Phthalates Impact Fertility and Fetal Development
By Sara Russell, Ph.D., FNTP Phthalates are potent endocrine disruptors that reduce fertility in both men and women. Like many compounds found in plastics, they contain estrogen-mimicking substances that upset the balance of sex hormones over our lifetimes....
Balancing Microbiota Before Conception: A Gift to your Future Children
By Sara Russell, Ph.D., FNTP A largely overlooked area of health is the balance of our gut microbiota. Important throughout life, it is crucial during preconception and pregnancy. In fact, rebalancing the gut microbiota at this stage of life leads to a healthier...
Why and How to Eat Liver
By Beth Martin, FNTP Not many people *want* to eat liver. I get it. There are nutrient-dense foods that taste delicious, like salmon. And there are nutrient-dense foods that have a decent reputation, like kale. And then there’s liver. Despite its unpopularity, I am...
Checks and Balances: Vitamin D, Hormonal Health and Copper
By Sara Russell, Ph.D., FNTP Vitamin D is so ubiquitous in today’s healthcare that it has almost become the medical equivalent of Halloween candy. Yes, low levels of the vitamin are connected to an increased incidence of certain illnesses, but is vitamin D depletion a...
Clean Water: An Investment in Good Health
By Sara Russell, Ph.D., FNTP Our bodies are about 65% water, and water is an important component of every cell! Making sure you drink and cook with clean water will safeguard your health and improve the taste and nutritional value of your foods and drinks. It’s...
Should I Consume Dairy During Preconception and Pregnancy?
By Sara Russell, Ph.D., FNTP Many parents-to-be ask me whether dairy consumption is advisable during preconception and pregnancy. Just as with any food, the two main issues to address are the quality and source of the food itself and its compatibility with the...
Digestion & Fertility: What You Don’t Digest May Hurt You
By Amy Gonzalez, R.D., FNTP This up-close-and-personal look at digestion is not for you if you are squeamish. It is for you if you are considering having a baby in the next year. This information goes for both partners, not just mom. Do you experience one or more of...
Preparing for Motherhood: The Importance of Self-Care
By Sara Russell, Ph.D., FNTP Mother’s Day is right around the corner—a special day when we recognize the gifts and sacrifices of motherhood. For those of you who are preparing to become mothers for the first time, or preparing for a repeat pregnancy, one of the most...
Epigenetics and Pre-Conception Nutrition
By Beth Martin, FNTP Infertility rates in the US are in the millions, and just under one-third of children have a chronic illness. There are many underlying causes for infertility, one of which is poor nutrition. Over recent generations, we have lost our connection...