Craniosacral Therapy Defined

http://www.upledger.com/therapies/

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledgerfollowing extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.

Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

• Migraine Headaches
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain
• Motor-Coordination Impairments
• Colic
• Autism
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Orthopedic Problems
• Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Scoliosis
• Infantile Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Chronic Fatigue
• Emotional Difficulties
• Stress and Tension-Related Problems
• Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
• Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Post-Surgical Dysfunction

SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. SER1 offers applications designed to enhance results using CST and other complementary therapies.

• Assess and mobilize the Avenue of Expression working through more than 10 different body components, including the thoracic inlet, hard palate and hyoglossal tissues.
• Locate and release Energy Cysts.
• Release suppressed emotions that may be inhibiting complete structural releases.
• Refine listening and comprehension skills.
• Improve palpation and whole-body evaluation skills.

What is Mantra?

*Thank You Kia Miller*  "Why Mantra?" First lets look at what mantra means: In our modern world it is a term used to indicate any repetitive thought, which can either be a slogan or an affirmation (positive) or a belief like "I am too fat" (negative).  In the Yoga Tradition, mantras are words or sounds that are believed to free the mind from thinking. Sounds great doesn't it?!  It certainly interested me and my first experience actually chanting mantra proved that there was more than meets the eye. I found that I was not only thinking differently, but I was feeling better also.  When I started this journey, the key questions were: "What is mantra?," and "Why is it considered the master key that dissolves all blocks on the path to self-realization?"  What I came to understand was that mantras are energetic verbal formulas designed to transform consciousness, to draw one into a devotional state, and to improve ones ability to be focus the mind.  Mantra is actually the vehicle through which we reach silence. We harness the enormous power of the conscious mind through repetition of the mantra, which allows us to gradually pierce through the veils of thought that separate us from a state of pure awareness. It is here where we touch the soul of our original being. Our mind, just like our body can age through old ideas, emotions, beliefs and opinions that create blockages in our channels of perception. We stop seeing things as they really are and see only what our minds habits allow us to see. Chanting mantra is a very effective tool to draw our attention away from our ordinary preoccupations and limiting beliefs. It opens the flow of energy through our vocal chords into our entire nervous system as well as awakening our prana/lifeforce as a whole. It is this awakened inner flow of energy, which produces moments of flow, connectednes and inspiration.   If you have not started chanting yet I highly recommend you explore it :) There are many incredible musicians with mantra recordings on www.spiritvoyage.com Below are a some mantra based practices on Yogaglo: Balance Your Brain Initiate the Flow of Kundalini Energy Healing Meditation to Clear the Chakras and Find Calm Clear The Past Healing with the Siri Gaitri Mantra Meditation to Conquer Negativity

HAND-FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE

This disease is caused by the Coxsackievirus. These viruses are usually transmitted via the oral-oral or fecal-oral route and are highly contagious.

The symptoms include ulcerative oral lesions and extremely painful cutaneous lesions on the hands and feet.  Occasionally these lesions are asymptomatic. The child will often refuse to eat because of the pain in the mouth. The rash may persist for months but, generally, there are others in the family or daycare with similar symptoms.  Parents usually only exhibit the rash on their hands.

A prodrome is present with this condition and usually occurs 12 hours to one day prior to the rash.  Symptoms include: low grade fever, malaise, abdominal pain, respiratory symptoms and sore throat.  The condition would need to be differentiated from Herpes simplex, Aphthous stomatitis, Herpangina and Erythema multiforme major, but its classic pattern generally aids in the final diagnosis.

In managing this disease, it is best to start viral, immune and pain support as soon as possible Herbs that may be useful are:  Glycyrrhiza glabra, Melissa officinalis, Echinacea angustifolia, Usnea, Astragalus membraneou and, Allium sativa (Garlic).  Start immune supporting vitamins such as: Vitamin C, Zinc and Bioflavonoids.  For the pain, herbal popsicles can be given to sooth mouth blisters, with chamomile, licorice and melissa. Herbal foot/hand soaks to dry up blisters and heal skin will also be beneficial. Topical dyclonine HCl or lidocaine gel could be considered to help reduce oral discomfort so that the child can eat.

