I am continuing to be astounded by the emails and comments that are still being sent and left on my last post about deciding to try acupuncture for fertility related issues. As I am sure you can understand, I was definitely nervous about pressing the “publish” button on a post that left me looking vulnerable, emotional, and somewhat broken. With that being said, however, I am glad I did share what I am going through. Someone mentioned writing it out might prove to be therapeutic – and I have found it to be just that. After hearing all of the stories and reading all of the encouraging support from everyone, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Thank you!
Even more amazing than that were the positive stories I have heard from women who underwent acupuncture treatments when dealing with the same issues I am. I was rejoicing from hearing about all the women who were having trouble getting pregnant and went to acupuncture as a “last resort” and ended up getting pregnant after a few months of treatment. While that’s not necessarily the case for everyone, I am glad to have some support to back up my decision to try acupuncture.
On yesterday’s WIAW post , a few questions came about – specifically about my decision to cut out peanut butter and coffee. Truth be told, when I went in for my first acupuncture treatment, my doctor gave me a few pieces of advice on foods that I should be eating/avoiding to better my chances of treatment working. While it is what it is (advice), that doesn’t mean I won’t try anything to throw a few more balls in my court. I’m a “it doesn’t hurt to try” kind of person – so, that’s what I’m going to be doing – trying!
1. Avoid Coffee – ::sigh:: The worst possible thing a person could ever ask me to do. I have heard a lot of research about cutting out coffee when undergoing any sort of fertility treatment. I suppose there are a few reasons for this. Caffeine, of course being one, but chemicals in coffee is another. My doctor has recommended me not drinking coffee anymore – and when he told me this, I made a scrunched up face that would scare most away. He then told me 1-2 cups per week of organic coffee would be okay – but it needs to be organic. That way, the chemicals that are in standard coffee won’t be a problem.
Just ask the husband on this one when I tell you that I am not very smart and tried to do this all in one swoop. On Sunday, I just didn’t drink my usual venti coffee (or the equivalent to it at home) – YIKES! By the time we got out of church, I told him my brain felt like it was about to explode, and that I felt like I was going to get the shakes (exaggeration of course). He suggested I not try to do the “all or nothing” mentality (like I usually do) and to cut it out slowly. I think he suggested this for his own safety, but I figured it would be best. This week I have been only drinking a tall coffee (or 12 oz.), and next week I will cut it down to 6 oz. The week after that, I’ll probably do a cup every other day, and then cut it out completely. Of course, I am human – so I will need that 1-2 cups per week thankyouverymuch.
I did find a great article about why coffee impacts fertility – it’s pretty informative!
2. Avoid Peanuts - ::double sigh:: Doesn’t this guy know that he is asking me to take the most beloved thing I eat out of my life? I know that peanuts are not the most nutritious of all nuts around. Peanuts actually have a high content of aflotoxins, which may impair fertility. There are many others out there that boast a higher quality of nutrients, which is why he has asked me to replace peanut butter with almond butter instead. Sounds easy, but it’s quite depressing for this girl. I’m encouraged to eat a wide variety of nuts and seeds though – I’ll be continuing to do that! 
Aaand I keep telling myself that it won’t be “forever” – I’ll see you again someday peanut butter!
PS – One of the reasons why I don’t enjoy almond butter as much is because it’s too “drippy” for me – I really dislike drippy nut butters! Anybody have any luck with a non-drippy almond butter? Buuut I don’t like it too thick either. A happy medium would be nice.
3. Eat a wide variety of berries – Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries – it’s a good thing I love them all! Berries are high in antioxidants. Blueberries in particular are high in anthocyanins, which can reduce overall inflammation in your body.
I found another great article about berries and fertility here.
4. Eat avocados – Avocados were actually named the “Fertility Fruit” by the Aztecs many many years ago. They are high in healthy fats, and I already eat them every day. Again, no problem here!
5. Avoid Milk & Cheese – Done and done! Since my body hates milk and cheese to begin with, I didn’t have an issue here. I did, however, ask my doctor if yogurt was something I should avoid since he didn’t write it down. He approved plain organic Greek yogurt in moderation. I just have to get through my last stash of Chobani, and then I will be following this rule as well!
6. Eat Eggs with Omega 3 – Since I would not compromise on the eating meat and being a vegetarian, he did advise me to continue to eat organic, free range eggs that also had Omega 3’s in them. Happy to comply!
Along with these dietary changes, he also suggested I read two books that discuss acupuncture and fertility. One of the books is The Infertility Cure and the other is Making Babies. I’ve heard of both of these books before, and they are in transit to my local Barnes and Noble book store for me to purchase!
Like I said before, all of this was “suggested” and not required by me. Even more than that, I am not advocating that if you eat these specific foods or don’t eat specific foods that your problems will be solved. I’m giving it a go, seeing what works for me, and going from there. Every person is different and requires a specific plan designed for them.
My next acupuncture treatment is tomorrow (edit: THIS) evening, and I can’t wait!
