Natural Considerations for Optimal Fertility.
For every couple there comes a time when 'starting a family'
becomes a priority. Nowadays it appears that conception, which
should be easy and natural is becoming more and more difficult.
Some couples may even believe they are infertile when the female
merely has a simple hormonal imbalance while the male only needs a
lifestyle change.
However at Your Wellness Centre we find that it really is
different for each couple. Along with the use of effective natural
therapies we will consider information related to lifestyle,
occupation and general health as well as family history. This can
help ascertain whether there is a genetic factor that may
contribute to fertility problems. Then we may need to delve further
to find the cause of the problem. This normally entails further
tests.
Once the body is brought back in to balance it is time to start
making sure that the eggs and sperm are healthy and this is when
Preconception care is important.
Preconception Care
Ideally both partners need to enjoy a period of at least 4
months of optimum health before conceiving. The formation of sperm
may take up to 116 days, and immature eggs take approximately 100
days to mature before released for ovation. Given these cycles – 4
months is essential for the health of your sperm and eggs to be at
their best.
A number of foetal abnormalities and childhood developmental
problems have been found to be related to nutritional deficiencies
before and during pregnancy.
Dietary Considerations
Food choices for both partners leading up to conception are
important. Buy organic produce where possible.
Grains – Vary your grains, choosing whole meal,
wholegrain, brown pasta, brown rice, spelt, millet, barley,
corn.
Vegetables – Lots of vegetables should be eaten every
day, making up to at least 40% of your total food intake. Keep
nutrient loss to a minimum by eating raw, stir fried, steamed or
dry baked vegetables.
Fruit – 2-3 apple-sized pieces of fruit should be eaten
per day, no more as the sugar content is high. This includes fruits
you decide to juice – dilute juice 50/50 with water.
Protein – A palm sized portion of protein at least twice
a day. Protein can be animal or plant based. Protein is essential
for building and repairing muscles, tissues, organs and hair – it
is also required for the formation of semen, optimum function of
the testes and manufacturing digestive enzymes. This is very
important before conception as it helps to create healthy sperm,
good quality eggs and aids in embryo development.
If you choose to have a plant based protein meal, because they
are ‘incomplete’ proteins i.e. they don’t have the full range of
amino acids that meat-based protein does you should combine at one
meal foods from two of the following groups: nuts, grains/seeds and
legumes/pulses. For example you could have rice and beans, nuts and
lentils, nuts and seeds etc. Ocean fish is particularly beneficial
and organically fed meat is preferred including eggs from
organically fed chickens (keep your egg intake to 2-3 per
week).
Dairy - Dairy should be eaten sparingly. It creates mucus
in the fallopian tubes. Yogurt with no added sugar is ok, and goats
milk/cheese is an alternative also. Avoid sausages, and if you want
to cook with mince buy a trim piece of meat and get it minced on
the spot or mince it yourself.
Fats – Olive or canola oil is best for cooking in, and
add cold pressed olive oil to your salads. Substitute butter with
avocado, hummus or nut spreads on your bread.
Water – Ideally water should be filtered to avoid heavy
metals from rain water tanks or old pipes.
Supplementation
B Vitamins - The B vitamins have man beneficial effects
in preconception care and in pregnancy. Deficiencies of all of the
B vitamins have been associated with fertility problems,
miscarriage, neonatal or perinatal death, fetal abnormalities and
low birth weight babies.
Folic Acid - Requirement for folic acid doubles during
pregnancy. It is required in the 3 months pre and post conception
to prevent neural tube defects. Folic acid supplementation
throughout pregnancy also improves birth weight and APGAR scores.
Pica, unusual food cravings is commonly experienced in pregnancy
and indicates a severe nutritional lack, often a mineral
deficiency.
Calcium - Low calcium contributes to increased risk of
pregnancy-induced hypertension and pre-eclampsia.
Magnesium - Low magnesium may lead to premature labour
and pre-eclampsia and love birth weight. High blood pressure is
also associated with low magnesium. Leg cramps, common in pregnancy
during the third trimester respond to magnesium
supplementation.
Fatty Acids - Essential fatty acids are an essential part
of the cell membrane and are important in the formation of new
tissues and for normal cell signaling responses. Healthy sperm are
highly dependent on an adequate supply of essential fatty acids,
and the developing foetus has high requirements for essential fatty
acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are especially important for
visual and cortical function. Foetal DHA correlates positively with
birth weight. Supplementation with omega-6 fatty acids may prevent
hypertension in pregnancy.
Vitamin E - Vitamin E improves sperm motility and is
effective in the treatment of low sperm count and abnormal sperm.
Vitamin E is also effective in preventing habitual miscarriage.
Zinc - Zinc is commonly deficient with 67% of Australian
men and 85% of women having marginal dietary levels. Zinc is
considered to be the single most important nutrient for pregnant
women. It is also vital for sperm health and fertility in women.
Zinc is present in large amounts in semen and supplementation
increases sperm count and sperm motility.
During pregnancy inadequate zinc leads to common problems such
as stretch marks, cracked nipples and prolonged labour. More
serious problems such as foetal growth retardation and congenital
malformations may also result from zinc deficiency.
Postnatal depression has been linked with zinc deficiency by
several researchers and zinc deficient babies cry excessively and
are difficult to calm.
