Making Babies
Making Babies: The definitive guide to improving your fertility and reproductive health
Infertility currently impacts more than one in six Australian couples, or over three million Australians, and this trend is increasing. One in three couples is predicted to be affected by infertility within the next ten years.
Today men are overtaking women as the leading cause of miscarriage. Male reproductive disorders are estimated to contribute between 50 and 70 percent of genetic miscarriages in western countries.
In the Making Babies book, Jason answers why fertility levels are declining so rapidly and what can be done to reverse this trend, including:
The average age of women Jason has treated is 38. Statistics show couples are waiting until later in life to become parents, challenging their bodies' biological clocks.
Stories from some of the 5,500 couples Jason has helped with fertility issues over the past 15 years are included in the book. Heart-felt and inspiring, these stories give hope to all couples trying to conceive, especially those experiencing multiple miscarriages and reproductive health issues.
Did you compile this book because you thought this information was lacking in Australia?
Jason Jackson: Yes, experts predict infertility will affect a shocking one in three couples in the next 10 years. Infertility already impacts more than one in every six Australian couples, or over three million Australians. Many women are being told they can't have babies, when in fact they can. Time and time again I find unexplained infertility is corrected by treating deficiencies and imbalances caused by our modern society. For instance, food doesn't contain as many nutrients these days and is often genetically engineered. We are also constantly exposed to pollution, drugs, radiation and chemical processing, so no matter how health conscious you are, you could still be missing a piece of the puzzle.
In Australia, we are educated more about how not to fall pregnant, especially when we are younger. Then when we eventually start to think about starting a family, the body is not in as good shape as it would have been several years prior. The magic turning point when things get more complicated is about 35 plus.
We did the book to draw a lot of fertility information into one place to help couples pursuing fertility to get the best results from medical and natural treatments. Fertility is an incredibly in-depth topic and searching the Internet for information can be very overwhelming. The stress this puts on couples itself can be a leading cause of fertility problems.
What are a few foods that should be avoided to improve fertility?
Jason Jackson: Artificial sweeteners - products that contain saccharin and aspartame such as NutraSweet or Equal should best be avoided. Aspartame is converted to formaldehyde (a poison) once it reaches temperatures in excess of 30ºC (86ºF); this occurs once it has been ingested. It is then converted to formic acid, which is a very highly toxic substance.
Saturated fats - excessive saturated fat consumption needs no great explanation about its negative effects on health and wellbeing. These fats can disrupt hormonal balance and cause too much acidity in the body. Leeching of vital nutrients from the body can disrupt natural chemical reactions that should be happening and cause a domino effect.
Dairy - dairy is a high acid-forming food and interrupts mucus production which can interfere with natural reproductive processes.
What is different to your methods compared with a doctors?
Jason Jackson: Naturopaths tend to look at the body's functions from a holistic point of view, instead of looking at specific organs. We look at things from a health perspective to enhance overall general health and wellbeing using herbal medicine instead of prescriptions to bring the body back into balance.
There is growing appreciation of plants as medicinal agents. Public demand for access to natural remedies and alternatives is increasing at a massive rate. 79% of all prescriptions drugs originate from plants. Herbal medicine is still the most used form of medicine throughout world cultures today, more so than orthodox medicine. There are nearly 4,000 years of trial and error with natural medicine, whereas orthodox has only been around for a couple of hundred years. Orthodox medicine generally has its forte in surgical intervention or acute illnesses, whereas natural medicine's is in chronic illnesses and general health and wellbeing.
Naturopaths are like health coaches and teach methods so people can become self-reliant and take a proactive approach to their health, rather than prescribing a magic bullet that takes away natural physiological functions the body should be able to self regulate.
Many couples choose to go down the medical route first and start with IVF, and after that come seeking me, because the orthodox approach is not for everyone. Sometimes correcting underlying imbalances in the body can be just the key to having everything fall into place.
Do you think this book is needed more now as many women are waiting till later in life to have children?
Jason Jackson: Yes, the birth rate for women under 29 has almost halved over the past 20 years. The highest birth rate is now between the 30 to 34 age group for women. The fact is an average healthy couple in their 20s has a 20 percent chance of successful conception in any given month. After the age of 35, this success rate drops to a 10 to 15 percent chance. In a woman over 40, the odds drop to a 5 percent chance of conception. After the age of 45, chances of conception is about 1 percent. However, Jason believes these statistics are not solid, indisputable facts and there is still hope for women who can defy the laws of statistics and make the improbable happen. Even with these statistical odds, the number of births among women aged 45 to 49 today has increased a remarkable 500 percent from only a decade ago. Through our Greenslopes Naturopathic Clinic, at least 60 48-year-old women and more than a few 50-year-old women have given birth for the first time after being given little to no chance of natural conception.
