The importance of nutrition in fertility treatment

There is a very close relationship between nutrition and fertility. Food brings many benefits to our health, which has a direct impact on the reproductive system and fertility of both men and women.

Currently, there are a large number of toxins in our food that affect our health. Reviewing our eating habits is very important since an incorrect diet can alter the biological clock.

In addition, multiple studies have shown that both obesity and low weight can hinder conception and pregnancy. For this reason, fertility specialists recommend following a diet that is as balanced as possible.

Infertility and Nutrition

Many of the causes of conception difficulties are due to changes in eating habits, so dietary care is essential.

It has been shown that women who tend to be overweight have alterations in their ovulation. On the other hand, in the case of men, most cases of infertility are due to a low sperm count in the semen (oligospermia) or low sperm motility, which reduces the chances of reaching the egg and fertilizing it.

Several studies conclude that the deficiency of nutrients such as folic acid, zinc, and antioxidants is the cause of these alterations in male fertility.

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that balanced nutrition is related to the good health of the pregnant woman and the baby. It also has an impact on stronger immune systems, safer pregnancies, safer deliveries, lower risks of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases), and longevity.

How to have better nutrition in your fertility treatment? 

First of all, we recommend that you consult a nutrition specialist so that he or she can tell you what foods are most suitable for you and your partner (if you have one) with respect to your lifestyle and, based on that, determine an eating plan that can also be beneficial for your fertility treatment.

It is also very important that, if you have already started your Assisted Reproduction treatment, you consult your fertility specialist and he/she can give you additional recommendations that you can make in your lifestyle to increase your chances of success.

4 tips for better nutrition by the OMS

On the other hand, here we share some general recommendations given by the WHO regarding better nutrition and lifestyle.

1. Having a varied diet that includes above all fruits and vegetables ensures the necessary supply of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and antioxidants, which are of utmost importance for reproductive health. 
2. Sufficient and quality food that is adapted to the body weight of each person, since both overweight and underweight can affect the fertility of women and men.
3. Avoid processed foods, as these may contain pesticides, preservatives, or other chemicals that cause imbalances in ovulation cycles and sperm production.
4. Avoid consumption of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco which directly affect sperm formation, and egg maturation and complicate fertilization.

From the moment you are looking to have a baby, you need to change your eating habits and lifestyle in order to achieve a positive result in your search, whether it is spontaneous or in an assisted reproduction treatment. 

Indeed, "we are what we eat" because food has a direct relationship with our health and, therefore, with our fertility. It is important to take this into account throughout the treatment and gestation to give the best quality of life to the future baby.

Have you been trying to have a baby for more than a year and you haven't been able to have one?

At Ingenes we can help you! If you would like to have a consultation with one of our fertility specialists to find out why you still can't have a baby, tell us about yourself by clicking on this link and we will be happy to help you.