Detox for preconception

15th January in Blog, Diet, Nutrition, Recipes, Uncategorised

 

Now that we have entered the New Year there is no better time to replenish, rest and restore! Many people wonder about how a detox can help to achieve these goals. Detoxification, and the many associated benefits, is becoming increasingly popular when undertaken for preconception. This article will explore some of the benefits of detoxing so that you can use the information covered as part of your detox for preconception planning or in preparation for fertility treatment, for both women and men, in order to increase the chances of successful conception, and a healthy pregnancy and birth.

What are toxins?

Toxins are a natural by-product of the body’s everyday functions and as a result detoxification is an ongoing process in every cell in the body. Our bodies are highly effective at dealing with toxins, however, due to a combination of factors including lifestyle, diet, personal hygiene products, genetics and exposure to pollutants and contaminants, alongside increased research and a deeper nutritional knowledge, the need to aid detoxification has increased.

Why detox?

The main aim of a detox is to try to support the main organs in the body that are involved in detoxification (such as the liver, kidneys and skin) by nourishing the body with nutrient rich food whilst avoiding non nourishing drink and food, such as alcohol, sugar and white flour products. Toxins are stored in fat cells, the liver, brain and bones, to name just a few. The liver is one of the main organs involved in the detoxification process and is vital for the breakdown of oestrogen, hormones, drugs and alcohol. It is therefore essential to ensure that it is kept as healthy as possible preconception or prior to fertility treatment – bear in mind that your liver will have to process the fertility drugs).

It is important that any detoxification programme begins, for both parents, at least three months (or ideally six months) before trying to conceive or commencing fertility treatment. This is because detoxification facilitates the release of toxins and also the excretion of these toxins. As a result there is a much higher level of toxins circulating in the system, often in conjunction with symptoms of detoxification.

How can you detox for preconception?

  • Have a drink of hot water and a slice of fresh lemon before breakfast each day as this will help alkalise the body and aid the liver in the detoxification process.
  • Avoid white flour products, sugar and alcohol.
  • Eat organic produce wherever possible.
  • Eat plenty of wholegrains and pulses – lentils, peas and beans.
  • Home-bake and include plenty of soups and broths. See our menu for chicken broth at the end of this article (use chicken bones to make the stock).
  • Include natural sugars in the diet – for example manuka honey or locally produced honey.
  • Get some fresh air everyday – take a 20-30 minute walk to help stimulate the lymphatic system which will help to remove toxins from the body.
  • Enjoy a bath in Epsom salts or magnesium salts at the end of the day.
  • Spend some time relaxing in the evenings before going to sleep.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day (6-8 half pint glasses if possible over 24 hours).
  • Try dry skin brushing/body brushing – Dry skin brushing helps to improve circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage and firms the skin. The improvement in circulation is thought to improve brain function and provides more energy. By improving lymphatic flow it can help prevent the formation of unsightly cellulite. Dry brushing also removes old dead skin cells, and the toxic debris within them, while initiating the development of new skin cells.

Important to consider:

  • Some medications may affect/interfere with liver detoxification including asprin, steroids, antibiotics, antihistimines, barbiturates. If you are currently taking medications please check with your GP before starting any detox programme.
  • DO NOT detox if you are already pregnant or if there is any possibility that you could be.

 

Why not try this nutritious bone broth recipe.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth made with stock from boiling the chicken bones is considered by many to provide some of the best health benefits.

Bone broth contains an abundance of minerals which are easy to assimilate into our bodies; such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and other trace elements.  Gelatine from the bones provides us with the amino acid glycine which helps to keep our cartilage healthy and is thought to help promote good digestion and sleep. Chicken broth is also considered useful when detoxing by boosting immunity, helping to reduce the symptoms of the common cold, pain and inflammation and joint pain … to name just a few!

Bone broth ingredients and method:

2–3 kg organic chicken bones, including the meat – roughly chopped – or you can use the bones left over from a roast
A generous splash of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice – this helps to extract the minerals
A few left over vegetables such as onions, carrots or celery ends
1 tbsp black peppercorns
A few dried bay leaves

Cover with a lid and bring to the boil. Reduce the heat and simmer on low with the lid on. Remove the cooked chicken meat from the bones after 20 minutes and keep to one side for use in the soup. Remove any foam produced. The longer the bones simmer, the more nutrients are released.  Simmer a chicken carcass for at least 6-12 hours or until the bones begin to crumble.

Ingredients – use as many organic ingredients as possible

  • 1 large onion
  • 1 leek
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large carrot
  • 750ml homemade chicken stock
  • 130g pearl barley
  • 120g savoy cabbage – shredded
  • 300g leftover cooked chicken

Soup method:

  • Chop the carrot, onion and leek and cook in olive oil for 6 minutes or until soft.
  • Add the chicken bone stock. Simmer and add the pearl barley. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes.
  • Add the cooked chicken to the broth along with the shredded cabbage.
  • Simmer for 5 minutes, until the chicken is piping hot.

 

For more information about male and female fertility assessments please call 01992 78 50 60 or email us on enquiries@hertsandessexfertility.com .

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