Top 30 Foods You Should Eat To Boost Your Fertility

Physician Kelly Leow Optimise your diet for better fertility In general, a myriad of reasons can affect fertility, ranging from age to other reproductive issues. While many of these factors are out of our control, one key factor that we can control is our diet and lifestyle. In a study conducted in the United States of America (USA), participants who have followed a combination of five or more low-risk lifestyle factors, including diet, physical activity and weight management have shown to significantly reduce ovulatory disorder infertility [1]. While there is no specific food or fertility diet that can miraculously guarantee conception, eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet will definitely improve your overall well-being and in turn, boost your reproductive health. In this article, we will list the top 30 foods that you can incorporate into your fertility diet. Everyday food that can boost fertility for both male and female Walnuts Walnuts are a great source of alpha-linolenic acid, a type of Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in plants. For males, Omega-3 PUFAs are crucial for sperm maturation and membrane function, while for females, they have been shown to have a positive impact on fertility, potentially via improving oocyte quality and embryo implantation. Walnuts are also rich in magnesium, which is necessary for the production of progesterone and maintaining a good blood supply to the womb, both of which helps prepare the womb for pregnancy. How to eat: You can choose to take a handful of walnuts as a snack or add them to your salads, chicken, or oatmeal as a nutritional crunch. Eggs Eggs, especially the egg yolks, are loaded with many essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, zinc, Vitamin B6, folate, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin A. Eggs from pasture-raised chickens are also packed with fertility-boosting Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which studies have shown to potentially prolong certain reproductive functions into advanced maternal age [2]. How to eat: You can choose to eat eggs in many different ways: hard-boiled, soft-boiled, scrambled, poached etc., but remember to eat the whole egg with the yolk included. Pomegranates Rich in antioxidants, pomegranates have shown to be beneficial to both female and male fertility. For females, antioxidants can stimulate the uterus by improving blood flow to the womb as well as promote healthy uterine lining for implantation. As for males, antioxidants can improve sperm quality. Pomegranates are also rich in important vitamins such as Vitamin C and E, and folic acid, all of which are beneficial when trying to conceive. How to eat: You can eat the pomegranate seeds as a healthy snack, or even drink pomegranate juice. Ideally, take ½ to 1 cup of pomegranate juice occasionally. Take note that pomegranates may interact with certain medications, like blood thinners, so consult your doctor or physician first before incorporating it into your diet. Citrus fruits (Oranges, Grapefruits) Citrus fruits are a great source of Vitamin C, which can help boost fertility and hormone levels in females, as well as improve males’ sperm count and quality. Grapefruits and oranges also contain polyamine putrescine, which has been associated with the potential to improve egg and semen health. How to eat: Enjoy orange slices on their own, or you can incorporate citrus fruit juices into your smoothies. Take caution that grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications, so speak to your doctor to check whether grapefruit juice is suitable for you. Pomelo Pomelos are rich in Vitamin C, which not only helps boost the immune system but also helps in boosting fertility and hormone levels. Vitamin C also enhances sperm count, sperm motility and sperm quality, which in turn ensures higher chances of conception. Pomelos are also packed with other fertility-boosting nutrients such as potassium, calcium and Vitamin B, which can help regulate ovulation and create a favourable environment for the ovulating eggs. How to eat: You can simply enjoy pomelos as a fruit snack. Pineapple Pineapples are a great source of Vitamin C. A 1 cup serving of pineapples will provide 46% of your daily recommended Vitamin C levels. Low Vitamin C levels have been associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and so it is vital to reach your daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. Pineapples also contain the natural enzyme bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory effects. Inflammation may impede fertility, and chronic inflammation can even encourage the body to suppress ovulation. Taking bromelain can encourage the immune system to deviate from an inflammatory state. How to eat: Opt for fresh pineapples whenever possible, as most of the bromelain is destroyed in canned pineapples due to the heat in the canning process. You can choose to eat it fresh or even grilled. Take note not to over-consume pineapples, as they can lead to increased uterine contractions. Blueberries Blueberries are not only high in Vitamin C and folic acid, both of which are essential fertility boosting nutrients, they are also packed with antioxidants. Antioxidants help in reducing damage to reproductive cells that are caused by environmental toxins and “free radicals”, thereby ensuring reproductive cells are healthy and functioning normally to boost fertility. How to eat: You can just take a handful of blueberries to enjoy as a snack, or add them to your salads, smoothies, or yoghurt. Sunflower seeds Roasted, unsalted sunflower seeds are packed with Vitamin E, which have been shown to help boost sperm count and motility. Sunflower seeds are also loaded with Omega-6 fatty acids and a small amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to impact fertility positively. Additionally, they are packed with other fertility-boosting nutrients such as zinc, folate and selenium. How to eat: You can take sunflower seeds as a snack, or add them to your food for additional flavour and crunch. Mature cheeses Mature cheeses, such as aged cheddar and parmesan are high in polyamines, which play an important role in our reproductive system. They are specifically high in polyamine putrescine, which may help improve sperm health and egg health, particularly in females

How does TCM help men during IVF?

