Sam and Alyssa, Integrative Health Practitioners and co-owners of Balanced Friends, met in dental hygiene school in 2010. Frustrated by the flaws in the American healthcare system, they transitioned to holistic health, drawing from their shared upbringing in low-income households.
Infertility is a growing concern, affecting about 15% of couples worldwide. In the United States alone, 12% of women aged 15 to 44 experience difficulty getting pregnant or carrying a pregnancy to term. This widespread issue can be attributed to a variety of factors, many of which are rooted in modern lifestyle choices and environmental exposures.
Contributing factors to infertility
Toxin exposure and endocrine disruptors: Our daily environments are filled with chemicals and substances that can disrupt hormonal balance. Endocrine disruptors, found in plastics, personal care products, and pesticides, mimic or interfere with the body's hormones, leading to reproductive issues. For example, bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates are commonly found in everyday items and have been linked to reduced fertility.
Poor diet and gut imbalance: A diet high in processed foods and low in essential nutrients can lead to poor gut health. A compromised gut can hinder nutrient absorption, impacting overall health and fertility. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in hormone regulation, immune function, and inflammation control, all of which are vital for reproductive health.
Estrogen-mimicking substances: Foods like soy contain phytoestrogens, which can mimic estrogen in the body. Excessive intake of these substances can disrupt the hormonal balance, affecting both men and women's fertility. Running a comprehensive at-home functional medicine hormone test can help identify potential estrogen dominance, which occurs when there is an excess of estrogen relative to other hormones.
Inflammation and high cortisol levels: Chronic inflammation, often resulting from stress, poor diet, or toxin exposure, can impair reproductive function. High levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, can inhibit the release of essential reproductive hormones, affecting ovulation and sperm production.
The solution – a holistic approach to reproductive health
To address these issues, it's essential to adopt a holistic approach that focuses on detoxifying the body and improving overall health:
Low-toxic lifestyle: Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and choosing natural, non-toxic products can help minimize the impact of endocrine disruptors. This includes using BPA-free containers, organic foods, and clean personal care products.
Detoxification: Regular detoxification can help eliminate toxins like heavy metals, mold, and other hidden stressors from the body. Detoxifying the liver and gut can enhance the body's ability to process and eliminate toxins, improving overall health and fertility.
Gut health and nutrient absorption: A balanced diet rich in whole foods, fiber, and probiotics can restore gut health, enhancing nutrient absorption and reducing inflammation. This improvement in gut health supports hormone regulation and overall fertility. By ensuring optimal nutrient absorption, gut health plays a crucial role in boosting the quality of sperm and eggs, thereby reducing the risk of DNA damage and miscarriage. A well-functioning gut provides the essential nutrients needed for healthy reproductive cells, increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
Stress management: Managing stress through practices like meditation, therapy, exercise, and adequate sleep can lower cortisol levels, improving hormonal balance and reproductive function.
By adopting these strategies, individuals can enhance their fertility and overall health. Addressing the root causes of infertility through lifestyle changes and detoxification offers a path to healthier, more sustainable fertility outcomes. Visit our website to learn more.
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Samantha Harnish & Alyssa Burke, Integrative Health Practitioner – Detox Expert
Sam and Alyssa, Integrative Health Practitioners and co-owners of Balanced Friends, met in dental hygiene school in 2010. Frustrated by the flaws in the American healthcare system, they transitioned to holistic health, drawing from their shared upbringing in low-income households. The creation of the Balanced Friends Instagram page in 2017 unexpectedly propelled them to become Certified Integrative Health Practitioners. Today, their virtual practice offers functional medicine detox programs for mold, metals, parasites, liver, and gut health. Perfectly designed to disrupt the broken healthcare system and to guide clients toward a more vibrant and balanced life.
