Infertility in Western society has been described as an epidemic. Many experts believe our lifestyle and diet, which is so different to our ancestors, plays a major role.
Some lifestyle factors, such as smoking and drinking are obvious. Others are less obvious, but could be affecting your fertility.
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Work-Life Balance
Many people coming to us for help with fertility are leading a ‘typical modern lifestyle’. They are working hard at careers, going to the gym or running to keep fit, and are busy all weekend. They may have other pressures, such as travelling lots for work, or working from home in the evenings.
Hectic Life, No Rest
People with this on-the-go lifestyle often do not realise that they are stressed and worn out, and that this may be why they are not having babies.
The following article focuses on women, but the idea of stress effecting fertility applies equally to men:
‘Scientists found that those [women] with high levels of a stress hormone stop ovulating and are therefore unable to conceive. Women with hectic jobs are those most at risk, and are often most in denial about the stress in their lives, say researchers.’ Daily Mail article.
So, slow down, eat well, exercise moderately
In Chinese thought good fertility comes from your ‘Jing’. Simply put, Jing is your life-force. Good Jing is partly inherited, in the sense that you are born with it (a woman is born with all the eggs she will ever have), and partly depends on age, and how you have looked after yourself. A good lifestyle, in the sense of good diet, rest, relaxation, and sensible exercise, helps keep your Jing strong. and keeps you fertile.
In our experience slowing down, and getting rest, can have a massive positive effect.
Photo By seeveeaar