You Are What You Eat: Fertility and Nutritional Counseling
Many women who are trying to become pregnant do not realize the important role that nutrition and diet play in their fertility. Dr. Sonja Kristiansen, founder and medical director of Houston Fertility Center, strives to educate her patients about the ways that they can improve their odds of achieving successful pregnancy, which is why she provides them with nutritional education during their appointments.
At Houston Fertility Center, we pride ourselves on offering much more to our patients than just a full range of advanced infertility treatment options. We offer a diverse range of services, including referrals to nutritional counseling by a respected registered dietitian. Recognizing the important relationship between fertility and nutritional counseling at our Houston, TX fertility clinic is just another of the many ways that we distinguish ourselves from other fertility specialists in the region.
How do nutrition and fertility relate?
A poor diet will affect nearly every aspect of a person’s health, and her fertility is no exception. Here are just some of the ways that nutrition can affect fertility:
- Being overweight: Having a body mass index (BMI) of over 24.9 (“overweight”), and especially having one of over 29.9 (“obese”) can affect a woman’s ability to conceive and give birth to a healthy baby. Obesity is also linked to poly-cystic ovary syndrome, one of the most common causes of female infertility, as well as ovulation disorders. If you are overweight, bringing your weight closer to or within the healthy BMI range of 18.5 to 24.9 could dramatically improve your chances of achieving successful pregnancy, especially with fertility treatment.
- Being underweight: Having a BMI of under 18.5 can have as detrimental an effect on a woman’s fertility as being overweight. Again, bringing your weight within the healthy BMI range could improve your chances of becoming pregnant and is recommended before beginning fertility treatment.
- High levels of insulin: Women whose diets consist of high levels of refined carbohydrates and simple sugars are more prone to insulin resistance, which in turn is likely to result in weight gain, irregular ovulation, and hormonal imbalances.
What a Nutritional Counselor Can Do for You
Having a nutritional counselor in your corner as you prepare to undergo fertility treatment can help you to make the most of your investment and optimize your chances of giving birth to a healthy baby. We will refer you to a registered dietitian who will show you how to:
- Cut your carbohydrates and reduce your insulin levels
- Control your portions while still satisfying your hunger
- Get enough Omega-3, antioxidants, and other important nutrients in your diet
- Manage your blood pressure, cholesterol, and allergies
- Lose or gain weight as necessary and maintain a healthy BMI
- Take control of any digestive problems you might have
- Identify dietary supplements that might be helpful to you
- Arrive at a personal nutrition plan that is tailored to your exact needs
Learn More about Fertility and Nutritional Counseling
To learn more about fertility and nutritional counseling, please contact Houston Fertility Center today.