There are usually medical reasons why a couple experiences infertility, for instance, blocked fallopian tubes or a low sperm count.
However, previous research has shown that many cases of infertility are caused by poor nutrition and that once this is corrected, a normal fertility will resume.
Obesity - A Growing Problem
The obesity rate in Western countries has reached an all time high and become an international health crisis. Women who diet to lose weight prior to conception may then find that their new diet is too nutritionally restrictive and could hamper their chances of achieving a pregnancy.
Conversely, obesity is also a cause of infertility and in overweight women who have other medical and reproductive problems, their chances of conceiving with IVF are lower than average.
Some clinics refuse to treat obese couples for this reason and they may be asked to lose weight before commencing with treatment.
Lack Of Vitamins
Having a lack of various vitamins such as vitamin C and D can contribute to fertility problems, particularly in men, causing a higher percentage of abnormal and genetically damaged sperm. A common culprit for this deficiency is a lack of fruit in the diet and lack of fresh air and sunshine, symptomatic of today's indoor lifestyle where the majority of people work inside buildings from 9am till 5pm.
Likewise, stress, fast foods, alcohol and stimulants like tea or coffee can all contribute to poor nutritional levels.
This in turn can cause menstrual problems like painful periods, irregular or even absent periods and in extreme cases, premature menopause. If you do manage to get pregnant, miscarriage can ensue through the absence of vital vitamins.
Tips For Pre-Conceptual Care
- Both partners should take a folic acid supplement for at least three months prior to trying for a baby and eat cereals fortified with folic acid.
- Eat various seeds containing zinc and omega 3 fatty acid as these assist the production of healthy sperm. If you or your partner are obese, the inclusion of these in your diet will help you reach and maintain a healthier weight. Zinc and omega 3 are found in linseed, sunflower, sesame seeds and nuts. It is also found in oily fish. However, if you eat fish, choose the farmed variety and not fresh ocean fish because wild fish have a high mercury content which may damage your baby. This is due to environmental pollution.
- Keep your vitamin C levels up by eating plenty of oranges, strawberries and sweet potatoes and consider taking a supplement (however, make sure it is free from aspartame and talc, common added ingredients in synthetic vitamins).
- Keep your iron levels high by eating plenty of pulses such as chickpeas, fruit like bananas, wholemeal bread and leafy green vegetables such as spinach. If you can't stand spinach, but are fond of sweets, try liqorice sweets as these are loaded with iron!
- Limit or stop your tea and coffee intake. If taken less than half an hour before a meal, they can inhibit your body's ability to absorb vitamins, which can increase your risk of miscarriage.
- Stop drinking alcohol - this depletes the body's B vitamins and minerals, as well as contributing to low sperm count and poor quality eggs and sperm.
- Cut out cigarettes and processed junk foods and instead opt for fresh food. Drink plenty of water and get more sleep.
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