How Food Impacts Fertility

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Did you know that the food we eat today could be silently impacting our fertility? It’s not just about what you’re eating—it’s about the hidden ingredients that might affect your hormones in ways you may not even realize. I know that for the first several years of our infertility journey, I never even considered the role food could play. I was in a “la la land,” trusting that companies had my best interests at heart. However, I have realized our infertility might be connected to the very food we are eating. Let’s dive into why what’s on your plate might matter more than you think.

Disclaimer:

I am not a licensed medical professional, and the information shared on this blog is for entertainment purposes only. My content should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or using herbal remedies.

We Can Take Control

It’s curious to think about how infertility didn’t seem to be as prevalent when our grandparents or even parents were growing up. No, I don’t think it’s simply because people didn’t talk about it as much or that there wasn’t as much documentation. I know God’s commandment to “be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth” (Genesis 1:28) was made for a reason. He created our bodies with the ability to do just that.

I understand

However, I understand that for a small percentage of people, infertility can be due to physical factors that no amount of eating right or medical intervention can change. And if this is you, know that you are not less of a person. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and I truly believe that God will bless you in His perfect timing. For others, though, there are tangible steps we can take to improve our fertility and hormonal health. I firmly believe we can change our circumstances without having to go to extremes by focusing on proper nourishment.

The Problem with Today’s Food

God has provided us with many amazing foods and herbs to heal and nourish our bodies. Still, there’s one major issue: the food we eat today is often far from what God intended. Have you ever taken a moment to read the ingredients on a packaged food product in your kitchen? Take a look—what do you see? Seed oils, vegetable oil, bioengineered ingredients, and words you can’t pronounce?

Hormones Run the show

Sadly, many of these ingredients directly impact our hormones, and our hormones run the show. Hormones are like the body’s communication system—they regulate everything from our menstrual cycle to our thyroid and mood. Most importantly, our stomachs are key to maintaining hormonal balance. Suppose we aren’t giving our stomachs the nourishment they need. In that case, everything else in our bodies begins to suffer, and often, the first thing to be affected is our hormones.

Hormones and Early Puberty

In my post about how chemicals affect fertility, we discussed how we’re consuming too much estrogen today, which is contributing to many hormonal issues. Let’s consider a disturbing trend: In the 1890s, girls typically began their periods around age 16. By the 1950s, the average age was around 12. Today, though, more and more girls are starting their periods closer to age 10! This is a major health concern that needs more attention. We must be mindful of the chemicals we expose our bodies to, both through skin products and food. Not only ourselves but our child as well.

Our Bodies Are Designed to Heal

Our bodies are nothing short of miraculous. Designed by God to filter toxins, nourish us, and have incredible healing capabilities. Yet, there’s been a noticeable rise in chronic diseases. I’ve been one of those people affected. However, I’ve also learned that when we fuel our bodies with toxic, overly processed, and unnourishing foods, our bodies become overwhelmed. Our kidneys, liver, and skin can only do so much when they’re constantly fighting to detoxify.

When we don’t nourish our bodies properly, toxins and excess estrogen seep into our systems, triggering issues like autoimmune diseases, PCOS, endometriosis, and infertility. The good news is our bodies are designed to heal when we feed them the right fuel—real food.

Why Real Food is so Important for Fertility

Your diet is the #1 most important factor for a healthy menstrual cycle and fertility. So, why is eating real food so crucial? The right nutrition before conception supports optimal egg and sperm health, regulates the menstrual cycle, and balances hormones. It also supports healthy cervical mucus production, which is essential for sperm survival, embryo implantation, and the development of a strong placenta to nourish the baby.

Proper Nutrition

Real food provides the proper nutrients to give you and your baby the best start possible. By nourishing your body with wholesome foods, you’re creating the best environment for conception, healthy egg and sperm production, and your baby’s development. It helps to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications and helps meet the demands of pregnancy. So now that we understand how crucial it is to take care of our bodies with the proper nourishment, what can we do to start making a difference?

What You Can Do Right Now

So, what steps can you take today? First, read your food labels carefully. If you spot seed oils (like canola, soybean, or sunflower oil) or vegetable oil, throw that product out. If you see bioengineered ingredients or preservatives you can’t pronounce, it’s time to ditch them.

Next, focus on finding quality food sources. Seek local farmers or neighbors selling fresh eggs, meat, milk, and flour. Real food is anything minimally processed and comes from a source with little to no alteration.

For packaged goods, consider checking out Thrive Market. I genuinely love their products and believe they offer great options for real, nourishing food—I’m not compensated to say this!

feeling overwhelmed

I know this might feel overwhelming. Trust me, I know, I felt that way too. I wanted to eliminate everything and make everything myself, but that was unrealistic. So, I started small. I began to make the things we loved the most, and switched out one processed food item with something whole. For example, you could swap out breakfast cereal for a nourishing egg and avocado scramble, or try making a homemade salad dressing instead of store-bought with a few simple ingredients: olive oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey!

Looking Ahead

In my next post, we’ll discuss specific foods that support fertility and hormonal balance. But for now, start making small changes by cleaning up your diet. If you can’t wait for the next post, I highly recommend the book Real Food for Fertility. (not paid to endorse) I truly believe it’s a fantastic resource for anyone thinking about getting pregnant or struggling with infertility.

Since I made the switch, I’ve noticed massive changes in my health—my energy levels have skyrocketed, my periods are more manageable, and overall, I feel better. I know it’s not a quick fix, but the changes I’ve seen have convinced me that this path is worth taking. I know it can help you, too!

You are Not Alone

Remember, you are not alone in this journey. The right food can make a world of difference in your hormonal health and fertility, and by making these changes, you’re giving your body the best chance to heal and thrive.

What’s one change you’re ready to make to start your journey toward better fertility and hormonal health? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below! Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for more helpful tips and the next post in this series. We are here for you!

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