How to make a baby
An interesting article in the Independent, giving more information on the effects of diet and acupuncture on fertility.
Having trouble conceiving? A change in diet, or a course of acupuncture could make all the difference. But which treatments really work? Maxine Frith investigates
Published: 27 June 2006
DIET AND NUTRITION
What it does: Simply adopting a healthy eating pattern can be one of the simplest and cheapest ways of boosting your chances of falling pregnant. The diets of both men and women can affect fertility, and the chances of conception are reduced if either or both partners are overweight.Wholegrains such as brown rice contain zinc, which can boost fertility, and oily fish, including salmon, can balance hormone levels.But the evidence can be confusing: while dairy products may contain bone-strengthening calcium, galactose, a sugar found in milk, appears to damage human eggs. One study found that, in populations where milk consumption is highest, women tend to be less fertile when they are older and their drop-off in fertility is steeper.Similarly, soya products such as tofu (right) are a good source of oestriol, the main oestrogen produced during pregnancy, but in high doses may interfere with ovulation.Diets high in the simple carbohydrates that are contained in processed food and snacks can increase insulin levels and lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is known to reduce the chances of fertility. The best advice is to munch plenty of fruit and vegetables, eat about 50g of protein a day and cut out high-fat and high-sugar foods.Women should also start taking a folic acid supplement when they try to conceive as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the unborn child.Does it work? Undoubtedly. One study showed that obese women have a 60 per cent reduced chance of conceiving. A good diet not only boosts your chances of conception but protects your unborn baby, too.
ACUPUNCTUREWhat it does: The Chancellor Gordon Brown's wife Sarah is believed to have turned to acupuncture to help her conceive the couple's second child, due later this year. It is based on traditional Chinese philosophy, which states that health is dependent on qi - an energy that moves beneath the skin and consists of equal quantities of yin and yang. Ill-health occurs when these are disrupted, but by inserting fine needles into the body, practitioners can restore the right balance.As with reflexology, acupuncture may help to reduce stress and therefore increase the chances of pregnancy. Some practitioners also claim that it can increase blood flow to the uterus and thicken its lining, helping the egg to lodge better. Hormone levels can also be balanced by the practice.It has also been claimed that acupuncture can boost male fertility by improving the quality and quantity of sperm produced.Does it work? Practitioners are convinced it does; doctors are more sceptical, saying that most studies are not reliable enough to prove efficacy.However, in one study in Germany, 45 women who had encountered problems in conceiving were given auricular acupuncture (needles applied to points on the ear) and their case outcomes compared to a similar number who had conventional hormone treatment. The women treated with acupuncture had 22 pregnancies, compared with 20 of the women on hormones.
It could be him: what men can do to boost their fertility* One in six couples suffers from fertility problems but experts say there still tends to be an assumption that the trouble always lies with the woman. However, in a third of couples the fertility problem will be with the man.* A recent study found that men over 40 had half the chances of making their partner pregnant as men under 25.* Research published by Norwich Union Healthcare has suggested that nine per cent of men may have difficulty fathering a child because of low fertility. Alcohol, smoking, stress and weight problems can play a part.* Sperm quality and quantity have decreased over the last 30 years.* Dr Doug Wright, clinical spokesman for Norwich Union Healthcare, says: "With the next generation facing increasing pressure as a result of declining fertility, it's only fair that men accept their responsibility in the equation and change their lifestyles now, before it is too late."* So what can men do to boost their fertility? As with women, one answer is not to leave it too late. Men over 50 have a four-times-higher risk of fathering a child with Down syndrome and French scientist Elise de la Rochebrochard says that being over 40 is "a key risk factor for reproduction".* Mary Kittel, author of the book Stay Fertile Longer, recommends that men take a multivitamin supplement, stop smoking and keep their alcohol intake to within government guidelines.* She also advocates avoiding steam rooms and long hot baths, and recommends hourly breaks during car and bike rides, to avoid overheating the sperm.* Switching from briefs to boxer shorts and jettisoning tight trousers can also help to keep sperm at the optimum quality.* Alternative therapists say that many of the practices that can boost a woman's fertility may also be helpful to men.* Acupuncture may boost sperm quantity and quality, according to one study; the extract of maca herbs from Peru have been claimed to increase testosterone levels.* Hypnosis and reflexology may also help men who feel that their partner's desire to have a baby is making them stressed and under pressure during sex.* Vitamin B and zinc supplements may also help with energy levels and general good health.
