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Walking on eggshells about the subject of age and fertility is over. We are told that the quality of our eggs will deteriorate as we age, causing fertility challenges such as an decreased time to conceive, early miscarriage and failed rounds of IVF.
We are also told that there is little we can do to improve this inevitable decline. The good news is that the latest research seems to show this may not be the case.
Read: 'Do not wait' - A reproductive medicine specialist on timelines, treatment options and costs
Laying the foundation for the golden egg
This research breakthrough lies in the journey the eggs take shortly before ovulation. Approximately four months before ovulation, a small pool of eggs comes forth to grow and mature.
Most of these little minions die off naturally during this process, typically leaving only one lead egg to fully mature and reach the ovulation stage.
Most of the wear and tear to the quality of these eggs does not happen over the 30 or 40 years that the egg lies dormant in ovarian reserve.
It occurs in the critical few months before it reaches the ovulation stage. In other words, ageing does not directly affect egg quality; instead, it creates suboptimal conditions that cause eggs to mature incorrectly in the months (not years) before ovulation.
This means that the proportion of healthy eggs is influenced by lifestyle factors that are primarily under our control. These factors include diet, exercise and avoiding harmful toxins, such as those found in cigarettes, plastics, perfumes and nail polish.
Although under our control, it is difficult to make lasting lifestyle changes alone. A health and wellness coach is specifically trained to provide the guidance needed to develop sustainable healthy habits and help avoid obstacles that may be holding us back.
The Chicken and the Egg
Turns out the same factors affecting our eggs' quality also affect the quality of eggs we buy in the supermarket.
- Sufficient exercise
- Exposure to sunshine and fresh air
- A diet high in good-quality protein and antioxidants
- Avoiding a stressful environment and toxic substances
These factors can boost the health and happiness of both hens and humans.
Studies have shown that free-range hens fed a nutritious diet produced higher quality eggs than those from caged hens fed a poor diet boasting a more complex, more protective eggshell; more resilient egg yolks; and a more nutrient-dense profile.
Reflecting the excellent health of mama hen
Even time-restricted feeding in chickens - akin to intermittent fasting in humans – shows a significant improvement in egg quality.
This protocol is supported by Obesity and Family Medicine Specialist Dr Kyle Gillett, who states that diet and caloric restriction can influence and regulate our hormones, which is particularly important in the lead-up to starting a family.
We can change the conditions in which our eggs mature, by adopting healthy habits in the lead up to ovulation, under the guidance of a health and wellness coach.
It turns out that we may have considerable influence over the quality of our eggs, not only at the supermarket but also the extent to which we move, the amount of sunshine and fresh air we get, how well we nourish ourselves, and whether we can avoid toxins and adopt stress-relieving activities.
All of which can increase the odds of a favourable fertility outcome. Taking a leaf out of mother nature's cookbook - happy hens make happy eggs.
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