National Fertility Week: Men and Fertility

[Guest guest]

Good Morning!

 

National Fertility Week: Men and Fertility

 

This week is National Fertility Awarenss Week. Especially close to my heart,

helping woman get pregnant naturally has been my specialty for many years. This

week, I will review the many ways to help increase fertility in both woman and

men.

 

Improving Sperm Count

 

A variety of factors in men can result in infertility. Approximately 25% of

infertility is directly due to the male partner. Low sperm count or anatomical

abnormalities are often the two main reasons for male infertility. Several other

factors can contribute to this including exposure to excessive heat or fever,

radiation, toxins, alcohol consumption or acute injury or testicular injury.

Anatomical abnormalities such as an endocrine disorders or varicocele, a diluted

vein of the spermatic cord can also cause a problem. Varicocele can be treated

successfully with surgery. Environmental exposures, smoking, and use of

recreational drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, hashish) may reduce sperm count or

cause abnormal sperm morphology. If there are no anatomical abnormalities then

here are ways to improve sperm:

 

1. Reduce The Heat: Men with low sperm counts are frequently advised optimize

the temperature of the testes as sperm production is slightly lower than body

temperature. That is why the testes hang away from the body in the scrotum. This

can be done by NOT wearing tight �bikini-style� underwear, avoid frequent

use of spas and hot baths and do not use a lap top computer directly on the

knees.

 

2. Drink Less Of The Hard Stuff : Excessive alcohol consumption is associated

with a decrease in the percentage of normal sperm.

 

3. Go Organic: A study done with members of the Organic Farmers's Association

suggesting that organically grown foods may enhance fertility. Their sperm count

was more than twice as high in these men as in a control group of blue-collar

workers. (10)

 

4. Get Acupuncture: Acupuncture was used on 28 men twice a week for 5 weeks and

compared to men who received no treatment. Following acupuncture, a

statistically significant increase in the percentage and number of sperm in the

total ejaculate was observed (in comparison with controls), with improvements in

the shape. Also progressive motility in ejaculate increased from 44.5% to 55%

following acupuncture treatment.

 

5. Take Your Supplements: Additional supplements such as Vitamin C and E,

selenium and zinc are essential for both men

 

 

Acidophilus: The normal, healthy colon contains " friendly " bacteria (85%

lactobacillus and 15% coliform bacteria). It is the friendly bacterial flora

found in yogurt and is essential to the digestive system. When these bacteria

are not in balance, then the person may experience bloating, flatulence,

constipation, and malabsorption of nutrients. Acidophilus taken as a dietary

supplement may help to detoxify and to rebuild a balanced intestinal flora. It

is used for the prevention of Candida as well as for treatment. Acidophilus aids

the digestion and helps to replace the " friendly " intestinal flora.

 

Antioxidants More and more evidence is accumulating that indicates antioxidants

improve long-term health by deferring or mitigating cardiovascular and

cerebrovascular diseases. Exercise-related research indicates that antioxidants

such as vitamin E and selenium limit exercise-induced muscle damage; this, in

turn, is believed to improve exercise recovery and possibly improve muscle

growth potential. Of course, as vitamins C and E and selenium are among the most

effective antioxidants, they and others are part of most multivitamin/mineral

packs. However, here are some additional antioxidants you may want to consider

taking, with the baseline supplementary daily intake.

 

Research suggests that combining antioxidants is more effective than consuming

high doses of just one or two antioxidants. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich

in a wide variety of antioxidants; the essential antioxidants may be better

preserved in these foods. Herbal supplements like milk thistle, rosemary, ginkgo

biloba, bilberry, butcher's broom and horse chestnut have high levels of potent

antioxidants, although their effects on exercise have not yet been studied in

humans.

 

 

Lycopene 5-10 mg

Lutein 25-50 mg

Polyphenols (green tea) 10-100 mg

Proanthocyanidins (grape seed, pine bark) 25-100 mg

Alpha-lipoic acid 200-1,500 mg

N-acetyl-cysteine 500-2,000 mg

Coenzyme Q 50-300 mg

Soy isoflavones 20-100 mg

 

 

Alpha Lipoic Acid is a unique antioxidant that is both water and fat soluble,

which allows it to enter all parts of the cell to neutralize free radicals.

Alpha Lipoic Acid contributes to and is important for the production of energy

inside the cell by utilizing sugar to produce energy contributing to mental and

physical stamina, reducing muscle fatigue and neutralizes free radicals. Alpha

Lipoic Acid recycles and enhances the effects of both Vitamin C.

 

Carnitine is required for energy production in the powerhouses of the cells (the

mitochondria). There may be a problem in the mitochondria in people with CFS.

Deficiency of carnitine has been seen in some CFS sufferers. One gram of

carnitine taken three times daily led to improvement in CFS symptoms in a recent

preliminary investigation.

 

CoQ10 (Coenzyme Q10) is a vitamin-like compound also called �ubiquinone�. It

is an essential component of cells and is utilized by the mitochondria in the

normal process of energy production. It helps convert food into energy at a

cellular level. Coenzyme Q10 acts as an antioxidant, much like vitamins C and E,

helping to neutralize the cell-damaging molecules known as free radicals. CoQ10

is one in a series of ubiquinones, naturally occurring compounds produced in

nearly every cell of the body, and was discovered as recently as 1957. This

supplement helps to improve age-related decline in egg quality.

