Wholesome & Raw Food for Reproductive Balance

Eating an abundance of raw foods can nourish hormonal function.

It is not necessary to incorporate Wholesome & Raw foods into your diet 100% of the time.  However, do try to supply your diet with an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, exclusive of processed foods.  Try drinking freshly made fruit juices up to lunch time.  That is what Julia Indichova[1] did as mentioned in her book, “Inconceivable”.  As it turned out Julia conceived her second child at the age of 44, by making substantial dietary changes.  Eating an abundance of Wholesome & Raw Foods may profoundly slow the aging process, which ultimately will be good for the female reproductive system.[2]   

At about noon try eating something like a healthy veggie sandwich.  Then for dinner consider eating blanched vegetables with a large salad.  I love using Bragg’s salad dressings on my salads.  You can even try something different, like making your own dressing using organic olive oil or another healthful oil or fat, an acid like vinegar or citrus fruit then try adding in some pureed fruit, spices salt and pepper.  If you feel you need a bit more try steamed brown rice or quinoa or a little grilled, baked, or steamed fish, preferably organic or sustainable.  Yea, it doesn’t have to be all vegan or all raw if that is not your forte. 

DETOXIFICATION PROCESS

In time you may begin to see measurable results as you work to gradually detoxify your body.  Most likely, first, you will go through the detoxification process, whereby you will likely feel tired, have headaches, or skin breakouts.   If you can allow yourself to wade through this process, you may begin to feel light and refreshed, with increased energy, amongst other good symptoms.  You may find that your mental clarity is more acute, helping you to be more productive.  You may feel “cleansed”.  This cleansing may be the catalyst that your body needs to help you ward off disease. 

WEIGHT & RAW FOODS

Another noticeable and beneficial factor for many is weight loss.[3]  However, if you are actively trying to conceive you will want to manage your weight so as not to be too thin.  The body needs an appropriate balance of fat to help it produce the hormones needed for conception to occur.[4]  And if you are going through menopause this same healthy fat, in moderation can play a vital role in having or not having hot flashes. 

POSSIBLE ADVERSE SYMPTOMS

You may find that adverse physical symptoms related to the monthly menstrual cycle, hormonal imbalance related to perimenopause and menopause are resolve.  However, balance is needed, strict long-term raw food diets may be the drawback resulting in a woman being underweight, resulting in amenorrhea.[5]  This would be counterproductive for the woman wanting to conceive. 

SKIN ON A RAW FOODS DIET

A diet of wholesome and raw foods could be the catalyst for hormonal balance, alleviating or lessoning skin problems such as acne and melasma. My mother once spoke of a woman that she met in the grocery store that was buying beets.  The woman explained to my mother that she had been juicing and as a result she was experiencing improvements in her health and clarity to her skin. 

MINIMIZING THE COST OF A RAW FOODS DIET

To minimize the financial burden of eating wholesome and raw foods, which may be considerably more expensive, consider growing some of your own fruits and vegetables or utilize your local farmer’s market.  You can also join a CoOp and provide agricultural support to your local farmers.  As a side note, you might want to opt for produce that is organic, but whatever your choice or your budget be sure to thoroughly wash all your produce before consuming.

AN IMMUNITY BOOST FROM RAW FOODS

You may also find that you succumb less to viral infections and other communicable sicknesses because the enzymes and nutrients provide a boost to your immune system.[6] 

Finally, of most importance, please consult with your own licensed healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes.  A discussion with your licensed healthcare provider will help you to know what is best for your individual makeup. 

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[1] Julia Indichova, author of, Inconceivable, The Fertile Female

[2] Kudesia R, Alexander M, Gulati M, Kennard A, Tollefson M. Dietary Approaches to Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2021 May 8;15(4):414-424. doi: 10.1177/15598276211007113. PMID: 34366740; PMCID: PMC8299929.

[3] Greger M. A Whole Food Plant-Based Diet Is Effective for Weight Loss: The Evidence. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2020 Apr 3;14(5):500-510. doi: 10.1177/1559827620912400. PMID: 32922235; PMCID: PMC7444011.

[4] Gaskins AJ, Chavarro JE. Diet and fertility: a review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2018 Apr;218(4):379-389. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2017.08.010. Epub 2017 Aug 24. PMID: 28844822; PMCID: PMC5826784.

[5] Koebnick C, Strassner C, Hoffmann I, Leitzmann C. Consequences of a long-term raw food diet on body weight and menstruation: results of a questionnaire survey. Ann Nutr Metab. 1999;43(2):69-79. doi: 10.1159/000012770. PMID: 10436305.

[6] Thirumdas R, Kothakota A, Pandiselvam R, Bahrami A, Barba FJ. Role of food nutrients and supplementation in fighting against viral infections and boosting immunity: A review. Trends Food Sci Technol. 2021 Apr;110:66-77. doi: 10.1016/j.tifs.2021.01.069. Epub 2021 Feb 4. PMID: 33558789; PMCID: PMC7857987.