There is indeed a real connection between a person's diet, lifestyle and their fertility and overall health. Still, so many of the foods and drinks we think are good for us are actually causing more bad than good to our health and fertility. This post really is about more than just those of us having issues from infertility, it is about being healthy no matter what phase of life you are in. This topic is so important for everyone - we need to make the FDA change their ways and start protecting us again from the food we eat!
I had not heard about adrenals until I came across a podcast with Dr. Jolene Brighten which was mostly focused on the impacts that having taken birth control has on women with fertility issues. She also talked about how much the adrenals have to do with the body from how tired you are, how your body responds to prolonged stress, the regulation of hormones within your body, etc. When I read the list of symptoms associated with adrenal fatigue, I realized I was probably in this category myself without having ever came across mention of adrenal health during my 3 years of seeing Reproductive Endocrinologists.
https://circlebloom.com/overstressed-things-you-should-know-about-adrenal-burnout-and-fertility
After listening to this podcast, and doing some additional research, I found myself considering making some tough lifestyle changes in prep for my 3rd Frozen Embryo cycle. I decided what could it hurt to cut out some things and try to work on my stress levels?
Over the last couple of months, I have cut out caffeine and alcohol unless I was in a "limbo" period between cycles, at which point it was OK to take a break. I have been eating healthy, avoiding pesticides and plastics, and exercising weekly for the last 6-8 months now. I also hadn't really thought about cutting out caffeine unless it was during the TWW (two week wait). I never realized I would have side effects from drinking caffeine because I don't consider myself a big pop or coffee drinker.
https://adrenalfatiguesolution.com/7-tips-help-quit-coffee/
However, once I focused on cutting it out, I got strong headaches that wouldn't go away until I had caffeine or cut it out for awhile. Luckily, those symptoms would go away in a few days. I only drank a cup of coffee a day and would have a couple mixed drinks over the weekend, but nothing that extreme. Now that I've decided to continue avoiding caffeine, I feel like I may even be sleeping a tad better! That is something I've needed for a long time too.
https://www.drlam.com/blog/insomnia-and-adrenal-fatigue/21871/
On to the topic of alcohol. Alcohol is one of those things you do socially, then it becomes a glass of wine after work to relax, then you wonder if you should avoid it all together because you feel somewhat dependent on that glass of wine to relax. The big issue with alcohol is the fact that it stresses your liver and converts into sugar in order for the body processes it. To combat that concern when I just have a feeling of wanting the taste of some wine, I found that you can actually purchase "alcohol removed" wine. I enjoy the taste of wine and know that there are some benefits to drinking it (especially red). Therefore when I get sick of water and don't want a sugary beverage like pop or juice, I order my alcohol free wine from:
http://frewines.com/
I liked the moscato, red blend, and champagne and found them to be a nice alternative when I am cutting back on alcohol.
Lets just throw in here that if your estrogen levels are low during IVF stimulation - red wine may not be as bad of a thing. I am learning this after abstaining from alcohol in IVF #2 then having too low of estrogen levels! Just FYI if someone is reading this and has that issue :)
Stress is another huge factor in Adrenal health. This is something that I cannot claim to be any sort of warrior at, because I have a horrible issue with it myself. I've been exercising regularly for years and years (decades really) and while that helps, it isn't a cure all fix for stress. Of course stress is a normal thing that you cannot avoid, and in some ways is good for you. Good stress can push you to do things you wouldn't have thought to do otherwise (like starting a blog and inviting everyone you know and even strangers you don't know to read about how imperfect you really are!).
As women, many of us are not only taking care of ourselves, but also worrying about everyone else in our circle and family. This is another reason it is important to take time for self care and awareness. It all really comes down to recognizing the signs and paying attention to your body and your mind and ensuring you are taking care of yourself as much as you can to be your best self! I certainly hope more people will become aware of their adrenal health and that it is certainly important to pay attention to and nourish!
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