The Health Diva

Folic acid is one of the most highly regarded of the pre conceptual care nutrients. Taking 400 mcg of folic acid per day has been proven to prevent spina bifida in your baby, and it is essential that you get plenty both before and during pregnancy. If you have a family history of spina bifida then 800mcg per day is recommended.

Folic acid is a member of the B complex family of vitamins that are necessary to produce the genetic materials DNA and RNA. Together with vitamin B12, folic acid works to ensure that your baby’s genetic codes are intact. Remember: it’s not enough to take folic acid alone when you are trying to become pregnant.

The Diva recommends a good quality prenatal multivitamin and mineral, which would form the foundation of your supplement program to make sure that you are getting a ‘little bit of everything’, which is vital for making happy healthy babies.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, and  another vital nutrient for increasing fertility.  Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is an excellent way to increase your vitamin C intake, however the juice of 8 oranges equals 1gram of vitamin C, so it’s a good idea to take a daily supplement to support your levels.

Vitamin C is vital for good quality sperm, stopping the sperm from clumping together, making them more motile. Vitamin C has a further role protecting sperm and the DNA within it from damage. Some research has indicated that certain types of DNA damage in the sperm can make it difficult to conceive in the first place, or it can cause an increased risk of miscarriage.

One study has shown that women taking the drug clomiphene to stimulate ovulation will have a better chance of ovulating if vitamin C is taken alongside the drug. Clomiphene does not always work in every woman, but the chances are often increased when vitamin C is supplemented.

Another powerful antioxidant and has been shown to increase fertility is vitamin E when given to both men and women. Men going for IVF treatment with their partners have been given vitamin E, and fertilisation rates have, as a result, increased from 19 to 29 percent. It has been suggested that the antioxidant activity of vitamin E might make the sperm more fertile.

Essential fats found in Fish and Seed oil, have a profound effect on every system of the body, including the reproductive system and they are crucial for  hormone functioning.

Essential fatty acid supplementation is  vital for Men because the semen is rich in prostaglandins, which are produced from these essential fats. Men with poor sperm quality, abnormal sperm, poor motility or low count, have inadequate levels of these beneficial prostaglandins.

The minerals zinc and selenium also have a vital role to play in fertility for men and women.

Selenium is required to  produce good quality sperm, also the antioxidant activity of selenium works to protect the egg, and sperm from damage.

Zinc is the most widely studied nutrient in terms of fertility for both men and women. It is an essential component of genetic material and a zinc deficiency can cause chromosome changes in either you or our partner, leading to reduced fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage.

Zinc is found in high concentrations in the sperm. Zinc is needed to make the outer layer and tail of the sperm and is, therefore, essential for the health of your partner’s sperm and, subsequently, your baby. Interestingly, several studies have also shown that reducing zinc in a man’s diet will also reduce his sperm count.

Natural sources of zinc include pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

The amino acids L-arginine and L carnitine, are also involved with sperm production, L-arginine, which is naturally available from protein rich foods, is essential for sperm production. Supplementing with L-arginine can help to increase both the sperm count and quality.

Note: People who have herpes attacks (either cold sores or genital herpes) should not supplement with arginine because it stimulates the virus.

This amino acid is essential for giving energy to sperm cell, helping them to move a bit faster, increasing the count and motility.

Herbal treatment is aimed at restoring hormone imbalances, and encouraging ovulation if it is not occurring.

Agnus Castus, is the herb of choice for helping to restore hormone imbalance and increasing fertility. In one study 48 women diagnosed with infertility took Agnus Castus daily for three months, 7 of them became pregnant during that time and 25 of them regained normal progesterone levels.

Agnus Castus is particularly helpful for those women who have a luteal phase defect (shortened second half to the cycle) or those with high prolactin levels, because it stimulates the proper functioning of the pituitary gland, which controls the hormones.

Damask Rose has been used to enhance fertility for generations, and the oil of course, in perfume form has also been used as a ‘lure’ to find the perfect mate!

Another trick is to try increasing your body temperature with warming herbs such as Ginger (Zingiber officinalis), Capsicum minimum (chilli) and Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum). These warming herbs help improve to the internal environment ready for conception. Try putting 60 drops of ginger tincture  into a 1.5 liter bottle of water and drinking through the day particularly around ovulation.

Note: 
Don’t take any herbs while you are using drug treatments or going through assisted conception (such as IVF), unless prescribed by a qualified practitioner.