• Stay HYDRATED.
• Do not give children asprin.
• Infectious until blisters are gone.  Limit contact with others.  Children should be excused from school until blisters are dry.
• Good hygiene is the best protection: wash hands with soap and water after going to the toilet, before eating, after wiping noses, and after changing nappies or soiled clothing.
• Avoid Sugars

Care should be taken in exposure to pregnant mothers because infection in first trimester of pregnancy may trigger a spontaneous abortion.

 

Naturopathic Womens Wellness
1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304
P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003
 |  Dr. Hillary Martin |  
 

References

1. Moses, S., MD. Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. Family Practice Notebook. Retrieved 5/2/04 from the World Wide Web: http://fpnotebook.com.
2. Roberts, S.M., ND. Naturopathic Pediatric Essentials. Wenatchee, WA. Healing Mountain Publishing, Inc.
3. Toida M, Watanabe F, Goto K, Shibata T. Usefulness of low-level laser for control of painful stomatitis in patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease. J Clin Laser Med Surg. 2003 Dec;21(6):363-7.
4. Frydenberg A, Starr M. Hand, foot and mouth disease. Aust Fam Physician. 2003 Aug;32(8):594-5.

Back to School Health Tips

The days are getting shorter, the fall equinox is just around the corner and kids all over the bay area are headed back to school.   Here are some tips to ensure the transition back into the school year goes well!

Get Adequate Sleep
Summertime sleep patterns can be luxurious and hard to break.  Ensure that your children start heading to bed earlier so they can get adequate sleep before the school day.   To determine the appropriate bedtime, consider the when your child needs to wake up and the amount of sleep they need for their age:
Age 5-12: 10-12 hours per day
Age 13-18: 8-9 hours per day.
Getting adequate sleep will ensure that your child performs to his or her full potential, athletically, intellectually and socially.

Eat a Well Balanced Diet
Kids should eat three well-balanced meals per day and have a couple of nutritious snacks in between.  Meals should include protein, whole grains and fruits and vegetables.  Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables ensure that kids are getting all the nutrients they need for optimal brain function.

Skip the sugar.  Meals and snacks with high sugar content can disrupt concentration.  Sugar also feeds bacteria and viruses while dampening the immune system, making your child more vulnerable to getting sick.

Breakfast really is the most important meal of the day!   Make sure that there is plenty of protein at this meal; this will ensure they have adequate blood sugar to get them through the school day.  Adequate blood sugar levels help improve concentration, focus and energy.  

Move Your Body
Regular activity and exercise help keep kids healthy.  Exercise releases endorphins that help kids feel good in their bodies.  Regular exercise also stimulates circulation throughout the body and brain, which improves memory and intellectual performance.  Exercise will also help enhance immune function to ward of viruses and bacteria.  Children mimic their parents, so be a good role model and exercise with your children.  Go out for walks or bike rides, and spend some family time being active together.

Limit Screen Time
Spending time in front of screens kills creativity and encourages sedentary behavior.  Excessive screen time can also lead to inattention and focus problems.  Children should spend no more than 1 hour in front of a screen per day.  This includes: TV, smart phones, Ipads, computers, and video games.


Save Their Backs
Many children carry way too much in their backpacks.  An increasing number of children are showing up in emergency rooms with back pain.  Make sure your child has a backpack that is an appropriate size for them with two padded shoulder straps and a hip belt so that weight is evenly distributed.  Use all of the compartments to organize the contents of the backpack and pack the heaviest items closest to the center of the back.  Children should carry no more than 15-20% of their body weight.

Support Good Study Habits

Work out a schedule that allows ample time to complete assignments and includes study breaks.  Put up a wall calendar that lists assignments and has checklists that help children stay on top of their workload.  Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework by giving them a workspace that is free of distractions.  Establish a rule that TVs and telephones stay off during homework time.  Supervise computer and Internet use so that time is focused on completing assignments and not distracted by Facebook or YouTube.  Be available to answer questions and offer assistance but do not do the work for them.

Naturopathic Womens Wellness
1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304
P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003
 |  Dr. Hillary Roland |  

Endometriosis: Why Am I In So Much Pain?

