How To Get Healthy and Get Pregnant

Listen to the welcome episode from Fertile Me Radio.  We hope to see you at our new home :)

Varicocele is one of the most common causes of male infertility.  A lot of times, it's asymptomatic and only discovered after a couple has been trying-to-conceive for an extended amount of time, or when the sperm analysis shows abnormally poor numbers.   In this episode, we discuss what a varicocele is, and how you can get pregnant if your husband has been diagnosed with one.  

Today I coach Jodie, who is 38 years old, She’s concerned about low reserve, high FSH, and secondary infertility.  Medication such as letrozole has not worked for her.   She has already cleaned up toxins around the household, and personal care products.  She took the Nutrition Intensive Workshop a few months ago, but found the Nutri-Sync protocol to be too intensive. I help Jodie come up with a new fertility plan that she'll follow for the next three months.  

In part 2 of our Fertility Q&A for July, we talk about: Fibroids and what they really are Teas to drink for certain patterns Varicocele, Erectile Dysfunction, and More

They might make your drink look ugly by turning it green, but there are so many benefits of algae that could be helpful for fertility.  I talk about in this episode: - Why spirulina and chlorella are amazing - Who should not take them - The misconceptions surrounding algae  To order the Fertile-Me, please visit www.2elefants.com

Our main topics are: - inflammation, what it is, how it affects fertility - how to thicken uterine lining if you do not eat meat - secondary infertility, and much more.

This is the exciting part, we get into the nitty-gritty of how to improve your egg quality naturally in 90-days.   I will go over in detail: - What your diet plan should look like - What your supplement protocol should be - What environmental toxins to watch out for  To order the FUEL Egg Quality Bundle, click here--> www.2elefants.com  

Taking a prenatal meant for pregnancy sometimes isn't the most ideal situation.  You might be missing out on certain fertility boosting ingredients.  You might also be taking in too much of a nutrient that you really don't need until you're pregnant.  To learn more about Two Elefants professional grade supplements, please visit www.2elefants.com

By now, most of you already know egg quality is crucial for getting pregnant.  But no matter what your situation is, forget everything you’ve read or heard, and know that egg quality can absolutely be improved.  In this two-part series, I want to give you a 90-day plan to improve egg quality naturally.  In today's episode I'm going to give an overview all about egg quality, and in the next episode, I'll go into details about how to improve and maintain egg quality. Here are links to the websites mentioned: www.2elefants.com www.2elefantsdigital.com  

If you remember Dr. Andrea Jang, she was on my podcast a few months ago.  I adore her.  She is an acupuncturist in California, and recently branched out into the functional medicine world.   Last time she was on the show, we talked about why conventional blood work and tests don’t always tell the whole story.  And we talked extensively about the thyroid.  I thought, since I've been feeling a little off lately, why not have my thyroid panels run with Andrea to see if there’s anything that needs attention. Long story short, I got my results back, and Andrea said I am an under converter of T4 to T3, which is why I feel off.  So I turn the tables on her today, and she gets to coach me on what my results mean, and what I can do about them.  

Expecting life to always turn out the way you want is guaranteed to lead to disappointment because life will not always turn out the way you want it to. And when those unfulfilled expectations involve the failure of other people to behave the way you expect them to, the disappointment also involves resentment.

Finishing up the last of our patterns-discussion and we talk about Yang Deficiency. Learn why I do not think women our age is Yang deficient.  And if you're truly Yang Deficient, find out what you can do to improve your fertility.  

No doubt one of the most popular supplements for fertility because it helps with boosting energy production of the cell and therefore can help with egg quality. It is also a really expensive supplement.  So, with these different variations of CoQ-10, which one is best for fertility so that you get the most bang for you buck? To learn more about our Fertile-Me Pre-Conception Prenatal, please visit www.2elefants.com  

So much fun answering the Fertility Q&A for the month of June. We talk about Adrenal Fatigue, Lutenizing Unruptured Follicle Syndrome, Male Fertility, and Qi Gong. If you have a question that you want answers to, please join our private Facebook group, Practically Fertile the Podcast.  

Meet Sam...She has done several IUIs with no success, and is truly in the "Unexplained Infertility" category where everything is "normal." I coach Sam on what tweaks to make to her fertility plan.  I know many of you maybe in the similar situation.  Hopefully by helping Sam, I'm helping you as well  

When you get so frustrated that nothing you're doing is working, sometimes it helps to stop throwing the kitchen sink at the problem.  

It's that time of the month again!  Fertility Q&A.  You've got questions, I've got answers for ya.  

