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June Powell writes in this month's
Warwickshire Living - 'Boost Fertility
Naturally'
 Difficulties
in conceiving, failed IVF treatments and
rates of miscarriage are on the
increase. One in six couples now seek
help from fertility clinics, whilst
sperm health has declined significantly
in the last 50 years. Many women are
older when they first try to conceive,
and fertility decreases with age. So
working to increase the quality of both
male and female fertility is more
important than ever.
Whilst for many there may
be a clinical explanation, there is an
increase in the number of couples whose
inability to conceive is unexplained
medically. This can cause more emotional
distress and a repeated cycle of
disappointment, loss and sadness.
We are all exposed to
greater levels of environmental toxicity
and life is often very fast and
stressful. The tendency can be to eat
processed, ready prepared food thereby
taking in chemicals, preservatives and
excess salt, sugar and chemically
altered fats. It may be that you
repeatedly ‘jump-start’ your body by
using caffeine or sugary snacks to keep
going, or as ‘comfort food’. This can
set up a vicious cycle where these
substances are craved, leading to
depletion of essential minerals and
vitamins. This can significantly affect
the intricate endocrine system, which
governs hormone production and the
manufacture of sperm. Even with an
apparently healthy diet, you may still
be lacking in certain vital nutrients
especially magnesium and selenium.
The good news is that
there are ways to boost your fertility
naturally. Changing your lifestyle
and diet, eliminating toxins as much
as possible, reducing stress and taking
supplements can have a significant
effect on your ability to conceive.
There are also specific naturopathic
techniques which may be of benefit.
Having acupuncture, a
balancing treatment which works with the
natural rhythms and cycles of the body,
is worth considering. Acupuncture has
been used for thousands of years to
affect fertility. Its aim is to restore
balance and to initiate the body’s own
healing process. The changes you
experience, whilst no guarantee of
conception, will have major benefits for
your future health and that of your
baby. Women often find that their
menstrual cycle becomes more regular,
less painful with less PMT or they
become aware of ovulation. Men have seen
significant improvement in sperm test
results. Acupuncture and lifestyle
changes can maximise the potential of
IVF treatment. Acupuncture is also
beneficial in supporting emotional needs
through difficult times and can help at
a deep level to heal emotionally.
There are also some other
simple measures you can take for
yourself to boost your fertility. An
alkaline environment in the body is
necessary in order to conceive. Dietary
change can help achieve this which has
beneficial effects for the whole body.
Minimising meat and dairy products and
increasing vegetables, fruit and grains
and drinking hot water with fresh lemon
has an alkalising effect.
Drinking enough water is
vital for all body processes, including
conception, whilst having oils in your
diet is crucial as the endocrine system
depends on the essential fatty acids.
These are found in nuts, seeds, oily
fish, avocados, olive and nut or flax
oils. Cutting out smoking and reducing
alcohol and caffeine are obvious ways to
improve your body’s functioning.
Moderate exercise, fresh air and getting
enough natural light are also very
important.
Finally, if you are
trying to conceive, it is easy to feel
inadequate and to have negative views
about your body. So nurture yourself,
tune into your own body processes and
signs, take time for yourself on a
regular basis and spend time
doing the things which you love. Having
a baby is the ultimate creative process
and any activity which puts you in touch
with your own creativity is time well
spent.
It is most valuable to
seek guidance from a practitioner who
has training and experience in the
treatment of fertility problems.
June Powell
Acupuncture & Nutrition
Shipston Natural Health
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