Numerous studies have shown that specific changes to the diet can improve fertility, prevent recurrent miscarriage and support a healthy pregnancy. Nutrition plays a big roll when it comes to having a healthy body and reproductive system. The building blocks for hormones are found in the foods we eat. Antioxidants, which help to protect the egg and sperm from free radicals, are found in the foods that we eat. Just as nutrients in food can be helpful for fertility, there are some foods and chemicals added to foods that can be harmful for your health and fertility. In working with our natural fertility clients the first topic of discussion, regardless of the reason they are consulting with us, is “what is your diet like?”. Many of their responses are. More often than not, it is not a diet that is healthy for fertility. Regardless of what your definition of healthy is, today I am going to share with you what the definition of healthy is for fertility, and what that looks like in real life. A diet for fertility will look different even compared to a normal healthy whole food diet. This may very well be different compared to how you are eating now and include foods that are foreign, new to you or even exotic sounding. We have tools to help you get started and recipes to make this easy and fun! What is a Fertility Diet? So what exactly is a fertility diet? A Natural Fertility Diet is a way of eating that is supporting your body in its reproductive efforts. It includes foods which are dense in specific nutrients needed for hormonal function, production and balance, fetal development, egg health, sperm health, blood health, and much more. ![]() Ask the Dietitian: Protein requirements can be met by the American diet. Protein needs for the athlete or body builder may be higher. Whey protein is a good source of. It is a diet that is designed to help your body to balance fertility issues that may exist, build up nutrient stores and provide all of the building blocks for a healthy child. It is also a diet that is focused on giving you and your future child the best start in life. Why Eat A Natural Fertility Diet? Did you know that there are specific nutrients that are needed by the young fetus before you can even detect pregnancy, and a deficiency in these nutrients could cause serious birth defects? Did you know that the foods you eat today impact the health of your eggs and sperm 9.
In my video, The Role of Diet in Declining Sperm Counts, I discussed the association between high saturated fat intake and reduced semen quality.Did you know that hormones build themselves from the ingredients you provide through your diet? Did you know that the number one treatment for balancing PCOS and getting pregnant despite PCOS is diet? Did you know that what you don’t eat is just as important as what you do eat? Did you know that the number one cause of infertility is anovulation (lack of ovulation) and that it can often be remedied by changes in the diet? We all eat, so why not eat in a way that supports your fertility? The Science Behind the Natural Fertility Diet. The Natural Fertility Diet suggestions are an accumulation of scientific research, nutritional data, dietary practices of the most fertile tribes and peoples in history, as well as dietary practices which are known to reduce complications during pregnancy. Harvard Research. Harvard performed a recent study that showed an 8. Women who followed a combination of five or more lifestyle factors, including changing specific aspects of their diets, experienced more than 8. Obstetrics & Gynecology. The women with the highest fertility diet scores ate less trans fats and sugar from carbohydrates, consumed more protein from vegetables than from animals, ate more fiber and iron, took more multivitamins, had a lower body mass index (BMI), exercised for longer periods of time each day, and, surprisingly, consumed more high- fat dairy products and less low- fat dairy products. The relationship between a higher “fertility diet” score and lesser risk for infertility was similar for different subgroups of women regardless of age and whether or not they had been pregnant in the past. Dr. Brewer. The Natural Fertility Diet has also incorporated the research of Dr. Weston Price’s recommendations are based on traditional diets that were followed in times when humans were most fertile, before industrial foods. Dr. Brewer’s Diet has been shown to reduce the risks of pregnancy complications, specifically preeclampsia. It promotes a diet that has an abundance of protein, minerals, calcium and healthy oils. Natural Nutritional Practices for Healing. Nature has created foods to help nourish and feed the body. When the body is optimally nourished and unhealthy foods are avoided, the body is then able to repair and rebuild itself. This is very helpful for fertility, especially if there is an underlying imbalance or fertility issue. The cells in the