TCM, Food and Fertility
By Dr. Angela Warburton TCM
The latest research on diet and fertility states a diet consisting of complex-carbohydrates (ones that are slow to break down in the body like beans, whole grains, vegetables), whole foods (avoiding processed foods and foods with added colour and preservatives) and mostly plant based foods has a six-fold increase in fertility. That in itself is pretty impressive. But what if you already eat well?
According to Chinese Medicine, every food is unique and, in addition to the nutritional value, each food has a different temperature, flavour and property associated with it. Some of this might be fairly in intuitive – ginger is warming in property and peppermint cooling. Some foods are known to nourish and strengthen certain systems or conditions – beets and red berries tend to nourish the blood, squash and rice strengthen the digestive system, and some foods tend to make conditions worse working against the body. For example dairy products and bananas tend to be cold and damp in property making come conditions like nasal congestion or weak digestion worse.
So how does that affect you? In Chinese Medicine we work with the individual and their particular pattern to help them to focus on foods that will aid in their healing and eliminate the ones that could hinder it. We eat food every day so what we eat and even how we eat it is crucial to our strength and balance. For example someone who has too much cold in their system should focus on foods that are warming both in property and in temperature – for example avoiding foods that are raw or straight out of the fridge for they would just add more cold into the system, throwing the body more out of balance.
In addition to customizing food for the individual, we can also look to certain foods to strengthen your cycle by adding particular foods in at certain times of the month, ideally strengthening your system and optimizing fertility
In general, the first part of your cycle is the Yin-phase which focuses on rebuilding and nourishing blood after your period. Including foods such as nuts and seeds, avocados, seaweeds and omega-3 rich fish and oils can be beneficial. During ovulation the liver system comes into play and making sure the ‘channels are open’ is of utmost importance. Including leafy greens and chlorophyll rich foods at this stage are helpful.
After ovulation, we look at building up yang or the more warming active aspect of your cycle. By including ginger, black beans, small amounts of organic red meats and spices like fennel and cumin during this period you can help to balance and strengthen your system.
Remember food is a great medicine but it’s also important to enjoy it! For food eaten with good company and in an enjoyable setting is equally as important as what’s on your plate.
Bon Appetite!