Diet and fertility: which links?
A fertile couple takes an average of nine months to conceive a child
so, it's only after two years without being able to conceive that you're in a situation of non-normality. A fertility problem is therefore objective if the woman has not become pregnant after two years without contraception.
It is alarming to note that the incidence of fertility problems in women is rising steadily in the population, due in particular to:
Our exposure to a multitude of endocrine disruptors (food packaging, cosmetics, furnishing materials, etc.).
Excessive use of other toxic substances, including tobacco.
Obesity, which leads to hyperinsulinism, which in turn leads to increased production of testosterone and progesterone, which can prevent ovulation.
Poor diets, with deficiencies in omega 6 and 3 fatty acids (inflammation), vitamins B6, B9, B12 and zinc (hypomethylation disrupting oocyte maturation), magnesium and antioxidants (excess oxidation). Iron deficiency may also play a role.
Being underweight can also be a cause of infertility, as cholesterol is necessary for the synthesis of sex hormones.
Female infertility can be treated by addressing the cause when it is one of those listed here. Additional liver detoxification can also help.
Fertility problems in men can have various causes. Possible non-mechanical causes include:
An excess of toxic substances. In the case of smokers, smoking cessation should be tried. Dietary correction is necessary, and liver detoxification can also help.
Excess weight, which is accompanied by excess estrogen. This excess weight must be corrected.
A deficiency in antioxidants, which can disrupt cell division and therefore sperm production. In this case, the diet must be corrected.
Taking ibuprofen, as studies have shown negative effects on the synthesis of sex hormones. To be discontinued.
Note that it takes around three months to see the effects of the measures described above, as spermatogenesis takes 74 days.
A nutritional therapy treatment, which goes into more detail about all the aspects involved, can really help solve a fertility problem. It should preferably concern the couple, not just the woman.
To find out more, also read these articles:
On diet and supplements during pregnancy: https://isabellemaesnutrition.com/en/pregnancy
On choosing an infant formula when not breast-feeding: https://isabellemaesnutrition.com/en/infant-formulas
Ecography picture by Kelly Sikkema