Infertility - Nature Cures®

The foods consumed and toxins ingested can have an effect on eggs and sperm for up to 90 days ahead which is why it is important to consume foods that only have a beneficial effect and remove toxins three months ahead of the time for a planned conception. Organically grown food and meat from grass-fed free-range animals that contain no chemical pesticides, antibiotics and hormones will greatly improve the chances of conception.

Filtered and bottled water is also a better choice than tap water and natural cosmetics and household cleaning products can help to eliminate toxins absorbed by the skin and lungs all of which helps improve fertility. Eliminating chemical toxins like synthetic E numbers from the diet, home environment and the body will greatly improve chances of conception.

Changes to the diet can greatly increase the chances of healthy ovulation and sperm production, prevent recurrent miscarriage and support a healthy pregnancy. First and foremost, the diet should include foods that support the glands and healthy hormone production. Secondly, unhealthy foods and toxins should be eliminated including alcohol, unnecessary drugs and tobacco, processed foods and non-organic foods as much as possible.

There are cases of infertility that cannot be rectified naturally such as scarred fallopian tubes due to infection or genetic faults etc. but, in all cases, a nutritious diet can help improve the development and health of a foetus whether conceived naturally or by IVF treatment. The sexually transmitted disease, gonorrhoea, can cause infertility due to the scarring of the fallopian tubes.

What to avoid for three months prior to conception (males and females)

Avoid soya beans and products unless they have been fermented, as with miso, because they contain compounds which mimic human hormones and can reduce fertility.

Some high-gluten grains such as wheat can affect fertility in those that are sensitive to gluten. Other alternatives exist, See below.

Avoid low-fat products as often sugar and other additives replace the fat that is removed, and fat is required for the absorption of many important nutrients. However, most conventional dairy products contain hormones (mostly oestrogen) which can have a negative impact on testosterone levels in men, so it is important to only consume organic dairy produce.

Sugar should be reduced radically which means many processed foods and soft drinks should be also eliminated. Replace sugar with honey or sweet fruits.

What to consume for three months prior to conception (males and females)

Algae and seaweed provide many nutrients that are lacking in land-based crops due to intense farming techniques. They are also free of the pesticides used on land-based crops.

Beans, lentils and pulses provide an excellent source of fibre, protein and other nutrients vital to fertility.

Berries, citrus and dried fruits like dates, figs and raisins are an important addition to the diet during preconception.

Eggs, blue cheese, goat’s milk and plain yoghurt with live cultures provide many nutrients vital for conception.

Fibre-rich foods such as amaranth, brown rice, buckwheat, millet, oats, pulses, quinoa, rye, spelt and teff must be consumed at least once a day. Only whole grains should be consumed as refined products lack many vital nutrients.

Green leafy vegetables and other vegetables of all colours are important to be consumed every day. Dark coloured vegetables and fruits contain anthocyanins which are important antioxidants and red or orange fruits and vegetables contain carotenoids which are equally important for fertility and a healthy baby.

Maca helps to balance the hormones, increase egg health, increase sperm count and sperm health while also being a tonic for the endocrine system.

Nuts and seeds are an important addition to the daily diet for improved fertility especially almonds and walnuts and chia, hemp, flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds.

Oily fish and organ meats should be consumed at least twice a week.

Raw juices and smoothies can provide many vital nutrients especially apricot, banana, beetroot, carrot, celery, lemon, papaya, pomegranate, red grape, strawberry, tomato and spinach.

Red krill oil capsules should be taken daily by both males and females.

Royal jelly increases egg health, quality of egg and general fertility which is why it is fed to the queen bee in a hive.

Watercress is an excellent addition to the diet for improved conception.

Balancing the intestinal flora is very important as the beneficial bacteria manufacture many important nutrients and help with absorption of others. See>> Feed your friendly bacteria

Nutrients required for fertility of males and females

Providing the body with the correct nutrients so that the hormones and reproductive organs can do their job efficiently is very important. Many minerals are seriously lacking in today’s foods due to refining and processing techniques and because intensely farmed land-based crops have leeched the minerals from the soil.

