INFERTILITY

OUR NATUROPATHIC PROTOCOL FOR INFERTILITY IS FOR:

• Normal, healthy, fertile couples who want to do the best for their babies and avoid any problems caused by an unknown folate deficiency / inherited error of metabolism both of which require the individual to take a much higher than normal dose to avoid deficiency and associated birth defects e.g. neural tube defect


• Couples who have general infertility with or without known cause, including problems with sperm count, motility, an-ovulation, peri-menopause lack of periods etc


• Couples who have experienced single or recurrent miscarriages


• Couples wishing to try for another baby with a previous history of having a baby prematurely, or malformation, or low birth weight, or stillbirth or sudden infant death syndrome


• Older couples including women over 40 years, to help improve their fertility and help reduce the risk of Downs Syndrome


• Couples where one of the partners has chronic health problems that could affect chances of fertilization e.g. epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, eczema, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), asthma, migraine

THE PRECONCEPTION CARE PROGRAM

Many of our young patients had asked our naturopath to create a program for them for optimum health and wellness before getting pregnant. However since no two individuals are the same, we have created a program that incorporates various aspects of health but is individual in nature.

Each programme differs a little from couple to couple depending upon what is found in their initial health screen. The preconception care programme we use with our patients incorporates:

• Individual dietary programs based on your diet diaries


• Reduction of nutrient deficiencies, once we have established what deficiencies you have through blood testing


• Nutritional and homeopathic support in specific doses for increasing male and female fertility


• Reduction of heavy metal toxicity i.e. aluminium, mercury, lead, cadmium if your hair mineral analysis reveals high levels of heavy metals


• Nutritional, homeopathic support along with hypnotherapy for successfully quitting smoking


• General gentle detoxification for the body


• Stress Management - Stress affects fertility. At the clinic, we offer acupuncture and hypnotherapy treatments for stress management. Our hypnotherapist will teach you how to relax your body in stressful situations through breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, visualizations. The acupuncture sessions will help you to better manage your stress and also improve your overall energy, and at the same time, improve your chances of getting pregnant.


• Lifestyle Choices - Factors such as diet, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine that can affect fertility will be addressed. Your treatment plan will also include a list of foods you should be having based on your specific eating habits to improve overall health and hence fertility.


• Acupuncture treatments along with specific supplements to improve fertility and balance hormones naturally*. We also offer acupuncture for patients who have decided to do IVF and would like to improve their rate of success, as well, acupuncture for delayed labour. Interested couples should call our naturopathic clinic to schedule a visit for an assessment and acupuncture session.

PRENATAL, POSTNATAL AND INFANT CARE

We, at the Nature’s Intentions Naturopathic Clinic, have been successfully helping women achieve their fertility goals for the past 16 years. Dr. Sushma Shah, ND not only addresses fertility issues successfully, but also provides nurturing pre and post - natal care, based on her vast experience as a naturopathic doctor but also as a Naturopathic Doula.

While she does not attend births currently, she provides pregnant women all the prenatal and postnatal care that they need and is always there to help them with any health concerns such as nausea, morning sickness, constipation, hemorrhoids, anemias, mood issues, hypertension, gestational diabetes, breast feeding issues among others that can arise through the pregnancy and postpartum. She effectively helps address all health concerns related to pregnancy with naturopathic medicine. We also offer acupuncture and massage services for all of our pregnant clients for labour, induction, pain, sciatica and other issues.

NATUROPATHIC SERVICES FOR INFANTS, TODDLERS AND CHILDREN

Dr. Sushma Shah, ND has been treating babies and kids for various health issues. She sees babies starting at 4 days old all the way to adulthood and beyond.

Naturopathic medicine for babies and kids helps parents who are looking for a more natural and holistic approach to address various health issues that affect babies and infants, such as baby acne, allergies, ear infections, teething, eczema, acid reflux, digestive issues, diaper rashes, colds and flus, among others. Naturopathic care for kids and babies is also for parents who are just looking to get their children off to a healthy start right from the beginning stages of their life.

Our naturopathic consultation for babies and infants is usually an hour long, which includes a full assessment, including a comprehensive intake and a physical examination, along with naturopathic suggestions that may be helpful for your child. We also help mothers who are having breast feeding issues and help parents with planning healthy nutritious diets for both mommy and her child, along with the family if need be. If you have a newborn or a child, and you wish to address their health issues naturally or just get them off to a great start with natural therapies, please call us today to schedule a naturopathic consultation. We look forward to helping your family be the healthiest it can be from the start.

