Welcome to the Food Freedom and Fertility podcast. On this week's episode Sophia Pavia has Kalea Wattles, ND on to discuss functional medicine for fertility. Dr. Kalea Wattles is a Naturopathic Physician specializing in fertility and Functional Medicine. She earned her doctorate from Bastyr University and is certified as a Functional Medicine Practitioner by the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Wattles combines her Naturopathic and Functional Medicine training to treat patients with a "Functional Fertility" perspective, using a root-cause, science-based, body-systems approach to cultivating a fertile body. She is dedicated to using this patient centered method to support patients anywhere on their fertility journey – whether they are thinking about getting pregnant for the first time or exploring advanced fertility treatments.

Sophia and Kalea use this episode to dive into to functional medicine and how it can affect your fertility. A big topic they discuss is mitochondria and how to support it and why it is helpful to your fertility journey. Mitochondria has a huge role in hormone production so they talk through ways to kick start your mitochondria. Psychologically it isn't easy but it is important. A few quick take aways is to turn off your phone 2 hours before bedtime and take a cold shower. There are a few supplements discussed as well.

In addition to mitochondria care, mental health should be considered during your fertility journey. Data proves year in and year out that people who work on stress management and have support tend to experience better fertility outcomes. The best approach is a whole-body whole life idea.

Dr. Kalea wants to leave everyone with hope. Be sure to advocate for yourself and your family. There is info you can collect that can change our trajectory, do not be afraid to get a 2nd opinion, have a functional work up completed. You have the right to that info.

To learn more about Dr. Kalea Wattles you can find her online at https://thinkvida.com/dr-kalea-wattles/ or on Instagram at Functional Fertility