When it comes to fertility, nutrition counts. Maintaining a healthy diet is not only important for your overall health but also for your reproductive health. In fact, what you eat can have a significant impact on your fertility.

Unfortunately, there are certain foods and dietary habits that can impair your fertility and make it harder for you to conceive. In this article, we’ll go over some of the foods to avoid as part of a fertility-destroying diet.

Caffeine

One of the first things to be careful with is caffeine consumption. While it’s okay to have a cup or two of coffee a day, excessive caffeine intake can harm fertility.

Studies have shown that women who drink more than 200mg of caffeine per day (which is equivalent to two cups of coffee) have a higher risk of infertility by up to 25%. Coffee, tea, and energy drinks all contain caffeine, so it’s crucial to watch your overall intake if you’re trying to conceive.

Alcohol

It’s no surprise that excessive alcohol consumption is not healthy. However, not many people recognize how it affects fertility.

Heavy drinking, which involves more than two drinks a day, can lead to hormonal imbalances that can alter your menstrual cycle and decrease fertility. In men, heavy alcohol use can lead to a decrease in testosterone levels. Therefore, you should be very cautious with your alcohol intake when trying to conceive.

Sugar

Too much sugar can have adverse effects on your health, including your fertility. High sugar intake can increase your insulin levels, which can affect ovulation. Additionally, a diet high in sugar can lead to weight gain, which can also affect fertility.

Therefore, it’s crucial to minimize your sugar intake as much as possible and opt for healthier alternatives like fruits and vegetables.

Soy

Soy products, such as tofu and soy milk, contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based estrogens. While these products can be great for people who are lactose intolerant, they may not be great for your fertility.

Phytoestrogens have been shown to disrupt normal hormone function in both men and women. Because estrogen is essential for ovulation, excessive soy intake can affect your ability to conceive. It’s best to limit your soy intake or avoid it altogether if you’re trying to improve your fertility.

Processed Foods

Processed foods are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. These factors can lead to inflammation, which can affect fertility. Additionally, processed foods can lead to weight gain, which can also affect fertility.

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Instead, opt for healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains.

Pesticide-Laden Produce

Pesticides can harm your endocrine system, which regulates your hormones. Therefore, it’s crucial to opt for organic produce as much as possible.

While organic produce can be a bit more expensive, the cost can be worth it if you’re trying to get pregnant.

Foods High in Trans Fats

Trans fats found in foods such as baked goods, margarine, and processed snacks have been shown to decrease fertility in women by up to 70%. Additionally, trans fats may decrease sperm quality in men.

Therefore, you should avoid foods with trans fats as much as possible.

High Mercury Fish

While fish is generally healthy, certain types of fish, such as swordfish and tilefish, contain high levels of mercury. Exposure to high levels of mercury can affect reproductive health.

Therefore, if you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to avoid high-mercury fish and opt for fish with lower levels of mercury like salmon and trout.

Excess Dairy

While dairy products are a great source of calcium, excessive consumption can lead to inflammation, which can affect fertility.

Additionally, reduced-fat dairy products often have added sugars to make up for the lack of fat, which can increase insulin levels and affect ovulation. Therefore, it’s best to limit your intake of dairy products and opt for non-dairy calcium sources like leafy greens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, when trying to conceive, it’s critical to maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods that can impair fertility.

A fertility-destroying diet involves a lot of caffeine, alcohol, sugar, soy, processed foods, pesticide-laden produce, trans fats, high mercury fish, and excess dairy. If you’re trying to conceive, pay attention to what you’re eating and make sure to choose healthier options for optimal fertility.