Lifestyle That Affects Your Fertility

Lifestyle That Affects Your Fertility!

Written By - Ms. Neeti Agrawal
March 1, 2020
Nutrition & Lifestyle

Most of the couples are concerned with timing, ovulation, and medical aspects when conceiving a child. Yet, there is one aspect that is usually not taken into consideration, and that is the lifestyle. Your lifestyle can significantly contribute to your conception. The food you consume, stress you bear, and other minor decisions could both work in favour of or against your reproductive health.

At Mannat Fertility Centre, under the supervision of Dr Archana Agarwal, one of the most well-known fertility experts, we enable couples to enhance their fertility through natural means of lifestyle modification as well as through thorough fertility care.

1. Poor Diet and Nutrient Deficiencies

The absence of the necessary vitamins and minerals in the diet may impair the production of hormones and ovulation. Women require nutrients such as folic acid, iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids, whereas men can use antioxidants such as Vitamin C, E and selenium to have healthy sperm.

Tips:

  • Add leafy greens, fruits, lean protein and whole grains
  • Avoid trans fats and sugary beverages as well as caffeine in excess
  • Ensure a healthy BMI(Body Mass Index)

2. Lack of Physical Activity or Overexercising

The lack of physical activity, as well as excessive exercise, may affect fertility. Unhealthy living can result in obesity and insulin resistance, and too much exercise, particularly among underweight women, can interfere with menstrual periods.

Tips:

  • Moderate exercise, including walking, swimming or yoga, should be the goal
  • Strike the balance between intensity and recovery
  • Do not gain or lose weight fast

3. Smoking and Alcohol

Alcohol and cigarettes not only affect general health but also reproductive activity. Smoking influences the quality of eggs and sperm, whereas alcohol interferes with hormones and multiplies the risk of miscarriage.

Tips:

  • Stop smoking before conceiving
  • Minimise or eliminate alcohol Intake
  • Get assistance with addiction when needed

4. High Stress Levels

Prolonged stress may disrupt the hormones controlling the ovulation process in women and spermatozoa production in men. It may also cause sleep problems, emotional burnout and poor relationships.

Tips:

  • Relaxation methods such as breathing exercises or meditation
  • Prefer self-nurture and boundaries
  • Seek the services of a counsellor or therapist in case of need

5. Sleep Deprivation

Inadequate sleep disrupts hormonal balance, insulin control levels, and sexual drive. Inconsistent sleep schedule, working at night, and sleeping disorders such as apnea may interfere with your fertility experience.

Tips:

  • Strive to have 7-8 hours of sleep every day
  • Don’t use screens at bedtime
  • Keep a regular sleep and wake pattern

6. Environmental Toxins

Pollution by some materials in plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, and industrial wastes can hurt reproductive health by mimicking or blocking hormones.

Tips:

  • Put containers that are free of BPA
  • Select organic food where it is available
  • Do not use aggressive cleaning products; use natural ones

7. Overuse of Technology & Sedentary Habits

Excessive time on screens, mostly laptop computers on laps, can also lower sperm quality because of additional heat exposure. Lack of an active lifestyle has an impact on metabolism and hormonal balance as well.

Tips:

  • Get frequent screen breaks
  • Never put laptops on your lap directly
  • Movement should be part of your daily routine once an hour

Final Thoughts

Fertility is not only a biological process; it is also a product of your lifestyle, health, and choice. It is also important to note that you can make small changes but still increase your chances of getting conceived by a significant margin.

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