Therefore, to keep humans fertile the soil must be looked after where crops are grown. Algae and seaweed are the best natural sources of many important minerals and may be useful to add to the diet of both males and females when trying to conceive. See>> Algae and seaweed

Alpha lipoic acid has been shown to protect the female reproductive organs and improve sperm quality and motility. For the highest natural food sources see>> Alpha lipoic acid

Carnitine is an amino acid necessary for sperm cells to function normally. For the highest natural food sources see>> Carnitine

Coenzyme Q10 is an important nutrient for every cell in the body. It has also been shown in studies to improve egg and sperm health and is necessary for sperm motility in semen. For the highest natural food sources see>> Coenzyme Q10

Copper: A deficiency of this mineral can cause infertility. For the highest natural food sources see>> Copper

Fluoride: A deficiency in fluoride can cause infertility. For the highest natural food sources see>> Flouride

Iron is important for women wanting to conceive because a deficiency may cause anovulation (lack of ovulation) and poor egg health which can inhibit pregnancy at a rate of 60% higher than those with sufficient iron stores in their blood. For the highest natural food sources see>> Iron

Iodine deficiency can cause reduced fertility. Seafood including seaweeds and algae such as chlorella and spirulina can help to provide iodine that may be lacking in land-based crops due to growing techniques. For the highest natural food sources see>> Iodine

Manganese is necessary for the production of feminine hormones. A deficiency can lead to infertility in women. For the highest natural food sources see>> Manganese

Molybdenum: Eating foods containing molybdenum can help to improve sexual potency. For the highest natural food sources see>> Molybdenum

Omega-3 fatty acids regulate hormones, increases cervical mucous, promotes ovulation and improves the quality of the uterus by increasing the blood flow to the reproductive organs. For the highest natural food sources see>> Fatty acids

Rubidium can be lacking in the diet and cause hormonal disturbances and infertility. For the highest natural food sources see>> Rubidium

Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to protect the eggs and sperm from free radicals that can cause chromosomal damage which is known to be a cause of miscarriages and birth defects. Selenium is also necessary for the creation of sperm. In studies men with low sperm counts have also been found to have low levels of selenium. Just two Brazil nuts per day can provide the selenium required. For the highest natural food sources see>> Selenium

Vitamin B complex: Foods rich in B vitamins will help to provide nutrients that will and nourish the glands and manufacture the correct balance of hormones.

Vitamin B9 rich foods must be consumed by the mother to be for three months prior to conception and throughout pregnancy in order to avoid neural and spinal defects in the foetus.

Vitamin B12 has been shown to improve sperm quality and production. It can also help to boost the endometrium lining in egg fertilisation, decreasing the chances of miscarriage. Some studies have found that a deficiency of vitamin B12 may increase the chances of irregular ovulation and, in some cases, stop ovulation altogether. People who limit meat intake can be deficient in vitamin B12.

For more information about the importance of the vitamin B complex and the highest natural sources of these vital nutrients follow the links below:

Vitamin C is important for all cell functions and cannot be stored by the body so is therefore required daily for improved fertility and must be consumed in similar amounts and at the same time as foods rich in vitamin E. For the highest natural food sources see>>Vitamin C and Vitamin E

Vitamin D is needed to help the body create sex hormones which in turn affects ovulation and hormonal balance. Blood tests to check levels for both males and females should be done three months before trying to conceive. Supplements of vitamin D3 should be taken along with vitamin K2 and some oil such as cod liver or krill oil as vitamin D is fat-soluble. For the highest natural food sources see>> Vitamin D

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an important antioxidant to help protect sperm and egg DNA integrity and has shown in studies to improve the health and motility of sperm. The name tocopherol derives from the Greek words ‘tocos’ meaning childbirth and ‘pherein’ means to bring forth. For the highest natural food sources see>>Vitamin E

Zinc is vital for both male and female fertility. It affects the hormone balance in women and low levels of zinc have been directly linked to miscarriage in the early stages of a pregnancy. In men, zinc boosts sperm levels and improves the form, function and quality of sperm. Zinc is often lacking in those that drink alcohol which forces expulsion of this mineral through the urine. For the highest natural food sources see>> Zinc

NOTE: It is only recommended that natural foods rich in these nutrients are consumed as supplements can cause harmful imbalances as they often do not contain the cofactors required for the correct absorption and utilisation of these nutrients. The only supplement recommended is vitamin D3, if needed, as it is difficult to consume enough foods to provide sufficient levels.

NOTE: Soya bean isoflavones showed improvement in vaginal symptoms (dryness, irritation, painful intercourse) in studies.

