If you are planning to get pregnant in 2026, nutrition matters long before a positive test.
In this episode, Dr. Ashley Burton walks through a food-first, ancestral approach to preconception nutrition inspired by Nourishing Traditions and the work of Dr. Weston A. Price. Rather than focusing on restriction, supplementation, or trends, this episode highlights how traditional diets supported fertility, healthy pregnancies, and resilient mothers by prioritizing nutrient density.
You will learn why fat-soluble vitamins work as a system, how protein and specific fats support early fetal development, and why building nutrient reserves before pregnancy is one of the most important steps you can take for both mother and baby.
This episode is ideal for anyone trying to conceive, thinking ahead to future pregnancy, or wanting to understand fertility nutrition from a foundational perspective.
Topics Covered:
• Why preconception nutrition starts months before conception
• The role of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K in fertility and pregnancy
• How vitamin K2 regulates calcium and works synergistically with vitamin D
• Why adequate vitamin D helps protect against vitamin A toxicity
• The importance of choline from egg yolks for egg quality and early brain development
• Why liver is one of the most nutrient-dense fertility foods
• Protein, glycine, and collagen needs before and during pregnancy
• Bone broth and connective tissue support for maternal and fetal growth
• Seafood intake, DHA, and why 12 ounces of fish per week supports IQ and development
• Omega-3 fats and placental development
• Arachidonic acid from animal fats and its role in fetal growth, skin, and immune signaling
• Fermented foods and gut health in hormone regulation
• Properly prepared grains, legumes, nuts, vegetables, and fruit
• Why salt is an essential and often overlooked fertility mineral
• Building nutrient reserves instead of focusing on restriction
If you want deeper education on fertility nutrition, hormone health, and cycle awareness, this episode is part of a broader framework inside the FERN Rising community.
You can also find additional episodes and resources on the FERN Rising Podcast.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health or treatment plan. The opinions expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of their employers or associated organizations.