Do you have a success story you can share with us?
Jason Jackson: When Cassandra Porter, aged 31 from Camp Hill, gave birth to daughter Sienna five weeks ago, it was the result of her and husband Ross' three-year-long struggle to have children. Natural medicine helped Cassandra conceive successfully following her diagnosis with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) - a hormonal disorder estimated to affect approximately six to ten percent of women of reproductive age. It is thought to account for as many as 50 percent of all female hormone-linked cases of infertility. Natural fertility treatments have resulted in healthy babies for over 5,500 couples who were losing hope of becoming parents before they visited my clinic over the past 15 years.Making Babies
Zeus Publications
Author: Jason Jackson
Price: $38.95
Infertility currently impacts more than one in six Australian couples and this trend is increasing. One in three couples is predicted to be affected within the next ten years.
Today men are overtaking woman as the leading cause of miscarriage. Male reproductive disorders are estimated to contribute between 50 and 70 per cent of genetic miscarriages in western countries.
Jason Jackson is a naturopath who specialises in fertility and has helped over 5,500 couples overcome fertility problem.
Why are fertility levels declining so rapidly?
Jason Jackson: Marriage and parenthood are happening later in life than ever before
Exposure to chemicals interferes with reproductive health
Lifestyle-related diseases are affecting fertility.
How can you tell if you have a reproductive health problem?
Jason Jackson: Infertility is clinically diagnosed after a couple has been unsuccessful in their attempts to conceive after one year of trying to fall pregnant. It can also refer to the inability to carry a pregnancy to term
Infertility can affect the male or female partner, or both
There are a range of tests couples can have that can usually reveal the cause.
Are men contributing to infertility now more than before?
Jason Jackson: Yes, men are overtaking women as the leading cause of miscarriage
Male reproductive disorders are estimated to contribute between 50 and 70 percent of genetic miscarriages in western countries
30 percent of men with adequate sperm have trouble fertilizing a healthy female's ovum.
What are some of the reasons why men could be infertile?
Jason Jackson: Factors impeding male fertility can include poor nutritional status, drug and chemical exposures, heavy metal toxicity, obesity and emotional and hormonal problems
Or the problem could be as simple as overheating of the testes, often caused by wearing tight-fitting underpants.
What are the main ways you can improve your fertility naturally?
Jason Jackson: Natural medicine philosophy is to treat the person as a whole from a health perspective, by modifying the diet and using mineral and vitamin supplements
It's important to have a balanced lifestyle with plenty of exercise and sleep
Reducing stress is also important because stress interrupts fertility hormones.
What foods can help improve fertility and what foods should you avoid?
Jason Jackson: Both partners need a constantly healthy diet, high in vegetables, protein and fish, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.
Foods used throughout history to get you in the mood for love include: almonds, asparagus, caviar, champagne, chocolate, fresh figs, garlic, honey, oranges, oysters and walnuts.
Foods to avoid include: artificial sweeteners, caffeine, lunch meats, food additives and preservatives, peas and soybean precuts, peas and spinach, sweets, soft drinks, saturated fat and rare red meats.
How can stress lower fertility?
Jason Jackson: Excessive stress has been attributed to sexual dysfunction and infertility. It can create hormonal imbalance to the male and female reproductive system
The naturally occurring hormone progesterone that women need for fertility is frequently depleted by stress, which causes progesterone to be converted to the stress hormone cortisol
You can control stress with healthy lifestyle habits, effective goal setting, some specific vitamins and nutrients, calming herbs and aromatherapy.
Should you take a special vitamin if you're trying to get pregnant?
Jason Jackson: There are certain vitamins and minerals that may help improve fertility.
This is an important way to prepare for healthy conception for both men and women
Everyone's nutritional requirements vary, so having these prescribed by a naturopath may be more effective than buying over-the-counter multi-vitamins for fertility.
How can the oral contraceptive pill interfere with fertility?
Jason Jackson: The effects of the Pill appear to continue for a relatively long term after it is stopped
The Pill scrambles brain-ovary communication channels and takes time to unscramble them. Most women need 2 to 3 months at least to return to a normal cycle
A study found nearly 25 percent of women could not fall pregnant for at least 13 months after stopping the Pill.
What are some of the causes of female infertility?
