Fertility rates have been dropping due to environmental toxicities, higher incidence of obesity and metabolic dysfunction, and couples waiting until later ages to conceive. But it is important to understand that there are many things we can do to improve fertility and optimize preconception health. Dr. Nicole Avena is a PhD researcher who is widely published on the health effects of nutrition. Her most recent book "What to Eat When You Want to Get Pregnant," outlines the latest research on how nutrition can improve fertility and which foods might actually be hindering couples looking to conceive. 
Listen in as Dr. Avena discusses which nutrients are important for both men and women when it comes to fertility. 
Today on The Lab Report: 

    3:35    Meet Dr. Nicole Avena and hear why she wrote her latest book
    7:15    Important nutrients for fertility
    8:50    Testing and physical exam for nutrient deficiencies
    9:45    Male fertility, nutrition, toxins
   12:55   Are there concerns for vegan and vegetarian patients? 
   14:30   Seemingly 'healthy' foods which hinder fertility
   17:30   Other metabolic concerns
   19:35   Sugar in preconception care
   20:25   The Fireball 

 
Additional Resources: 

Dr. Avena's website
What to Eat When You Want to Get Pregnant
What to Feed Your Baby and Toddler
How Sugar Affects the Brain

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