What Are The Best Nutrients for Fertility?
We face a potential epidemic worldwide, with 1 in 6 individuals grappling with infertility. Despite the burgeoning global population, our ability to conceive is declining at a startling rate for both sexes. The pressing question arises - what's causing this?
There's a myriad of theories expressing why infertility rates are shooting up. Some of the proposed culprits include chronic stress from our fast-paced lifestyle, constant exposure to Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs), widespread pollution, the rampant prescription of medications starting from a young age, excessive exposure to heavy metals, and even deficiencies in essential nutrients.
How Important Is Nutrition for Fertility?
In this blog post, we may not be able to dig into every conceivable cause leading to infertility, however, we intend to shed light on some crucial nutrients that deserve your attention. If you or someone close to you is battling infertility, critically understanding the details of your dietary intake could be a pivotal part of the solution.
Nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods is a bedrock principle for promoting healthier habits, but it's equally critical to consider how our food is grown. The severity of this becomes clear as we glance at contemporary farming practices. Many farms today fail to rotate their crops adequately, leading to nutrient-depleted soils. This lack of nutrient rotation, combined with the pervasive use of pesticides and herbicides—laden with harmful heavy metals—limits a plant's ability to adequately absorb vital nutrients from the soil.
But it's not all doom and gloom. We can partially circumvent these dietary deficits through targeted supplementation. While a balanced diet remains the cornerstone of healthy living, supplementation is a valuable ally, filling nutritional gaps caused by today's farming practices. Ensuring adequate nutrient intake is not a selfish endeavor—it's a critical contribution towards the well-being of present and future generations. Paying heed to the intricacies of our diet and considering appropriate supplementation are cumulative steps on the path to reclaiming fertility while enhancing overall health.
What Minerals Impact Fertility?
Navigating the landscape of fertility can be overwhelming, especially when faced with the fact that lifestyle choices, including diet, play a significant role. While certain factors may be beyond our control, understanding the nutrients that can impact fertility offers a measure of empowerment. In this section, we'll delve into the various nutrients crucial for fostering fertility.
What Does Vitamin C and Vitamin E Do For Sperm Count?
Renowned as a crucial micronutrient, vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, is an indispensable, water-soluble vitamin that plays a wide array of roles in our bodies. From bolstering adrenal function to enhancing immunity, combating harmful free radicals, and facilitating DNA repair, its influence is undeniably vast. Notably, when it comes to fertility, vitamin C has demonstrated profound benefits for both men and women by significantly improving the quality of both eggs and sperm.
Specifically for women, vitamin C acts as a defensive shield, thwarting the decay of ovarian reserves triggered by oxidative stress, thanks to its potent antioxidant properties. It also offers targeted support during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle by promoting progesterone production- an essential hormone for the progression of fertility. Complementing the power of vitamin C is vitamin E, also known as tocopherol, a crucial fat-soluble nutrient. Recognized for its ability to harmonize the levels of estrogen and progesterone in women, it also curbs the conversion of testosterone into estrogen in men, striking a delicate hormonal balance.
When these two vitamins work in harmony, they've been shown to boost the quality of embryos and markedly enhance overall ovarian function. For men, the duo positively influences sperm health, promoting a better count, increased motility, and preventing the clumping of sperm. Additionally, these vitamins work towards circumventing chromosomal abnormalities stemming from DNA damage.
When it comes to natural sources, an array of fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamin C, though an ascorbic acid supplement could be an alternative based on individual needs. Similarly, vitamin E can be sourced from readily available foods like nuts, seeds, olive oil, butter, and ghee, or you may opt for a mixed tocopherol supplement to meet your body's requirements.
How Important Is Zinc?
Holding command over more than 500 enzymatic reactions in human metabolism, zinc plays an indispensable role in our bodies. This multifaceted mineral aids the production of essential hormones, such as testosterone and progesterone, in both men and women. Moreover, zinc's significance extends beyond these sex hormones. It is pivotal for the appropriate functioning of the thyroid gland, which, in turn, is a prerequisite for the production of all steroid hormones.
In the miraculous process of conception, zinc's role becomes crucial for both fertilization and embryo development. Its multifaceted involvement in the fertility process underlines its importance as a nutritional must-have when aiming for parenthood.
