One of the main problems of PCOS is a disordered insulin metabolism, which makes it easier to gain weight weight and more difficult to lose it.  Other issues include hirsutism (increased facial hair) and sometimes poor skin condition.  Because the Metabolic Balance programme helps balance the biochemistry behind your metabolism, it can be a great help for many of these not so pleasant side effects of having PCOS.  So not only will you find it much easier to control your weight, but you could also get support for the excess facial hair and get a better looking skin.

If you suffer from PCOS and would like to improve your hormonal health, perhaps to conceive, or to feel better and lose weight, do get in touch with us and book in for a free initial consultation.

The old safety advice about avoiding unpasteurised cheeses and other dairy products, pate, raw or partially cooked eggs and making sure you cook your meat thoroughly is still valid.  You should also avoid peanuts, especially if allergies are common in your or your partner’s family.

There are some differing opinions about how much alcohol is safe during pregnancy, but zero alcohol is always the safest level.  It is a substance that your growing baby doesn’t need.  Tea, coffee and other caffeinated drinks such as colas are also worth reducing or better still, eliminating completely.  Caffeine crosses the placenta and will affect the baby the same way it affects you – i.e. it increases the heart and breathing rate.  As your baby is not yet fully developed, the effects are likely to be more profound.

Nutrition for a healthy pregnancy is also very much about what you should be eating.  Your baby’s organs are all formed in the first 3 months of the pregnancy, so it’s important that you can provide all the necessary building blocks through your diet.  Below are some simple guidelines to point you in the right direction:

• Ensure you have some protein with every meal (protein sources include all animal foods, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds and soya).  Protein is an important building block required for many structures in the body and you need to be able to provide enough both for yourself and the growing baby.  Making sure you have protein with every meal will also boost your energy levels and can help reduce morning sickness.
• Eat 5 or more servings of fruit and vegetables daily to boost your intake of key vitamins and minerals.
• Drink lots of water to help avoid constipation.  A good way to help you achieve this is to fill a 1.5 litre bottle in the morning and make sure you’ve finished it by the end of the day.
• Include oily fish (salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, herring, and tuna) and fresh (not roasted) nuts and seeds in your diet.  They are a source of essential fats which provide building blocks for the baby’s brain.
• Choose wholemeal bread and pasta and brown rice to boost your fibre intake and help avoid constipation.
• Remember that dairy is not the only calcium source available.  Almonds and sesame seeds actually have a higher calcium content and come with a package of other useful minerals that make it easier for the body to absorb and utilise the calcium.

In addition, a good nutritionist can advice you on your individual needs and whether you need to supplement with any vitamins or minerals to optimise your nutrient intake.

To avoid exposure to xenoestrogens try to:

1. Eat organic food wherever possible to avoid consuming pesticides

2. Avoid heating food in plastic containers

3. Avoid storing food wrapped in plastic, especially fatty food such as cheese, meat or oily fish

4. Use natural organic skincare products

5. Use natural cleaning products

It’s also important to make sure have enough fibre in your diet and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage to help eliminate xenoestrogens.

Find out more about how a detox diet can help balance hormones, or contact us to make an appointment at one of our London nutrition clinics.

Julia

However, one substance that is definitely worth avoiding if trying to conceive is alcohol.  It is toxic to the reproductive system and can induce nutrient deficiencies, and research published last week confirmed that couples consuming alcohol whilst undergoing IVF also reduced their chances of conceiving.

Find out more about what to eat to maximise your fertility and contact us to make an appointment for a consultation at one of our London nutrition clinics.

Julia Alderman

I admit I found it difficult to eat healthily all the time during the first trimester but I figured that because my diet was healthy most of the time a few bowls of chips (my weakness) weren’t going to do any harm!

I found that a good pregnancy multivitamin and mineral and some liver support helped with the tiredness and the sickness. I also found the following helped greatly:

• Eating little and often – even if you feel sick do try to eat something. As soon as your blood sugar dips/you have an empty stomach, the nausea can come on. Having something to eat as soon as you wake up such as a cracker or an oatcake can help with the sickness first thing in the morning.
• Sea Bands – these are bands you wear on your wrists which work on a certain acupuncture point and can help reduce the nausea. I wore these during most of my first trimester (Amazon sells them).
• New Chapter Ginger and Honey Tonic (from a good health food shop).
• A course of acupuncture.

Thankfully I don’t feel sick at all anymore and my energy levels are brilliant. I am making sure my diet is as good as it can be (with the odd treat of course) and I am on a good supplement plan. I’m now making the most of my time before the little one arrives in November!

Find out more about pregnancy and nutrition and contact us to make an appointment at one of our London nutrition clinics.

Kim

The question is, is ‘fertility tourism’ the best answer? The national UK average success rate for IVF is approximately 23%.  This is compared with a success rate of close to 80% when a holistic approach, including changes to diet and lifestyle and adding nutritional supplements, is followed.  The food you eat, nutritional deficiencies, excess toxicity and lifestyle all have a dramatic effect on the health of your reproductive system.  Here at The Nutrition Coach, we have seen a huge number of couples successfully conceive after adopting a carefully tailored nutrition programme.  In my opinion, nutrition offers a more successful and affordable alternative to IVF trips abroad, and that holidays should be all about relaxation, exploring and generally having a wonderful time.

Find out more about how we can help with optimal nutrition and fertility and contact us to make an appointment at one of our London nutrition clinics.

Julia

Welcome to The Nutrition Coach Blog; your resource for news and opinion on matters related to health, nutrition and vitality.

Find out more about the team at The Nutrition Coach:

Kate Cook
Kim Porter
Sanna Anderson
Julia Alderman
Hilary Davies