I am continuing to be astounded by the emails and comments that are still being sent and left on my last post about deciding to try acupuncture for fertility related issues. As I am sure you can understand, I was definitely nervous about pressing the “publish” button on a post that left me looking vulnerable, emotional, and somewhat broken. With that being said, however, I am glad I did share what I am going through. Someone mentioned writing it out might prove to be therapeutic – and I have found it to be just that. After hearing all of the stories and reading all of the encouraging support from everyone, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. Thank you!
Even more amazing than that were the positive stories I have heard from women who underwent acupuncture treatments when dealing with the same issues I am. I was rejoicing from hearing about all the women who were having trouble getting pregnant and went to acupuncture as a “last resort” and ended up getting pregnant after a few months of treatment. While that’s not necessarily the case for everyone, I am glad to have some support to back up my decision to try acupuncture.
On yesterday’s WIAW post , a few questions came about – specifically about my decision to cut out peanut butter and coffee. Truth be told, when I went in for my first acupuncture treatment, my doctor gave me a few pieces of advice on foods that I should be eating/avoiding to better my chances of treatment working. While it is what it is (advice), that doesn’t mean I won’t try anything to throw a few more balls in my court. I’m a “it doesn’t hurt to try” kind of person – so, that’s what I’m going to be doing – trying!
1. Avoid Coffee – ::sigh:: The worst possible thing a person could ever ask me to do. I have heard a lot of research about cutting out coffee when undergoing any sort of fertility treatment. I suppose there are a few reasons for this. Caffeine, of course being one, but chemicals in coffee is another. My doctor has recommended me not drinking coffee anymore – and when he told me this, I made a scrunched up face that would scare most away. He then told me 1-2 cups per week of organic coffee would be okay – but it needs to be organic. That way, the chemicals that are in standard coffee won’t be a problem.
Just ask the husband on this one when I tell you that I am not very smart and tried to do this all in one swoop. On Sunday, I just didn’t drink my usual venti coffee (or the equivalent to it at home) – YIKES! By the time we got out of church, I told him my brain felt like it was about to explode, and that I felt like I was going to get the shakes (exaggeration of course). He suggested I not try to do the “all or nothing” mentality (like I usually do) and to cut it out slowly. I think he suggested this for his own safety, but I figured it would be best. This week I have been only drinking a tall coffee (or 12 oz.), and next week I will cut it down to 6 oz. The week after that, I’ll probably do a cup every other day, and then cut it out completely. Of course, I am human – so I will need that 1-2 cups per week thankyouverymuch.
I did find a great article about why coffee impacts fertility – it’s pretty informative!
2. Avoid Peanuts - ::double sigh:: Doesn’t this guy know that he is asking me to take the most beloved thing I eat out of my life? I know that peanuts are not the most nutritious of all nuts around. Peanuts actually have a high content of aflotoxins, which may impair fertility. There are many others out there that boast a higher quality of nutrients, which is why he has asked me to replace peanut butter with almond butter instead. Sounds easy, but it’s quite depressing for this girl. I’m encouraged to eat a wide variety of nuts and seeds though – I’ll be continuing to do that!
Aaand I keep telling myself that it won’t be “forever” – I’ll see you again someday peanut butter!
PS – One of the reasons why I don’t enjoy almond butter as much is because it’s too “drippy” for me – I really dislike drippy nut butters! Anybody have any luck with a non-drippy almond butter? Buuut I don’t like it too thick either. A happy medium would be nice.
3. Eat a wide variety of berries – Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries – it’s a good thing I love them all! Berries are high in antioxidants. Blueberries in particular are high in anthocyanins, which can reduce overall inflammation in your body.
I found another great article about berries and fertility here.
4. Eat avocados – Avocados were actually named the “Fertility Fruit” by the Aztecs many many years ago. They are high in healthy fats, and I already eat them every day. Again, no problem here!
5. Avoid Milk & Cheese – Done and done! Since my body hates milk and cheese to begin with, I didn’t have an issue here. I did, however, ask my doctor if yogurt was something I should avoid since he didn’t write it down. He approved plain organic Greek yogurt in moderation. I just have to get through my last stash of Chobani, and then I will be following this rule as well!
6. Eat Eggs with Omega 3 – Since I would not compromise on the eating meat and being a vegetarian, he did advise me to continue to eat organic, free range eggs that also had Omega 3’s in them. Happy to comply!
Along with these dietary changes, he also suggested I read two books that discuss acupuncture and fertility. One of the books is The Infertility Cure and the other is Making Babies. I’ve heard of both of these books before, and they are in transit to my local Barnes and Noble book store for me to purchase!
Like I said before, all of this was “suggested” and not required by me. Even more than that, I am not advocating that if you eat these specific foods or don’t eat specific foods that your problems will be solved. I’m giving it a go, seeing what works for me, and going from there. Every person is different and requires a specific plan designed for them.
My next acupuncture treatment is
tomorrow(edit: THIS) evening, and I can’t wait!