DMV EVENT Infertility - Be Fruitful & Made Whole

If you live in DMV area join me & the ladies listed for our infertility conference.

Join us as we have a heart to heart talk on infertility, adoption, miscarriage, loss, mental struggles, natural treatments, herbs, fertility nutrition, pcos, pms,pcos, endometriosis, loss, ivf and much more. Whatever your journey is, YOU are INVITED! God has not forgotten about you. Come and be refreshed.

Every woman's infertility journey is different but it is very important to stay whole or sane during the process. The question is - How? Our goal is to encourage women battling infertility, emotional / mental issues and struggling to stay afloat that we can waddle through every storm. We recognize that wholeness comes from fixing every broken piece within from infertility, emotional issues, nutrition, physical issues, and mental issues.

Gift bags would be given to every attendee. Thanks to our amazing sponsors.

This is a free event and light refreshments will be served.

Only 18 spaces left! Registration is required for attendance!

Register here

Fibroids and natural ways to reduce them

    Fibroids are over growths of fibrous tissue and/or muscle that occur in and around the womb walls and are classified as non-cancerous tumours (or uterine myomas). They tend to grow within the muscular layers of the womb or sometimes around the cervix or fallopian tubes. They appear in approximately 2 out of every 5 women of menstruating age and usually shrink (or at least stop growing) after the menopause is complete.

  They are relatively common and, if small, can remain unnoticed and symptom free. Problems and symptoms can arise if there are multiple fibroids or if they grow large in size. Symptoms can include dull pain in the pelvis or bladder region, heavy bleeding during or between periods, painful penetrative sex, bowel problems (due to pressure on the bowel), frequent urination, infertility, repeated miscarriages, abdominal swelling (if large) and lower back pain. Mostly caused by estrogen dominance. 

There appearance and growth is thought to be linked to an excess of oestrogens in the body although being overweight, not having children, early puberty and being of afro-caribbean descent all increase the likelihood of their formation.

Conventional treatment for problematic fibroids consists of hormonal treatments, physical removal of the fibroid in some form or hysterectomy.

Herbal treatments and natural healing aim to shrink the fibroids using hormonal balancing herbs, improve energy and circulation to and from the womb and relieving symptoms where possible.

Uterine fibroids are hormonally responsive; estradiol and progesterone stimulate their growth, and gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonists shrink them. Phytoestrogens, including isoflavones and lignans, can act as weak estrogens or antiestrogens.

Lignans act as anti-oestrogens and can cause the fibroids to shrink in size. Lignans bind to your estrogen receptor sites and reduces total estrogen activity. 

Food Sources of Lignans:

Seeds and Nuts -

Sesame seeds which is the most effective, followed by flaxseeds (use ground), pumpkin seeds and cashew nuts are excellent sources of lignans. 

Wholegrains - 

   Rye, barley, buckwheat, millet, quinoa, oat bran and have shown very promising results in treating fibroids for many women. Best way to consume is to make a morning hot cereal of almost all the ingredients and eat it often. I love rye hot flake cereal from vitacost, oat bran, rye hot flakes and hot buckwheat from vitacost which I make into a pudding with my almond milk.

Vegetables - 

    Eat lots of dark leafy organic vegetables and fruits as much as you can. I currently eat 70% vegan and 30% animal protein. Broccoli, curly kale, mustard greens, brussel sprouts, carrots, sweet peppers, cauliflower, red potato and much more. Fruits like apricots, apples, grapes, plums, peach, strawberries, pears, nectarines, cranberries, pink grapefruit and cherries. Beans such as adzuki, kidney beans and lentils.

Take resveratrol, a pigment found in red grape skins, causes a potent "anti-fibrotic" effect by reducing type I and III collagen levels, as well as decreasing the proliferation of unhealthy cells and hastening the death of sick cells.

Stay away from sugar, high salt content and processed foods:

    Sugar feeds tumors and increases fibroids. All these creates a burden on the liver. The liver releases excess hormones from the body and much off these  increase oestrogen levels in the body.

   

Avoid any foods that contain oestrogens or oestrogen components:

   Unfortunately most commercial meat includes most oestrogen and xenoestrogens. Organic animal foods are better however it might be best to completely avoid them. Avoid pesticides, chemical laden cleaning products, food dyes, 

Avoid food, drink or anything that goes in or on your body that has been stored for long periods in plastic containers. Never heat foods that are in plastic containers in the microwave. Many plastics contain hormone disruptive compounds (BPA) that leach from packaging into the foods, drink or toothpaste stored within it and thus pass into the body. These chemicals have been found to enhance the growth of cancer cells in animals. 

  Avoid chocolate, coffee and alcohol. Use spices such especially cumin, coriander, and caraway.

If you are carrying excess body fat try to loose some of it with proper diet and exercise, just a small reduction can make a difference as excess oestrogens are stored in body fat.

Use warming spices and foods like ginger, horseradish, mustard, chill etc in your food to keep your inner warmth alive.

Eat Maitake Mushrooms: This mushroom has been shown to enhance immune system function and has been shown through several studies to contain anti-tumor properties. It is also useful for improving glucose metabolism.

Take vitamin D and vitamin A. Or eat foods high in both vitamin a and d.

