After general medicine, my passion and specialty is supporting women’s health through the pregnancy cycle, from pre- to postnatal care.

Therefore it concerns me that the number of women 24 years old or younger who experience problems with conceiving or maintaining a healthy pregnancy has almost doubled. At the same time more women wait longer to start a family, often due to their careers. Fertility peaks in women between the ages of 23 and 31.  Thus it can be harder for some women to conceive in their mid to late thirties.

Lifestyle can affect fertility in major ways. Stress, diet, and environmental toxicity are amongst the most important factors.

Here are a few simple tips how you can increase your reproductive health:

• Reduce your stress: Studies at Harvard Medical School point out that stress, along with depression, can cause ovulation irregularities. In men stress can be associated with abnormal sperm development.

• Reduce your exposure to toxins: Recent studies found that environmental toxins can impair female and male fertility significantly. Some of the many toxins, BPA and phthalates, are found in many plastics and also in scented soaps, shampoos, cleaners, and in vinyl shower curtains. PCBs in fish and pesticides are on top of the list as well (one more reason to go organic!).

• Reduce your coffee intake: A large study by Yale Medical School found that the risk of infertility was 55% higher for women drinking 1 cup of coffee per day, 100% higher for 1.5-3 cups, and a whooping 176% higher for more than 3 cups per day. Similar results were published in a later European study. Drinking coffee during pregnancy increases miscarriage rates and negatively influences fetal growth.

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The rise in the number of people suffering from allergic conditions has multiplied by an astonishing amount over the last decade. One out of five Americans suffer from various types of allergies. There are many reasons for this relatively sudden rise. Environmental pollution, household chemicals, diet, and some medications certainly seem to influence this trend but scientists are still unsure about the exact cause of the problem.

In China, considerable research has been done on the effects of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine in the treatment of allergies. It has shown that these forms of therapy offer a very effective alternative for the treatment of allergies by

• Regulating the immune response
• Strengthening the bodies energetic reserves
• Reestablishing the bodies self-regulating mechanisms

Chinese medicine considers allergies not a permanent health condition but a temporary one that can be healed. It is believed that if certain organ systems are weakened the immune system becomes dysregulated. By focusing on strengthening and regulating the body allergies can therefore be healed.

This is essentially a much better approach to treating allergies compared to over the counter medications or prescription drugs. Those only treat symptoms but do not address or heal the underlying cause. In addition, many of these drugs will have side effects.

With the holistic approach of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine the underlying causes of allergies can be addressed so the allergy can be permanently healed.

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Last week I wrote about three simple precautions to take in order to protect yourself from the flu or common colds. What can you do though in case you get sick, or even worse, if you get sick frequently?

Getting sick frequently is due to a weak immune system which is caused by a weak digestive system. Nutrients needed to feed your immune system are simply not absorbed or distributed well enough. Therefore your body gets weakened.

Antibiotics, of course, are the choice of treatment for very serious infections but do not work for the flu or even most common colds. And with the emergence of superbugs like MRSA or CRKP antibiotics are suddenly in question.

Chinese medicine has treated common colds and flu-like diseases for almost 2000 years with an overall efficiency that is not matched by any other form of medicine. The first textbook on how to treat common cold diseases (the Shang Han Lun) was published before the year 220, a collection that contained over 100 complex herbal formulas effectively treating the common cold. After all it was an epidemic that killed millions of people and deserved a lot of attention. In the 14^th century this work was extended by the addition of the Wen Bing, which was published because doctors had realized that different bugs (pathogens) cause different febrile diseases. So another 100 medical formulas were added to the repertoire.

This depth of understanding makes Chinese medicine so effective in curing the flu and common colds and provides a great alternative to antibiotics. It is also a very quick and effective way to bring your immune system and overall health back on track.

So next time you catch a cold, get the flu, or if you get sick frequently, book an appointment for an acupuncture treatment and custom herb prescription.

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There is a nasty flue going around, many of my patients had it. You can greatly increase your chances of staying healthy throughout the flu season by adopting these simple practices.

1) Prevent the spread of germs

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. In case you are sick, be mindful that you might place germs on anything you touch from doors to faucets.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If this is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you are sure that your hands are clean. Germs are spread this way. This especially holds true for public places/transport. Tissues can be of great help here.

2) Choose your foods for optimal nutrition

• A diet of processed foods is not what the body demands for a strong immune system. Choose nutrient-dense, colorful, whole foods for immune system vitality. Go easy on sugar.
• Don’t skip meals.
• Avoid or reduce stimulants like coffee and sodas. They only tire out your body in the long run. Adequate amounts of fresh, pure water can work magic.

3) Don’t worry, be happy

• Stress reduction and a positive attitude will give your body, mind, and spirit a boost similar to what spinach does for Popeye.
• A healthy amount of regular exercise will not only help you stay positive and fit, it also helps you fight off the bugs.