When trying to conceive it is not only important to ensure that you are eating a healthy, well balanced diet, but it is as equally important to avoid certain foods and substances to increase fertility and ensure a healthy pregnancy. Can the foods and substances that you partake of really have that much effect on your fertility? Absolutely! All it takes is a few simple changes in your routine to increase your overall health and therefore your chances of conception.
Caffeine has been shown to decrease fertility in both men and women. Studies have shown that there is a possible link between caffeine and miscarriage and should be avoided in all forms during the pre-conceptual period as well as pregnancy (sodas, coffee, black tea, chocolate, some over-the-counter medications, etc.). There is some evidence that caffeine in small amounts is not harmful, but why take the chance?
Alcohol has been shown to not only decrease a woman’s ability to conceive but also the overall health and development of the fetus when pregnancy is achieved. Alcohol has also been shown to have a negative effect on a male’s sperm count, motility, and an increase in abnormal sperm. Therefore, obviously alcohol should be completely avoided when trying to conceive. Although some people feel that small amounts of alcohol have no effect and can actually be “beneficial,” there are other schools of thought that any alcohol has a negative effect on both fertility and fetal development.
A less known and less talked about substance to avoid when trying to conceive and during pregnancy are xenoestrogens. Xenoestrogens are basically an environmentally produced estrogen found in pesticides and plastics. Avoiding water bottled in plastic containers, which can seep xenoestrogens into the water, as well as avoiding all fruits and vegetables treated with chemical pesticides (eat organic) during the pre-conceptual period is essential in aiding to balance your hormones, which will increase chances at fertility and a healthy embryo.
