FERN Rising Podcast with Dr. Ashley Burton
FERN Rising is a women’s health and fertility podcast focused on hormonal balance, strength training, nutrition, and cyclical wellness, hosted by Dr. Ashley Burton. This show is the evolution of The Dr. Ashley Burton Podcast and reflects the growth of a holistic movement rooted in evidence-based care and body literacy.
Dr. Ashley Burton is a chiropractor and fertility nutrition coach who helps women restore their health naturally by supporting hormones, optimizing metabolism, and building strong, resilient bodies. Each episode explores practical strategies for improving fertility, regulating the menstrual cycle, preparing for pregnancy, supporting postpartum recovery, and creating long-term hormonal health.
Topics include fertility awareness, cycle tracking, metabolic health, prenatal and postnatal fitness, real food nutrition, stress physiology, and modern women’s health through a functional and cyclical lens. Whether you are trying to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or simply seeking to understand your body better, this podcast offers grounded education and actionable tools for every stage of womanhood.
FERN Rising is your space to build strength, reclaim trust in your body, and rise into your most vital season of health.
FERN Rising Podcast with Dr. Ashley Burton
86: The Challenges of a Vegetarian Diet During Pregnancy and Preconception
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In today’s episode of FERN Rising, Dr. Ashley Burton dives into the evidence-based realities ofvegetarian nutrition during preconception and pregnancy.
This episode is heavily inspired by and adapted from the work of Lily Nichols and her book RealFood for Pregnancy, one of the most respected evidence-based resources in maternal nutrition.
We explore the key nutrients that are often more difficult to obtain in adequate amounts on avegetarian diet during pregnancy, including:
• Vitamin B12
• Choline
• Glycine
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin K2
• DHA omega-3s
• Iron
• Zinc
Dr. Ashley explains why these nutrients matter for:
• fetal brain and nervous system development
• placental health
• hormone balance
• tissue growth and repair
• postpartum recovery
• fertility and preconception health
This episode is not anti-vegetarian. It is about understanding physiology, increasing awareness, and learning how to build a nutrient-dense foundation intentionally during one of the most nutritionally demanding phases of life.
You’ll also learn practical strategies to optimize a vegetarian diet during pregnancy, including:
• improving mineral absorption
• choosing higher-quality protein sources
• supporting DHA intake
• using fermented and sprouted foods
• selecting supportive supplements when needed
Whether you are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, postpartum, or simply interested in women’s health nutrition, this episode offers a balanced and research-informed perspective on vegetarian pregnancy nutrition.
Resources Mentioned:
Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols
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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.