Endometriosis is a disorder characterized by one or more of the following: pelvic pain with menstruation pelvic pain during non-menstrual part of the cycle pain with intercourse pain with bowel movements infertility women changes in the menstrual cycle The cause of endometriosis is unknown. It is thought to be familial yet no identified genes have yet been discovered. One theory is that of retrograde menstruation flowing back up into the pelvic cavity and into non-endometrial tissue. It may spread by lymph tissue and blood through the umbilicus, metaplasia occurring spontaneously into the endometrial tissue. Conventional therapy often starts with birth control pills and pain pills but then can move on to surgery followed by oral contraceptive pills or gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists (GnRH-a). The GnRH- medication reduces estrogen levels, and puts the woman in at least temporary menopause, with subsequent symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, reduced libido, mood changes and more. Even though the medication is designed to lower estrogen, the conventional response to the onset of the menopause symptoms is to add back low doses of estrogen therapy. Naturopathic Therapies including herbal supplementation, diet changes, lifestyle modification and stress management may provide pain relief or pain reduction adjunctively or in replace of conventional treatments. Diagnosis and Management: Endometriosis can take up to 7 years to fully diagnose. Physical exam can be normal and pelvic pain may or may not be the only symptom. Diagnosis of endometrial lesions can only be verified through laparoscopy. Differential diagnosis should be assessed and include: Celiac IBS PID Thyroid Imbalance UA, not pregnant HCG STD, G/C, CBC, ESR, CA 125 Musculoskeletal Pain Diary Negative US does not rule out endometriosis but can assess physical abnormalities Symptoms: can all be different in all women asymptomatic,  discovered at C-section or tubal ligation dysmennorhea in 90% of women, cyclical, can be chronic and get worse or daily with progression dyspareunia, deep internal pain with sex, ache, deep lower back pain, like organs are falling out dysuria can affect and cause pain in bladder or filling or excretion, may cause hematuria, or constipation/diarrhea, bleeding when passing bowel movement Infertility, can physically damage fallopian tubes or alter shape, very inflammatory and can damage eggs, sperm or affect implantation Treatment: Focus is on pain relief, hormone balance to support proper estrogen and progesterone balance and reduce all inflammation. PAIN diary can be useful and monitoring cyclic changes Meditation can be helpful and CBTherapy Protein and Plant Based Diet Supporting Liver Function and Detox Eliminating Environmental Toxins and Exogenous Estrogens Psychosocial Support for Pain Control and Quality of Life Ginger, Valerian and Crampbark Pain Control Birth Control, Pain Medication and SSRI Inhibiting menses can be helpful in pain and prevention of progression of disease. Dr. Tori Hudson, women’s health specialist, Naturopathic Physician, Author, Educator and Researcher has researched and presented clinical studies on the following: NAC 600mg three time daily 3 consecutive days per week x 3 months, reduces pain and increase fertility/ovulation Melatonin at 10 mg/day reduces endometriosis associated chronic pelvic pain, including a reduction in pelvic pain, pelvic pain during menses, pain during vaginal penetration, pain during urination and pain during defecation that is statistically and clinically significant. This reduction in pelvic pain due to melatonin was of a magnitude > 35% overall, as well as an 80% reduction in analgesic use. Pine Bark Extract: pycnogenol 30 mg twice daily reduces pelvic pain The mechanisms whereby tea reduces the risk of endometrial cancer are multifactorial. Tea, even green tea, contains caffeine, which lowers free estrogen levels. A number of antioxidants are in green tea, and these “catechins” affect carcinogenesis in numerous ways including inducing apoptosis (cell death), inhibiting estrogen-induced activation of endometrial cells and scavenging free radicals. Tea also contains phytoestrogens and can have an estrogen antagonist effect on endometrial cells. Tea consumption also modifies genetic polymorphisms relevant in the development of endometrial cancer. Start Naturopathic Medicine today to reduce pain related to endometriosis, balance hormones and reduce inflammation to improve your quality of life. Have Questions? Lets talk! Schedule a free 15 minute consult with NWW Naturopathic Womens Wellness 1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304 P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003   |  Dr. Hillary Martin  |   REFERENCES: http://drtorihudson.com/botanicals/tea-and-risk-of-endometrial-cancer/ http://drtorihudson.com/general/dietary-supplements/the-effect-of-melatonin-in-the-treatment-of-endometriosis/ http://drtorihudson.com/general/pine-bark-extract-and-endometriosis/ http://www.empowher.com/endometriosis/content/what-herbs-or-supplements-help-severe-endometriosis-dr-hudson-video http://drtorihudson.com/general/dietary-supplements/nac-something-new-for-endometriosis/ https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=tori%20hudson%20endometriosis http://endometriosis.org/resources/articles/myths https://jeanhailes.org.au/health-professionals/webinar-library/endometriosis-diagnosis-management

PCOS: Treatment and Fertilty Support

PCOS: Treatment and Fertility Support

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex metabolic imbalance in the communication between the hypothalamus, pituitary, ovaries(HPO Axis), pancreas, adrenals and thyroid. It can present with a varying number of symptoms and labs values.