Senior Physician Lim Jing Yang So much of fertility and related support is focused on the female and very few males seek out TCM support. On top of that, a trip to the fertility specialist might leave male patients feeling flustered and confused – What do the abbreviations like PR, NP, IM in a semen examination report mean? Terms like low motility, low volume and low concentration might be uttered by the doctor. Does this experience seem familiar to you? We have previously discussed ways to improve fertility, and in this article, we will zoom in specifically into providing support to men going through IVF and outline how TCM can help the male patient in your IVF journey. Note: All words in Italics refer to the TCM organ-system or TCM terminology and not the anatomical organ referenced in western medicine. What is IVF? IVF (In-vitro fertilization) is a kind of ART (Assisted-reproduction therapy) commonly used today to help couples conceive when natural methods fail. There are 4 generations of IVF in the world today: IVF-ET (In-vitro fertilization-embryo transfer) ICSI (Intracytoplasmic sperm injection) PGD/PGS (Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis/Preimplantation genetic screening) GVT (Germinal vesicle transfer) In Singapore, the first 2 procedures are often done. Between PGS and PGD, only PGD is done in Singapore if either parent has a family member with a genetic condition to prevent said hereditary disease from being passed down to the future child. Due to issues concerning medical ethics, GVT is currently not being done in Singapore. Who requires IVF? Men undergoing IVF usually have one or several issues associated with: Semen quality Poor sperm motility (asthenozoospermia) means that the sperm do not swim properly. Sperm morphology refers to the size and shape of the sperm in a given semen sample. You want at least 4% of sperm to be a normal shape. Otherwise, you could have fertility problems because of abnormal sperm morphology Semen quantity Sexual function Typical semen analysis results for to-be IVF candidates: Poor motility in their sperm sample – Grade A sperm lower than 25% or Grade A+B lower than 32% Sperms lower than 4% normal morphology Diminished sperm concentration – between 10 x 106 to 15 x 106 sperm/ml In couples who have had recurrent miscarriages, failure to conceive despite having near to normal sperm parameters or if both parties have normal parameters [1], the male would be recommended to undergo testing for sperm DNA fragmentation or DFI (DNA fragmentation index). There are many ways and methods by which DFI is measured but it is usually presented as a percentage. A person with DFI value above 30% is thought to be a viable candidate for ICSI. [2] A major cause of high DFI values are excessive oxidative stress caused by ageing, improper lifestyle choices, or exposure to chemicals and radiation. [3] DFI testing is not done routinely in a semen analysis yet. However, from our observations over the years, high DFI values can result in recurrent miscarriages and be the missing piece to explain increasing infertility whereby a cause cannot be found in either party. Typical DFI readings Source: www.researchgate.net After proper diagnosis, men with moderate to severe reduction in sperm concentration also known as Oligozoospermia, ICSI will be the better choice to increase the chance of fertilization. ICSI involves the insemination of an ovum from the female using just one sperm chosen from the semen sample from the male. This is done using a special needle which can penetrate the zona pellucida and insert a sperm directly without the sperm having to push its way through the Zona pellucida – a thick transparent membrane surrounding the ovum. ICSI involves the insemination of an ovum from the female using just one sperm chosen from the semen sample from the male. Source: www.researchgate.net How can men prepare for IVF Having to watch one’s female partner endure IVF can be a stressful period for the male. The procedure is costly and puts a physiological, emotional, psychological and financial toll on the couple. In addition, the female has to undergo painful self-injections during the ovarian stimulation period which can result in her experiencing severe mood swings. As a result, there is a change in family dynamics and the male might feel guilty for putting their wife through such a gruelling ordeal especially if the fertility issue was not hers to begin with. It is important for the male to prepare mentally to manage these stresses to prepare adequately for IVF. If the male is overweight, it is also necessary for him to control his diet so as to reduce the amount of visceral fat which can disrupt the balance of endocrine hormones in the body. [4] Additionally, TCM views lifestyle habits like smoking, drinking, improper diet or