A third of couples are having trouble in conceiving. Infertility problems are twice as common now as previously thought. Billions are being spent on fertility treatments but only 47% of women go on to have a baby following expensive and emotionally draining treatment. Its not hard to see why couples are seeking more natural infertility treatments.

Reasons for infertility in women can include conditions such as endometriosis, blocked fallopian tubes and polycystic ovaries, conditions that affect the womb and ovaries. Men have problems with quantity, quality and motility of sperm.

Whilst some of the women's problems can be treated surgically many women are seeking and finding success in more natural approaches to increase fertility.

A holistic practitioner specializing in infertile couples will rule out other factors that can prevent

conception such as viral, bacterial, parasitic and yeast infections, allergies, poor food choices,

underweight or overweight, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, other metabolic problems, extremes of temperature and work and life stresses.

Many factors that cause infertility, miscarriage, complications of labor poor health in the newborn child can often be resolved with a specialized detoxification program.

There are more toxins in our environment today than ever before. They come from many everyday sources. Your drinking water may contain lead, aluminum (aluminium), copper and synthetic estrogen. Outdoor pollution, indoor pollution, radiation, household cleaning products, chemicals in food, chemicals in personal care products, dental amalgams are but a few of the things that place a tremendous burden on your body and deprive it of nutrients.

Resultant deficiencies of zinc, manganese and magnesium are very common amongst couples whose hair is analyzed for mineral deficiencies.

Ideally couples should start detox programs and lifestyle changes a year before they plan to conceive but in practice people rarely plan this far in advance. A minimum of 6 months should be allowed to correct underlying health problems, correct deficiencies and reduce the toxic burden.

As well as affecting your ability to conceive toxic chemicals are passed to your baby during pregnancy and breast feeding. The future health of your child is determined before birth.

Up to 78.4% of couples diagnosed as infertile have healthy babies compared to 22.6% with IVF with a holistic detox program. Specific herbal and nutritional combination blends are available for both men and women seeking alternative infertility treatment and they have been successfully used by couples to improve fertility.

Here are some basic guidelines that will help you detox to improve your fertility:

Avoid the following:

* All packaged and processed foods including white bread, white flour products.

* Alcohol

* Caffeine

* Street drugs and other drugs unless vital.

* Dairy products unless organic (contain hormones and hormone mimicking chemicals)

* Wheat

* Chocolate and cocoa

* Condiments (i.e. ketchup, relish, barbecue sauce, soy sauce)

* Trans and hydrogenated fats such as those found in shortening, margarine, and processed oils

* Peanuts (often contain moulds and toxins)

* Processed meats

* Salt, in excess

* Shellfish

* Soft drinks ( usually full of refined sugar and additives)

* Sweeteners: refined sugar/white sugar, brown sugar, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, honey, maple syrup.

* Feminine hygiene products

* Excessive use of hot tubs for men

* Tight underwear, cycle shorts, swimwear.

* Toxic chemicals including household cleaning products and sprays.

* Lubricants or douches that your partner may be using.

But do these:

* Start each day with a cup of boiled water and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

* Drink at least 8 x 8 oz glasses of filtered water a day.

* Replace fatty foods with lean organic or free range proteins, and eat these with every meal.

* Increase fresh fruit and vegetables and fresh vegetable juices

* Have regular meals to keep energy stable.

* Eat last meal by 8 pm to allow to fully digest before bed.

* Use cold pressed sunflower, safflower, hemp or flax-seed oil on salads and vegetables but do not heat. Use only olive oil or butter for cooking

* Eat live organic yogurt at least 3 times a week.

* Get some light exercise away from traffic and polluted areas every day.

* Try to get a good night's sleep.

* Get a hair mineral analysis done at a reputable lab and be guided by a nutritionist or doctor with an interest in nutrition for a corrective supplement program.

* Alternatively take a good quality multivitamin and mineral supplement rich in calcium, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C.

* Men may need to take additional supplements such as Lycopene 6.5 mg per day, Arginine 4 grams a day, Vitamin E 100-200 IU a day to improve sperm counts.

It is known that the body has remarkable healing powers given the right conditions. Improving nutrition with some positive lifestyle changes have worked wonders for some couples who have chosen alternative infertility treatment.