Symptoms most commonly include:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infrequent or lack of ovulation
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Acne
• Hirsutism

Many women may not even know they have PCOS since they present with atypical symptoms or no outward symptoms at all. Lab work will often reveal elevated androgens from the ovaries and adrenals, abnormal FSH:LH ratios, insulin resistance, elevated lipids and blood sugar levels. I often investigate PCOS in relation to fertility optimization in women having trouble getting pregnant. Women with PCOS are also at risk for cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes and uterine cancer.

My experience with PCOS usually begins with women and couples coming to see me because they are having trouble getting pregnant or report “always” having irregular periods. Naturopathic medicine works incredibly well to regulate ovulation, lower androgens eliminating acne and hair changes and balance blood sugar/insulin resistance affecting weight. Diet and exercise changes are essential to this approach but first and foremost I promote hormone balance. Estrogen and Progesterone ratios need to be in balance and testosterone within normal.

My goal as a doctor is to properly evaluate and assess imbalances, atypical or otherwise, and reduce associated risk factors(Cardiovascualr and “Diabesity”), regulate menses and  restore ovulation to support fertility.

Physiology:

The hallmark of PCOS is an elevated LH/FSH ratio. Elevated estrogen(E1) and deficient progesterone secretion is thought by negative feedback to further accentuate the aberrations.

The dysfunction in the HPO axis causes an increase in LH secretion and deficient secretion of FSH by the anterior pituitary. Without a synchronized midcycle surge of FSH and LH triggering normal luteinization of the ovarian follicles, the follicles become cystic and secrete androgens instead of progesterone(p119). This multiple hormone imbalance in PCOS results in acyclic perpetuation of the menstrual cycle dysfunction.

Other hypothesis include a central nervous system deficiency of dopamine causing a hyperprolactinemia and or a hypersecretion of insulin and insulin receptor sites.(119) The cause of PCOS is unknown but may have a genetic component as 50% of women will have a sister or mother with PCOS. A genetic chromosomal mutation can lead to insulin resistance and glucose dysregulation. I believe some main contributors are that we live in a stress driven society keeping us in “fight or flight “ mode upsetting cortisol balance, and we have elevated daily exposure to exogenous androgens, toxins and pesticides.

Labs:

• FSH/LH
• DHEA
• SHBG
• FAI
• Free Testosterone
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Prolactin
• Fasting Insulin, Glucose, HemoglobiA1c
• Thyroid Function Test
• Adrenal Stress Index
• Lipid Evaluation
• Ultrasound
• Micronutrient Testing

Treatment:

Supplemental Ideas and Lifestyle Support to Consider:

• Saw Palmetto to reduce conversion of testosterone to the more potent form dihydrotestosterone(DHT).
• Berberine to manage blood sugar and insulin.
• NAC to manage total cholesterol, LDLs, lower BMI and hirsutism.
• Glycyrrhiza to lower testosterone and improve blood sugar and cortisol levels. Not advised with high blood pressure.
• Calcium/Vit D for menses and blood sugar regulation
• Myo-Inositol/Chromium for insulin and blood sugar support
• Green Tea, Nettles, Flax seeds and Soy  can help reduce estrogens and increase SHBG.
• Vitex know to improve abnormally high E/P ratios and support progesterone
• B6, Magnesium, EFAs
• Progesterone
• Breakfast EVERY DAY
• Add to DIET: Fennel, Fenugreek , Maitake, Spearmint, Fiber, Legumes, Cinnamon. Mediterranean Type Diet, high protein, low carb. Green Greens Greens! Water half of your body weight in ounces per day. AVOID all sugar, alcohol and coffee caffeine.
• Good Sleep Hygeine
• Exercise aerobic 5-6 days a week for 30 minutes minimum and weight training.

