The importance of the pre-conception phase is often overlooked, with many individuals only focusing on pregnancy preparations after receiving a positive test result. However, nurturing your body before conception can significantly impact fertility and the health of your future child. This article outlines key recommendations for optimizing pre- conception health, particularly for those aiming to […]
Choline is a crucial but often overlooked nutrient essential for pregnancy, supporting brain development, preventing neural tube defects, and reducing the risk of preeclampsia. Important sources of choline include eggs, meat, fish, dairy, legumes, and nuts. Despite these dietary sources, many women may need additional supplementation to meet the recommended daily intake of 450 mg, as most prenatal vitamins do not contain enough choline. Ensuring adequate choline intake is vital for a healthy pregnancy and fetal development.
While night sweats can be linked to serious health issues, in perimenopausal and menopausal women, they are usually triggered by hormonal decline. Although splurging on linen sheets might help, there are other effective strategies. Reducing alcohol intake can significantly ease symptoms, while magnesium supplements address deficiencies that exacerbate hot flashes. Ashwagandha, a stress-reducing adaptogen, and Siberian Rhubarb, which interacts with estrogen receptors, have shown promise in alleviating hot flashes. Keeping the bedroom cool and considering Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) under professional guidance are also beneficial. Consulting a healthcare provider is essential to tailor these approaches to individual needs.
In this guide I share 10 essential lab tests that I recommend everyone consider during their preconception journey.