Historically, it was thought that the only factor affecting egg health was age. We now know this is not true. There are a number of factors that influence egg health. The good news is this means you can do something to improve the quality of your eggs. (Woohoo!)
We are now aware that things such as diet, stress, and environmental factors play a huge role in the health of eggs. By changing these factors, you can nourish your eggs and bring them back to healthy so you can get and stay pregnant.
It is, however, important to understand that healthy eggs are only one of the pieces for getting and staying pregnant. Other factors needed for healthy conception and pregnancy include:
- Good circulation – especially to the reproductive organs
- Balanced hormones
- A healthy menstrual cycle
Time frame for improving egg health
We all get a little antsy when trying to get and stay pregnant. When your biggest desire is starting a family it’s hard to be patient. However, improving egg health requires a little bit of patience. In fact, it takes 71-120 days to have a real impact on egg health.
While that may seem a little frustrating, it’s biology. Let me explain…eggs start as primordial follicles, then develop to primary follicles, then secondary follicles, then antral follicles, and from there the dominate (or best) follicle is chosen to be released. As you can imagine, that takes a little time.
So, to have the biggest impact on your egg health, you need to make and sustain changes for 120+ days. Here is an illustration of how your eggs develop over time.
How to improve egg health
Hormonal Balance
The female reproductive system is based on a delicate hormone balance. If hormones become unbalanced, which is becoming more and more common with all the hormone disruptors and xenoestrogens in our environment, eggs will not develop properly, and ovulation may not occur.
The good news is you can balance your hormones. Nutritional and lifestyle changes have been shown to impact hormone balance. Those changes along with a few herbs can have you back in the driver seat of your fertility.
Here are some ways to get started on balancing your hormones:
- Cleanse your system of excess hormone
- Manage stress
- Support your liver
- And, if you have high FSH try these guidelines
Circulation
Adequate egg health relies on circulation and oxygenation of the ovaries. Without this, eggs cannot develop normally and may result in lack of ovulation or recurrent miscarriage.
Several studies have found that a lack of oxygenation to the ovaries results in their premature aging (think high FSH, low AMH). This results in a lowered chance of pregnancy. Also, egg quality (or lack thereof) is a primary reason for miscarriage.
Reasons for lack of circulation to the ovaries includes dehydration, lack of exercise, obesity, low blood pressure, or circulation disorders (Raynaud’s, diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, etc.).
Here are some ways you can improve ovarian circulation:
- Drink plenty of water (at least 8 – 8 oz glasses a day)
- Exercise – This doesn’t have to be crazy. A simple 20 – 30 minute walk a day will help your circulation and blood flow to your reproductive organs.
- Lose a little weight – again, it doesn’t have to be anything crazy. If you are overwei9ht, the smallest weight loss will help improve fertility. Try our 5 Days to Blast Fat for a super quick and healthy weight loss regimen.
- Add warming spices – ginger, garlic, cayenne, turmeric, chili powder, garam masala, cinnamon, and cumin.
Nutrition
Diet plays a huge role in your egg health. So, what you eat for the next 120 days will directly impact the health of your eggs and thus, your fertility. If you are looking for a comprehensive list of fertility foods then CLICK HERE.
Here is a short list though:
- Dark leafy greens (spinach, broccoli, kale, bok choy, Brussel sprouts, etc.)
- Warming spices (garlic, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, etc.)
- Berries and other antioxidants
- Liver supporting foods
Supplements
So, we are not big on supplements (in case you haven’t noticed). But, there are a few we recommend for improving fertility.
- Prenatal vitamins – CLICK HERE for our recommendation for a good, quality prenatal vitamin
- Liver support – CLICK HERE for our recommendation for a liver support tea
- Maca (all over fertility support) – CLICK HERE for our recommendation of maca support
- Vitamin D3 – CLICK HERE or our recommendation of D3 support
- Vitex – for those with high FSH, CLICK HERE for Vitex
