What can I do to optimize my fertility?

General Dietary Recommendations

Eat a balanced diet. Do not give into extreme diets promising miracles. Eat plenty of fiber and drink enough water. Incorporate as much organic food into your diet as you can. Do not eat too many raw foods, lightly steam your veggies. If you have a particular health issue, research dietary ways to help balance that condition. Take a cooking class to inspire a new culinary interest. Visit Capers Community Markets website for a wealth of information about your dietary health and wellness.

Detoxify - Cleanse

Go to your local health food store and ask qualified staff which detoxification program would be right for you. Give the liver a fresh start, cleanse your digestive tract, rid your system of heavy metals, and flush your kidneys. Acubalance recommends Thorne Research MediClear Body Detoxification. Emotional detox as well.

Supplements

Women: Prenatal Multivitamin (Sisu), Folic Acid 1mg, CoQ10 120mg (if over 35 yrs), Greens: wheat grass 2 shots/day, or, Chlorella 3000mg/day, Omega 3 fatty acids 2000mg/day (Pro EPA Nordic Naturals), L-trepeine & TAPS day 1-14 of cycle (Thorne)

Men: Multivitamin - Only One (Sisu), Omega 3 fatty acids 2000mg/day (Pro EPA Nordic Naturals), Zinc 30mg/day, Antioxidant ( Sisu ACES plus), B-Complex

Things to Avoid

High Temperatures (Men) - long distance driving or sitting, hot baths, saunas, hot tubs, tight fitting underwear, strenuous exercise, and athletic support straps. Toxins and Pollutants - pesticides and heavy metals. X-rays, scented products, household cleaners, solvents, paint products, car exhaust, detergents, paints, plastic wraps, textiles and cosmetics, and DES. Do not microwave plastic. Other - stress, alcohol, smoking tobacco and/or marijuana, many prescription and recreational drugs, caffeine.

Relaxation Techniques

Join a meditation, buy a visualization CD, Use aromatherapy. Take stressful objects out of your bedroom, i.e. computers. Have a nap. Utilize Feng Shui concepts to calm your work and home environments. Go on vacation. Practice deep breathing exercises. Soak your feet. Read a book, or watch a good movie. Emotional detox

Journaling

Everyday. At first it may be difficult, but set 10 minutes aside everyday to just practice writing about what is on your mind. Before you know it the poet in you will emerge. How to get started journaling.

Spending Time with Nature

Go for a walk or hike. Take in one of the parks near by and smell the flowers! Dedicate time to connect with the earth. Visit: Discover Vancouver Parks.

Volunteering

Connect with your community. It is good for your soul. Studies show that when you perform acts of kindness chemical reactions occur that positively benefit your overall health and well-being. Start giving back today, Go Volunteer.

Yoga - Qigong

Breathing meditation, stretching, relaxation, and visualization training. Tools to enhance every aspect of your life. These are ancient practices that absolutely need to be incorporated into any wellness health program. Qigong information & resources. Yoga information & resources. Yoga for fertility.

Belief, Intention, Visualization, Faith

"If you believe it you can achieve it." Walt Disney.
Bruce Lipton 'The Biology of Belief' www.brucelipton.com
Adam 'dream healer' www.dreamhealer.com

Planting Seeds

"Nourish the soil before you plant the seed." Plant some seeds in fresh organic soil. Water, nurture, and patiently watch the development of life. Use this as a metaphor and visualization to encourage the similar occurrences inside yourself.

What can I do to optimize my fertility?