We caught up with women’s health & fertility expert Natalie Kringoudis to talk fertility, organics, babies and cravings. Check out Nat’s fantastic blog for more!
1. What are your top 5 organic must haves?
1. I’m lost without organic coconut butter. It’s so versatile – I use it in almost everything because of it’s wonderful properties. It’s a great sunblock too!
2. Castile Soap
3. Apples – must be organic, non organic are high on the list of fruits containing large amounts of toxic chemicals
4. Eggs – They are the complete fertile food but again, must be organic.
5. Baby clothes or anything really close to the skin. There isn’t anything better than soft, organic cotton for babies.
2. Why is it important for you and your family to live an organic life style?
As a natural fertility specialist and alternative health practitioner, I understand how chemicals and nasty toxins affect our bodies. For me, it is essential that where possible we keep them on the low-down. We can’t necessarily control our water quality or the air we breathe, but we can make choices that help our bodies work better, with less of the nasty consequences. I see the effects these things can have on body function – especially with fertility issues.
I honestly see an organic lifestyle as an investment into the health of my family. I also find with organic foods specifically, they are much more ‘whole’ (not GMO or infused with chemicals) and nutritious and filling. We don’t eat as much as we once did because the food is able to satisfy us. The body isn’t left wanting more to make up for the lack of nutrients – so we eat less!
3. What are some of the simple things we can do to help our changing bodies at that Time Of Month?
Go gently. As we have gotten busier and our lifestyles continue to get faster in pace, I believe we have lost sight of the simple things. At our period time, we need to move gently and remember we are menstruating – it can be pretty taxing on our bodies. It might not be the best time to paint the walls or landscape the garden! Save that for when you feel energised post period. It’s all about listening to what the body is saying.
Keeping nutrient levels up is also key – especially when periods are heavy – this may mean being mindful and including plenty of iron-rich greens, and if applicable, add meats to your routine.
Avoid cold foods just before the period time – if you experience period pain, in many instances, the cold foods will make it worse, often craving sweet foods is actually us misinterpreting carbohydrate cravings. Try a big bowl of fresh oven roasted veggies first – it might do the trick!
Vitamin B is an excellent way to fend off PMS – swap jam for veggie spreads at this time of the month.
4. Do you have any guilty indulgences you like to rely on at the Time Of Month?
Loving Earth Luvju bars are my go-to, I can’t live without them and they provide me with a sweet kick without the consequences! I have a bottle of a specific chinese herbal formula – for ‘period pain emergencies’ although I very rarely get pain these days – for me, that only happens when I’ve been stressed. During my period, I’m hungry! So I also allow myself to eat a little more.
5. As a fertility expert, what should women be doing from an early age to help with fertility whether they’re thinking about pregnancy or not?
Oh this is my crusade! Reaching out to 20/30 year old women to get their bodies on track stat is key. When problems arrive, I encourage women to find out exactly who will be able to treat them best. For reproductive issues, very often western medicine prescribes a ‘pill’ or ‘the pill.’ For most, this isn’t a long term solution, especially once babies are on the agenda. The pill can cause a host of issues and really is a band aid solution. Fixing problems when you’re young means that a) the body generally responds very quickly and b) the patient feels the world of difference very quickly. There is no need to feel crappy – and very often we don’t know just how good we can feel until we rectify these conditions (endometriosis/poly cystic ovarian syndrome/thyroid problems).
Remember – fertility doesn’t translate to ‘babies,’ it’s all about a happy and healthy body!
Owner of The Pagoda Tree – Melbourne’s Home of Women’s Health, Traditional Chinese Medicine & Alternative Therapies. Nat’s trade is of Traditional Chinese Medicine variety. She is an Acupuncturist, Herbalist, Natural Fertility Educator, Writer, Blogger and Natural Health Expert. Expanding her passion for spreading the healthy word, Nat has featured recently on The Morning Show ch 7 as one of their Natural Health Experts. You may have seen her on Sarah Wilsons blog in recent months where she has featured several times. Nat has written for Maeve Magazine and has been spotted in several health publications including Cosmopolitan Health, Mother and Baby Magazine and Cosmo Baby.
