Functional Fertility with Dr. Kalea Wattles

IVF Nutrition: Your Fertility Superpower with Fertility Nutritionist, Angela Heap

In this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, host Dr. Kalea Wattles connects with nutritional therapist Angela Heap, focusing on a personalized health analysis for fertility. Heap discusses crucial tests in her practice, highlighting her specialization in fertility for women over 35. She offers valuable advice for listeners in their early 30s seeking to enhance reproductive longevity through nutrition. The conversation explores the role of nutrition in shielding egg cells from oxidative stress, particularly in the context of IVF journeys. Angela discusses the optimal timeline for preparing the body for IVF, addressing common health obstacles clients face during this process. The episode concludes with insights into personalized nutrition plans and nutrition recommendations to support the body after a frozen embryo transfer (FET).

Revitalizing Reproduction: Transforming Depletion to Renewal with Susana Puelles

In this episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, host Dr. Kalea Wattles engages with acupuncturist Susana Puelles, delving into Puelles' personal journey that led her to specialize in fertility support. The conversation revolves around reproductive longevity, addressing crucial environmental factors influencing aging in the reproductive system. Susana shares key strategies for reversing cellular damage and highlights botanical medicines that optimize the health of eggs and sperm. The focus shifts to the importance of replenishing reserves for healthy hormones and fertility, exploring how patterns of depletion impact reproductive health and offering insights on identifying such patterns within oneself. Susana concludes by discussing treatments and practices that promote replenishment and restoration, providing a holistic approach to fertility well-being.

Yoga for Fertility: Healing on the Path to Parenthood with Lynn Jensen

In this podcast episode, host Dr. Kalea Wattles welcomes fertility yoga instructor, Lynn Jensen, to discuss the role of yoga in enhancing fertility. Lynn explains how yoga supports optimal fertility, highlighting differences in practice during preconception, pregnancy, and postpartum timeframes. She offers her perspective on practicing yoga during IVF, including recommended poses and those to avoid. Lynn reviews research showing that yoga and meditation can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes and discusses how these practices address issues related to subfertility. The conversation shifts to the Chinese 5-element energy system, specifically the Metal Element, and its impact on fertility. Jensen talks about the importance of slowing down in the fertility journey and guides clients to balance urgency with patience. Lastly, she shares how her Yoga for Fertility classes, aimed at individuals facing challenges like miscarriage or IVF cycle failure, can aid in navigating these emotional hardships.

The Endo Matrix: Navigating the Complexities of Endometriosis with Dr. Alexis Gonzales

In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles and Dr. Alexis Gonzales delve into the complexities of endometriosis using the Functional Medicine Matrix. Dr. Gonzales shares her journey into specializing in endometriosis care, driven by her personal experience. Dr. Gonzales explains how various perpetuating factors, like gut health, insulin resistance, autoimmunity and chronic inflammation, can contribute to endometriosis symptoms. Further, she emphasizes the importance of a collaborative care approach, identifying key practitioners in an endometriosis care team. The episode covers the timing of excision surgery in relation to fertility preservation methods like egg freezing, practical advice for patients suspecting endometriosis, and the top modifiable lifestyle factors from a functional medicine perspective. Strategies to manage chronic inflammation and endo pain are also discussed, along with the mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects of coping with this painful chronic condition, underscoring the need for holistic self-care.

Fertility Mindfulness: Bridging Hope and Acceptance with Amira Posner

In this podcast episode, Dr. Kalea Wattles connects with social worker and IVF-parent, Amira Posner. Amira shares her personal experiences and the transformative impact of mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness before starting fertility treatments. They explore the challenges of maintaining a broader self-identity amidst fertility-focused "tunnel vision" and discuss the balance between hope and acceptance. Amira emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between controllable and uncontrollable aspects of fertility, offering strategies for managing the inevitable anger and frustration that arise. Additionally, she highlights the use of guided imagery in navigating fertility procedures and the unique therapeutic benefits of group sessions for individuals facing infertility. Posner's story, one of hope and success, serves to inspire and guide others through their own paths to parenthood.

