Realfoodology Podcast Summary: "Your Fertility Isn’t Broken, But the System Might Be with Illie Pt. 2"

Release Date: July 29, 2025
Host: Courtney Swan
Guest: Illie Bala (@healthily)

Introduction

In the second part of her insightful conversation with repeat guest Illie Bala, Courtney Swan delves deeper into the systemic issues surrounding fertility in America. Illie shares her personal fertility journey, highlighting the shortcomings of conventional medical approaches and emphasizing the importance of comprehensive health testing and holistic wellness.

The Broken Health System and Its Impact on Fertility

Illie's Perspective on America's Health Crisis

Illie begins by painting a grim picture of America's health landscape:

Illie [04:14]: "We have all these people fighting us. Clearly, the system is broken. I mean, 74% of Americans are obese. 50% of American children are obese. 77% of Americans between the ages of 17 and 24, I believe, are ineligible for military service."

She underscores the severity of obesity and its ripple effects on public health, including fertility challenges.

Systemic Barriers to Health Improvement

Courtney and Illie discuss the slow pace of systemic change:

Courtney [05:21]: "We are not going to change all this overnight."

Illie [05:31]: "If we keep banning certain additives, brands have to change and rework systems."

The conversation highlights the entrenched nature of unhealthy food systems and the resistance to regulatory changes that could improve public health.

Heavy Metals in Food: A Balanced View

Debunking Heavy Metal Fears

Illie addresses the growing obsession with heavy metals in foods, advocating for a balanced understanding:

Illie [08:17]: "Heavy metals live in the soil... Nature was made perfectly. So that's why you're going to see a lot of heavy metals in more natural protein powders and supplements because they work synergistically with other minerals."

She explains how the body naturally manages low levels of heavy metals through synergistic interactions with essential minerals, cautioning against undue fear driven by selective testing.

Importance of Comprehensive Testing

Both hosts emphasize the necessity of regular health check-ups:

Illie [10:46]: "If you're really concerned, get tested."

Courtney [14:06]: "Get your blood work done every year and see how you're doing."

They advocate for proactive health monitoring rather than reactive fear-based approaches.

Critique of Conventional Fertility Clinics

Premature Push for IVF

Illie shares her negative experiences with traditional fertility clinics:

Illie [20:25]: "She just automatically assumed. And then when all my markers were coming back, she was like, oh, this is really good."

Despite having optimal health markers, Illie's fertility doctor prematurely pushed IVF, disregarding her comprehensive health data.

Lack of Holistic Evaluation

The conversation criticizes the narrow focus of many fertility clinics:

Illie [24:12]: "The body is so smart... If you have high mercury from tuna, but you're also getting selenium that pushes out the mercury."

Illie [18:18]: "They just want to get you on IVF immediately without optimization."

They argue that fertility should be approached holistically, addressing underlying health issues rather than resorting to expensive and invasive treatments prematurely.

Comprehensive Health Testing for Fertility

Essential Tests Beyond the Basics

Illie recommends a suite of tests often overlooked by conventional medicine:

1. Thyroid Panel: Crucial for reproductive health.

   Illie: "Thyroid issues and baby use up a lot of thyroid hormone, one of the biggest causes for miscarriage."

2. Dutch Test: Assesses adrenal function and hormone metabolism.

   Illie: "My progesterone was in a great range, but I had a luteal phase deficiency. The fertility clinic didn't see that."

3. Full Metabolic Panel (OAT Test): Evaluates metabolic health during pregnancy.

4. GI Map and Vaginal Microbiome Test: Ensures optimal nutrient absorption and sperm viability.

   Illie [23:17]: "Dysbiosis in your vagina can impair nutrient absorption and sperm movement."

5. Leptin Levels: Influences reproductive signaling.

   Illie [24:14]: "Low leptin signals to your reproductive system that there's not enough energy to create."

Personal Success Through Functional Medicine

Illie's proactive approach led her to detect issues her fertility clinic missed, empowering her to create an effective action plan:

Illie [25:32]: "I went through additional testing and found my luteal phase deficiency through a Dutch test, not through my fertility clinic."

The Importance of Male Fertility

Overlooking Male Factors

The hosts discuss how male fertility is frequently neglected:

Courtney: "They don't even look at the male. Everything gets blamed on the woman."

Illie [38:40]: "I improved my husband's sperm motility by 54 through a protocol. My fertility isn’t the issue."

They stress that both partners should undergo comprehensive fertility evaluations to maximize success rates.

Mental Resilience and Acceptance

Shifting Mindsets for Peace

Illie shares her journey toward mental peace, moving away from desperation:

Illie [31:22]: "My body is prioritizing survival over fertility... It gives me a lot of peace in my journey."

By accepting her body's signals, Illie reduces stress and creates a healthier environment for potential conception.

Finding Purpose Amid Struggles

The hosts reflect on finding greater purpose through challenges:

Illie [32:07]: "I believe my higher purpose is helping people. I feel blessed to have the knowledge to assist others."

This perspective fosters resilience and a sense of empowerment despite fertility struggles.

Conclusion

Courtney Swan and Illie Bala's candid discussion sheds light on the systemic flaws in America's approach to fertility and public health. By advocating for comprehensive health testing, holistic wellness, and a balanced understanding of environmental factors, they offer a roadmap for individuals seeking to navigate fertility challenges beyond conventional medical paradigms. Their conversation underscores the importance of personal agency, informed decision-making, and mental resilience in the pursuit of reproductive health.

Notable Quotes:

• Illie [04:14]: "74% of Americans are obese. 50% of American children are obese. 77% of Americans between the ages of 17 and 24 are ineligible for military service."

• Illie [18:18]: "They just want to get you on IVF immediately without optimization."

• Illie [24:14]: "Low leptin signals to your reproductive system that there's not enough energy to create."

• Illie [31:22]: "My body is prioritizing survival over fertility... It gives me a lot of peace in my journey."

Resources Mentioned:

• Function Health: Comprehensive health testing services recommended by Illie.
• Dutch Test: For adrenal and hormone metabolism assessment.
• OAT Test: Full metabolic panel for fertility health.

For more insights and actionable advice on nutrition, sustainability, and wellness, visit www.realfoodology.com and follow Courtney on Instagram @realfoodology.