Good nutrition is key to overall health, and that also includes reproductive health. Currently, many people unknowingly suffer from nutritional deficiencies that can affect their ability to conceive. Hence, balanced nutrition is often underestimated in fertility care. Fertility is not just about reproductive organs; it’s a reflection of how well the entire body is functioning, and nutrition plays a major role in that. One has to pay extra attention when it comes to nutrition. Read on to learn how nutritional deficiencies impact natural conception.
Link Between Nutritional Deficiencies And Natural Conception
Here are five ways in which nutritional deficiencies can impact natural conception:
- Folic Acid: This is necessary for cell growth and foetal development. Low levels of it can impair ovulation and increase the chances of birth defects.
- Iron: Iron deficiency can lead to anovulation (lack of ovulation) and poor egg quality. This may lead to women not being able to conceive successfully.
- Vitamin D: It is known to play a pivotal role in hormone regulation and immune function. Low levels of vitamin D can hurt fertility in men and women.
- Zinc: Zinc is important for sperm quality and testosterone production, and being deficient in it can impact sperm health.
- Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 Deficiency can affect ovulation in women.
Many couples with no major medical issues struggle to conceive, only to find that the root cause is something as basic as a nutritional deficiency. For example, low vitamin D or iron levels can silently interfere with hormonal function, menstrual cycles, and egg quality, reducing the chances of natural conception. So, poor eating habits, processed foods, and crash diets deprive the body of these vital nutrients. Especially in urban populations, where both partners are working and often skip meals or rely on convenience food, these deficiencies are becoming increasingly common.
Tips To Naturally Support Fertility
Here is a list of expert-backed tips to naturally support fertility:
- Eat a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and lentils. Take the help of an expert, if need be, regarding what to eat and avoid.
- Eat iron-rich foods like spinach, legumes, and fortified cereals.
- Get tested and take supplements for vitamin D, B12, and folic acid if needed. Take supplements as per the doctor’s advice only and don’t go overboard.
- Stay hydrated and limit processed food and sugary drinks, as they can lead to weight gain, which can impact conception.
- Cut down on junk, processed, and canned food. Also, quit smoking and alcohol or illicit drug use.
Remember, addressing nutritional gaps through proper diet and supplementation can improve the chances of natural conception. It is a good idea to adopt mindful eating practices that will also aid conception.
Image Credits: Freepik
(This article is authored by Dr Bushra Khan, Fertility Specialist, Nova IVF Fertility, Kharadi, Pune.)
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