LIFESTYLE FACTORS THAT CAN AFFECT FERTILITY

SMOKING
Smoking can cause menstrual abnormalities in women and considerable alcohol intake can affect sperm production in men. Smoking can affect reproduction for both women and men. In women, smoking may lead to ectopic pregnancy, cervical and tubal problems, and menstrual abnormalities.

In men, smoking may lead to an abnormal semen analysis. In fact, smoking more than 20 cigarettes a day lowers sperm production and quality. For couples trying to conceive, especially for couples with unexplained infertility and men whose semen values are borderline, cessation of smoking should be a serious consideration.

This is important for both partners due to second-hand smoke exposures during pregnancy or even after the baby is born - studies have shown that children exposed to second-hand smoke have increased ear infections and other health issues.

DRUGS & ALCOHOL
Considerable alcohol intake, marijuana or other illegal drug use can sometimes significantly reduce sperm production in terms of quality and numbers. For example:

• Marijuana is linked to many problems with sperm production.
• Steroids can cause sterility.
• LSD can cause chromosomal damage.
• Excessive drinking can affect sexual performance.

Alcohol specifically can cause reduced testosterone -- the male hormone that contributes to sperm production. This condition may be reversible once the drug or alcohol abuse stops. In women, drinking may lead to irregular menstrual cycles and anovulatory menstruation (menstruation that occurs without ovulation).

Alcohol can also increase the risk of miscarriage once a woman becomes pregnant and can cause a severe collection of birth defects knows as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Overall, it is best to avoid alcohol while trying to conceive.

SEAFOOD
Seafood can be an important part of a balanced diet for pregnant women. It is a good source of high quality protein and other nutrients and is low in fat. However, some fish contain high levels of a form of mercury called methyl mercury that can harm an unborn child's developing nervous system if eaten regularly.

By being informed about methyl mercury and knowing the kinds of fish that are safe to eat, you can prevent any harm to your unborn child and still enjoy the health benefits of eating seafood.

CAFFEINE
Women: Studies show a correlation between increased caffeine consumption and difficulty conceiving. If removing coffee completely from the daily routine is a hard adjustment, try limiting it to only one cup per day and consider switching to decaffeinated coffee. It’s important to note that soda and chocolate contain caffeine.

Men: Some studies suggest that drinking a cup of coffee before intercourse can cause sperm to become more active in some men. Although slow sperm is one of the leading causes of male infertility, combating this with coffee drinking may lead to other problems such as sleepless nights.

CALCIUM
Women: Although women tend to know about the importance of calcium for many health reasons, some may not be aware of the role calcium plays during pregnancy. In pregnant women who don’t get enough calcium, the fetus will leach it from their bones, which may impair health in the mother later on. And, once pregnant, the baby will need calcium to grow strong bones and teeth, healthy nerves, heart and muscles.

Men: Studies show that consuming 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day may improve male fertility.

Good Sources: Yogurt, skim milk, calcium-fortified orange juice, cheese, rice, tofu.

FOLIC ACID
Women: Women who don't get enough folic acid may increase the chance of miscarriage and birth defects. It is important for women trying to conceive to have adequate folic acid intake (400 micrograms or 0.4 milligrams) prior to getting pregnant, since the fetus needs folic acid early on in order to prevent neural tube defects. Many women may not realize they are even pregnant during this early time.

Good Sources: Leafy green vegetables, chicken liver, beef liver, lentils, asparagus, papaya, broccoli, hard-boiled eggs, wheat germ. As well, women should consider taking multivitamins or supplements containing folic acid.

ZINC
Women: Pregnant women with severe deficiencies of zinc may have increased risk of miscarriage, pregnancy-related toxemia, extended pregnancy and prolonged labour. An added benefit of zinc is its ability to help prevent stretch marks.

Men: Even short-term zinc deficiencies can reduce semen volume and testosterone levels.

Good Sources: There are not many foods rich in zinc except oysters. Beef, seafood, lamb, toasted wheat germ and miso do contain zinc, but a good prenatal vitamin supplement will fulfill the zinc need.

* DISCLAIMER: The information on this article is the property of Dr. Sushma Shah, Naturopathic Doctor, and is not intended to treat, diagnose or cure any diseases or promote any services or products mentioned on the website.

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