Vitamin A - Vitamin A is necessary for health of the
cilia in the fallopian tubes, for health of the testes, for sperm
production and is important for zinc metabolism. Vitamin A is toxic
in pregnancy only at daily doses above 25,000IU however doses below
10,000IU are generally recommended to allow a considerable margin
for safety.
Vitamin C - Vitamin C improves all semen parameters. Even
a marginal deficiency causes oxidative damage to sperm, resulting
in reduced sperm motility and viability. In the female vitamin C is
necessary for maturation of the pre-ovulatory follicle.
Selenium and Taurine - Selenium deficiency is associated
with decreased sperm motility and increased numbers of abnormal
sperm. Taurine is also important for sperm motility. In females,
selenium deficiency is associated with infertility, spontaneous
abortion and neural tube defects. One quarter of infant mortality
has been linked with selenium deficiency.
Herbal Treatments
A combination of herbs with detoxifying and liver supportive
properties is recommended.
St Mary’s Thistle - St Mary’s Thistle is detoxifying and
hepatoprotective. It increases activity of the cytochorome P450
system, has anti-oxidant activity and increases intracellular
levels of glutathione. It protects the liver against liver toxins
and chronic exposure to heavy metals.
Reishi Mushroom and Burdock - Reishi mushroom, Burdock
and Grapeseed protect against the effects of radiation. Reishi is
useful in the overproduction of sperm antibodies.
Shiitake Mushroom - Shiitake mushroom improves cellular
oxygenation and enhances immunity.
Grapeseed - Grapeseed extract is a rich source of potent
anti-oxidants that are readily incorporated in to cell membranes.
They are able to increase vitamin C levels and prevent the release
and synthesis of inflammatory agents such as histamine,
prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Garlic - Garlic supports immune function and is effective
against many bacteria, viruses, fungi and other toxins. It strongly
inhibits candida which is often aggravated during pregnancy.
Candida can seriously affect fertility and is associated with
endometriosis, lowered immunity and poor absorption of
nutrients.
Red Clover - Red clover and Burdock are blood cleansing
herbs.
Cleavers - Cleavers is a gentle lymphatic stimulant.
Ginger - Ginger is anti-oxidant and
improves/optimizes the digestive and circulatory functions and is
used to reduce nausea and vomiting.
Globe Artichoke - Globe artichoke has anti-oxidant
properties, increases bile secretion, relieves nausea, abdominal
pain and other digestive symptoms.
Things to Avoid
Foods to avoid are products containing white flour and
sugar.
Refined carbohydrates – Refined carbs have very little
nutritional value yet they still require the presence of vitamins
and minerals to be metabolized. So they cost the body nutrients
without providing any to replace what was used up. A diet high in
products containing sugar depresses the immune system, and sugar
competes with vitamin C entering the immune cells.
Green potatoes - are toxic and should be avoided
.
Fats and fried foods – avoid animal fats and fats or oils
which have been heated.
Additives – almost everything which comes in a can,
packet or bottle has something added to preserve it, enhance it’s
colour, taste or texture. This also includes processed meats such
as salami – they contain preservatives.
Salt – Avoid salting your food if that you are eating is
already pre-prepared – this includes bread.
Coffee and tea – Replace coffee and tea with herbal teas,
but if it is too difficult allow yourself 2 cups of tea per day.
Caffeine adversely affects reproductive health. It interferes with
the ability of the sperm to swim forward and reduces fertility in
women. It also inhibits the absorption of iron and destroys B
vitamins. There have been links with caffeine consumption and
chromosomal damage, and consumption during pregnancy is associated
with spontaneous abortion and congenital abnormalities.
Alcohol - There are direct effects on fertility for both
partners regarding the consumption of alcohol. Considering the
length of time to form mature sperm and egg it should be avoided by
both partners for at least 4 months prior to conception. Studies
have noted an increase in miscarriage and chromosomal malformation.
It also depletes the body of essential vitamins and minerals
essential for the formation of sex hormones and proper
fertility.
Allergens – Do not eat a particular food if you suspect
an allergy or intolerance to it.
The acid/alkali balance in your diet is very important. If
cervical mucus is too acidic it will destroy sperm and will also be
a place less inviting for an embryo to implant.
The aim is to get your body in peak condition prior to
conceiving, which includes a strong digestion and immune system.
The effect of stress, addressing the fear of miscarrying, being
ready to parent a child etc, should not be underestimated,
particularly if such thoughts have been hanging around for a while.
Stress can delay ovulation which in turn affects the health of the
embryo. So find many ways to relax and reduce your workload and
responsibilities.
Your Program
During the preconception period, extra detoxification may be
required, for example if there are high levels of mercury or lead.
Additional things to consider are to avoid exposure to toxins such
as household cleaners, petrol fumes, etc and address any weight
concerns (either under weight or overweight can affect a child’s
health) and increasing your exercise to increase general health,
reduce stress and increase pelvic circulation.
Protocols for treatment of infertility, menstrual disorders or
allergy can be added to the basic nutrition program.
We have a range of formulations which, in conjunction with a
prescribed diet provides complete nutritional support. These
supplements are designed as an all-purpose program for general
preconception and pregnancy care. Individual needs are also
considered and may be added to the program where necessary.
If you are ready to take the next step towards planning for a
healthy pregnancy feel free to call us on 9879 9596 and book an
appointment with one of our naturopaths.
Glenda Johnson (N.D., B.Pharm)
and the team at Your Wellness Centre,
102A Oban Road, Ringwood North.
www.yourwellnesscentre.com.au
Phone: 03 9879 9596 | 
