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Improve Your Fertility with an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Fertility problems affect around 9% of men and 11% of women of reproductive age in the country. Overexposure to certain chemicals, abnormal sperm production, congenital defects, or health problems can cause male fertility issues.

Some common causes of female fertility problems include infections, structural problems, failure to ovulate, and menstrual disorders.

Fertility problems can affect a person’s self-esteem and consequently, their mental health when trying to start a family. Many people with fertility problems choose the wrong treatment in a desperate effort to find a cure.

Many studies have linked inflammation to conditions that may affect fertility. Some inflammation in the body is normal and is caused by certain health issues and foods, physical activity, allergies, and injuries. Too much inflammation, however, is a recipe for disaster and can wreak havoc on different body systems.

Some signs of too much inflammation include painful periods, chronic joint & back pain, redness, swelling, skin rashes, and headaches. The body manages inflammation by secreting an anti-inflammatory hormone called cortisol. Though cortisol helps reduce inflammation in the body, it has multiple side effects.

Too much cortisol can disrupt hormonal balance, prevent eggs from maturing, throw your menstrual cycle out of whack, and interfere with healthy implantation of eggs in the uterus.

Many people use acupuncture to treat fertility issues. The ancient Chinese practice takes a holistic approach to wellness. Acupuncture for fertility in San Francisco identifies and treats the root cause of fertility issues rather than just treating the symptoms.

What you eat can affect your fertility. Unhealthy foods such as donuts and pastries, red meat, French fries, artificially sweetened beverages, and margarine can cause inflammation, indirectly contributing to fertility problems in men and women.

In addition to using acupuncture techniques, your acupuncturist may recommend following the paleo diet. The paleo diet includes healthy, whole foods, while excluding processed foods.

Some paleo-friendly foods are fish, meat, eggs, seeds & nuts, vegetables, legumes, and fruits. You can also consume foods high in good fats. Colorful fruits, veggies, and whole grains provide the body with a wide variety of antioxidants that reduce free radicals known to contribute to inflammation.

Some other healthy foods to add to an anti-inflammatory diet are Omega-3 essential fatty acids or fish oil, glutathione, curcumin, and resveratrol.

Your acupuncturist may also require you to add a supplement to your diet. The right supplement for inflammation can help your body manage inflammation, prevent damage, and reduce symptoms. If you are overweight, make exercise a part of your daily routine to lose extra weight. Control your blood sugar and manage stress using acupuncture.

At Anchor Acupuncture & Wellness, we use a variety of acupuncture methods to treat fertility issues. Our acupuncturists take various steps to improve patient experience and treatment outcomes. To talk to one of them, call (415) 855-3112.

Amanda Moler is a licensed acupuncturist and certified fertility acupuncturist (FABORM), serving San Francisco, CA.  Her educational background includes receiving a bachelor’s degree in Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution from Antioch College in 2001 and in 2010, her master’s degree from American College of Traditional Chinese Medicine. In 2008, she also attended Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, IL for education on acupuncture and oriental medicine. Asa Fellow of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, she has gained recognition for treating complex women fertility cases, providing guidance on painful side-effects of drugs, hormones, and maintaining the overall well-being of women. Follow Anchor Acupuncture and Amanda Moler on Facebook , Instagram, LinkedIn.