Jason Jackson: These days, many women as young as 30 are not ovulating regularly and this could be because ovulation is blocked by environmental oestrogen mimics, such as organochlorine pollution (insecticides stored in fatty tissue), plastic and pesticides.
It could also be due to chronically high insulin from a diet too high in sugar and refined flour
High insulin also causes the ovaries to produce testosterone, which is a primary cause of Poly Cystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
How common is miscarriage these days?
Jason Jackson: 1 in 5 pregnancies now ends in miscarriage. The Miscarriage Association in the UK estimated the rate may be as high as 1 in 3 or 2 in 5
The harsh reality is 5 out of 6 embryos will not have survived 8 weeks gestation in the womb.
Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester of pregnancy before 13 weeks.
The book explains all the medical drugs and procedures available for fertility. Can natural medicine complement conventional medicine to increase fertility success?
Jason Jackson: Medically assisted reproductive techniques (ART) may increase the chance of pregnancy if all other natural methods have been attempted.
Natural medicine can complement medically assisted techniques like IVF and may further improve the chances of conception. The two are not mutually exclusive.
Natural medicine may also offset many side effect of ART and help balance the immune system and improve general health and wellbeing.
Now the cost of medical treatments like IVF will increase because of new capping on Medicare Safety Net benefits, how can natural fertility treatments help people who may not be able to afford IVF?
Jason Jackson: Six to 10 months of natural fertility treatments is comparable to the cost of one IVF treatment
Natural medicine can help reduce the costs, side effects and emotional turmoil of IVF and further improve chances of conception. It can also improve overall health and wellbeing.
How can the lunar cycle affect fertility?
Jason Jackson: These days there are tips for gardening by the moon and even hairdressing by the moon apparently….
The moon could also affect baby making and although there is no scientific proof, attempting natural conception at the peak of the lunar cycle may warrant consideration
Many women are known to ovulate on the full moon and have their periods on the new moon.
Does having an orgasm affect your chances of conception?
Jason Jackson: We know males have to orgasm for fertility to have a chance, but the type of orgasm a female has might also have some bearing on conception
It's been suggested that orgasms via the G-spot, or Graftenberg spot, stimulation are more likely to result in conception that orgasms via clitoral stimulation, although this hasn't been conclusively proven.
How does nature decide gender and how can you influence the gender of your child?
Jason Jackson: According to the Billing's or rhythm method of timing female fertility, the closer intercourse is to the peak ovulation time, the better chances of conceiving a boy
The further away from ovulation (within viable sperm life span of two to four days) the better your chances of having a girl
Studies have shown very high success rates to prove this theory must have some merit.
12 ways to improve fertility
Here are Jason's top 12 tips for how to improve fertility:1. Go off any contraceptive pills or devices 3 to 6 months before attempting conception
2. Limit or discontinue all unnecessary drugs/medication (under doctor's advice)
3. Males should avoid overheating on the testicles and consider wearing loose-fitting clothes and boxer under-shorts
4. Consider adopting a pre-conception health program for both sexes 3 to 6 months prior to trying to fall pregnant
5. Eat a good well-balanced diet and substitute with live organic wholesome foods where possible. A high quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement designed for reproduction health may be recommended
6. Nutrients of particular importance for male reproductive health may include: zinc, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, selenium, L-carnitine, Larginine, taurine, folic acid; and Co Q 10
7. Herbs of particular importance for male reproductive health may include: tribulus; panax and Siberian ginseng; damiana; withania; saw palmetto; horny goat weed; maca root; morinda officinails; oats; muira puama; rhodiola; shativai; and schisandra.
8. Nutrients of particular importance for female reproductive health may include: folic acid, zinc, Vitamin E, Vitamin C; essential fatty acids; Vitamin B complex (especially B6 and B12); Vitamin A (low dose); selenium (low dose)l magnesium; and iron (if required)
9. Herbs of particular importance for female reproductive health may include: false unicorn root; true unicorn root; vitex; paeonia; shativari; tribulus; dong quai; liquorice; black cohosh; cramp bark' raspberry leaf; and wild yam
10. If natural conception has not occurred after a full year or timed, unprotected intercourse, consider seeking further advice from your gynecologist and/or natural therapist regarding test and treatment options
11. Avoid excessive exposure to stress, heavy metals, electro-magnetic fields, chemicals and other pollutants
12. Further investigations such as: sperm analysis, blood work of hormone function; ultrasounds; and physical examinations may need to be considered to rule out any underlying medical condition that may be affective fertility.
