Alright everyone let’s talk about one of my favorite things…ANTIOXIDANTS. Now, I feel like this is somewhat of a buzz word right now and everyone is saying that everything has antioxidants but let me give you the real spiel on these super awesome little guys and how they relate to fertility.
So first let’s talk about what an antioxidant is and what it does. Antioxidants are compounds that you get from fruits and vegetables, their job is to neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are molecules released after different normal reactions happen in the body. Free radicals are also produced in the body at a faster rate during times of mental and physical stress and when there are lack of vital nutrients or excess of sugar and processed foods. Every process causes a reaction like breaking down foods, making blood cells, breaking down fat, utilizing sugar and making your heart pump. These processes all emit free radicals that are then neutralized by an antioxidant. When there are not available antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E or other compounds from fruits and vegetables, they cannot be neutralized. If they can not find an antioxidant then they start taking important molecules from other cells in the body which ultimately turn that cell into a non functioning broken down cell. This then causes that broken down cell to start scavenging for that missing piece that was taken from them which they go and take from another cell which in turn causes this negative chain reaction.
When there are these cells that are not able to function properly because of lack of antioxidants and an over abundance of free radicals then we start to have a major problem. Oxidative stress is the technical name for the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants. When the oxidative stress occurs it causes cellular damage in tissues and disease in the body and can manifest in all sorts of ways. Infertility is one of the ways that it can manifest in men and women. Reproductive cells, including embryos (eggs), are very susceptible to damage from oxidative stress due to their rapid rate of growth. Low antioxidant status can cause infertility or miscarriage because the egg and uterine lining are not being protected so they can become damaged and unable to function properly.
To see an enlarged version of SpectraCell’s chart, click here.
There are also specific antioxidants that can affect hormones and other processes that pertain to fertility. Glutithione, which I like to think of as your master antioxidant, protects eggs (fertilized or not) from damage by oxidative stress. Protection of follicle stimulating hormone FSH on your embryo’s development is due largely to glutathione. N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) can improve ovulation and pregnancy rates in women with infertility due to PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) that do not respond to fertility drugs. It also can improve viability of endometrial cells in vitro. N-acetyl cysteine is also a precursor to Glutithione, the master antioxidant I mentioned earlier. Vitamin C increases serum progesterone levels. It can also induce ovulation in some women if they are deficient. It can also enhance the effect of the fertility drug Clomid (clomiphene). Selenium deficiency has been implicated in miscarriage and infertility. Vitamin E protects reproductive cells also known as follicles and may also improve the ability of fertilized egg to implant into uterine wall during IVF.
You can see now why it is so important to get in your fruits and vegetables, eat balanced meals and focus on good mental and physical health. All of these things affect your body in how it functions, this relates to fertility and everything else too.
Our first instinct is to then run out and buy all the supplements possible, but before you go and do that, I want to remind you that the best source of vitamins and antioxidants is always from food. It is also a great idea to pin point if you have any of these deficiencies so you can address that particular nutrient through food and, if its low enough, then possibly through a good and trustworthy supplement. I would love to help you figure that out by offering you the ability to take a Spectracell Micronutrient Test which allows us to look at all your nutrients to develop a focused plan to help you achieve your goals. Read more here about the test and reach out to me if you want help with your fertility process.
I have a list below of some foods that offer amazing antioxidants. Primary sources are in bold, these have a higher concentration of the nutrient. In regular font are secondary sources, meaning they have less of the nutrient in them but they are still beneficial.
Glutathione–Asparagus, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Garlic, Onions, Okra, Brussels Sprouts, Denatured Whey Protein, Raw Dairy Carrots, Squash, Spinach, Walnuts, Avocado, Raw Tomatoes, Curcumin
Cysteine–Meat, Eggs, Dairy
Coenzyme Q-10 (CoQ10)–Beef, Salmon, Sardines, Organ Meats, Spinach
Selenium–Brazil nuts, Tuna, Halibut, Sardines, Ham, Shrimp, Beef, Liver, Chicken, Cottage Cheese, Egg Spinach, Milk, Yogurt, Soaked Sprouted Lentils, Cashews
Vitamin E–Almonds, asparagus, avocados, brazil nuts, broccoli, spinach, sunflower seeds, walnuts, nuts and seeds
Alpha Lipoic Acid–Red meat and organ meats
Vitamin C–Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Leafy Greens, Citrus Fruit, Peppers, Berries, Tomatoes, Herbs, Cantaloupe, Mangos, Red Cabbage
I hope that this has helped you understand the connection between antioxidants and fertility. Eating well seems like such a basic thing, but it is encouraging to note how much of a difference a good diet has on our body and specifically in relation to our reproductive processes. Wishing you wellness and fertility!
**Information gathered from SpectraCell’s website to further explain the specific properties of antioxidants.