Coming to You From Boston

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Here I am, in my new life. My newly designed life. Not exactly as planned. But I’m thinking outside the box.

We all make plans, right? Where to go to school, what to do for a living, who we want to spend our time with. 

Then plans change. 

The pandemic has changed the trajectory of my new marriage with a closed border that’s made things very complicated for our family. We’ve been married for 2.5 years but the longest we have ever spent together under 1 roof is 3 months. That’s not what I planned. 

Now, I write to you from Boston. Where we plan to spend the next few months together as a blended family. 2 are off to college. 1 teen, 2 school-age, and an elderly dog at home.

We are together. Finally. For another stretch of time, hopefully the longest. 

This life is the one I’m creating. Yes, many things have been out of my control. But how do you colour outside the lines? Think outside the box? (Why don’t Kendall and Joe just live in L.A. AND Chicago??? (for those Bachelor in Paradise fans out there)).

Think outside the box.

What are you stuck on? What in your life isn’t going the way you planned? What if you asked “what if?”

Join me in my Mom’s Group Online for support – www.facebook.com/groups/guiltlessgrace/ 

Let’s brainstorm together how we can all think outside the box a little bit more.

Whitney

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Hypothyroid and Miscarriage link

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The thyroid gland is often under a flurry of controversy, especially in the world of fertility.

Here are two studies to support the treatment of subclinical hypothyroid – when TSH is within normal range but greater than 2.5 mU/L – to aid in the prevention of miscarriage.

Maternal subclinical hypothyroidism, thyroid autoimmunity, and the risk of miscarriage: a prospective cohort study

– this study found that women with subclinical hypothyroid and/or autoimmune thyroid conditions were at a greater risk of early miscarriage

TSH levels and risk of miscarriage in women on long-term levothyroxine: a community-based study

– Conclusion: “The majority of levothyroxine-treated women have early gestational TSH levels above the recommended targets (>2.5 mU/L) with a strong risk of miscarriage at levels exceeding 4.5 mU/L. There is an urgent need to improve the adequacy of thyroid hormone replacement in early pregnancy”

If you are in the pre-conception stage of things, natural methods may be successful at treating sub-clinical hypothyroid. If you are already trying to conceive and your TSH is high normal, then it may be wise to consult with your MD about thyroxine.

Does this create more questions for you? Why not book yourself a Free Fertility Assessment with one of our Naturopathic Doctors? Whether it’s a stand alone visit for you or you decide to continue to work with us, we know that you will leave with good information to help you move forward.

Yours in health,

Dr. Kerri Fullerton ND & Dr. Whitney Young ND

 

 

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DNA fragmentation treatment

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We get asked often about how to address DNA fragmentation in relation to male fertility. Until recently, it was assumed that most fertility issues were with the woman. Now we understand that many cases of recurrent miscarriage are in fact male factor, and often due to high levels of DNA fragmentation.

A study published in the Journal of Andrology reveals that treatment with antioxidants can be an effective therapy.

How can you use this research to help your fertility?

  • Consume foods naturally high in anti-oxidants like deeply coloured fruits and vegetables.
  • Take 1000mg of Vitamin C daily.
  • Take 1000mg of Vitamin E daily.

It is important to note that the only parameter of the sperm that changed was the reduction DNA fragmentation found. Equally important is that these men took the supplements for a full 2 months.

If you have other issues with your sperm (quality, quantity, speed) then this will only be part of the overall plan to improve your sperm health.

To see how else we can help you improve your sperm health, consider booking a free fertility assessment today.

Yours in Health,

Kerri Fullerton ND & Whitney Young ND

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To ultrasound or not to ultrasound

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Hi there,

20 Weeks Whitney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Somewhere between week 18 and 20 pregnant women usually go for an anatomy ultrasound to check how baby is doing and maybe find out the sex of the baby.

I had mine a week ago and we found out it’s a…..drum roll please…..sorry, you’re going to have to wait a little longer before I tell you. Yes, that was mean.

My ultrasound was with a new tech who was being coached by a more experienced tech. It was a nice experience because they were chatting about this and that about my baby. So I got to see and understand a bit more about what I was seeing when I was craning my neck to watch what they were doing for an hour.

Is ultrasound safe? 

It is generally believed to be safe for mom and baby, is painless, gives results quickly, and is convenient, however because “a form of energy and, as such, demonstrates effects in biological tissues it traverses (bioeffects).(1)”

50% of physicians and obstetricians polled believed ultrasounds in low-risk pregnancies should be kept to 1-3 and 70% disapprove of “keepsake/entertainment” ultrasounds (2). However, is this based on fact or generally held beliefs?

The risks of ultrasound are thermal and mechanical.

I tried to find more research about the exact mechanisms and some definitive answers for you but this was very challenging. I think this topic is a whole thesis that I could spend a lot of time on.

My general philosophy is to strive for the least amount of intervention necessary. If you need another ultrasound for medical reasons I think that’s very important. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care provider to help you make up your own mind.

I thought I would just put this out there as food for thought.

Stay tuned for more highs and lows of pregnancy….I think my heartburn has just started and there is still so much time to go! I’m in trouble!

Talk soon,

Whitney

 

Sources:

1. Semin Perinatol. 2013 Oct;37(5):295-300.

2. J Ultrasound Med. 2007 Mar;26(3):319-25.

 

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Asparagus Soup

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1 tbsp of coconut oil

3 green onions, sliced – fresh from the garden!

3 small red potatoes, cubed– organic preferred

¾ of a bunch of asparagus, cleaned, broken into pieces

1 quart of organic chicken broth

½ cup of water

 

Melt coconut oil in soup pot over medium heat

Saute onions in pot

Add red potatoes, chicken broth, and water, bring to boil

Add asparagus when potatoes almost tender.

Blend with hand blender, food processor or blender. I kept the tips out of the blender step (that’s why you see chunks in the soup pot!)

Enjoy!

asparagus 2aspargus 3asparagus 1

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Do This, Not That – Spring Tips

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We are exposed to so many chemicals in our modern society so the small things you can do to reduce your exposure will go a long way to keeping you and your family as healthy as possible. Here’s a little list of things you can slowly do or change at home for a healthier environment.

Do This Not That
Wear slippers or have indoor shoes Avoid wearing your shoes indoors – they pick up lots of chemicals, pesticides, and germs from outside
Air your dry-leaning out in your garage or car trunk for a week Don’t bring your dry-cleaning into the house right away
Use essential oils, soy or beeswax candles, use baking soda to deodorize Avoid using air fresheners or most commercial scented candles
Use plain soap and water for cleaning when possible, use watered-down vinegar instead of anti-microbial products Avoid scented cleaning supplies and laundry detergent
Use zero- or low-VOC paints Avoid paint that isn’t labeled zero- or low-VOC
Heat food on the stove in a stainless steel or glass pot or cast-iron pan Avoid Teflon-coated pans or re-heating food in plastic in the microwave

 

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