This slide share outlines the influences of diet and TV viewing time on fertility

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Diet, TV & Fertility
Amanda Clark, ( Adv APD) Senior Dietitian,
Great Ideas in Nutrition, www.greatideas.net.au

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The affect of diet and watching
TV on fertility
Research shows that the foods we eat as
well as our activity level can affect fertility
A recent Harvard study found that a lazy
lifestyle and poor food choices can reduce
fertility in men and women

3. +
Diet and fertility in women
Women who's diets were high in processed
carbohydrates and had larger serving sizes had
double the risk of ovulation problems
Diets containing beans, lentils, tofu, nuts and
seeds were associated with more pregnancies
High fat processed foods like cakes, biscuits
and fried foods were associated with a higher
risk of infertility (foods with trans fats)
These food choices are also associated with
heart disease and diabetes

4. +
TV and fertility in men
Men who watched TV for more than 20
hours had nearly half the sperm count of
men with the lowest TV watching time
The most active men had 70% higher sperm
counts than the couch potatoes
Why? Sitting still and watching TV seems to
heat up the scrotum and kill off sperm

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Cause for concern?

The foods associated with reduced fertility are also associated
with heart disease and diabetes

Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats and processed
carbohydrates increase the risk of:

Overweight and obesity

High blood pressure, heart attack and stroke

Type 2 Diabetes

Reduced fertility

6. + Carbs, Glycemic Index and
Glycemic Load

Glycemic Index ranks foods based on their effect on
blood sugar levels.

High GI foods are digested very quickly and cause
your blood sugar levels to spike. Low GI foods
provide a slow rise in blood sugar levels and keep
you feeling fuller for longer

Glycemic load (GL) = the Glycemic Index (GI) of a
food multiplied by the amount of carbs in the food

If you eat a huge bowl of a low GI food such as pasta
this can still cause a big rise in blood sugar levels
because the meal has a higher GL

Aim for low GI carbs in smaller portion sizes to
increase your chance of falling pregnant

Low GI foods include wholegrain breads and cereals
such as rolled oats, pasta, basmati rice, legumes
(baked beans, lentils, chickpeas etc), sweet potato
and corn

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Increasing intake of plant proteins
and reducing meat intake
Sources of plant protein
Why eat plant protein?
Legumes (lentils, chickpeas, baked
beans etc)

Plant proteins are high in fibre,
low in saturated fat and full of
beneficial vitamins, minerals
and antioxidants
Plant proteins are often a lower
calorie option compared to
meat

Reducing meat intake and
increasing plant protein foods
may improve your fertility
Nuts, seeds and nut/seed spreads




Tofu, tempeh

Grains, especially amaranth and
quinoa

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Reducing intake of trans fats
What are trans fats?



Trans fats are made when
vegetable oils are hydrogenated
(a process that turns liquid
vegetable oils into solid fats).
If you eat a lot of trans fat this
can increase your LDL (bad)
cholesterol, decrease your HDL
(good) cholesterol and increase
your risk of heart disease
Lay off trans fats to increase your
fertility
Sources of Trans fats

Baked foods such as pastries,
pies, biscuits and cakes

Fast-food and fried foods such
as hot chips

Trans fats also occur naturally
(in small amounts) in cow and
sheep products such as dairy,
beef and lamb. These are
thought not to be as bad as the
artificial trans fats in fried and
baked food

9. +
Weight and fertility
Weight

Being overweight (in both
parents) or underweight can
reduce fertility

Research shows that achieving a
healthy body weight is associated
with better fertility

Daily exercise can help you lose
weight or maintain a healthy
weight

Exercise can also reduce your
risk of developing Gestational
Diabetes during pregnancy

10. +
Other factors
Smoking

Smoking reduces fertility in
males and females

Smoking increases the risk of
miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy,
premature birth and still birth
Alcohol

If you or your partner drink
alcohol this can reduce the
chances of falling pregnant

A baby’s organs begin to grow
in the first few weeks of
pregnancy. In these early
weeks often women don't know
they are pregnant.

Avoid alcohol if you are
planning to fall pregnant

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Summary
Reducing your intake of high fat and processed foods, choosing low GI
carbohydrates, increasing intake of plant proteins and selecting the correct
portion sizes may help you fall pregnant.
Following these food choices may also help you achieve and maintain a healthier
weight, as well as reduced your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
For further assistance on Fertility and Food, contact Amanda Clark
Email Amanda Clark
Visit: www.greatideas.net.au or phone 07 5536 6400
Great Ideas in Nutrition, Coolangatta, QLD. Available in person or via Skype.