When you start with different questions, you end up with different insights.
This is the role of a naturopath. To flip the script and focus on health rather than disease. To dig deeper and spend time learning about you. To find the root cause rather than offer a band aid approach.
It’s why I believe that a naturopath is an important part of any fertility team, and why it was my absolute honor to host Dr. Aumatma on the Creation Innovation podcast. I highlighted some of my favorite parts of our conversation here, but you will definitely want to press play on this episode that is packed with so many tangible tips and resources.
The Importance of Checking Your Basal Body Temperature (BBT)
Your basal body temperature (or BBT) is captured within the first minute of waking - before you do anything, even check your phone. Ongoing tracking of your BBT creates a map of your temperatures throughout the month, providing a day to day look at what’s going on behind the scenes rather than a snapshot like a blood test would show.
In addition to determining if ovulation has occurred, it can also help track information about other hormones and full body health, including FSH, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, gut and adrenal health.
Birth Control Pills & Fertility
Research shows that prolonged use of birth control will thin the uterine lining, making it more difficult for implantation to occur and for a woman to carry to term. In Dr. Aumatma’s practice, she also sees birth control create nutritional deficiencies, including zinc, magnesium, and B12.
Ultimately, Dr. Aumatma recommends avoiding birth control as a “band aid approach” and getting to the root of any underlying issues before preparing your body for pregnancy.
How to Optimize Fertility
Dr. Aumatma’s top recommendations for supporting fertility are:
Eat Real Food: She recommends an anti-inflammatory diet and suggests eliminating foods like gluten, corn, and soy to observe if there is a noticeable change in your cycle. She believes that your cycle is a great feedback system, and encourages taking notes to help you find the root of any issues or irregularities.
Optimize Sleep: This means getting enough rest to feel rejuvenated in the morning - the exact number of hours needed will vary from person to person.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration supports the healthy production of cervical and seminal fluid - both of which are critical to fertility.
Though fertility issues can arise for any number of reasons, Dr. Aumatma believes that regularly doing these three things are core ways to support and preserve fertility.
About Dr. Aumatma
Dr. Aumatma is a double board-certified Naturopathic Doctor & Endocrinologist, in practice for close to 15 years. She specializes in fertility and is the best-selling author of two books: "Fertility Secrets: What Your Doctor Didn't Tell You About Baby-Making” and “(In)Fertility: Struggles, Secrets, & Successes.” Dr. Aumatma was awarded the “Best Naturopathic Medicine Doctor″ award locally in 2015 & 2020 and recognized as a top “Women In Medicine” Doctor in 2020 & 2021. Dr. Aumatma is also the Creator of Fertile Foundations™ supplements, a line of research-driven nutrients to support your fertility journey and the Host of the Egg Meets Sperm podcast.
In addition to supporting couples through individualized care in person and long distance, Dr. Aumatma also trains practitioners who want to specialize in fertility. She has been featured as the holistic fertility expert on ABC, FOX, CBS, KTLA, MindBodyGreen, The Bump, etc., along with being interviewed for countless podcasts on topics of fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum health.
Be sure to tune into the full episode here, then subscribe, rate, and review the podcast for a chance to win a free gift!