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Fertility Nutrition

Study Shows Increased Infertility Risk for a BMI Over 30

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 17, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

We all know that obesity can lead to long-term chronic health problems, but did you know that it may also lead to infertility? Research has shown not only a link between obesity and anovulation, but there is an infertility risk for obese women who have regular ovulation as well.

Jan Willian Van der Steeg, MD published his findings in the December 2007 issue of the journal Human Reproduction. He and his colleagues followed 3,029 couples having trouble conceiving after a year or more of trying. All of the men had normal semen analysis. All of the women were ovulating and had at least 1 functional fallopian tube. All couples were monitored until pregnancy was achieved or fertility treatments began.

The women were noted as underweight, normal weight, overweight or obese, based on their Body Mass Index (BMI). 86% of participants were normal weight or overweight. 10% were obese. To understand BMI, let me give you an example. A woman who is 5’7” tall, who weighs 140 lbs. has a BMI of 22 and is considered weight appropriate. A woman who is 5’7” tall, who weighs 170 lbs. has a BMI 0f 27, she is considered overweight. Now if the woman is 5’7” tall and weighs 190 lbs. or more, she is considered obese with a BMI of 31 or higher.

Women with a BMI of 35 were 26% less likely to naturally conceive on their own, compared to overweight to normal weight women. Women with a BMI of 40 or more, were 46% less likely to conceive on their own. Findings showed that the obese women had more trouble conceiving than the other group of women. Despite Van der Steeg’s findings, he and his colleagues could not find an explanation as to why women who are ovulating regularly, despite being obese, have a harder time conceiving on their own. It has been suggested that high insulin levels affect the hormone leptin which, in turn, may prevent fertilization of the egg, though he is not for sure.

Increased Infertility Risk for Obese Men
Obesity in men lowers testosterone levels. Chronic low levels of testosterone affect how the testes function, which causes all hormones produced by them to be out of balance. This may also lead to lowered function of producing mature sperm. Over time, this may lead to male infertility. Research shows elevated levels of estrogen in obese men. The sperm of obese men are often abnormal; this increases risk for miscarriage and chromosomal defects in a developing embryo. Obese men also often have sexual dysfunction.

New Research Shows Link Between Pituitary Function and Obesity-Related Infertility…
Doctor’s used to think that infertility in relation to obesity was due to chronically high insulin levels present in the body. It was thought that the high insulin levels over time made the muscles and other tissues unaffected by the hormone’s signals. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University, led by Andrew Wolfe, discovered that despite chronically high insulin levels due to obesity in mice, the pituitary gland still is receptive to the signal of insulin, and continues to be signaled to release fertility hormones. This leads to an overabundance of fertility hormones, which disrupts the natural function of the reproductive system, and consequently leads to infertility. No human testing has been done to see if this is in fact the case for humans, but it completely shocked the doctors. The discovery firmly ties metabolism to fertility, which is forcing doctors to look at treating high insulin levels, associated with fertility issues, in a new way. They believe this will be extremely helpful for treating PCOS in the future.

What You Can Do Today To Increase Fertility

Lifestyle and Diet Changes
If you think obesity may be a factor in your struggles to get pregnant, or carry to term, first chart your BMI. Finding out what your BMI is, may help you to determine if you are considered obese for your height and weight. Make a goal to reduce your BMI to lower than 30, to start with.

  • Take a look at your daily eating habits. Keep a journal of everything you eat in a day, this will help you to gain perspective on what you are eating, and how often you are eating.
  • Change how you eat and what you are eating. Make a commitment to long-term changes in your relationship to food. Seek the guidance of a nutritionist if necessary. You cannot lose body fat for good, or maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, by only committing to short-term changes. These must be permanent life changes.
  • Get moving! Being obese or even overweight can make you feel like you have gotten to a place that seems impossible to exercise. Start off slowly. The best exercise you can do, which is also the easiest, is walk. That’s it, begin to go for a 30-minute walk, 5-6 times a week. As you build up stamina, walk farther and faster each day. As you begin to lose weight, consider adding other activities you enjoy. Riding a bike, dancing, yoga, swimming, jogging, etc.
  • Be honest with yourself. Sometimes, it can be difficult to face the truths about our unhealthy habits, but you cannot move forward if you cannot face the truth. Emotional ties to obesity can be the toughest to confront. The sooner you are honest with your connections to your weight issues, the sooner you can begin to work to heal them.
  • Ask for help! Talk to your health care practitioner about helping you to make a plan. This plan may include seeking the guidance of a nutritionist and personal trainer. Do not worry what people will think of you. Have confidence to seek help from others; you should not have to do this alone! Asking for help is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.
  • Enlist a friend’s help. Partner up with your husband, boyfriend, or close friend, who is in the same boat. You are more likely to stick to your plan if you know someone else is relying on you to help them. This will also help you to reduce isolation or depression.
  • Reduce stress. I know all of this seems easier said than done. Because of that, you may feel overwhelmed. Increase in stress can also contribute to hormonal imbalance and infertility. Do one stress relieving activity a day. Meditate, exercise, yoga, journal, counseling, prayer, acupuncture, calming herbs – all of these are ideas to help you keep stress at bay.
  • Believe in yourself! I know you can change, I believe in you.

