Rachael Robinson

S***m takes between 72-90 days to form, and during this time entirely new s***m is formed, meaning that men have a real opportunity to improve the quality and quantity of s***m.

I am really pleased that increasingly I am seeing DNA fragmentation tests which look at levels of damaged DNA in s***m cells. This is so important as everything can look like it is fine on the surface but issues with DNA fragmentation are closely linked to unsuccessful IVF outcomes (despite using ICSI) and increased miscarriage rates.

Oxidative stress is responsible for between 30-80% male infertility and this is where nutrition can make a big difference. We can support DNA by including antioxidant rich foods, essential fats and nutrients to support s***m.

To include
7-9 fruit and veg daily: This is a brilliant way to increase antioxidants. Ideally aim for 2 fruit and the remainder veg and organic if possible.

Oily fish 3x week: omega 3 contains DHA which is needed for the membrane of the s***m and for s***m maturation.

Wholegrains/starchy veg: Fibre is key in reducing/removing toxic load in the body so adding 2 portions of wholegrains daily such as brown rice or sweet potato can be helpful.

Red meat, chicken, fish, beans avocado: These contain carnitine which helps cellular energy and DNA health.

Beetroot: Contains arginine which has a vasodilatory effect to support blood flow and nutrients to s***m cells.
Brazil nuts: Good source of selenium, needed for s***m formation.

Pumpkin seeds: these are a source of zinc which is another antioxidant needed to support DNA in s***m.
Maca powder can be helpful for s***m motility.

To remove
Plastics: These act as hormone disruptors in s***m cells.
Processed foods: Often high in omega 6 inflammatory oils which can be damaging.

Alcohol: Consumption reduces the protection of the s***m cells and damages DNA.

Avoid tight underwear/laptops on the lap, excess heat to the testicles. The heat decreases motility and count.

Smoking/vaping cause an incredibly high toxic load on the body and DNA damage.

For more information on supporting s***m health just get in touch.

***mhealth ***m

Save for later 💚

I have had a lot of requests for brands/resources for non toxic skin products so I have compiled a list of some of my favourite brands.

If there are others which you like on top of these please do let me know as I am always looking for new recommendations for you all.

All tagged below:
.gb

With up to 50% of early pregnancy loss still falling into an unacceptable 'unexplained' category, a 2023 meta analysis reviewed the link between diet and miscarriage risk.

A total of 6 studies out of 20 were accepted for the analysis, totalling 183 healthy women. The study found that the following foods were associated with a decreased miscarriage odds of between 19-61%:

- Vegetables (41%)
- Fruit (61%)
- Seafood (19%)
- Dairy (37%)
- Eggs (19%)
- Grains (33%)

A high antioxidant level was associated with decreased risk by 57%

The evidence was not conclusive with regards to red and white meat.

A diet high in processed food increased miscarriage odds by over 90%.

Many of the foods associated with a decreased risk are anti inflammatory and reducing inflammation is a key area of focus when supporting fertility.

Not surprisingly there were additional differences in miscarriage odds in those from high income versus low income households.

The great thing is that there are things that we can do each day to reduce miscarriage risk. Small changes really can have a big impact. Aiming to increase fruit and vegetables to 7 a day, including oily fish a couple of times a week, and including wholegrains and eggs are simple changes which can be made.

For more information on supporting you in getting ready for conception, get in touch via DMs or link in bio.

PMID: 37061157

Red light therapy is a technique which uses concentrated natural, red light into the cells. It works by providing the mitochondria (the energy generators in your cell) with fuel and to help them to repair.

Red light is something that I find helpful with patients who need to support their nervous system, reduce inflammation and support blood flow. 15 minutes, 3 times a week is all that you need to really support your body.

If you're considering using red light therapy for a specific condition, it's a good idea to consult with a medical professional to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.

If you are looking for tailored support whilst navigating the world of fertility just get in touch.

Weaning🥗🥙🍆🍑🍓🍓🍓🍓🍓

Felix and I have been having a really fun time weaning and quite a few people have been asking me questions so here are a few things that I’ve learnt/ found useful along the way.

🌟 Have fun - feeding a baby for the first time can be overwhelming and stressful at times but as much as you can try and enjoy it. It’s so funny watching as he tries new flavours and often launches his food at me.

🌟 Keep going- one day he loves something the next day it’s disgusts him. Just keep offering and don’t make it a big deal.

🌟 Some meals he eats everything and others he barely touches. It’s fine, until the age of one babies get the main nutrients needed from milk so again don’t worry if they don’t eat loads. All babies are different, some eat a lot and others don’t.

🌟 Don’t force it. If Felix doesn’t want something I don’t ever try and make him eat it, I just keep offering most days and usually he will eventually try (this was the case with asparagus which he now will tolerate- just)!

🌟Try and feed at a similar time each day so they get used to mealtimes.

🌟Try and avoid distractions. Some people like to play music but Felix just finds this hysterical so I dont bother.

🌟Try and offer an open sippy cup with water, it’s amazing how quickly they get used to it.

🌟Batch cooking and freezing food has worked really well for us, as has cooking once and eating twice.

🌟Think of including a source of fat, protein and carbohydrate at each meal.

🌟Sometimes a crumpet is entirely necessary.

🌟Don’t worry about what anyone else is doing. Feed your baby your way. If you can and want to make homemade food then great, and if you don’t that’s fine too. Baby led or parent led both work- they will eat on their own one day.

🌟Embrace the mess and don’t ever wear light clothes when feeding a baby beetroot. I learnt this the hard way today.

Baby and child nutrition isn’t my main area of focus, my friend gave me loads of brilliant advice when I was preparing to wean Felix and it’s been invaluable.