How Diet and Nutrition can Enhance Fertility

Renee Simon, MS, CNS
April 20, 2005

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[RESOLVE] Hello to everyone who has joined us this evening! RESOLVE's chat on "How Diet and Nutrition can Enhance Fertility" is being hosted by Renee A Simon, MS, CNS. Renee Simon, MS, CNS, is a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, writer, and seminar leader who specializes in nutrition, exercise, and the mind/body connection. She is President of her own company, Total Wellness, combining dietary recommendations, vitamin, mineral and herbal therapies, exercise recommendations and stress management techniques to help her patients achieve better total body balance.

[RESOLVE] In what manner can diet and nutrition enhance fertility?

[Renee Simon] RESOLVE, having the body in the best possible shape to achieve conception is very important. Diet and nutrition play a huge role in this.

[Carol] How does diet and nutrition affect fertility in men?

[Renee Simon] Carol, male factor infertility can be affected by nutritional deficiencies just the same as with female hormone problems. For instance zinc is often low in men who have poor sperm count and motility.

[KristinaV] Is there anything else men can do besides take zinc from a dietary or nutritional perspective?

[Renee Simon] Kristina V, there is some new research on the use of Carnitine for male factor fertility as well as information on using essential fatty acids, selenium and other antioxidants for free radical protection.

[RESOLVE] Transcripts are currently available for RESOLVE's chat on Understanding Semen Analysis and Options to Boost Male Fertility, hosted by Sheldon Marks, MD, and J. Stan Grossman, MD. You can view or download past chats by visiting the Chat link on our website, www.resolve.org.

[cyndi2000] What are some strategies to overcoming functional amenorrhea?

[Renee Simon] cyndi2000, having the right essential fatty acid balance is very important for all aspects of female reproductive health. Most of us have a poor balance based on consuming the American diet which is high in saturated and trans fats. I usually recommend a balance of EPA and GLA to help with this and many other problems.

[Bee] What are EPA and GLA?

[Renee Simon] Bee, they are essential fatty acids that the body needs. They are responsible for building prostaglandins which are the precursors to hormones.

[MSB] Have you heard about the Foresight Program on fertility nutrition out of the United Kingdom or the book Natural Solutions to Infertility written by their program coordinator Marilyn Greenville, PHD? I find her collection of research on nutrients such as selenium and zinc convincing, yet few in the United States have heard of it.

[Renee Simon] MSB, I have not heard of her program, however, most of my patients are low in all minerals including these when we test them.

[Jnj] Can you recommend any exercise or herbal therapy programs to improve overall health and fertility?

[Renee Simon] Jnj, I think it is important to have a regular stress management program. I usually teach my clients breathing techniques, yoga and Tai Chi. There are also herbs that I use on an as needed basis such as Vitex, also called Chasteberry Extract.

[MSB] What is Vitex?

[Renee Simon] MSB, Vitex is an herb that has been studied to help egg quality and luteal phase defect problems.

[Trying] It's so hard to eat properly. What kind of professional can help with the specifics? I have been to three nutritionists and got only general guidelines.

[Renee Simon] Trying, I am a board certified clinical nutritionist, not a dietician. I help with holistic nutrition and finding the underlying causes of problems through clinical testing. If you want to learn more about this kind of nutrition and read some RESOLVE patient success stories go to my new website totalwellnessnutrition.com.

[Patrick] How does someone find a qualified dietician, nutritionist, or naturopath? Does someone need to find a professional who specializes in fertility?

[Renee Simon] Patrick, I think so. Unfortunately I don't have a list of professionals that do what I do by state. I do phone consults throughout the country if you have trouble finding someone local.

[RESOLVE] There are resources available to assist you in your search for a professional dietician and naturopath.
American Dietetic Association
120 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2000
Chicago, IL 60606-6995
800/877-1600
http://www.eatright.org/Public/
The American Dietetic Association's Nationwide Nutrition Network is a national referral service that links consumers, physicians, food manufacturers, distributors and restaurant owners and managers with dietetics professionals. All participants in the American Dietetic Association's referral service are professionals - professionals who provide reliable, objective nutrition information, separate facts from fads and translate the latest scientific findings into easy-to-understand nutrition information.

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
3201 New Mexico Avenue, NW Suite 350
Washington, DC 20016
866-538-2267 // 202-895-1392
http://www.naturopathic.org/
member.services@Naturopathic.org
Provides referral to naturopathic doctors

[Joseph] What ways are available to test if your body is lacking nutrients? Should I have that done before I begin changing my diet and taking supplements?

[Renee Simon] Joseph, I use hair analysis to test for overall mineral status and toxic metals which could be a factor. This would be a helpful test to do, but it doesn't hurt to improve your diet any time, even if you are not going to do testing.

[Bee] Do you feel that acupuncture and herbs help fertility?

[Renee Simon] Bee, I think that acupuncture and certain herbs when needed to balance out the body are helpful. In an ideal situation you would have three months to prepare your body for conception and utilize a full nutrition program and acupuncture to help you do this.

