Approximately 40 years ago a scientist in Nebraska proposed that excessive oxidative stress might be associated with degenerative diseases. That scientist, Denham Harman, M.D., introduced what he called the “free radical theory of aging” and postulated that oxygen free radicals that are produced as a consequence of normal metabolism could be responsible for the progressive accumulation of changes associated with the increasing likelihood of diseases. The more this hypothesis has been researched in subsequent years, the more it has been validated.
When you are healthy and have optimal cellular function, your antioxidant defense systems are available to quench or detoxify damaging oxygen free radicals before they can wreak havoc with the cells, tissues, or organs of the body.
It is only when physiological systems are “toxic,” very high levels of damage occur to the body as a consequence of oxygen free radicals. This of course can increase the risk of ovulatory infertility.
Whole food Antioxidants and Fertility
Because free radicals have been implicated in ovulatory infertility, and low sperm count, antioxidants should, in principle, be some of the most important supplements used to reduce the risk of oxidation leading to infertility.
Antioxidants, those made in cells or absorbed from the diet, neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative injury. Among the antioxidants found inside cells are enzymes, glutathione, and CoQ10. Dietary antioxidants include vitamins C and E, flavonoids, and carotenoids. Also important are trace minerals including copper, manganese, selenium and zinc, which are essential for antioxidant-enzyme function. Such antioxidants are not only necessary to protect against ovulatory infertility but also to improve sperm production. Such antioxidants play a vital role in protecting the genetic material in sperms.
Your daily consumption of fruits and vegetables provide you with much of the beneficial antioxidants. Unfortunately, the soils from which our commercial or organic fruits and vegetables come from are most likely depleted, as well as there is no guarantee that the soil has been protected from free radical damage. This is why it is so important to supplement with antioxidant vitamins and antioxidant enzymes.
Antioxidant vitamins and enzymes are some of the most important supplements because of their different abilities to protect proteins, lipids, and DNA, leading to reducing the risk of infertility.
Why whole foods are the best antioxidant supplements
Most people take single antioxidant vitamins, such as Vitamins C, E and Beta Carotene. You are far better off using whole food antioxidants to nourish and protect your digestive system and immune system because whole food antioxidants contain the two types of antioxidants - the nutrients and their natural enzymes (man-made antioxidant supplements do not).
The antioxidant nutrients (such as vitamins A, C, and E) are derived from the diet and have their primary effect while circulating in the blood outside of the cells. The antioxidant enzyme system (super oxide dismutase "SOD", catalase and others found naturally in foods such as glutathione) is produced by the body inside and outside of the cells. This gives the antioxidant enzyme system a much greater advantage in controlling free radicals because free radical production occurs primarily inside the cell.
One of the best antioxidants on the market today is a supplement made from organically grown wheat and kale sprouts and also the wild micro algae.
Another Antioxidant to consider in your nutritional supplementation program to improve fertility
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). The natural main approach for improved fertility has been to prevent mitochondrial oxidative damage with the use of CoQ10.
CoQ10 is a component of the mitochondrial electron transport system and of energy production.
Supplementation with CoQ10 involved in energy metabolism has been shown to improve both sperm quality and motility.
The antioxidant supplement I recommend has a remarkable combination of organic olive and coconut oils providing a rich source of Omega-3 essential fatty acids along with wild-crafted micro algae.
A summary of the antioxidant supplements I suggest:
*Organic Sprouts and Algae - 90 capsules - $50.40
*Coenzyme Q10 (micro blended with organic micro algae, olive and coconut oils) - 30 capsules - $63.00
Other Supplements Needed For Natural Treatment Of Infertility
References:
Townsend Letter, “Sperm Meets Egg”, April 2013, pg. 49.
Townsend Letter, “The Impact of Diet and Nutrition on Ovulatory Infertility”, April 2015, pg. 48.
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