The interplay between pregnancy loss, the microbiome and genetic predisposition: An integrative approach to fertility with Dr. Robyn Murphy

In this illuminating episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles engages in a captivating conversation with Dr. Robyn Murphy, shedding light on the multifaceted world of the microbiome and its profound impact on fertility and reproductive health. They embark on an exploration of the microbiome's role in both the gut and the reproductive tract, unveiling its significance in the conception process and the maintenance of pregnancy. Dr. Murphy delves into the pivotal factors influencing the composition of our microbiome and shares invaluable insights into recognizing when it might contribute to fertility challenges. The episode takes a compassionate look at pregnancy loss and its relationship with the microbiome, offering tried-and-true methods for nurturing robust lactobacilli. Dr. Murphy also uncovers the connections between the microbiome, immune system health, and opportunistic infections. Chronic infections in the urogenital and gastrointestinal realms are discussed, alongside the intriguing link between the gut microbiota and conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Murphy's expertise extends to the genetic dimension, where she explores how genetics can impact our microbiome and offers guidance on assessing this aspect of our health. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, providing a holistic perspective on microbiome health and its profound influence on fertility and reproductive well-being

Food Freedom for Fertility: Period Recovery with Lindsey Lusson

In this enlightening episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, registered dietitian Lindsey Lusson joins host Dr. Kalea Wattles to delve into the intricacies of period recovery, food freedom, and exercise. Lindsey sheds light on the common causes of a missing period and dispels myths, such as the notion that one must be underweight to experience hypothalamic amenorrhea. The episode explores the dynamic relationship between exercise, menstruation, and fertility, with Lindsey offering insights into recognizing over-exercise as a potential cause of a missing period. Lindsey tailors exercise recommendations using a FITT prescription and navigates the delicate conversation of modifying food intake to support period recovery. She shares advice on engaging with fitness trackers during this journey and discusses the emotional aspects of encouraging weight gain for fertility support. Additionally, listeners gain valuable insights into the timeline of period recovery and are treated to Lindsey's tips for crafting the perfect period recovery lunch. This episode is a treasure trove of guidance for those seeking to restore their menstrual cycle and optimize their fertility.

Navigating Varicoceles, Low Testosterone, and Vasectomy Reversals with Dr. Justin Houman

In this insightful episode of the Functional Fertility podcast, hosted by Dr. Kalea Wattles and featuring Dr. Justin Houman, the intricate world of male fertility takes center stage. Dr. Houman reviews his approach to treating varicoceles, one of the leading causes of male infertility. He also offers expert insights into identifying candidates for varicocele surgery, shedding light on microsurgical treatment and post-surgery expectations. Listener questions lead to engaging discussions about the connections between varicoceles and low testosterone, the increasing trend of testosterone replacement therapy, and the lifestyle factors influencing testosterone levels. The episode also delves into vasectomy reversal, exploring its effects on sperm and the timeline for fertility restoration. Dr. Houman provides valuable advice on when men should start optimizing their fertility, addressing intriguing listener questions along the way. Don't miss this comprehensive episode that demystifies male fertility and offers actionable guidance for couples on their reproductive journey.

Listener Questions ANSWERED! Fertility Q&A with Dr. Kalea Wattles

On this episode of the Functional Fertility Podcast, Dr. Kalea Wattles answers questions from podcast listeners! Questions include:
- Does testosterone therapy affect male fertility?
- Can low iron be a cause of recurrent miscarriage?
- What is Dr. Wattles' favorite prenatal vitamin?
- Do you count spotting as cycle day 1?
- How can we increase egg-white cervical fluid?
- Should I avoid alcohol when TTC?

Conscious Conception and Hypnobirthing: Holistic Fertility Care with Dr. Sterling Maximo

In this episode of Functional Fertility, Dr. Kalea Wattles and guest Dr. Sterling Maximo discuss the intricacies of fertility and preconception care. Dr. Maximo offers guidance for those contemplating pregnancy, emphasizing the significance of the "preconception window" and the importance of focusing on determinants of health during this period. The conversation delves into the role of inflammation in ovulation, highlighting its dual nature - while essential for ovulation, excessive inflammation can impair fertility. Dr. Maximo underscores the importance of discerning when inflammation becomes detrimental and shares her methods to mitigate chronic inflammation. The episode concludes with Dr. Maximo introducing the concept of hypnobirthing, its benefits for both the birthing individual and their partner, and its potential applications beyond childbirth.