A “fertility diet”

Women who do the following have better rates of fertility

  • Eating more beans, nuts and other fertility-boosting plant protein
  • Eating more whole grains
  • Having a glass of whole milk and other full-fat dairy food every day (even including an occasional small bowl of ice cream)
  • Avoiding alcohol, smoking and drugs.
  • Avoiding trans fats (check the Nutrition Facts labels on foods)
  • Avoiding sugary sodas
  • Avoiding too much caffeine. Do not drink more than one cup of coffee per day.

Risk factors affecting fertility in both men and women

  • Overweight or severely underweight
  • Stress may affect fertility or sperm count
  • Sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia
  • Smoking
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Exposure to toxins, such as lead or certain pesticides
  • Certain medical conditions, such as endometriosis