Many of you are here because you want to become Mothers or Fathers. All of you will have had an interest in this as you may have had problems conceiving. For some, the journey down the road to parenthood is easy. But for others, conception can be an immensely challenging process for both body and mind.
The natural approach to treating infertility looks the at the root
causes of infertility, by addressing all body systems, rather than just
focusing solely on the reproductive system.
I’ve talked a lot about diet so far and things we have more control
over. Some things like environmental toxins we have less control over, however
we can make some choices about most of these issues once we know what we are
dealing with.
A recent report in the UK from the Royal College of Gynaecologists
confirmed many of the concerns I have as a nutritionist around limiting your
chemical exposure during pregnancy. The truth is this journey should really
start before conception instead of the advice given to avoid during pregnancy: http://www.rcog.org.uk/womens-health/clinical-guidance/chemical-exposures-during-pregnancy-scientific-impact-paper-37
I often refer to environmental toxins with clients as the silent
accumulators as they can be responsible for sub fertility. Accumulated
toxins from our diet or environment can build up over time and unfortunately
they will stop nutrients from getting to a woman’s reproductive organs and
interfere with sperm health.
Acording to http://blog.naturalhealthyconcepts.com/2012/07/16/what-toxic-chemicals-is-your-body-absorbing-infographic/
"More than 80,000 chemicals permitted have
never been fully assessed for toxic impacts on human health and the
environment. Under the current law, it is almost impossible to take
regulatory action against dangerous chemicals, even those that are known to
cause cancer or other serious health effects"
We absorb almost 60% of what we put on our
skin and if we take just a quick snapshot of the chemical bath we are exposed
to just in body care, it is quite easy to rack up an impressive chemical count
within hours of waking. By the time we eventually go to bed, we will be
exposed to many hundreds of chemicals just in one area such as body care.
Many couples have unexplained infertility and
cleaning up their exposure to chemicals is one component of an overall plan and
used in conjunction with others will help them become more fertile.
Everyone has a different physiology so as a rule I always recommend an
overhaul of body, home and lifestyle.
Exposure to chemicals used to preserve lotions
and potions heavy metals, radiation, and toxic chemicals in some
foods, drugs and other products can damage DNA and can influence our gene
structure and expression.
Here are a few things to help you clean up your act
in regards to chemicals prior to conception:
1. Minimize your exposure to toxic chemicals
Once pregnant exposure to environmental toxins
(in the form of industrial chemicals) both in utero and neonatally may
dramatically affect the growing child. There appears to be less stringent
controls on them as there are for medicines. Consequently, poisonous chemicals
end up circulating in our environment, food supply, air and water.
Heavy metals and environmental pollution
can alter hormone function and result in adverse reproductive health
effects. These include:
- Ovotoxicants: which
can disrupt or even stop ovulation.
- Endocrine
disruptors: Which can interfere with hormone function and cause
endometriosis and PCOS.
- Phthalates:
in plastic food containers, cling film, bags, medical supplies,
vinyl flooring and packaging at high levels have been associated with
miscarriage and testicular toxicity. At low levels they disrupt hormonal
balance.
- VCH
chemicals: used in rubber tires, plastics and pesticides.
- PAH:
released from cigarettes, car fumes and road tar
Men are also affected
Studies confirm male sperm counts are
declining, and environmental factors, such as pesticides, exogenous oestrogens
(Xenoestrogens), and heavy metals may negatively impact spermatogenesis
(formation of sperm).
Sperm seems to be more sensitive to heavy
metals and industrial pollutants than Ova. Many sperm abnormalities have been
linked to these toxins. The majority of these chemicals can be found in the
atmosphere, on the ground in cities and in the waterways.
They have also been termed “reprotoxicants”
for their negative effects on sperm development and maturation.
What can we do about this - The top 7 environmental toxins to avoid
- Pesticides:
found on non-organic fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy and unfiltered tap
water
- Formaldehyde:
found in air fresheners, deodorants, floor polish, upholstery cleaners
- Bisphenols:
found in plastic containers and can leach into food and water.
- Organic
solvents: petroleum based liquids found in household products,
electronics, car repair, health care, photography, agriculture, printing,
construction and cosmetics and many more
- Parabens
used in common shampoos, conditioners and body care items.
- Dry-cleaning
chemicals
- Paint
fumes
Occasional exposure to one or the other toxic chemical is not of
concern. What is of concern is accumulation of these chemicals over a long
period.
2. Water
Our waterways are constantly being polluted by industrial waste and
by-products, pharmaceutical drugs, pesticides and herbicides and commercial
cleaning products.
How to minimise this = use a filtration system
Buy a filtration water system that filters particles smaller than 1
micron (this will filter out the drugs as well as heavy metals). Use the filter
in your shower and your kitchen. Shower steam contains the same chemicals,
which you can end up inhaling and can be absorbed through your skin.
Conclusions
It can be difficult to totally banish chemicals from our life,
as after all we do live in a modern society; however we can make a big dent on
our chemical exposure by:
1. Minimising and switching to natural products for body
hair and teeth
2. Making sure the majority of your food is chemical free
3. Not obsessing about using plug in air
filters and using harmful chemicals to clean your house
4. Filtering your water with a really good filtration system
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