Fertility Focus on Sugar
This weekly show is designed to help you improve your fertility. Every Tuesday, I will be focusing on actionable steps to help you take control of your own TTC (trying to conceive) journey. I'm Maria, a personal trainer specialising in fertility. Whether you are preparing for IVF, managing your BMI, or ready to throw everything you have at your own trying to conceive journey, tune in each week to hear more.
In this week's show, I am focusing on sugar and the ways in which sugar can affect your hormonal balance. Why am I focusing on this? Well, when it comes to fertility, everything revolves around hormones. Our hormones should be balanced to allow our bodies to function at their best. So, here are five ways in which sugar can affect your hormones:
Insulin: Consuming sugary foods or drinks, especially those high in refined sugars, causes a rapid rise in blood sugar levels. This leads to the release of insulin by the pancreas. However, overconsumption of sugar can lead to chronically elevated insulin levels, potentially contributing to insulin resistance and conditions like type 2 diabetes and PCOS. Pay attention to food labels and be cautious of hidden sugars, especially in low-fat labeled foods.
Leptin and Ghrein: Leptin and ghrelin are hormones that regulate hunger and fullness, crucial for managing weight and fertility. High sugar intake can disrupt the balance of these hormones, interfering with leptin signalling and making you feel less full. Additionally, sugary foods often lack fibre and protein, leading to increased ghrelin production and increased hunger. Focus on homemade meals with whole ingredients to better control your sugar intake.
Cortisol: Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, is released in response to stress. High sugar intake, combined with chronic stress and poor sleep, can contribute to elevated cortisol levels. Increased cortisol levels are associated with weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area, and can interfere with other hormonal functions. Keep stress levels low by incorporating relaxing cool-downs into your workouts and minimising overall stress.
Sex hormones: Excessive sugar consumption may indirectly impact hormone balance. Insulin resistance resulting from high sugar intake can disrupt sex hormone regulation, affecting menstrual cycles and conditions like PCOS. Focus on healthy meal plans to regulate sugar intake and support fertility.
Growth hormone: Sugar consumption, especially fructose, has been associated with reduced growth hormone levels. Growth hormone plays a crucial role in fertility, affecting factors like embryo implantation, follicle growth, and pregnancy. Be mindful of your sugar intake to support optimal fertility.
The take-home message is that sugar can have a significant effect on your overall health and fertility. Be aware of your sugar consumption and modify your diet as needed. If you need guidance and support, don't hesitate to reach out at info@fitnessfertility.com.
Maria, the IVF trainer, is passionately dedicated to supporting women and couples in realising their dream of having a baby.
Personal Trainer | Fitness Fertility
Instagram (@fitness_fertility)
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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.
DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.