Fertility Statistics
11 foods used throughout history to get you in the mood for love
1. Almonds- Nuts, seeds and pulses contain plant chemicals called phytosterols, which are known to promote testosterone production. Nuts can contain magnesium, which balances level of hormone prolactin, which can compete with testosterone. Almonds are regarded as the most nutrient-containing nut high in important reproductive system nutrients including zinc and L-arginine. Sunflowers are regarded as the most nutrient-containing seed.2. Asparagus- You're not alone if long, firm, tender stalks evoke erotic images. Nineteenth-century bridegrooms were served three courses of asparagus due to its supposed love-giving powers.
3. Caviar- Is reputed to have been the virility booster for both Casanova and Rasputin. You too can be a 'Sexual Adonis'.
4. Champagne- known for centuries as the drink of love, moderate quantities of champagne can lower inhibitions and cause a warm, glowing feeling. Just check out the famous lover Casanova- he used to champagne to conquer his many lovers.
5. Chocolate- 'Aztec viagra' a renowned aphrodisiac, it may be because the feel-good chemicals it releases. Chocolate/pure cacao is high in the mood-enhancing amino acid DL-phenylalanine, Phenylethylamine (PEA) which improves opiate (eg Dopamine) responses in the brain. Chocolate is both a sedative that relaxes, and a stimulant that increases desire.
6. Fresh Figs- ancient Greeks celebrated seasonal crops in a frenzied copulation ritual. Many believe the shape of the figs represent womanhood. The legendary Cleopatra's favourite fruit was said to be the fig.
7. Garlic- in studies garlic was given in drinking water doses of 100mg per kilogram of body weight per day over a 3-month period. Results showed that there was significant increase in weight of seminal vesicles, epididymides and the sperm counts were also significantly elevated.
8. Honey- Sweet, spreadable and smoothing, honey is the ultimate love food. While Egyptians offered it to the god of fertility, other cultures encouraged newlyweds to lick honey off each other's palms, ensuing a sweet life together.
9. Oranges- age-old customs says lovers who bathe in orange-scented water after the first time they make love will have a long lust-filled union. Oranges soaked in Grand Marnier liqueur and dipped in chocolate are said to set the loins on fire.
10. Oysters- were another favourite of Casanova who reputedly ate 50 raw ones every day in the bath, with his lady of the moment. They're high in zinc and mucopolysaccharides- essential for the production of sex hormones- and the repeated changing of the oysters's sex from male to female gives it sexual mystique.
11. Walnuts- are a good source of copper, and were used by the Romans to increase libido and sexual desire. They were thrown at newlyweds to increase fertility. If you suffer from an under-active thyroid condition excessive ingestion of walnuts may potentially worsen the condition by increasing the clearance of thyroid hormone, thyroxine, from the body, through they may benefit those with an overactive thyroid condition.
Fertility-Boosting Smoothie
This drink is highly nutritious, packed with protein and makes a delicious, refreshing liquid snack that may help improve fertility.Simply blend and serve:
1 teaspoon honey (5 grams)
1 teaspoon lecithin powder
1 teaspoon LSA powder (blend of linseed (flaxseed), sunflower seed, and almond nuts in a finely ground powder
1 teaspoon wheat germ (powder or oil)
1 teaspoon yoghurt (acidophilus cultured)
1 raw egg (medium size- organic) (note: only a maximum of 3 per week)
½ medium-sized banana (1/2 a cup of strawberries or mango pieces can also be used together or alternatively to vary flavor)
250ml low-fat milk, soy milk, nut milk or rice milk (preferred)
Options:
Add 1 tablespoon of low-fat ice cream, sorbet or preferably gelato.
Carob powder is also highly nutritious and can add additional flavor and texture re to the mixture.
Baby Making Juice
Juice therapy is a method of detoxifying and cleansing the body of unwanted chemicals, wastes and toxins and supplying beneficial nutrients needed to fight disease. Fresh juices provide unusually high quantities and concentrations of food's life force.Here is a recipe that may be beneficial for baby-making:
2 carrot sticks (average size)
2 celery sticks (average size)
¼ raw beetroot (average size)
¼ apple (preferably peeled Red Delicious variety)
Options:
Add small amounts of broccoli, brussel sprouts, silver beet, kale, cabbage, wheat grass, barley grass, ginger, cranberries, or a pinch of parsley.
Blend together in a vegetable juicing machine and dilute the remaining juice with 50% water (half and half) to make approximately 250ml of juice that can be served daily. Do not store for long periods of time as the vital enzymes can be lost via oxidation. It is best to make and drink as you go!