Having trouble conceiving? A change in diet, or a course of acupuncture could make all the difference. But which treatments really work? Maxine Frith investigates
Published: 27 June 2006
DIET AND NUTRITION
What it does: Simply adopting a healthy eating pattern can be one of the simplest and cheapest ways of boosting your chances of falling pregnant. The diets of both men and women can affect fertility, and the chances of conception are reduced if either or both partners are overweight.Wholegrains such as brown rice contain zinc, which can boost fertility, and oily fish, including salmon, can balance hormone levels.But the evidence can be confusing: while dairy products may contain bone-strengthening calcium, galactose, a sugar found in milk, appears to damage human eggs. One study found that, in populations where milk consumption is highest, women tend to be less fertile when they are older and their drop-off in fertility is steeper.Similarly, soya products such as tofu (right) are a good source of oestriol, the main oestrogen produced during pregnancy, but in high doses may interfere with ovulation.Diets high in the simple carbohydrates that are contained in processed food and snacks can increase insulin levels and lead to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is known to reduce the chances of fertility. The best advice is to munch plenty of fruit and vegetables, eat about 50g of protein a day and cut out high-fat and high-sugar foods.Women should also start taking a folic acid supplement when they try to conceive as it reduces the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida in the unborn child.Does it work? Undoubtedly. One study showed that obese women have a 60 per cent reduced chance of conceiving. A good diet not only boosts your chances of conception but protects your unborn baby, too.
ACUPUNCTUREWhat it does: The Chancellor Gordon Brown's wife Sarah is believed to have turned to acupuncture to help her conceive the couple's second child, due later this year. It is based on traditional Chinese philosophy, which states that health is dependent on qi - an energy that moves beneath the skin and consists of equal quantities of yin and yang. Ill-health occurs when these are disrupted, but by inserting fine needles into the body, practitioners can restore the right balance.As with reflexology, acupuncture may help to reduce stress and therefore increase the chances of pregnancy. Some practitioners also claim that it can increase blood flow to the uterus and thicken its lining, helping the egg to lodge better. Hormone levels can also be balanced by the practice.It has also been claimed that acupuncture can boost male fertility by improving the quality and quantity of sperm produced.Does it work? Practitioners are convinced it does; doctors are more sceptical, saying that most studies are not reliable enough to prove efficacy.However, in one study in Germany, 45 women who had encountered problems in conceiving were given auricular acupuncture (needles applied to points on the ear) and their case outcomes compared to a similar number who had conventional hormone treatment. The women treated with acupuncture had 22 pregnancies, compared with 20 of the women on hormones.
It could be him: what men can do to boost their fertility* One in six couples suffers from fertility problems but experts say there still tends to be an assumption that the trouble always lies with the woman. However, in a third of couples the fertility problem will be with the man.* A recent study found that men over 40 had half the chances of making their partner pregnant as men under 25.* Research published by Norwich Union Healthcare has suggested that nine per cent of men may have difficulty fathering a child because of low fertility. Alcohol, smoking, stress and weight problems can play a part.* Sperm quality and quantity have decreased over the last 30 years.* Dr Doug Wright, clinical spokesman for Norwich Union Healthcare, says: "With the next generation facing increasing pressure as a result of declining fertility, it's only fair that men accept their responsibility in the equation and change their lifestyles now, before it is too late."* So what can men do to boost their fertility? As with women, one answer is not to leave it too late. Men over 50 have a four-times-higher risk of fathering a child with Down syndrome and French scientist Elise de la Rochebrochard says that being over 40 is "a key risk factor for reproduction".* Mary Kittel, author of the book Stay Fertile Longer, recommends that men take a multivitamin supplement, stop smoking and keep their alcohol intake to within government guidelines.* She also advocates avoiding steam rooms and long hot baths, and recommends hourly breaks during car and bike rides, to avoid overheating the sperm.* Switching from briefs to boxer shorts and jettisoning tight trousers can also help to keep sperm at the optimum quality.* Alternative therapists say that many of the practices that can boost a woman's fertility may also be helpful to men.* Acupuncture may boost sperm quantity and quality, according to one study; the extract of maca herbs from Peru have been claimed to increase testosterone levels.* Hypnosis and reflexology may also help men who feel that their partner's desire to have a baby is making them stressed and under pressure during sex.* Vitamin B and zinc supplements may also help with energy levels and general good health.
posted by Unknown at 11:29 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home