Walnuts Optimize Male Fertility

A lot has been written and shared about the impact of diet on fertility in women.  Now here is a new study reporting that men may be able to increase their sperm's fertility by eating walnuts.

Article Source:  http://www.news-medical.net/news/20120820/Walnuts-optimize-male-fertility.aspx

Eating walnuts on a daily basis seems to improve the quality of men's sperm, show study findings.

Men who consumed walnuts each day in addition to their usual diet showed improvements in sperm vitality, motility, and morphology, say Wendie Robbins (University of California, Los Angeles, USA) and team.

The improvements were associated with increases in serum levels of omega-6 fatty acids and the plant source of omega-3 (a-linolenic acid [ALA]), but not with other omega-3 fatty acids, reports the team.

The team's 12-week study of 117 individuals (aged 21-35 years) showed that eating walnuts (75 g/day) in addition to their usual diet significantly increased the men's serum levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids from baseline, whereas levels remained the same in those who did not add walnuts to their diet.

In addition, the mean change from baseline in sperm vitality was significantly greater in the walnut group, by 5.5%, than in the control group, by 0.5%. Similarly, sperm motility and morphology (normal forms) were also significantly improved, by 5.7% versus 0.53%, and 1.1% versus 0.1.%, respectively.

Further analysis showed that the difference in changes from baseline between the groups were significant for omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. However, among the omega-3 fatty acids, the between-group difference was only significant for ALA.

Furthermore, sperm aneuploidy was significantly decreased in the walnut group but not in the control group. And sperm ALA was inversely correlated with the proportion of sperm missing a sex chromosome and the percentage of sperm with any numerical chromosomal abnormality.

Writing in Biology of Reproduction, the researchers say that although food has been linked with reproductive success in women, evidence is somewhat lacking for a link with paternal reproductive fitness. "Evidence is particularly limited for men who routinely consume Western-style diets that may lack optimal nutrients and PUFA [polyunsaturated fatty acids] profiles needed for healthy sperm and fertility," they say.

"These findings are consistent with literature showing a distinct change in FA [fatty acid] profiles during sperm maturation and differentiation that are key to cellular functions such as phagocytosis of residual bodies by Sertoli cells affecting sperm morphology and provision of fluidity to sperm membrane for motility," notes the team.

Can Acupuncture Help with Fertility?

Although much of the origins of acupuncture is shrouded in antiquity, it has become very popular in modern times and in the Western world. It has now become the choice of several people who seek alternative medicines to improve their health and various other reasons. Today, acupuncture is also used to treat infertility. There are lots of questions about acupuncture and its efficacy in helping couple conceive. So, can sticking needles in your body really help you have a baby?

First of all, acupuncture is more than just sticking needles in any part of your body. The thin and solid needles are inserted into strategic places called the acupuncture points in the skin. These points, according to traditional Chinese medicine can correct imbalances in the body. There are various modern scientific researches which support the ability of acupuncture to give relief to the body.

Now back to the big question, can acupuncture really help fertility? Acupuncture is just one of the many options in traditional fertility treatments. Many women today use acupuncture together with traditional treatments for infertility. How does acupuncture work? It helps increase the production of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are chemicals in the brain which make people feel good. It also helps reduce stress.

Research on Acupuncture 

Acupuncture increases the supply of blood to the ovaries and this improves the function of the ovaries and the uterus. If these organs function properly, they can easily nourish the fetus and reduce the risk of miscarriage. There have been various studies undertaken to prove if acupuncture is indeed effective in helping couples conceive.

In 2002, a study in Germany found that acupuncture did help women become more fertile. There were 160 women who participated in the study. The control group were undergoing IVF treatment and the other half of the women has acupuncture along with IVF. Women who were subjected to IVF, as well as acupuncture had pregnancy rates which were significantly higher than the other group.

The Cost of Acupuncture  
 
Acupuncture costs can start from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars, depending on the experience of the doctor and the reputation of the clinic, as well as how long you intend to go for treatment. 

Thinking of Pursuing Acupuncture?
 
If you wish to pursue acupuncture for fertility problems, there are various things which you have to do to prepare yourself. First, it is a must to consult a traditional fertility specialist so that they can determine the underlying causes of your issues.  You can then get a referral from your doctor to a specialist in acupuncture who is affiliated with fertility clinics which have great reputations. It is best to seek help from an acupuncturist who is licensed, trained and has a lot of experience. 

Acupuncture is fast becoming the treatment of choice for many women all over the world today. There are many clinics today which offer acupuncture for the treatment of fertility issues. If you are seeking for more information and help regarding acupuncture and how it can help treat fertility problems, check Fertility Solutions.  We can make little miracles happen for you.

For more info, please visit  http://fssc.com.au/acupuncture-for-fertility/

Infertility Traced To Mental Illness

In a recent article published on The Times of India, it is reported that women who do not have children are at risk for developing mental health issues as they get older.  The article sites a Danish study and adds that alcohol and drug abuse usage are much more common in women who learn that they are infertile.

It seems that for some time now, Indian specialists and doctors have urged its state to consider infertility as a key factor in family planning policies.  It is no surprise that infertility is on the rise.

In 2010, a study was conducted by the International Institute for Population Sciences in Mumbai.  The study reports an increase in childlessness by 50% in the period of time from 1981 to 2001.  During this twenty year period, Indian couples have seen a marked change in fertility.  Compared to the rest of the world, where an estimated 70 million or more couples are infertile, Indian couples account for nearly 25% of that total.

The Danish study found that many of the mental health problems suffered by women as result of childlessness required hospitalization.  It is even reported by one researcher that women who are childless are almost 50% more likely to have symptoms of schizophrenia than those who give birth.

Given these significant revelations, we always encourage couples seeking to become pregnant follow a healthy diet and consult with a reputable fertility clinic in order to give themselves a greater chance of conceiving a child.

Can Nutrition Affect Fertility?

Not all women are able to conceive easily.  There are several contributing factors to this and one of the most important which is often overlooked is poor nutrition.

The solution is to simply start eating better! Simple changes in diet can increase their chances of getting pregnant by keeping a diet that favors their reproductive health.

It is essential to be informed that food and fertility are closely linked to one another. Women who are trying to conceive must balance their carbohydrates, protein and fat consumption. And they should make certain that they are going to acquire these from healthy sources.

It is also advised that women consume foods that are packed with vitamins and minerals because these promote regular menstruation periods. Women who want to get pregnant should make sure that they receive sufficient nutrients to avoid ovulation problems which cause disruption in the release of mature eggs from the ovaries.

For more fertility tips and advice, please visit http://fssc.com.au/.

How to Get Pregnant: Fertility Tips for Women and Men

One of the most common questions I see asked is, "How can I get pregnant?" Infertility affects ten percent of the reproductive population in the United States according to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Many couples can overcome the challenge of trying to conceive through lifestyle changes.
Infertility affects both men and women. In approximately 40% of couples, male infertility contributes to or is the sole cause of their infertility. Lifestyle changes can have a dramatic impact on fertility. These tips will help both women and men increase their chances of getting pregnant.

For women...
* Use an ovulation prediction kit. This will let you know 24-48 hours before you ovulate so you can time your trying to conceive appropriately. When the test shows positive, you and your partner should have sex that day and the day after.
* Chart your basal body temperature. This provides you with a record of what is going on with your cycle. Not only will you be able to tell the day you ovulated, but charting your BBT can also identify potential problems such as low progesterone and luteal phase defects. You can download a free BBT chart from my website in either Celsius and Fahrenheit format.
* Take prenatal vitamins. This is essential for both your health and your baby's health. Taking folate at least one month before conception can decrease your baby's chances of having neural tube defects by 70%. The daily intake of vitamin C can help you grow a strong placenta that will last through a full term pregnancy.

