IMPROVING THE UTERINE LINING

A (fairly) normal uterine cavity and endometrial lining are necessary in
order to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. There are several conditions
related to the cavity or the lining that can cause problems.

•When a woman has her menses (period) the endometrial lining of the uterus
and some associated blood is shed. Then a new lining is regenerated over the
next few weeks or so and eventually becomes receptive to implantation of an
embryo.

•If no embryo implants, her body recognizes that she is not pregnant and it
sheds the uterine lining and starts the regeneration process over again.
Problems of the uterus and uterine lining that can cause or contribute to
reproductive problems such as infertility or recurrent miscarriage:

•Uterine Polyps
•Uterine Fibroids (proper medical terminology is myoma or leiomyoma)
•Intrauterine adhesions - scar tissue within the uterine cavity, also called
Asherman's Syndrome. This can interfere with conception, or can increase the
risk of a miscarriage.
•Congenital uterine malformations, such as a bicornuate uterus, a T-shaped
uterus, or a uterine septum
•Luteal phase defect - an uncommon condition that involves inadequate
development of the microscopic and cellular changes in the endometrial
lining of the uterus after ovulation and exposure to the hormone
progesterone.
•Thin endometrial lining - this is also uncommon. We like to see a lining of
at least 8mm in thickness when measured by ultrasound at the time of maximal
thickness during the cycle (see above ultrasound picture of an 11.2 mm
lining).
There is some debate about "how thin is too thin", as well as to "how thick
is too thick".
•In general, 8-13 mm is good, less than 6 is potentially a problem, and
greater than 15 or so might possibly reduce chances for successful
pregnancy.

During IVF treatment, the uterine lining starts at about 3mm thick at the
end of the menstrual period. After estrogen levels rise sufficiently, the
lining of the uterus thickens by about 1mm each day during IVF.

WAYS TO HELP BUILD UTERINE LINING:
Pomegranate juice – helps build uterine lining, also helps men with sperm
quality and mobility. 1 glass per day, drink from day 1 of your cycle till
Ovulation.  And those doing IUI or IVF, suggested to drink way before the transfer.
   Pomegranates have been referred to by several major religions as an
excellent source for enhancing sexual desire and fertility. New research
conducted at Firat University in Turkey, suggests that a man’s sperm count
is increased and the quality of his sperm is boosted as well when he drinks
pomegranate juice on a regular basis. Taking charge of your fertility with
pomegranate juice can also help men with erectile dysfunction, improving
their intimate lives significantly. Wouldn’t drinking pomegranate juice be
much more pleasant than taking Viagra and risking possible side effects from
the medication? More good news for men: another one of the possible health
benefits of pomegranate juice may be that it is effective in prostate cancer
treatment options!
Pomegranates contain ellagic acid, which is believed to bind together
cancerous cells in the body and prevent them from fully forming. One study
conducted by the University of Wisconsin revealed that men who drank 8
ounces of pomegranate juice per day decreased the level of PSA, prostrate
specific antigen, which is an indicator of possibly developing prostate
cancer.
Pomegranate can thin the blood so avoid if using aspirin or garlic supplements.

Pineapple : Pineapple contains a proteolytic enzyme called bromelain which
reduces inflammation and breaks up proteins that prevent embryo implantation
  Eating pineapple core few days before and after ovulation can improve your
odds of successful embryo implantation. Try making a fertility smoothie! Eat
the core first not the meat part of pineapple (in moderation - too much can
be harmful to implantation)

eat the core for 2 days before transfer & continue till 5-10 days after IUI
 eat the core for 3 days before ovulation and from ovulation till pregnancy
is confirmed.
 eat the core for 2 days before transfer & continue till 5-10 days after IVF
I like Trader Joes frozen pinapple, its fresh and has lots of core in it.
However fresh is better. I was told to buy a whole fresh pineapple, one that
is a little over ripe is better cos the core is softer and to peel it but
NOT to remove the core. Then cut the Core into 5 relatively equal pieces and
eat one of those pieces from about  IUI/IVF transfer  or ovulation till 7/10
days or until pregnancy is confirmed.
 
Light exercise like walking, eating little spicy foods and light massage
from navel dwon before O to help increase circulation and blood flow to the
uterus.

Omega Fatty Acids: Oily Fish - Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and
sardines are the best source of essential fatty acids, omega-3 and omega-6
which play an important role in regulating reproductive functioning,
improving blood flow and enhancing sperm quality and mobility. I love wwild
salmon. For vegetarians can take flaxseed oil.
Whole grains - Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, whole wheat and quinoa
are complex carbohydrates that contain an abundance of B and E vitamins that
are essential for cellular reproduction, hormonal balance and the production
of healthy ova and sperm. Women should be sure to eat lots of oatmeal.
Increase natural vitamin E by using extra virgin olive oil and eating nuts
especially pumpkin seeds, almonds, walnuts. Almond milk without the sugar is
a great source of vitamin E for those who really hate eating nuts.  
   Vitamin E is also a powerful antioxidant. This means that it helps
control the damage caused by free-roaming, unstable molecules called free
radicals. These unbalanced molecules steal electrons from healthy molecules.
When they succeed, the molecule that was robbed is damaged, and damage
spreads to the living cell.

Eating vegetables and fruits, preferably organic. Eat healthy because you want your body nourished and the baby to develop properly. Drink purified water, avoid junk foods.

Red Raspberry Tea Strengthens the uterine lining. Combine RR with Vitex or B6 for LPD. Midwives encourage pregnant women to drink red raspberry tea to help tone the uterus because this would help in ensuring a smooth delivery. Included in our fertility tea blend - click here to purchase

Cut out Caffeine -- Caffeine in coffee, tea, cola, and chocolate has been shown to reduce male & female fertility. As little as one cup of coffee a day can cut your chances of conception in half.

Cut out Junk Food, Processed Food and Saturated Fats -- This speaks for itself, but you need to be sure that your body is gaining nutrients from food, not empty calories.

Do Not Diet -- Even though it's tempting to want to fit into those new jeans, diets could be counterproductive to fertility.

Decrease Sugar -- Refined sugars not only make you gain weight but can disrupt your body's blood sugar levels. They will initially give you energy but later on you will suffer from an abrupt crash, and even more fatigue.

No Artificial Sweetener -- Although there has been a great deal of debate, studies have found that artificial sweeteners, like aspartame, may be linked to cancer and decreased fertility.

And most importantly be Focused on God's word / positive thinking!!

I would suggest using herbs to detoxify and balance your hormones.  Our Women's toner Fertility tea blend includes those herbs. You can purchase it here  (thank you in advance for your support)! 

For further discussion, check out my new post on this - http://kaystotalfitness.blogspot.com/2013/12/uterine-lining-cervical-mucus.html