Infertility unfortunately affects about 10% – 15% of couples. Infertility testing and treatments are a costly and emotional route and may be avoided by taking a proactive approach when planning for pregnancy. Fertility is affected by factors such as age, body weight, nutrition status, smoking, alcohol, exercise, environmental chemicals, medications, and narcotics. There is a good chance that by adopting a healthier lifestyle, it could improve fertility rates.
For women, excess body fat can affect the amount and types of circulating hormones, which influence fertility and it’s estimated that 25% of ovulatory infertility can be attributed to being overweight.
It is know that even losing just 5% to 10% of total body weight can dramatically improve ovulation and pregnancy rates. In one small study, losing just 14 lbs drastically improved ovulation and pregnancy rates. Research shows that being underweight increases the chances of delivering a low birth weight infant or having a baby born preterm.
Nuts, seeds and grains: walnuts, pecans, sunflower seeds, peanuts, pistachios, buckwheat, millet and barley
Contact the clinic for personalised nutrition advice for optimal fertility