learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series learn more about functional fertility access the mini podcast series

Your Gut Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Fertility Puzzle

If you’ve been trying to conceive and feel like you’ve “done all the things,” we want to bring your attention to a MAJOR root cause that’s often overlooked in the fertility world:
→ Your gut health.

And we’re not just talking about bloating or irregular poops (although those matter too).
We’re talking about functional imbalances in the gut that impact:

  • hormone clearance,
  • mineral absorption,
  • thyroid function,
  • and immune regulation — all of which directly influence your fertility.

So today, we’re breaking down the top 3 gut issues we see in the women we work with — and exactly what you can start doing about them.

1. Low Stomach Acid (and Hidden Infections)

You need stomach acid to break down protein, absorb minerals, and kill off pathogens in your food. But here’s the thing:
Most women we work with don’t have enough of it.

Low stomach acid is often driven by chronic stresslow sodium and zinc, and years of taking antacids or skipping meals.
When stomach acid drops, digestion slows — and bacteria like H. pylori and parasites can start to overgrow.

Clues this is you:

  • Bloating after meals
  • Feeling full for hours
  • Nausea or burping
  • Iron or B12 deficiency despite good diet

What to do:
✅ Eat in a relaxed state (no more eating on the go)
✅ Add 1–2 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in water before meals
✅ Support your mineral levels — especially sodium and zinc, both needed to produce stomach acid
✅ Consider an H. pylori stool test if symptoms persist or a GI Map

2. Dysbiosis: When the “Bad” Bacteria Take Over

Dysbiosis means your gut bacteria are out of balance — too many opportunistic bacteria, not enough beneficial microbes to support nutrient production, estrogen balance, and immune health.

Why it matters for fertility:

  • Healthy bacteria help eliminate excess estrogen
  • Imbalances can increase beta-glucuronidase, leading to estrogen recirculation
  • Dysbiosis increases inflammation and lowers SIgA, your gut’s first line of immune defense (crucial for implantation)

Root causes we often see:

  • Chronic stress
  • History of antibiotics or birth control
  • Low-fiber, low-diversity diets
  • Mineral deficiencies — especially magnesiumpotassium, and calcium, which impact motility and microbial balance

What to do:
✅ Prioritize food diversity — aim for 30+ plant foods/week
✅ Add prebiotic fibers: cooked & cooled potatoes, green bananas, carrots, oats
✅ Support mineral balance with adrenal cocktails, sea salt, and an HTMA-informed plan
✅ Consider functional testing like a GI-MAP if symptoms persist

3. Parasites (Yes, Even If You Haven’t Traveled)

It might sound shocking, but we see parasites show up all the time on stool tests — especially in women dealing with infertility, fatigue, skin issues, and irregular cycles.

Why it matters for fertility:
Parasites can:

  • Drain key nutrients like zinc, iron, and B vitamins
  • Damage the gut lining and disrupt your immune system
  • Spike cortisol and stress hormones
  • Leave you feeling inflamed, foggy, and out of sync with your body

Clues this is you:

  • Loose stools or constipation
  • Itchy skin or eczema
  • Waking between 1–3am
  • Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest

What to do:
✅ Focus first on gut foundations — digestion, minerals, blood sugar
✅ Try gentle anti-parasitics like garlic, oregano, clove tea, or papaya seeds
✅ Make sure you’re pooping daily before jumping into any deeper protocols
✅ Consider working with a practitioner — testing can clarify your next steps

Bottom Line:

If you’re working on your fertility, you can’t skip gut health.

You don’t need to guess. You don’t need to feel stuck.
But you do need to ask:

  • Am I breaking down and absorbing nutrients well?
  • Is my gut inflamed or overrun with the wrong bugs?
  • Are mineral imbalances feeding this cycle?

Start with digestion. Start with minerals. Start with the basics that let your body function optimally.

Want help figuring out what’s going on in your gut?
We’d love to support you inside our high-touch program, Nurture Your Fertility. We help you uncover hidden roadblocks to your fertility and continue to support you for a whole year, so we can make sure our clients have a healthy pregnancy.

If you want to learn some basic steps to start improving your gut health, check out these two podcast episodes below:

Hi, I'm Amanda Montalvo

Amanda Montalvo is a women's health dietitian who helps women find the root cause of hormone imbalances in order to increase chances of pregnancy.
WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Nurture Your Fertility with science-backed nutrition and a holistic, full-body approach

Sign up to the newsletter

stay up to date on all things nurture your fertility, packed full of all things self care, fertility & women’s health. no spam or fluff, just the good stuff
© 2024 Nurture Your Fertility. All Rights Reserved.