body are constantly dying off and new cells are being created to replace the old cells. This is occurring in every organ, muscle, tissue, etc. The building blocks of these new cells are provided from the foods that you are consuming. The Natural Fertility Diet is also designed to help support a healthy body which in turn can heal itself and create healthier cells. The Benefits of Eating a Natural Fertility Diet. Provides antioxidants, vitamins and minerals which help to protect egg and sperm health from the damage caused by free- radicals. Helps the body maintain hormonal balance by providing the fats needed for hormone production and function. Provides the body with an abundance of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients needed for optimal health. May decrease the chances of a miscarriage due to insulin resistance and damage from free- radicals to the ova (eggs), sperm and DNA. Helps to build important nutrient stores for pregnancy. Supports a healthy reproductive system. Promotes energy and vitality. The Natural Fertility Diet Nutrition Guidelines. Eat a lot of organic vegetables and fruits. Conventional produce contains harmful herbicides and pesticides which have been shown to negatively effect both male and female fertility. Studies have also shown organic vegetables and fruits to have more nutritional value. Eat organic, grass- fed, whole fat, raw dairy. Organic, grass- fed, whole fat, raw dairy is the best choice of dairy sources. Take note that dairy foods such as milk and cheese may be congesting to the body. In cases of congesting fertility issues such as PCOS and Endometriosis, dairy foods may aggravate the imbalance. Observe how your body does with it. Dairy that is not organic should be avoided as it contains added hormones and antibiotics which can contribute to increased estrogen levels in the body. There are many healthy alternatives to dairy such as fresh almond or hemp milk. Try to eat mostly cold water fish. Fish supplies important essential fatty acids (omega 3) to our diet. These fatty acids aid in the production of hormones, reduce inflammation, and help regulate the menstrual cycle. Fish is also a great source of protein and vitamin A. Avoid large deep water fish such as ahi tuna, swordfish, and Chilean sea bass due to their potential concentrations of mercury, and focus on cold water fish such as wild Alaskan salmon, cod, and Alaskan halibut. Also when choosing salmon, avoid north Atlantic farmed salmon and choose wild salmon instead. Farmed salmon contains antibiotics and toxic food dyes. Choose meat that is Grass Fed and Organic. Conventionally raised cattle contain high levels of added hormones and antibiotics which can contribute to estrogen dominate conditions. Grass Fed meats, on the other hand, are a great source of essential fatty acids, are low in saturated fat, and are a great source of protein. If you are experiencing endometriosis you may want to reduce the amount of red meat that you eat as a study has shown a connection between high red meat consumption and endometriosis. Choose only free range/Organic chicken. Conventionally raised chickens are kept in unclean, cramped housing conditions and are fed non- organic and often, genetically modified feed. When shopping for chicken, look for the words “cage free”, “free range”, or “organic” on the label. Ideally purchasing your chicken from a local farm with free- range practices is best. Eat only grains in their whole, natural form Whole grains are filled with fiber, important vitamins, and immune supporting properties. Fiber is important for helping the body to get rid of excess hormones and helps to keep the blood sugar balanced. Avoid processed and refined white foods and grains such as white bread, semolina pastas, and white rice. Instead choose whole wheat or sprouted bread, rice or whole wheat pasta, quinoa, and brown rice. Eat high fiber foods with each meal Fiber helps to regulate blood sugar levels which helps to reduce fertility issues such as PCOS, immunological issues, and promotes healthy hormonal balance. Some examples of high fiber foods are fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens, and beans. No soy of any form unless fermented such as miso and tempeh. Soy foods have been shown to contain estrogen mimicking properties. It is best to avoid processed soy foods such as soy milk, soy burgers, soy protein powder, soy chips, soy meats, and soy cheeses to avoid a negative impact on your hormonal balance. Also avoid any processed/refined and artificial sugars. Some great alternatives are stevia, honey, and maple syrup. Drink lots of clean water Be sure to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of clean, purified or filtered water daily. It is best to avoid bottled water as some of the plastics in the bottle can contribute to hormonal imbalance due to their estrogen mimicking chemicals. The best waters to choose from are