettin xtra healing nutrients from those herbs that grow closest to you. An herbalist I know told me that the weeds growing closest to you are the ones you need the most- too bad my yard is full of crab grass this time of year!
I am trying very hard to focus on eating nutritious foods, and trying to put as much time & energy into it as I can, or as is needed. I feel like by putting this 1st on my priorities I am trying to give myself the "juice" I need to take care of the rest of life.
blessings, maria

[EnviroBecca]

I've been taking vitex for 3 months. After reading more about it recently (thanks to whoever posted helpful links!) I increased my dosage from 40 to 100 mg/day. It's supposed to work slowly to bring hormones into balance.... I haven't had a period since before I started it (not so unusual for me ) but I had eggwhite mucus all weekend and now my breasts are starting to hurt, so I'm pretty sure I ovulated finally! It's strange that this happened during the weekend when we were moving (only a few blocks away, but we have a lot of stuff!) and I was all stressed out, but perhaps I just thrive on stress; it's certainly seemed that way before!

Anyway. I had been taking flaxseed oil but stopped 2 months ago after a series of dizzy spells and one actual faint; I read that flax (like many of the other herbs recommended for fertility) can lower blood pressure, and I already have very low blood pressure normally. When I am done moving and can afford to lose some time to dizziness, I may try it again.

I take a regular multivitamin with iron every day when I haven't eaten fortified cereal, or a plain iron supplement when I have. I take an extra 200 mg folic acid daily. I take an extra Vitamin E and a zinc (which isn't in my multi) a few times a week. I take calcium with breakfast because I've heard other supplements can interfere with it; I take the others when brushing teeth at night.

Before the moving process started, I had switched from coffee to tea. With all the late nights recently, I've needed coffee once a day to keep alert, but I'm still drinking tea the rest of the day (1-2 cups) so I'm better than before switching when I drank 2-4 cups of coffee a day. Within a few weeks, I expect to be back to tea only. BTW, the studies boobykinmama mentioned found that tea was beneficial at 1/2 cup to 9 cups per day, so don't drink >9 cups a day even if you can!

I gave up meat for Lent this year, and since then I've been eating a lot less of it than before (1 or 2 servings a week, counting poultry and seafood as meat) because I realized how little I really felt I "needed" it. I'm eating more nuts and beans to get my protein. I eat tofu or soy-based veggie burgers 2-3 times a week, but when I start to feel noticeably estrogenic then I don't have any soy foods for a few days to keep from getting too much estrogen, which can undermine fertility according to some things I've read. We've been increasing the proportion of our food that's organic over the last several years. I'm mostly eating healthier snacks: raisins, cashews, yogurt, etc. rather than candy or chips. I still have a huge weakness for icecream, but we've started buying only the all-natural kind, and hey it does contain calcium and protein and some B-vitamins!

Unlike previous attempts to improve my nutrition, I found these changes easy to adopt and easy to maintain (until I got out of control w/moving...but even so, I've managed to hold in my brain the current location of my supplements and to remember to take them when I have a chance!). I take that as a sign that I'm truly ready to be serious about TTC. It feels good to be "doing something" to prepare, and aside from the dizzy spells all of this has made me feel better physically, so even if I don't conceive soon I think it will continue to feel worthwhile.

[zac'smom]

I've been taking a multivitamin, drinking some tea, trying to reduce stress, sleep more, trying to figure out a diet, have been eating less sugar, more veggies, and trying to move away from white flour. Have appreciated other's answers because I am new to these diet changes

[velveeta]

Hey Maria,

Is that tea you make good tasting? I was just wondering. I drink a lot of rooibos tea (red herbal). It is naturally a bit sweet and I really like it. It's also very high in antioxidant activity.

About the flaxseed oil that you are taking... You mentioned that you are taking 2TBS 2x daily, right? I was reading yesterday that if you get diarrhea, you are taking too much. So this is just to let you know, if you start to get diarrhea, just cut your dosage of the flaxseed oil down a bit. I don't mean that to sound rude, just a tip, KWIM?

All the food you all have mentioned is making me hungry!!

I have eaten almost a whole coffecake by myself today. How did this happen!?

