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    Home » Uncategorized

    Why your ancestors were fertile... but you aren't.

    By Catherine on January 6, 2014 Last Updated February 5, 2023 37 Comments | No Medical Advice | This Post Contains Affiliate Links

    Why your ancestors were fertile, but you aren't | Butter NutritionAre you less fertile than your ancestors?

    With an abundance of "healthy" food, medicine, and healthcare available, shouldn't fertility be on the rise? And, is it really infertility, or could it possibly be a dietary insufficiency? Read on to find out my take on the nutritional factors for infertility.

    1) Nutrient Excess

    There's a number of nutrients that are being over-consumed in modern day, leading to a state of nutrient excess.

    Most notably, these are:

    • Vitamin A (think multivitamins, eggs, butter, liver, dairy products, cod liver oil, colorful vegetables, etc.)
    • Copper (think multivitamins, dark chocolate, shellfish, and nuts)
    • Iron (think multivitamins and iron supplements)

    These nutrients are extremely popular in wellness culture and can have serious consequences for your liver and biliary health when they are over consumed for decades (read: detoxification).

    Find out more about nutrient excess here.

    2) Increased Toxicity

    There's no doubt that there's increased toxicity in the highly processed standard American diet. This is especially a problem if not met by an abundance of nutrients to help detoxify toxins from the body and neutralize free radicals.

    A protein, mineral and/or fiber deficiency are big here.

    3) Pharmaceutical Advacements

    Pharmaceutical advancements have influenced female health across the board. Between the increased use of synthetic hormones like the birth control pill and estrogen replacement, vaccines, and Rx drugs, the female body is increasing being told what to do by synthetic hormones and drugs made in a lab. It's no longer exclusively running on its own innate operating system.

    In a 2018 study titled: A lowered probability of pregnancy in females in the USA aged 25-29 who received a human papillomavirus vaccine injection concluded that "If 100% of females in this study had received the HPV vaccine, data suggest the number of women having ever conceived would have fallen by 2 million. Further study into the influence of HPV vaccine on fertility is thus warranted."

    The study included 8 million women between the ages of 25-29, but somehow I'm going to take a wild guess that you haven't heard about it at your doctor visit.

    4) Last but not least — STRESS

    Did you know that when you're under stress, your body instinctively makes less progesterone (the pro-gestation hormone to support pregnancy) and makes more cortisol (the stress hormone) instead?

    This low progesterone is why you might skip your monthly cycle when under a lot of stress. Chronic stress is a growing trend, and it definitely plays an important role in sex and reproduction.

    But it doesn't have to be this way. The time is now to transform the generation of infertility into a powerful world of fertility. Being fertile is a sign of health, and a lack of it is a key clue your body is trying to tell you something.

    It's also important to remember that infertility is not just about women. Men's reproductive health/nutrition is equally important (so share this with the men in your life too)!

    Recommended reading:
    Estrogen Dominance: The hormonal imbalance  that causes a nightmarish myriad of symptoms
    Low Thyroid: How to thyroid proof your diet

    So tell me, what do you think? Do you agree or disagree? Please share in the comments!

    PIN IT:
    Why your ancestors were fertile, but you aren't | Butter Nutrition

    References:
    Center for Disease Control and Prevention. NCHS Data Brief: Recent Decline in Births in the United States, 2007–2009. Retrieved on January 6, 2014 from http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db60.htm.
    Peat, Ray. Nutrition for Women. 1993.
    Peat, Ray, PhD. PMS to Menopause: Female Hormones in Context. 1997.
    Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com/jovannig
    J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2018;81(14):661-674. doi: 10.1080/15287394.2018.1477640. Epub 2018 Jun 11.

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    About Catherine

    Hi there! I’m Catherine Crow. Seattle-based Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner (FNTP), Educator, Diet Investigator, and Coconut Milk Ice Cream Enthusiast. My goal is to help guide you to improve your nutrition through strategic eating (not dieting) and without expensive supplements. Because when you know better, you can feel better! Read more...

