I’ve been trying to get pregnant without any luck. What can I do to optimize my fertility?
Your fertility is affected by your general health and lifestyle. Some common causes of infertility related to health and lifestyle include emotional stress, malnutrition, obesity, alcohol, and drugs. Here are simple, healthy recommendations to enhance your fertility and improve your overall health:
- Exercise moderately. Regular exercise is important, but if you’re exercising so intensely that your periods are infrequent or absent, your fertility may be impaired.
- Avoid weight extremes. Being overweight or underweight can affect your hormone production and cause infertility.
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco. These substances may impair your ability to conceive and have a healthy pregnancy. Don’t drink alcohol or smoke tobacco.
- Limit caffeine. Women trying to get pregnant may want to limit caffeine intake to no more than 200 milligrams of caffeine a day (one or two cups of coffee).
- Limit medications. The use of both prescription and nonprescription drugs can decrease your chance of getting pregnant or keeping a pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about any medications you take regularly.
- Eat a whole foods diet and avoid your food intolerances. Eat a diet rich in high nutrient, low calorie foods. Avoid your food intolerances to decrease inflammation and reduce your toxic load.
- Reduce stress and enjoy life. When the body is under a lot of physical and emotional stress, fertility may be affected. Try reducing your stress levels with acupuncture, yoga, and meditation. Take time out from your busy schedule to do whatever makes you happy!