Jean

[SpiralWoman]

Hi everybody!

Hi Jean-
hey thanks for the tip on the flaxseed oil. I actually just read in "The Fertility Diet" that flax seeds are *not* good for fertility & I was just going to ask you about it. I actually probly don't ever get a full 4TBSP a day in, bcz I use a regular tablespoon & don't fill it up cause it's so spilly. I try to take it in the morn, so if I forget @ night, then I didn't miss, but then I take it again @ night if I remember in case I forgot to take it in the AM, kwim? Maybe I should work on my precision. I was actually taking Flaxseed oil before I started my TTC supplements for the terrible psoriasis I have, it's supposed to be super benificial for that Omega3,6 & all that, yada yada. So, I HATE getting conflicting info from differnt sources, but I have seen multiple places that flaxseed oil is beneficial, & only this 1 place that it is to be avoided- sigh.

about the tea I drink, I have a sweet tooth, but not for drinks. The tea I brew up is pretty "green" tasting, if that means anything to you, earthy some might say. DH proclaims it to taste like dirt. He says the same thing about the skin on a baked potato, which he refuses to eat. ("they taste like they were in dirt" Isn't that precious? bless his poor little nutrient deprived soul) So you can see where he's coming from. We are in the SOUTH, where tea is sweet or un & iced is a given. The RRL is particularly objectionable, even to me, but I am more accustomed to the nettles taste & actually like it, & the red clover is supposed to be synergystic with the other 2, so in it goes. hence, the 2 parts nettles, 1 part RRL, 1 part red clover. Did I mention I use a french coffee press to make it? Since it is all loose leaf this is absolutely the easiest: they are inexpensive & there is no straining involved. You just put in the loose teas, pour boiling water & I let it steep from 30 mins to a hour, then you press down from the top & the plunger catches all the little tea leaves & compresses tham down to the bottom, making lovely tea! Highly recomended technique! This makes about 1 quart & I sip it all day over ice, which also dilutes it & mitigates any too strong taste. Is your tea loose leaf or bags? I used to love the Red Zinger Celesteal Seasonings with Hibiscus & it has a natural sweetness that I do like.

Regarding coffee cake- YUM, can't blame you! I myself indulged in one of those BIG hershey's bars that cost $2. I was @ the drugstore picking up my clomid Saturday nite & there was a big stack of 'em by the register ON SALE for .99. WELL. . . shall we say that was a sign from above? So I ate almost half Sat nite & DH finished all but 2 squares today. He saved 'em for me. Also in "the Fertiltiy Diet" book, I read that chocolate is good for sperm, so he is to be encouraged!

blessings, maria

[velveeta]

Thanks for the tea tips, Maria. I had never thought of using a coffee press. That sounds really easy. I have both tea bags and loose tea, but seldom use the loose tea because it is so hard to deal with!

About the flaxseed oil again... I still think that it is a good idea, and here is why...

Omega 3s are an *essential* part of the diet (hence the name, essential fatty acid!) and should not be considered a supplement. They are considered essential because they help to keep the cell wall structures of all the cells in your body pliant and supple, but strong. They maintain proper organ function in this way -- fewer blockages, normal flow of fluids -- that sort of thing.

Now, you can get Omega 3s from a variety of sources -- flaxseed, hempseed, enriched eggs, cold water fish...

I like flaxseed the best because it is very affordable, and vegetarian. I may post more about this as I research more. I have strong feelings about following your intuition when it comes to eating, and I am not sure that grinding flaxseeds is in alignment with that idea. For now, I am eating it (and giving it to my doggerinos). But, I am also eating DHA Omega 3 enriched eggs from Whole Foods.

There are sources of Omega 3 that can be a problem if you are pregnant -- evening primrose oil. Now, I don't know whether or not EFAs are naturally occuring in EPO or if they are added to make a health blend of some kind. I know that you should avoid that, though because it can stimulate the uterus and encourage menstruation.

Andrew Weil has some good info on his site about Omega 3s -- http://www.drweil.com .

Great thread! I feel like I have a lot to learn, but at the same time, I know that my intuition is going to guide me to the right foods.