Herbs to shrink Fibroid:

1. Vitex:

It  is perhaps the most reliable of hormonal balancers capable of shrinking fibroids. Take half a teaspoon of the tincture in water twice daily for best results (Renowned herbalist and wise woman Susan Weed says you can safely do this for up to 2 years if needed). Take it during your first half of menstrual cycle.

2. Cleansing & Detox herbs:

Dandelion, milk thistle, blessed thistle, burdock root, yellow dock, raspberry leaf and nettle leaf. Use equal parts a 1/4 teaspoon each in a cup. Take a teaspoon twice daily.

Drink a cup daily of marigold aka calendula leaf, mullei, fresh ginger and a touch of yarrow. This will help to clear away the area as the fibroids are gradually broken down or shrunk.

Drink a cup of chickweed tea for 2 months. For heavy bleeding use sheperds purse.

****Use Castor Oil Packs: Shrinks fibroids and ovarian cysts. Also clears fallopian tubes. First half of cycle from first day of menstrual cycle.

One of the major benefits of castor oil is it keeps lymphatic system healthy, which is very important to cleansing the body. Castor oil also promotes healthy function of the kidneys, bowel, intestine, thyroid gland, ovaries and uterus.

When used properly castor oil packs have anti-inflammatory effect that causes fibroids to shrink. When applied castor oil penetrates the skin and relaxes smooth muscle so it penetrates through to the uterus. It is placed on the skin because it helps improve circulation in pelvic region. It also stimulates liver to eliminate toxins, reduces inflammation, relieves pain and improves lymphatic circulation. 

Add approximately 20 drops of poke root tincture to 100ml castor oil and rub gently into the pelvic area, front and back, every other night to benefit from its remarkable dispersing and clearing effects. 

Then saturate a flannel cloth with the castor oil mixture and place it on your body over the lower abdomen. Put a plastic sheet or towel and then a hot water bottle or heating pad. Lie on your back relax, Leave on for 5 minutes while massaging below the navel anticlockwise and wipe off. Do this every other night for at least 6 months.

Add Enzymes to your daily intake: 

Three powerful enzymes are digestive enzymes, Serratiopeptidase (Serrapeptase) and Nattokinase. I personally take digestive ezymes which has greatly reduced my bloating and big tummy. 

Fibroids are also susceptible to being dissolved by high-dose enzyme therapy. 

Digestive Enzymes: Includes bromelain, protease, amylase, lipase and  papain.  

• Bromelain, extracted from the core and stem of the pineapple, breaks down protein and is beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.
• Protease digest proteins to help improve the body’s immune system response to invaders; invaders are proteins in the form of fibrin which is the tissue that makes up a scar, some blood clots and Candida overgrowth.
• Lipase breaks down fats for proper absorption in the intestines supporting the body’s ability to properly absorb fat which is very important for reproductive health; helps the body achieve optimal pH balance and maintain a healthy weight.
• Amylase breaks down carbohydrates helping the body regulate glucose levels and achieve optimal Ph balance, both necessary for healthy fertility; healthy blood and environment within the female reproductive organs.
• Papain, extracted from papaya, breaks down protein and is most beneficial as an anti-inflammatory.

Serrapeptase is a chemical taken from the silkworm. It is a commonly used drug (Takeda Chemical Industries) in Japan and Europe. Serrapeptase helps the body break down protein. This might help decrease inflammation and mucous. It is used for so many benefits such as blocked tubes, inflammation and much more. Use only for 4 weeks. Avoid use if taking blood thinners. 

   The enzyme serrapeptase is particularly effective for this purpose. Keep the bottle of enzymes by your bedside and take 250,000 SPU with a little water first thing in the morning and last thing at night, at least 2 hours after eating. The point is for the enzymes to digest the fibroids, not your food. 

One last consideration: if you have estrogen dominance, you may very well have a thyroid problem. Classic symptoms of this (hypothyroidism) are heavy menses, constipation, lack of energy, and constantly feeling cold. 

Fertility Recipe FONIO ACHA Fried Rice

Fonio called ACHA in Nigeria, Po in Mali, Mora/Findinba in Senegal. Fonio Digitaria exilis and Digitaria iburua) is probably the oldest African grain. For thousands of years West Africans have cultivated it across the dry savannas. Indeed, it was once their major food. Even though few other people have ever heard of it, this crop still remains important in areas scattered from Cape Verde to Lake Chad. In certain regions of Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Nigeria, for instance, it is either the staple or a major part of the diet. 


FONIO is high in fiber, great for cholesterol and it's also gluten free!
    
      Fonio has low glycemic index. It is absorbed in body slowly and thus effect on blood sugar is gradual. Fonio is also believed to have insulin secreting properties and aids in controlling blood sugar levels in body.  Fonio is highly rich in essential amino acids, folic acid and iron. Thus it plays important role in iron metabolism. It is good in preventing anemia. This nutritious food is traditionally recommended for pregnant and lactating women in Africa.
 Like other millets, fonio offers body with phytonutrients which may reduce levels of thyroid hormones in body and lead to hypothyroidism. While this property can be helpful for people with hyperthyroidism, but people suffering from hypothyroidism should avoid fonio.

