Inspire Family Acupuncture’s Top Five Fertility Support Tips

1 — Prioritize Reliable, Solid Sleep

Sleep is foundational for good health, including fertility. Ideally you’ll sleep for at least 7 hours nightly and go to sleep around the same time each night - between 8 and 10pm and definitely before 11pm.

Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep? Acupuncture and herbal medicine can help!

Want to know if you’re run down or overstressed?

Come in for acupuncture -- your pulses will reveal what your body needs.

3 — Support Your Microbiome

An unhealthy gut microbiome is linked to conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and pregnancy complications.

To help, increase dietary fiber and plant diversity and reduce chronic stress, exposure to glyphosate (found in non-organic foods), and consumption of processed foods and sugars.

Need help with your diet or digestive function? Consult with us or request a referral to a nutritionist or health coach.

5 — Stabilize Your Blood Sugar

Eating a poorly balanced diet and/or skipping meals can cause your blood sugar to drop, which triggers a spike in stress hormones.

To lower stress and support fertility, eat regular meals with protein, fat, and some carbs to keep your blood sugar steady.

2 — Move Your Body… But Not Too Much!

Exercise improves mental health, reduces stress, and keeps your bowels moving. But don’t overdo it! If you’re exercising at an intense level too many days a week or more than an hour on most days, you may be depleting your resources and over-stressing your body. Balance is key.

4 — Reduce Exposure to Toxins

Harmful chemicals in our environment can make it harder to get pregnant.

  • Eat low-mercury fish: salmon, mackerel, anchovies, sardines, and herring (“SMASH”)

  • Reduce household chemicals: minimize foods/drinks stored in anything other than glass or stainless steel, especially if hot; ensure personal care and cleaning products are “paraben and phthalate free” and don’t have “fragrance” in the ingredients.

  • Eliminate exposure to cigarette smoke

  • Clean up sexual health products: use only nontoxic condoms and lubricants

Feeling overwhelmed? We coach on simple ways to reduce your toxin exposure. Reach out for more information!

Unsure how to create balanced meals and snacks? Ask for a referral to our excellent nutrition partners who can help you balance meals and make stable blood sugar your mainstay.

We recommend that you work with a midwife or OB/GYN for a full fertility workup.

Did you know that an estimated 50% of fertility challenges come from the male side? Consult with us for more information if you have a male partner.