Does diet really matter?
This is a question I am asked so frequently.....
Lets discuss it.. I love this subject.
Infertility has become increasingly common. Once upon a time, you probably wouldnt know someone struggling to conceive, now there are usually a few people suffering around you. The increase is so apparent, that there are now these wonderful support networks/groups that have been created to share grief and experiences associated with infertility.
Over the years there have been many changes we (as humans) have made, which affect fertility. In my opinion some of the factors include technology, chemicals, stress levels, the age that couples are starting to try for a family (all of which I will elaborate on, in a separate blog)... but in my opinion… the champion of all the factors is; OUR DIETS !!!
So you may or may not know, that it takes approximately 90 days for our eggs to reach full maturity before it is ‘chosen’ to be released, within this time our eggs are easily influenced, so everything we eat or drink in this period of time will impact the quality of our eggs, this reflects on our overall health, and visa versa, so if we are constantly having colds, illnesses etc, how can we expect to have great quality beautiful eggs? The fluids we intake also hugely impact on this process and yes… that does include the sneaky binge of alcohol at the weekends! Diet has a huge impact on many other factors in the journey of conceiving such as:
Regulation of hormones
Promoting immune health, vitality and energy
Improved mucous production, which allows the sperm to survive longer
Encouraging a healthy womb lining, for the beautiful embryo to attach too
Sperm quality and many more
So many of my clients have PCOS which is linked to high insulin levels. (I will write another in depth blog about PCOS in the coming weeks) The raise in insulin is almost always linked to what we eat, such as fast release carbs, white pasta, bread, sugar etc, which has become so common in our diets nowadays, especially with some of the ‘diet plans’ now available. So be careful what carbs we eat, but remember they are important especially for our fibre intake, just choose wisely, such as brown rice, whole grains, oats etc.
**My top 5 foods to boost fertility – More to come **
Almonds, rich in Calcium, Vitamin E, Magnesium, Potassium, fibre and protein
Eggs, rich in protein, Vitamin A, Vitamin Bs, Selenium, Vitamin K and Zinc
Kale, rich in Vitamin K, Calcium, Vitamin E, Folate, Vitamin B3/B6 and Iron
Spinach, rich Vitamin K, Folate, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Co-enzyme q10
Sunflower seeds, rich in Vitamin E, Vitamin B1, Selenium, Magnesium, Niacin and Folate
"Your journey to fertility fitness is a minimum of 3 months, it is not about being perfect but it is about being persistent."
Sometimes the small consistent changes are the most important.. such as swapping a shop bought chocolate brownie rammed with sugar, for a home made sugar free chocolate brownie filled with yummy healthy nutrients.
Here are a few words from one of my pcos clients, who successfully conceived last year:
“On my first meeting Kerry really put me at ease due to me feeling rather anxious. Kerry went through my history and food diary to identify where I could make lifestyle changes that may help. She provided much needed advise on small diet changes and explained so much about my condition that I did not know”
Lasting words….
Every time you eat or drink you are either feeding your fertility or fighting it.
Much Love
K xx
