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POSTED June 30th, 2009 By Michelle Hughes

 A study led by New York -Presbyterian Hospital/Weil Cornell Medical Center has found that as many as half of all men taking the antidepressant medication paroxetine(Seroxat and Paxil) may have increased sperm defragmentation(missing pieces of genetic code) which can compromise fertility.

 The study followed 35 healthy male volunteers who were given paroxetine(SSRI) for five weeks. Results showed that the percent of participants with abnormal DNA  fragmentation rose from less that 10 per cent ot 50 per cent while taking the drug. DNA fragmentation is known to correlate with poorer fertlity and pregnancy outcomes even when techniques such as in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic injection are applied. It has also been linked to increased birth defects and decreased sexual function.

 Normal levels of sexual function and DNA fragmentation returned one month after discontinuation of the drugs.

 This is another example of how important it is for both partners to be commited to being in the best possible health prior to conception. This includes a healthy diet, restricting alcohol and caffeine for both, exercise, limiting exposure to toxins both inside and outside the house,understanding your medications and how they may affect fertility.

 We recommend a three month preconception plan for each couple to maximize their own health, enjoy a healthy pregnancy and baby. Pre-conception treatments can be done on-site at the clinic or we have many couples doing long distance treatment plans including personalized diet and lifestyle suggestions, herbal formulas and complimentary treatment suggestions such as acupuncture, massage, mind body work etc.

POSTED June 29th, 2009 By Michelle Hughes

 New reasearch form Spain shows that men who eat healthier diets may also have healthier sperm. Dr. Jamie Mendola of the University of Murcia, the lead researcher found that a well-balanced diet is useful for preserving and improving your reproductive health.

 Mendola compared the nutient content of the diets of 30 men with poor semen quality and 31 men with normal sperm who were attending fertility clinics. The men with poor semen quality had low sperm counts and a high percentage of abnormally shaped sperm. all men provided at least two semen samples.

 After controlling for cigarette smoking, age ,body mass index, and exposure to toxic chemicals the researchers found that diet remained an important factor. The men with normal semen ate more carbohydrates, fiber, folate, vitamin C and lycopene and less fat and protein.

“ Low levels of antioxidant nutrients in the diet seem to have a negative effect on semen quality” Mendola and his team write.

Fertility and Sterility May 2009

 I thought this was very interesting. Chinese medicine has known for thousands of years how important the diet is for overall health. some foods to include to nourish the essence(sperm and egg quality) include

-black sesame seeds

- walnuts

-raspberries

-oysters

-black beans

-kelp, parsley, seaweeds

-wheat germ

-wild rice

-eggs

-fish roe

-sprouts

Things to avoid include caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, simple carbohydrates, chemically processed foods, sweets and pastries.

POSTED June 11th, 2009 By Michelle Hughes