Boost Your Fertility: Common Diet Mistakes to Avoid
Nutrition by Bec
So, you are starting to think about having a baby, but you are not quite sure where to begin.
Is healthy eating and a general prenatal supplement enough? Here is something that may surprise you. The diet and lifestyle of both parents significantly influence the quality of the egg and sperm that go on to create a child.
Why Nutrition Matters
Your nutrition does not just impact your own health. It also affects the health of your future baby. The health of you and your partner at the moment of conception influences your:
- Baby’s immunity
- Risk of chronic disease and
- Long-term health outcomes.
If possible, take some time to focus on your health before trying to conceive. For most people, this means around 3 months, and for others, up to a year.
What Diet and Lifestyle Factors Could Be Causing Harm?
Alcohol
I recommend avoiding alcohol for at least 3 months before trying for a baby (including for males). At the very minimum, limit alcohol to 1–2 standard drinks per week.
Recreational drugs
This one is straightforward. If I recommend avoiding alcohol, I also recommend completely eliminating any recreational drugs.
Deli meats
Salami, bacon, sausages, ham and devon are all processed meats and contain saturated fat (the “bad” fat) which we want to minimise, especially leading up to conception. In addition, hormones in these meats (both naturally occurring and synthetic) are associated with reduced sperm count and lower sperm motility.
Sugar and sugar-sweetened beverages Reducing added sugars is something most of us have heard before. What is less commonly known is the impact of sugar-sweetened beverages. Artificial sweeteners are associated with poorer semen quality and a lower probability of conceiving, so avoiding these drinks is recommended.
When Should You Start?
If you want to give your future baby the best possible start, personalised fertility nutrition can make a significant difference. Remember, it can take up to a year to optimise your health, so the sooner you begin, the better your outcomes are likely to be.
Book an appointment with me today to get tailored advice and a plan designed specifically for you.
