After our wonderful interview with BC-based Health Practitioner Allison Locke on integrating bone broth into IVF journeys, we wanted to expand on the subject of bone broth and fertility, inclusive of pregnancy care and postpartum healing.
In our interview, Locke discussed the importance of balancing bodily functions and hormones at least 3 months before becoming or attempting to become, pregnant. Tying Shorba Bone Broth integration into the process, she noted, “There’s no denying the bioavailability of the vitamins and minerals in animal products, and in moderation, they have an incredibly potent impact on gut health, inflammation, and fertility!”
This stems from our broths being rich in proteins, amino acids and an Ayurvedic blend of anti-inflammatory herbs free of gut triggers such as onions and garlic.
Note: Some of the following is spoken in hypothetical terms and is not to be taken as medical advice. Please consult your chosen health practitioner on whether a certain approach is right for you and your baby.
Once an aspiring parent has successfully conceived, it is important for them to keep their systems in balance throughout the pregnancy. In Ayurvedic terms, the energy you hold, and share with your baby, is known as vata.
During pregnancy, your vata can become too high or irregular. Balance would mean there’s enough for you and your child. When you’re unbalanced, more vata is going to the baby. A lack of vata levels for the birth parent, especially when tired or stressed, can lead to depressive symptoms and higher risk of postpartum symptoms.
“Wait, where does drinking broth come into this?”
Ayurvedic practices during pregnancy and postpartum are centred around the nourishment, energizing and healing of caregivers through food, with a major focus on the routine inclusion of traditional herbs, clarified butter (ex. ghee), milk, and fresh foods. Ayurvedic diets frequently consist of soups, rice and other warm, nutritious meals that can alternate between naturally sweet and savoury to keep bodies balanced, energies maintained and mamas happy.
While Ayurveda doesn’t recommend heavy meat intake, which can cause discomfort, increased body heat, and slowed digestive function, animal by-products are acknowledged as helpful and welcomed.
“I generally see patients who consume good quality animal products like grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, liver, sardines, oysters, and bone broth have more success with IVF cycles as well as easier pregnancies,” said Locke.
In addition to enjoying broth’s benefits in the categories of vata balance, gut health, and bodily nourishment, new parents can also take comfort in its healing qualities for their connective tissue.
Because bone broth is such a rich source of collagen, which makes up your connective tissues, it can potentially help postpartum parents in their needs for tissue repair and rejuvenation.
For caregivers who wish to breastfeed, Shorba Bone Broth’s ayurvedic blend of spices includes fenugreek, which is not only known for the soothing relief of your digestive system but also promotes lactation.
For best results, it’s recommended to enjoy your broth first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, allowing your body to optimally absorb the broth’s nutrients and amino acids without digestive or trigger food interference.
Expecting or post-partum, or know someone who is? Add Shorba Bone Broth to a care package or offer them a mug of soothing Shorba Hot Chocolate. (Sending them the recipe also counts!)