Resources:

Powell, Dirk, ND. Endocrinology & Naturopathic Therapies,(p.119),  7^th edition, 2005.

http://drtorihudson.com/general/endocrine-health/pcos/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome-pcos/

PCOS www.PCOS nutrition.com  PCOS Nutrition Center

PCOS COPE website and workbook

https://www1.villanova.edu/villanova/nursing/centers/obesity/about.html

Meridian Valley Lab fotos

A Naturopathic Approach to Fertility Support

PART 2 OPTIMIZE WELLNESS & FERTILITY: A COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT

(To read the first section of this series: PART 1 OPTIMIZE WELLNESS & FERTILITY: THE BASICS….Click Here)


NOW WHAT? I am healthy, clean and lean, have completed detoxification methods and started preconception care. Lets take a comprehensive look at specific steps we can take to get you and keep you pregnant!

OVULATION: Start tracking your ovulation for at least three months. You would be surprised at how many women assume they ovulate mid-cycle but end up ovulating much earlier or later. If you have a longer cycle make sure you are not dealing with anovulation or Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS). If you have a shorter cycle less than 26 days, and or ovulate later then day 16 then start therapeutics to lengthen the luteal phase of your cycle.

• URINE STICKS & TEST STRIPS: Expensive but work well, get a one month supply and see how it works for you and then you can track it for a few more months until you get consistency.
• CERVICAL MUCUS: Assess your cervical mucus through your cycle to note changes aiming towards ovulation. All women have cervical mucus through out their cycle and 24-48 hours before and at ovulation your will have a surge in hormones that increase mucus signaling heightened fertility and best time for intercourse. Once you can predict this fertile time you can aim to have sex just before ovulation and within 24-72 hour time frames for best results in pregnancy.
• BBT: Basal Body Temperature. Start taking your temperature every day first thing in the morning BEFORE you get out of bed and move around. Try to do this about the same time each day for 3 cycles. Chart it on calendar or APP and look for an obvious spike in temperature of one degree or more at the same time each month signaling ovulation.
• All three of these markers should match in times of the month. For more information and details on tracking ovulation I highly recommend Toni Weschlers book Take Charge of Your Fertility.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF STRESS:

• CORTISOL & ADRENALS

Does Cortisol affect Fertility?
When your adrenals are shot, all your hormones are thrown off. The body digests cholesterol from the diet to make hormones. It will run them down the hormone pathways to make cortisol, DHEA, estrogen progesterone testosterone etc…yet in chronic states of stress, cortisol creation dominates the pathways and the other hormones get out of balance or depleted.  High cortisol will suppress the pituitary’s ability to release luteinizing hormone (LH). An LH surge is essential for ovulation generally at about day 14 of the menstrual cycle to release an egg. Abnormal cortisol levels can suppress ovulation creating a state of infertility. Estrogen, progesterone and the sex hormone ratios will also be imbalanced making it hard to promote fertility. In men, high levels of cortisol will lower testosterone levels which can make it difficult to get and or maintain erections. READ MORE….
 

• HORMONES: Get tested. Get your hormones tested to look at levels and specifically ratios of estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen dominance is very prevalent in our work driven society. The more the fight or flight part of the nervous system is activated and the longer it has been activated the more likely you are in need of hormone balancing with grounding adaptogens, plants, foods and exercises. I don’t rely on labs 100% but it can give us a lot of information to create a baseline and rule things in or out if pregnancy is not coming to you as easily as expected. Best tests to run are full hormone panels including sex hormones, thyroid, and cortisol, and may include AMH, Blood Sugar Values, Cholesterol, MTHFR, Clotting factors, Homocysteine, and Micronutrients.
• THYROID: The thyroid is known as the regulator of metabolism. But it also has far reaching effects to mood balance (implicating depression and anxiety), menstrual cycle regulation, sex hormone balance, lipid metabolism, growth, development, carbohydrate metabolism, release of stomach acid for digestion, and gastrointestinal motility among others. Many people show normal thyroid function on laboratory work, but still are clinically hypothyroid. READ MORE….

AGE: Age does play into fertility since as women we are born with all of the eggs we will ever have. As we age we have less eggs in the ovaries and some of them are of lesser quality so can lead to miscarriage if they are not viable. That being said 25 or 45 you can have imbalances in hormones affecting fertility as well as successful pregnancies and births. Coming from a woman who had her first child at almost 39 the bottom line I work with is, if you are ovulating you can get pregnant, so we start there!

