Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (41 page)

Agnus castus:
Helps regulate periods, balance hormones, stimulate ovulation, and significantly enhance fertility.

False unicorn root:
Can help to strengthen and normalize the reproductive organs.

Dong quai:
A potent blood tonic, it adds important nutrients needed for fertility to the bloodstream and may increase the chance of implantation.

Black cohosh:
Useful for women who have an absence of menstruation or irregular cycles.

Red raspberry leaf:
Has a long-standing tradition in many tribal cultures as a uterine toner and strengthener.

Evening primrose oil:
Rich in essential fatty acids (EFAs) and crucial for fertility.

Wild yam:
This is an excellent remedy for progesterone imbalance. Best when taken after ovulation, in the second half of your cycle.

Red clover:
Contains isoflavones, which are hormonelike compounds that help to boost estrogen production.

Licorice root:
This extract is helpful in balancing adrenal gland functions.

Unkei-to:
An Asian herbal remedy for fertility.

She-oak:
A flower essence that many of my clients swear by.

Please understand that I am not suggesting that you take all of the above herbs at once. My herbal program is normally in rotation with those plants that are readily available. So you might take agnus castus by itself for one week; then black cohosh for one week; and so on. See how you feel and respond to each herb. This is the best way to approach herbs, on a rotational basis.

Supplements for fertility

Here is the absolute fact: if you want to increase your chances of getting pregnant, you must take your vitamins and minerals. Take a good-quality multivitamin, combined with a wholesome diet.

The fat connection

Fat is essential to fertility. A certain percentage of body fat is vital. Women need body fat in order to ovulate. Studies have shown that 50 percent of women who have a BMI (Body Mass Index) below 20.7 are infertile. A BMI between 23 and 24 is ideal for conception. The average woman has 27 percent of her weight as body fat. Being underweight may contribute to infertility in females.

However, you can have too much of a good thing. Being overweight can and does interfere with ovulation, because the extra fat produces extra estrogen in the system, causing an imbalance in the ratio of the reproductive hormones needed for egg ripening and release. Obesity increases the risk of infertility. The good news is that the effect can be quickly reversed. Just losing a small amount of weight can be enough to stimulate regular ovulation.

Things to avoid

In a nutshell, to boost reproductive health and encourage fertility you need to avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and processed or highly refined foods, as research has shown they all have a negative effect on reproductive health in both men and women. You should also avoid xenoestrogens. When you are trying to conceive, one of the most important things you need to do is to balance your hormones. That means avoiding anything that might cause an imbalance, and one of the main culprits is xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are essentially environmental estrogens, coming from pesticides, food additives, and the plastics industry. One of the best ways to eliminate an excessive intake of xenoestrogens is to buy organic produce.