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Fertility Nutrition Men's Fertility Pregnancy

Supplement Alert: Think Zinc for Fertility

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist
July 25, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Are you getting enough zinc for healthy fertility? Zinc is a key mineral for both male and female fertility. Yet, a zinc deficiency can be easy to overlook, even by a fertility specialist. Zinc deficiency is common, affecting 12% or more of the American population and as many as 2 billion people worldwide. Correcting a zinc deficiency is easy and could make a big difference in your fertility program. Read on to learn more about the signs of zinc deficiency, and the importance of zinc for fertility.

Zinc Deficiency – Signs and Symptoms

Note: Vegetarians and people over 60 are more at risk for zinc deficiency. High stress, intense training regimens, pregnancy and breastfeeding also deplete zinc stores. Ask a doctor to check your levels if you’re unsure, but be aware that blood tests don’t check for cellular zinc (where most zinc is stored).

  • Acne, eczema, and dermatitis- Lack of zinc can cause you to be more prone to skin problems.
  • Smell and taste loss- Do your favorite foods taste different or bland? If so, you may need more zinc.
  • Low libido- Low zinc can affect libido in both sexes.
  • Digestive issues like leaky gut syndrome or diarrhea- Lack of zinc can impair healthy digestion and elimination. In turn, having a digestive issue decreases your body’s zinc absorption.
  • Frequent infections- Low zinc weakens a healthy immune response, increasing frequency of colds, flu and other infections.
  • Hair loss and white spots on the nails- Low zinc can cause hair loss and white spots on the nails.
  • Degenerative disease (atherosclerosis, arthritis)- A zinc deficiency increases inflammation and free radical activity involved in the onset of degenerative diseases.
  • Poor hearing and slow wound healing- Lack of zinc affects hearing and slows the healing of wounds.
  • Stunted growth- Zinc deficiency often causes stunted growth in children.

Zinc & The Fertility Connection

Zinc is a fertility nutrient for both sexes. Zinc is critical to the synthesis of DNA and RNA, as well as healthy egg and sperm production. While not a direct cause of infertility, a deficiency in zinc can lead to chromosomal abnormalities that can, in turn, lead to fertility problems or increased miscarriage risk.

Zinc and Male Fertility

For men, zinc is key to normal testosterone production and sperm formation. It’s highly concentrated in seminal fluid, and is important for sperm morphology and motility. Zinc particularly supports the outer layer of sperm and the tail. Zinc may even enhance fertility for men who have been smokers by helping to offset the harmful effects of metals like cadmium in cigarettes.

Supplementation with zinc has been found to increase testosterone, sperm count and motility. One study published in Fertility and Sterility finds men who take folic acid and zinc together experience a stunning 74% increase in total sperm count! 


Zinc and Female Fertility

For women, zinc supports hormonal balance and a healthy menstrual cycle. It encourages regular ovulation and nourishes the ovarian follicles. Zinc encourages proper protein metabolism for egg health, and enriches follicular fluid for implantation support. Note: The ovulatory cycle of an egg is around 90 days, so it takes at least 90 days of zinc supplementation to experience improvements with your egg health.

In addition, zinc supports blood sugar balance, and the body’s use of estrogen and progesterone. Zinc even blocks excess androgen production, helping to normalize symptoms like acne and hirsutism in women with PCOS. Zinc also works with the minerals selenium and iodine to promote thyroid hormone production- good news for women with hypothyroidism, another fertility blocker and miscarriage factor.

Zinc and Healthy Pregnancy

Zinc is critical for a healthy pregnancy. A lack of zinc can affect the mother’s health, and the baby’s growth, brain development, and immune system. An Indian study finds babies with low birth weights have lower mortality rates when clinically supplemented with zinc. A Journal of the American Medical Association study shows zinc can increase a baby’s head circumference and weight, particularly for pregnant women who are very thin.