eating habits, and sleeping late as detrimental to proper sperm development. To get more tips on improving fertility in general, you can read more on Improving Male Fertility Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). How can Oriental Remedies Group help men undergoing IVF? Timing is essential during IVF and therefore there is also a recommended treatment schedule for acupuncture on IVF patients. The schedule is as below: Herbal Medication & Dietary Changes TCM believes that issues of infertility are generally related to the Kidney. That being said, the Kidney can only produce good quality sperm if the Five Organs are also well-nourished and have surplus to provide for the Kidney. Hence, tonifying and nourishing the Five Organs is the basis of infertility treatment with emphasis placed in the provision of surplus Qi for the Kidney. Herbs like Wolfberries 枸杞子 and Chinese dodder seed菟丝子 have been used over many centuries to help increase quality of sperm by tonifying the Kidney and Liver. Codonopsis root党参 and Astragalus 黄芪 are also commonly used herbs which tonify both Spleen and Lung Qi.

Improve your IVF success rate with Acupuncture

Improve your IVF success rate with Acupuncture Senior Physician Leong Weizhen Infertility is more common than we think. Statistics have shown that 40% of married Singaporean couples who are actively trying for a baby are “not happy” with their progress. Many factors such as stress in our lives, our sedentary lifestyle, chemicals and toxins from our environment or the food we eat, may cause infertility. To help more couples fulfil their baby dreams, Oriental Remedies Group will be sharing a series of articles on fertility issues, for both male and female fertility. Whether you are: Trying to conceive naturally Going through assisted reproductive technology such as IUI Preparing or going through IVF, fresh or FET cycle We will share how TCM can be used to help condition the body for conception naturally and via assisted reproductive technology such as IUI and IVF. The path towards conception can be long and daunting and we hope to help educate and bring practical solutions for couples. For this specific article, we will look at how TCM can help the female during the IVF process. Fertility Series: Acupuncture for females during IVF What is IVF? In vitro fertilization (IVF) is a complex series of procedures used to help with fertility or prevent genetic problems and assist with the conception of a child. During IVF, mature eggs are collected from ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory. Then the fertilized egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are transferred to a uterus. One full cycle of IVF takes about three weeks. Sometimes these steps are split into different parts and the process can take longer. How can acupuncture help? Research has proven that TCM can help condition your body and therefore increase the success rates with IVF.  This can be done through various ways such as through taking herbal medication and acupuncture. In this article, we will discuss how acupuncture complements IVF. 1) Effect on Ovarian Follicles Acupuncture has positive effects on ovarian follicles and assists in ovulation. Modern medicine believes that acupuncture helps to regulate the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis system, which improves the secretion of various hormones such as the follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, estradiol, progesterone etc.[1]. This enhances ovulation in the individuals[2]. Farnoosh Bidouee’s study[3] on acupuncture in 120 infertile patients who received artificial insemination discovered that ovulation is improved after acupuncture.  2) Effect on Ovaries During IVF, follicular growth after ovulation induction is dependent on the blood supply of the ovaries. Studies [4][5] have shown that acupuncture in IVF patients increases the blood flow to the ovaries as compared to the placebo acupuncture group and control group. Therefore, acupuncture can improve the blood circulation in the ovaries and uterus, which helps to promote the growth and development of follicles. 3) Effect on Endometrial Receptivity Endometrial receptivity is a temporally unique sequence of factors that make the endometrium receptive to embryonic implantation. It is closely related to the success of implantation and pregnancy. Various conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome and luteal insufficiency can affect endometrial receptivity. Zhong et al[6] has concluded that acupuncture is effective and safe to use in women with low endometrial receptivity, thereby increasing the chances of pregnancy. 