Natural fertility boosters

Supplements

• Vitamins C and E are important for maintaining balanced body systems—important for both partners.
• Chasteberry (Vitex agnus-castus) has been used traditionally to promote fertility in both women and men: it promotes menstrual regularity in women and increased testosterone levels in men.

Traditional Chinese medicine
Acupuncture has been practised for centuries in aiding fertility. In a 2005 study acupuncture improved the pregnancy rate in women compared to Western medicine (65 percent versus 45 percent).

Exercise
Endorphins released as a byproduct of exercise help with overall circulation, a key factor in fertility.

Relaxation
Deep relaxation, whether by massage, gardening, taking a bubble bath, or getting outside, reduces stress and relaxes the sympathetic nervous system. Good-quality sleep is crucial too, as is connecting with family and friends.

Eating right
To achieve optimal health for fertility, follow a whole food, plant-based diet, which is high in antioxidants and includes slowly digested carbs such as beans, lentils, whole grains, and brightly coloured vegetables.

Cleansing your liver
Naturopaths recommend taking a few weeks to cleanse your liver very gently—three to six months before you plan to get pregnant. This can be done by adopting a simple vegetarian diet and cutting out caffeine, sugar, wheat,
and dairy.

SURELY, THOSE WHO REQUIRE, WILL FIND THESE TIPS USEFUL.