Studies say these 5 foods should be avoided when trying to conceive

Although several factors affect an individual’s fertility, including age, weight, hormones, and nutrition, when trying to conceive, diet plays a crucial role in maintaining and boosting chances of getting pregnant.

According to studies, some foods can negatively impact reproductive health and should be avoided or minimised. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your dietary choices to increase the chances of conception.

Without further ado, here are the foods you should avoid when trying to conceive.

• Processed meats

Processed meats like sausages, hot dogs, bacon, and ham have been proven to affect the chance of pregnancy or fertilization rates in their partners.

These meats are often high in saturated fats, sodium, and preservatives like nitrates which lead to inflammation and impaired sperm quality and ovulation.

A study involving men who consumed processed meat found that lower sperm quality, count, and motility are linked to large consumption of processed meat.

So instead of processed meat opt for lean meats like chicken, turkey, and tofu.

• Alcohol

When trying to conceive, it is advisable to avoid alcohol. Consumption of alcohol even light drinking can disrupt hormone levels and reduce fertility.

According to a study, heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to low sex drive, poor sexual performance, and low-quality sperm in men.

In women, ovulation, menstrual cycle, and reproductive hormones can be affected.

Also, alcohol has been linked to having a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Due to the effects of alcohol during conception and childbirth, it is advisable to avoid it when trying to procreate.

• Bakery products

Bakery products such as cookies, cakes, muffins, and pastries are the major sources of trans fat in the human diet.

Several studies have proven trans fat and saturated fat are associated with poorer fertility outcomes.

In a 2007 study, it was found that consumption of these bakery products can increase infertility and ovulatory disorder by 73%.

It might be hard to let go as they tend to be a go-to snack but you can start small. Start by minimising your consumption then slowly incorporate healthy carbs into your diet.

Healthy carbs include beans, avocados, fruits and nuts.

• Sugar-sweetened drinks

When trying to conceive you need to minimize or cut off sugar-sweetened drinks including soda, beverages, and energy drinks.

Sugar-sweetened beverages, particularly sodas and energy drinks have the worst effect on fertility, compared to diet sodas and fruit juice.

Another study found that high consumption of sugary beverages was associated with a lower total number of mature and fertilized eggs among women during IVF.

• Refined carbohydrates and sugar

Refined carbohydrates like bread, pasta, and white rice are some of the foods that should be minimised during conception.

Eating these foods has been linked to reduced fertility. However, regular consumption of refined carbohydrates is particularly associated with obesity.

Meanwhile, obesity has been associated with a higher incidence of infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and pregnancy complications.

So to enhance fertility, consider changing your diet to healthier, fertility-friendly options.

While it may seem like many foods are off-limits, some nutritious foods can boost your fertility.