Did you know that DIY home renovations adversely affect fertility? Couples use many different types of chemicals during this process but heavy metals, solvents, paint thinners and pesticides are usually always amongst them. There is growing evidence that not only are single chemicals toxic to our body but combinations of them are even more so.* The problem with DIY are the couple breathe in the chemicals as they are using them as well as when they're sleeping as well as eating them because they ultimately end up on food as they settle from the air. Consequently their eggs and sperm are affected to the point where conception may not be possible at that time.
It usually takes the body six months to recover from renovations and rid itself of toxins. These toxins are called free radicals and have the capacity to break DNA. They are also formed in normal metabolic processes however it's useful to know that vitamins and minerals such as A, E, C, D and Selenium have the capacity to help your body get ride of them. Antioxidants are thus protective against gene and chromosome mutation. This means they will improve the chances of having a normal, healthy child. Vitamins A, C and E are able to bind to many toxins making them soluble which means they are easily eliminated through your kidneys.
You'll find vitamin A in: red, orange and green vegies, particularly red capsicums, dandelion greens, sweet potatoes, parsley, spinach, butternut pumpkin, watercress and mangoes.
You'll find vitamin E in: whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, wheat germ and oil, sunflower seeds and oil, safflower oil, almonds, sesame oil, olive oil, soya bean oil, spinach and salmon.
You'll find vitamin C in: red and green capsicums, kale, spinach, parsley, broccoli, brussel sprouts, watercress, cauliflower, red cabbage, berries, cherries, papaya, citrus fruits, grapes and rose hips.
You'll find vitamin D in: sardines, salmon, prawns, sunflower seeds, eggs and mushrooms.
You'll find the mineral Selenium in: Wheat germ, whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats, bran, barley, brazil nuts, scallops, lobster, prawns, crab, oysters, apple cider vinegar and garlic.
To get the most vitamins out of your food you must eat organically and as freshly as possible because vitamin content reduces daily with refrigeration and there are fewer vitamins in convention produce. Supplementing your diet is a very good idea in this crucial stage of egg and sperm development in the four months prior to conception, however you must make sure the supplements you are taking are good quality, in high enough doses to make a difference and that they can be easily absorbed into the body. Practitoner strength vitamins and minerals are often the best choice.
Sources:
Dr Judy Ford - "It Takes Two" which details specific chemicals and the research that has been done on them.
Francesca Naish & Janette Roberts - "The Natural Way to Better Babies - preconception health care for prospective parents".
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