    Free Report: How To Reverse A Slow Metabolism

    When your body decides to slow your metabolism it’s all about one thing: survival! It’s not about your body trying to conspire against you and ruin your life. It’s your body making a wise decision to sacrifice long-term health for short-term survival because it’s being told to do so (usually through food/nutrient scarcity). The slowing of the metabolism allows your body to go longer on less food. The body also tends to hold on to fat as a protective mechanism, which isn't exactly what most people are going for! Ready to learn what is slowing your metabolism and what you can do about it? Subscribe below to get access to my FREE Metabolism Report: Why Your Metabolism Was Fast, But Now It's Slow:

    Affiliate Link Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Please note: using an affiliate link does not change the price of the product, instead the seller pays Butter Nutrition a small commission. My thoughts on these products are my own.

    Paid Endorsement Disclosure: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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    1. Maureen

      January 07, 2014 at 12:44 pm

      GREAT article! I just recently found your website and love it! I am also a nutritionist and am continuing to try to find new ways to infor m people that low fat/low cholesterol is a LIE that has done tremendous damage to our country as people and as a nation. And along with that is all the damage done from vegetable oils, hydrogenated and non-hydrogenated. My tagline is "Good Fat is Medicine". Keep up the great work and I'll do my best to spread your website around!

      Reply
    2. Karen Scribner

      January 07, 2014 at 9:00 pm

      Nowhere on this article is any mention of the toxics in plastics that have been known since the 1950s or 60s to be hormone mimickers and disruptors. This fact was ignored even before we embraced the low fat flawed study of Ancel Keyes,

      Reply
      • Erica Pacheco

        January 10, 2020 at 12:54 pm

        Plastics are mentioned in another article by this site provided by link under #7

        Reply
    3. Shari

      January 08, 2014 at 10:50 am

      Also, with the eating of processed foods, comes an increase in folic acid-more than half of the population can't process it and we don't eat enough folate from whole foods to get what we need. Look into MTHFR testing regarding infertility and get tested-or just stop eating enriched foods with folic acid and eat whole, organic, and seasonally. http://www.mthfr.net Dr. Ben Lynch is a good web site to start.

      Reply
      • Ersie Courea

        November 07, 2015 at 8:31 am

        be esp vigilant if pregnant as folic acid deficiency in the pregnant mother's diet causes causes
        spina bifida in the baby.

        Reply
    4. Rachel OMahoney

      January 09, 2014 at 11:00 am

      I found your article to be naive and narrow minded. There are many ways people are given the diagnosis of "infertile." And as it turns out it is not always the "women's fault" as your article insinuates. Many times men cannot produce sperm for a variety of non-dietary, non-stress related reasons. Have you heard of Micro-deletion as one of several reasons? Eating healthy is not going to change his DNA or cause him to produce sperm. Also, there are numerous studies that find stress does not in fact interfere with fertility.
      Some of them are here: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=stress%20and%20infertility&itool=QuerySuggestion
      While it is true that stress can interfere with ovulation; ovulation is one of many parts that cause couples difficulty conceiving.
      I could go on as this is a very personal issue, being someone who recently "earned" the title infertile. But I am at risk of telling you exactly what I think in no uncertain terms. I would like to educate you and not publicly shame you.
      I do ask that in the future; you do a minimal amount of research before posting such an article.
      Thank you.

      Reply
      • Catherine

        January 09, 2014 at 11:45 am

        Hi Rachel,

        Thank you for reading and sharing your thoughts. I agree-- it is not a women's problem, however I write for an audience of women, so that is where my focus lies. I fully believe fertility is a 50/50 equation, and the magic happens when both partners focus on health/nutrition. I'm not trying to shame women who are infertile, only point out dietary factors that play a role.

        Catherine

        Reply
    5. Rachel OMahoney

      January 09, 2014 at 11:28 am

      It's interesting, I posted a comment a little bit ago, but it didn't show up. I wonder if that's because I thoughtfully disagreed with you or because of a computer glitch?

      Reply
      • Catherine

        January 09, 2014 at 11:46 am

        Sorry Rachel, I do not moderate comments in “real time.” Thus it takes a while for them to show up.

