While exercise is extremely healthful in a myriad of ways, the evidence is mounting that too much exercise is actually detrimental. A new study of women trying to have a child found that those of normal weight who exercised moderately became pregnant more quickly, but conception was delayed in those who exercised vigorously. However, among overweight women, any degree of exercise enhanced fertility.
The medical community has known that strenuous exercise can hinder ovulation and menses. There issues are frequently seen in marathon runners and competitive female athletes. Lauren Wise, lead author of the most recent study, suggests high intensity workouts may also prevent implantation of the fertilized egg to the uterus, FoodConsumer reports.
In the investigation, scientists evaluated more than 3,500 Danish women seeking to become pregnant. According to GMA News, the findings showed that those who engaged in moderate exercise, such as walking, cycling or gardening, more than five times per week were 18 percent more likely to become pregnant compared to those who were very sedentary. Conversely, women of normal weight who engaged in vigorous exercise, such as running or aerobics, more than five times per week had a 32 percent lower likelihood of becoming pregnant. This detrimental link between vigorous workouts and fertility was not observed in overweight women.
Obese and overweight women tend to have higher incidences of fertility problems. Their bodies manufacture more estrogen, which may suppress hormones involved in ovulation, explains Richard Grazi of Genesis Fertility in Brooklyn, New York, GMA News relays.
Wise recommends moderate exercise for conception and pregnancy, Reuters notes. Additionally, fitness experts advise against overdoing it when initiating an exercise routine, emphasizing starting slowly and building intensity gradually.
Aside from moderate exercise, other natural measures can boost your likelihood of becoming pregnant, FoodConsumer records. As vitamin D can affect fertility, get safe amounts of sunlight regularly. Avoid chemical additives in food, as well as genetically engineered food. Consume a healthy diet, plentiful in healthful fat and antioxidants, but low in sugar. Eating fresh, raw foods, while avoiding processed ones will help prevent consuming hidden fructose and harmful food additives. Also, since electromagnetic fields can reduce sperm quality, avoid prolonged cell phone usage and other activities that would increase exposure.
Sources:
http://www.foodconsumer.org/newsite/Non-food/Lifestyle/exercise_0406121208.html
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/04/05/us-overweight-conceive-idUSBRE83414X20120405
Mary West is a natural health enthusiast, as she believes this area can profoundly enhance wellness. She is the creator of a natural healing website where she focuses on solutions to health problems that work without side effects. You can visit her site and learn more at http://www.alternativemedicinetruth.com. Ms. West is also the author of Fight Cancer Through Powerful Natural Strategies.