Inflammaging and Fertility After 35: How to Lower Oxidative Stress and Support Egg and Sperm Health

If you are over 35 and trying to conceive, you've probably been told that fertility declines with age. But the truth is that conversation is often incomplete. Age alone is not the whole story. What matters more is the environment your eggs and sperm are developing in—and that environment is shaped by inflammation, oxidative stress, nutrient status, metabolic health, sleep, and stress patterns.  There's actually a term in research called "inflammaging," which describes the slow rise in inflammation and oxidative stress as we get older. This process can impact mitochondrial function, hormone signaling, and DNA stability—all critical factors for fertility. But here's the hopeful part: your body is incredibly responsive. When you improve the internal environment, you can support egg quality, sperm health, and overall fertility—at any age. "Fertility after 35 is not just about age—it's about the environment your eggs are developing in." — Brooke Boskovich. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why age is only one piece of the fertility puzzle—and what actually matters more What "inflammaging" is and how it impacts egg and sperm quality The most important preconception lab markers to assess inflammation and metabolic health How mitochondrial function directly affects egg quality and embryo development The role of CoQ10 and key minerals in supporting reproductive health Simple nutrition strategies to lower oxidative stress and improve fertility outcomes Why sleep is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) fertility tools How strength training supports insulin sensitivity and hormone balance The connection between stress, nervous system regulation, and fertility Why "vitamin J" (joy) is a biological—not optional—part of conception — Connect & Learn More: Support the show: Please leave me a comment or a review wherever you listen to this podcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/4faTvVq Learn more about this episode: thefertilitydietitian.health Contact me: [email protected] Check out my Digital Store: thefertilitydietitian.health/shop Facebook: facebook.com/BrookeTheFertilityDietitian Instagram: instagram.com/the.fertility.dietitian YouTube: youtube.com/@TheFertilityDietitianPodcast