        Reply
        • Rachel OMahoney

          January 09, 2014 at 12:52 pm

          Thank you for your reply Catherine. I believe there are enough people, websites, etc. that are insensitive and even hurtful to couples struggling with infertility. Our society has not fully embraced this issue, thus many couples are left feeling embarrassed or ashamed for the inability to conceive. If you wanted to point out the role nutrition plays, it would have been prudent to also point out that there are some medical problems that cannot be solved with nutrition and less stress.
          By purposefully excluding these other issues, you are invalidating their existence to your audience which is a disservice to everyone. I know I am not the only one infertile person who read this, 1 in 8 couples have difficulty conceiving. The title indicates our ancestors had no difficulty with infertility (which is not true) and that if only we ate better we would not have these problems. It seems your purpose might be more effectively achieved if you encouraged women empowerment and education rather than soft fluffy pieces about eating better food.

          Reply
          • Catherine

            January 09, 2014 at 1:39 pm

            Thanks Rachel.

            I am not purposely excluding "medical conditions," but rather knowing my role is a nutritional therapist and not a doctor. This is why I focus solely on the nutritional aspects. I know my limitations 🙂

            Thanks for reading and commenting honestly!
            Catherine

            Reply
            • Angelique

              February 07, 2014 at 6:56 pm

              Besides, the article is about the difference between our ancestors fertility and ours, so it's focused on the lifestyle changes between the two. There's always been fertility issues, but not as much as today and it's important to acknowledge that it's not just luck, we are eating stuff that resembles what we used to cook but it doesn't have the same nutrients, and it affects us.

              If we just attribute the struggles to specific and personal issues we would be closing our eyes to how a sedentary life & unhealthy diet is changing us, especially the US (where industries' lobby have played a major factor). It's not that one person can change their diet and 3 months later... voilá!, this change has ocurred over time and though generations, and it will take time to overturn (if it ever does).

            • Ashley

              January 04, 2016 at 7:52 pm

              I agree; I wish you would have mentioned that medical problems play a significant role. You don't have to be a doctor to acknowledge that. I appreciate your desire to educate us about nutrition, but it really is a sensitive topic for all who have experienced infertility for you to not have a disclaimer saying that eating right will not necessarily solve everyone's infertility problems.

            • Catherine

              January 05, 2016 at 11:01 am

              Hi Ashley,

              I hear you and agree there are numerous medical problems that impact fertility. As a nutritional therapist, this article is solely focusing on nutrition factors that impact hormone levels, metabolism, stress, liver function, and thyroid function. My apologies if it came off insensitive to medical problems affecting fertility in any way.

              Thank you for reading and joining the conversation!

              Abundantly,
              Catherine

    6. kaylyn

      January 09, 2014 at 12:59 pm

      rachel im sorry but i dont find govt sites to be reliable sources on things like health...there r just too many things they try to hide. i dont think the article is saying its definitly ur fault if ur infertile..its just sayin that alot of our eating habits n lifestyles could be major factors. i know my diet wasnt good enough n probably was a major factor in my having preeclampsia with two pregnancies but i would rather be informed so i can di what i can to prevent the same problems next time, rather than get mad n stick my head in the sand

      Reply
      • Health Bites Online

        October 29, 2014 at 1:36 am

        You should read the book "Nutrition and Physical Degeneration" by Dr. Weston A. Price. It has turned my life around.
        http://www.amazon.com/Nutrition-Physical-Degeneration-Weston-Price/dp/0916764206

        Reply
    7. Eric

      January 10, 2014 at 12:29 am

      You forgot GMO's that make animals including us infertile.

      Reply
    8. Melanie

      January 10, 2014 at 6:24 am

      I'm curious your resources for the idea that we are less fertile than our ancestors. I had thought the same thing in the past but when I brought it up with a friend who is a fertility specialist, she informed me that the fertility rate is the same if not better than ever. Overall birth rates are down (which many would consider a good thing in light of global population), that is due to people choosing to not have more kids rather than not being able to.
      Regardless, I still agree with all of your advice.

      Reply
    9. Mandy

      January 10, 2014 at 7:48 am

      I agree that this article is far to focused on singular cause and effect. There are many factors regarding fertility and to imply that eating well will make you fertile eating poorly is the sole cause of infertility is irrational. In regards to #6 If the body would not allow you to become pregnant when there is not enough nutrition for mom and baby, there would be no cases of malnutrition in infants and a much lower maternal mortality rate in poor countries. This information seems entirely opinion, and therefor very dangerous.

