12-17 HEALTH

FERTILITY, DIET, AND EXERCISE

Diet and exercise relate to fertility and pregnancy conditions more than most people think. Research from the Nurses' Health Study shows that carbohydrate choices play a huge role in fertility. Eating easily digested carbs, like white bread, potatoes, and sugared sodas, increases the odds of difficult fertility. On the other hand, choosing slowly digested carbs rich in fiber improves fertility. Balancing fats is also key to good fertility. Generally, the more trans fat in a woman's diet, the greater the chances of developing ovulatory infertility. Too much protein in a diet can also cause infertility. Women who eat more beans, peas, tofu, soybeans, or nuts tend to be more fertile than those who dine on chicken, red meats, and turkey. Women who consume more full-fat dairy products have trouble getting pregnant as well. Body weight is another serious factor. A woman should maintain an average body weight, not too thin or too fat. Exercise helps with this and also increases fertility rate. Types of exercises suggested include aerobic, strength training, stretching, and activities of daily living.

Newsweek. 10 December 2007. 53-62.