Natural Fertility: Your Body Detoxification Guide

With increasing numbers of couples experiencing difficulty getting pregnant, society has taken a greater interest in factors affecting a person's fertility. And with the soaring popularity of alternative medicine, it is no surprise that more and more couples are seeking alternatives to traditional infertility treatments. One such option is a body detoxification (or a detox diet), a natural fertility enhancer designed to help your body achieve inner balance.

Indeed, as any experienced gardener will tell you, the quality of the soil is a key factor in predicting the overall health of the vegetation it grows. This same principle can be applied to female fertility: by keeping your body healthy, your eggs will have the best environment in which to become fertilized for pregnancy.

 

Why do a Fertility Detox Diet?

Whether it is through our environment, our food, or the everyday household products we use, each of us is exposed to a variety of toxins on a daily basis – some of which can build up in our bodies over time, leading to health problems down the road. Of particular concern are toxins called "endocrine disruptors." These ubiquitous synthetic compounds can be found in everything from plastic Tupperware, to processed foods, to body lotion. In fact, they are virtually inescapable.

The problem with endocrine disruptors is that they mimic natural hormones produced by our bodies – including female reproductive hormones such as progesterone and estrogen – thereby (as its name suggests) disrupting the natural cycles of the body. Although certain plants can also mimic estrogen, our bodies have adapted over time to moderate their impact. For example, the average half-life of a phytoestrogen (such as those found in soy) is mere minutes, while those found in synthetic compounds have half-lives measured in years, or even decades.

Our bodies have natural detoxification systems in place to cope with toxins, such as our blood, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and skin. These organs’ detox capabilities are so sophisticated, that some experts believe they are actually able to neutralize man-made chemicals. The problem is, there are so many new types of chemicals being introduced to our bodies each day that they can become overwhelmed and therefore unable to do their job.

Although research in the area of the effects that these chemicals have on our bodies is still under way, there is already evidence that these toxins have a wide-range of potential long-term effects, including:

 

  • Infertility
  • Allergies
  • Childhood Cancers
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Autism
  • Mood Disorders

One way to reduce the effects of these chemicals, as well as to improve your body’s ability to fight them off, is by performing a full body detox a few times a year. In this way, you can help your body in a number of ways, including improving your odds of getting pregnant.

Other symptoms that may indicate your body’s need for a detox include:

 

  • headaches, fatigue, weakness
  • muscle/joint aches and pains
  • brain fog, poor concentration, irritability, depression
  • sinus problems, including allergies and stuffy nose
  • skin irritations such as rashes and itching
  • problems with digestion
  • sensitivities to chemicals, foods, drugs

 

How to Perform Body Detoxification

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should not perform a body detox. Always speak with a medical practitioner or naturopath before beginning any detoxification plan.

Fertility Detox Guide for Women

 

  • Replace processed, fatty foods with lean proteins, and eat these with every meal.
  • Limit carb intake to 60 grams per day (or about 15 grams per meal and 7 grams per snack); increase if you exercise vigorously.
  • Begin each day with a mug of boiled water and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Herbal teas are also recommended, particularly peppermint, thyme, and ginger.
  • Replace processed oils with olive, grape, or flax-seed oil, as these have higher smoking points.
  • Do not skip meals, as this can deplete your body of much-needed energy. Also avoid eating after 7pm, so your body will have plenty of opportunity to digest.
  • Be sure to drink 8-10 glasses of filtered water every day.
  • Take a multivitamin rich in calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids, and vitamin C. Also look for foods rich in probiotics, such as organic yogurt.
  • Do some form of moderate exercise, such as walking, for around 30 minutes each day, as sweating also helps rid the body of chemicals.
  • Get a good night's sleep. Ideally, you should try to get to bed no later than 11pm, as this gives your body time to perform its detoxification functions while you sleep. Going to bed at the same time each night also helps to establish cyclical patterns that will lead to better quality sleeps, leading to greater energy during the day.

 

These habits should be practiced daily for a period of two weeks to get the maximum effects. During this period there are certain foods you should avoid, including:

 

  • Packaged and processed foods
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Dairy products
  • Wheat
  • Chocolate and cocoa
  • Condiments (i.e. ketchup, relish, barbecue sauce, soy sauce)
  • Trans Fats, such as those found in shortening, margerine, and processed oils
  • Peanuts
  • Processed meats
  • Salt, in excess
  • Shellfish
  • Soft drinks
  • Sweeteners: refined sugar/white sugar (sucrose), brown sugar, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, maple syrup

You may also experience a variety of the following symptoms during a detox; these are signs that indicate your body is ridding itself of toxins, and generally are no cause for concern. However, if they become worrisome, you should consult a physician.

 

  • Headache
  • Increased sweating
  • Fatigue
  • Moodiness
  • Dry mouth
  • Skin spots, pimples or rashes
  • Constipation

 

After a Detox Diet

After the two week period you should already notice significant changes in the way you’re feeling, including increased energy, better digestion, and overall mood improvement.

At this point, you can either continue with the diet, or you can return (though hopefully not completely) to your previous diet. In order to do that, however, you’ll need to take it slow. Try introducing food groups individually for a couple of days, and then see how you feel. If you don’t notice much of a change, move on to the next. If, however, you notice negative side effects, you may choose to avoid this food altogether.

The most common food allergy sources are: wheat, dairy, corn, and sugar.

 
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