Preparing for your TTC Journey

Preconception care is a time of preparation to optimise your health and thus ensure the best possible start for your child. Therefore areas to be addressed are nutrition, environment, lifestyle and detoxification.

Here are some things u might consider following before and during your TTC journey.

1. To provide your body with the building blocks necessary to create a healthy baby, you need to eat healthy, nutritious, whole foods. This means buying fresh, unrefined foods that have been grown organically and therefore have plenty of nutrients.

2. To avoid the toxins that come through your water and food supply, such as agri-chemicals and heavy metals, you need to use water purifier and buy organic whenever possible. This is especially important when buying animal products as animals might have been fed hormones or antibiotics, or been exposed to polluting chemical, as these products collect in the animals fatty tissues and organs.

3. Avoid sugar and all forms of sugar substitutes, coffee and alcohol as these contributes to nutrient loss. Eat plenty of veggies, whole grains and protein rich foods. Avoid saturated fat and processed foods. Buy and consume fresh produce whenever possible.

4. Drink roasted dandelion tea , which is an excellent detoxifying herb through its action on the liver. Eat plenty of garlic and onions which will also help to eliminate toxins.

5. Avoid chemical estrogens which can contribute to reproductive issues and fertility problems with both sexes. To protect nutritional content of your food you should avoid using processed, pre-prepared and packaged foods or foods that have been microwaved.

6. Take a comprehensive nutritional supplement, including the complete range of vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. These are required for proper fertility and healthy embryonic growth. The anti-oxidant nutrients (Vitamin A,C,E , Zinc and Selenium) can help you detoxify and eliminate heavy metals and chemicals.

7. Avoid all drugs. This includes social drugs such as alcohol, caffeine and nicotine, which have all been linked to reproductive and fetal ill health.

8. Avoid breathing in petrol fumes, or using household cleaning materials that are based on ammonia or any other solvents. Studies have shown that oven cleaners, mould treatments, paint, glues, and all types of solvent can affect the health of sperm or eggs.

9. To avoid the effects of non-ionizing radiation use your mobile phone and microwave as little as possible.
10. To avoid the most toxic, ionizing form of radiation, which can affect eggs and sperm for up to 3 years, avoid X-rays for as long as possible before conception.

11. Exercise for at least 2 hrs per week, three 45 minutes walk or four 30 minutes walk a week or join a gym. This will help u normalise your weight in conjunction with eating a wide variety of healthy foods.

12. Stress can be problem for those who are trying for a while. One approach is to try some visualisation. Lie down in a quiet place, with no interruptions, and direct your breath to each part of your body in turn. If stress is an ongoing problem then it can affect your nutritional status and fertility. Seek professional help if needed.