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Archive for August, 2010

Eat to Increase Fertility – Is An Organic Diet Right For You?

If you are seeking infertility help,  you will likely consider lifestyle and diet changes. Most people admittedly consume many foods that lack real nutritional value and cutting them out of the diet and adding health organic foods can only improve one’s health.  The value of organic versus non-organic foods and the role each plays has been a topic of debate for some time, and likely to continue to generate much conversation for years to come. One thing is for sure, the body is a very complex machine and  can be greatly impacted by small changes.

The verdict may still be out on whether or not eating an organic diet itself can increase fertility. It is widely accepted that eating a healthier diet does improve your overall health which, in turn, can improve your chances of getting pregnant. There are also many interesting points in favor of natural foods increasing fertility. If you are considering an organic diet as an infertility help, here are a few interesting things to consider:

  • One of the greatest benefits of eating certified organic foods is that it can greatly reduce the amount of chemicals and pesticides you consume. While there are many known side effects of the use of many chemicals, there are likely other unknown ways that their consumption can impact our health and both male and female fertility.
  • The rates of unexplained infertility is inexplicably on the rise. If there is no known medical cause, taking a closer look at diet makes sense.
  • Most fertility problems are multi-factorial and many have elements that have a nutritional foundation.

Are There Specific Foods To Consider?

There are many foods that have known benefits to those struggling with infertility. There is little risk, if any, with most of them and the cost is minimal. If you plan to add organic foods to your diet as an infertility help, here is a list of foods to get you started:

  • Eat foods rich in zinc, like organic chicken.
  • Raw walnuts are a power house of valuable nutrients for those looking for infertility help. Rich in folate, vitamin B6, thiamin and omega 3.
  • Iron, found in meat, lentils and beans, is essential to good reproductive health.
  • Organically grown bright colored vegetables  and fruit are very beneficial as an infertility help.  Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale as well as vibrant or fresh fruit contain valuable antioxidants which protect the health of eggs and sperm. Some great choices are blueberries, apples, red, yellow and green bell peppers and broccoli.
  • Salmon, cat fish and canned light tuna are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids, which is also vital to good reproductive health.

Remember to Eliminate the Junk

Adding organic foods to your diet to increase the chances of fertility is a great start to infertility help. The next step is to eliminate the foods that may be causing more harm than good. Refined foods, like white rice, bread and pasta, are known to be detrimental to fertility, particularly those with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Caffeine and alcohol are also a concern for those with fertility problems, and consumption should be very limited.

Choosing to go totally organic may not be right for you or your lifestyle, but incorporating organic choices where possible is certainly doable for most of us.

27th August 2010 | Posted in Common Questions

What Alternative Medicine Options Are Used To Increase Fertility

Fertility problems are nothing new. In fact, many cultures have sought solutions to both male and female fertility issues for thousands of years.  About 20% of the population will experience some difficulty in becoming pregnant in their lifetime and will seek out many different fertility treatment options. While many begin with western medicine, traditional western medicine is not always the answer for every person seeking ways to increase fertility.

If Not High Tech Answers, Then What?

Many people do experience success with traditional fertility treatment options such as IVF, however, high tech treatment options are not always the first choice for many people wanting to increase fertility. Whether it is because it is more affordable or less invasive – an increasing number of people are seeking alternative medicine options to increase fertility.  Some of the most popular and common alternative treatments include:

  • Acupuncture is gaining worldwide recognition as an alternative fertility treatment option. The painless procedure involves inserting thin needles at specific places on the skin. There is some debate as to whether the benefit is an increase in fertility or a decrease in stress but whichever it is- the result is a 25% increase in successful conception when added as a supplement to IVF. It is frequently used alone or with other natural treatment options.
  • Herbal treatments are also often part of alternative options to increase fertility. Some of the most common herbs include; raspberry leaf, Black Cohosh, Nettle Leaf and Chaste Tree. It is suggested that the use of any herbs be done under the guidance of an expert with the knowledge of your physician.
  • Fertility cleanses are also used to detoxify the body and help increase fertility.
  • Fertility massage is also a popular alternative and , much like in acupuncture, increases blood flow in the body. This is a very affordable alternative and can be combined with other treatments.
  • Lifestyle and dietary changes is always a great place to start for overall better health. Simple changes in the diet, such as adding more organic foods to the diet, can increase the chances of becoming pregnant significantly. Diet and lifestyle changes are not for the woman alone however. Even a male partner can increase sperm health and motility through a more natural diet.
  • Yoga is known to increase fertility by increasing the blood flow and reducing stress.
  • Proper sleep and sunlight is often overlooked as part of an alternative fertility treatment option, but it should not be. Not getting enough sleep or sunlight can contribute to irregular cycles and sometimes lack of ovulation.

Even if traditional medicine has not been successful in your case, all hope is not lost. There are many alternative options that have proven very successful for many people struggling with fertility issues. Most are without side effects, painless and can be combined with other treatments.

When considering fertility treatment options, consider the value of alternative treatments to increase fertility. Become informed about the options by researching and connecting with others through support groups.

12th August 2010 | Posted in Common Questions

5 Tips to Finding Infertility Help for Couples

A recent diagnosis of some type of fertility problem can be devastating to any person or couple. A diagnosis, however, is just the beginning. Many things can play a role in fertility problems and some of those things can be changed, reversed or improved to increase your chances of becoming pregnant. While a diagnosis can be disheartening, it can also empower you to get the infertility help you need for a wonderful outcome.

Infertility help, information and support are available, and being proactive in getting the information you need can only help you find some resolution. The decision to have a family is an important one, and one which deserves the comfort of knowing you have pursued every avenue of information and support. Here are a few tips to help you in that journey:

  • See a fertility specialist before beginning any fertility treatments. It is likely that a specialist has seen patients with similar problems to your own and can offer specific infertility help geared to that problem. Also, seeing a fertility specialist first can help you avoid unnecessary treatment  and extra expense.
  • Search until you find a fertility treatment center and fertility specialist that best fits your needs. Receiving infertility help is a very personal and emotional time. Since you will be working so closely with the doctor and staff, you will want to find one that truly cares for you.
  • Research your fertility treatment options. Vast amounts of information is available on every fertility treatment option right at your fingertips. The internet can not only help you understand the suggested treatment options, but you may find ones that have worked for others with similar hindrances. Also, staying informed of advances in the field alert you to new treatment options.
  • Connect with others who understand. Not only is the fertility treatment center likely to have support groups, there are likely many others within the community. By joining a local support group, you have the opportunity to be come close with others in the same struggle. Local groups are also a great source of information on what infertility help is available in your area.  In addition to in-person support groups, there are countless support groups on the internet. Internet support groups can provide a little more anonymity while you find in-person support.
  • Fertility Counseling can help tremendously as you navigate the often exhausting journey of treatments. There will be many unexpected emotional issues that will come up, adding to the stresses of everyday life. Part of finding the best infertility help is surrounding yourself with  people that can best equip you for the journey.

Every journey requires preparation and infertility is no different. While it is difficult to know where the journey will lead, one thing is sure: getting the right help is essential . Arm yourself with information and gain strength from the many family, friends and loved ones in your life.  The journey may be difficult, but it is very worthwhile.

2nd August 2010 | Posted in Treatment Options