Colas and aerated drinks can drop your fertility level

Diet has a significant influence on our health, which cannot be denied. What we eat and drink greatly affects not only our physical health but also affects our ability to conceive. Consumption of soda and other aerated drinks has been linked to hamper fertility in both males and females.

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener that has properties of disrupting the endocrine glands. This leads to hormonal imbalance causing infertility issues in females. Almost all the soft drinks and sodas contain such sweeteners to make them sweeter. When consumed in excess, it leads to hormonal imbalance and fluctuation that causes ovulatory disorders and even worsens PMS (Premenstrual symptoms). Aspartame is linked to many health problems including infertility, malformations and miscarriages.

Phenylalanine and aspartic acid are the 2 amino acids present in aspartame and are considered natural and harmless when eaten in combination with other amino acids. However, they cause death of cells, when consumed alone because they promote the production of free radicals. Sperm and ovum being cells, have 90% chances to die when this is consumed in excess. It is advised by many doctors and experts to avoid anything that helps in the formation of free radicals in the body for the significance of your reproductive health.

Consumption of such sugary aerated drinks restrains the immune system causing weight gain and hormonal imbalance, which strongly contribute to fertility issues. Women have more chances to suppress their appetite for healthy food by paving their way to nutrient insufficiency, thereby increasing their odds for unhealthy pregnancy, malformations and even miscarriages.

“Men who drink soft drinks more frequently have a four times greater risk of having reduced sperm counts, motility, and concentration. Due to its strong alkalinity, soda can change the pH of the body when consumed in excess. Sperm cells may suffer damage resulting in their irregular form and low quality or finally perish in a high pH environment due to a lack of nutrition. Moreover, Bisphenol-A (BPA) is a chemical that reduces the male semen quality, and is found in the lining of plastic bottles and most canned goods,” says Dr. Gunjan Gupta Govil, Gynecological & IVF Expert, Founder and Chairman, Gunjan IVF World Group.

Most of the soft drinks are caffeinated and contain fructose, which is associated with a higher risk of ovulatory disorders and infertility among women. It is well known that caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which lowers uterine blood flow and shortens the menstrual cycle by lowering menstrual bleeding. The interaction of caffeine, aspartame, and fructose alters the hormone receptors and sex hormones, even causing infertility.

Also Read: Eating fruits and vegetables laced with pesticides can impact your fertility

So, paying attention to your diet is extremely important, especially when you are trying to conceive. Cutting on aerated drinks can really help avoid adverse impact on fertility in both men and women. When pregnant, say no to colas and aerated beverages completely.