The cause of many infertility cases (up to 30 per cent) remains unexplained. Some experts believe that low level exposure to toxins may be the culprit.

Every day a sea of hormone disturbing chemicals surrounds us. They are in cigarette smoke, in pesticides and herbicides in our soil; in chemicals and additives in the food we eat; contaminants in the water we drink; environmental chemicals in solvents, plastics and adhesives as well as in all the toxins we absorb through the skin in make-up, hair dyes and household cleaning products. Your body has to work harder to get rid of these toxins, and in the process of detoxing it loses fertility boosting nutrients.

 

Some of these toxins have been linked to birth defects and hormonal disruption so great that they are called general endocrine disrupters. Research is still ongoing but the link between infertility and reproductive toxins is clear so it makes sense to avoid possible sources of contamination. The following checklist will help you avoid unnecessary exposure to toxic metals both at home and at work:

• Cleanse your diet: Eat nutritious, preferably organic, food and take food supplements. A cleansing diet, avoiding substances such as salt, sugar, caffeine, additives, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and cadmium from smoking and exposure to passive smoking, all of which can have a toxic effect on the body is the best way to avoid toxin damage. Also, wash food carefully and avoid using tinned and ready-made food and food and drinks with additives and preservatives. Buy organic food, if possible.
• Avoid aluminium: Avoid aluminium kitchenware, foil and foods and indigestion tablets containing aluminium additives.
• Avoid lead: Check if your water supply has lead pipes, as lead can leach into the water just by standing in lead pipes overnight. If you have lead pipes, allow your tap to run for a minute first thing in the morning. Use water from the cold, not the hot tap because lead dissolves more easily into hot water. Also use a water filter for all your water, including cooking, hot drinks, and so on.
• Check toiletries and cosmetics: Check labels of toiletries and cosmetics. Be especially wary of the aluminium in deodorants and antiperspirants. Use natural cosmetic products and deodorants.
• Refuse mercury fillings: Refuse and, when possible, replace mercury-containing dental fillings. Have mercury fillings replaced with non toxic ones. (Also avoid swordfish, shark and marlin which can contain high levels of mercury.)
• Check chemicals at work: Check what chemicals and toxins you may be exposed to at work. Carbon disulphide, used in several manufacturing processes, such as the production of plastics, has been linked to sexual dysfunction in both women and men. Many pesticides and herbicides are known reproductive toxins. People working in gardens, parks, plant nurseries and farms are at risk. Exposure to anaesthetics for health workers such as nurses and vets, to heavy metals (traffic fumes and cheap paint), to solvents (dry cleaning and lab staff and hairdressers), and to glycol ethers used by electronics manufacturing firms has been linked to fertility problems in both men and women.
• Limit computer time: Limit your time spent at VDU screens. One study showed that women who spend more than 20 hours a week in front of a VDU screen, like a television or computer monitor, have twice as many miscarriages as non-VDU workers. Research on the impact of VDUs on reproductive health is still ongoing and no conclusions have been drawn.
• Check for home and garden toxins: Check what toxins you may be exposed to in your own home. Try not to use pesticides in your garden and have your house treated for woodworm when you aren’t living there. Treat your pets or your house for bugs with natural herbal sprays or garlic. Be careful if you are decorating your home and avoid solvent-based paints and white spirits. Buy solvent-free paints instead and minimise the amount of chemicals you use in your home such as polish, bleach, detergents, and air fresheners. Try to buy natural products or use tried and tested cleaners like vinegar, baking soda or borax.
• Check for electromagnetic radiation: Devices that emit electromagnetic radiation, such as VDUs, television, mobile phones, radios and microwave ovens, should also be used with caution and as far away from your bedroom as possible.

Whether it is to revive flagging spirits or cheer you up the British like nothing better than a good cup of tea. New research is proving that it can positively benefit your health but some teas are better than others.

 

Green tea: Green tea is a rich source of vitamin C – one large cup has the same amount as a glass of orange juice.  It also contains anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties to help fight gingivitis, gum disease, bad breath and flu.

 

Green tea is high in antioxidants to help ward off cancer and to protect against heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. One study of 512 patients in Fukuoka City, Japan, showed that green tea could prevent hardening of the arteries. Another study of Japanese workers found that those who drank one cup of green tea daily saw a significant drop in cholesterol. And if all that wasn’t enough researchers have also found that green tea may also help boost a woman’s chances of conceiving and be a weight loss aid because it can help boost metabolism (fat burning).  (The NutriPlus supplement I use as part of the ‘Lose Your Belly’ programme contains green tea extract).

 

Tea tip: Infuse loose leaves in a pot to get the fullest flavour.

  

White tea: More research needs to be done on this rare and often expensive tea but it contains exceptionally high levels of cancer fighting antioxidants.

 

Tea tip: Try brewing in a glass or china pot for the best flavour.

 

Red bush tea or Rooibos: Red bush tea has anticancer, antiviral, anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Studies at Okayama University, Japan, showed that extracts of Rooibos increased the number of antibodies boosting the immune system. Rooibos is also caffeine free and tannin free and rich in vitamin C, iron, potassium, copper, magnesium, zinc and manganese. Rooibos also contains anti ageing antioxidants.

 

Tea tip: The perfect brew at bedtime – brew for three minutes or longer for the fullest taste.

 

Black tea: Black tea, the most popular tea in the UK, has lower antioxidant levels than green tea but it can still help to reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. It also has anti cancer properties. But be careful of this tea as it contains more caffeine than green tea and can cause restlessness and irritability.

 

If you are drinking black tea then to reduce caffeine, throw away the first cup from the pot within the first 30 seconds of brewing. The following cups will contain less caffeine but have all the antioxidants. The tannin in tea can also block the uptake of minerals including iron so always drink black tea away from food and do not take with food supplements especially iron supplements.

 

Tea tips: Try iced tea – brew, then allow to cool and drink with ice, lemon and sprigs of mint.

When having difficulty getting pregnant, many women consider natural fertility options such as herbs. Because they are natural, herbs are becoming increasingly popular natural fertility options when trying to conceive. More research needs to be done but in my opinion the following herbs can have beneficial effects when it comes to getting pregnant:

• Agnus Castus (Chaste Tree Berry): Agnus castus can improve a woman’s chances of conceiving because it helps hormonal imbalances; it also stimulates the action of the pituitary gland, increasing progesterone and luteinising hormone production, which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle. This herb also reduces stress levels, which in turn has a beneficial impact on reproduction health and daily use promotes fertility
• Dong Quai: this herb improves your chances of getting pregnant by balancing oestrogen and by regulating menstrual cycles. It can also improve implantation of the egg for women with autoimmune problems. However, dong quai is also a blood thinner and should therefore not be used during menstruation.
• False Unicorn Root: this herb improves reproductive health and has a normalising effect on the ovaries.
• Wild Yam: wild yam increases the production of progesterone and therefore increases your chances of getting pregnant. Wild yam should always be taken after ovulation occurs, as taking this herb before ovulation can actually prevent ovulation from taking place, thereby reducing fertility

It is always important to consult with a qualified practitioner about taking any herbs when trying to conceive. Also, herbs should not be taken if you are going through IVF or taking fertility drugs. Taking vitamins and minerals is fine while going through IVF.