The gut-fertility link: Fertility specialist talks about long-term health effects

The gut-fertility link: Fertility specialist talks about long-term health effects

The gut-fertility link: Fertility specialist talks about long-term health effects

New Delhi: A healthy gut not only helps with digestion but also plays a pivotal role in one’s reproductive health. Did you know? Poor gut health can raise the chances of estrogen imbalance and reproductive difficulties. There is an association between the gut and fertility. Here, the expert highlights why taking care of the gut enhances fertility and one’s chance of conceiving. It is necessary to tackle gut problems without any further delay.

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Soumya Shetty- Fertility Specialist at Nova IVF Fertility, Chembur, Mumbai, explained how the gut is linked with fertility.

It is a known fact that a healthy gut helps with digestion and immunity. But, are you aware that a healthy gut is crucial for fertility? According to various studies, poor gut health can lead to hormone balance, inflammation levels, and nutrient absorption, all of which are important for reproductive health. Whether you are trying to conceive naturally or going through fertility treatments like IVF, you need to focus on your gut.

Understanding the connection between gut and fertility

Your gut is home to bacteria that help digest food, absorb nutrients, and boost immunity. This group of bacteria is called the gut microbiome. When your gut is healthy, it helps maintain the right balance of hormones like estrogen and progesterone that are necessary for ovulation and regular periods in women, and sperm production in men. However, poor gut health due to unhealthy diet, antibiotics, or lack of sleep can induce inflammation and hormonal imbalances. Inflammation can affect the lining of the uterus, making it harder for an embryo to implant. Hormonal imbalance can cause irregular periods, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or low sperm count and hurt one’s fertility. So, ensure to take care of the gut without any further delay.

Tips to improve gut health and boost fertility

One has to eat fiber-rich foods. So opt for fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet. Go for fermented foods such as yogurt, curd, and kimchi that are rich in good bacteria. Eating processed and sugary foods can damage good gut bacteria and increase inflammation. It is better to eat mindfully, drink at least 2-3 liters of water, and sleep well, as lack of sleep and high stress can disrupt the gut balance. Daily exercise is also beneficial to enhance gut movement and reduce inflammation. Women, your goal should be a healthy gut, and don’t ignore signs such as bloating, gas, indigestion, constipation, or diarrhea, hormonal imbalances causing irregular cycles or heavy periods. Taking care of the gut will not only ease digestion and stomach issues but also infertility.

 Your gut is home to bacteria that help digest food, absorb nutrients, and boost immunity. This group of bacteria is called the gut microbiome. When your gut is healthy, it helps maintain the right balance of hormones like estrogen and progesterone that are necessary for ovulation and regular periods in women, and sperm production in men.  Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare