FOR WOMEN
Lifestyle changes are often helpful in increasing chances for conception. Smoking, caffeine and alcohol consumption, and excessive or insufficient body weight, and stress have all been related to reduced fertility in women. Reproductive organs are highly susceptible to free radical or oxidative damage from environmental toxicants and natural aging. A balanced, nutritional diet, and nutritional supplements with a high antioxidant content (e.g. Vitamin E and Selenium) can help reverse some of this damage. Green Tea has been shown to be a potent antioxidant, and tea drinking has been associated with increased chances of conception, as opposed to other caffeinated beverages that have a negative effect on fertility.
Chasteberry is the major herb used for improving hormone balance. Chasteberry increases LH production and mildly inhibits the release of FSH. The result is a shift in the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone, favouring corpus luteum production. Several clinical studies in Europe used Chasteberry successfully to restore progesterone balance, and induce fertility (39 of 45 women increased progesterone levels and 7 became pregnant within 3 months; see references).
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) has been shown to improve conception rates, as well as treat PMS symptoms, but whether due to a primary insufficiency is unclear. Folic acid, Vitamin B12, Iron, Magnesium, Zinc and Selenium deficiencies have been known to cause fertility issues that are easily reversible with supplementation. L-Arginine, an amino acid, helps improve circulation to the reproductive organs to enhance their receptivity to egg implantation.
FOR MEN
Often a reduction in intake of alcohol, tobacco, prescription or non-prescription drugs, or avoidance of environmental contaminants can enhance sperm production. Usually an improvement in nutrition or supplementation also is necessary to reverse damage to the reproductive system incurred by stress or past abuses. Sperm are highly susceptible to free radical or oxidative damage from environmental toxicants and natural aging. Vitamins C and E, Green Tea and Selenium are all potent antioxidants that help improve sperm counts and quality by reducing free radical damage. Ferulic acid, an antioxidant found in Dong Quai, has also been shown to improve sperm quality. Zinc and B Vitamins (especially B6 and B12) are critical nutrients in male reproductive systems for several reasons, including hormone metabolism, sperm formation and motility. The amino acids, L-Arginine and L-Carnitine have also been shown to be critical to the formation of healthy sperm. Higher intakes of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and nuts are important, but supplements are also needed to get sufficient amounts of these nutrients for noticeable effects on sperm quality.