Achieving optimal fertility health is one of the most important considerations of couples deciding to start a family. Over 15% of couples in the U.S. have difficulty conceiving a child. In these cases, one or both of the partners may be infertile. The causes of infertility are multi-faceted and are often correctable. Nutritional and lifestyle changes can play a major role in fertility health. Smoking, caffeine, drug uses, alcohol consumption, and stress all may impact fertility. Reproductive organs are highly susceptible to free radical or oxidation damage from environmental toxicants and natural aging.
A balanced, nutritional diet, and nutritional supplements with high antioxidant content can help reverse some of the oxidative damage that occurs with age and environmental toxins. In women, hormone balance is also critical to monthly ovulation and development of the corpus luteum (an ovarian follicle that releases progesterone after release of the egg to prepare the uterus for implantation). In men, certain nutrients are essential for formation of healthy sperm.
For women, the herb, Vitex (chasteberry), supports good hormone balance and normal ovulation. The amino acid, L-arginine, helps maintain healthy uterine lining. Antioxidants, green tea, vitamin E, and selenium, help enhance reproductive health by repairing oxidative damage due to aging and environmental toxins. Folic acid assists in the reduction of neural tube defects in children, as part of a healthy diet. Vitamins B6 and B12, and the minerals, iron, zinc and magnesium also help address promote fertility health.
For men, The amino acid, L-carnitine, has been shown to be critical to the formation of healthy sperm. Vitamins C and E, green tea and selenium are all potent antioxidants that help improve sperm counts and quality. Ferulic acid is an antioxidant found in Dong Quai, has also been shown to improve sperm quality. Zinc and B vitamins (B6, B12 and folate) are critical nutrients in male reproductive systems for several benefits, including hormone metabolism, sperm formation and motility
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