There are an abundance of factors that can affect a woman’s fertility. Female infertility can be the result of irregular ovulation, issues with the reproductive organs or a hormonal imbalance. These irregularities can be caused by simple genetics or conditions like endometriosis or even various lifestyle factors. Today we’ll be investigating the relationship between your diet and potential fertility concerns.
According to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, poor diet and an unhealthy lifestyle are heavily linked to infertility caused by irregular ovulation. The study found that following a “fertility diet” can help lower the risk of ovulatory disorder and resulting infertility. A combination of these diet recommendations and increased physical activity was found to significantly lower the risk of female infertility.
Finding and maintaining a healthy body weight can go a long way towards preventing infertility. Being either overweight or severely underweight can affect a woman’s hormone production and disrupt regular ovulation. It’s important to find the right balance between eating healthy and also ensuring your body is receiving the necessary nutrients to promote healthy reproduction.
The study explains that eating a diet rich in iron is recommended. Iron-rich foods like beans, eggs, spinach, tomatoes and beats can have a positive effect on your overall health and help boost fertility. Fruits and veggies with vitamin C can also help increase your body’s ability to absorb iron.
We also recommend the following diet tips to help general wellness and increase fertility:
- · Eat healthy fats – Trans fats can have a negative effect on your fertility. Instead try to ingest healthy fats from avocados, nuts, vegetable oils and fish like salmon.
- · Focus on non-animal proteins – Proteins from beans, vegetables and soy have also been found to increase fertility in women.
- · Dairy can be your friend – High-fat dairy products like whole milk and yogurt are recommended.
Regular visits to your board-certified gynecologist specializing in fertility can help detect and treat health conditions that might lead to infertility before they become an issue. During your visit with Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett, we will run through a variety of tests including a work-up, laboratory testing, an ultrasound and more to determine your fertility status. For more information on infertility, please contact Dr. Kristine Gould at Gynecology Associates of Gwinnett today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for more updates.
