5 Tips to Improve Fertility: Part 2

By: Jess Pedersen

Last week, my BizChicks blog post discussed the importance of pH in the management of PCOS. Today’s post focuses on the benefits of detoxifying the liver. Most of us know that the liver plays a big role in digestion and acts as the body’s filter. But did you know that the liver is also the organ that helps to synthesize our hormones?

Most of us know that the liver plays a big role in digestion and acts as the body’s filter. But did you know that the liver is also the organ that helps to synthesize our hormones?

If our liver is overloaded with toxins it has to work that much harder to regulate our hormones – such as testosterone and insulin – both, if out of balance, may lead to PCOS.

To improve liver function, it’s important to reduce toxins and increase whole foods in our diet.

Reducing acidic foods is the perfect way to begin the detoxification process. Start by cutting down on the amount of caffeine and sugar you consume.

Also think about switching from processed and refined foods like white bread, white pasta, and white rice, to whole grains like quinoa, millet, barley and brown rice.

Choose organic fruits and vegetables when possible.

If you are unable to purchase organics, consider using a fruit and vegetable wash to clean conventional produce. You can make your own by adding one part vinegar and one part water.

For hard skinned produce (apples, tomatoes, avocados) add the mixture to a spray bottle. Spray the produce and use a veggie brush to thoroughly clean the skin before rinsing. For soft-skinned product (think berries) you can use the same mixture and soak for a couple of minutes before rinsing clean.

Vinegar contains acetic acid which kills bacteria and helps to dissolve the wax and any pesticide residues found on the skins of many fruits and vegetables. This homemade version is cheaper than the brand name sprays and it’s all natural.

Drink plenty of purified water.

No, this doesn’t mean simply using your Britta filter. It means water that has purified, or gone through a process called reverse osmosis.

Purified water helps to relieve the burden on the liver of having to process out the toxins and chemicals found in regular tap water, and even spring water.

And, of course, infusing the body with water will immediately stimulate your liver and boost your metabolism, which in turn accelerates detoxification.

You may also consider replacing your morning coffee with a mug of hot water with lemon or a detoxifying tea, such as Yogi DeTox or, my favorite, Yogi Peach DeTox herbal tea.

Jess Pedersen is a Health Coach currently completing her training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Her focus as a health coach is to help women with unexplained infertility, PCOS, and hormone imbalances discover a holistic approach to improving their fertility and ability to conceive. For more info, please visit http://bemamabewell.com