Naturopathy
A healthy, balanced diet, regular, moderate exercise, and a positive attitude are essential for general health and fertility. A naturopathic practitioner may advise you to avoid caffeine, which is suspected of interfering with ovulation, to maintain a normal weight, and to eat only organic fruits and vegetables, grown without the use of potentially toxic chemical pesticides.
You will also be advised to restrict alcohol, since excessive amounts increase the hormone prolactin, which may disturb the menstrual cycle. Smoking is also seen as harmful, reducing blood flow to the cervix and inhibiting the action of cilia, the tiny hairs in the fallopian tubes that guide the egg toward the uterus. Splashing hot and cold water alternately on the genital area helps to stimulate local circulation. (See Hydrotherapy) Do not take a hot bath before sexual intercourse, as sperm need cool temperatures to survive.
Nutritional therapy
A balanced diet is essential for the body to function properly. Supplements help improve fertility. Lack of protein and calories from malnourishment is a cause of fertility, so adequate nutrition should be the basis for treatment of any illness, including infertility. Eat pumpkin seeds for zinc, which is important for the health of reproductive organs. Bee pollen and royal jelly are extremely nutrient-rich bee products that help stimulate fertility. Avoid coffee, tea, and colas; caffeine promotes fertility.
Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations
A nutritional therapist may recommend lifestyle changes, including diet:
- Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.
- Giving up smoking and drugs.
- Increase the intake of whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals so that the ovaries produce healthy eggs.
- Take the intake of essential fatty acids. The primary source is oily fish, fish liver oils, seeds, nuts, pulses, beans, and unrefined vegetable oils. The essential fatty acids stimulate the production of sex hormones.
- Avoid foods with wheat protein, gluten.
- Supplements may include: vitamin E to help regulate the production of cervical mucus.
- Zinc and vitamin A to correct any nutritional deficiencies which may in turn promote some hormonal imbalance.
- Vitamin A.
- Glandulars (extracts from animal adrenal glands) to adjust any hormonal imbalances.
- Pantothenic acid to help relieve stress.
- Identify and control food allergies.
- Get regular exercise.
- Perform a relaxation exercise (deep breathing, meditation, prayer, visualization, etcetera) 10 to 15 minutes each day.
- Drink at least 48 ounces of water daily.
Nutritionists say that slight vitamin and mineral deficiencies and exposure to chemical toxins interfere with sperm and egg production and can encourage miscarriage.
A practitioner may recommend alkaline foods, such as bean sprouts, peas, and milk, to offset acidity in the cervical mucus, which can inhibit sperm. Avoid acidic foods, such as red meat and tea. Foods rich in vitamin E, like vegetable oils, nuts, and eggs, protect fatty tissues (thought to be important for fertility). Foods containing essential fatty acids, such as seeds, legumes, and oily fish, are also good. Supplements such as evening primrose oil, starflower oil, linseed oil, borage seed oil, and blackcurrant oil are also valuable. Folic acid and vitamin B supplements may be suggested since deficiencies can lead to anemia associated with infertility. Some practitioners also claim that supplements of vitamin B6 may raise levels of progesterone in women with irregular or absent periods.
Here is a summary of the action of the most important vitamins/minerals/amino acids that play a role in conception.