RECIPE:

Ingredients

1 Cup of Fonio

1 Cup of broccoli or any vegetable of your choice

1/2 cup shrimp and oysters

1/2 cup of Onion, dried ground shrimp, smoked fish

1 chicken seasoning cube

One teaspoon of Curry Powder or turmeric

Pinch of thyme, ginger, garlic and cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon of black and white pepper

A teaspoon of smoked paprika

1 bay leaf 

1 tablespoon of butter

1 tablespoon of palm oil or any oil of your choice

Method

Wash your fonio and set aside.

In a pan, pour in your butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil and stir fry your vegetables. Add in the chopped vegetables . Seasonings, onions, tomatoes, smoked fish, dried crayfish powder,  and spices. Stir well. Then add your fonio 

Stir well and add 1/2 cup of water. Cover and cook. Then add your shrimp and oysters. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Stir well  Taste for seasoning, adjust seasoning  and serve your stir fried acha hot.

DEALING WITH EMOTIONS

I know it's been a while I wrote but I felt the need to address the issue of forgiveness and why not forgiving can create a hindrance within ourselves. Choosing to forgive daily does come with a price tag - of getting over hurt, grief, pain and imbalance.  We as humans tend to over up our emotions and push it to the side, while in reality it breaks out spirit within.

Proverbs 17:22 "A merry heart improves the body and a depressed spirit dries the bones.."

Unforgiveness can cause depression and break your spirit. When emotions are blocked they will vibrate to a corresponding organ system. it is important to remember that it is normal to experience the full range of emotions. It is only when a particular emotion is experienced over a prolonged period or with particular intensity that it becomes a source of imbalance. Depression can stem from anger, rage, bitterness, sadness, not feeling loved/wanted. In a more long-term view, suppressed anger or frustration often causes liver qi to become stagnant; this might result in depression or menstrual disorders. Too much thinking or obsessing about a topic can also deplete the spleen, causing a stagnation of its qi. Sadness or grief affects the lungs, producing fatigue, shortness of breath, crying, or depression. A person with this condition may exhibit such symptoms as poor appetite, forgetting to eat, and bloating after eating. A person who worries too much "carries the weight of the world on his/her shoulders,"

When the Qi/Emotions and blood are blocked and not flowing smoothly symptoms such as endometriosis, blocked tubes, blood clots, premenstrual cramping and pain, and irregular menses can occur. The Liver is important in reproduction largely because of its role in menstruation. During the premenstrual period the Liver shifts the Blood flow from other body parts to the Uterus. Right before menstruation, when the Liver is busy directing the body to menstruate, it has a tendency to neglect its other functions of keeping the Qi and emotions flowing smoothly. As a result, the emotions are no longer able to flow freely, and depression, anger, sadness, weepiness, or any combination is experienced. There may be headaches, breast pain, cramps, and a wide variety of other physical and emotional symptoms. Blockage in the Liver system is a most eloquent description of why pre-menstrual tension and its associated symptoms occur. At this time any Liver obstruction will cause Qi and blood to "back up" or stagnate. If the channels remain blocked, the flow of energy to the Uterus will be impeded, and then the menses are associated with pain and cramping. When diagnosing patterns that are preventing conception, it is absolutely essential to assess where there are blockages in the Liver and Gallbladder.
         When the Liver system is not functioning smoothly, the hormonal system is not either. The Uterus itself can become a toxic environment, hostile to implantation. Excess estrogen is not metabolized effectively and can build up, because it is the liver that metabolizes hormones. (It doesn't help that there is a preponderance of synthetic estrogen in our diet, and even in the products we apply to our skin.) Estrogen dominance is implicated in conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and cancer. Most women with these diseases are diagnosed with an element of Liver  stagnation.

      During my 4 year wait  of wanting to get pregnant, God began to bring to the surface about forgiveness and letting go. I was sad depressed and cried out to him, then he began to remind me of my unforgiveness. I had been through so much hurt, sadness and pain from the past that I just covered up those feelings without really letting go. I literally broke down in tears and truly forgave the parties. As I began to forgive, I free and finally got a positive pregnancy test but then miscarried. However, since Ihad spent months on forgiving, I refused to allow the loss make me bitter/stop the flow.  Forgiveness is not an easy task and it will never be. You might say hey how do I forgive,where do I start; I have been through rape, abuse, messy divorce, hurtful things said, humiliation and betrayal. Most times we think it would go away but it never really does, you can pretend all is well but it never really is. In many cases of abuse, we can see that depression is merely a cover-up for suppressed anger and guilt. When we are depressed, we dwell on negative thoughts about ourselves or our perpetrators. In turn, those negative thoughts cause further depression. It becomes a downward spiral which we often feel is uncontrollable.
               People who have been emotionally abused usually suffer from depression and anxiety long after they end unhealthy relationships. Many researchers believe that depression and anxiety surface as a result of suppressed anger toward our abusers. From a clinical perspective, depression often occurs when the brain cannot hold onto serotonin, the feel-good chemical that our bodies naturally produce. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are drugs that were designed to block this 'leaking' of serotonin from our brains. From an internal perspective, depression is a turning away from the outside world and closing down to everything other than self. I've suffered from depression, and I know how it feels to be so emotionally isolated that nothing seems worth doing anymore. There have been times when I didn't want to eat, sleep, play, or even breathe anymore. I saw myself as a worthless creature, taking up space on a planet where I had become obsolete.
   First step is to start now - Are they any unresolved emotions that you haven't dealt with and placed on the back burner? Is there something from your past that still fuels that anger or depression? Most times we get thoughts/flashbacks and then a sudden rush of emotions. If you do feel anger, resentment, sadness or depressed then you really haven't gotten over it.

