The Gut Fertility Connection
A properly functioning digestive system (gut) is critical to good health.
Approximately a massive 80% of our immune system is located in our gut, and 90% of our neurotransmitters (chemicals responsible for regulating mood) such as serotonin are manufactured in our gut.
Therefore, an unhappy gut can be the root cause of many chronic health problems.
There is a strong relationship between gut health and fertility. This is because the health of the gut affects the reproductive system in many subtle ways. If you think about where the majority of the gut is located (in the pelvis) it is no wonder it can affect a woman’s uterus.
Gut imbalances have been linked to hormonal imbalances and autoimmune diseases such as:
- Rheumatoid arthritis,
- Diabetes,
- Chronic fatigue,
- Fibromyalgia
- Anxiety
The gut is hugely complicated and some scientists call it the second brain.
The Vagus Nerve ( located in the neck) connects the cerebral brain to our gut. However, all our digestive, absorptive and eliminative functions can operate without direct input from the cerebral brain, which is just truly amazing. It shows how important it is to have good nutrition and that we must feed our guts well so they are and we are happy.
How gut problems can cause the decline of infertility?
- Poor nutrient absorption:
If your gut is not working properly then you will not be able to fully digest your food or absorb all of the nutrients from it. This in time can lead to nutritional deficiencies because your body can not fully process the food you are consuming. Your client may be displaying symptoms of anaemia even though they are eating lots of protein.
This can impact many systems of your body, including your immune system, your liver, and your reproductive system, because of shortages of the trace minerals and vitamins needed to support those complicated processes.
The overuse of antibiotics can lead to a lot of destruction in the gut. It is always important to discuss this in consultation with your clients. By taking a high-level probiotic it can really help reestablish a good healthy bacterium in someone’s gut.
- Inadequate hormone production:
A significant part of the body’s hormone production occurs in the gut. If there are shortages of nutrients due to malabsorption, then the body will be lacking the building blocks needed to make those hormones. If the endocrine cells in the gut are damaged they are unable to do their job of producing hormones, including the reproductive hormones. Moods are also affected since the gut cells manufacture many key neurotransmitters. Don’t forget 90% are manufactured there!
- Poor waste elimination:
A healthy digestive system eliminates waste quickly so that toxins do not linger in the body. Bowels should move after every meal (3 times a day), so constipation is a cause for concern, particularly if bowel movements aren’t occurring daily. If the gut is sluggish, then the wastes held in the colon for extended periods of time can result in toxins being reabsorbed into the bloodstream. If waste does get into the bloodstream, then the immune system will be on high alert which puts pressure on the spleen.
- Leaky gut syndrome and food allergies/intolerances
In a healthy gut, the intestines are coated with a protective mucus membrane that only allows very small pre-digested molecules to pass through the intestinal walls into the bloodstream. However, if the gut is irritated (as in the case of food allergies or conditions such as coeliac disease )this protective barrier gets eroded which can lead to large undigested food molecules to get through to the bloodstream. This can lead to chronic inflammation in and around the gut as the immune system attacks these foreign substances that shouldn’t be passing through to the bloodstream. The immune system is therefore on a constant state of high alert, which is not helpful for fertility, as the body’s resources are diverted away from reproduction to deal with the ongoing threat of invasion. Therefore, hormone balance is compromised and the quality of sperm and egg production reduced.
Gluten and Dairy are the biggest allergens and can be correlated with reduced fertility. Gluten can suppress thyroid function, and undiagnosed thyroid issues frequently show up in cases of so-called “unexplained” infertility. This is why thyroid function blood test is included in the initial hormonal profile of a female.
If you suspect that your client has food intolerances, encourage them to see their GP, keep a food diary and see a Nutritionist to seek further testing.
How to help your gut?
- Chew every bite of food thoroughly. This pre-digests your food and cues your gut to release the right digestive enzymes to process what you’re eating.
- Drink at least 2 litres of filtered water a day ( add fresh lemon and limes ) . Most of hydration takes place in the colon therefore the stomach must recognize our water as food to go in the right direction.
- Follow a nourishing whole foods diet that emphasizes fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, and healthy meats and fish. Choose organic produce and free-range, organic, antibiotic-free meats wherever possible. Eat the colours of the rainbow every day!.
- Replenish healthy gut bacteria by taking probiotics or eating unpasteurized traditionally fermented foods like sauerkraut, yogurt, kefir, or kombucha. All of which you can purchase quite easily online or in store.
- Reduce foods from your diet that harm the gut or feed the bad bacteria. These include anti-nutrients such as refined sugar, refined flours, alcohol, trans fats, caffeine and artificial sweeteners.
- Eat lots of fibre. Ground flax or psyllium husk added to smoothies can help cleanse the colon.
- Trust your gut and notice your reactions to foods. If something doesn’t sit well with you, pay attention, even if the reaction is subtle. Keep a food diary and speak to the doctor about any concerns.