Pregnancy Fertility
Birth Rates and Infertility
The birth rate in the United States is at an all time low. Although we could speculate about the costs of having a baby being too high, we often overlook the cultural dietary symptoms.
Soybean products in particular have been shown to have a direct link to infertility in men [Danielewicz]. Many foods labeled phytoestrogens create a hormonal imbalance, which may impair male or female fertility. Soybean agglutinin, a non-fiber carbohydrate-related protein and the main anti-nutritional factor that exists in soybean or soybean products, mediates negative effects on intestinal health by influencing the intestinal structure, barrier function, mucosal immune system, and the balance of the intestinal flora.[Pan]
Sugar and alcohol consumption have also been linked to decrease libido and decreased motility of semen [Nazni].
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Erectile Dysfunction (E.D.)
Your blood flow strongly correlates to sexual performance. About half of men with diabetes suffer from some form of E.D. [Maiorino]. Decreased blood flow can be caused by arteriosclerosis (clogged arteries), high blood pressure or pelvic trauma. Men who have clogged arteries in their heart often have the same problem with the arteries that supply the penis with blood.
By eating an anti-inflammatory diet, you can reduce blockages and allow blood to flow swimmingly. By incorporating the correct amount of meat into your diet, natural testosterone will be boosted to fuel your sex drive. Eat your vegetables, and reduce the amount of sugar in your diet.
Vitamin D
Reduce pregnancy risks by increasing or supplementing Vitamin D by safe methods such as:
Spend time in sunlight
Consume fatty fish i.e. fish oil
Mushrooms
Pasture- raised Egg Yolks
A2 Cow Milk or Almond/Hemp Milk
Best to avoid supplements
It is rare to gain toxic levels of vitamin D while pregnant. This is exclusively for women that are pregnant. [Al Emadi et al.]
If you are not pregnant, too much vitamin D can cause abnormally high levels of calcium in the blood. This can affect bones, tissues, and other organs. It can lead to high blood pressure, bone loss, and kidney damage if not treated.
Folate Deficiency
Deficiency of folate (Vitamin B9) during pregnancy can lead to several complications for the fetus, including neurological or spinal cord development, anemia, and other congenital abnormalities [Greenberg]. Dietary folate is a naturally occurring nutrient found in foods such as leafy green vegetables, egg yolk, grass fed beef, and citrus fruit. Folic acid is a synthetic dietary supplement that is present in artificially enriched foods and pharmaceutical vitamins. The recommended dose per day for pregnancy is about 400 mcg, the average vitamin will have about 600 mcg of folic acid. Periconceptional folic acid supplementation protects against fetal structural anomalies, including neural tube and congenital heart defects
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DHA & Omega-3s
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid necessary for normal brain growth and cognitive development. Seafood and dietary supplements are the primary dietary sources of DHA. The brain undergoes a rapid growth spurt during the last trimester of pregnancy and the first years of life [Braarud]. Maternal DHA levels show an overall progressive decline during pregnancy. Thus, unless compensated with higher intakes of seafood or other eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)- and DHA-rich foods or supplements, stores will be depleted.
Adequate consumption of omega-3 fatty acids is vitally important during pregnancy as they are critical building blocks of fetal brain and retina. Omega-3 fatty acids may also play a role in determining the length of gestation and in preventing perinatal depression [Coleta][Devarshi]. "Krill oil" found in the Medicine Cabinet is more concentrated in omega-3 fatty acid compared to traditional fish oil, without the fishy taste or heavy metals like mercury associated with the supplement.
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of anemia in infants and young children [Abu-Ouf]. The major signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can be summarized as fatigue, low physical and mental capacity, headache, vertigo, leg cramps, pagophagia, cold intolerance, koilonychias, mucosal paleness, and angular stomatitis [Api]. Iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy poses a number of maternal and fetal problems, including premature birth, intrauterine developmental retardation, placental problems, a decrease in newborn iron storage, the risk of a decrease in maternal blood reserves during birth, and the need for transfusion in cases of heavy blood loss, cardiac stress, symptoms of anemia, prolonged hospital stay, decreased maternal breast milk production, and maternal depletion of iron stores during and after the postpartum period.
Hypocalcemia in Pregnancy and Lactation
Calcium supplementation in pregnancy has the potential to reduce adverse gestational outcomes, in particular by decreasing the risk of developing hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, which are associated with a significant number of maternal deaths and considerable risk of preterm birth, the leading cause of early neonatal and infant mortality [Kumar].
