Preconception Supplementation

Supplementation should not be the first thing on your list of “ways to support your health”, BUT it can play an important role in supporting the body, especially during phases of life that require additional nutrient stores. Times of GROWTH are a perfect time to bring in some extra support - children and pregnant women (or those in the preparatory stage, postpartum, or breastfeeding) can all benefit from ensuring ample nutrients and building blocks are available for growth.

Thorne is a brand I’ve partnered up with because I trust their QUALITY. Supplements are not a well regulated industry, and I know this company works to ensure that all ingredients are tested multiple times (four to be exact) for potency, purity, absorption, digestibility, and safety, including third-party testing. They also leave out the fillers so you’re only paying for the ingredients that work to NOURISH you.

A few of their products that I recommend during the preconception period are:

• Ovarian Care (Inositol)

• The Fertility Bundle (Prenatal DHA, Basic Prenatal, 5-MTHF 1mg)

• Vitamin D + K2 (depending on the season and sun exposure)

• Buffered Vitamin C

• A probiotic (take the online test on the Thorne website to see which is right for you)

Some other products you may wish to supplement with are:

• LMNT (electrolytes for hydration)

• Green Pasture Fermented Cod Liver Oil (if not already supplementing with a prenatal DHA)

• BiOptimizers Magnesium

• Collagen (I like Dr. Axe or Primal Kitchen - get 10% off Primal Kitchen with code PRIMALMAMA)

• Wishgarden Fertility Prep (herbal blend)

• Herbs: cinnamon & turmeric to promote blood sugar balance

• Ashwagandha + rhodiola to support adrenals

• B-complex to improve liver elimination

• Anti-inflammatories: quercetin, a greens powder, chlorella tablets (bonds with heavy metals and removes them via bowel movements), turmeric, zinc, apple cider vinegar (or complex), and elderberry syrup (save 15% on my favorite with code PRIMALMAMA)

I always recommend that my clients meet with their primary care provider before conceiving to test for micronutrient levels (making sure to include iron and vitamin D) along with thyroid, adrenal, and hormone levels (such as estrogen, LH, FSH, and progesterone). If your insurance does not cover these tests, Thorne provides at home vitamin D and fertility testing that is much cheaper than paying out of pocket at the clinic. These at home tests are mailed back to Thorne headquarters where they are analyzed by physicians and the results are returned to you. If you find you are deficient or struggling in any of these areas and would like help managing your results, feel free to reach out. It is SO much better to treat any issues BEFORE becoming pregnant than it is to once already pregnant. There are a few reasons for this -

1. Nausea often prevents us from optimal nutrition (at least during the first 12 crucial weeks of development).

2. It takes time to correct these issues and therefore stages of development are impacted by these deficiencies or imbalances.

3. Miscarriage can often be avoided by treating low progesterone levels when identified prior to conception. Supporting mitochondrial function through reducing oxidative stress is one way to improve progesterone levels - via vitamins C & E, as well as glutathione (always through FOOD first then supplementation).

If you feel like you’re at a time in your life where you could benefit from some extra nourishment, Thorne has provided me with a way to offer you 15% off of their products - just send me a private message with your email address and you will receive an invitation link from me.

And if you want to dive deeper into preparing for pregnancy, I’d love to have you join me for my 8-week Preconception Planning program where we will address all this and MORE!

Resources:

WomanCode

@yourfertilitycoachdora