Zinc-rich Foods and Supplements

Zinc is very easily consumed in your Fertility Diet. To shore up your dietary zinc, include more of the following foods in your diet:

 

raw pumpkin and sesame seeds
nutritional yeast
wheat germ
chickpeas
lentils
quality seafood (shrimp)
oysters
grass-fed beef
organic poultry
organic, cage-free eggs

 

Zinc is also included in a high-quality prenatal vitamin or a fertility multivitamin like Fertile Woman One Daily. For general dosage, strive for 15-30 mg daily. If you need extra zinc long term, make sure your supplement contains copper, as long-term supplementation can deplete copper levels.

Summary

Improving your zinc status can make a big difference for your fertility health, hormonal balance, and overall health. Most people notice better skin texture, fewer colds and flu, and improved libido right away if their levels have been low. When using zinc from supplements or foods, take comfort in the knowledge that it’s working to support your fertility safely and naturally at a deep body level.

References

  • Page, L. and Abernathy, S. (2011). Healthy Healing 14th Edition.
  • Briden, L. (2017, Jan.). 7 Ways Zinc Rescues Hormones. Retrieved from: http://www.larabriden.com/7-ways-zinc-rescues-hormones/
  • Brabaw (2016, Aug.). 6 Signs You’re Not Getting Enough Zinc. Retrieved from: http://www.prevention.com/health/6-signs-youre-not-getting-enough-zinc/slide/3
  • Rodriguez, H. (2017). Zinc: How Critical Is It To Your Fertility. Retrieved from: http://natural-fertility-info.com/zinc-fertility.html
  • Zinc Deficiencies a Global Concern. (2009, Sept). Retrieved from: http://oregonstate.edu/ua/ncs/archives/2009/sep/zinc-deficiencies-global-concern
  • Zinc In Your Pregnancy Diet. (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.babycenter.com/0_zinc-in-your-pregnancy-diet_673.bc
  • Zinc Supplementation During Pregnancy. (2017). Retrieved from: http://www.who.int/elena/titles/zinc_pregnancy/en/
  • Zolton, R.. (2016, June). 6 Ways To Boost Male Fertility Naturally. Retrieved from: http://www.alive.com/family/6-ways-to-boost-male-fertility-naturally/
  • Wong WY, Merkus HM, Thomas CM, Menkveld R, Zielhuis GA, Steegers-Theunissen RP. (2002, March). Effects of folic acid and zinc sulfate on male factor subfertility: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility; 77(3):491-8. Retrieved from: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(01)03229-0/fulltext

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About the Author

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist

Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She's the Co-Author of "Healthy Healing" with over 1 million copies sold, a Certified Herbalist, and a health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies program at East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from St. Mary's College. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

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@NaturalFertilityInfo

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☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.

It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*

2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*

3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*

4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*

5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

Type ‘TEA’ in the comments below if you would like 10% off your first order or Reproductive Support Tea and I will DM you a discount link. 👇👇

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Lack of ovulation is one of the most common causes of infertility.

BUT you can help support your body to regularly ovulate again when hormonal health is found.

Here are some steps you can take to support yourself….

1️⃣ Eat healthy fats like avocado, chia, flax, nuts & seeds

2️⃣ Eat an abundance of whole foods 🥦🍉🥗🍇

3️⃣ Increase circulation to the reproductive system through exercise, Self Fertility Massage and castor oil packs.

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#ovulation #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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It is easy to use and the calming effects can be felt pretty quickly after starting the herb. 

➡️ The hormonal support results take a bit longer, as with any hormone supportive herb, but is wonderful for both women and men who are experiencing high stress and hormone imbalances. 

Type ASH in the comments below and I will share which Ashwagandha I recommend and how to use it for fertility support. 👇👇

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1️⃣ Regulates hormones: Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is known to regulate the production of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and prolactin, which can help to balance out estrogen and progesterone levels, promoting fertility.

