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Chowing Down On Fertility Science: Lisa Hendrickson-Jack
Who knew a plateful of nutrition could be your ally in the bedroom and beyond? Dive into the vital connection between nutrition and fertility with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack in this episode of Turn Me On. Celebrating her new book, Real Food for Fertility, Lisa emphasizes the power of diet in preparing for pregnancy and boosting fertility. She explores the importance of tracking the menstrual cycle for natural birth control, conception, and gauging overall health, highlighting the critical role of micronutrients in hormone production and building a healthy foundation for your baby. The conversation also covers navigating the transition off of birth control, the impact on fertility, and delves into sperm and egg quality. Learn about the significance of striving for optimal fertility markers, influenced by factors like age, diet, and lifestyle, and discover practical strategies to enhance fertility. Whether you're planning for pregnancy or are keen on reproductive health, this episode offers invaluable insights and actionable advice for anyone looking to optimize their fertility through real food and lifestyle adjustments.
Key Takeaways:
- Understanding the menstrual cycle and tracking it can support natural birth control, conception, and overall health.
- Nutrition plays a crucial role in fertility, and women should prioritize their macronutrient and micronutrient intake.
- Coming off birth control should be planned ahead to allow time for hormone normalization and nutrient replenishment.
- Egg quality and quantity decline over time, and it is important to prioritize overall health and nutrition to support fertility.
- Sperm quality is a significant factor in fertility, and men should also focus on their nutrition and overall health. The World Health - - Organization guidelines for sperm quality represent a low bar for fertility and do not reflect optimal parameters for conception.
- There has been a significant decline in sperm quality over time, with the average man today having lower sperm concentration compared to men in the 1940s.
- Factors such as aging, diet, and lifestyle can affect both sperm and egg quality.
- Practical strategies to improve sperm and egg quality include incorporating nutrient-rich foods, avoiding heat exposure to the testicles, and addressing lifestyle factors like smoking and excessive exercise.
Relevant Links:
Lisa’s Podcast: Fertility Friday Radio
TMO Ep. 200 - The Fifth Vital Sign
Episode Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Background
02:15 - The Collaboration and Book
06:05 - The Role of Nutrition in Fertility
17:37 - Preparing for Pregnancy
26:47 - Coming Off Birth Control
36:08 - Egg Quality and Fertility
42:03 - Sperm Quality and Fertility
43:55 - Understanding Sperm Parameters and Guidelines
46:20 - Optimal Sperm Parameters
51:04 - Misconceptions about Sperm Parameters
52:33 - The Importance of Sperm in Fertility
59:46 - Factors Affecting Sperm and Egg Quality
01:03:14 - Heat and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Sperm Quality
01:05:21 - Improving Sperm and Egg Quality
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