Defined as the inability to conceive after a year or more of regular sexual activity during the time of ovulation. May also refer to the inability to carry a pregnancy to term. An estimated one in every five couples experiences infertility. The most common causes of infertility in women include ovulatory failure or defect, blocked fallopian tubes, endometriosis, and uterine thyroids. Some women develop antibodies to their partner’s sperm, in effect, becoming allergic to them. Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease that strikes four million Americans a year, causes many cases of infertility. Psychological issues such as stress or fear of parenthood may contribute to infertility as well. For men, infertility is most often the result of a low sperm count or an anatomical abnormality. Sperm factors count for approximately 40% of all cases of infertility. A variety of other factors can result in low sperm count including exposure to toxins, radiation, excessive heat, testicular injury, endocrine disorders, alcohol consumption, recent acute illness or prolonged fever, and testicular mumps.
- A deficiency of selenium leads to reduced sperm count and has been linked to sterility in men and infertility in women. Vitamin C is important for sperm production. Vitamin E has been shown to significantly improve the function of sperm in men. We suggest a high quality whole food supplement, like VITAFORCE™ that is complete and made from whole foods which provides concentrated nutrients that support high sperm counts and fertility. Fertil Streil, 64(4), October 1995, p. 825-831
- Herbal detoxification products may be helpful in cleansing the body of heavy metals, chemicals and other harmful poisons that may lower sperm count and interfere with fertility. We suggest using formulas that use organic, whole herbs. If interested, take a look at the Liver and Gallbladder Formula, Liver Rescue, Quick Colon Formula #1, and Quick Colon Formula #2.
- Because there are so many causes of infertility, in most cases, the opinion of a qualified healthcare professional is needed.
- Eat organic to avoid all toxins and pesticides.
- Investigate the possibility of heavy metal intoxication (hair analysis).
- Eat a well balanced diet of 50% raw foods and fresh “live” juices. These fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts/seeds are necessary for cleansing and healing the body of defects and nutritional deficiencies.
- Essential fatty acids are essential for normal glandular function and activity, especially the reproductive system. Good sources are Primrose oil and Flaxseed oil.
Things to Avoid:
- All Animal Foods: dairy foods (milk, cheese, butter, cream, ice cream), fish, meat, chicken, turkey, eggs, fried and greasy foods, margarine, and all other processed foods and animal derived products from your diet. These foods are laced with chemicals, pesticides, and toxins as well as high levels of saturated fats which have a very damaging a draining effect on the body.
- Salt, tobacco, caffeine, sodas, coffee, sugar, and refined white flour (breads, pastas, cereals- replace with whole wheat pastas, breads, and cereals). These products are extraordinarily destructive to the body.
- Try to avoid stress and chronic tension.
References:
- James F. Balch, M.D, Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” (1997)
- E. Kessopoulou, et al., “A Double Blind Randomized Placebo Cross-over Controlled Trial using the Antioxidant Vitamin E to Treat Reactive Oxygen Species Associated with Male Infertility,” Fertil Streil, 64(4), October 1995, p. 825-831
