Share

cover art for Chowing Down On Fertility Science: Lisa Hendrickson-Jack

Turn Me On

Chowing Down On Fertility Science: Lisa Hendrickson-Jack

Season 4, Ep. 295

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:

Real Food For Fertility Book

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

More episodes

View all episodes

  • 324. Carnal Knowledge: Men’s Pornography Consumption & Body Image

    25:21
    Body dissatisfaction in women as it relates to mainstream media has been a thoroughly discussed topic of modern society, but about body dissatisfaction in men? This week, bad bitch researcher Anna presents a correlational study that examines the relationship between pornography, a salient form of media more commonly consumed by men, and men's relationship with their body image. Body ideals and idols are thrust into the psyche of pornography consumers, but how are the messages internalized? What is body monitoring and how is it impacted with increased porn watching? Does more porn use correlate to a particular attachment style? The psychological effects of the “mesomorphic ideal” portrayed on screens for men have been understudied, and if anything is getting in our way of having healthy experiences of intimacy, it should be explored more deeply.Link to study
  • 323. The Littlest Courtesan in Nevada

    48:16
    Alice Little​ is America's most successful legal sex worker in the books! At 4'8", you might not think you'd be able to spot this red-headed Irish-American farmer in a crowd, but you'd quickly notice as her charm parts seas of people for her. Her genuine kindness is magnetic and it's not hard to see why her success is credited to her personality and ability to connect with people. Bryde and Jeremie chat with Alice about her life between work at the Chicken Ranch and her home on her horse farm. She talks about her values, and about her roles as a mentor to other industry colleagues and as an advocate for the rights and healthcare of sex workers. Jeremie bring up sex robots and sex work as recently discussed with guest Delphine, and the hosts get some insightful thoughts straight from a professional source about what she predicts will happen. The conversation weaves through topics from Alice's curious past careers to the commodification of intimacy​ to the role of AI in amplifying or hindering human connection. Connect with Alice Little via her website for all the right social links, or email her directly to set up an appointment: alicelittle@thealicelittle.comWebsite: https://thealicelittle.com/
  • 322. Carnal Knowledge: Same Sex Couple Relationship Strengths

    26:57
    Another episode of Carnal Knowledge! This week Anna strips down the science of relationships! We dive into a study reviewing same-sex couple relationships from 2000 to 2016. The conversation uncovers how same-sex couples navigate relationship processes, characteristics, and external influences. We explore the significance of respecting individual differences, fostering positive interactions, and mastering communication. Discover the egalitarian ideals that often define these relationships and the impact of being openly out. Tune in for an enlightening look at the unique and shared aspects of love and commitment in same-sex relationships.Study link:"Same-sex couple relationship strengths: A review and synthesis of the empirical literature (2000–2016)https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-00534-001"
  • 321. Sex Robots And The Impact on Human Sex Work

    58:15
    "The sex machines rose from the ashes of whorephobia. Their war to exterminate sex work had raged for decades, but the final battle would not be fought in the future. It would be fought here, in our present." That's a direct quote from the original Terminator script, until James Cameron decided to make it about Robotic bodybuilders instead of Robotic Only Fans models. True story. This week Bryde and Jeremie are joined by Delphine, a researcher in the intersection of sexuality and technology. She discusses her work on sex robots and sex work, challenging the problematic framing of sex robots as exploited and abused women, highlighting the inflammatory language used in media and the association with sex work. Delphine takes a sex-positive and tech-neutral approach, emphasizing that technologies are not inherently good or bad. She explores the potential of sex robots to replace or supplement human sex work, noting the current discourse on both sides of the argument.
  • 320. Carnal Knowledge: Humour Styles and Romantic Interest

    25:17
    Welcome back to another smoking hot week of Carnal Knowledge, a sexy rendezvous between sex and science. This week, bad bitch researcher Anna treats the hosts to a study that highlights the complexity of human attraction and the subtle ways in which our behaviours can signal deeper qualities to potential partners. The study investigates the role humour plays in social interactions, capable of influencing our perceptions and relationships in significant ways. Anna breaks down how the researchers classified “positive” and “negative” humour and what humour signifies in terms of long-term partnership compatibility. Spoiler alert: Get your little joke books out. Time to communicate with warmth and playfulness.Link to study:My funny valentine: How humor styles affect romantic interest
  • 319. Rerouting Life-Force Through Non-Ejaculatory Orgasm

    55:05
    What do you get when you mix water and fire juuust right? Guest Sureya Leonard is a holistic sex and relationship coach, influenced by her personal and spiritual study of Taoism and Tantra and the route of healing that she took when she became chronically ill. Bryde and Jeremie jump feet first into one of the frameworks Sureya uses to help her coaching clients - the Chakra System. Sureya breaks down the use of the Chakra system as a diagnostic tool for understanding and addressing sexual dysfunction, explains how sexual energy moves differently through the system for men and women, and teaches the hosts about the concept of redirecting sexual energy for a more body-full, longer lasting orgasm without ejaculation, or sending the energy in and up, rather than out. Finally, an interesting chat about masturbation, its benefits and its drawbacks. Check out Sureya’s free offering via her link tree below!Want more Sureya in your life? Sureya's Links
  • 318. Carnal Knowledge: Self-expanding activities and Desire in Relationships

    28:46
    Welcome back to Carnal Knowledge - where curiosity meets carnal desires! This week, we dive into the fascinating world of self-expansion and its tantalizing effects on sexual desire and relationship satisfaction. Resident researcher Anna brings us a groundbreaking study examining how self-expanding activities can reignite the flames of passion in long-term relationships. Join us as we unpack the study's three conditions and their intriguing impact on intimacy, self-growth, and romantic satisfaction. Discover how embracing new experiences together can breathe new life into established relationships and spark deeper connections. Don't miss this deep dive into the psychology of desire and the secrets to keeping the heat alive. Until next week, embrace the new, ignite the old.Link to study:https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2018-47337-001
  • 317. In Grief, Sex Is The Medicine

    50:37
    Intimacy isn't just for the easy times; it’s a lifeline when the going gets tough. This week, Sam T joins TMO to explore the profound role of intimacy and connection amidst the harrowing journey of caregiving for a child with cancer. They challenge the taboo of finding joy in hardship, with Sam sharing how her bond with her partner deepened during their daughter's treatment, offering solace and a brief respite from their pain. The conversation dives into the strain preexisting conditions can place on partnerships and the risk of separation or divorce. Together, they tackle the stigma of maintaining intimacy in the face of trauma and emphasize its importance as a coping mechanism. Hear about the heightened emotions, the resilience required, and the growth that comes from choosing to stay connected even when escape seems tempting.Want More Sam?The Deep CInstagram