4) Effect on Emotions IVF is a process that can be emotionally intense and stressful for the couple, especially so for the female who has to go through hormonal changes, side effects of drugs and potential complications of the medical treatment. The most common psychological challenges of infertile patients are depression and anxiety. These adverse emotions may be due to various factors such as high treatment cost, frequent blood draws, intramuscular injections, side effects of various complications etc. A number of studies [7][8] have shown that consecutive sessions of acupuncture from the day of injection of gonadotropin till HCG day, can reduce the excitability of the sympathetic nervous system, relieving negative emotions which aids in increasing the pregnancy rate. All couples who are preparing to start a family naturally or for those who are undergoing assisted reproductive technology, such as IUI and IVF can benefit from doing acupuncture to condition their bodies. What is the treatment schedule for acupuncture in IVF patients? Timing is essential during IVF and therefore there is also a recommended treatment schedule for acupuncture on IVF patients. The schedule is as below: Your journey is the most important! In Oriental Remedies Group, we have more than 10 certified bi-lingual TCM Physicians. Each of them has been trained in both Nanyang Technological University (Singapore) and China for a minimum of 5-8 years, in both Biomedical Science and TCM before being certified to practice in Singapore. Specifically, we have Physician Poh who specializes in female fertility, gynaecological conditions and beauty. IVF is a procedure that takes time, effort and great determination. The chances of success if higher when the female further prepares her body for the procedure. With current research on how acupuncture complements IVF, we hope to be able to help more females trying for IVF. Do contact us at +65 8087 0486 for a personalized consultation to help you with your worries. Also, when it comes to fertility, it really does takes two hands to clap. The male partner who does his part to ensure that the sperm quality is optimal for use during IVF increases the couple’s chances. Do refer to our earlier article by male fertility expert, Physician Lim, to find out more about improving male fertility in order to improve quality of sperm – Improving Male Fertility Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For those who wants to start a family naturally and wants to find out how you can prepare yourself and your partner, do also look out for our other articles on fertility. This article is written by Senior Physician Leong Weizhen, with contributions from Senior Therapist Hannie Hong. Leong Weizhen Chief Medical Officer, Lead Physician VIEW QUALIFICATIONS Upon graduation from NTU/BUCM with double degree in both Biomedical Science and TCM, Singaporean Physician Leong Weizhen was awarded the prestigious Chinese Government Scholarship (out of only seven places offered) for a 3-year Master’s course in BUCM and under the prestigious mentorship of

Improving Male Fertility Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Improving Male Fertility Using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Senior Physician Lim Jing Yang If you and your spouse have been actively but unsuccessfully trying for a child, please know that you are definitely not alone. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), infertility will be the third most serious health condition after cancer and cardiovascular diseases plaguing humanity in the 21st century. About 40 per cent of married Singaporean couples who are actively trying for a baby are “not happy” with their progress, according to a recent survey on fertility health released in July 2019. While women traditionally bore the stigma of infertility and childlessness, the man’s role in infertility issues is gaining awareness. Recent statistics show that married couples experiencing infertility are due to problems arising from the male partner.1 While there is a lack of nationwide data regarding male reproductive health, doctors say rising male infertility rates here mirror the global phenomenon of declining sperm quality in the last 40 years. How is infertility defined? Infertility is defined as a failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. How can Oriental Remedies Group help men who are experiencing infertility issues? Note: All words in Italics refer to the TCM organ-system and not the anatomical organ referenced in western medicine. Step 1: Full analysis of the semen analysis report The first step to understanding male infertility involves making sense of the semen analysis report. According to the 5th edition of the WHO laboratory manual for the examination and processing of human semen, a normal semen sample should fulfil the parameters below: An example of a semen analysis report A sex hormone test (testosterone, estrogen, FSH, LH and prolactin levels) can be