Fertility Habits: A Q&A With Nutritional Therapist Julia Young

You're not imagining it: fertility advice online is loud, contradictory and often fear-based. So we asked someone who does this for a living. Julia Young is a Registered Nutritional Therapist and Fertility Specialist who has been through IVF herself. She works with people dealing with unexplained infertility, PMOS (PCOS), endometriosis, fibroids and other hormonal conditions, male infertility, preparing for IVF or IUI, recurrent miscarriage and secondary infertility. We asked about her daily habits and how she supports people on their fertility journeys, in her own words. (A quick note on names: PCOS has been renamed PMOS, and we use both here. Here is what it means.)

Editor's note, October 2026: we first published this interview in February 2025. We've trimmed a few lines that made fertility claims we can't support, lightly reworded two answers, and added a short section at the end on what the research and the NHS say. Julia's views are her own professional opinion.

A woman in a camel wool coat walking away along a leaf-covered woodland path in autumn, with golden trees on either side

Not sure which MyOva product, if any, suits you? Take the free quiz and get 20% off.


MYOVA: Hi Julia! It's wonderful having you with us. Could you share a bit about yourself and the work you do?

JULIA YOUNG: Thank you, it's great to be here! I'm Julia Young, a Registered Nutritional Therapist and Fertility Specialist. With a background in nutritional therapy, my mission is to support individuals and couples with their fertility. Through my website, www.juliayoungnutrition.com, I provide guidance on how to nourish your body and mind and support overall health and wellbeing.

MYOVA: With your extensive knowledge, what tips can you give to those just starting on their fertility journey?

JULIA YOUNG: Beginning your fertility journey can feel overwhelming, so I like to keep things small and consistent. Firstly, focus on nourishing your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods. I personally love including oily fish, like salmon, anchovies and sardines, in my diet. Additionally, don't underestimate the importance of daily movement, whether it's Pilates, walking or strength training. Lastly, I pay attention to oral hygiene and gut health. A daily prebiotic PHGG powder with hot water and lemon is part of my own routine.

MYOVA: How about daily routines? Could you share yours?

JULIA YOUNG: Of course! My day always starts with some form of movement. Depending on how I feel, it could be Pilates, a brisk walk or strength training. Breakfast is all about protein and oily fish, which is a staple for me. Oral hygiene follows with daily flossing, which is about overall health rather than just clean teeth. I make my meals abundant in vegetables, aiming for a colourful plate every time. Regardless of the weather, I make it a point to get outside every day, which I find good for both my physical and mental wellbeing. While walking, I listen to podcasts on nutrition, health and fertility, always looking to expand my knowledge and bring new insights into my practice.

Infographic titled A Day of Small Habits with five rows: Move (Pilates, a brisk walk or strength training), Breakfast (protein and oily fish such as salmon or sardines), Colour (vegetables on every plate), Outside (some fresh air daily) and Learn (podcasts on nutrition, health and fertility)

MYOVA: With mental and physical wellbeing in mind, what external resources or practices do you recommend?

JULIA YOUNG: Besides a balanced diet and regular physical activity, I advocate for mental wellness practices. Mindfulness, meditation, or simply spending time in nature are good ways to manage stress. Podcasts are a fantastic resource; I regularly listen to "The Diary of A CEO", "Feel Better Live More" by Dr Chatterjee, and several fertility-focused shows.

MYOVA: Lastly, where can our readers learn more about you and your work?

JULIA YOUNG: I invite everyone to visit my website at www.juliayoungnutrition.com, where you can find more about my approach to fertility and wellbeing. Whether you're looking for nutritional advice, support through your fertility journey, or you have PMOS (PCOS) or endometriosis, I'm here to help.

MYOVA: Thank you, Julia, for such a useful conversation.


A Few Notes From the MyOva Team

Habits help, but they are not a fertility treatment. Eating well, moving and getting outside are good for you whether or not you are trying to conceive. We have not seen a trial showing that a daily prebiotic powder, or any single habit in this interview, improves the chances of getting pregnant. Treat Julia's routine as inspiration, not a prescription.

If you are trying to conceive, the NHS advises taking 400 micrograms of folic acid a day, and limiting oily fish to no more than two portions a week. It also lists liver and liver products as foods to avoid. See the NHS pages on trying for a baby and foods to avoid in pregnancy.

When to see your GP. In the UK, the usual advice is to talk to your GP after a year of trying without success. Go sooner if you are 36 or over, or if your periods are irregular or absent. You do not have to wait if something feels off. You're not imagining it, and a diagnosis is a starting point, not a verdict.

Stress does not cause infertility on its own. Looking after your stress levels is good for you, but it is not the reason a cycle did not work. If the process is weighing on you, Fertility Network UK offers support and community.

Ready for a calm plan? Take the free quiz and get 20% off.


Related Reading


This interview is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Julia's views are her own professional opinion. Guidance details are accurate to the sources named at the time of writing and may change. If you have concerns about your fertility, your periods or your health, speak to your GP before making changes.


About Julia

Julia Young is a Registered Nutritional Therapist and Fertility Specialist who supports individuals and couples with their fertility. Find her at juliayoungnutrition.com. Interview by MyOva.

Discover your perfect product in under a minute!

Take our quiz & get 20% off

References