[RESOLVE] RESOLVE's Family Building magazine, summer 2003, summer 2004 issue, features articles related to diet, nutrition and your fertility. Past issues of the Family Building magazine can be ordered online, www.resolve.org, or by calling the RESOLVE's Business office, 301-652-8585, Monday through Friday 9am-5pm ET. Please contact the RESOLVE HelpLine, info@resolve.org or 888-623-0744, for more information.

[2bears] What is your experience and or recommendations on diet and nutrition and PCOS?

[Renee Simon] 2bears, diet and nutrition play a huge role in PCOS. In the first case, many people with PCOS are overweight which is a factor in inhibiting fertility. I recently helped a PCOS patient get pregnant and the first thing that she did was lose 10% of her body weight. I was so happy for her because obesity can cause low birth weight and other issues for the fetus.

[Kara] Do you know much about the PCOS Insulin Resistance Diet? If you have PCOS - are you automatically insulin resistant?

[Renee Simon] Many people with PCOS are insulin resistant. I am very familiar with this type of diet and I use a low glycemic, high fiber carbohydrate program with the right balance of protein and fats. I also use certain supplements that help with insulin balance.

[2bears] What kind of supplements is it that you use to help your PCOS patients?

[Renee Simon] 2bears, I use supplements to help balance insulin naturally like chromium, vanadium, magnesium, and zinc. Not everyone who has PCOS has trouble with insulin balance and weight, however.

[May] What types of foods are should be avoided to help promote good health and enhance fertility?

[Renee Simon] May, you probably know the big three: caffeine, alcohol and sugar. I am taking away all of the fun, right?

[SCP] Are there certain foods that can enhance fertility?

[Renee Simon] SCP, I usually recommend a whole foods diet with lots of organic veggies, fruits, whole grains (not wheat for everyone) and low fat protein like fish (the non-toxic kind), hormone free turkey and chicken and beans and legumes.

[Amy MacDonald] What nutrition advice might you provide someone trying to avoid miscarriage?

[Renee Simon] Amy MacDonald, I have worked with many women who have had multiple miscarriages and then a successful pregnancy when enhancing their diet. The diet should be as clean as possible (free of toxins and preservatives). There are also studies that show that vitamins C, E and B12 may prevent miscarriage.

[Carol] How much of these important minerals are needed on a daily basis? Is the standard multi-vitamin sufficient?

[Renee Simon] Carol, usually the standard multiple vitamin is not sufficient. It is very hard to get everything in therapeutic doses from diet and multi-vitamins. On top of that, the standard prenatal vitamin has enough folic acid and iron but lacks many other important minerals.

[Kristy] What effect does caffeine have on fertility?

[Renee Simon] Kristy, in the studies that I have read (done on mice) one to three cups of coffee per day have been shown to cause delayed conception. In other studies caffeine consumption has been tied to an increased incidence of infertility due to tubal disease or endometriosis.

[Southern Mommy] Can a high protein diet improve egg quality?

[Renee Simon] Southern Mommy, I think that a balanced diet with the right amount of protein, healthy fats and high fiber, and low glycemic carbohydrates is better.

[RESOLVE] If you are interested in receiving more information, RESOLVE offers literature on "Alternative Treatments: Naturopathic and Acupuncture", which is available to order either online, www.resolve.org, or by calling the RESOLVE Business office, 301-652-8585, Monday through Friday 9am-5pm ET.585, Monday through Friday 9am-5pm ET.

[Guest] What are your feelings on green tea, raspberry tea and wheat grass to enhance fertility? Also what can be done to help lower high Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)?

[Renee Simon] Guest, green tea has high antioxidant value and is very helpful for everything. To avoid the caffeine take the bag out after two minutes. Raspberry tea is okay but in my mind less conclusive. Wheat grass helps to alkalinize the body. Most of us have very acidic body's based on the average American diet so what ever we can do to get in better balance is good. Regarding lowering FSH, I have helped many patients with this with all of the things I am discussing. By following a healthy diet and practicing regular exercise and stress management techniques, FSH is often lowered.

[Bonnie] I've heard a lot recently about soy having a negative impact on fertility. Is this true?

[Renee Simon] Bonnie, soy is very controversial. I would recommend that you don't over load on soy while it is being further researched, however if you have low estrogen or egg quality it could be helpful as it has natural estrogenetic qualities.

[Janine] Can running six-to-eight miles, five days/week, be detrimental to fertility?

[Renee Simon] Janine, if your body is used to that much running it may not be a problem, but if you have done everything and you still are not getting pregnancy you may want to cut that down by half and see if it helps.

[Jill] Do you have any recommendations for a thin uterine lining?

[Renee Simon] Jill, with a thin uterine lining I have to say consumption of healthy fats in fish, fish oils and nuts and building up healthy cells with the right amounts of vitamins, minerals and protein.

[Shannonpa] I have read in several places that dairy should be avoided. And then other things I read say to only eat organic dairy. Is this something to be overly concerned about?

