How Does Too Much Exercise and Certain Diets Affect a Woman’s Ability to Conceive

By Korir Isaac / Published December 31, 2018 | 12:36 am

Experts have always recommended that exercise is good for your health, but did you know that the type of exercise a woman does and the lengths to which she does them may affect her ability to conceive?

Regular exercise affects your fertility. Weight is an important factor in conception and regular workouts may actually improve reproductive function. In fact, an Obstetrics and Gynecology study pointed out that women who exercised 30 minutes or more daily had a reduced risk of infertility due to ovulation disorders. On the other hand, too much vigorous exercise is associated with lowered fertility, as both a 2009 study in Human Reproduction and a Harvard study of elite athletes found.

Clearly, fitness activity plays a role in a woman’s chances of conceiving, yet “studies on which to base fitness advice are still difficult to find and often contradictory, so it’s been hard to give women definitive guidelines to follow,” noted Fitness Magazine.

Because exercise seems to be a cause to worry about for women looking to conceive, we ask, for a woman to stay healthy and at the same time conceive, how much exercise should they have and to what extent?

Exercise reduces the chances of hypertension and glucose metabolism in the body which in turn affects a woman’s fertility. On the other hand, it also limits the occurrence of preeclampsia – a pregnancy complication affecting about 5 percent of all women and is characterized by high blood pressure and damage of the linings of blood vessels of most organs in the body – and musculoskeletal pains during pregnancy. As such, it is therefore recommended that women practice moderate exercises to elevate their chances of getting and keeping their pregnancies.

Why Exercise?

One of the rising causes of infertility in women globally is diabetes. It is a matter of great concern especially since some of the women suffering from diabetes can hardly get or even be able to keep their pregnancies. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a disorder characterized by unstable and stubborn high concentration of sugar in the blood is one of the leading causes.

Moderate exercises designed to enhance cardiovascular fitness is one remedy that should not be shunned. Brisk walking is a very good example. This is effective in that your body weight, its chemistry, and insulin resistance are impacted positively leading to little or no risks of diabetes.

Many high blood pressure patients more often than not have been instructed by their physicians to make exercise a part of their healing process. Studies also show that women suffering from endometriosis projected positive results after aerobics was included in their prescription. This means that by staying fit through enough exercise the risks of the condition were cut down to an extent.

Being physically active can be a powerful antidote to physical and emotional pain. There is no question that exercises benefit a woman’s overall health.

The time to start working out, wherever you are in your baby-planning agenda, is now. The desire to conceive and have a healthy child should be the perfect motivation to start a healthier lifestyle!

Diet and Fertility

Upholding the correct diet is vital in one’s efforts to conceive. Proper diet here means the food you eat should be healthy and balanced, containing foods from every food group.

As is opposed to how women, some women, are used to complex carbohydrates like chips on a daily basis, organic foods are highly recommended. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are but phenomenal in how they all help increase a woman’s chance of becoming pregnant. But to maintain healthy iron levels, don’t dwell on the habits of eating soil as apparent in the cravings of many, protein sources, such as meat and poultry, should just about cater for that. By maintaining these iron levels, you stand a chance of not being vulnerable postpartum anemia.

Another positive factor in enhancing fertility is calcium. On top of that, it also leads to the development of stronger bones. There is quite a variety of sources of calcium. Topping the list are the dairy foods like milk, yogurt, and cheese. For those who prefer fat-free dairy products they should know that it contains the same amount of calcium as whole milk products, but have significantly fewer calories and lower levels of saturated fat.

High in calcium also are broccoli, kale, and oranges. It should occur to you though that while choosing these fruits and vegetables, the brighter the color, the more nutrients the food contains. Peas, broccoli, and pumpkin are excellent sources of fiber and vitamins.

Blueberries and red peppers are a good source of antioxidants. Eating foods with folic acid is also very important during pregnancy. Oranges and lemons are excellent food sources of folic acid.

The point is, a woman should have enough exercise – moderate exercise – and eat the right kind of foods for healthy conception. As is the norm, always consult with your doctor or a specialist should any problems arise.

About Korir Isaac

A creative, tenacious, and passionate journalist with impeccable ethics and a nose for anticipated and spontaneous news. He may not say it, but he sure can make one hell of a story.

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