Infertility is not something to be ashamed about because the condition can be cured, a traditional healer, Mrs Nkem Atu-Akowe, has said.
Mrs Atu-Akowe of the Kematez Specialist Nature Clinic at the Journalists’ Estate, Arepo, Ogun State, said one out of six couples experiences difficulty in getting pregnant, adding that this condition can be cured naturally.
According to her, nature can solve the root causes of infertility, by addressing the body system rather than just focusing on the reproductive system.
She said there are conditions that can substantially reduce couples’ chances of conception, adding that ordinary folic acid can aid conception.
Describing infertility, she said it is an alarming modern epidemic affecting many couples, adding that it not only troubles men but also women.
On the causes, she said, a gluten intolerance alone cannot cause infertility.
“However, the resulting inflammation in the gut can minimise your nutrient absorption and lead to deficiencies in nutrients you need for optimal sperm, egg and hormone production and a healthy pregnancy. Exposure to heavy metals, radiation, and toxic chemicals in some foods, drugs and other products can damage DNA. Recent Nutrigenomic (a study of the effects of nutrients on gene expression) research suggests what we eat can influence our gene structure and expression.
Mrs. Atu-Akowe advised couples to reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals, and environmental toxins (in the form of industrial chemicals) in utero and neonatally as they may dramatically affect adult fertility.
“Most chemicals used everyday do not go through the same checks as drugs. Consequently, poisonous chemicals end up circulating in our environment, food supply, air and water.
“The strongest evidence of heavy metals and environmental pollution adversely interfere with healthy reproductive function in women has been found for lead,” he said.
Women, she said, should take food with the right nutrients in the right combination.
On nutrition, she advised women to eat organic meat in small quantities, small deep sea fish such as sardines and red snapper, organic legumes home cooked (not canned), whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits.
Women can also get a belly rub to stimulate their overies,” she added.
On recommendation, she called for increased consumption of good fats and avoidance of dangerous fats. Good fats are mono-unsaturated fats in olive oil, polyunsaturated fats in oily fish and nuts and midchain fatty acids found in coconut oil.
Also, people should avoid dangerous fats. “Consuming trans fats hidden in foods such as doughnuts, biscuits, lollies, sweets, chocolate, chips, pies and fries may increase your risk of infertility by as much as 70 per cent.
“Scientists from the Harvard University School of Public Health advise women wanting to get pregnant to avoid all trans fats. The sole purpose of adding trans fats to food is to extend its shelf life,” she said.