Significant transplacental calcium transfer occurs during pregnancy, especially during the last trimester, to meet the demands of the rapidly mineralizing fetal skeleton [Mahadevan]. Similarly, there is an obligate loss of calcium in the breast milk during lactation. Both these result in considerable stress on the bone mineral homeostasis in the mother. Hypocalcemia during pregnancy can pose numerous problems to the mother and fetus. It is associated with hypertensive disorders and can increase the risk of numerous problems such as preeclampsia and fetal growth disorders [Almaghamsi].
Vaginal Microbiome Data in Preterm Births
Preterm birth (PTB) is defined as a live birth before 37 weeks of gestational age. According to the Centers of Disease Control and prevention, one of every 10 infants born in the United States is born prematurely [Ferré]. PTB and low birth weight are among the top causes for infant death in the United States [Mathews and MacDorman], and can cause complications to newborns [Ward and Beachy]. Other suggested causes of PTB are progesterone deficiency, disruption of the immune tolerance of the mother toward the fetus and disruption of the vaginal microbial balance, causing an inflammatory process [Romero]. [Kosti]
Microbial Transition from Mother to Baby
Fetuses do not build their gut microbiome during development. The mothers microbiome may only be transferred during vaginal childbirth or breast feeding [Shao]. Microbes are unable to be transferred during cesarean section births and bottle feeding. There is strong correlation between autism and C-section delivery [Al-Zalabani], as behavioral disorders stem from an intestinal dysbiosis [Xu].
Research has shown that children who were not breastfed or were fed infant formula without omega-3 fatty acid supplementation were significantly more likely to have autistic disorder [Schultz]. The majority of formula utilizes milk from cattle that contains a mix of the A1 & A2 beta-casein protein, in which the A1 beta-casein protein produces an imbalance of microbes. Research has also found that soy-based infant formula may be associated with febrile seizures and a diagnosis of epilepsy in autistic children [Westmark][Westmark et al].
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem of millions of microbes, and is thought to be important for the development of the immune system. Lack of exposure to the right microbes in early childhood has been implicated in autoimmune diseases such as asthma, allergies and diabetes.
Fecal Transplants for Cesarean section (or unplanned C-section) Births
It is estimated that 33% of all births are delivered via Cesarean section, with up to 19% being emergency. For such a high prevalence and unpredictability, a fecal capsule from the mother should be frozen and stored at around 7 months since conception. Fecal transplants delivered orally have been shown to replenish the infant intestinal microbiomes to near identical biomes compared to traditional vaginal births [Quaranta][Neu].
Ghosted Hormones After Birth
There is a complete drop off of hormones days after the delivery of a child. Hormones are meant to not only keep your muscles strong, but your mind as well. A balanced diet can ensure that your body bounces back. Many women experience postpartum depression [Mughal] that may last up to two weeks. Thyroid disorders are also prevalent in both pregnancy and postpartum for mothers [Smith] and has been linked to congenital abnormalities for the child. Maintaining proper hormonal balance and recovering from the sudden drop off is critical for both the health of the mother and her baby.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS effects between 5-20% of the reproductive age female population, and occurs when a hormone called Luteinizing Hormone (from the pituitary gland) or levels of insulin (from the pancreas) are too high, which then causes the ovaries to make extra amounts of testosterone, but low levels of SHBG (sex-hormone binding globulin) [Ndefo]. Increased testosterone in women is caused by the ovaries or adrenal glands producing more male hormones than normal. Women with PCOS consuming an vegan/vegetarian diet have higher pro-inflammatory and lower anti-inflammatory marker levels than their age and BMI matched healthy non-vegetarian counterparts [Ganie][Shahdadian].
Reducing levels of insulin is necessary. A ketogenic diet is recommended to stabilize blood sugar and insulin levels [Paoli]. Corrective nutritional therapy may restore ovulation and protect fertility [Calcaterra]
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is defined by the extrauterine growth of estrogen-dependent endometrial-like epithelial and stromal cells, and is a common gynecological and systemic inflammatory disease [Foster]. Although most frequently detected in the pelvic cavity, endometriotic lesions can be found throughout the body. Hallmark features of endometriosis include pelvic pain and infertility. Endometriosis is associated with an increased presence of Proteobacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Streptococcus spp. and Escherichia coli across various microbiome sites [Leonardi], along with diminished Lactobacillus dominance [Jiang]. Endometriosis is known as an estrogen-dependent disease with microbiome dysbiosis implications.
Introduction of an anti-inflammatory diet and reduction of phytoestrogens may help restore a homeostatic vaginal cavity and hormonal balance to reduce symptoms and improve fertility.
