We all want to lead long, healthy lives, and for many of us, that includes having children. But are you engaging in lifestyle habits that could be affecting your fertility? Let’s break it down:
Fertility issues affect both women and men. If you’re trying to have kids now or in the future, make sure your lifestyle doesn’t include these four habits:
1. **Skipping the Weight Room:** Many women and some men avoid lifting weights, thinking hours on the elliptical or treadmill is the best solution. However, while cardiovascular health is important, spending an hour on cardio is not only a waste of time but also stressful on the body. Cardio workouts can increase cortisol levels, which can mess with your hormones and, for women, disrupt menstrual cycles. Weight lifting, on the other hand, burns calories for up to 48 hours after you leave the gym. A good weightlifting routine, taking 25-45 minutes, can boost your strength, endurance, stability, and coordination.
2. **Chronic Stress:** Stress levels that spike occasionally can be manageable, but constant stress is harmful. Cortisol, which increases with stress, can block sex hormones and interfere with the menstrual cycle by stealing progesterone. To manage stress, try starting your day with five deep belly breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth, and think of something you’re grateful for. Repeat this throughout the day to stay grounded and reduce stress.
3. **Eating Processed Foods:** Processed foods taste good because they’re made with chemicals to enhance flavor and texture, but these ingredients can harm your body in the long run. For example, the preservative sodium benzoate, found in many processed foods and drinks, has been linked to various health problems. Over time, consuming these chemicals can create issues, especially when consumed by women since childhood. To improve your diet, drink more water, eat plenty of vegetables and fresh proteins, include healthy fats like coconut oil and avocados, and reduce carbohydrate intake.
4. **Binge Drinking:** In our society, binge drinking is common in social settings like bars and sports events, but it can lead to serious health problems, including heart arrhythmias, liver and pancreas issues, erectile dysfunction, sperm growth problems, and lowered fertility in women. If you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to cut back on alcohol. The “everything in moderation” mindset can be harmful; instead, focus on being the healthiest version of yourself for your own sake and for your future children.
