02 Mar Can a nutritionist help me get pregnant?
If you are experiencing fertility problems, you are not alone. According to the CDC, approximately 6.1 million women in the United States (or 9.4% of women aged 15-44) have difficulty getting pregnant or staying pregnant. And the prevalence of infertility increases with age, as women from 35 – 44 years old are at the highest risk. About one-third of infertility cases are due to male factors, one-third are due to female factors, and the remaining one-third is due to a combination of male and female factors or unknown causes.
Though nutrition therapy might not solve all your fertility issues, you can promote fertility with a healthy diet plan – this goes for both men and women. There are some simple modifications to improve your fertility and promote conception by working with a Prenatal Nutritionist.
- Weight: Both being underweight and overweight can affect fertility. Achieve a healthy weight through sustainable diet plans and meaningful lifestyle changes.
- Nutrient deficiencies: Deficiencies in nutrients such as iron, folic acid, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids can affect fertility. A dietitian nutritionist can help identify nutrient deficiencies and recommend dietary changes or supplements.
- Excessive caffeine: Americans drink 146 billion cups of coffee every year. The average American drinks 403 cokes each year. Caffeine is everywhere. Think tea, energy drinks, supplements and more. Consuming too much caffeine can reduce fertility. We can analyze your diet and find ways to help you reduce your caffeine intake.
- Alcohol and smoking: Both alcohol and smoking can negatively impact fertility. Work with a nutrition coach to help you reduce your tobacco and alcohol intake and improve fertility.
- Processed foods: Diets high in processed foods have been linked to reduced fertility. A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that women who consumed a diet high in trans fats had a higher risk of ovulatory infertility. A study published in the Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences found that men with high levels of saturated fat in their diets had lower semen volume and sperm concentration. Transition to a healthy diet plan by incorporating more whole foods, vegetables, grains, and fruits.
- Imbalanced macronutrients: Consuming too much or too little protein, carbohydrates, and fats can impact fertility. Our body needs them all. To increase fertility and chances of conception, you’re going to want to step away from fad diets and the keto craze. A fertility dietitian can help you achieve a balanced macronutrient intake.
- Unhealthy eating behaviors: Yo-yo dieting (or diet cycling), is when you lose weight quickly, usually with a crash-diet plan where calorie intake is incredibly restricted, then gain it back. This affects ovulation.
- Deficiencies in certain nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin C, and omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to lower semen quality and infertility in men.
An expert fertility nutritionist can play a vital role in optimizing fertility through individualized dietary plans. Work with someone on our team to identify nutrient deficiencies or excesses that may be inhibiting your ability to conceive. Identify unhealthy eating behaviors and make modifications We are functional nutrition therapists who only work with evidence-based recommendations to improve your chances of fertility.