1. Deal with unresolved anger, sadness or whatever issues from the past by writing down what it could be. And then ask yourself why you are still feeling such way.
2. Find someone who you trust to talk about the situation - this is crucial because talking about it actually now opens the door to forgiveness meaning if you can talk about it then you can certainly let go of it.
3. Tell God you forgive, ask him to forgive you of harboring such & help you be whole. If you are a believer ask God to show you any unresolved issues, give you the grace to forgive and heal the hurt/pain/grief.
4. If you can talk with who caused such grief & let them know it did cause you pain but you choose to forgive them and move on. This was a very hard step for me but I chose to do it anyways because this would also cause them to reflect on their action & hopefully choose  to act better.
5. Never allow your mind dwell on the hurt anymore, thoughts or flashbacks will happen but the key is refusing to dwell on that emotion and think positive. Act positive, live positive and force yourself to be positive. "I have forgiven them, God has forgiven me and I have moved on."  Say that to yourself anytime your ind tries to play tricks on you.
6. At least twice a week, find ways to destress -  getting a massage, taking a bath, meditating on positive words & scriptures, praying, listening to worship music, talking walks.
7. Live a healthy life - avoiding sugary foods/drinks, refined carbohydrates, refined or junk foods, practice a habit of juicing  especially carrots, beets and apple(carrots are great for detoxifying the liver), Eating small, easily digestible meals - sitting down, chewing thorough, Avoid too much cold foods, drink water - not with meals, Eat frequent, small meals. This keeps the blood sugar levels more stable and inhibits adrenaline release. Use spices that move the flow , like peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, turmeric, and thyme. Most times avoiding drinking milk also helps not necessarily though. Do not overeat. Try to avoid heavy, hard to digest foods like nuts, peanut butter, butter, animal fats, too much meat, and too much bread. Avoid foods with preservatives or chemicals.
8. Avoid harboring anger and resentment. Feelings of frustration and internal emotional tension need to be resolved as soon as possible, as any stagnated emotion can inhibit the Qi mechanism.
9. Laugh often. Watch comedies or funny movies to release any stuck internal feelings.
10. Avoid food with GMOs especially soy foods, I realized I was had too much estrogen & made sure to avoid estrogen foods. And also avoid chemicals like bleach or cleaning products with fumes. 
11. Do light massages with your fingers below the navel- Only for women* this will help improve blood flow and help with any stagnation/blockage. This is also important for anyone that has had surgery as those adhesion's can cause stagnation. 

    And the truth of  the matter is you will always have someone who will try to hurt you emotionally or do things to make you sad. It's part of life and living above anger/sadness/depression/hurt/grief shows maturity.It's most times those that are close to us that say hurtful things but CHOOSE to FORGIVE.

FERTILITY FOODS BUILD UTERINE LINING IMPLANTATION AVOID MISCARRIAGE FERTILITY MASSAGE

I had a request to post on fertility friendly foods and give a list. This is very detailed so please read thoroughly. Fertility friendly foods are basically foods to help increase your chances of conceiving while eating healthy at the same time. Most healthy foods are already fertility friendly so try not to stress yourself about what foods to eat.

  1.The first step would be eliminating bad foods from your diet, sodas, junk, sugary foods and fast foods. An occasional fast food is certainly fine. My first step towards stopping cysts from growing was saying goodbye to cow's milk. I no longer drink cows milk and only drink nut milk. Almond milk, coconut milk etc. The sooner you get used to eating fertility friendly foods the easier it would be once you get pregnant.

2. Water: Drink alkaline water. Alkaline water has a higher pH level than regular drinking water. Because of this, some advocates of alkaline water believe it can neutralize the acid in your body. The more alkaline your body & foods are the less disease you have. And also easier to conceive.

   The easiest way to alkaline your water is with lime. Purchase spring water or buy filtered pur jug and squeeze in a whole lime cut up(the juices in a gallon) I prefer lime but you can certainly use lemon. If using lime or lemons use preferably key lime with seeds or lemon with seeds. So squeeze the lime/lemon in a bowl remove seeds and then add to your gallon of water.

3. Cleansing: It is very essential to cleanse and detox your body especially liver/kidney to filter out any excess hormones. Why is it important to cleanse?  The Liver is important in reproduction largely because of its role in menstruation. During the premenstrual period the Liver shifts the Blood flow from other body parts to the Uterus.

     Blockage in the Liver system is a most eloquent description of why pre-menstrual tension and its associated symptoms occur. At this time any Liver obstruction will cause Qi and blood to "back up" or stagnate. When the Liver system is not functioning smoothly, the hormonal system is not either. The Uterus itself can become a toxic environment, hostile to implantation. Excess estrogen is not metabolized effectively and can build up, because it is the liver that metabolizes hormones. Estrogen dominance is implicated in conditions like endometriosis, fibroids, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and cancer. Most women with these diseases are diagnosed with an element of Liver  stagnation. When the Qi/Emotions and blood are blocked and not flowing smoothly symptoms such as endometriosis, blocked tubes, blood clots, premenstrual cramping and pain, and irregular menses can occur.
   Now the question is how are your emotions? I will cover how emotions affect menstruation, reproductive cycle and fertility later on.

