Supplements for Nutrition and Fertility
ROBE: Pretty Plum Sugar / MUG: Target
Some may say a healthy diet of organic foods is enough, and that added vitamins and minerals are unnecessary, but I beg to differ. Most of us did not grow up on a diet of pastured meats, wild caught fish, and organic produce; most of us grew up on boxed processed foods and sugary treats with the occasional salad or homemade soup.
In order to make up for the deficiencies leeched from us by processed foods, supplements are helpful in rebuilding what has been missing on a faster track. There are a variety of supplements I have come to rely on, especially throughout my ongoing health journey, that ensure I am getting optimal levels of nutrition to protect my fertility and aid in healing my chronic inflammation.
VITAMINS & MINERALS
From all of the books I have read, doctors I have consulted, and studies I have read in between, these are my top vitamins for promoting fertility, keeping energy levels balanced, and assisting the maximum absorption of nutrients, even from a nutrient-dense diet. Sometimes no matter how healthy we are, the food we consume cannot make up for deficiencies that can show up as tiredness, brain fog, reactivity, and moodiness, among other things.
Always look for supplements that are bioavailable, liposomal, or methylated. That means the body will actually absorb them, rather than excrete as the neon yellow urine. Cheaper quality supplements often have a lot of fillers, and end up being “expensive pee” rather than aiding your healing. Brands I trust are Thorne, Pure Encapsulations, Jarrow, Blue Bonnet, Garden of Life, Bulletproof (they do 3rd party mold testing), Kal, and Quiksilver Scientific. Look out for additives such as yeast, corn derivatives, soy, wheat, or gluten, which can affect the potency of the supplement, and/or cross-react with your dietary needs.
B6 and B12 are fantastic for boosting energy and regulating hormones, and low levels have been shown to result in increased risk of miscarriage.
Magnesium is a mineral that builds strong bones, aids restful sleep when taken before bed, and can also remedy constipation. According to one of my physicians, most people are deficient in
Vitamin D3 and it is one of the most important vitamins for alleviating inflammation, metabolizing Calcium, and increasing bone density. It also regulates skin health, digestion, and energy levels.
Activated charcoal is an amazing supplement to have on hand for instant detoxification; whether from a meal that caused ill effects, over-drinking alcohol, or even food poisoning. I also open a capsule and brush my teeth with it for whitening effects or apply it to my face when my skin is looking clogged and reactive.
TEAS
A warm cup is tea is my go-to for relaxation, no matter what time of day. There are a few teas that are made with herbs and spices that promote healthy cycles, fertile environments for future babies, and digestive aids when things seem uncomfortable or slow, if you know what I mean.
Jasmine green tea is one of my favorites, especially in the summer. I love the floral taste of the jasmine combined with the detoxifying and energizing green tea.
Turmeric ginger tea is warming and relaxing, especially after a filling meal, and the turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory effects that aid digestion.
Raspberry leaf tea is a wonderful, mild tasting tea that tastes great hot or iced. If you're planning to be pregnant or pregnant, this tea aids in building a strong womb and healthy environment for a growing babe.
This Healthy Cycle tea does just that by assisting the regulation of hormones to keep that time of the month as symptom-free as possible.
Tazo's Spicy Ginger tea is just my favorite for any time of day; it's caffeine-free and spicy in the best way.
FOOD-BASED SUPPLEMENTS
Bulletproof Collagelatin and Vital Proteins Gelatin are both incredible sources of gelatin, which is responsible for healthy joints, skin, and gut health. I take 1 tablespoon of Collagelatin a day in my coffee, since it is unflavored, to prevent Leaky Gut, keep my sensitive skin from eczema and dryness, and give my coffee a boost of grass-fed protein.
Maca (gelatinized from Navitas brand) is my latest discovery and I am so happy at the results I've experienced since taking it. After pregnancy and extended breastfeeding, my cycle hadn't returned in the most regular fashion, which is concerning when I would definitely like to have more children. After 2 weeks of taking 1 teaspoon of maca (also in my cup of coffee), my cycle came back and has since returned every 30 days! Maca was rumored to be an ancient Incan aphrodisiac, and today it helps regulate estrogen which when low can cause low libido, mood swings, irregular cycles, and even insomnia.
Cod liver oil is also superfood, in my opinion. It has fat-soluble Vitamin A and Vitamin D, which are both essential for fertility and healthy cycles.
BOOKS FOR MORE INFORMATION
Disclaimer: this post is not sponsored, merely my opinion of what has worked best for me. If you shop any of the links above, I do earn an affiliate commission which I use to support my family's income. If you have any additional health concerns, consult your physician. See my full disclaimer here.