The Mediterranean per diem expenses could increase the chances of achieving pregnancy.
A study carried out at the University of Navarra with 2,000 women between 20 and 45 years of age demonstrates its benefits in cases of difficulty conceiving
According to a study elaborated by the department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health and the Institute for Culture and Society of the University of Navarra, the Mediterranean per diem expenses could benefit people who are looking for a pregnancy.
The work, coordinated by Dr. Jokin de Irala, Full Professor of Preventive Medicine, has been carried out with a sample of 2,000 women between 20 and 45 years old, in whom it was observed that those who adhered more to a patron saint of per diem expenses Mediterranean had less difficulty in achieving pregnancy.
The volunteers followed two fundamental per diem expenses patterns: a more Westernized patron saint and a Mediterranean patron saint . "The former was characterized by a high consumption of red meat, fast food, whole dairy, industrial pastries, potatoes, eggs, refined cereals, sauces, processed foods and sugary soft drinks," explains one of the project researchers, Dr. Estefanía Toledo. "In contrast, the patron saint of per diem expenses Mediterranean included a high consumption of olive oil, vegetables, fish, fruit and poultry instead of red meat, as well as higher consumption of low-fat dairy products," she stresses.
Based on these two models, and after following up the volunteers during a six-and-a-half-year average , the specialists identified that women with greater adherence to the Mediterranean patron saint were 44% less likely to consult a doctor because of difficulties in getting pregnant.
Fertility problems in 10% of couples
In Spain, infertility is a problem that affects 10% of couples, according to experts. "Among its causes, which can be both male and female, are ovulatory disorders, endometriosis, alterations in the tubes, in the uterine body or cervix, sperm disorders and even psychological factors," says Dr. Estefanía Toledo.
Likewise, lifestyle, tobacco, alcohol or caffeine consumption, physical activity, etc., can also affect fertility. For this reason, specialists advise to see a doctor when it takes more than 12 months for the couple to achieve pregnancy.
This work, published in the journal Fertility and Sterility, is part of the project Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN), directed by the Full Professor of Preventive Medicine Miguel Ángel Martínez-González, which has a cohort of more than 21,000 university graduates from all over Spain. Its programs of study began in 1999 and is funded by high school de Salud Carlos III.