Supplements to Increase Fertility
A good diet is important for reproductive health and yet sadly our western diet can lack the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for conception to take place. It is recommended to eat organic food where possible and to reduce sugar, alcohol and caffeine to help regulate hormones. It is also recommended that natural, high-potency multivitamin and mineral complex supplements are taken to ensure that the body receives its natural daily requirements.
Good quality vitamins and minerals can assist with reproductive health. Often couples who have been experiencing infertility and reproductive health issues are overwhelmed and confused by the amount of information available about supplements. And yet often a simple supplement can make all the difference and so it is well worth investing a little time and money on quality supplements to ensure optimum health, as a prelude to conception. Keep it simple. Get the basic vitamin and mineral needs met by these supplements whilst looking at lifestyle changes, stress and unresolved emotional issues. The more relaxed and happy you become the more the body will be able to make good use of the nutritional support you provide.
Basics
A daily multi-vitamin and multi-mineral will go a long way to ironing out any deficiencies that may be causing a problem. During the preconception period supplements can make all the difference. For general health and wellbeing and particularly in the restoration of reproductive health a supplement is recommended.
Omega Oil / EFA – Omega oils are essential for reproductive health. Reduces inflammation throughout the body which could be the cause of PCOS and other infertility problems. Promotes overall health – insulin levels, heart, brain. A good quality Omega oil is also necessary for both male and female reproductive health and once pregnant, mum should continue with the oil throughout pregnancy and on into motherhood.
Should be used cautiously by people with bleeding disorders or on blood thinning medication.
Supplement Support for Women
Vitamin A – Vitamin A can be produced in the body from beta-carotene and other carotenoids (fat-soluble nutrients found in fruits and vegetables). Most dark-green leafy vegetables and deep yellow/orange vegetables and fruits (sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin and other winter squashes, apricots, peaches, and mangoes) contain substantial amounts of beta-carotene.
By eating these beta-carotene rich foods, a person can increase their supply of vitamin A.
Use spirulina regularly - it has the highest level of beta-carotene.
B Complex – A Multi B complex is a family of vitamins that are necessary to produce the genetic materials DNA and RNA. B vitamins, including B12 and folic acid, work to ensure that your baby's genetic codes are intact. It is important to take folic acid along with the other B vitamins when you are trying to become pregnant, these are essential during the pre-conceptual period.
B6 Supplement – For Luteal phase defect. It is a great reproductive hormone regulator. B6 also helps to regulate blood sugars, alleviates PMS and morning sickness. Research has shown that giving B6 to women who have trouble conceiving increases fertility.
Folic Acid – Vitally important for ensuring sufficient nutrient intake to help maintain the hormone balance and normal DNA replication required for conception. Folic acid can prevent neural tube defects and other birth defects. It also protects the heart.
Vitamin C – A powerful anti-oxidant which helps to protect cells and strengthen the immune system.
Vitamin E – Another powerful antioxidant which has been shown to increase fertility when given to both men and women. May increase egg quality.
Do not take Vitamin E without consulting your doctor if you have anaemia, poorly clotting blood, hyperthyroid, high blood pressure, or liver disease.
Co-enzyme-Q10 – Improves egg quality.
L-Arginine – Has been shown to increase fertility in women who had previously failed in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) procedures.
Not recommended for those with diabetes.
Iron – Anaemia can lead to infertility. Use Floradix iron tonic, a great non-constipating source of iron and B vitamins extracted from nettles and other plants.
Milk Thistle – Supports the liver. The liver acts as your waste disposal unit and so Milk Thistle is therefore essential for the treatment of PCOS. It helps to protect the liver cells against damage and promotes the healing of damaged cells, improving the general functioning of the liver and all its detoxifying properties. Supporting the liver in its function will help to improve and regulate all other systems of the body.