reverse osmosis and distilled. Avoid tap water, as many recent studies have shown tap water to be laced with harmful pesticides from agricultural runoff. Important Nutrients for Fertility. While all nutrients are important for health, there are some that have been specifically shown to have a direct impact on fertility. Below is a list of these nutrients and the foods you can find them in. Yale University School of Medicine conducted a study of 6. Vitamin D levels. Food sources: Eggs, fatty fish, dairy, and cod liver oil. Top 7 Most Common Reactions to Your High- Fat Diet (and How to Respond)A couple weeks back, I wrote about the top 8 most common reactions you get when people hear you don’t eat grains, and I offered up some concise responses to those reactions. It was well received, so I thought I’d do the same thing for “your high- fat diet.” If you thought having to explain your grain- free diet was tough, explaining a high- fat diet – in particular, a high- animal fat diet – may seem even harder. At least with a grain- free diet, you’re merely removing something that many hold near and dear to their hearts. It’s “healthy” and “delicious,” sure, but at least you’re not adding something that will actively kill you. Fat is that deadly thing, for many people. It’s “fat,” for crying out loud. It’s bad for you, practically a poison. I mean, have you seen what fat down the kitchen drain does to your plumbing? Actually, like the grain- free diet, explaining the high- fat diet is not that hard. I’ll even promise you that there are ways to do it, explanations and answers that don’t make you seem like a crazy person who hates his heart (I make no such promises for those of you with a stick of butter with bite marks and a tub of coconut oil with a greasy spoon beside it on your office desk, however). Now let’s get right to their questions and responses you can use: “Isn’t all that fat gonna glom onto your arteries?”That isn’t how it works. Atherosclerosis is caused by oxidized LDL particles penetrating the arterial wall, inciting inflammation, and damaging the arterial tissue. It is not caused by fat mechanistically attaching itself to the surface of the arteries like fat in a kitchen pipe. Also, it’s not like you eat some butter and that butter gets directed straight into your bloodstream. Your blood doesn’t have oil slicks running through it, or congealed droplets of grease gumming up the passageways. You are the product of millions upon millions of years of evolution, and I think our bodies can do better than trying to ape modern plumbing. Response: “My arteries are not pipes. Fat is not solidifying in my blood like it can in the plumbing. Atherosclerosis is a complex process with dozens of factors beyond what’s in your diet, let alone the fat content.”“Isn’t all that cholesterol gonna raise your cholesterol?”If I were a rabbit, sure. When you feed cholesterol to an herbivorous animal, like a rabbit, whose only encounters with dietary cholesterol occur in a lab setting, their blood lipids will increase and they will usually develop atherosclerosis. For many years, the “cholesterol- fed rabbit” was a popular model for studying heart disease and gave rise to the now- popular idea that dietary cholesterol also elevates blood lipids in humans (thus immediately condemning them to a heart attack, naturally). Except it isn’t the case. Save for a select few who are “hyper- responders,” the vast majority of people can eat cholesterol without it affecting their cholesterol levels. And even when dietary cholesterol affects blood lipids, it’s usually an improvement, increasing HDL and the HDL: TC ratio while leaving LDL mostly unchanged. Boy, between “staying local” and “only making as much as we need,” our livers are downright green. I bet our HDL is GMO- free and organic to boot (not so sure about those sneaky LDL particles, though). Response: “Dietary cholesterol does not affect total blood cholesterol. In fact, when we do eat cholesterol, our bodies make less of it to keep our blood levels in balance.”“Isn’t all that fat gonna make you fat?”Fat doesn’t make you fat. While you can technically overeat enough fat calories to accumulate adipose tissue, thus getting fat, this is a difficult feat, for two primary reasons: Fat is very satiating, especially when paired with low- carb eating. Grass- fed pot roast, ribbed with yellow fat, connective tissue, and ample protein is far more filling than some crusty bread spread with butter. You’ll eat a decent slice of the former and be done, but you could easily polish off half a loaf of the latter with half a stick of butter and still be hungry. It’s difficult to overeat on a high- fat, low- carb diet. Dietary fat in the presence of large amounts of dietary carbohydrates can make it difficult to access fat for energy, while dietary fat in the presence of low levels of dietary carbohydrates makes it easier to access fat for energy. Couple that with the fact that fat and carbs are easier to overeat together, and you have your explanation. That means it’s fat that’s being lost (rather than the nebulous “weight”), which is what we’re ultimately after. Response: “No. Eating a high- fat, low- carb diet is the easiest way to inadvertently eat less without sacrificing satiation or satisfaction. It also improves your ability to access stored body fat rather than lean mass, which is helpful for fat loss.”