      Reply
    10. Debbie LeBeau

      January 10, 2014 at 1:23 pm

      Glad you included the point about stress. People don't realize how much stress can throw off your body chemistry. It then becomes a domino effect influencing your overall health.

      Reply
    11. Glenda

      January 11, 2014 at 1:26 am

      Hi love all that, very informative, wish all prospective parents could have a read. Ive done a 5,000 word thesis on how nutrition affects the genetics of the unborn. Its a scientifically verifyable reality that we and the next generation are affected what we eat and how we live.Simple test-Google "Pottengers Cats" its all there. I personally did some wicked preconception care for 8 months prioir to conceiving with my husband also, We were pregnant after 4 months and my pregnancy was a dream, no stretch marks, morning sickness, swollen ankles, fatigue, skin problems etc. But my diet was unbelievable [and still is] all organic, juicing, all well researched supplements and excersize. I gave birth in 8 hours with no pain relief and went home after 4 hours to cook dinner! Ok I am blowing wind up my own skirt BUT-trying to demonstrate what the body is capable of when you give it the tools to do the job. I am now also a nutritionist who specialises in this practice and have seen many women turn their lives and circumstances around when they became proactive in their health and well being. Oh and my son...so healthy, a 13 year old now-tallest in his class and such incredibly robust health, it's been worth it, and then some. Good luck all future Mamas out there X

      Reply
      • Kathleen

        January 12, 2014 at 4:30 pm

        What are your views on vaccines and flu shots?

        Reply
    12. Daja at The Provision Room

      January 11, 2014 at 11:30 am

      AGREE 100%. I try to tell people this ALL THE TIME! It's such an uphill battle to combat the dietary guidelines of the food pyramid and all the misinformation that comes out of the FDA and USDA.

      Will be sharing your post for sure!

      Reply
    13. Daja at The Provision Room

      January 11, 2014 at 11:33 am

      By the way, here are the foods that I encourage pregnant women to eat. Sometimes people do freak out a bit! LOL! http://theprovisionroom.com/2013/07/18/powerhouse-pregnancy-foods-your-doctor-probably-forgot-to-mention/

      Reply
    14. Elisa B.

      January 11, 2014 at 11:28 pm

      This was great as someone who hasnt been truly diagnosed but hasnt gotten pregnant the second time as easy as the first I've really been searching for a cause I mean I'm 25 my husband is 24, we are in the prime numbers right now. I recently have started eatting better and keeping the fat on and in our food after seeing nutrition videos by a dr. johnson who I also had the opertunity of attend a lucture by on nutrition. Ad totally excited to start a grparden with my mil and sils for our family's we are trying a new approach to gardening http://www.backtoedenfilm.com I also am really trying to be more active to lose the 50 lbs I gained while pregnant and shortly after the delivery of my son 4 years ago. I appreciated the chart on the bottom where it showed the good side and the bad side as it helped me understand the process better. So thanks! and for all the ladies upset that it didn't cover what they wanted to read...I'm sure there are many other articles for you to read or learn more about your specific condition. Not every thing has to have all the answers you personally where looking for.

      Reply
    15. Brittany @ Delights and Delectables

      January 19, 2014 at 9:41 am

      Love this! I totally agree with it all! So glad I found your blog!!

      Reply
    16. Annie

      August 28, 2014 at 4:58 am

      I can't agree with the unsaturated vegetable fats part . Mediterranean people have the highest intake of olive oil in the world and they are the ethnic group with the less hormonal problems linked to fat intake. Better coronary health and easier menopause are also their advantages. I do agree though that fatty intake is extremely relevant to bodily health.

      Reply
    17. Heal for Happiness

      October 30, 2014 at 4:56 am

      It seems like stress is a big factor in infertility but we can't really get rid of it. Are their herbs or some other supplements that can help?

      Fatima.

