Infertility can be an overwhelmingly challenging journey to navigate, but understanding the root cause can make finding an effective solution significantly more manageable. In this article, we will delve into the foremost cause of infertility and discuss actionable steps to address it.
The Key Culprit: Endocrine Disruptors
One of the main reasons for the surge in infertility rates in modern society is our exposure to excessive hormones from our environment. These compounds, known as endocrine disruptors, are causing hormonal imbalances which are negatively affecting our ability to ovulate.
They also negatively affect egg health and sperm count. These environmental factors include plastics (with BPA being one of the most commonly known), body care and hair care products, household cleaners, and even fragrance candles.
These sources are significant contributors which we inhale or absorb through our skin or our food, and even from heating food in plastic or drinking water from plastic bottles. Furthermore, pesticides and hormones found in our food play a significant role, which I will delve into later on.
The Impact of Endocrine Disruptors
These environmental factors cause us to have repeated micro exposure to xenoestrogens on a daily basis, without even knowing it. These xenoestrogens mimic estrogen in the body but in a potent way, causing a hormonal imbalance which can contribute to the growth of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, heavy periods, and painful periods – all of these are linked to excess of estrogen within the body.
A series of studies have exposed the impact of these chemicals on our bodies. For instance, BPA, specifically, has been found to significantly lower sperm concentration and count. Another experiment conducted on both animals and humans revealed that even low concentrations of BPA can adversely affect oocyte development and embryo quality as well as implantation.
A compilation of studies on BPA’s effects on the ovary and female reproductive health indicates that BPA significantly reduces fertility, ovarian function, stops follicle maturation and has the same affect on a baby’s fertility in utero.
How to Counteract Endocrine Disruptors
So, how do we deal with this? First, we cleanse and detoxify the body. By supporting the body’s natural ability to eliminate these compounds and excess hormones, we can significantly alleviate the hormonal imbalance. The human body is in a constant state of detoxification, eliminating chemicals, excess hormones, and other compounds on a daily basis.
This is a natural process that’s intrinsic to our biology. However, based on my research and experience over the past 15 years, it’s become apparent that regular cleanses and daily supportive measures can significantly enhance the body’s natural detoxification abilities.
One such strategy is performing targeted cleanses like the Fertility Cleanse, which specifically supports the liver, a primary organ involved in the detoxification process. This cleanse is designed to assist the liver in eliminating excess hormones and toxins, a critical step in addressing the hormonal imbalance issues common in our contemporary environment.
Daily habits can also significantly promote the body’s detoxification processes. Incorporating practices such as juicing and consuming smoothies packed with fruits and vegetables can be beneficial. These foods not only provide a wealth of nutrients, but also assist in hydration, a crucial factor in effective detoxification.
Moreover, there are numerous supplements available which focus on supporting liver health. Including these in your daily routine can help bolster your liver’s detoxification capabilities. Staying well-hydrated and maintaining a diet rich in hydrating fruits and vegetables can also make a significant difference in your body’s ability to cleanse itself.
By taking these steps, we are embracing an active role in supporting our body’s natural detoxification process, thereby promoting a healthier, more balanced body.
Next, we need to eliminate the triggers from our lifestyle. This includes switching out products that contain phthalates, parabens, and endocrine disruptors for natural alternatives. This includes everything from hair care, skincare, body care, household cleaners, to laundry and dish detergent. Making the move to eliminate triggers from your lifestyle is a decisive step towards embracing a healthier life.
This shift involves saying goodbye to products laden with phthalates and parabens – a daunting task, given the ubiquity of these ingredients. However, the focus should be not on what we are eliminating, but rather on the healthier options available to us. Natural skincare products, such as those free of synthetic fragrances and artificial preservatives, can help support balanced hormone levels and reduce chemical exposure.
Finally, nourishing ourselves with supportive foods is important for fertility and overall health. Consuming a diet rich in whole-foods provides our body with necessary vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Eating a balanced diet consisting of organic vegetables, legumes, nuts/seeds, and healthy fats can provide the support needed to keep hormone levels balanced.
Nutrition plays a central role in maintaining a healthy hormonal balance, particularly given the numerous endocrine disruptors we encounter in our daily lives. The first step towards achieving this balance is being mindful of what we consume, particularly hormone-rich foods like dairy and animal products.
Additionally, it’s crucial to avoid hormone-disruptive foods, such as fried and processed foods, as well as high-fat foods. By eliminating these from our diet, we can effectively decrease the hormonal load on our bodies.
On the brighter side, numerous foods help support our body’s cleansing mechanisms. Fruits, vegetables, juices, and smoothies are all excellent choices for this purpose.
Furthermore, nuts, seeds, and legumes offer hormonal balance and protection. These foods contain phytoestrogens, compounds that can counter the effects of robust endocrine disruptors known as xenoestrogens, commonly found in everyday chemicals. Specifically, flax seeds, soy, and legumes are fantastic sources of phytoestrogens that can guard against endocrine disruption. Chia and flax seeds stand out as optimal dietary options for hormone balance and overall health.
Including these foods in our diet helps us proactively preserve our health and mitigate possible impacts of endocrine disruptors. While the topic of hormonal imbalances and potential fertility issues is broad and complex, we have only started to uncover it here.
You might be curious about how to apply these dietary and lifestyle changes practically in your daily routine. To learn more about each step and how to integrate them into your life, click here for access to my ‘5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally’ course, where I delve deeper into the key areas to focus on for optimal fertility and how to get started.