These are some fresh juice combinations that may be beneficial for various reproductive health issues:
Menstrual problems: beet, beet green, swiss chard and water cress
Impotence problems: alfalfa sprouts, kale, lamb's quarters and wheatgrass
Prostate problems: asparagus, parsley, cherry, pear, strawberries and watermelons
Pregnancy: alfalfa sprouts, bean sprouts, beet, beet greens, carrot, kale, lamb's quarters, parsnip, swiss chard, grapefruit, peach and watermelon.
Foods to avoid for optimum reproductive health
1. Artificial sweeteners- there are still few conclusive studies that prove whether artificial sweeteners have negative effects on fertility. Products that contain saccharin and aspartame such as NutraSweet or Equal may best be avoided to be on the safe side. Aspartame is converted to formaldehyde (a poison) once it reaches temperatures in excess of 30 degrees Celsius; this occurs once it has been ingested. It is then converted to fromic acid, which is very highly toxic substance; aspartame is potentially one of the deadliest neurotoxins in the world. Sucralose has a chlorinated base similar to DDT and is linked to auto-immune disease. Asculfame K is also quite nasty as it is linked to causing cancers and leukemia.2. Caffeinated foods and drinks- if you really can't do without your morning cuppa, I would recommend trying to switch coffee products for tea as a starter. Tea as a rule normally contains a quarter to half the amount of caffeine that most coffee-based products. Tea also contains several chemical compounds such as aromatic polyphenol and hypoxanthine that may have some benefits for fertility. Having stated this, it is still warranted to keep caffeine intake to very moderate amounts. Caffeine can also be in various medications, stimulants like No-Doz, weight loss pills, and herbs such as guarana and kola nut. Check product packaging details to verify caffeine content. Also back-off milk/dairy products as much as possible.
3. Lunch meat products- many of these food contain nitrates and nitrites which are linked to increasing certain cancer growth.
4. Food additives and preservatives- Monosodium glutamine (MSG) and BHA are well known for causing sensitivity reactions and affect body hormone activity and respectability. Hormones such as oestrogen can be particularly imbalanced, which can reduce fertility and/or foetal development. MSG is found as an additive in a lot of foods such as Chinese takeaway, flavoured chips, meat seasoning and packaged soups.
5. Peas and soybean products- can potentially have an effect on fertility as these foods contain phyto-oestrogens. Phyto-oestrogen- containg foods have been extensively studied and are proven to exert numerous health benefits particular for menopause symptoms and on hormone-dependent cancers, but in excessive amounts these phyto-oestrogen foods exert oestrogen-mimicking-like effects that can be undesirable when trying to fall pregnant. These foods can possibly unbalance other reproductive hormone levels. Peas contain a natural chemical called m-xylohydroquinone, which has been shown in studies to exert a contraceptive effect and can reduce sperm production. Also check on product packaging as these foods can be hidden or are major components of other food preparation.
6. Peanuts and spinach- excessive intake of these foods can possibly reduce body calcium levels, which in turn can affect other nutrient balances and your baby's growth.
7. Sweets, soft drinks and refined-sugar products- excessive intake of these items can contribute to blood sugar fluctuation problems such as hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which in turn can affect other reproductive hormone levels. Sugar leaches the body of precious vitamins and minerals due to its effect on the body's acidity (ph balance) and increased demand on the detoxification and elimination systems. Every organ in the body can be affected by sugar.
8. Saturated fats- excessive saturated fat consumption needs no great explanation about its negative effects on health and wellbeing. We have all heard how it can contribute to conditions such as: obesity, heart disease, cancer and oestrogen overload. Particularly try to avoid fried food and coconut oil.
9. Rare red meats- uncooked meats can carry contaminates and viruses such as toxoplasmosis that can potentially affect the health of baby during gestation.
MORE
- Midwife Cath Interview
- Colin Anson Interview
- Why Good Health is Essential to Increase Fertility
- 5 Beauty Products to Avoid When You are Pregnant
- Looking After You, Looking After Your Baby
- Andre Carvalho International Pregnancy and...
- NRL Player v Mums
- Safer Internet Day
- The Pink Elephants Support
- Edwina Sharrock Birth Beat Interview
- Make Mums Group Dad-Friendly
FEMALE.COM.AU
CONTACT US
FOLLOW US ON
Copyright © 2001 - Female.com.au, a Trillion.com Company - All rights reserved.
