Caffeine
* Higher levels of caffeine on the range of 300 mg and more a day have shown to be associated with lower fertility rates. What is 300 mg of caffeine? About 3 cups of coffee. Each cup of coffee is equivalent to approximately 100 mg of caffeine. Caffeinated soda drinks (which should be avoided anyway) such as Coke and Mountain Dew contain around 50 to 80 mg of caffeine per 20 oz bottle. Avoid the caffeine altogether if you can... if you need your fix, just make sure you are monitoring your intake and not exceeding 200 mg of caffeine a day at the most.
High Sugar Foods, Carbonated Soft-drinks and Pasteurized Juice
* High concentrations of sugars in very sweet products (e.g. candy bars, pastries), sodas and pasteurized juices have a negative effect on fertility. Simple sugars cause an abrupt spike in blood sugar levels and subsequently insulin. This causes the hormonal balance in the body to get thrown off. It is also important to avoid artificial sweetener especially aspartame but also Splenda (sucralose). You may use alternatives such as maple syrup, agave nectar, stevia and honey.
Alcohol
* Current studies on alcohol and fertility rates show that women drinking two alcoholic drinks per day contribute to a significant ( 60% ) decrease in fertility. You may have thought not to drink during pregnancy but if you're having problems conceiving you may just want to give up 'the bottle' early. Men should also avoid alcohol as it decreases sperm count. It may entice men to know that alcohol lowers testosterone levels and increases estrogen levels.
Cigarettes & Smoking
* Smoking decreases fertility rates for not only women but for potential fathers. So ladies, if your guy smokes and you are having problems conceiving, try to convince him to quit so he can get his 'swimmers' in full vitality and quantity.
Soy Products
* It has been demonstrated that soy acts to mimic the hormone estrogen within the body. Your body tries to compensate for what it believes is higher levels of estrogen and then unwittingly causes hormonal imbalance that can retard the fertility process. Avoid foods that are of a processed soy origin. These products include soy burgers, proteins, milk, cheeses... the list goes on. Men, you are also affected by soy in regards to hormones.
Foods from Genetically Modified Organisms ( GMO )
* Genetically modified organisms uses bacterial DNA to create modifications of a natural organisms characteristics and expression. Although a marvel in science, it is being shown more and more that there are unforeseen consequences of this unperfected science. Avoid GMO food and look for the GMO free label on relevant products. Research common GMO foods.
Foods that are "Fat Free"
* I thought fat-free was good? Well, fat-free foods are processed and usually result in higher sugar content that once again affects blood sugar levels negatively. Aside from this, Harvard studies show that women who consumed full fat dairy products as opposed to their non-fat compatriots actually increased their fertility. It is an important biopsysiological concept that hormones are primarily synthesized from fats and hormones regulate fertility. Women needs to eat good fats throughout conception and pregnancy.
* Higher levels of caffeine on the range of 300 mg and more a day have shown to be associated with lower fertility rates. What is 300 mg of caffeine? About 3 cups of coffee. Each cup of coffee is equivalent to approximately 100 mg of caffeine. Caffeinated soda drinks (which should be avoided anyway) such as Coke and Mountain Dew contain around 50 to 80 mg of caffeine per 20 oz bottle. Avoid the caffeine altogether if you can... if you need your fix, just make sure you are monitoring your intake and not exceeding 200 mg of caffeine a day at the most.
High Sugar Foods, Carbonated Soft-drinks and Pasteurized Juice
* High concentrations of sugars in very sweet products (e.g. candy bars, pastries), sodas and pasteurized juices have a negative effect on fertility. Simple sugars cause an abrupt spike in blood sugar levels and subsequently insulin. This causes the hormonal balance in the body to get thrown off. It is also important to avoid artificial sweetener especially aspartame but also Splenda (sucralose). You may use alternatives such as maple syrup, agave nectar, stevia and honey.
Alcohol
* Current studies on alcohol and fertility rates show that women drinking two alcoholic drinks per day contribute to a significant ( 60% ) decrease in fertility. You may have thought not to drink during pregnancy but if you're having problems conceiving you may just want to give up 'the bottle' early. Men should also avoid alcohol as it decreases sperm count. It may entice men to know that alcohol lowers testosterone levels and increases estrogen levels.
Cigarettes & Smoking
* Smoking decreases fertility rates for not only women but for potential fathers. So ladies, if your guy smokes and you are having problems conceiving, try to convince him to quit so he can get his 'swimmers' in full vitality and quantity.
Soy Products
* It has been demonstrated that soy acts to mimic the hormone estrogen within the body. Your body tries to compensate for what it believes is higher levels of estrogen and then unwittingly causes hormonal imbalance that can retard the fertility process. Avoid foods that are of a processed soy origin. These products include soy burgers, proteins, milk, cheeses... the list goes on. Men, you are also affected by soy in regards to hormones.
Foods from Genetically Modified Organisms ( GMO )
* Genetically modified organisms uses bacterial DNA to create modifications of a natural organisms characteristics and expression. Although a marvel in science, it is being shown more and more that there are unforeseen consequences of this unperfected science. Avoid GMO food and look for the GMO free label on relevant products. Research common GMO foods.
Foods that are "Fat Free"
* I thought fat-free was good? Well, fat-free foods are processed and usually result in higher sugar content that once again affects blood sugar levels negatively. Aside from this, Harvard studies show that women who consumed full fat dairy products as opposed to their non-fat compatriots actually increased their fertility. It is an important biopsysiological concept that hormones are primarily synthesized from fats and hormones regulate fertility. Women needs to eat good fats throughout conception and pregnancy.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about fertility, then visit Scott McLeod's site to learn about the role of follicle stimulating hormone.