5 Topics You Might Not Expect to Hear in a Fertility Session

Most people probably think that meeting with a fertility dietitian is going to end up in a conversation about all the foods you should or shouldn't be eating, a lot of talk about "the birds and the bees," and maybe some supplement options.

Well not here! The Bloom & Grow Blueprint is a holistic approach to fertility support, and we can end up diving into some unexpected but VERY important conversations that may be impacting your health. We often talk about things like:

1. Tell me about your poop.

Regular bowel movements, aka poops, are one of the pathways that your body is able to eliminate toxins and extra hormones, especially estrogen. Your poop patterns can also tell me A LOT about your gut health. If you are someone who struggles with constipation, IBS, or similar symptoms, this tells me we need to dig deeper!

2. Do you have blackout curtains in your bedroom?

We all know that we are supposed to put our screens down at least one hour before bed, but did you know that nighttime exposure to any light can suppress melatonin production, which in turn can lead to ovulation and menstrual irregularities?

3. Do you wear perfume?

Most perfumes and products containing “fragrance” contain phthalates, which are a significant contributor of endocrine disrupting chemicals (aka they interfere with normal hormone production and function).

4. What is your energy like throughout the day?

Cortisol, aka the stress hormone, is a key player in the HPA (hypothalamus-pituitary- adrenal) axis, which drives the majority of your hormone cycles. Waking up groggy or having an afternoon crash can all be indicators of cortisol dysfunction.

5. Tell me about your kitchen and cooking methods.

Exposure to plastics is another source of endocrine disruptors in our environment. Using plastic with hot food, like storing leftovers or heating something up in the microwave, exposes us to even more plastic as it can cause the plastic to break down more quickly and leech into our foods.

At Balanced Nutrition Therapy, we believe that anyone experiencing infertility can benefit from evidence-based nutrition guidance, tailored to your unique journey. If you are struggling to conceive, give us a call to learn more about how we can help!