For men...
* Limit or eliminate caffeine intake. Drink no more than one or two cups of coffee a day. Eliminate caffeine entirely if possible. Drinking an entire coffee pot full can be detrimental to your fertility.
* Keep cool and avoid excessive heat to your scrotum. Wear boxers instead of briefs, stay away from saunas and hot tubs, take cool showers, and avoid bike riding or over exercising.
* Take vitamins. At minimum, take a good daily multivitamin. Some important vitamins for sperm health are B12, C (500 mg daily), E (400 IUS daily), Arginine, L-Carnitine, Zinc (20 mg daily), Selenium (200 mcgs daily), and Coenzyme Q10. Folic acid is also recommended for men (400 mcgs daily). Get approval from your family doctor before taking any vitamins.
* Abstain from sex for short periods. Abstaining can increase the volume and potency of sperm, but abstaining for too long can leave too many older less motile sperm. Do not abstain for more than 3 to 6 six days.
* Be careful with medications. Some medications are known to cause fertility issues. Medications to avoid include anabolic steroids, some antibiotics (nitrofurans and macrolides), sulfasalazine (anti-diarrheal), and ketoconazole (anti-fungal).
For both of you...
* Have sex every other day throughout your fertile period. While having sex at the right time is one of the most important things you can do, some couples overlook this. A woman's egg is viable for just under 24 hours. Most sperm live 2-3 days, with some living up to five days. This means your fertile period begins approximately five days before ovulation and ends one day after.
* Exercise regularly. Exercise three or four days a week for at least 20 minutes per day. If you have not exercised in the past, then walking is a great way to get your exercise. If you have access to a place to swim, it is great exercise that is easy to get into. Remember for men that you should not over-exercise, which can create too much heat.
* Avoid toxins such as alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. Do not take any medications not approved by the ObGyn or your family doctor. Men and women both need to make sure their doctor is aware they are trying to conceive when they are prescribing medications.
* Do not smoke. This is worth repeating. Smoking can have a profoundly negative affect on your fertility. Smoking is also detrimental to the health of both you and your baby. If you are a smoker, stop smoking now.
* Eat healthy. Eat whole, natural foods. For instance, eat an orange instead of drinking orange juice. Avoid processed foods. This means for the most part sticking to the outside aisles at the grocery store where the whole foods are and staying away from the packaged foods on the inside. For bread, check the label. If it says enriched, then it is processed. Look for unprocessed whole grain breads. For oats, eat steel cut oats rather than instant.
* Get to a healthy weight. Thin men may have a low sperm count, while obese men may have their hormones out of whack - too much estrogen and not enough testosterone. Thin women do not have enough estrogen and may not ovulate, while obese women have too much estrogen to get pregnant.
* Be sure and get plenty of anti-oxidants in your diet. This includes drinking tea, eating fruit snacks like blueberries, cherries, black plums, prunes, and apples, and eating vegetables such as dark green leafy (kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, etc.), tomatoes, peppers and parsley.
* Drink water and lots of it. A man should drink half his weight in ounces of water per day. If he weighs 200 pounds, he should drink 100 ounces of water. A woman should drink a minimum of 100 ounces of water per day.
* Avoid stress. This can be hard to do, especially during the two week wait, but it is essential for your reproductive health. Relax and enjoy this time with each other.
* Avoid toxins. Do not take any medications unless approved by your ObGyn and your family doctor. Stay away from alcohol, tobacco, and recreation drugs such as marijuana and cocaine.
* Avoid environmental hazards such as pesticides, lead, heavy metals, and radiation.
Following these lifestyle change tips can help many couples improve their chances of getting pregnant. Some changes will provide almost immediate improvement, and some take longer. Keep in mind that it takes three months for a man to grow sperm, so if things like smoking or excessive heat have hurt or killed his sperm, it can take that long for the lifestyle changes to take affect.

Visit the Baby Talk Zone forum for more tips and friendly support of those pregnant, trying to conceive, adopting, and bringing up baby.

http://www.babytalkzone.com

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