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Health

Fertility, Health, Healthy Diet

Bad Diet may hinder female infertility

As discussed previously here and here, diet can impact Fertility greatly. A recent study in 2018 explored the correlation between diet and time spent achieving conception. Women who consumed fruit 3 times daily, for example, were found to have lowered risk for infertility. Additionally, women who did not consume enough fruit in their diet had a longer time to pregnancy than those who consumed daily. Basically, frequent consumption of fruits tends towards higher and faster chances of conception. Intake of fast food is another factor impacting infertility, those who consumed fast food 1-2 times a week reported an 18% and 34% reduced risk for infertility. Those who consumed no fast food had a 41% reduced risk for infertility. (Source) Based upon all of these findings small, easy modifications in diet may have benefits in improving fertility and should be pursued by couples seeking pregnancy.

Fruits and vegetables should be vibrant in color and are crucial antioxidant-rich foods. They can provide protection and nourishment during the cycle of an egg from primary stage to ovulation, and help create a healthy egg, which is optimal for conception.

A healthy fertility diet can influence the reserves of nutrients necessary for reproductive hormone systems to work properly and balance the environment that fosters conception.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 972-671-6688 or through the contact form in the sidebar.

Health, Infertility

Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine works well for postpartum depression

After having a baby, many women have mood swings. They may feel a little depressed, have a hard time concentrating, fatigue, anxiety, lose their appetite, or find they can’t sleep well. If you have any of these symptoms a few days after delivery this is considered a normal part of early motherhood and usually goes away within 10 days after delivery.  In about 20% of women, these systems start about six weeks after delivery are more likely to have postpartum depression.

Western medicine thinks that hormone levels change may produce chemical changes in the brain. Counseling and prescription medicines are the common solution.

Chinese Medicine believes that the exertion and loss of blood occurring at childbirth induce a state of Qi and Blood deficiency. From a Chinese Medicine point of view, the heart houses the mind and governs blood, deficient blood fails to house the mind which becomes depressed and anxious.  In women with a pre-existing deficiency of Qi and blood this situation may arise even if the blood loss during childbirth is not particularly heavy.  For some women who have a pre-existing state of blood stagnation also show mind unsettled and obstructed.

Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine works very well for postpartum depression.  Treatment principle is to nourish blood, lift Qi, strengthen the heart and calm the mind.  Majority of cases can be helped in a relatively short period of time, perhaps a few months. Psychotic cases, treatment may have to be combined with Western medication.

For more information please call our office at 972-671-6688. We offer a free initial phone consultation! 

Fertility, Health, Healthy Diet, Hormonal Imbalance, Infertility

Healthy Diet for balancing your hormones

We hope that everyone had a happy holiday and are looking forward to the new year! If your new year resolution is to be healthier, diet is one of the most important ways to change your lifestyle. Below we have listed some general guidelines for a healthy diet that will help balance your hormones. In future posts, we will break down exactly what kind of foods should be eaten.

The three main macronutrients that make up a diet are Carbohydrates, Protein and Fat. All three are important elements of a healthy, well-balanced diet.By basing your meals off one clean protein, healthy fats and vegetables along with the help of Chinese herbs will help your body regulate hormones naturally.

Carbohydrates have long been viewed as the enemy for hormonal imbalances such as those who suffer from PCOS. While it is true that carbohydrates with a high glycemic index(GI) can cause insulin resistance, it is important to have a balanced diet which includes carbohydrates! There are many foods that are low in glycemic index(which means they have low insulin resistance). By focusing on these low GI foods you can still enjoy carbohydrates and balance your hormones. Later, we will break down a list of low glycemic foods.

Protein provides essential amino acids to the body that the body cannot make on its own and must be consumed daily to balance hormones. Protein also decreases the hunger hormone and stimulates the production of hormones that will make you feel fuller faster. For optimal hormone health, experts recommend consuming a minimum of 20-30g. of protein per meal (1).

Fat especially is important in regulating hormones. Since hormones are produced by specific fatty acids and cholesterol, without them the body simply cannot form the correct hormones. Medium chain triglycerides, for example, have been shown to reduce insulin resistance in overweight and diabetic patients. Additionally, consuming healthy fats at every meal will trigger the same hunger hormones as above and will fill you up faster.

For more information on the importance of fertility and diet please read our article on AcupunctureofDallas. If you need help by Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for your fertility please call 972-671-6688. We offer free initial phone consultations.

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