CLEANSING JUICE:
Organic Celery, Organic cranberry/pomegranate, Organic apple, Organic Carrots, 1/2 cup of pineapple and Ginger. Juice and drink

CLEANSING TEA:
Organic Dandelion, Nettle, Raspberry Leaf(This will also tone your uterus), Burdock, Ginger(fresh if possible), Dong Quai and Red Clover. Find those herbs or single herb tea from vitacost add each tea bag to teapot with water and dilute with 16 oz of hot water and drink. Or purchase herbs from mountain rose herbs add 1/2 teaspoon of each herb to hot water, allow to steep for 20 minutes and drink. Or purchase the women's herb tea blend from here

BACTERIA FIGHTING HERBS: These herbs are essential to help remove any bacteria blocking the fallopian tubes and causing inflammation especially with cysts/fibroids/endometriosis.
   Calendula, Cinnamon Stick, Oregano, Ginger and Echinacea. Make a tea with 1-2 of  these and drink daily.

CLEANSING VEGETABLE SOUP:
Burdock Root(Most Chinese grocery stores sell burdock root it looks like cassava. Peel and cut up like potatoes. I would start small 1/2  a cup in soups at first. Don't go overboard with this), Organic Celery, 1/2 cup of quinoa, Onions, ginger, 2 tablespoon of dandelion leaves (also in most Asian or Chinese grocery stores) and wild salmon/oysters(add this for the men high in zinc and increases sperm count).

So take about 7 days taking the juice, tea and soup. Ensure you are drinking lots of water(lime/lemon in it) during these 7 days to help flush out toxing through your urination. You will find you are urinating more and that is fine.

4. MALE SPERM BOOSTING FOODS

  The key is eating foods high in vitamin c, a, e, selenium, zinc and antioxidants.
Oysters(highest in zinc get one from usa instead of made in china. They sell fresh oysters at most fresh seafood stores - add them to soups, some eat them raw with hot pepper sauce or stir fry with vegetables), brazil nuts(highest in selenium), Turkey, kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, asparagus, garlic, ginger, walnuts, ginseng American/Chinese, pineapples, banana, English cucumbers(from trader joes its very small but best), organic eggs, organic romaine lettuce, coconut water, gluten free brown rice spaghetti, spelt pasta, organic roma tomatoes, zucchini, oranges, organic apples, peppers, habanero(try to have them avid using too much hot sauce), pomegranates, avocadoes, broccoli, almonds, dark chocolate, brown rice (I love Uncle Ben's brown rice not too hard like other ones I have tried), Sesame seeds, Lamb(eat organic if possible), walnuts, cashew, mushrooms, chickpeas(you can get hummus dip at the grocery store and it contains garlic, chickpeas & sesame read the ingredients), lobster, red snapper, halibut, rockfish, any good fish(avoid tilapia or mackerel). . Oils - grapeseed use for cooking or frying. Grass fed unsalted butter add about 1 tablespoon for cooking also.

SAMPLE MALE MEAL 1
Breakfast: Make with grass fed unsalted butter 1 tablespoon should be fine. Omelette with diced kale, oysters, tomatoes, onions, dash of ginger, green peppers and avocadoes.
Snack: Pita Crackers or pita chips (get some from trader joes with plain sea salt) with 5 tablespoon of hummus dip.
Water - filtered or spring water with lime/lemon in it. Pomegranate juice or fresh juice made with (carrots, apples, celery).
Lunch: Sourdough bread( I love sourdough because of the fermentation process which is great for the body but any whole grain or food for life gluten free breads. Note the Ezekiel breads are great for men but not for women because of the soy.) Make a sandwich with toasted bread turkey meat a slice of tomatoes, slice of avocado and spread of hummus/Hampton creek just mayo. Serve with 1 banana or a smoothie.
Smoothie: Banana, blueberries/strawberries, almond milk and a little ginger.
Dinner: Brown rice topped with lamb stew( add tomatoes, burdock, ginger, garlic, onions) and serve with steamed stir fried (broccoli, kale, mustard greens or asparagus)

SAMPLE MALE MEAL 2
Breakfast: Cooked old fashioned rolled oats, kamut hot cereal by Bob's red mill, rolled spelt hot cereal, creamy rye flakes hot cereal, brown rice farina hot cereal. They are all by bob's red mill cost about $5 and can be found on vitacost.com. So cook with spring water(plain no lime or lemon) or almond milk sweeten with agave nectar. Serve with cut up fruit mix - watermelon, strawberries and blueberries.  Another cereal alternative is a bowl of healthy dry cereal with almond milk.
Snack:  Banana with almond butter, heathy cookies, healthy chips, veggie chips, nuts with healthy juice.
Water - filtered or spring water with lime/lemon in it. Pomegranate juice or fresh juice made with (carrots, apples, celery)
Lunch: Boiled yam or sweet potatoes with baked salmon and side of veggies. Or big bowl of salad with cut up turkey breast, avocados, tiny cherry tomatoes, sprinkle of sesame seeds/crushed up brazil nuts and balsamic dressing.
Dinner: Fufu made with (brown rice flour, teff flour, quinoa flour, kamut, spelt or dark rye) also called dumplings in Jamaican. Eat with lots of kale/mustard/turnip greens cooked with onions, touch of habanero, 1-2 tablespoon of palm oil/grapeseed oil add your choice of meat - fish/turkey/chicken/goat/lamb. You want your fufu to be about 1 cup and 3-4 cups of veggies with protein. Substitute fufu for spelt pasta/whole grain pasta/boiled or baked plantains.