Herbs and Supplements
Because of chronic elevated insulin levels due to obesity, it is first and foremost important to lower body fat. No amount of herbs or supplements is going to be effective if body fat remains high and lifestyle and diet changes are not put into place permanently. There are many supportive herbs and supplements out there, but an obese person’s body cannot respond to these as well. The first goal must be to reduce body fat, lose weight, and maintain a healthy weight, long-term. Herbs and supplements may aid in helping to boost fertility along the way, but they cannot be relied on as the solution.

Facts about Medical Options for Obesity Related Infertility
Women and men who seek infertility treatments from their doctors, are more likely to need higher dosages of fertility medications. This may have long-term health implications. Medical fertility treatments are also less likely to be as effective for obese couples. Using fertility medications alone, without weight reduction, is less likely to have positive outcomes. Fertility medications do not solve the obesity problem, even though they may aid in pregnancy.

Long-term diet and lifestyle changes are the most important factor in successful fertility treatment, whether it be natural support or medical fertility treatments.

Helpful Resources
Natural Fertility Diet: http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-diet
21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge: http://www.naturalfertilitydiet.com/
Fertility Yoga: http://natural-fertility-info.com/fertility-yoga
Absent Period: http://natural-fertility-info.com/how-to-get-your-period-back.html
Men’s Fertility: http://natural-fertility-info.com/mens-fertility
Male Fertility Diet: http://natural-fertility-info.com/male-fertility-diet.html

“Choice is a gift given to everyone. It is a powerful gift that can change your life.”-Unknown

References

  • Boyles, S. (n.d.). Obesity Linked to Infertility in Women. Retrieved from: https://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20071211/obesity-linked-to-infertility-in-women#1
  • Saey, T. H. (n.d.). Study clarifies obesity-infertility link. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/study-clarifies-obesity-infertility-link
  • Pasquali, R., Patton, L., & Gambineri, A. (2007). Obesity and infertility. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity, 14(6), 482-487. doi:10.1097/med.0b013e3282f1d6cb. Retrieved from: https://journals.lww.com/co-endocrinology/Abstract/2007/12000/Obesity_and_infertility.11.aspx
  • Hammoud, A. O., Gibson, M., Peterson, C. M., Meikle, A. W., & Carrell, D. T. (2008). Impact of male obesity on infertility: A critical review of the current literature. Fertility and Sterility, 90(4), 897-904. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2008.08.026. Retrieved from: https://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282(08)03352-9/fulltext

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

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🍓 Antioxidant Rich Fertility Smoothie Recipe:

Feel free to add some superfoods if you like (such as greens powder, protein, maca, etc..)

1C Mango
1/2 C Strawberries
1/2 C Blueberries
1/2 C Almond yogurt
Nut milk

➡️ Blend together and adjust liquid so it is a thickness you enjoy. Top with nuts or seeds if you are making a smoothie bowl. Enjoy!

🍹If you would like to learn more about eating for your fertility type in FOOD and I will send you a link to my 21 Day Fertility Diet Challenge. 👇👇

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After focusing on creating a healthy body, Chavonne had her "miracle" baby at 41. Read more about her story...

****While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

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Also knowing when your most fertile time is going to be VERY important. Two ways to do that? Fertility Charting and OPK tests.

naturalfertilityinfo

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☕Reproductive Support Tea contains herbs that support, tone, and nourish the female reproductive system while supporting hormone balance.

It’s a soothing and effective fertility tea that provides just the right mixture of beneficial fertility herbs designed to help:

1️⃣ Nourish the uterus*

2️⃣ Support fallopian tube health.*

3️⃣ Help maintain normal ovarian function.*

4️⃣ Encourage normal uterine health.*

5️⃣ Support hormonal balance.

Type ‘TEA’ in the comments below if you would like 10% off your first order or Reproductive Support Tea and I will DM you a discount link. 👇👇

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👇3 Ways To Naturally Support Ovulation 👇

Lack of ovulation is one of the most common causes of infertility.

BUT you can help support your body to regularly ovulate again when hormonal health is found.

Here are some steps you can take to support yourself….

1️⃣ Eat healthy fats like avocado, chia, flax, nuts & seeds

2️⃣ Eat an abundance of whole foods 🥦🍉🥗🍇

3️⃣ Increase circulation to the reproductive system through exercise, Self Fertility Massage and castor oil packs.

👇 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the steps you can take to support your fertility cycle. 👇

#ovulation #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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🌱 Ashwagandha is one of my favorite herbs for stress support while trying to conceive. 

It is easy to use and the calming effects can be felt pretty quickly after starting the herb. 

➡️ The hormonal support results take a bit longer, as with any hormone supportive herb, but is wonderful for both women and men who are experiencing high stress and hormone imbalances. 

Type ASH in the comments below and I will share which Ashwagandha I recommend and how to use it for fertility support. 👇👇

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Q: I have a 24 day cycle. What is this saying about my fertility?