Jean

[zac'smom]

my local book store doen't have "Fertility Diet" I hate to order a book without skimming through it first to see if I will like it... Can anyone give me a quick review...

I agree about the conflicting advice,,, went to a naturopathic doctor this week for the first time, and was bummed because the advice was you have to stop nursing to get pregnant and there is nothing I can do to help you, there, and then proceeded to talk about my asthma and how to help me with that, despite my saying several times it wasn't the problem I was there for

wish there was a good book that integrated all the different philosophies

[SpiralWoman]

hi everybody

so good to see all the replies.

As far as a review of "the Fertility Diet" by Fern Reiss, I'm not very thrilled with it. In addition to some conflicting info, I didn't find it very inspiring. It does have lots of good looking recipes, though. I am currently searching for "Fertility Cycles & Nutrition" by Shannon Miller. I might go ahead & order it on line, but I usually like to get a little "hit" off the book on the shelf to see what I think. I need to try the library, too. BTW both the above books are mentioned on Fertileheart.com, Julia Indichova's website.

blessings, maria

[crat19]

SpiralWoman: Can u (or any1 else too!) tell me what "FUR" is? I think I *may* have implantation spotting and, considering that I have low progest levels, I would like to try *anything* that would be helpful in keeping this one in there!! I'm currently taking vitex and using progesterone cream, but even with those, my temps are barely hovering above my coverline and include a dip below the cl yesterday when I started spotting. I remember reading thru this msg brd that a temp dip at implantation is not rare, and does happen normally with some women. But I'm concerned that my temps aren't high enough above the cl.

So, can any1 recommend a miscarriage preventative considering low progesterone levels? Thank you soooo very much!

~Crat19

[SpiralWoman]

FUR=False Unicorn Root

Hi Crat-
I just read your post on 2ww also. Here is some info I have gleaned, but why don't you also call your midwife if you've been working with one & see what she thinks is going on, ok? How did you 7dpo progesterone turn out? did they offer you progest supllements or suppositories? maybe it is too early for that, I have a friend you used them from week 5-week 18!

1st- my Susun Weed book says FUR is a "powerful & positive uterine tonic" but it also says, (of FUR & Dong Quai) it is " too powerful in their effect on the uterus to be used during prenancy without professional advice", so I am leaving it alone unless I go to an herbalist. That is me.
also- the herbal section of my Nutritional Healing book says Vitex (chaste tree berry) is contraindicated during pregnancy & not to be given to children. I am not taking vitex & I have heard great things about it, but personally, unless I had advice of an herbalist, I would not take it after ovulation.
There are probably others here with more experience with those 2 herbs that can give their experience.

As far as progesterone: "The Fertility Diet" suggest eating lots of true yams (not sweet potatos) pre-o to have good progest. post -o, something abut it working the way clomid does, more ovulation, more progesterone. I don't know think it has an effect in the luteal phase.
I am worried about that myself bcz last cycle I only had 11 dpo b4 AF & my post-o temps were up & down a bit. If your bright red spotting was implantationon day 6, the implanted ovum will send out HCG to tell the corpus luteum to make MORE progesterone. MEDICAL THEORY: If the corpus luteum is somehow compromised (how?why?), it might not respond, hence the need for extra progesterone to keep the lining from shedding. In what form the progest is given I am not sure. You probably already know all this, but I want you to know where I am coming from. I say that your temps being lowish indicates it's possible you have low pregest, but the test will say for sure. Your temps might be low bcz of additional estrogen in your system supressing the temps.
I know you are probably going nuts, bcz i would be, & I hope this helpd a little!
blessings & sticky baby dust, maria

[crat19]

Thanks Maria! This info DID help. I called my nurse pract a couple days ago (i've been having trouble posting here on the msg boards or I woulda posted this earlier...) and she actually pulled out a book to look up what vitex does. Her response wasn't very satisfying so I think I'm going to try to find a naturopath to help me out. I found a lady in the phone book that seems to specialize in hormonal imbalances and menopause so I think I'll try calling her first.

