Angela Heap is a nutritionist specializing in fertility and the founder of Fertile Ground Nutrition. She can inform us about genetics, preparations required before conception, folic acid and the Methylene-Tetrahydrofolic acid Reductase gene or MTFR (a gene that can affect fertility). She can show us how to get rid of any form of imbalance in the body or in the uterus or even how to deal with hormone imbalances, by following a healthy diet.
Many women as young as 19 – 20 years old have to deal with fertility issues caused by endocrine disorders.
From the moment that an egg gets fertilized, the embryo begins to develop. It is very important to understand that this development is greatly dependent on nutrients and on the condition of the uterus.
Therefore, we have an extra reason to pay great attention to our body and give it adequate time (about 3 months) to “purge” before entering the conception phase.
“The time we spend in our mother’s womb is probably the most important period of our lives.”
It’s a period in which the following are developed:
- The immune system
- The digestive system
- The neurotransmission system (more commonly: the brain)
- The cardiovascular system
- The excretory system (intestine)
All the above systems are of vital importance. If a person’s genes are of poor quality during development in the womb, they are significantly more likely to suffer from chronic diseases during the course of their life. For this to be avoided a pregnant woman must alter some aspects of her way of life like her nutrition and general activities.
Epigenetics are of particular importance.
The term epigenetics describes the field of medicine that deals with genetic inheritance and the way that external factors affect our genes.
Bad habits like smoking and drinking alcohol, in combination with other negative factors such as environmental pollutants, physical inactivity etc., can alter our DNA. Therefore, it is necessary to avoid all of the above. By adopting a positive and healthy lifestyle, we can escape the negative changes that may lead to fertility problems. Read more about epigenetics here .
40 years ago, it was believed that one inherits everything from their ancestors.
Disorders such as type 2 diabetes were considered certain to be inherited. However, in 2003 it was discovered that 70% of them can be avoided and only 30% cannot. Of course, there are some proven exceptions like hereditary diseases such as cystic fibrosis.
Today, the most common habits that affect every stage of our lives, while also creating fertility issues are:
- Eating Habits. The huge amounts of starchy carbohydrates and processed sugar.
- Reduced physical exercise.
- Major environmental changes.
Modern habits, like the consumption of processed foods and lack of exercise, can lead to reproductive disorders of our endocrine system and fertility problems such as endometriosis, in which genes play a significant role.
You can read an additional useful article about the Causes of Infertility, here.
Defective receptors on genes that process nutrients, lipids and glucose, can also lead to diseases such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). In some cases, it is inherited and therefore evolves during the fetal development process. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome affects the function of the female ovaries>/a> and is directly related to insulin sensitivity.
Like many other issues concerning genes, this can cause serious problems if it is exacerbated by environmental factors such as a diet high in carbohydrates and sugars and also by being subjected to foreign estrogens that we are all constantly exposed to due to the over-use of pesticides and plastics.
Another factor that could develop illnesses are weak detoxification genes. These may cause damage to the liver which is the main organ responsible for the excretion of excess hormones.
Therefore, it is our choices that define us.
Dimitris Papadopoulos, Clinical Embryologist, Rea Maternity Hospital