6 Reasons to Avoid Refined Sugar When Trying to Conceive
6 Reasons to Avoid Refined Sugar When Trying to Conceive
We get that your fertility journey can feel overwhelming. One area we highly recommend prioritizing is your diet, particularly reducing your refined sugar intake (for men and women.) Refined sugar is seemingly everywhere in modern diets, but it can have adverse effects on your body, especially when you're trying to conceive. Here are six reasons why you and your partner should avoid refined sugar when you're trying to grow your family.
Sugar Disrupts Hormonal Balance
Hormones play a pivotal role in fertility, regulating the menstrual cycle, ovulation, and sperm production. Consuming refined sugar can lead to insulin spikes, which can disrupt the delicate hormonal balance necessary for conception. High levels of insulin can interfere with the normal functioning of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone in women, and testosterone in men. This imbalance can cause irregular menstrual cycles, anovulation (the absence of ovulation), and poor sperm quality, all of which can hinder conception.
Sugar Contributes to Weight Gain and Obesity
Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for fertility. Refined sugar is high in empty calories, meaning it does not contain any nutritional benefits. Regular consumption of sugary foods, drinks and processed carbs can lead to weight gain and eventually obesity, which is associated with a range of fertility issues. In women, obesity can lead to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a condition that can cause irregular periods and reduced fertility. In men, obesity is linked to lower sperm count and decreased sperm motility, both of which can reduce the likelihood of conception.
Sugar Increases the Risk of Insulin Resistance and PCOS
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of infertility in women, and insulin resistance is a key factor in its development. Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher levels of insulin in the blood. This can cause the ovaries to produce more androgens (male hormones), which can interfere with ovulation. Refined sugar is a major contributor to insulin resistance because it causes rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels. Avoiding refined sugar can help stabilize blood sugar and insulin, reducing the risk of developing PCOS and improving fertility outcomes.
Sugar Impacts Egg and Sperm Quality
The quality of both eggs and sperm is crucial for successful conception and refined sugar can negatively affect the quality of these reproductive cells. High blood sugar levels and insulin resistance can cause oxidative stress, a condition where harmful free radicals damage cells, including eggs and sperm. Oxidative stress can lead to DNA damage in these reproductive cells, reducing their viability and increasing the risk of miscarriage. By reducing refined sugar intake, you can help protect your reproductive cells from oxidative stress, improving your chances of healthy conception.
Sugar Weakens Immune Function
A strong immune system is essential for fertility and a healthy pregnancy. However, refined sugar can weaken the immune system by suppressing the activity of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting off infections and maintaining overall health. A weakened immune system can make it harder for your body to conceive and maintain a pregnancy. It may also increase the risk of infections that could complicate the process. Focus on eating whole foods, plenty of protein, healthy fats, fibre and unprocessed carbohydrates in moderation.
Sugar Negatively Affects Gut Health
The gut microbiome, a collection of trillions of bacteria and other microorganisms living in your digestive tract, plays a vital role in hormone regulation, immune function, and inflammation control. Refined sugar can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria by promoting the growth of harmful bacteria and yeast, leading to inflammation and other health issues that can impair fertility. By avoiding refined sugar, you can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn can support your reproductive health.
When trying to conceive, every aspect of your health matters and optimizing your diet should be a primary strategy in your pregnancy plan. Utilizing proper diet, targeted supplementation and getting the right tests from a natural fertility specialist can make all the difference!
Have you gotten your FREE Fire Up Your Fertility Guide for couples yet? Grab it here!
Asher Kleiber
Registered Holistic Nutritionist
www.flourishnaturalwellness.com