      Reply
    18. Nubia

      December 11, 2014 at 8:26 pm

      Hi! Wanted to point out one important fact. This is a health food blog/site about eating healthy. I didnt' feel like she was trying to cover every reason in the book why couples might not be able to conceive. It makes sense for her to speak about the possibility of changing your diet. I hope couples are open to at least exploring this option to increase the chance of conceiving. Many spend thousands of dollars on other methods. At least by improving your diet, you are making a lifestyle change that can improve many potential health ailments in your future. This would be my incentive to at least give it a try.
      On the other hand, I also recently read about how most women have an unalligned pelvis and a tilted uterus. You could also focus on specific exercises and massages that would correct these issues. If coupling improved nutrition and increased proper movement you could possibly increase your chance of conceiving. What do you have to lose. At worst, you will be in the best shape and health of your life, without biological children. Honestly, this is better than being an unhealthy parent.

      Reply
    19. Tony Soto

      May 16, 2015 at 7:00 pm

      I totally agree. Great Article. I work a lot with infertile patients. Pretty accurate information too. I would add minerals to the diet. Both Chelated and colloidal. And avoid gluten in all it's shapes and forms. I've "pinterested" your page on my Pinterest account. Blessings.

      Reply
    20. kim

      June 02, 2015 at 5:43 pm

      Fertility is improved now in comparison with our ancestors. And we have far better diets due to improved farming methods and availability of increased variety of foods as a result of transportation changes. We even live longer. This article has good points about fat and diet but is incorrect in terms of fertility.

      Reply
      • Antonio Soto ND

        January 05, 2016 at 3:27 pm

        I'm sure you mean Physician assisted fertility. There are 3-4 out 0f 10 couples aproximately with some type of fertility issues. Especially if they begin trying pregnancy after 30. Nonetheless I've produced thanks to diet, high dose supplementation and some lifestyle changes, 5 natural pregnancies in women between 39-46. Children born healthy, no congenital diseases, malformations, etc. - 100 years ago there was 1 childless couple per 600 people in a time with virtually no birth control. And no we do not have good food in the USA, a piece of cardboard has more nutrients.

        Those who believe they can get all their nutrients from a balanced diet, well, I have some oceanfront property in Colorado to sell them.

        Reply
    21. Anna

      April 04, 2016 at 12:18 am

      Hi, I would like to point out that it isn't really essential to consume cholesterol because the body makes this on its own. So I don't understand how eating or not eating foods that contain cholesterol would impact fertility when you always receive adequate amounts of the stuff regardless...

      Reply
    22. Kathy

      June 27, 2017 at 8:47 pm

      Hello, while your article is full of interesting points and food for thought I don't think your study was broad enough to say any of it is factual.
      As a child, teen and young adult I enjoyed food. Not like other people,girls or young ladys, my age at anyone of these times. I would choose fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks, I ate the farm raised meats or wild game my family harvested and preferred these to any fast foods or junk food that others did including my sister. And I was very active in sports, out doors, anything to be moving. However when I was 18 I had my first miscarriage. I convinced myself that there was nothing to worry about the timing was bad and I was to young and in time I would have my own children. I went on to graduate, go to college and marry. Only to have 8 more miscarriages, 1 and ectopic pregnancy. We, my husband then, ended up divorcing, but that hole time and after I still ate well and exercised regularly. After some time I met someone, the love of my life my Husband, partner and life friend. We have been married for almost 13 years now. Just us... we lost 2 babies and then he was diagnosed with testicular cancer. Both of us eat well and are very active but one day after the 2nd baby and his fight we where laying in the yard talking. I was sad and confused and wanted to know why we could not and would not ever be able to have our own kids, what was wrong with me and why could my friends or the drug heads around, or the other people you see that clearly only have children to get more government assistance. While my hubs tried to comfort me I eventually just asked God. Of course he did not part the sky and answer me then but over time he did answer, and although at times it still stings and is bitter sweet I am fine with it and love our life everyday.
      My point is all my ancestors and siblings haD and have kids some more then others, but I don't believe diet alone can lower or increase your fertility. Sometimes life is up to someone else as to its beginings as well as its end.
      Thank you for sharing and thanks to all the others that shared as well...peace, love and blessings to all.

      Reply
    23. Machteld

      June 28, 2017 at 2:17 pm

      To don't have childeren is very sad!

      Reply
    24. Ellen

      October 09, 2017 at 9:18 am

      Couldn't agree more, it's all about educating now to help women return to more traditional ways of eating. Fantastic article!

      Reply

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