When it comes to getting your body ready for fertility, it's easy to focus solely on diet and exercise. While these are undoubtedly important, there's another crucial aspect you shouldn't overlook: detoxifying from harmful toxins. These toxins can be found not only in your food and environment but also in everyday products you use, including tampons. Did you know that tampons, often made from cotton and rayon, are classified as "medical devices" by the FDA? Surprisingly, manufacturers aren't required to disclose all ingredients. Many mainstream tampons contain harmful substances like plastics ..read more

Have you noticed terms like "glucose spike" and "blood glucose imbalance" popping up everywhere? It's no surprise, given how our modern diet and lifestyle have impacted our blood sugar levels. That’s why we’re excited to introduce Theia, a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) that tracks your glucose levels 24/7. Theia is a tiny, discreet device worn on your arm, providing information on how foods, sleep, and lifestyle choices affect your glucose—and your overall health. CGMs are invaluable not only for those with diabetes or prediabetes but also for anyone looking to maintain optimal health, esp ..read more

Male fertility is a vital aspect of reproductive health, yet it often receives less attention than female fertility. By understanding the factors that influence sperm health and the impact of aging and modifiable lifestyle factors, men can take proactive steps to optimize their fertility.   Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT): An Overview Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a treatment aimed at supplementing testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism, a condition characterized by low testosterone (1). Steroid use often increases the likelihood of hypogonadism (2). Symptoms of l ..read more

Inflammation is a buzz word in the functional health space. You may be asking yourself, what does it actually mean? And what does it have to do with my fertility? “Inflammation” commonly has a negative connotation, but it’s not all bad!   Inflammation is a complex biological response triggered by the immune system in response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. But, a little bit of inflammation in the body is OK and a normal part of our physiology. So where have things gone wrong…    Unfortunately, our high stress lifestyles, coupled with the env ..read more

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is like a multitasking superhero for your body. It's essential for making DNA, keeping your nerves in top shape, and producing red blood cells. But did you know it also plays a vital role in fertility for both men and women?  Low B12 levels can throw a wrench in your body's methylation process, leading to higher levels of homocysteine, which studies have shown is linked to miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss. For women, a B12 deficiency can disrupt ovulation and cause chronic implantation problems, making it harder to conceive. Furthermore,  ..read more

You're likely aware of how gluten impacts fertility (we have numerous blogs and podcasts on the topic) and encourage couples that are TTC to eliminate gluten (and it's cross reactors) for at least 60-90 days. This is crucial because gluten intolerance and celiac disease often go undiagnosed. A study revealed a significant 5.9% increase in undiagnosed celiac disease among women with unexplained infertility. Additionally, research has shown that gluten prompts the release of a protein called zonulin, which loosens tight junctions in the intestinal lining, leading to 'leaky gut' and var ..read more

In the realm of fertility, one size does not fit all. There is no blanket approach, not one thing that works for everyone or even for most people. Each individual's body and life is unique, often influenced by various factors, including autoimmune conditions. But what if there was a way to potentially reverse premature ovarian failure (POI) through dietary interventions? A groundbreaking study sheds light on the promising role of elimination diets, including the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP), in restoring fertility for those with autoimmune conditions. New Study: Reversal of Premature Ovarian Fail ..read more

In the journey to motherhood, every step holds its own story. For Valerie, the path was filled with unexpected twists and heartbreaking setbacks. But through perseverance, support, and unwavering determination, she found her way to a place of hope, healing, and ultimately, joyous anticipation. This is her story.  Valerie's journey began amidst a storm of fertility challenges. Elevated FSH levels, thyroid dysfunction, and ovulatory irregularities cast shadows over her dreams of motherhood. Despite enduring two miscarriages and facing an intramural fibroid, Valerie remained resilient. Her ..read more

Meet Andrea and Mark, a couple who embarked on a transformative journey with our couples fertility coaching program. Their story is a testament to the power of merging functional medicine with mindful fertility coaching, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of their fertility challenges. Challenges: Andrea faced multiple health issues, including high FSH, low AMH, anxiety, depression, constipation, acne, and a family history of mental health concerns. Mark had low sperm motility, and they were advised to consider IVF/IUI. The couple was under immense stress and anxiety related t ..read more

Introduction: In recent years, we have witnessed a shift in women's choices as they embrace the opportunity to pursue various dreams and aspirations before starting a family. Many women dedicate their early years to building fulfilling careers, traveling the world, and nurturing creativity. This empowering journey can sometimes mean the decision to begin a family is made later in life. So much so that over the past few decades, there has been a notable trend of increasing maternal age (1).   For women over 40, the prospect of pregnancy may seem daunting, but the good news is that concepti ..read more