2️⃣ Improves ovulation: Vitex can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve ovulation in women with irregular cycles or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

3️⃣ Decreases symptoms of PMS: Vitex can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings, which can improve overall health and well-being.

Want to know which Vitex I recommend and how to use it? Type VITEX in the comments below 👇

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1️⃣ Regulating menstrual cycles: Red raspberry leaf is believed to help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles, making it easier for women to conceive.

2️⃣ Strengthening the uterus: Red raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin C, which are believed to help strengthen the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy.

3️⃣ Improving egg quality: Some studies suggest that red raspberry leaf may improve egg quality and increase the chances of conception.

4️⃣ Reducing morning sickness: Red raspberry leaf is also believed to help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness, which can be especially beneficial for women who are trying to conceive.

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They can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the production, transport, and function of hormones. 🚫

This can lead to a variety of health problems, including fertility issues. 

Examples of xenohormones include certain pesticides, plastics, and phthalates. 🕯️

Exposure to these chemicals can affect the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which play key roles in fertility. 

Xenohormones can also affect ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to infertility. 

It would be best to avoid these chemicals as much as possible. 

👇👇To  learn more about which chemicals to avoid and which products are most important to replace type in ‘TOXIC’ in the comments below to get my guide to Creating a Healthy Home for Fertility Pregnancy & Family 👇👇

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Some research suggests that certain VOCs, such as phthalates, may disrupt hormone balance by mimicking estrogen and other hormones in the body. 🚫

It’s always a good idea to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, which produce fewer VOCs. 🐝

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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1️⃣ Eat a diet high in fiber. More fruits and veggies

Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess hormones and fruits and veggies are packed with fiber. They also are very hydrating and have lots of nutrients. All are useful for someone with heavy cycles. 

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Fertility charting will help you to understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path. 

3️⃣ Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

The first phase of the Fertility Cleanse is a great way to help support the liver in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones. The second phase focuses on the uterus and helping the uterus to cleanse and increase circulation.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Ovulation may come a day before or a day later even in normal some cycles. 

We actually expect to see natural variations between menstrual cycles. 

Early ovulation can be concerning, however, when/if it consistently happens. 

➡️ If you would like to learn what you can do to help balance a short follicular phase type EARLY in the comments below and I will send you a link to my guide….👇👇

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#fibroid #fibroids #naturalfertility #fibroidfertility #fibroiddiet

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When in doubt get it checked out. 

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There are many different reasons this could be happening, but we first want to make sure it isn’t something that requires medical assistance before going on to healthy lifestyle support.

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Over the past 20+ years that I have been an herbalist I have seen what herbs can do to help turn someone’s health around. 

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That is one of the reasons I make herbal blends & formulas. 

Three of my favorite herbs are vitex, maca and shatavari, but they each have different effects on the body. 

So the key to success with fertility herbs is to first figure out what is going on in your body and then you can pick the right herbal formula for you. 

You can do this by charting your fertility (I have a lot of posts about fertility charting on my feed as well as my website) and also paying attention to your period. 🩸

To learn more about my herbal formulas for fertility support type HERBS in the comments below and I’ll share a link to my formulas 👇👇

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Jan 24

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👇READ THIS if you have a regular period but still haven’t gotten pregnant…. 

The answer is YES. The menstruation phase of a monthly fertility cycle is only one stage of the cycle. 

There are many other times of the month that are even more important like: 

🌸 Follicular phase: When the lining is growing and follicles are maturing

🌸 Ovulation: When the egg is released

🌸 Implantation: When the fertilized egg implants

🌸 Luteal phase: The time period between ovulation and the next cycle needs to be long enough for implantation to occur. 

Wondering how to start supporting your fertility naturally? 

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#periods #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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Endometriosis can impact fertility and having a healthy pregnancy. 

Preparing ahead of time and taking the steps can make a big difference. 

Type ENDO in the comments below if you would like my natural guide to supporting your fertility regardless of having endometriosis....💛👇
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