4. FEMALE FERTILITY FOODS:

  Healthy foods in general but also targeting foods that will help build your uterine lining, reduce mucus, encourage blood flow to the uterus and healthy eggs.
Avoid soy products read your labels also most Chinese foods include soy sauce, avoid beef I eat beef twice or three times a month, alfalfa( they cause inflammation especially cause lupus, chia seeds, no ginseng only good for men.
     Thin uterine lining  are caused by tilted uterus, low blood flow to the uterus, fibroids, cysts, hormones, birth control medications, repeated use of clomid and so much more. So building a healthy uterus is essential.
    Key foods to build uterine lining and help implantation of baby:
     Pomegranate juice(highest in building uterine lining), red raspberry leaf tea(also second highest add a 3 drops of almond milk to reduce the tannins. Purchase at target in store, any grocery store, whole foods, and vitacost), Pineapple Core - The core is the center of the pineapple. (great for implantation start adding them to smoothies before your ovulation period and when you ovulate. Stop using once you get pregnant), Organic Romaine Lettuce, Almonds, mustard greens, kale, turnip greens, avocado, cauliflower, broccoli, sesame seeds, hazelnuts, kiwi, grass fed butter, paprika, red chili, organic range free eggs, fresh herbs(oregano, basil, thyme, sage, parsley),  boiled African/Caribbean yam(great high in progesterone which will help prevent miscarriage), oils to cook with - grapeseed oil, sunflower oil or safflower oil. Organic berries - strawberry, cranberry, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries eat with hot cereal or make into a smoothie.

      Healthy foods: grapefruit, wild salmon or smoked fresh salmon(very necessary for those with cysts/pcos/fibroids/endometriosis due to the healthy fats to help reduce growths), zucchini, grass fed lamb, rage free chicken,  organic carrots, oysters, banana, millet,  organic apples, English cucumbers(from trader joes its very small but best), organic eggs, tomatoes, oranges, peppers, habanero(try to have them avid using too much hot sauce), pomegranates, avocadoes, broccoli, almonds, dark chocolate, brown rice (I love Uncle Ben's brown rice not too hard like other ones I have tried), Sesame seeds, walnuts, pumpkin seed, cashew, mushrooms, chickpeas(you can get hummus dip at the grocery store and it contains garlic, chickpeas & sesame read the ingredients), lobster, red snapper, halibut, rockfish and any good fish(avoid tilapia or mackerel). decaf green tea (avoid once pregnant as it reduces folic acid in body) Grass fed unsalted butter add about 1 tablespoon for cooking also.

SAMPLE MEAL 1:
Start with a glass of spring water with lime/lemon before breakfast. And a hot tea of red raspberry leaf.
Breakfast: Make with grass fed unsalted butter 1 tablespoon should be fine. Omelet with diced cauliflower, smoked salmon, tomatoes, onions, dash of ginger, green peppers and avocadoes. Serve with sourdough bread and a cup of milk or almond or nut milk(necessary for those suffering from cysts/fibroids/endometriosis)
Snack: Pita Crackers or pita chips or gluten free crackers(get some from trader joes with plain sea salt) with 5 tablespoon of hummus dip.
Water - filtered or spring water with lime/lemon in it. Pomegranate juice or fresh juice made with (carrots, Pineapple Core - The core is the center of the pineapple not the flesh, apples, celery).
Lunch: Turkey wrap with  turkey meat a slice of tomatoes, slice of avocado and spread of hummus/Hampton creek just mayo. Serve with 1 banana or a smoothie.
Smoothie: Banana, blackberries/strawberries, pineapples, almond milk and a little ginger.
Dinner: Brown rice/jollof rice/fried rice(made with uncle bens brown rice) topped with lamb/fish/goat/vegetables stew( add tomatoes, burdock, ginger, garlic, onions) and serve with steamed stir fried (broccoli, kale, mustard greens or turnip greens)

SAMPLE MEAL 2:
Start with a glass of spring water with lime/lemon before breakfast. And a hot tea of red raspberry leaf.
Breakfast: Cooked old fashioned rolled oats, kamut hot cereal by Bob's red mill, rolled spelt hot cereal, creamy rye flakes hot cereal, brown rice farina hot cereal. They are all by bob's red mill cost about $5 and can be found on vitacost.com. So cook with spring water(plain no lime or lemon) or almond milk sweeten with agave nectar. Serve with cut up fruit mix - watermelon, strawberries and blueberries.  Another cereal alternative is a bowl of healthy dry cereal with almond milk. Whole grain bagel with light cream cheese spread and fresh wild smoked salmon.

Snack: Unsalted plantain chips, veggie chips, almonds and banana, 1 cup of healthy popcorn mixed with nuts, pita chips.
Water - filtered or spring water with lime/lemon in it. Pomegranate juice.

