The relationship between diet and fertility - what you need to know
2019-06-13
A few studies have determinate a direct relationship between fertility and diet.
Fertility is a topic that for many men and women can pose a lot of concerns - both physically and emotionally.
Everyone is different, and while some couples can conceive easily and without much fuss, others may struggle and turn to professional medical intervention - or even holistic means - to turn their dream of having a child into a reality.
Much research has been conducted in recent years into the links between diet and fertility, with the health aisle of any bookshop boasting titles dedicated to overhauling your chance of conception with simple diet and lifestyle changes.
Much of the time, the underlying physical issues are more complex than diet can alter, but nevertheless, the research is astounding enough for us to dive a little deeper into it this month!
Boost fertility the healthy way
Believe it or not, there is a Fertility Diet to go along with the many other diet trends - many of which we’ve detailed on the La Española blog.
One of the primary elements of the Fertility Diet is the introduction of antioxidant-rich foods into your daily meal plan. Sweet potatoes, leafy greens, carrots, spinach, blueberries, tomatoes, mangoes, oranges, nuts and seeds and salmon and tuna are all rich in antioxidants, and coincidentally all staples of our favourite lifestyle choice - the Mediterranean Diet.
It goes without saying that giving up smoking, decreasing your alcohol and caffeine intake and exercising regularly are all important for maximising your fertility.
A daily dose of Vitamin C and B12 has also been proven to boost the quality of sperm and promote healthy DNA.
Shift the excess weight for a better chance at conceiving
It’s no secret that excess weight can bring with it a litany of health problems. Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of problems excess weight can bring, but did you know that that also branches out to your fertility as well?
Women carrying excess weight can experience issues with ovulation, while the quality of an overweight man’s sperm can be compromised as well.
As a result, studies have shown that losing weight can dramatically impact your chance of conceiving.
The verdict is in. Undertaking a clean, healthy lifestyle - much in line with the philosophy behind the Mediterranean Diet - is a solid first step on the road to boosted fertility.
