Speaking of carbs: It’s not just the amount of carbs that have an impact, but also the type.

You may want to pay particular attention to refined carbs. These are found in sugary foods and drinks as well as processed grains, including white pasta, bread, and rice.

The body absorbs these carbs very quickly, causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Refined carbs also have a high glycemic index (GI). The GI tells you whether a carbohydrate-dense food will raise your blood sugar significantly.

Insulin is chemically similar to ovarian hormones, which help eggs mature. Consistently elevated insulin can cause the body to produce fewer reproductive hormones because it thinks it doesn’t need it. This can contribute to a lack of egg maturation and ovulation.