You know I recommend supplements very carefully.  Taking too much is totally counterproductive.  But lately, I've been recommending this supplement for egg quality to a lot of patients and clients.  I'm going to talk all about it in this episode.  I'll talk about what it is, why it's helpful, who should use it, and pitfalls to avoid while taking this supplement.   To order Two Elefants products, please visit www.2elefants.com  

Do you need to be in perfect harmony to get pregnant and when someone gets pregnant, does it mean she had zero imbalances?

Seems like part 2 of the Fertility Q&A for May was never published.  My bad!   Here it is :)

We continue our discussion of Chinese medicine patterns, and today we're talking about Yin Deficiency.  Yin deficiency is closely related to the Kidney organ system which according to Chinese medicine, is the reservoir for our reproductive energy.  

Another most commonly seen pattern is blood deficiency. I'm going to talk all about what it is, how it affects fertility, and what you can do about it. To check out the Two Elefants products that we mentioned, please check out www.2elefants.com  

I'm head over heels in love with this versatile supplement.   It has so many uses: PCOS, pelvic pain, male fertility.  It has even been used to help with symptoms of chronic bronchitis, asthma, Parkinson's disease.   It is one of the most powerful antioxidants out there in the universe.   For more information on how to purchase, visit www.2elefants.com    

Qi stagnation is exactly what it sounds like, your Qi flow is stuck or stagnant. This is by far one of the most popular patterns that affect fertility.  I talk in detail about what it is, the causes of Qi stagnation, how it affects your fertility and what you can do to fix it. To become a Fertile Elefant and get access to all my free mini courses and freebies, go to www.2elefantsdigital.com  

We’re going to talk about something that’s kind of a difficult topic...and that is eating disorders and how that might affect fertility. I’ve shared with you before my personal struggles with body image and eating disorder...to say that it’s a struggle is an understatement because it’s painful to be living with negative body image and feeling like you’re the fattest person in the world even though you’re actually very underweight. But I I want you to know that you’re not alone, and that you’re courageous and brave to acknowledge that you need help.   Just know that as with anything you will overcome this.  You can beat this.  Take baby steps each day and start getting yourself to your most fertile state.  It might take a few months, it might take a year, but you will get there.  Our bodies are resilient, and amazing.  As soon as you start nourishing it, you’ll already be more fertile than you were yesterday.

I'm backkkk with a the Weekly Fertility Briefing.  Today, I'm going to talk about the biggest mistake you need to avoid after a miscarriage so that you can prepare yourself properly for the next pregnancy. To sign-up for the Miscarriage Recovery and Prevention course, go to www.2elefantsdigital.com/fertileelefants    

So many great questions received from inside our podcast Facebook group.  In this episode, I answer questions related to: Ectopic pregnancy Unexplained infertility Improving egg quality before IVF Foods that can harm fertility Exercise and fertility Apple cider vinegar ...and much more! Links mentioned: www.2elefants.com www.2elefantsdigital.com

Qi deficiency is one of the most common patterns that affects fertility.  In this episode, we talk about what it is, how it affects fertility, and most importantly what you can do to resolve it beyond your diet.  Because for some of you, Qi deficiency might not show up as digestive problems.   Check out our fertility boosting product at www.2elefants.com Join the FREE membership for free courses, recipes, worksheets, and more at www.2elefantsdigital.com  

Today I’m so excited to talk about a hot topic, gluten.   It seem like the perception is that gluten-free automatically means healthy but that isn’t the case at all.  My stance on gluten is that going gluten-free would never hurt you.  And cutting out gluten might actually eliminate a ton of processed foods from your diet altogether...which is also a good thing. We also dive into the topics of food sensitivity, intolerance and allergies.  Whether a food sensitivity test is really all it claims to be.  

Today, we talk all about intermitten fasting and whether it’s appropriate for fertility.  Intermitten fasting has becoming super trendy these past few years.  I asked my friend Carrie Jackson, a Registered Dietician who specializes in functional approach instead of the traditional approach to diet, to talk to us about what intermitten fasting is, who is it for, the biggest mistakes to avoid, and how exactly it affects fertility.

Minerals are so important for bodily function, and therefore can absolutely affect your fertility. However, before you run out and grab bottles of minerals such as selenium, chromium and zinc, listen to this episode first.   You'll also hear about a crazy idea Ashley has about how to boost your cervical mucus production.  We got a pretty good laugh out of it.   To learn more about the Two Elefants supplements, please visit www.2elefants.com    

I want to give you an overview of my supplement philosophy and protocols. There are three levels of supplements:  essential, optional, and specialty.   I would encourage you to start with the essential vitamins and diet.  Then add on the rest if you need to.  If you take something that you don’t really need, we have no idea what that would do to your body.