Lunch: Sandwich meat a slice of tomatoes, slice of avocado and spread of hummus/Hampton creek just mayo. Serve with 1 banana or a smoothie. Stir fried rice with veggies and protein(wild salmon, grass fed lamb, free range chicken or turkey breasts).
Smoothie: Banana, blueberries, Pineapple Core - The core is the center of the pineapple, almond milk and a little ginger. Or Fresh juice with organic carrots, pineapples, ginger, apples and English cucumbers.
Dinner: Pasta topped with tomato sauce/any good sauce or herbs and serve with steamed stir fried (broccoli, kale, cauliflower, mustard greens or turnip greens) . Fufu made with (brown rice flour, teff flour, quinoa flour, kamut, spelt or dark rye) also called dumplings in Jamaican. Eat with lots of kale/mustard/turnip greens cooked with onions, touch of habanero, 1-2 tablespoon of palm oil/grapeseed oil add your choice of meat - fish/turkey/chicken/goat/lamb. You want your fufu to be about 1 cup and 3-4 cups of veggies with protein. Substitute fufu for spelt pasta/whole grain pasta/boiled or baked plantains.

    Other Lunch/Dinner Samples: Spaghetti squash with pesto, mushrooms and onions, and a baked parmesan+nut crusted chicken, Baked salmon with quinoa and roasted asparagus. Acorn squash stuffed with quinoa and veggies, and a side of  baked chicken or fish.

Cycle Days 1-13

In addition to eating healthy foods, concentrate on these below during cycle day 1-13 first half of your cycle.

• 6oz pomegranate juice mixed with 4oz spring water with lemon/lime: 1x/day, usually with dinner
• 6oz red raspberry leaf tea/ bacteria fighting tea/womens tea: 2x/day, mid-morning and mid-afternoon (this keeps me from grabbing a coffee during these times of day. It’s just a warm, cozy, herbal tea. I sweeten with local honey or agave nectar). Rotate between those teas on cycle 1-13. Cycle day 1 is when your period starts.
• Eat Yam African or Caribbean yams.  yams should only be eaten in the first half of the menstrual cycle, from menstruation until ovulation.  After ovulation, don’t eat lots of yams.  wild yam taken in the first two weeks of a menstrual cycle improves fertility by converting diosgenin into two other hormones essential for ovulation, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone. 
• Add cinnamon to hot cereals especially for those with pcos or cysts.

Do a fertility massage is after the menstrual phase till ovulation phase (From day 6 to 14).  

Cycle Days 13-30

      * 10oz fresh  juice  organic carrots, ginger, 1 cup  Pineapple Core - The core is the center of the pineapple not the outer part, and apples 1x/day, usually with lunch or dinner

     * 

Entire Cycle/Daily

• 400iu Vitamin E: 1x/day, mid-morning
• Vitamin B Complex: 1x/day, mid-morning
• Folic acid once a day

FYI ON PINEAPPLES FOR IMPLANTATION:

  Eat the "Center thick middle part" and not the flesh around it.

If you are taking baby aspirin, a blood thinner, remember that pineapple is also a mild blood thinner and too much could lead to miscarriage. Ask your doctor before taking both.

Don’t start eating pineapple until after ovulation as it can actually inhibit pregnancy if taken too early as the acidity of pineapple can effect cervical mucous.

Cut up a whole pineapple, cut the CORE "CENTER MIDDLE PART" into 5 pieces and eat once piece daily starting the day after ovulation/IUI/IVF transfer.

If you don’t have a fresh core, eat one cup of pineapple meat a day once a day starting the day after ovulation/IUI/IVF transfer.

Canned pineapple has been heated which destroys the Bromelain so you have to eat fresh pineapple

Stop eating pineapple after a positive pregnancy test.

Supplements:
    While I'm not a fan of supplements. I would recommend taking just vitamin e, vitamin b complex and  folic acid. This can be taken by both the men/women. I avoid taking vitamins because I find my body doesn't really break down the iron so I just take those supplements and ensure I eat lots of healthy foods. L-Arginine is another supplement which may help improve fertility by increasing the production of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide dilates blood vessels and helps to increase blood flow to the uterus, ovaries, and genitals. Men or women.

Safe Sex Lubricant:
     Easiest way is drinking lots of water or grapefruit juice! Yes! lol it works 1 cup daily and you will be swimming in cervical mucus. Why is cervical mucus necessary? It helps the sperm travel from the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tube to meet with the egg. The more alkaline your CM(Cervical mucus is the more easier for conception), citrus fruits - lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, green veggies and less dairy/cow meat/sugar & processed foods. Avoid grapefruit if on any blood thinner or any medication that can interfere with it.
   
   I would stay away from ky jelly or oils if you are dry down there and it hurts. I find foreplay helps and also using sperm friendly lubricants such as; pre seed, samsar conceive plus, yes baby lubricant. Any of those will help you feeling not so tight and ph water based. I do use pre seed when I feel dry but any of those listed works.
 
   If you think your cervical mucus is too thick, expectorant cough medicine can help make it thinner. Your choice of syrup will depend on where you live, but make sure the active ingredient is guaifenesin (ask at your local pharmacy or online). Use it only during the last few days 3 days before ovulation, and do not take more than the recommended daily dose indicated on the package.


TIPS TO AVOID MISCARRIAGE:
Doing all listed above helps with miscarriage. Also Herbs or  supplement below can help. Select one herb or supplement at a time. Consult with a physician before using.

