Submitted by Shelby D Burns Wed 10/10/2012
Food You probably know that a nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle will influence your ability to get pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. That includes exercising, keeping weight under control, cutting back on alcohol and not smoking. What you may not know is that is there are some foods that may be particularly helpful when trying to conceive. On the flip side, there are also some foods that should be avoided.
Dairy Rich in calcium, dairy has this nutrient in abundance and it’s essential not just for bone health but also for reproductive health. Eat plenty of milk, yogurt, and cheese. You can also have leafy greens, salmon, tofu and almonds. Some researchers think that whole milk can decrease the risk of ovulatory infertility. You don’t want to gain weight because excess fat so watch your portions.
Lean proteins Turkey, chicken and beef are full of iron. Studies show that there’s a link between iron and fertility. Women who have enough iron have a higher fertility rate than women who are iron deficient. Three daily servings of the lean variety should do it for you. You can also try beans, tofu and quinoa if you want to avoid animal proteins.
Complex carbohydrates Whole grains, beans, vegetables and fruits may increase fertility. Refined carbs causes an increase in blood sugar and insulin in the body which can disrupt hormone production and menstrual cycle. Stay away from refined carbs like white bread and bagels, white rice and sugary snacks.
Fatty fish, wild yams, berries and oysters Omega-3s in salmon, sardines and herring have fertility boosting benefits by regulating hormones and increasing blood flow to reproductive organs. Yams may contain a substance that increase fertility. Berries are packed with antioxidants which helps with egg health. Finally, oysters: the zinc is crucial for conception.
