There are many
nerve endings on the skin surface. These deal with the reception of stimuli.
Most of these are cold receptors as opposed to hot receptors. If water of a
different temperature to that of the skin is applied, it will either conduct
heat to it or absorb heat from it. These stimuli affect the sympathetic nervous
system and the hormonal system.
The greater the
difference between the temperature of the skin and the water applied, the
greater will be the potential for physiological reaction. Alternating hot and
cold sitz baths are useful in improving pelvic circulation.
On the other
hand, if the water is of the same temperature as the body, it has a marked
relaxing and sedative effect on the nervous system. This, so called neutral
bath, has great value in stress management and relaxation.
Dietary and
Lifestyle Recommendations
A
nutritional therapist may recommend life style changes including diet:
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Avoid alcohol,
caffeine, and sugar. |
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Giving up
smoking and drugs. |
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Increase the
intake of whole foods rich in vitamins and minerals to ensure that the
ovaries produce healthy eggs. |
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Take the
intake of essential fatty acids. The primary source is oily fish, fish liver
oils, seeds, nuts, pulses, beans and unrefined vegetable oils. The essential
fatty acids stimulate the production of sex hormones. |
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Avoid foods
with wheat protein, gluten. |
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Supplements
may include: vitamin E to help regulate the production of cervical mucus |
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Zinc and
vitamin A to correct any nutritional deficiencies which may in turn promote
some hormonal imbalance. |
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Vitamin A. |
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Glandulars
(extracts from animal adrenal glands) to adjust any hormonal imbalances. |
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Pantothenic
acid to help relieve stress. |
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Identify and
control food allergies. |
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Get regular
exercise. |
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Perform a
relaxation exercise (deep breathing, meditation, prayer, visualization,
etcetera) 10 to 15 minutes each day. |
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Drink at least
48 ounces of water daily. |
Nutritionists say
that slight vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and exposure to chemical toxins,
interfere with sperm and egg production and can encourage miscarriage.
A practitioner may
recommend alkaline foods, such as bean sprouts, peas, and milk, to offset
acidity in the cervical mucus, which can inhibit sperm. Avoid acidic foods, such
as red meat and tea. Foods rich in vitamin E, like vegetable oils, nuts, and
eggs, protect fatty tissues (thought to be important for fertility). Foods
containing essential fatty acids, such as seeds, legumes, and oily fish, are
also good. Supplements such as evening primrose oil, starflower oil, linseed
oil, borage seed oil, and blackcurrant oil are also valuable. Folic acid and
vitamin B supplements may be suggested, since deficiencies can lead to anemia
that is associated with infertility. Some practitioners also claim that
supplements of vitamin B6 may raise levels of progesterone in women with
irregular or absent periods.
Here is a summary
of the action of the most important vitamins/minerals/amino acids that play a
role in conception.
Vitamin E is the
fertility vitamin. Vitamin E helps to normalize hormone production by
rejuvenating the endocrine system. It is also essential in cellular respiration
and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Choose a product containing mixed
tocopherols and begin by taking 200 international units daily, then gradually
increase the dosage until you are taking 400 international units twice daily.
Natural sources of
vitamin E include green, leafy vegetables, and watercress. Drink one tablespoon
of watercress juice daily or add a few fresh sprigs to a salad. Wheat germ is an
excellent source of vitamin E. In certain cases miscarriage can be prevented if
the pregnant woman eats wheat germ on a regular basis.
Foods rich in
vitamin E, such as liver, sunflower oil, and pumpkin seeds, may counter
infertility.
Note: If you have
high blood pressure, limit your intake of supplemental vitamin E to a total of
400 international units daily. If you are taking an anticoagulant (blood
thinner), consult your physician before taking supplemental vitamin E.
Vitamin B
The B vitamins are
required for a healthy nervous system and help maintain muscle tone in the
intestinal tract. Take a good B-complex supplement that supplies 25 to 50
milligrams of each of the major B vitamins daily.
Vitamin B6 given
for six months or more can make a marked difference in some women having
problems conceiving, as this vitamin helps balance progesterone levels. The
other B vitamins are best taken together to prevent imbalances from occurring.
Supplemental
Digestive Enzymes
Taking
supplemental digestive enzymes ensures full utilization of all nutrients. Take a
full-spectrum digestive- enzyme supplement providing 5,000 international units
of lipase, 2,500 international units of amylase, and 300 international units of
protease, plus 500 to 1,000 milligrams of pancreatin, immediately before each
meal.
Note: Long-term
supplementation with pancreatin is not advised, as it can cause your pancreas to
reduce its own production of this important enzyme. Overuse also has the
potential to cause nausea or diarrhea. After two months on pancreatin,
discontinue use and monitor your reaction. If you find that your digestive
problems recur, discuss pancreatin supplementation with your health-care
provider.
Essential Fatty
Acids
Essential fatty
acids, found in black currant seed oil, borage oil, evening primrose oil, and
flaxseed oil, are required for normal glandular activity. This supplement is
especially important for women who are highly athletic and/or very strict about
eating a low-fat diet. Take 500 to 1,000 milligrams of any of these oils two or
three times daily.
Folic Acid
Folic acid is
necessary for successful conception and pregnancy. Moreover, low levels of folic
acid early in pregnancy have been linked with an increased risk in so- called
neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, in the developing fetus. A woman who
wishes to become pregnant should take 400 milligrams of supplemental folic acid
twice a day.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is
rich in hormonal factors that help optimize hormone balance in both sexes. Many
believe it enhances sexual performance. Take 20 milligrams of royal jelly daily.
Selenium
Selenium is an
antioxidant that prevents free-radical damage, works synergistically with
vitamin E, and preserves tissue elasticity. Take 200 micrograms of selenium
daily.
Vitamin/Mineral
Supplement for Absence of Ovulation
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High-potency
multiple vitamins/minerals |
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Vitamin C, 500
to 1,000 milligrams three times daily |
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Vitamin E, 400
to 800 International Units daily |
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Flaxseed oil,
1 tablespoon daily |
