Research
studies indicate that sperm counts may be declining worldwide over
the last half-century, particularly in men from developed regions
such as the United States and Europe. Increased stress, lifestyle
changes, and environmental contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides,
and hormone-altering chemicals have been cited as possible causes.1
As
noted in a recent review on the topic, "a multi-faceted therapeutic
approach to improving male fertility involves identifying harmful
environmental and occupational risk factors, while correcting underlying
nutritional imbalances to encourage optimal sperm production and
function."2 The following functional assessments
provide valuable clinical guidance in utilizing this approach to
optimize sperm quality in men.
Male
Infertility and Oxidative Stress: Men with higher levels of free radicals in their bodies have
a seven-fold reduced likelihood of initiating a pregnancy.
Male
Infertility and Element Imbalances: Male fertility may
be impaired by exposure to even "moderate" levels of heavy
metals.
Male
Infertility and Amino Acids: Amino acids imbalances have
been linked to abnormal sperm quality.
Male
Infertility and Melatonin: Excess levels of melatonin
could be nature's way of "shutting down" sperm production.
Male
Infertility and IGF-1: Healthy
sperm formation and motility may depend on having adequate levels
of IGF-I in the body.
References
1 Telisman
S, Cvitkovic P, Jurasovic J, Pizent A, Gavella M, Rocic B. Semen
quality and reproductive endocrine function in relation to biomarkers
of lead, cadmium, zinc, and copper in men. Environmental Health
Perspectives 2000;108(1):45-53.
2 Sinclair
S. Male infertility: nutritional and environmental considerations.
Altern Med Rev 2000 Feb;5(1):28-38.
Teresa Rispoli has her Ph.D. in Nutrition, is a licensed
Acupuncturist and clinical researcher. She has been in
practice for well over 25 years. It is through her clinical
practice that she has gained insights into chronic health
conditions. If
you are suffering from unexplained symptoms that come and
go you may have hidden allergies. Find out today call for
a Nutritional Consultation with Dr. Rispoli.
Your
happiness is a reflection of your
health call today For an appointment,
contact her office at (800) 956-7083
or (818) 707-3125.
We also offer Functional Laboratory
tests that can be done through the
mail in the privacy of your home
to help determine why you are having
these symptoms. For more information
on these click on lab tests. |
