The saying “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food” may be unfamiliar to you, and this is especially important when a couple is planning to start a family; But despite ample evidence that nutrition is crucial to both male and female fertility, it is often overlooked. While nutrition can be a risk factor for reduced fertility, it can also be a protective factor for fertility and a healthy pregnancy; Therefore, a balanced and healthy diet can have positive effects on fertility and increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant.
Let’s look at some factors where nutrition and fertility are linked:
1. Body mass and composition –
A. Underweight: Underweight women may stop ovulating altogether or experience irregular menstrual cycles. Fertility may be affected by this.
B.Obesity: Obesity has an impact on fertility in both men and women. In women, it can cause ovulation disorders, irregular menstrual cycles, and diseases including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It may affect sperm quality in men.
2. Eating Habits –
A. Folate: Preventing neural tube abnormalities in growing fetuses requires adequate folate consumption. Women who want to become pregnant should take folic acid supplements both before and during the early stages of pregnancy.
B. Iron: Loss of ovulation or absence of ovulation may occur in women with iron deficiency. It is important to make sure iron levels are appropriate for both genders.
C. Omega-3 fatty acids: The development of the baby’s brain and eyes depends on omega-3 fatty acids. They can also positively affect the fertility of both men and women.
Dr Shobha Gupta, Gynecologist and Infertility Specialist, Medical Director, Mother’s Lap IVF Center in New Delhi and Vrindavan, in an interview with HT Lifestyle, shared that protective factors are factors that can increase your chances of having a healthy ovulatory cycle. You increase your chances of producing enough nourished sperm to support pregnancy in a woman or enough motile, well-structured sperm in a man. She explained: “Males and females need different nutrients for fertility, but there are a variety of dietary habits and foods that are generally advantageous. Regular, consistent meals that include adequate amounts of fish, vegetables, iron and healthy fats give your body what it needs for optimal fertility.” “Dieticians can determine whether a person is eating enough of certain micronutrients that are vital for each stage of ovulation and sperm production.”
It found that nutritional risk factors for fertility, on the other hand, are certain dietary patterns, foods, or diet-related biochemical changes that reduce your chances of healthy ovulation and sperm production, and include:
A. Alcohol and Caffeine: It is recommended to minimize alcohol intake during pregnancy as it has been linked to an increased risk of miscarriage. Excessive alcohol consumption can also harm fertility.
B. Sugar and Insulin Resistance: Diets rich in refined sugar have been linked to insulin resistance, a condition linked to disorders such as PCOS. Ovulation in women may be affected by insulin resistance.
Probably the most important risk factor for reduced fertility is being overweight or underweight. Dr Shobha Gupta said: “For women, a body mass index (BMI – a measure of how much you weigh compared to your height) of over 30kg/m2 or below 20kg/m2 can lead to reduced fertility. In this case, keeping your weight safe and healthy.” Seeing a dietitian to get you closer to a nutritionally healthy weight can significantly increase your fertility. In addition, diets high in saturated fat, simple sugars or alcohol also lead to decreased fertility in both men and women, as mentioned above. It is essential for ovulation and sperm production and improves your fertility. There are certain micronutrients that may be missing from your diet, affecting your diet.In this case, food is always the best option to ensure adequate intake, but a supplement may also be necessary.
Additionally, lifestyle factors such as inactivity also reduce your fertility. Moderate to regular exercise has a good effect on fertility and overall health. On the other hand, women who exercise excessively may experience menstrual irregularities and, most importantly, their reproductive hormones may be affected by long-term stress. Yoga and meditation are two stress reduction methods that can help. Decreased fertility may be linked to high triglyceride and cholesterol levels in your blood test results. “Depending on the results of each test and family history, this condition may be treated with medication or a special diet.”
According to Dr Shobha Gupta, a healthy and balanced diet can positively impact fertility and increase the chances of getting pregnant due to a healthy lifestyle and intake of essential nutrients.
- improves egg and sperm quality respectively,
- regulates hormones,
- Promotes a healthy and regular menstrual cycle,
- Supports uterine health,
- balances blood sugar levels,
- reduces inflammation
- promotes overall health
“Contact a nutritionist for a full nutritional assessment and customized recommendations to ensure you have an optimal diet that provides all the macro and micronutrients necessary for a healthy ovulation cycle, healthy sperm production and a successful pregnancy,” concluded Dr Shobha Gupta. Recommended. .”