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Improving your chances of conceiving

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natural-pregnancyPreconceptual Care

Preconceptual care involves getting both partners into the best possible physical and mental shape to maximise your chances of creating a pregnancy that lasts to full term, and brings you a healthy baby at the end of it. Research indicates that a three to four month programme of healthy living will get you into excellent shape before trying for a baby, help you become pregnant more quickly and reduce the chance of miscarriage.

Preconceptual care is a common sense approach, and when both couples adopt these principles, it can dramatically increase the chances of a healthy conception.

 

Five Steps to Fertility

For 3-4 months, both partners should:

  1. Eat only health, fresh foods
  2. Eliminate any toxic substances from your system – for example give up smoking and drinking alcohol
  3. Find out which vitamins and minerals you are short of, and top up
  4. Become as fit and well as you can – for example exercise regularly and get checked and treated for any low level genito-urinary infections such as thrush
  5. Reduce the level of stress in your life

Complementary therapy treatments including herbal medicine, reflexology, chiropractic, acupuncture and even counselling can work gently and effectively to eliminate some of the obstacles to conception. Everyone and every couple is unique, and complementary therapies excels at holistically addressing individual health concerns.

 

Phytotherapy (Herbal Medicine).

Various herbal medicines are available to us to balance and enhance reproductive health, fertility and sexual vitality in both men and women. Herbs can have a potent effect on the reproductive system, and you will get the best results if you see a qualified naturopath or herbalist who are trained in the actions and administration of herbal medicine.

 

Some herbal remedies especially for women:

Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste Tree) – can assist to regulate periods and balance out the oestrogen and progesterone levels and rations.

Chamaelirium luteum (False Unicorn Root) – this North American herb has an excellent reputation as a tonic for the uterus and ovaries, and a balancing effect on the sex hormones. It is traditionally used for encouraging fertility in women.

Angelica sinensis (Dong Quai) – a traditional Chinese herbal tonic for women to regulate hormones and ovulation. This herb should not be taken in early pregnancy and avoided if there is a possibility you could be pregnant.

Withania somnifera (Winter Cherry) – is strengthening, rejuvenating and an important herb for stress and fatigue.

Asparagus racemosa (Shatavari) – a hormone balancer from India, which also enhances libido in women.

 

Some herbal remedies for men:

Turnera diffusa (Damiana) – strengthens the male reproductive system and also has a reputation as an aphrodisiac.

Panax ginseng (Korean Ginseng) – a useful herb for impotence, stress, low sperm count and fatigue.

 

Nutrition.

Both prospective parents should consider adequate intake of:

  • Protein
  • Vitamin A
  • Vitamin B-complex
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D
  • Essential Fatty Acids
  • Calcium
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Manganese
  • Iodine
  • Iron
  • Copper
  • Boron
  • Selenium
  • Chromium

Where possible, minerals should be chelated and from an organic, natural source.

Finally, positive thinking is important. Whether this is through visualisation, verbal affirmations, hypnosis, meditation or other relaxation techniques, it can be a wonderful way to create change in your body.

 

Astragalus for immune system recovery

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Astragalus canadensis flowersAstragalus is an extremely valuable herb for restoring immune function after illness and can also be used to maintain the body’s normal defences against cold and flu. It is the number one remedy for preventing post-viral fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome) that can proceed the flu and other viruses such as glandular fever.

Astragalus should not be taken during the initial viral infection, its function is more specific afterwards (you are looking at using herbs such as Olive leaf, Echinacea and Andrographis during an acute infection).

Feel free to ask for a free taste test of the Astragalus herb on Thursday afternoon and Saturday mornings when our resident Naturopath, Josie, is in clinic.

 

Other factors to consider when undertaking a program to boost immune function are:

  • Cod Liver Oil which is high in vitamins A and D as well as essential fatty acids, all of which are necessary to boost and maintain the immune system.
  • Vitamin C with bioflavonoids. Vitamin C is the single most important nutrient for immune function and should always be taken with bioflavonoids to improve absorption.
  • Zinc boosts the immune response and aids in healing.
  • Probiotics should be taken to replace bowel flora if antibiotics were taken during the initial infection.

 

Diet and lifestyle suggestions

  • Get plenty of rest and good quality sleep (if you’re not sleeping well it is important to address that)
  • Skin brushing to stimulate the lymphatic system which in turn supports proper immune function by removing waste and toxins from cells
  • If you have any known allergies try to avoid contact with the offending allergens as much as possible as these place stress on the immune system.
  • Eat a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, raw nuts and seeds and wholegrains
  • Great immune boosting foods are kelp, garlic, pearl barley, shitake mushrooms and umeboshi plums.
  • Avoid sugar and caffeine as they both deplete your body of essential nutrients and exacerbate fatigue.
  • Regular moderate exercise is essential for rebuilding and maintaining immune function.