Today here's an easy guide to vitamins and supplements that can boost woman health. Learn their function and how they can help to improve your hormonal balance.
GENERAL GUIDELINES ABOUT VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS
Even though it is always best to see a dietician/naturopath for a proper customised plan, here are some guidelines to give you an idea of what supplements may interfere or support your reproductive health.
Always try to get Organic Vitamins and Supplements, free from additives and chemicals; otherwise you will do yourself more harm than good. I usually get mine from Dolphin fitness.
If you are trying to conceive and have experienced some difficulties, it may be worth looking at any nutritional deficiencies you may have. Even if you have a very healthy diet, nowadays the soil is not so rich in nutrients as it used to be, so supplementing your diet with natural products and good sources of vitamins can be a well-worth addition.
WHAT VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS SHALL I AVOID TO BOOST FERTILITY & WOMEN'S HEALTH?
Vitamins and Supplements that may damage egg and sperm are as follows:
Echinacea. This increases immunity and may make the body perceiving the sperm as an invader, thus attacking and destroying it. The body immune system usually decreases when progesterone (sex hormones) levels rise, in order to create a perfect environment for the new embryo, slowing the body down.
St Johns Wort. This is usually used as a natural antidepressant. It is best to avoid it when TTC as it affects brain chemistry, thus the hormonal balance.
Ginko Bilboa as it affects the microcirculation and brains chemistry, dilating the blood vessels, thus also affecting the hormonal balance.
High dosage of Vitamin C as it dries the cervical fluid, making it harder for the sperm to reach the egg. On the contrary, low dosage of Vitamin C (through supplements or food) are recommended as they increase the sperm count.
Good sources of vitamin C are found in:
oranges,
red and green peppers,
strawberries
blackcurrants
broccoli
brussels sprouts
potatoes
For the complete list of Food rich in Vitamin C recommended by the NHS, please click here.
WHAT SOURCES OF VITAMINS AND SUPPLEMENTS SHALL I TAKE TO BOOST FERTILITY & WOMEN'S HEALTH?
VITAMIN B
When Vitamin B levels are low, the body shuts down reproductive processes to protect a potential embryo from abnormalities; it can also inhibit egg release and prevent implantation. On the other side, correct levels of vitamin B enhance fertility.
Good sources of vitamin B are found in wheat germ, potato, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. For the complete list of Food rich in Vitamin B recommended by the NHS, please click here.
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PROBIOTICS:
These reduce symptoms of digestive disorders such as Chrone’s, IBS, IBD. Probiotics contain the so-called "friendly bacteria" that can supposedly restore the natural balance of your gut bacteria, therefore enhancing the correct amounts of nutrients, vitamins and minerals necessary for the body to function properly.
In order to enhance your gut health, you can eat fermented food, bio live yoghurt and limit or even better avoid no organic, fat-free and fructose-rich foods.
FOLIC ACID
This vitamin may reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida, besides reducing the incidence of heart attacks, strokes, cancer and diabetes and homocysteine level (which is a protein that may cause birth defects).
Good sources of this vitamins can be found in dark leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, nuts and seeds, etc. For the complete list of Food rich in Folic Acid recommended by the NHS, please click here.
ZINC
Zinc is especially important for men as it has a big role in testosterone production. Zinc is an essential mineral required by the body for maintaining a sense of smell, keeping a healthy immune system, building proteins, triggering enzymes, and it helps to build healthy hormones.
Zinc can be found in shellfish such as oysters, shrimps and haddock; egg yolk, almonds, pumpkin seeds, wholemeal and rye bread (be aware that around 80% zinc is removed from the wheat during the milling process), etc.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts about this article! We hope you have now a better idea of what vitamins and supplements can help you to boost your woman’s health.