When looking for natural sources of zinc, oysters, and shellfish top the list, closely followed by red meat. Certain nuts and seeds, specifically pumpkin seeds, also come packed with this vital mineral. However, with the widespread prevalence of zinc deficiency due to its scarcity in many foods, supplementation might be necessary. Our recommended Upgraded Zinc may provide just the boost needed to fulfill this dietary shortfall. Remember, a well-rounded diet complemented by smart supplementation could be a game-changer for conquering fertility challenges.
Why Is Folate Good For Pregnancy?
Folate, commonly recognized as Vitamin B9, is central to the fertility health of both men and women. In an astounding process, men can produce approximately 1,500 sperm cells every second, and it takes an average of two months for these germline stem cells to develop into mature sperm cells. Folate lends its critical support during this process by facilitating cell division and DNA synthesis, thereby contributing to the stability, count, and overall health of sperm.
Folate resonates most commonly with women's health and fertility, particularly in relation to fetal development. Just consider our biological genesis—every human starts as a single cell that divides and multiplies to form layers, tissues, organs, and finally, a fully formed baby. It's here that folate steps in, fostering cell division crucial for the formation of a growing embryo and helping to deter neural tube defects-- that can lead to serious birth defects of the baby's brain, spine, or spinal cord--down the line.
The best sources of folate are predominantly whole foods. These include organ meats and red meat as well as whole grains and a broad spectrum of vegetables. Incorporating these nutrient-rich foods into your diet can ensure a steady intake of folate to support fertility and overall well-being.
Does Copper Affect Estrogen Levels?
Copper is an indispensable mineral that carries out vital functions within our bodies. It plays an integral role in fostering cellular energy production and facilitates the transport of iron into and out of our tissues, thereby oxygenating every part of our bodies. A copper deficiency would consequently lead to an iron deficiency, creating a domino effect of reduced blood flow. Interestingly, many individuals believed to be anemic often grapple with copper dysregulation instead. This issue stems from an inadequate production of a protein known as ceruloplasmin, which binds to copper to efficiently utilize iron. More information on copper and its effect on iron can be found on our Upgraded Formulas Blog.
Particularly for women, copper holds a direct relationship with estrogen. As a result, a deficiency in copper can trigger lowered levels of estrogen or a dysregulated nervous system, leading potentially to anxiety. Given that the body must maintain a state of balance, or homeostasis, in order to be primed for conception, an anxious system can hamper the body's readiness to nurture new life.
Copper can be naturally sourced from a variety of foods such as liver, red meat, leafy greens, whole grains, and legumes. However, there may be circumstances where the body's requirement may not be met through diet alone. In such cases, we advocate the usage of our specially formulated supplement, Upgraded Copper which is 99.99% absorbable. This supplement will ensure your body's copper balance is maintained, promoting overall well-being and fertility health.
Cholines Role In Sperm Production
Choline, a vital yet often understated nutrient, is crucial for an array of functions including a baby's neurological development, cognitive performance, and cellular signaling. It not only contributes significantly to the child's well-being but also helps prevent birth defects, assists in progesterone creation, and fosters the healthy development of the placenta.
For men, choline's role in fertility cannot be overstated. This remarkable nutrient participates in regulating the sperm membrane structure and fluidity while facilitating the maturation and fertilizing potential of sperm cells.
The prime sources of choline are liver and eggs. However, if dietary intake is insufficient, a choline supplement can serve as an effective alternative to meet the body's requirements. Including choline-rich foods or supplementation in your nutritional plan can provide a considerable boost to overall health and fertility.
Is Iodine Really A Fertility Mineral?
Regarded as a 'fertility mineral', iodine plays a significant role in reproductive health for both men and women. The link between iodine and fertility originates in the pituitary gland. This small yet powerful gland, located in our brains, sends signals to the thyroid to stimulate thyroid hormone production and concurrently produces two key hormones: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones, in turn, signal to the gonads and other relevant organs to generate estrogen and testosterone, contributing vitally to fertility in both sexes. Interestingly, iodine is among the essential minerals required to facilitate this complex hormonal cascade - crucial for reproduction.
