Yes! Removing excess environmental toxic burden to the body that we surround ourselves with day in and day out can improve the natural function of the body and allow it to work properly. Reproduction is one of the most delicate and vulnerable systems in the body that toxic burden overload negatively impacts. Science has proven that chemical/toxic exposure, in either partner, can increase the time to conception and loss of pregnancy.
The human body is designed to remove an enormous load of toxins when there is an adequate amount of nutrients available for the task. Unfortunately for most Americans, there are two problems with this statement.
- Toxin exposure and overload are increasing in our daily living space and work environment.
- The Standard American Diet (SAD) is known to be nutritionally deficient and exposes us to more toxins.
Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that injure our endocrine organs, which are the ovaries, testes, thyroid, adrenals, and pituitary. When the body is overexposed to these chemicals normal function of these organs will be disrupted.
Household Endocrine Toxins That Can Affect Fertility in Male and Female Partners
[See chart]
This is not an exhaustive list of adverse chemicals we are exposed to in our homes, but they are the largest cause for concern for fertility. If you’re able to avoid products with these chemicals, you’ll be one step closer to taking home the baby you’ve been dreaming of. Take a moment to assess how many toxic chemicals you are exposed to each day, from cleaning products to cosmetics, and you will understand this is a burden the body may be having a difficult time cleaning out.
Switch from purchasing more commercial, mainstream products to natural and plant-based products. There are great websites that are DIY for making cleaning products with non-toxic ingredients. As for cosmetics, natural beauty is beautiful, and there are many more companies starting to make clean cosmetics.
It may seem unimportant to make changes to the toxins you are exposed to because they’re presented on the shelves as completely safe to use without limitation. But research has proven how harmful these everyday products actually are for our health. As the consumer, it’s your decision on what to use. Show how important health is to you by purchasing safe products.
| Bisphenol A (BPA): impacts over 200 different genes in the body, which is why it has so many damaging effects. |
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| Parabens-butylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, and isobutylparaben |
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| Phthalates |
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| Triclosan |
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| Chlorine |
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| Electromagnetic Field (EMF) |
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Proper Nutrition Is Key
The next step to getting closer to optimal fertility is replenishing the nutrients needed to clear these damaging toxins. A U.S. national survey of 16,444 individuals four years and older reported specifically that the U.S. population did not meet the daily requirements:
- ~94.3% for vitamin D
- ~88.5% for vitamin E
- ~52.2% for magnesium
- ~44.1% for calcium
- ~43.0% for vitamin A
- ~38.9% for vitamin C
For the nutrients in which a requirement has not been set had intakes lower than the adequate intake for:
- ~100% for potassium
- ~91.7% for choline
- ~66.9% for vitamin K
All the B vitamins and several minerals, including copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc, were inadequate. These deficiencies not only make it harder for the body to clean out toxins, but they also make it harder for the body to do basic functions, like making adequate levels of hormones.
A whole foods diet, avoiding packaged and processed foods, with a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, high-quality protein, and whole grains can help feed the body correctly. We truly need good food for the body to perform its expected functions well each day, not to mention the importance of quality food and adequate nutrients when trying to build an entirely new human being, a baby.
Know that these and other unmentioned chemicals are affecting the health of you and your children, born or unborn. Small changes can make a huge impact when considering toxic overload and fertility. Trying to change too much at once can be overwhelming, so start with one area of your life first, say cosmetics, since these products are applied directly to your largest organ, the skin. Or try putting the Wi-Fi on a timer to turn off overnight to reduce your exposure to EMF when not using it. These changes will improve your family’s everyday health, regardless if you’re struggling with fertility.
Dr. Nicole Kerr, ND, LAc, operates an all-natural fertility clinic in Wallingford, CT, Fertility Oasis. At Fertility Oasis, Dr. Kerr teaches her patients the importance of preconception care and about all treatment options available to couples struggling to conceive. Dr. Kerr addresses male and female infertility factors to offer comprehensive fertility care to her patients.
Fertility Oasis, 857 N Main St Ext Suite 1, Wallingford CT, 203.265.0459.
www.fertilityoasis.com