A friend of mine is having difficulty conceiving her second child. She leads a healthy lifestyle, exercises daily and recently stopped working to reduce stress. She is currently taking Progesterone pills but I had told her that I would research some natural ways to boost her fertility. I’ve come across some very interesting information related to the potential causes of unexplained fertility and natural ways to overcome infertility. This information comes from many sources and as with any medical information, should be discussed with your physician.
The following is a list of natural remedies that are suggested to boost fertility:
Vitamin C & Antioxidants: Eat your fruits and vegetables, as antioxidants help to reduce stress on the reproductive system. In fact a recent study by Harvard researchers, as reported by WebMD, found that 79% of infertile couples had a low intake of fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin Supplements:
- “In a small study published in the Journal of Reproductive Medicine doctors found the nutrient formula in a supplement known as Fertility Blend
increased conception rates. It’s key ingredients: folic acid, vitamins E, B-6, and B-12, iron, magnesium, zinc, the amino acid L-arginine, selenium, the herb chasteberry (also know known as vitex), and green tea.” – WebMD
- Magnesium, Zinc and Vitamin A are needed for egg production.
- Zinc is a vital mineral for enzyme systems that affect fertility. The growth and development of the embryo depends on zinc which can be deficient in many women due to stress, pollution and alcohol consumption. Many infertile couples tested show low zinc levels.
Avoid Sources of Synthetic Estrogen (Xenoestrogens): Limiting your exposure to Xenoestrogens, such as those found in birth control pills, non-organic produce and meat, mercury-polluted fish, pesticides, plastic containers and plastic wrap can help increase fertility.
Moderate Exercise: exercise keeps your body in good health and balances hormones, but too much exercise can lower progesterone levels and impair fertility.
Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: both caffeine (as little as one cup of coffee per day) and alcohol can reduce fertility up to 50%
Reduce Stress & Get Adequate Sleep
Fertility Herbs: the following herbs can be used in a tea or tincture form to possibly boost fertility
- Red Clover Blossoms: This herb is said to be the most useful herb in aiding fertility, especially when combined with Raspberry Leaf.
- Chasteberry: Chasteberry should help fertility by balancing the sex hormones.
- Dong Quai: Dong Quai is a Chinese fertility herb, long-used to solve menstrual difficulties. It also helps to balance estrogen levels in the body and improve chances of egg implantation. It is suggested to use this herb during the days between ovulation and menstruation only.
WebMD has a pretty good, comprehensive article about wellness choices you can make to naturally increase your chances of conceiving. Keep in mind that outside of this article, most of the information on WebMd related to infertility involves more medically invasive treatments instead of natural remedies. It is my opinion that the root cause of unexplained fertility can be linked to an imbalance in your body which may be solved by proper nutrition, exercise and care of the psyche. If those areas are at optimal levels and there are still problems conceiving and maintaining a viable pregnancy, then it may be time to consider more aggressive measures.
I’d love to hear you share your own personal experiences related to fertility, suggested remedies for infertility and success stories!
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