Culture Apothecary with Alex Clark

The Preconception Bible For Men and Women | Ann Shippy, MD

15 snips
Nov 11, 2025
Guest
Ann Shippy
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Ann Shippy, a board-certified functional medicine physician and founder of Every Life Well, shares her expertise on preconception health. She discusses how both partners' health impacts fertility and sheds light on the importance of the microbiome. Dr. Shippy emphasizes the influence of toxins on multiple generations and offers practical advice for a low-inflammation lifestyle. From dietary changes to key supplements, she reveals how couples can optimize their chances of conception—along with common pitfalls to avoid.
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ADVICE

Cut Alcohol And Recreational Drugs

  • Avoid alcohol, THC, and recreational drugs for three to six months before trying to conceive.
  • Recommend men cut alcohol entirely during preconception to protect sperm health.
INSIGHT

Histamine Can Block Fertility

  • Histamine dysregulation can impair hormone signaling and fertility, and has risen post-COVID.
  • Addressing histamine via diet, quercetin, DAO enzymes, and detox can restore balance and improve fertility.
ADVICE

Commit Months To Preconception Prep

  • Do a focused preconception plan: diet, microbiome, toxin reduction, sleep, stress, exercise, and blood sugar control for 3–12 months.
  • Both partners should optimize health together because sperm and egg quality both determine pregnancy outcomes.
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