very helpful in providing the physician with baseline information about your endocrine health. This report combined with other findings mentioned above helps the physician determine the number of courses required for treatment. An example of a sex hormone test. Source: Reddit In a typical consult, our experienced physicians would encourage our patients to bring their past health reports especially any fertility test results for a holistic understanding of the couple’s health conditions. Step 2: Understand the root cause issues from a TCM perspective Male infertility can be due to many factors ranging from congenital factors, dietary habits, emotional extremes, external pathogenic factors, external injuries and maltreatment among various others. However, not every male exposed to the same external factors results in infertility. This can be attributed to the health of the individual’s Kidneys. With this understanding, modern eminent TCM andrologists like Professor Xu Fu Song(徐福松) and Wang Qi (王琦) have successfully treated numerous patients for many decades by combining continual research in TCM and use of scientific advances in semen analysis and endocrine testing. TCM believes that the Kidneys govern the pre-natal essence or Jing(精) in the human body. This pre-natal essence is what determines the quality of our reproductive ability to carry on the family line. Having said that, the quality of the Kidney essence depends largely on the surplus Qi(气) which our other organs produce. TCM handles male infertility by understanding if there are excess or deficiencies in the body. Tonifying deficiency and removing excess is a fundamental technique used to restore balance and harmony to the body. The semen analysis content is first divided into classifications of excess or deficiency. For example, when there is a diminished sperm concentration, it could signify a deficiency in the body resulting in Kidney deficiency. When the percentage of sperm with normal morphology is low, it usually signifies that there is an excess in pathogenic factors that have to be cleared in order to restore balance to the body. Other than the semen analysis, the sexual function of the male is also assessed as different symptoms of erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation could provide clues as to which organs are not functioning optimally. Examples like erectile dysfunction during stressful periods is a signal of Liver Qi stagnation whereas premature ejaculation combined with frequent sweating alludes to Lung Qi deficiency. Step 3: Customised treatment approach at Oriental Remedies Group (ORG)? Because everyone is unique and lead dissimilar lifestyles, a one size fits all approach will be insufficient to manage this issue. Only a holistic approach taking into consideration all factors that result in poor fertility can TCM manage this condition. This means that not only will you regain your reproductive health, your general health will also see visible and perceptible improvement. Through our TCM diagnosis and observing how our body reacts to our diet, lifestyle and environment, we can empower you to make the right choices and tailor-make a treatment course most beneficial to your reproductive health. What are the treatments offered for fertility improvements? Herbal Medication Our experienced and well-trained physicians will go through with you your body condition, daily habits and so on to gain a better understanding about the root causes of the imbalances in your body. For example, if the root cause is due to spleen deficiency and dampness, the physicians may prescribe Bai Zhu, Fu Ling and Yi Yi Ren to tonify the Spleen and remove dampness. If the issues are more related to Kidney Yin deficiency, the physicians may use Gou qi zi, Shu Di Huang, Shan Zhu Yu to replenish Kidney Yin. As for damp-heat, Tu Fu Ling, Bi Xie and Che Qian Zi to clear heat and drain dampness. For infertility patients, common herbs that are prescribed to help boost the quality of sperm include Gou Qi Zi, Tu Si Zi, Wu Wei Zi, Fu Pen Zi and Che Qian Zi. These 5 herbs combine to form a decoction called Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, the premier fertility decoction of ancient and modern times. However, the components of each infertility patient’s medication would differ based on the root cause(s) and deficiencies they may have. Acupuncture Acupuncture uses very fine needles into specific points along the meridians to correct the imbalances of the various organs. In one study regarding acupuncture and abnormal semen parameters, acupuncture was used to stimulate 4 points on the body namely, BL23 (Shen Shu), ST36 (Zu San Li), CV1 (Hui Yin) and CV4 (Guan Yuan). A placebo control group together with a blank control group were included in the study. The researchers found that the patients who