Nutrition – You are what you eat Certain vitamins and nutrients are considered very important for fertility. Their absence stops the reproductive organs from working normally, thus causing complications. The following vitamins and nutrients are known to have very positive effects on fertility in women: Folic acid – for neurological aspects Vitamin B12 – better quality of egg Omega-3 fatty acids – brain and neurological functions as well as hormone production Trans fats and “unhealthy diets” (those “rich in red and processed meats, potatoes, sweets, and sweetened beverages”) were found to have negative effects on both men and women. Nutritional studies on men have found that a healthy diet helps improve semen quality. Foods that affect glucose metabolism can certainly impede other hormones, heart and liver functions as well. How to avoid the negative impact of malnutrition: Couples aspiring to start their family must follow a well-crafted diet plan by a nutritionist or a gynecologist to meet the body needs during these conditions. A diet high in plant fiber, low sugar, low fat and high usable protein will give you the nutrition necessary for baby and parents. Having a Hormonal Imbalance or Autoimmune Disorder: Abnormalities in the hormonal system are a major factor in infertility. These are indicated by irregular menstrual cycles or short, long, or heavy periods and results in affecting ovulation. Men with hormonal problems have much lesser sperm count. This is a very common issue and almost 40% infertility cases list abnormal sperm count as the main problem. Autoimmune diseases like thyroid diseases, lupus, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with fertility in a negative way for both men and women. How to Avoid: Couples are advised to consult their midwives or doctors before pregnancy planning and run the essential tests for diseases so that the problem is sorted out first. For a more natural course, try saliva testing at home and read up on books like Taking Charge Of Your Fertility to learn how your body works, what are signs of fertility and infertility etc. Patients with autoimmune diseases are often able to keep their symptoms controlled by medications. Be aware of choices. Often times diet can make the difference, rather than expensive or unnecessary chemical intervention. Early detection is a great defense. Being Over or Underweight: Weight is also a significant factor in maintaining the overall health of the body. Fertility is certainly enhanced by a well-balanced body weight. According to the studies, body fat levels above 10 to 15% normal can overload the body with estrogen resulting in disturbances in the reproductive cycle. Similarly, body fat levels that are 10 to 15 percent below normal can completely shut down the reproductive process and since good fat is converted to hormones not enough is as bad as too much. Overweight men may have suboptimal sperm and therefore reduced fertility. Too much body fat in men can convert to estrogen, leading to lower testosterone. The Solution: Weight must be controlled when you’re planning for a child and fast foods or diet with trans fat are recommended to be avoided to keep the balance. A low glycemic diet brings balance to weight and hormones. Best Fertility Care Centre , Maternal & amp; Child Health Care Centre , Advanced Fertility care centre , Ashwini Hospital & amp; Fertility Centre Moondrumavadi K.Pudur Madurai -07, Low Cost IVF & amp; ICSI Centre, Normal Vagina Delivery for RS.35000/-(Including medicines) LSCS RS 50000/- (Including medicines).Multispeciality hospital