In this episode, I speak with Bethany Gettis, a certified holistic nutritional consultant and founder of Nutritious and Delicious. We explore the impact of blood sugar imbalances on fertility and discuss dietary and lifestyle changes to support blood sugar management and enhance fertility. Bethany shares her personal experience with PCOS and offers practical advice on nutrition, stress management, and supplements for achieving hormonal balance. The episode also highlights lab tests to consider and provides a free seven-day fertility meal guide.
The Connection Between Blood Sugar and Fertility
Blood sugar imbalances can have a profound impact on fertility. Bethany Gettis explains that conditions such as insulin resistance can disrupt hormone levels, influencing the balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This imbalance is notably linked to conditions like Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), which can interfere with ovulation and fertility.
Personal Journeys and Misconceptions
Both Katie and Bethany shared personal stories surrounding PCOS and fertility, highlighting the common misconception that medical intervention is the only way to manage such conditions. Bethany, through her journey of overcoming PCOS naturally, emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing blood sugar imbalances through a holistic approach.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
1. Balanced Nutrition: Emphasizing the importance of a balanced diet, Bethany recommends incorporating sufficient protein and healthy fats. These components help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce reliance on carbohydrates.
2.Meal Pairing: It’s crucial to pair foods correctly to manage blood sugar levels. For example, combining fruits with nuts or seeds can slow down sugar absorption in the bloodstream.
3.Avoiding Processed Sugars: While acknowledging the challenges during the pandemic, Bethany stresses limiting processed sugars and opting for natural sugars like honey or maple syrup.
4.Stress Management: Elevated stress levels can spike blood sugar, making stress management techniques essential for hormone stabilization.
Exercise: Incorporating weight training can be more beneficial for managing blood sugar compared to excessive cardio.
Supplements and Herbs for Blood Sugar Regulation
Bethany highlights some supplements and herbs that can aid in regulating blood sugar and enhancing fertility:
- Inositol: Particularly beneficial for individuals with PCOS, supporting blood sugar balance and fertility.
- Magnesium: Helps relax the nervous system and regulates insulin levels.
- Berberine and Chromium: Useful but need cautious use, especially when pregnant or trying to conceive.
- Cinnamon and Ashwagandha: Natural options to help manage blood sugar and stress, respectively.
Checking Your Blood Sugar Levels
Understanding where your blood sugar levels stand is essential. Bethany advises consulting with a healthcare provider to perform tests like HbA1c, which provides an overview of blood sugar levels over a few months. Regular check-ups and working with professionals who can explain and interpret these results are crucial for a comprehensive understanding.
Conclusion
This episode of "Rising Into Mindful Motherhood" offers a wealth of information for anyone exploring natural methods to enhance fertility. By understanding the crucial link between blood sugar management and fertility, listeners are better equipped to make informed lifestyle and dietary changes. To further explore these concepts and access resources like the seven-day fertility meal guide, visit Bethany’s website at www.ndelish.com, and connect via social media or email for personal guidance.
Final Note from Dr. Katie Wood
If this episode resonated with you, please consider sharing your thoughts in a review. Your feedback not only supports the podcast but also helps more listeners access this empowering information. For further engagement, connect with Katie and the community through social platforms listed in the episode details.
00:00 Introduction to Blood Sugar and Fertility
01:14 Meet the Expert: Bethany Gettis
01:50 Understanding Blood Sugar Imbalances
04:33 Personal Journey with PCOS
08:31 Dietary and Lifestyle Changes for Blood Sugar Balance
22:10 Supplements and Herbs for Blood Sugar Regulation
28:48 Lab Tests and Final Thoughts
31:44 Free Resources and Closing Remarks
Connect with Bethany:
Website (with socials + podcast): www.ndelish.com)
7-Day Fertility Meal Guide Freebie
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✅Register for the Four Steps To FINALLY Get Pregnant Masterclass HERE!✨
Email - katiewood@happynourishedmotherhood.com
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Happy Nourished Motherhood Website
Connect on Social:
Fertility & Hormone Facebook Group
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Dr. Katie Wood is a pharmacist and integrative fertility consultant certified in Integrative Nutrition, Fertile Foundations and Womb Embodiment with over a decade of experience. She helps couples to restore their fertility so they can finally *get and stay* pregnant.
DISCLAIMER: By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use it as medical advice to treat any medical condition in either yourself or others. This podcast offers information to help the listener cooperate with physicians, mental health professionals or other healthcare providers in a mutual quest for optimal well-being. We advise listeners to carefully review and understand the ideas presented, and to consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. Under no circumstances shall Pharm to Wellness LLC, any guests or contributors to the Rising into Mindful Motherhood podcast, or any employees, associates, or affiliates of Pharm to Wellness LLC be responsible for damages arising from the use of the podcast. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Hi, I'm Katie
Host of Rising into Mindful Motherhood Podcast