“But Dean Ornish/my mom/Walter Willet/the AHA/my doctor said saturated fat will give you heart attacks.”They all may say that, and sound pretty convincing as they say it, but the science says differently. I tend to listen to the science, rather than what I think the science is saying: A 2. CHO with high glycaemic index is more effective in the prevention of CVD than reducing SAFA intake per se.”From a 2. At 9 calories per gram, fat is the densest source of energy. I’m not sure if you’ve noticed, but humans tend to store it on their bodies. That’s not just for show, you know. We actually store it in our bodies as energy for later, for leaner times, for when food isn’t available. Fat is the ideal energy source for life’s daily activities; walking, working, even going for a hike or a light jog all access the oxidative, or fat- based energy pathway. Carbs only really come into play when you’re doing repeated bouts of intense exercise, like sprint intervals or high- intensity endurance training. But for just about everything else? Fat is king. Response: “Fat is the body’s preferred and most reliable form of energy, which is why we store excess energy as fat on our bodies. Unless you think we accumulate body fat just to make pants fit tighter.”“But isn’t fat totally free of nutrients? How do you get your vitamins if you’re eating all that fat?”The richest source of natural tocotrienols (vitamin E), potent antioxidants, is red palm oil – a fat. One of the richest sources of choline, a vital micronutrient for liver function, is egg yolk – a fat. One of the better sources of vitamin K2, an oft- ignored nutrient involved in cancer prevention, arterial health, and bone metabolism, is grass- fed butter – a fat. The best dietary source of vitamin D, a nutrient most people are deficient in, is cod liver oil – a fat. See what I mean? Also, even when you’re cooking with a fat that doesn’t contain many vitamins, that fat is still going to improve the bioavailability of the fat- soluble vitamins (like A, D, E, K, K2) in the food you’re cooking. Response: “Certain fats, like egg yolks, palm oil, extra virgin olive oil, cod liver oil, and grass- fed butter, are some of the most nutritious foods in existence. And without fat in your meals, you often won’t absorb all the nutrients that are present in other foods like leafy greens, since many of them require fat for full absorption.”“Doesn’t the brain run on carbs, not fat?”Yes, the brain requires glucose. However, the brain is more of a gas/diesel hybrid. It can run on both fat and glucose. Ketones, derived from fatty acids, can satisfy the majority of the brain’s energy needs, sparing the need for so much glucose. And, best of all, your brain will run more efficiently on a combination of ketones and glucose than on glucose alone. That improved efficiency means you can actually function without food. Since you have ample brain energy stores on your body (even the lean among us have enough body fat to last for weeks), and a high- fat diet allows you to access that body fat for brain energy, you’ll no longer suffer brain fog just because your afternoon meeting went a little long and you missed lunch. Instead, you’ll enjoy steadier, more even energy in mind and body. Additionally, your body, through a process know as gluconeogenesis, can make up to 1. Response: “While it’s true that the brain requires some glucose for energy, using fat- derived ketones as well can make the brain run more efficiently and reduce its glucose requirements. On top of that, your body can probably create more glucose than your brain even requires.”Compared to last week’s grains post, there were fewer entries today, the simple reason being that while grains are hyped beyond belief, people have but a few scant – albeit robustly defended – justifications for fearing dietary fat. The backlash almost always revolves around the visceral fear of “fat.” It’s a scary word, after all, but it shouldn’t be. No one should fear something so vital to life, so crucial for nutrient absorption and hormonal function, and so delicious with roasted vegetables. Hopefully, these responses will help curb some of that fear. So, what’d I miss? What else have you heard, and how did you respond? Let me and everyone know in the comments! Prefer listening to reading? Get an audio recording of this blog post, and subscribe to the Primal Blueprint Podcast on i. Tunes for instant access to all past, present and future episodes