Male infertility

Inadequate sperm production and quality is one of the most common reasons for male infertility as it decreases the odds of one of the sperms fertilising the egg for conception. According to the World Health Organization, the normal concentration of sperm is at least 20 million per ml of semen. Fewer than 15 million sperm per ml is considered a low sperm count, also called oligozoospermia. Conception problems are associated with fewer than 40 million moving sperm in the ejaculate.

Oligoospermia can happen due to a wide variety of reasons and contributing factors like hormonal abnormalities, infected semen, infection in the prostate gland, varicoceles (enlargement of veins within the scrotum), damaged sperm ducts, use of anabolic steroids, cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, toxic chemicals, certain medications, heavy metal exposure and radiation. Even vaginal lubricants tend to be toxic to sperm.

Recent studies indicate that heating of the testicles due to electromagnetic frequencies may also contribute to low sperm count. Thus, habits like keeping a laptop on the lap or a mobile phone in trouser pocket are not advised when trying to conceive.

NOTE: There is a natural decline in testosterone levels in men, typically starting around age 40.

Natural remedies to increase sperm count and motility

Ashwagandha: A study by Indian researchers Iin2013, found that ashwagandha root extract can significantly increase sperm count, semen volume and sperm motility. The study participants were given 675 mg of ashwagandha root extract in 3 divided doses, daily for 90 days. Plus, this herb promotes healthy testosterone production. It also improves overall health, increases vitality and reduces stress and anxiety. Mix ½ teaspoon of ashwagandha powder, also known as Indian ginseng, in a glass of warm milk. Drink it twice daily for a few months. Another option is to take ashwagandha root extract. Consult a doctor for proper dosage.

Aspartate builds up in the testicles, where it alleviates a rate-limiting step of testosterone synthesis and thereby increases testosterone levels.

Highest sources of aspartate in alphabetical order

Apples
Apricots
Bamboo shoots
Beef
Buckwheat
Egg white
Lamb
Nuts
Oily fish
Pine nuts
Seaweed

Sesame seeds
Shellfish
Soya beans
Sunflower seeds
Parsley
Peanuts
Rabbit
Spirulina
Tofu
Venison

Korean ginseng, also known as panax ginseng, is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to help the body adapt to stress. It also can be used to increase testosterone; sperm count and motility to enhance male fertility. It can also help improve erectile performance as well. Take one to three capsules of 500 mg Korean ginseng daily for at least three months. Always consult a health practitioner before starting this or any other supplement regimen.

Garlic acts as a natural aphrodisiac and increases sperm production. It contains a compound called allicin, which boosts the endurance of the sperm and also improves blood circulation. Plus, the mineral selenium in garlic helps improve sperm motility. Simply include two crushed or sliced garlic cloves in the daily diet. Allow them to sit for 10 minutes after crushing or slicing to enable the chemical reaction that produces the allicin to take place before consuming or cooking them.

Maca root of the black variety can help improve sperm production and motility. It is a popular fertility herb that also helps balance the hormones. Take 1 to 3 teaspoons of maca root in 2 divided doses for a few months daily. It can be added to a glass of filtered or bottled water, milk or fruit juice, a healthy smoothie or protein shake or just sprinkle it on cereal. As maca root is high in fibre, start by taking ½ teaspoon and gradually increase the dosage over a few weeks.

Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is an Ayurvedic remedy to increase sperm count and improve sperm quality as it can enhance hormone levels. A 2012 study by Indian researchers also found this aphrodisiac herb to be helpful in treating oligozoospermia (low sperm count). Take one to three capsules of 500 mg Tribulus terrestris daily for a few months, but only after consulting a health practitioner.

Moderate exercise

Studies have found that moderate exercise can help boost healthy sperm production. A 2013 study published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine indicates that the increase in sedentary lifestyle among young men has led to a decline in the overall quality of semen. The study found that young men who lived a sedentary lifestyle and watched more than 20 hours of television a week had a 50% lower sperm count compared to those who did not watch much TV. Those who engage in at least 15 hours of moderate exercise a week have better sperm quality, and 73% higher sperm count than those who do little or no exercise.

To increase the sperm count, do some type of physical exercise for at least one hour a day on a regular basis. Outdoor physical activities (except cycling) as well as weight training are also beneficial.

NOTE: Avoid overexertion as it can lead to a decrease in sperm count. Cycling is not recommended as it can place pressure against the scrotum and increase scrotum temperature.

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