The two categories of teas out there, which types of teas are safe to drink and won't mess up your hormones, and one type of tea for each phase of your menstrual cycle.

Many of you might not know this but certain raw vegetables can actually damage your thyroid.  And many reasons eating raw vegetables and smoothies are not fertility-friendly. 

Today, we answer questions about: how to thicken uterine lining what to focus on diet wise if your pattern is blood deficiency and maca, whether it’s appropriate for fertility.  

The Basal Body Temperature (BBT) chart is useful for fertility, but these are some of the most common mistakes to avoid so that you can get the most accurate information.  

In true Unfiltered style, we talk all about Chinese medicine and the four substances, the double standards and stigma that our medicine faces, and why you need to embrace the Integrative approach to getting pregnant.  

During a Fertile Period Lab member Zoom Hangout, we ended up talking with a member for an extended period of time about her TTC journey.  She's been trying to conceive for 6 years.  Afterwards, Ashley had some major questions about endometriosis.  

I’m going to talk about one of the biggest PCOS diet mistake to avoid for those of you who have the classic type of PCOS.  The classic types of PCOS are type 1 and 2 PCOS.  The symptoms are more pronounced.  This is where you see weight gain, not able to lose weight, facial hair, acne, no periods or long cycles, cysts on the ovaries. Learn why you need to avoid this mistake and the three steps you need to take.   Links mentioned: www.2elefantsdigital.com  

You asked, we answered.  We cover Luteal Phase Defect, light period and painful cramps, and Secondary Infertility.   Learn what each means for your fertility, if you should be worried, and what you can do about it.  

Today's topic is for sure going to be a hot and controversial one.  I’m going to talk all about vitex. One of the most beloved herbs embraced by Dr Google but hated by me. Vitex is often praised as the fertility "super-herb."  It's like the cure all for women trying-to-conceive.  But it isn't for everyone.  

I've been a lot of questions about taking herbs (ones that bloggers recommend) for fertility.  The main concerns are how to safely take them without compromising hormone balance.  

A lot of women wish that they didn't wait to get pregnant.  They wish that... ...they've met their soulmates earlier in life ...started TTC a lot earlier ...learned about hormones and fertility at an earlier age But what do you really need to know about age and fertility?  Is it really all doom and gloom if you've been given the diagnosis of Advanced Maternal Age? Don't miss out on all the FREE resources including mini-courses, every single freebies i've ever created, visit our new membership site Two Elefants Digital at www.2elefantsdigital.com  

There are lots of anxiety surrounding whether drinking herbal teas, or the wrong types of herbal teas will affect fertility.  

I am so excited to finally talk about the thyroid. I asked my good friend, Dr Amy Fletcher to come on the show and teach us everything we need to know about the thyroid and how it affects fertility.  Dr. Fletcher is a highly respected medical doctor in the charlotte community, and she specializes in all autoimmune disorder, particularly the thyroid.  She is Double board certified in both OB/GYN and Integrative Medicine. She is also Certified to practice Functional Medicine from the Institute of Functional Medicine, and trained with the guru Andrew Weil himself  We talked about everything...from the basics of how thyroid affects fertility to the three types of foods you should be eating, or not eating for your thyroid.  And what you need to know about supplementation for prevention of thyroid disorders.  To get in touch with Dr. Fletcher for a virtual consult, please visit www.thrivecarolinas.com  

The topic today is about one of the most fascinating things about Chinese herbal medicine.  It’s just such a nuanced medicine.  And maybe after listening to this episode you’ll understand what I mean, and why herbs are always put together in a formulation.  I want to give you a specific example of this one particular herb, that is the main ingredient in our Peaceful blend.  And how the effects on the body is different depending on its dosage. 

These herbs are foods that can be safely consumed on a regular basis to boost fertility.  

I’m sure you’ve gone down many rabbit holes when you type in "herbs for fertility."  And it’s all so confusing. Because herbs, just like diets, there are so many of them and all different opinions. Today, I talk about what herbs you should be taking for your condition, whether it's PCOS, endometriosis, high FSH, recurrent miscarriage...

In the world where everyone is an "expert", who do you listen to?  Everyone has an opinion, who is right and who is wrong?

One of the most popular questions I get: what exercises are considered fertility-friendly? Gyms and yoga studios are closed, and you're following the stay-at-home orders, so I'm going to talk about five exercises that you can do at home, that can help with fertility and not hurt your fertility.