PERSONA THEME TRENDS WELL-BEING ISSUES RESEARCH NEWSCOPE
The Fertility Diet: Zero Stress Recipe Written by DR. RITA BAKSHI
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tress is one major thing which has been clouding and shadowing the lives of most of the young generation globally. It is one constant thing that keeps hollowing our minds and lives. Many issues such as work pressure, social issues, personal problems may contribute to stress. Straining and persistent pressure often stresses the lives of the people and often leaves them with unbelievable problems including infertility. Studies reveal that infertility is not only caused by mentalstress, but physical stress is also a major contributor tothe problem. Infertility is the inability to reproduce even after having unprotected sex for a prolonged period. It is very important in today’s times that people start focussing on improving their lifestyles. Extended working hours with fluctuating shift timings really obstruct the lifestyle of the intending parents which is strenuous for their fertility health. Stress and anxiety often indulge people in activities such as smoking, drinking alcohol and drugs which significantly and temporarily reduce the stress levels but severely affect the fertility levels. These habits may have a direct impact on the health of the sperms and thereby reduce both theirquality and quantity in men. This consequently may hamper the process of conceiving. The shape and motility of the sperms is also compromised which can reduce a men’s libido and hence cause impotence. People, who at large are exposed to such activities are likely to have greater risks of miscarriages and still births. Increased stress levels and apprehensions may also drive few people towards unhealthy eating habits leading them to mostly consume junk food. This stress eating eventually leads to unwanted weight gain and obesity in people. Obesity can further result in Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
It is a condition that affects a woman's hormone levels and makes it harder for them to get pregnant.Therefore, it is always advisable to check and control your stress and anxiety levels before planning to go for any kind of fertility treatment. WAYS TO CUT-OFF STRESS LEVELS AND BOOST YOUR FERTILITY • Take time off from your strenuous routine and involve in activities that you enjoy. Indulge yourself in watching movies, fun games, travelling, meditation, reading, spend time with your loved ones and make time for recreational activities. This will make
you feel better and elevate your life condition. • Try to keep your personal and professional lives separate. This will help you maintain a better life at both places and substantially reduce the stress too. • If you think that your job is stressful and hampering your fertility levels, try and look for an alternative but do not leave it. That’s because any extreme changes in daily life usually increase stress levels. Also, accustomed routines are usually more stress-reducing than
extra free-time. People with a habit of a regular and routine work culture, often find it difficult to sit home or idle. • Indulge yourself in workout and exercising as they help in relieving stress and calm your mind. Zumba and exercises are fun activities to involve yourself in as they help you shed unwanted weight and keep you energetic throughout the day. Yoga and swimming are the best medicines for those dealing with infertility issues. • Be optimistic and do not fret or worry often if you are undergoing fertility treatments. Look at life with a bigger perspective and lookfor little things that make you happy.
• If needed, take professional help. There is a lot of stigma attached with this but go for everything and anything that helps you in reducing stress and boosting fertility. Dr. Rita Bakshi, Senior infertility specialist & gynaecologist is the chairperson of International Fertility Centre. She sees herself as a catalyst, which has helped illuminate the lives of many by her passion of treating infertile couples while quenching their search for a bundle of joy in their lives.
