Fertility is something a lot of us don’t really start thinking about until we’re settled later on in life, career-wise, money-wise and partner-wise. However, even if we haven’t considered our bodies’ ability to carry children yet, it doesn’t mean our internal conditions are not still being affected by our external environment and what we take in from that environment. Here’s 5 things you perhaps didn’t realise can affect your fertility….
Caffeine
Maybe it’s time to consider swapping your religious morning, lunchtime and mid-afternoon coffees for lemon in hot water or green tea. Although there is not absolute evidence to suggest caffeine having a negative effect on your fertility, studies are constantly indicating that it can disrupt ovulation and hormone levels, as well as the efficiency of the fallopian tubes.
Alcohol and Smoking
Ok so everybody knows that smoking and drink alcohol are big NOs when pregnant but did you also know that excessive alcohol consumption over long periods of time and constant inhalation of cigarette fumes can affect your future fertility? Smoking can affect your hormone production and the environment in the uterus. It can also damage the DNA in your eggs.
Stress
It seems to a lot of people that stress can be seen to be at the centre of most problems- skin issues, premature aging, premature hair loss, exhaustion, insomnia. Now we have fertility complications to add to that list. Mental tension has the power to cause hormonal changes in the body, which could lead to fertility issues in the future.
Diet
Both underweight and overweight women are at risk of fertility issues. The ideal body mass index is between 20 and 24. Nourish your body with what it needs – proteins (not necessarily just from animals; consider adding beans, pulses, nuts & soy to your diet), complex carbs (wholegrains and vegetables that can be digested slowly), fiber and healthy fats (fish, avocado, coconuts) are VITAL.
Household Chemicals
Yes you read right! According to a study in 2013 published in Environmental Health Perspectives, it was found that exposure to pollutants, pesticides and industrial compounds can reduce fertility by up to 29%! Be careful and speak to your doctor if you have any worries about certain products you are using.