Conceive Magazine came out this week with their list of 19 things you can do to boost your fertility. Some are common sense, some not so much, but all are easy enough to do and should at the very least get your mind in the right frame to make that baby.
1. Yoga. Reduces stress, normalizes hormone levels and helps you feel good about your body.
2. Eliminate phthalate beauty products. Butyl benzyl phthalates, found in nail polishes, lipsticks and perfumes, acts like estrogen and can mess with your reproductive hormones. Take your own fertility-friendly nail polish to the salon.
3. Eat organic. These are free of the pesticides than can disrupt your hormones.
4. Schedule a preconception checkup. See doctor. Ask about your health and recommendations for conception. Let her know what is going on because she can be a great ally.
5. Switch to full fats. Recent studies show a switch from low fat dairy to full fat dairy helps with conception. But be careful not to increase your overall calorie intake.
6. Go to bed. For sleep as well as sex. Ovulation usually occurs between midnight and 4am while you are in your deepest sleep. Don’t let anything disturb your cycle.
7. Switch to less processed carbs. This will help your insulin and hormone levels stay regulated.
8. Start taking folic acid. Prevents birth defects.
9. Move. Exercise is absolutely necessary. Get in shape for pregnancy but also increase blood flow to all your vital organs including the reproduction system.
10. See the dentist. Periodontal disease and infection can disrupt hormones and actually prevent pregnancy.
11. Get chemical free house cleaners. Toxic cleaners can not only prevent pregnancy but cause birth defects.
12. Get a family history. Find out now what things you and your baby could be susceptible to. It’s one of those things you can talk about during your preconception exam.
13. Eliminate BPAs. These chemicals are used in plastics and can transfer to foods causing hormone disruption. Stick with plastics numbered 1,2,4 and 5. Watch food storage containers and water or soft drink containers especially closely.
14. No transfats. They raise cholesterol and trigger inflammatory response in the body with messes with ovulation.
15. Stop smoking.
16. Use sperm friendly lubricant.
17. Check current medications which might interfere with fertility.
18. Eat salmon instead of steak. The monounsaturated fat is great for your body and the omega-3 can’t be beat.
19. Buy an ovulation detector kit.
Source: Conceive Magazine