A: Swipe left for our answer...

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⭐ 3 Benefits of Vitex for Fertility…

1️⃣ Regulates hormones: Vitex, also known as chasteberry, is known to regulate the production of hormones such as luteinizing hormone and prolactin, which can help to balance out estrogen and progesterone levels, promoting fertility.

2️⃣ Improves ovulation: Vitex can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve ovulation in women with irregular cycles or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

3️⃣ Decreases symptoms of PMS: Vitex can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS), such as cramps, breast tenderness, and mood swings, which can improve overall health and well-being.

Want to know which Vitex I recommend and how to use it? Type VITEX in the comments below 👇

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🌱 Red raspberry leaf has been used by midwives for fertility for generations. Some of the most well known benefits of raspberry leaf for reproductive support include… 

1️⃣ Regulating menstrual cycles: Red raspberry leaf is believed to help balance hormones and regulate menstrual cycles, making it easier for women to conceive.

2️⃣ Strengthening the uterus: Red raspberry leaf is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and vitamin C, which are believed to help strengthen the uterus and prepare it for pregnancy.

3️⃣ Improving egg quality: Some studies suggest that red raspberry leaf may improve egg quality and increase the chances of conception.

4️⃣ Reducing morning sickness: Red raspberry leaf is also believed to help reduce the symptoms of morning sickness, which can be especially beneficial for women who are trying to conceive.

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🧪 Xenohormones are chemicals that mimic the effects of hormones in the body. 

They can disrupt the endocrine system, which controls the production, transport, and function of hormones. 🚫

This can lead to a variety of health problems, including fertility issues. 

Examples of xenohormones include certain pesticides, plastics, and phthalates. 🕯️

Exposure to these chemicals can affect the production of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which play key roles in fertility. 

Xenohormones can also affect ovulation and implantation of a fertilized egg, leading to infertility. 

It would be best to avoid these chemicals as much as possible. 

👇👇To  learn more about which chemicals to avoid and which products are most important to replace type in ‘TOXIC’ in the comments below to get my guide to Creating a Healthy Home for Fertility Pregnancy & Family 👇👇

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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The body is always giving us feedback to what is happening inside. How regularly you go to the bathroom shares a lot about your digestive health.... as does a bloated belly or gas. Your period or monthly cycle can share a lot about your hormonal state. Your skin can share how your liver is doing. And so on. What have you learned from listening to your body?

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🕯️Chemicals in candles, such as paraffin and phthalates, can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned. 

Some research suggests that certain VOCs, such as phthalates, may disrupt hormone balance by mimicking estrogen and other hormones in the body. 🚫

It’s always a good idea to choose candles made from natural materials, such as beeswax or soy wax, which produce fewer VOCs. 🐝

naturalfertilityinfo

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5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

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Preparing for pregnancy is one of the best steps you can take for a healthy pregnancy and child. Here are some steps to help you get started…. 👇

1️⃣ Eat a diet high in fiber. More fruits and veggies

Fiber helps the body to get rid of excess hormones and fruits and veggies are packed with fiber. They also are very hydrating and have lots of nutrients. All are useful for someone with heavy cycles. 

2️⃣ Learn about your fertility cycle through tracking and charting

Fertility charting will help you to understand your current hormonal state, when or if you are ovulating and other information about your cycle that will help to bring clarity to your fertility path. 

3️⃣ Fertility Cleanse 1-2x per year

The first phase of the Fertility Cleanse is a great way to help support the liver in it’s natural ability to get rid of excess hormones. The second phase focuses on the uterus and helping the uterus to cleanse and increase circulation.

👇 To learn more about the Fertility Cleansing type CLEANSE in the comments below and I will send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 👇 

#hormonehealth #hormonalhealth #periodhealth #naturalfertility #fertilitytips #fertilitydiet

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💡It can be completely normal for your menstrual cycle to vary in length slightly from month to month! 

Ovulation may come a day before or a day later even in normal some cycles. 

We actually expect to see natural variations between menstrual cycles. 

Early ovulation can be concerning, however, when/if it consistently happens. 

➡️ If you would like to learn what you can do to help balance a short follicular phase type EARLY in the comments below and I will send you a link to my guide….👇👇

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Are you experiencing fibroids? 👇 Type FIBROID in the comments below and I will send you a link to my natural guide. 🌱

#fibroid #fibroids #naturalfertility #fibroidfertility #fibroiddiet

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Intimacy may not be something at the top of your mind with everything else you are doing to TTC. But connection with your partner and you feeling.... good is important. Here are some natural ways to support libido if the stress of baby making has made things tense in the bedroom.

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When in doubt get it checked out. 

One of the most common reasons I suggest women to see their doctors is when they are experiencing  a heavy period that doesn’t stop after 5-7 days and has heavy flow. 

There are many different reasons this could be happening, but we first want to make sure it isn’t something that requires medical assistance before going on to healthy lifestyle support.

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Ovarian cysts are more common than you think, and there are ways you can support your body naturally. Type CYSTS in the comments below and I will send you the natural steps you can take to support your self.
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