Vitex
Vitex (Chaste Tree berry) has been traditionally used by midwives and herbalists in the first trimester of pregnancy to prevent miscarriage associated with low progesterone due to corpus luteum insufficiency. It can also be used in conjunction with progesterone cream.
While Vitex can be used to help with a threatened miscarriage due to low progesterone levels, it is best to begin taking it at least 3 months prior to conception. Also, we feel it is best to consider progesterone cream use to help maintain stable progesterone levels once pregnancy has occurred. Working with a healthcare practitioner once you are pregnant to help you keep your progesterone levels up is the wisest option at that point. Should you desire to continue using Vitex into pregnancy, please only do so under the supervised care of a skilled herbalist or midwife trained in herbal medicine.

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus)
Used traditionally as a preventative for recurrent miscarriage, this herb has been shown to reduce spasm of the uterine muscles and ovaries. Cramp bark works to relieve uterine irritation, relax the muscles, with specific action on the uterus. This herb slowly relaxes the nervous system as well. This combination of actions may help prevent miscarriage in women with a history of miscarriage.
  A teaspoon with 2 cups of hot water, steep remove herbs and drink.

  
Low progesterone during pregnancy may be a common cause of recurrent miscarriages. Progesterone is responsible for creating a healthy environment in the womb by creating and maintaining a healthy uterine lining. It also may reduce the chances of blood clots and immune system responses to the fetus as a foreign substance. It is the pregnancy hormone.
If you feel this might be your situation try to get your hormone levels tested before using progesterone cream, then get tested again to make sure your levels are high enough.

Maca is a nourishing food for the endocrine system, aiding the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands (all involved in hormonal balance.) Maca has the ability to affect key hormones in both women and men without containing hormones itself.

Could you be zinc or vitamin e deficient?
Zinc and vitamin e is the most important mineral for the reproductive system when you want to prevent miscarriage. Zinc deficiency among many other things, impairs body’s ability to properly maintain pregnancy in women and produce healthy sperm in men.


DO A FERTILITY/WOMENS MASSAGE:

It should be practiced by all women not just those trying to conceive. Especially for those with fibroids, pcos, cysts and endometriosis.

Before commencing any of the massages, make sure your bladder is empty (you don’t feel like urinating)Also if you are eating before the massage, eat light meal and use a light oil for massage.

Regularly receiving fertility massage provides many benefits for the reproductive system. Some of the benefits are:

• Helps to reposition a tilted uterus
• Promotes hormonal balance and helps with blocked fallopian tubes
• Massage helps to break up scar tissue
• Helps to bring fresh blood to the uterus
• Helps to reduce stress & stress hormones
• Increases circulation to the uterus & cervix
• Improves endocrine system communication
• Encourages the liver to get rid of excess hormones
• Promotes hormonal balance by strengthening the hormonal feedback loop
• Helps the body to rid itself of old stagnant blood, clots and tissues

Is a fertility massage right for you? if you answer yes to any of the below then yes.

Are you experiencing any of the following?

PCOS Endometriosis Blocked Fallopian Tubes Blood clots during menstruation Ovarian Cysts Hormonal Imbalances Uterine Fibroids Unexplained Infertility High FSH levels Poor Egg Health

Ovarian Failure Stress from infertility Lack of menstruation Anovulation Excessive Mensuration Constipation Pain during ovulation Tilted uterus Scar tissue Gas

This is how your reproductive system looks like so light massage those areas

SEE BELOW ON AREAS TO DO MASSAGE WHERE THE ENTIRE HANDS ARE SHOWING

You want to massage the lower part of your belly button lightly anti clockwise including the sides. From where you see the tip of her thumb to the lower parts where her fingers are all that area.

Fertility Massage and Menstrual Cycle

The average length of female menstrual cycle is about 28-30 days.
These entire duration can be divided into four phases which are highlighted below:

1. Menstrual phase (From day 1 to 5)
2. Follicular phase (From day 1 to 13)
3. Ovulation phase (Day 14)
4. Luteal phase (From day 15 to 28)

For women Trying to Conceive,   Fertility massage should not be done during the luteal phase. This is to avoid the risk of miscarriage incase implantation occurs immediately after ovulation. 
The best time for a fertility massage is after the menstrual phase till ovulation phase (From day 6 to 14).  
This is because the egg is produced, developed and released during this time, and self fertility massage can help direct regular supply of oxygenated blood and even distribution of hormone towards the reproductive area.
Women who are not trying to conceive but are only preparing their body can engage in self fertility massage anytime during the menstrual cycle EXCEPT during the menstruation.

Femoral Fertility Massage Technique

This type of massage increases the blood flow to the pelvic organ providing extra nourishment to the uterus and ovaries
Massage of the femoral artery around the pelvic region is completely natural and is a technique that women can use without any external aid to boost their fertility and handle their menstrual cycles better.

1. Press down on the area between your thigh and your lower abdomen around your pelvic region with your both thumbs as shown above
2. Cover the area with the tips of the fingers and hold down with fairly heavy pressure to cease the blood flow in 30 – 40 seconds.
3. The pressure increases and forces the blood back into the pelvic region nourishing the organs.
4. Then in Releasing your fingers (pressure) you will feel a warm sensation run down your legs to the extremities.
5. Repeat on the opposite side.
6. Perform the massage three times on each side, twice a day, from when your period finishes and up to ovulation.

I hope I provided enough free resources to boost your chance of fertility. Feel free to leave a comment below and send me a message.