 

 

IMPROVING EGG HEALTH, QUALITY, QUANTITY(Excerpt from the Center for Human Reproduction)

It is possible to improve a woman’s egg quality. The most important factor in treating a woman with diminished ovarian reserve, the cause of poor egg quality, is a timely diagnosis. Ovarian Reserve (OR) will continue to decline with time, so the sooner diminished ovarian reserve is diagnosed, the sooner effective treatment can begin, and we will have a better chance of improving the quality (and quantity) of the patient’s eggs, ultimately resulting in better pregnancy chances.

• DHEA Supplementation: In 2004, CHR’s Dr. Norbert Gleicher and Dr. David H Barad introduced dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation as a form of innovative fertility treatment for women with diminished ovarian reserve that, since then, has demonstrated some remarkable results. In the last few years, DHEA supplementation has been accepted worldwide. DHEA (a mild male hormone that is converted to testosterone and estradiol in the body) has been shown to increase the quality and quantity of eggs by improving the ovarian environment where the eggs mature.
  • "DHEA, whose use was pioneered by CHR, has been shown to increase both egg quality and quantity."
  • Diminished ovarian reserve, which is characterized by abnormally low levels of androgens in the ovaries, typically result in poor quality eggs. Supplementation with DHEA raises the androgen levels in the ovaries, and this “restoration” of androgen levels in the ovaries appears to affect egg quality positively. The improvement in egg quality then leads to an improvement in embryo quality, increased IVF success rates, decreased miscarriage rates, and decreased chances for chromosomal abnormalities in embryos.

• CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) Supplementation
  • Recently, we have started using CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) supplementation in women with diminished ovarian reserve, in addition to DHEA, in order to improve egg quality. While DHEA works on growing eggs by providing an androgen-rich environment to mature in, CoQ10 is an important nutrient for the mitochondria, a small organelle that provides energy to cells--including eggs--in human body. CoQ10 levels, as well as the number of healthy mitochondria, decline as women age, and top researchers in this area, like CHR’s Dr. Vitaly A Kushnir, believe that the age-related decline in CoQ10 levels contribute to the age-related loss in egg quality.
  • There are many women who have been advised by other fertility centers that, because of their poor quality eggs, their only chance of conception was with egg donation. But by combining DHEA/CoQ10 supplementation with a customized IVF treatment plan, we’ve helped countless women improve their egg quality and successfully conceive without the use of donor eggs. In fact, about one third of women who did not have enough good-quality eggs to attempt pregnancies with their own eggs at other fertility centers have successfully conceived and delivered, using their own eggs, after treatment at CHR!

 

SPERM: HOW THE OTHER HALF LIVES:
“Male Factor is at least partly responsible in about 50% of infertile couples.”
~Dr. Stephen Shaban
 

• GENERAL HEALTH: Commit to a full 90-minute medical assessment. Thorough intake to evaluate medial history, goals and ongoing issues. Labs to assess cardiac function, thyroid, hormones and nutrient deficiencies all associated with energy and libido changes. Physical exam. Deal with stress and lower Stress levels ASAP. Quit smoking and no more than one alcoholic drink a day. Exercise! Get the blood pumping and lose the extra weight. Cardiovascular(CV) Health and low Thyroid function play a huge role in how your body uses oxygen to make ATP(energy) and funnel energy for libido. If you have family history of CV disease or signs and symptoms get checked out. Stress and Diet are two main components to lower energy levels that are overlooked when discussing physical as well as mental/emotional states related to sex drive and motivation. Nutrient deficiencies like anemia, methylation problems and poor carb/fat/protein ratios will take the pep right out of your step. Check it out!
• SUPPLEMENTS can help along with a healthy diet, plant based with raw foods daily, organic NON-GMO products as often as you are able. Don’t forget about water(and not water in coffee). Eight glasses of water a day, every day to hydrate the cells, increase oxygen carrying capacity and circulation. If you have deficiencies add these to your diet through foods or in a supplement: iron, B vitamins specifically B6, B12 and folate, trace minerals and essential fatty acids. Maca is great for calming the adrenals and providing and energy boost in a grounded way by enhancing communication between the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Arginine, Carnitine and Ginseng can all help stimulate blood flow for erectile dysfunction and boost metabolism.
• SEMEN ANALYSIS:  It is important to look at the volume of sperm, motility, morphology  and total count. Analysis should be done 2-3 times for proper assessment.
• TESTING: Get your general annual exam first! Next is hormone testing including FSH, LH, Testosterone, E2, Prolactin, TSH, and can include blood and semen antibodies as well as bacteria associated with semen. Heavy metals accumulations and toxins, Mumps antibodies igg/igm, rubella antibodies igg/igm, and semen dna fragmentation.
• ANDROPAUSE & LOW TESTOSTERONE LEVELS: As men age, they begin to experience symptoms that fall in line with hormonal imbalance, particularly low testosterone¹ Many men never seek treatment and go about their daily lives experiencing significant decline in testosterone production, resulting in symptoms like fatigue, low libido, decreased strength, decreased mental capacity, anxiety, depression, decreased lean body mass, fatigue, and decrease in bone mineral density, among others. READ MORE….

