Optimal Nutrition Helps Optimize Conception

Bruce Shapiro, M.D., FACOG
The Fertility Center of Las Vegas

Infertility can have many causes, and often the exact cause is unknown. Some cases of infertility may be related to nutrition and can usually be corrected. Just as nutrition plays a key role in the prevention and treatment of many diseases such as heart disease and cancer, it can also play a key role in the treatment of infertility.

Being either significantly overweight or underweight can be a cause of infertility. Being too thin or too heavy can interfere with ovulation. Like the ovaries, fat cells also produce estrogen, which play a crucial role in ovulation. If body fat levels are too low, you produce less estrogen. If body fat levels are too high, you produce more estrogen. Both of these instances can throw your cycle out of balance and interfere with regular ovulation. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is an important goal for those trying to conceive.

It is well documented that one of the primary causes of female infertility is polycystic ovarian syndrome or PCOS. This syndrome presents with a number of complaints including excess weight, excess hair, irregular periods and infertility. Due to issues with insulin resistance in PCOS patients, nutrition and diet play a particularly key role. The closer the patient is to her ideal body weight, the better off she is in helping conception.

Another factor that may affect your ability to get pregnant is what you eat. A healthy diet is important for optimal reproductive functioning. Balancing your intake of protein, carbohydrate, and fat helps you to achieve optimal nutritional status and maintain a healthy weight. Choosing a wide variety of foods each day will maximize nutrient variety and help to ensure that you are meeting your body's needs.

At The Fertility Center of Las Vegas we recognize that many patients do not have the information or counsel they require for an optimal nutritional status. This is why we have a full-time registered dietician and medical nutritionist who can help with meal planning, behavior modification, fitness referrals, and emotional support. We believe optimal nutrition provides optimal health.

A helpful tip that is not known by many is called mindful eating. What is it? Mindful eating is a mind/body technique that helps you to become more aware of your food and your body's reaction to it. Too often in today’s society we eat our food quickly or with distraction. By eating mindfully and focusing on slowing the pace of your eating, you will become more aware of the tastes and textures of your food. Eating with purpose and pleasure will help you become more in tune with your body and better able to meet its needs.

Both caffeine and alcohol intake have been linked to infertility and increased conception time. A high caffeine intake has also been shown to increase the incidence of miscarriage, while alcohol may contribute to an increased risk of babies born with birth defects. It is recommended that you limit your caffeine intake and that alcohol be avoided when trying to conceive. Of course only a personal consultation with your fertility specialist will give you the information, as well as the resources, to be at your best before pregnancy and long after the baby has delivered.