© Damir Cudic
Complementary medicine (CM) offers treatments that can assist couples with infertility, recurrent miscarriages and poor birth outcomes. Many couples are reluctant to participate in medical treatments such as IVF as a first option. They feel more comfortable and at ease when other natural treatment options have been exhausted first.
The natural approach to fertility explores the cause of infertility, by investigating all body systems, rather than just focusing on the reproductive system. Iva Keene, Swiss naturopath and natural fertility specialist explains: “There is growing evidence that many couples who can’t fall pregnant suffer from a combination of subclinical conditions. These conditions can’t cause infertility alone but, when combined can substantially reduce the probability of conception. For example gluten intolerance alone cannot cause infertility. However the resulting inflammation in the gut, can minimize nutrient absorption which can lead to deficiencies in nutrients required for optimal hormone production and a healthy pregnancy. In addition, exposure to heavy metals, radiation, and toxic chemicals in some foods, drugs and products can lead to damage to DNA. Recent Nutrigenomic (a study of the effects of nutrients on gene expression) research suggests that what we eat can influence our gene structure and expression. ”
Detoxification, fertility promoting diet and supplementation are the corner stones of the natural fertility treatment. A systematic approach such as this maximizes couples health and is recommended by experts regardless of whether the couple chooses to participate in medically assisted conception programs, or not.
There are mixed opinions regarding the use of supplements in preconception care and pregnancy. Some believe a balanced diet will cover your nutrient requirement during pregnancy. Others point out that you can’t always get the required nutrients needed from food. This is especially the case if there is a deficiency, as is often the case with infertile couples. Iva Keene says: “Nutrients often found to be deficient in the typical western diet include: iron, magnesium, zinc, omega 3 essential fatty acids and iodine. Research shows babies of women who took certain vitamin supplements before and during pregnancy had lower rates of congenital malformations. Studies on animals with nutrient deficiencies show reduced fertility and retarded development of some body systems and organs of the fetus.”
High stress levels, inadequate nutrition and exposure to environmental toxins seem to contribute to the increased nutrient requirement. The current consensus on vitamin supplementation among the experts is that the risk is low and advantages are many.
The natural fertility approach sounds attractive when compared to expensive, invasive IVF treatments which also carry a greater health risk for mother and baby.
Iva Keene is the author of the “Natural Fertility Prescription”
