Inflammation & microbiome in IvF

[Bistbee]

Hi all

I’m currently on a treatment break whilst I spend some time working with a couple of holistic therapists - mainly acupuncture & osteopathy - in an attempt to naturally bring down inflammation in my body as well as get my microbiomes (both gut & vaginal) into as healthy a place as possible. Whilst it’s beyond frustrating that this approach takes time (between 8-12 weeks to see any real changes) we’ve decided to give it a go rather than jump into another FET with high dose immune suppression in the form of IVIGs, just to see if any of it makes a difference to my NK cell levels.

Was just wondering whether there’s anyone else out there who’s taking a more holistic approach, either alongside regular ivf treatment or not. The more I find out about this side of things the more i’m convinced that there’s something to it and it’s impact on so many fertility related issues. The research coming out at the moment around gut microbiome health and impact of inflammation in the body is fascinating (the ZOE predict study for example) so would be interested to hear about others experiences.

It’s so hard putting this enforced break on myself and i’m struggling quite a lot to keep in mind the bigger picture of improving my overall health.

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Bistbee. Just wanted to wish you well with this and hope you get well balanced before proceeding again. I'm sure some ladies here will be able to support you along the way, having been through such treatments. Diane

[Sfarre]

I'm still working on inflammation myself but I've managed to resolve my microbiome issues which were extreme. I had been taking probiotics tablets every day for years - but then got the advice that they are mainly useless and that you need to eat probiotics via food and drink (kefir, kombucha, sauerkraut etc). A couple of days into that I had the die off symptoms of bad bacteria so I knew it was working and continued. I'm now over six months into regular daily probiotics and prebiotics, and my microbiome is 100% improved in tests. Hope this helps!

[Bistbee in reply to Sfarre]

Thanks so much for you reply and yes i’ve also really stated to incorporate fermented foods into my dairy diet much more - have been meaning to make my own sauerkraut for a while so you’ve reminded me to get on with it lol!

Can I ask what bacteria die off symptoms are that you experienced? I’m really struggling to see that any of this stuff is making a difference because I’ve been doing it for about a month now (in terms of the full wack of probiotics but have been making changes to my diet gradually for a while now) and honestly can’t say I feel any different/better so it’s a bit disheartening to not noticed any positive changes at the moment

[Sfarre in reply to Bistbee]

I had the full herx reaction of dieing off bad bacteria - if you Google it you will find loads, but for me it meant 3 days of violent diarrhea! I don't especially recommend it!! One way to really 'test' where you are at - without the obvious, ahem, just testing! - is to drink one whole bottle of kombucha and see what happens. Kombucha is the strongest probiotic product out there. Make sure it's the one from the fridge. If you don't get an obvious reaction, don't feel bad, just realise that your microbiome is in better knick then maybe you thought!

[Purple276]

Hi Bistbee,

My Mum is a naturopath and raves about the importance of good gut health and reducing inflammation- especially as I have Hashimoto's.

I've gone Gluten free to try a similar thing and to be honest don't feel any different which is tough when it's such a pain to change normal eating habits and be awkward when go out for food or visit a friend for dinner!

Worth sticking with it though as lots of things we just never know might make that difference and if you can spare the time to get yourself tip top you won't regret doing everything you can to improve your chances.

Wishing you all the best and good luck x