There are many lifestyle factors that can enhance your reproductive health. Those include balanced diet, moderate exercise, stress relief and elimination of nicotine, caffeine, drugs and alcohol.
Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoke can dramatically affect both female and male fertility. In women, there is a stronger risk of infertility and IVF failure. Primary effect in men is reduced semen volume. Smoking cessation and tobacco smoke avoidance improves fertility in men and especially women.
Caffeine
If you are trying to conceive you should try to restrict or completely eliminate caffeine intake. Consumption of caffeine is negatively associated with female infertility via effects on estrogen production and/or metabolism. Caffeine consumption is associated with tubal factor infertility and/or endometriosis associated infertility. Studies show that increased intake is associated with a delay in time to conception and spontaneous abortion. Negative effects on fertility begin with the consumption of caffeine at 250 mg/d . Other studies report negative effects at 300 mg/d. Average American intake of caffeine equals to 350 mg/d!
- Cup of coffee = 150-160 mg/d
- Cup of black tea = same as coffee
- Cup of green tea = 85-90 mg/d
- Can of soda= 35-45 mg/d
Keep in mind that chocolate, specialty drinks and some OTC drugs also contain caffeine.
Alcohol
Unhealthy alcohol habits (binge and heavy drinking) are associated with many fertility problems in women and are associated with: menstrual disorders, spontaneous abortions and reduced fecundity. Risk might begin with as little as one drink per week but the stronger evidence is at four to eight drinks per week. If you are trying to conceive you should limit or avoid alcohol consumption.
Balanced Diet
Good and nutritious diet is crucial in maintaining optimum health and well being. If you are trying to conceive, you should replace refined, processed foods with whole fresh foods fee of hormones and pesticides. You should also get rid of the refined sugars and synthetic sweeteners. Make sure you eat a lot of green vegetables which provide omega 3 fatty acids, folic acid and magnesium for healthy pregnancy. Also, try to avoid over consumption of cold and raw foods including cold drinks. Most nuts, seeds and berries are believed to enhance reproductive function.
Additional recommendations:
- Exercise moderately and employ deep breathing techniques
- Get enough sunlight
- Take natural, high potency multivitamin and mineral complex
- Have an open mind and trust that your body has the potential to achieve optimum health and balance.
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