here. Subscribe to the Newsletter. If you'd like to add. Trying to conceive? A good diet is essential for healthy sperm development, says nutritionist Isabelle Obert. Up to a fifth of men find themselves with a low sperm count, which is defined as having fewer than 1. And one in six couples now has difficulty becoming pregnant, with a low sperm count or poor sperm quality the cause in about 2. One in six couples now has difficulty becoming pregnant, with a low sperm count or poor sperm quality the cause in about 2. However, Ms Obert says research shows the quality of men's sperm is more important than quanity, Healthista reports. She said: 'Sperm is particularly vulnerable to free radical damage known as oxidative stress. There have been several studies undertaken on lycopene and male fertility and it has been found to significantly improve motility (the sperms ability to swim), activity and structure of sperm. Lycopene is more available in cooked or processed tomatoes, so use tomato puree for a real hit and add olive oil to aid absorption of this fat- soluble antioxidant. WALNUTSWalnuts are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and according to a study by the Society for the Study of Reproduction eating 2. They’re a great way to add flavour and crunch to salads or as a nutritious mid afternoon snack to help manage blood sugar levels. PUMPKIN SEEDSPumpkin seeds are high in zinc which plays an important role in sperm development and testosterone production. They are also rich in several other essential minerals and vitamins. Choose raw, organic pumpkin seeds for optimal nutritional value and sprinkle into cereals, salads and smoothies. LENTILSLentils are one of the richest food sources of folate (natural folic acid) which is just as important for male fertility as it is for female fertility. It has been found that men who have a lower intake of folate from their diet have higher rates of chromosomal abnormalities in their sperm. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc which plays an important role in sperm development and testosterone production. Lentils are also a great vegetarian source of protein and fibre. Try Asian spiced lentils with grilled cod . Studies show that quercetin can help in maintaining healthy sperm parameters including motility and quality and resveratrol has been found to improve sperm count and motility. Resveratrol, an antioxidant found in blueberries, has been found to improve sperm count and motility. Include a handful of blueberries daily, they’re delicious whizzed up in a smoothie or sprinkled over Greek yoghurt and topped with a little good quality granola and some chopped walnuts. WATEROne of the simplest ways of improving sperm count and quality is to drink enough water. Semen is water based and so drinking more water can help improve sperm production. Semen is water based and increasing liquid consumption can help increase the ejaculate and improve sperm production. Ensure it is more water that you are consuming, caffeine is a diuretic and soft drinks may be linked with lowering sperm counts. POMEGRANATESPomegranate has long been considered a superfood due to its high antioxidant content which can improve blood circulation, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and lower inflammation. Research shows that pomegranate causes surges in testosterone, improves sperm quality and increases sex drive and mood in both sexes. A Turkish study showed that rats fed pomegranate juice daily for seven weeks showed an increase in the production of antioxidants that help protect the vulnerable fatty acids in sperm against oxidation. Drink a glass of good quality, 1. DARK CHOCOLATEDark chocolate is a rich source of the amino acid L- arginine which studies show can increase the volume of ejaculate and improve sperm count and motility. A little goes a long way. Dark chocolate is a rich source of the amino acid L- arginine which can increase the volume of ejaculate.. AND TWO THINGS TO GIVE UP: CAFFEINE Although studies seem to show that caffeine does not adversely affect sperm count, the ability to swim or the shape of the sperm, an American study found that higher caffeine consumption appears to reduce the chances of a clinical pregnancy during IVF. So (both partners) try and keep to one (decent) cup of coffee daily. DIET DRINKSResearch shows that aspartame (sweetener widely used in diet drinks) is linked with lower sperm count and can contribute to sperm DNA damage. Don’t rush out and buy the full fat version though as the high sugar content is not good news and research shows that men who consume more soft drinks of any kind tend to have lower sperm counts. This article originally appeared and has been reproduced with the permission of Healthista. Avoid coffee, as higher caffeine consumption appears to reduce the chances of a clinical pregnancy during IVF.
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