Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 8: Amid growing concerns over infertility among couples, medical experts in Kashmir say that diet and nutrition play a decisive role in determining fertility outcomes for both men and women, influencing hormonal balance, reproductive health, and the quality of sperm and eggs.
Doctors say that changing food habits, increased consumption of processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and nutritional deficiencies are increasingly contributing to fertility-related problems, often going unnoticed until couples seek medical help.
Dr Shaheena Khan, a gynaecologist at the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), said nutrition is one of the most important yet neglected pillars of reproductive health.
“Diet has a direct impact on fertility as it affects hormonal balance, ovulation, sperm production, and the overall health of reproductive organs in both men and women,” she said.
She highlighted the strong link between body weight and fertility, noting that both obesity and being underweight can disrupt normal reproductive functions. “Excess body fat can lead to hormonal imbalance and irregular ovulation, while being underweight may suppress ovulation altogether. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet is essential for conception,” she explained.
Dr Shaheena further said that diets rich in fruits and vegetables provide essential antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, zinc, and selenium, which help reduce oxidative stress—a major factor that damages sperm and egg cells.
“Iron is particularly important for women as it supports ovulation and reduces the risk of ovulatory infertility, while vitamin D plays a key role in reproductive hormone production. Deficiency of vitamin D has increasingly been linked with infertility in both genders,” she added.
Another gynaecologist, Dr Javid Reshie, said fertility is not just influenced by medical conditions but also by everyday lifestyle and dietary choices. “Excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine can adversely affect fertility, while trans fats commonly found in processed and fast foods impair insulin sensitivity and ovulation,” he said.
He pointed out that declining sperm quality among men is becoming a growing concern. “A diet rich in antioxidants, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and healthy fats can significantly improve sperm count, motility, and morphology. Men should avoid processed meats, sugary foods, and excessive soy products, as these can negatively affect testosterone levels,” he said.
For women, Dr Reshie said, dietary choices are especially important for those suffering from conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). “A low-glycemic-index diet helps regulate insulin levels and improves ovulation in women with PCOS, thereby increasing their chances of conception,” he added.
Both doctors stressed that fertility should be approached as a shared responsibility between partners and that preconception nutrition is crucial even before couples plan pregnancy.
“Increasing infertility cases are not always due to major diseases. In many instances, simple dietary corrections and healthy lifestyle changes can restore reproductive balance,” they said.
They advised people to adopt a nutrient-rich diet comprising fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats, while limiting processed foods, sugary drinks, and trans fats.
“For long-term reproductive well-being and to prevent infertility, people must prioritise healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and timely medical consultation. Fertility begins with nutrition,” the doctors said.
According to doctors, nutrition plays a vital role in reproductive health for both sexes. Fertility isn’t only a woman’s issue — up to 50% of infertility cases involve male factors too, and diet influences sperm health just as much as it affects ovulation and hormonal balance in women, they said.
The doctors added that a balanced eating pattern helps protect reproductive cells, maintain hormonal balance, and improve overall fertility potential.