Beyond this, iodine underscores its importance in reproductive health by aiding in the cell sensitization necessary for regulating estrogen production. By doing so, it helps prevent estrogen dominance, a condition characterized by an overabundance of circulating estrogen or inadequate progesterone levels. This is particularly noteworthy considering that many fertility issues in women can be traced back to deficient progesterone levels, which are often intertwined with low thyroid function, a domain where iodine's supporting role is well-recognized and tremendously essential.
Natural sources of iodine include seafood, particularly shellfish, and kelp. However, catering to diverse dietary requirements and possible insufficiencies, we highly recommend our specially developed product, Upgraded Iodine, for effective supplementation.
Magnesium and B6
Magnesium is an indispensable nutrient known for its central role in fueling energy production at a cellular level. It participates in an astounding number of over 800 enzymatic reactions, making it a cornerstone for our body's proper functionality. Research has highlighted the potential of magnesium to enhance sperm motility and DNA integrity in men facing fertility challenges. Furthermore, it has been found to boost ovulatory function and maintain menstrual regularity in women who struggle with these aspects.
Interestingly, studies have indicated that magnesium supplementation could boost implantation and pregnancy rates compared to those who do not supplement their diet with this nutrient. Magnesium works in harmony with Vitamin B6, a nutrient that upholds a healthy level of progesterone, thereby fostering a conducive uterine lining for successful implantation. These nutrients together also play a significant role in fortifying the nervous system and buffering the body against any stress signals, affirming to the body its readiness to conceive.
The top food sources for magnesium include dark leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. On the other hand, Vitamin B6 is typically found in abundance in meats and fish. Nevertheless, to ensure your body receives these crucial nutrients in tandem, we've prepared a blended supplement containing both magnesium and Vitamin B6 in a single bottle. We believe this is the BEST magnesium supplement on the market, due to its ability to be absorbed quickly into your body
Can Low Iron Levels Cause Fertility Issues?
Iron, a vital yet temperamental mineral, does not function in isolation; rather, it requires a network of other nutrients for proper utilization within our body. When an individual is suffering from iron deficiency, often recognized as a form of anemia, the result is a scarcity of red blood cells. These cells are central to oxygenating the entire body, fueling energy levels, maintaining blood volume, and performing many other vital functions. This includes breathing life into reproductive organs and tissues by supplying them with the necessary energy.
Viewing this through the lens of pregnancy, insufficient iron levels can lead to the weakening of eggs stored in the uterus over time, potentially instigating fertility complications.
Meat, in all its forms - such as beef, pork, lamb, and chicken - is a rich source of iron. However, in circumstances where the iron requirement cannot be met through diet alone or in cases of severe deficiency, we recommend considering our specially formulated supplement, Upgraded Iron. This supplement helps bridge the iron gap in your diet, confirming that your body gets the essential mineral it needs to function optimally and sustain good reproductive health.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the growing rates of infertility worldwide have not left us defenseless. By understanding the role played by key nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, folate, copper, choline, iodine, magnesium, B6, iron, and others, we get to wield the power to impact our reproductive health. Though environmental and lifestyle stressors may contribute to declining fertility rates, we can turn the tide through the adoption of nutrient-dense diets enriched with certain vitamins and minerals. Implementing this knowledge in your dietary regime, bolstered by strategic supplementation to bridge any nutritional gaps, gives a fighting chance to those struggling with infertility. It's crucial to remember that the journey to overcome infertility is not a solitary one; seek support, investigate further with resources like hair tissue mineral analysis, and stay determined as you take these recommended steps toward nurturing future generations. Empowerment lies in every nutrient-filled bite, every supplement taken, each conscious decision made towards reclaiming fertility—let's take that journey together.
If you're seeking additional insights into potential deficiencies or need further answers regarding your fertility concerns, we highly recommend opting for a hair tissue mineral analysis with us. Our comprehensive mineral and heavy metal panel will identify any imbalances or discrepancies that might be affecting your fertility journey. To order your personalized HTMA analysis, click here!
Barbara Madimenos
Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis Practitioner
Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner
Integrative Health Coach