If you are a woman of childbearing age, you might be concerned about your fertility. It is never too early to think about boosting your fertility, even if you are not trying to get pregnant right now. You can start working on your health today so that when you do desire to get pregnant, you will know your body is ready for conception. Here are some easy lifestyle changes that can help to improve your fertility.
Switch to a Healthy Diet
When you suffer from fertility problems, the first thing you should do is consider the basic lifestyle choices you make each day. This often leads women to take a look at their diet. A good fertility diet is one that provides you with adequate nutrition throughout the entire food pyramid, especially looking at foods that can help balance out your hormone levels. This means plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats. Your doctor might also have more specific recommendations for you.
Start Exercising Regularly
Moving your body gets your blood pumping, helps reduce stress and anxiety, and can help with many issues surrounding hormonal imbalances and other fertility problems in women. Plus, obesity is a contributing factor to infertility, so exercise can help you lose weight or manage your current weight as well. Find a fitness routine that works for you, including your lifestyle and what your preferences are. This might include yoga and Pilates, HIIT and Tabata, home workouts, or going to the gym.
Stop Unhealthy Habits
Some unhealthy habits might be hurting you more than you think. Some of these might seem harmless, while others are obviously bad for you. For example, it will come as no surprise that cigarettes are not good for you. If you smoke regularly, it could be harming your fertility, not to mention how dangerous it is if you do become pregnant. Smoking also lowers male fertility, so both of you should quit if you can. You might also want to cut back on artificial sweeteners and processed food, caffeine, and excessive alcohol.
Take a Multi-Vitamin Daily
You may not be getting enough nutrients through your diet so taking an extra multi-vitamin is a great thing to start doing today. Get into the habit of taking vitamins daily, and once you become pregnant, switching to a daily prenatal will be easy to do.
Eliminate Stress
Stress can affect your hormones and cause many other symptoms that can inhibit the fertility process. Be sure to eliminate stress when you can. Unfortunately, eliminating stress is not always feasible so it is important that you find other ways to cope with stress like writing, exercising, or even practicing meditation. Remember to get an adequate amount of rest to reduce stress as well.
Keeping these 5 changes in mind will help improve your fertility. As always, if you are having difficulty conceiving, you must discuss this with your physician. Until next time, stay healthy and safe.