 

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a natural steroid hormone, one of the hormones

produced by the adrenal glands. After being secreted by the adrenal glands, it

circulates in the bloodstream as DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) and is converted as needed

into other hormones. DHEA is chemically similar to testosterone and estrogen and

is easily converted into those hormones. DHEA production peaks in early

adulthood and declines in production with age in both men and women. Therefore,

many diseases which correlate with age also correlate with low levels of DHEA

production. Advocates of DHEA recommend it to prevent the effects of aging.

Long-term effects of self-medicating by using DHEA supplements may be

beneficial, neutral, or harmful, but it is unlikely that DHEA supplements will

affect each individual in the same way. DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands.

A synthetic form of this hormone is also available as a supplement in tablet,

capsule, liquid, and sublingual form. In a study published in the Human

Reproduction taking 80 milligrams of DHEA for two months, helped improve the

response to ovarian stimulation. These women who took DHEA in the study

responded better to the gonadotropic drugs given during IVF. (3) Warning: woman

with elevated levels of excess male androgens as seen in acne, ovarian cysts,

excess body hair, unstable blood sugar levels, thinning hair, mid-cycle pain or

PCOS, should NOT TAKE DHEA.

 

L-Arginine (2-4 grams daily), is an amino acid found in pumpkin seeds may

possibly increase nitric oxide production, which in turn increases blood flow.

In another study in Human Reproduction, found that women undergoing IVF who

supplemented with high doses of L-arginine orally, had an increase in ovarian

receptivity and pregnancy. Foods high in this amino acid include pumpkin seeds,

almonds, cocoa and (dark) chocolate, garbanzo beans, peanuts, salmon, soy and

walnuts. L-arginine is especially helpful to enhance sperm production.

 

L-Lysine, an amino acid, can have a general antiviral, tonifying effect that

fortifies the immune system. L-lysine, most known for reduce the frequency and

severity of oral herpes attacks, taking L-lysine daily on an empty stomach, can

help to prevent fertility complications. Take 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily in divided

doses.

 

Probiotic A probiotic will fortify your intestinal flora, which are essential

for proper digestion and nutrient absorption. This is key to good health and a

strong immune system. Studies have shown that patients who begin a course of

probiotics with fiber a few days prior to surgery are less likely to pick up a

post-operative infection during their hospital stays. This demonstrates a strong

connection between intestinal flora and immune function. The fiber, which

provides the friendly bacteria, can be as simple as an apple or banana.

 

Selenium Deficiency leads to reduced sperm count and has been linked to

sterility in men and infertility in women. Take 200-400 mcg daily.

 

Omega-3's and Essential Fatty Acids : are the number one pick, which benefit

every living cell in the body. They are crucial for proper ovulation. Essential

fatty acids are found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, pumpkin seed oil, soy products,

beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collard greens,

kale, turnips and ruta-bega. Along with helping ovulatory function, they are a

precursor to hormonal regulation and are helping your body to fight off stress

and relieve anxiety, tension and even prevent heart disease! Fish that are high

in Omega-3 are excellent ways to help your blood stream. If you supplement with

essential fatty acids, be sure you are getting enough. Take 1,000 mg in divided

doses, twice a day for a total of 2,000 mg per day.

 

Vitamins B6,12 deficiency has been linked to infertility issues. Foods rich in

the B vitamins, which help regulate metabolism, are also beneficial, as diets

high in sugar tend to burn these vitamins at a faster rate. These foods include

wheat germ, yogurt, and liver. Vitamin B12 dosage should be 1,000 mg per day as

this is useful in the replication of cells.

 

Vitamin C acts primarily in cellular fluid. Vitamin C scavenges free radicals

and cleans up waste products. In addition to its anti-oxidative activities,

vitamin C benefits many other body functions. Vitamin C is necessary for the

synthesis of collagen, which is an important component in the structural make up

of blood vessels, tendons, ligaments, and bone. Vitamin C also plays an

important role in the synthesis of the neurotransmitters and norepinephrine.

Neurotransmitters are critical to brain function and are known to affect mood.

Vitamin C, even in small amounts, can protect molecules in the body, such as

proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) from damage by

free radicals. Vitamin C helps in the fight against free-radical formation

caused by pollution and cigarette smoke and also helps return vitamin E to its

active form. Take 2,000 - 6,000 mg in divided dosage per day, depending on bowel

tolerance. Warning: if you have scanty cervical mucous, AVOID excess vitamin C.

 

Vitamin E (tocopherols) are the most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant in the

body. One of the most efficient chain-breaking antioxidants available, Vitamin E

primarily defends against oxidation and lipid peroxidation, which is the

creation of unstable molecules containing more oxygen than is usual. Research

has demonstrated the broad role of vitamin E in promoting health. Vitamin E

works together with other antioxidants, such as vitamin C, to offer protection

from some chronic diseases and may regulate the production of cervical mucous in

women. Vitamin E is needed to balance the production of hormones. It has been

known as the " sex vitamin " which carries oxygen to the sex organs. Start with

taking 200 IU daily and increase them up to 800 IU per day.

 

Zinc deficiency has been linked to infertility. Zinc is one of the most

important trace elements in our diet. Zinc is responsible for the regulation of

our genetic information, protecting the immune system and is vital for the

structure of cell membranes. Consider 60 mg daily. This is necessary for

testosterone metabolism and sperm production. When increasing zinc intake, also

increase copper and selenium. Your best bet is to take zinc within your

multi-vitamin (if it has the required amount), which should balance the

zinc-copper-selenium ratio properly. Do not take more than 100 mg daily.

 

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS. L.Ac

http://www.peacefulmind.com/infertility.htm

Therapies for healing

mind, body, spirit