Our bodies are influenced by what we eat and our ability to conceive is no different. To prepare for my upcoming event, I have been doing a lot of research on the fascinating relationship between nutrition and fertility. I wanted to share with you some of the most intriguing connections I have found so far:
1. Choose Only Full Fat Dairy
Results from one of the largest and longest study on women’s health in America, the Nurses’ Health Study, showed that low-fat dairy contributed to infertility (when issues are based on ovulatory infertility) and full-fat diary increased fertility.
Low-fat dairy contains an imbalance of hormones compared to its full fat counterpart. Consuming this specific imbalance of hormones may contribute to an imbalance in the body’s own set of hormones which may increase the risk of ovulatory and fertility difficulties.
If you do decide to include dairy in your diet, 1-2 servings of full fat, preferable organic dairy per day is all you need for healthy fertility.
2. Make Plant Proteins a Priority
The Nurses’ Healthy Study suggest that getting your daily protein from as many different sources as possible and making at least half of your daily protein intake from plants (beans, nuts, whole grains, and seeds) may enhance fertility. The study found that replacing 25 grams of animal protein with 25 grams of plant protein was related to a 50% lower risk of ovulatory infertility.
The researchers suggest that the difference is due to the protein package. For example, red meat comes packed with much needed iron. However, beans and nuts come packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fiber which are needed as well for a healthy pregnancy.
Studies suggest that incorporating more plant proteins may be beneficial for male fertility as well.
3. Eat Good Quality Carbohydrates
To enhance your fertility focus on eating good quality carbohydrates such as whole grains, beans, vegetables, and whole foods. When possible, avoid refined carbohydrates such as soft drinks, potato chips, beer, and pizza.
The Nurses’ Health Study indicated that the quality of carbohydrates consumed had a greater impact on fertility than the quantity of carbohydrates consumed. Good quality carbohydrate may improve ovulation and enhance your chances of getting pregnant, while refined carbohydrates may do the opposite.
Whether you are interested in getting pregnant or not these behaviors are most likely beneficial for overall health as well. Everything in our body is closely interconnected and improvements in one area of our health, such as our reproductive systems, will have a noticeable impact on other areas as well.
If you are interested in learning more please click here to join me at my upcoming event on Nutrition & Fertility: What You Need to Know.
Love,
Renee
Thanks Renee! Great Info.