What NOT To Eat When TTC

What NOT To Eat When TTC

Here at Foodbaby we tend to focus more on what you should eat when trying to conceive, rather than what you shouldn’t. But the research shows us that high intakes of some food can interfere with our hormones, cycles and fertility. And I’m guessing you’re here because you want to get pregnant faster and have the healthiest pregnancy possible, right? And both what you do and don’t eat matters for both those things. So here are 5 foods not to eat when TTC.

Processed Meats

Processed meats increase chronic low-grade inflammation in the body. Inflammation is known to harm our egg health as well as interfere with our hormones, ovulation and fertility. 

One study found that consuming large amounts of processed meats led to reduced sperm quality, motility and sperm count in men compared with those that consumed fish in its place.

Highly Processed Packaged Food 

High intake of ultra-processed foods are problematic for the same reason as processed meats, that is they increase inflammation, which harms eggs and interferes with ovulation. But it doesn’t end there, ultra-processed foods are often a source of trans fats too. 

There are several studies that point to the fact that consuming these types of fats is associated with poorer fertility outcomes. A recent study that looked at 10 years’ worth of data between 2007 and 2017 found that higher trans fat intakes in women were associated with an increased risk of infertility.

⁠Read more about trans fats and download my free ‘Guide to Avoiding Trans Fat’ here. 

Sugary Drinks

The main culprits when it comes to sugary drinks are sugar-sweetened soft drinks and energy drinks. One study that followed 3,828 women planning pregnancy and 1,045 of their male partners found that men and women that regularly consumed sugar-sweetened beverages had reduced rates of fertility.

Burnt or Charred Foods

Burnt foods contain advanced glycation end products or AGE’s which are toxic end-products that are formed when fat or protein combines with the sugars. ⁠

A review of several studies found that AGE’s negatively impact fertility by:

• Increasing oxidative stress⁠ and damaging both the reproductive tract
• Decreasing egg reserves⁠
• Damaging our eggs and reducing their overall quality⁠
• Increasing the overall risk of infertility

The easiest way to reduce your consumption of AGE’s avoiding eating burnt or blackened food⁠. You can also cook with more water and lower heat. 

Fish High in Mercury

Studies have shown that mercury negatively impacts oestrogen levels in women, sperm quality and motility, and general fertility in both men and women.⁠ One study found that higher blood mercury concentrations were associated with both male and female infertility.

The main culprits to avoid are:

• Swordfish
• Shark (usually called Flake)
• Orange roughy 

So now you know what not to eat when TTC, what should you be eating? Download our Top 12 Fertility Foods list and start incorporating them into your diet today.

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