Hormonal Imbalances
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin
SHBG carries hormones throughout the bloodstream
Testosterone, binds tightly
Dihydrotestosterone, binds tightly
Estradiol (estrogen), binds loosely
Hormones in this bound state are not available for cells to use
Abnormal SHBG levels are due to:
Male aging as testosterone levels drop
Pregnancy, usually return to normal after childbirth
Caffeine
Lack of exercise
Phytoestrogens
SHBG may cause
Infertility
Erectile dysfunction
Low sex drive
Irregular or missed menstrual periods
Acne
SHBG increases by 23% in vegans [Key][Karelis]. Vegans are twice as likely to experience depression compared to non-vegetarian counterparts that consume a moderate amount of meat [Michalak][Jacka][Baines].
Cortisol
Cortisol, like other hormones, is embedded in meat fat of animals. Inhumanely raised animals undergo stress, either from poor dietary feed, confined spaces, or being transported and funneled to slaughter [Chen]. The effects of stress shift the homeostasis, effecting multiple pathways, causing metabolic and immune effects. This is why high concentrations of cortisol cause the body to accumulate more fat.
Inflammatory fats propagate neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric disorders [Melo]. Impaired cognitive function, mood disorders, dementia, aging, [Ouanes] and neuroinflammation are associated with elevated levels of stress [Young]. Stress and eating disorders propagate a vicious cycle of stress, as binge eating and obesity are associated with higher levels of stress [Razzoli].
'Inflammaging' and Cognitive Decline
Inflammation is an underlying condition in dementia and cognitive decline in the elderly. Inflammation has been implicated in the neuropathological cascade leading to the development of Alzheimer's disease and other common forms of dementia in later life [Gorelick]. Cognitively normal older adults with elevated levels of chronic inflammation during middle age experienced an 8 percent steeper decline in cognitive ability compared to those who had the lowest levels of inflammation [Walker]. Systemic inflammation is one component of environmental factors that contribute to the resilience or susceptibility to age-related brain changes and associated cognitive decline [Barter].
Thyroid Dysfunction
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain crucial hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Dietary supplementation of soy phytoestrogens has shown a 3-fold increased risk of developing overt hypothyroidism [Sathyapalan]. The study also showed that a vegetarian diet is usually rich in foods containing soy increase risk of developing an underactive thyroid. There’s clinical evidence that isoflavones suppresses immune function [Masilamani]. Consumption of processed foods with high salt content could be a big factor in the triggering of autoimmune conditions [Kleinewietfeld].
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body's metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Intake of soy by healthy adults could cause enlargement of the thyroid and suppress thyroid function [Ishizuki]. Soy flavonoids cause significant increases in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels [Otun], and also inhibits the peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones by affecting serum thyroid hormone binding [Fitzpatrick]. Graves Disease is an autoimmune disorder when antibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) mistakenly targets the hosts own healthy thyroid cells [whythyroid]. TSI in Graves’ disease bind to receptors on the surface of thyroid cells and stimulate those cells to overproduce and release thyroid hormones, resulting in an overactive thyroid. "90% of hyperthyroid disorders have an autoimmune component likely triggered by microbiome dysbiosis [Gilbert]."
The Testosterone Flip
Up until the mid to late twenties, men on average will have a higher level of free testosterone circulating within their body. When the testosterone flip occurs, enzyme 5α-reductase catalyzes the formation of DHT from testosterone in certain tissues including the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, epididymides, skin, hair follicles, liver, and brain. This will show as higher level of total testosterone over free testosterone. [Yang][Liu]. Saw Palmetoo is an herb that can be used to inhibit the enzymatic reaction of testosterone to DHT [Murugusundram][Huo].
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) Spike
Although total free testosterone will peak around the age of 25, there is a subsequent increase in the conversion of free testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) via the enzyme 5α-reductase [Starka]. DHT has been associated with numerous inflammatory illnesses and symptoms, including hair loss, frequent and less urination disposal due to prostate enlargement, prostate cancer, loss of elasticity in skin, loss of libido muscle fatigue, brain inflammation, among many other vascular issues [Gonzales][Saad][Fiandalo][Zhang][Clark].
Saw palmetto can be used as a natural botanical to block the enzyme conversion of testosterone to DHT [Opoku-Acheampong].
Menopause Cliff
Mood swings, hot flashes, memory loss, fatigue, sweaty, bloating, the menopause transition comes with it a lot more than being barren. Hormones take a dive and need to be supported by proper dietary intervention to alleviate symptoms of the hormonal flux. These androgen changes, may also put many women at risk of dehydration as some lose thirst sensitivity to changes in central body fluid volume. [Stachenfeld]
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