[Renee Simon] Shannonpa, yes. I think that the hormones in dairy products and in chicken and meat can be very harmful because they create a balance of negative estrogens to positive estrogens in the body. Not only is this not good for fertility but also important for breast cancer prevention.

[Emadde] Are there any known supplements/vitamins/foods that promote egg quality/quantity?

[Renee Simon] Emadde, pretty much everything I have said will help with egg quality. I often use Vitex and antioxidants as well when this is a problem.

[RESOLVE] The RESOLVE toll-free Helpline is available to answer your questions during business hours Monday 9am-4pm ET, Tuesday- Friday, 1pm - 4pm ET and Monday and Tuesday evenings from 7pm - 10pm ET at 1-888-623-0744. Members have the opportunity to contact our Medical Call-In Helpline, also 888-623-0744, Wednesdays 1-4pm ET. Spanish HelpLine Hours are now available every first, second and third Thursday of the month from 7pm-10pm ET.

[Mmt] Can you recommend anything to maintain estrogen level?

[Renee Simon] Mmt, I would suggest a healthy diet high in essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, protein and fiber and low in saturated fat and hydrogenated oils. These things mess up the balance of good estrogen to bad estrogen in the body. It may also be important to do a liver cleanse which will help with healthy estrogen production.

[HGH] What does a liver cleanse entail?

[Renee Simon] HGH, I have a three week program to help cleanse the liver and the other major organs involved with detoxification. It is a dietary program and a supplement program. It works extremely well and many of my patients report much better energy and overall well being in addition to getting rid of nagging digestive problems, headaches, etc. Once the body is in better balance, the hormones will balance out and the chances of fertility are enhanced.

[Troy] Can you offer any additional information on the liver detoxification? What is it?

[Renee Simon] Troy, liver detoxification just means clearing the liver of toxins. We are all subjected to regular toxins in the food we eat, the environment, medications, water, etc. The liver cleanse program helps the liver work more effectively at cleaning those toxins out of the system.

[Southern Mommy] Are artificial sweeteners okay while trying to conceive and during pregnancy?

[Renee Simon] Southern Mommy, no. I do not recommend artificial sweeteners to any one. A little bit of sugar, honey or pure maple syrup is better, as is Stevia (a natural herbal sweetener).

[Bee] You've mentioned egg quality - is there food/vitamins, etc. for egg quantity?

[Renee Simon] Bee, I think my basic fertility diet and supplement program natural multi-vitamin, B complex, vitamins C, E, zinc, and EPA and GLA will enhance egg quality. There is no cookie cutter approach for everyone, however. [Kristy] Your program......is it in book form or something else?

[Renee Simon] Kristy, my new book Take Back Your Health will be out late June or early July. It has many case histories on fertility and also describes my weight lose program. You will be able to order it on my website totalwellnessnutrition.com as well asAmazon.com.

[Christina] I am taking a Dietary supplement called "Fertility Blend" by Solaray. It is a blend of Damiana, Eleuthero, saw Palmetto Buckthorn, kelp and sarsaparilla. It recommends two capsules, one-to-three times a day. It also cautions not to take it for more than 7 consecutive days. What is your opinion on this product.

[Renee Simon] Christina, I am not familiar with it but I think it is best to start with a healthy diet and basic nutrition program before starting to play around with a variety of herbs. Unfortunately many products don't even have what they say they have in them so you have to be very careful of what products you choose.

[Joseph] Does a person need to change their diet and nutrition intake slowly or is an immediate change more beneficial?

[Renee Simon] Joseph, it depends on where you are and how quickly you are trying to shape up your diet. I sometimes get people who are seeing me three weeks before they start an IVF cycle and we don't have time to mess around. On the other hand, it is easier for you if you make slow gradual changes and if time is not a factor that is ok with me.

[Witty] What do you think about the new pyramid guidelines?

[Renee Simon] Witty, I think they are much better, but I still would prefer more essential fats and a discussion on the kind of proteins consumed.

[RESOLVE] Ms. Simon, thank you for your time and ongoing support of RESOLVE and your dedication to this family building issue. We also send a special thank you to everyone for your participation and all of your great questions.

[RESOLVE] Providing the chat on "How Diet and Nutrition can Enhance Fertility," hosted by Renee A Simon, MS, CNS, has been our pleasure. We hope you have found this information helpful. If you have further questions, please contact the RESOLVE Helpline at info@resolve.org or by calling 888-623-0744.

[Joseph] Thanks for your help

[Patrick] Thank you

[May] Thank you Renee, thank you RESOLVE!

[Renee Simon] Thanks to you for having this chat.

[MSB] Thank you so much. I am constantly looking for this information, and you had so many great suggestions that I had never seen before.

[Guest] Thank you

[KristinaV] Thanks!

[Renee Simon] Good luck everyone!

[Guest91030] Thanks

[Southern Mommy] Thank you for your time, I look forward to your new book

[Guest44] Thanks!

[2bears] Thank you for your time!!