I'm going to call my insurance co to ask specifically what is covered for my fertility stuff. my dr said that a lot of times, the ins covers treatments earlier than 1 year and she thinks mine may be one of those. If so, I think I may consider the progest supp, based upon my 7dpo results....my temps are kinda flatlining at 98.4 (i'm about 8-9dpo now) and not increasing any more. my coverline is 97.9, according to babymed...fertility friend didn't pick up my coverline or ovulation :

Thanks again Maria for all your help, insightful information and support!

~Crat19

[Rebekah]

Last month I was natural just to see what happened. (drank some rrl tea and take vit e and a prenatal). Still had a good chart but hardly any AF to speak of and it was all black like lining. no red at all. also didn't have any ewcm. also, no alchohol. extremely little caffeine (some chocolate every now and then), decaf green tea, lots of fresh juices including wheat grass, lots of water, as much organic as possible, and no meat.

this month, i'm adding evening primrose oil to see if that gives me ewcm. B6 to see if that helps with AF, and vitex (but in a low dose).

[zac'smom]

Which are the right herbs to help induce ovulation?? I'm getting confused, by what to take before, vs after??
also what about soy products? I read that it increases estrogen,, should I be avioding them at any point in my cycle?

[SpiralWoman]

Hi everybody!

So how is everybody? I have been feeling alot better physically. I have really been on this improved eating kick for I'd say almost a month now & I am really noticing a difference. I have lost about 5 lbs & a friend thinks my face is slimmer. I don't think I've lost enough weight for my face to slim down, but I do think I might be less puffy or something. I do feel generally lighter & def more regular. I am not strictly adhering to this food thing, I have had chocolate, diet coke a couple times, ice cream, & a couple sausage, egg, & cheese biscuits. But 90% of the time I am eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, & lots of beans, too. I think beans are a miracle. Also, I eat just fruit for bfast almost every morning. I think that is "Fit for Life" thing, which I read a milliion years ago. Even though I read alot about protein with every meal & needing complex card in the am for blood sugar, the only fruit in AM is working really well for me. I think it's really helping me with the elimination, if ya know what I mean! Maybe my needs will change with the seasons, who knows.

I am getting my tea in almost everyday as well. I think it's very supportive & strengthening to the system. It might be helping to cut down on cravings too bcz I'm getting my nutrients.

hi Zac'smoma- it is confusing, isn't it? The latest thing I've read that I can pass along is that true yams (not sweet potatoes) eaten before ovulation are supposed to be helpful for ovulation. This based on a tribe in Africa that eats all these yams & has way more twins than the normal population. So, it might increase multiple ovulation, but will it cause ovulation when there isn't any? I don't think you can assume so.
What I am doing is betting that if I support my body with good nutrition, my body will be better able to do what it is designed to do: ovulate every 28-30 days & make a happy place & grow baby!
I hope that helps. I have had a lifetime of pretty bad eating, & have tried to change it many times, so I know how hard it is! This time I feel really good though!

blessings to all, maria

[zac'smom]

Congrats to Spiral woman on 5 lbs!!!! That is awesome, I too have a life time of bad eating that I am trying to change, and hope my son's life will always be good eating!!!

One thing I am trying is to buy something organic healthy that I have never tried before each time I go to the store

Thanks for the info on Yams !!! I will add them to my shopping list... twins would be an extra treat, we want to have a medium size family, but don't have alot of years of fertility ahead,,, Right now one more would be awesome

I bought red zinger tea today but have had trouble finding RRL tea, is there a good main order place anyone can suggest?

[SpiralWoman]

Hi ZacsMom-
I get the RRL, red clover, & nettles in the bulk herb section @ our Wild Oats store. It is just loose herbs, not in tea bags.
good Idea getting one new thing each time you shop. I brought home swiss chard yesterday, and found I already had the smae thing in the crisper! Oops, guess I'm definitely having that tonite!
blessings, Maria

[OceanMomma]

Hey Spiral Woman! ( love your user name )

I just thought I'd share my herb tea recipe. I'm not ttc right now ( am bf tho') & I got this recipe out of a natural pregnancy book. I drunk it when I was ttc & when I was pregnant. It's similar to yours but tastes nicer IMO

2 pts red raspberry leaf
2 pts nettle
1 pt oatstraw
1/2 pt alfalfa
1/2 pt rosehip
1/4 pt red clover
1/4 pt spearmint