The female reproductive system has an unparalleled capacity to resolve inflammation. Just think about the extensive regeneration that occurs throughout the menstrual cycle. This bodily system possesses a remarkable ability to clear tissue debris and quickly re-establish normal function.

The 1st phase is menstruation. This is a time of introspection. In nature, it aligns with winter (yearly cycle), the new moon (monthly cycle), and midnight (daily cycle). Typically lasts between 3-7 days.

The 2nd phase is the follicular phase. It’s full of action and excitement. In nature, it aligns with spring (yearly cycle), the waxing moon (monthly cycle), and sunrise (daily cycle).

The 3rd phase is the ovulatory phase. The peak moment of a woman’s cycle. In nature, it aligns with summer and the full moon. Typically lasts between 2-3 days.

Just like the lunar cycle, there are 4 different phases of the menstrual cycle. Fluctuating hormones in each phase can heavily influence your mood, emotions, energy, food cravings & more. You have the ability to live much more harmoniously when you live in sync with your menstrual cycle and work with the natural ebbs & flows of your body instead of against them.

The 4th and final phase is the luteal phase. It begins after ovulation and ends on the first day of menstruation. In nature, it aligns with autumn, the waning moon cycle, and sunset.

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Just like the cycles of the moon, a woman's cycle is experienced in four divisible phases. During this cyclical transition every month, a menstruating woman is given the opportunity to shed, release and reflect. As women we should honor our moon cycle, an outward reminder of our ability to create life. The focus during menstruation should be on nourishing your body with respect and gratitude.

In some trying-to-conceive circles, the foods to eat and foods to avoid can start to sound like folklore. It’s hard to know what might actually boost your chances and what’s a wild rumor. Pineapple and brazil nuts are often suggested foods to aid conception and implantation, but an explanation as to why they might help rarely accompanies the recommendation.

Women often consider using nutrition to prepare their bodies before becoming pregnant for the first time, but it's rarely considered for a second or third (or fourth or fifth) pregnancy. Once a woman has had a child, especially if she conceived with relative ease, she considers herself sufficiently fertile and probably doesn't think she needs nutrition to boost her fertility.

Ovulation is the most important part of woman’s cycle. It’s just as significant for those trying to achieve pregnancy as it is for those trying to avoid it.

It’s pretty obvious when your period arrives, but what about that mysterious ovulation? Is it a secret thing that happens inside your body that not even you are privy to? When I first discovered how to read my body’s signs and properly track ovulation, I was totally blown away. Really? How could I not have known all of these magical secrets? How come they are not more widely shared? Why doesn’t every woman know this and talk about this???