By: Chelsea Davidson

Most of us know that what we eat can affect our bodies in both positive and negative ways. Food is the fuel our bodies need to function, from the beating of our hearts to the blinking of our eyes, and the nutrients we consume have a profound effect on each and every one of our body systems.

It is not surprising that foods like refined sugars, energy drinks, and foods high in saturated fats can be bad for our weight, but did you know these same foods can decrease fertility? A recent study* from the Harvard School of Public Health followed men who ate what we call a Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, as well as men who ate a more Westernized diet, rich in added sugars, refined carbohydrates, trans fat and red meat.  Results show that the men who ate a Western diet actually had a lower sperm count, but these results were reversed when men switched to a Mediterranean diet. Although the study was focused on the fertility of men, women who are overweight also tend to have decreased fertility as well.

So what can you do to increase your fertility if you are planning on conceiving? Diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats will keep weight down and your nutritional status high. Because weight is one of the main issues when it comes to infertility in both men and women, controlling your weight could be the answer to increasing fertility. Certain supplements may also help to increase fertility.

If you are struggling with infertility and think it may be related to your diet come see Annie Thorpe, one of our Registered Dietiitians at Rebecca Bitzer and Associates who specializes in diet related fertility!

*Information about the study mentioned was found at http://enlighteningchoices.com/.