We live in a world with some amazing medical and technological advancements, but many people often overlook the simplest and most natural solutions. While it may seem more like an old wives’ than medical advice, certain foods can influence a woman’s ability to become pregnant.
Diet influences your overall health, which means that eating the wrong foods can increase a woman’s chances of infertility. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly one in ten women will experience infertility, with an unhealthy diet being high on the list of probable causes. Keep in mind that infertility can also stem from health issues like PCOS, hormonal imbalance, and endometriosis. To increase fertility, women should incorporate the following foods into their diet.
Berries
Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries contain anti-inflammatory phytonutrients that help boost female and male fertility. Much like citrus fruits, berries are high in vitamin C and folate, both of which aid healthy fetal development. Try to consume at least one cup of berries a day.
Quinoa
It can be hard to choose which carbs you should eat. It is best to opt for whole grains, but the best source of healthy gluten-free carbs is quinoa. Not only is quinoa high in fiber, but it is also rich in zinc, folate, and protein. Swapping animal proteins for plant-based proteins like quinoa can increase your odds for conception. Complex carbs also help to regulate a woman’s cycle, making it easier to pinpoint peak fertile days.
Don’t Overdo It On Botanicals
While it is beneficial to limit caffeine consumption and focus on herbal teas, it is integral to know what herbs to avoid. A lot of fertility problems can be attributed to too many botanicals in your diet. If you are trying to get pregnant, you should avoid ephedra, St John’s wort, ginseng, licorice, and sassafras.
Walnuts
Containing high levels of fiber and omega-3s, walnuts should be eaten when trying to conceive. They contain magnesium, which helps to increase blood supply to the uterus and promotes progesterone production, both of which are integral for increasing fertility. Magnesium also helps to alleviate morning sickness that women tend to experience in the first trimester.
Leafy Greens
One of the best ways to obtain prenatal nutrients (calcium, iron, and folate, which helps inhibit birth defects in the spine and brain in the first few weeks of pregnancy) is by eating dark leafy greens. Load up on leafy greens by including them in smoothies, salads, or vegetable medleys. Great greens to eat include kale, chard, collards, or spinach.
Beans
These plant-based protein sources are rich in B-vitamins, fiber, folate, and iron, which helps to naturally boost libido and increase fertility. An iron deficiency can cause an anovulation, which is when ovulation doesn’t produce a healthy egg. It is best to opt for dried beans and soak them before cooking. Try to have beans in at least two meals a week. If you buy canned varieties, make sure that the cans are free of BPA, a toxic chemical that can negatively affect estrogen levels.
Avocados
Not only are avocados great sources of folate, but they also contain omega-3s and vitamin K, which helps to balance hormones and absorb nutrients. Avocados are also rich in monounsaturated fats and potassium, which helps to stabilize blood pressure levels. Women with PCOS or diabetes are encouraged to eat avocados because they contain vitamin E, which works to protect cells against oxidative damage.
Figs
The Ancient Greeks believed that figs helped to increase fertility. This belief is now supported by scientific evidence! Containing a lot of iron, figs are beneficial for healthy eggs and ovulation.