 

DIET AND LIFESTYLE:

• ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DIET: Pregnancy is an enormously inflammatory process so the goal is to do everything you can to keep inflammation and inflammatory processes in the body at an all time low. This will lighten the load on your body when implantation happens to prevent possible miscarriage. The top 5 anti-inflammatory diet changes you can make to aid in fertility(and preconception which = 90 days) are to avoid WHEAT, DAIRY, COFFEE, ALCOHOL and SUGAR. Get food allergy testing done. This can pin point other possible foods causing a immune reaction in the body promoting inflammation. The testing also can encourage you to stick to a difficult diet regime when you see it in ink that certain foods are reeking havoc in your body.
• GRAIN BRAIN GRAIN BODY: A worthwhile book to read to support your diet choices for fertility and anti-aging.  GRAIN BRAIN by Dr. Perlmutter

 

POSITIVE THINKING: Seek Balance.
We are all seeking a fine balance in our lives as a cornerstone of health, happiness and wellness. In our fast paced lives this is often easier said than done and the deep impacts of stress and im-balance in our lives are largely overlooked. In any system, ecosystem or human system, physiologically we are programmed for homeostasis. We are innately born to stay in balance and create harmony in the body. We are very good at it and the younger we are the more we take advantage of this ability. As we age our nervous systems can start to get overloaded, the stress in our lives magnifies with jobs, financial woes, love and life and death.  Our digestion changes with stress and over time we need different things to support this pull towards center. Our ability to remove toxins can get sluggish, hormones start to get pulled in the wrong direction, blood sugar is dysregulated by pumping more cortisol into the system, our metabolic processes slow down, get distracted...and slowly but surely, over time, possibly over decades, we are off balance and cant seem to find our central axis again.

This process can be slow and easy, or fast and furious depending on who you are, what type of environment you were raised in, access to clean food and water or not, genetic and family history influences. The variables are endless. We all have the ability to cope with stress but after multiple heavy hits our system will start to struggle with this mechanism. The cause and the outcome will be different for us all.

What You Can Do: Sit up Straight  ~ Move your body every day ~ Sleep 8 hours every night, Take a nap! ~ Eat good clean and lean food, lots of veggies! ~ Look people in the eye and Communicate directly ~ Drink water every day, more than you think ~ Laugh, it boosts immunity
 

• DO YOGA: KUNDALINI YOGA is amazing way to balance the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Promotes fertile processes.
• MEDITATE: Start now, one minute at a time. You can take a class, use an APP, walk or chant but multitudes of studies show that meditation holds a very important key to balance and happiness to enrich our lives. Try it and see what happens.
• SELF CARE: What do YOU need to do to take care of yourself. Ask for help? Create, sing, dance? Set boundaries? Find out what it is and stick to it. You deserve it!
• PATIENCE: At the end of the day studies show that within a year women and couples will become pregnant regardless of the intervention. Try to practice happiness in your life, eat well, laugh a lot, add preconception care if you have the opportunity and a big dose of self love and…..patience.

Have Questions? Lets talk!
Schedule a free 15 minute consult with Dr.Martin

Naturopathic Womens Wellness
1295 Yellow Pine Ave. Boulder CO 80304
P: 303-545-2021  |  F: 303-545-2003 
E: DrMartin@nawellness.com
 |  Dr. Hillary Martin  |