Fertility records for both women and men have been on the decline globally.
Couples who married happily have had fertility issues bringing discord. Several of them have ended their marriages as a result.
Sadly, majority of them have had to increase their trust in God, praying for fruitfulness that is already in the DNA of humans.
Presently, at least 1 in 7 couples trying to have a baby will at one point or the other experience fertility issues.
Premier Health said studies had showed that after a year of having unprotected sex, 15% of couples are unable to conceive.
“And, after two years, 10% of couples had still not achieved a successful pregnancy.”
For instance, in the US, the general fertility rate among women between the ages of 15 and 44 was 60.2 births per 1,000 women.
These were figures given by a team of researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics.
Also, the researchers said the figure represented a 3% drop from 2016. It is the biggest one-year decline seen since 2010.
However, some years ago, this was not the case. Women could easily conceive. At that time, science had not advanced as much as it is today.
What Is The Reason For Increasing Fertility Issues?
This fertility challenge will increase in coming years.
Research has consistently shown that lifestyle factors – what you eat, how well you sleep, where you live, and other behaviors – have profound effects on health and disease.
Fertility is no exception.
According to the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human, a number of lifestyle factors affect fertility in women, in men, or in both.
These include, but are not limited to nutrition, weight, and exercise; physical and psychological stress; environmental and occupational exposures; substance and drug use and abuse; and medications.
Foods That Boost Fertility
Interestingly, however, there are foods that also help boost fertility in both men and women.
Most of them are available at our outlets in Lagos and Abuja.
But there is something that couples looking to conceive should consider – WEIGHT.
Being either overweight or underweight has been associated with infertility.
According to researches, the amount of fat stored in the body affects menstrual function.
While it is necessary to keep a good weight, knowing your Body Mass Index (MBI) is a great way to begin.
What you eat largely contributes to why you may have excess fat in your body.
Therefore, adding some foods to your diet will help.
1. Cut Down On Carbs
Eating food that is low in carbohydrate is one way to control body weight while you maintain a healthy life.
We know that Nigerians love white rice, but replacing it with brown rice most times will aid weight control.
There are other grains in this category that are also available in our food and condiments section that can help.
2. Go For Food With Folate
Falate is needed by every woman looking to conceive and getting plant-based folate is better.
You can find folate in leafy green – spinach, kale, celery and others.
Check our fruits section for these vegetables.
3. Eat Food Rich In Antioxidants
Aside from folate, another antioxidant that boosts fertility in both man and woman is zinc.
Interestingly, these antioxidants deactivate free radicals in your body. These free radicals, if not deactivated, could damage both sperm and egg cells.
Walnut and other nuts are rich in antioxidants and a 2012 study showed it could boost semen.
4. Flaxseed
This is another seed that is awesome in boosting fertility.
Flaxseed is a rich source of healthy fat, antioxidants, and fiber.
It contain protein, lignans, and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA or omega-3.
Apart from helping to lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, flaxseed boosts fertility in women and men. It also aids eye sight since it is rich in omega-3.
5. Reduce Intake Of Trans Fat
Researches have shown that trans fats are associated with an increased risk of ovulatory infertility.
This is because they have negative effects on insulin sensitivity.
Trans fats are often found in hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Have your read: Libido: 6 Great Fruits You Should Eat
Also, they are often present in some margarine, fried foods, processed products and baked goods. Avoid them for they are the bad guys.
So many observational studies have found that a diet higher in trans fats and lower in unsaturated fats was linked to infertility.
6. Eat More Fibre
One of the reasons infertility occur is hormonal imbalance, but a fiber-rich food can help address this.
Eating more of fibre-helps your body get rid of excess hormones. This will keep your blood sugar level balanced.
Some high fibre foods in our stores are often in the food and condiments section and they are whole grain foods.
You can also find fibre in fruits, vegetables and beans.
More so, some fibre could help remove excess estrogen by binding to it in the intestines.
After that is done, the excess estrogen is then removed from the body as a waste product.
Find these foods and be guided by these research-driven information.
Kindly share this article with your friends and loved ones. Thank you.
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