Fertility Diet

The Fertility Diet – What to eat when you’re trying to conceive

Diet and nutrition are two very important things that should be taken into consideration when you are trying to conceive. In fact, numerous studies suggest that just by modifying and monitoring fertility diet can have a significant impact on your fertility. Here’s why – food affects ovulation. It has been noted that there is a direct link between what you eats to your ovulation.

The hormone insulin is responsible for regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism. However, one of its side effects is that it increases the male hormone testosterone. This increase leads to an imbalance of a woman’s hormones and hinder the proper cycle of a woman’s ovulation. As a result of this hormonal imbalance, reproduction and ovulation processes are compromised which then leads to potential infertility.

With this in mind, we then ask – what are the foods that I should eat in order to prevent an increase in insulin? What foods should be avoided?

So how does diet affects fertility?

Protein, Fats and Carbs.

These three fundamental dietary and fertility supplements nutrients have a huge impact not just on fertility but also on the general health of an individual.

Proteins are responsible for the repair and building of tissues, as well as the transport of oxygen to all other body parts. They are made up of amino acids which are essential for the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). These two reproductive hormones regulate the production of healthy, fertile eggs in the ovaries. The recommended dose for protein is 70 grams per day, and this can easily be found in food sources such as meat, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts.

Fats are required for overall hormone production. A fertility diet which consists of 25% fats is recommended. Dairy products, meat, fish, oils and nuts should be included in your diet.

Majority of our diet consists of carbohydrates as they provide the energy we need in our day to day life. There are two kinds of carbs – simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates can be found in sugar, flour and processed foods. They are generally poor in nutrient content as they are easily used up. They also cause an abrupt increase in your blood sugar levels so it is advised that you should only take these kind of carbs in small amounts. On the other hand, complex carbohydrates provide longer sources of energy and they are not easily burned out. These can be found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains.

Vitamins and minerals

Several studies have shown that women who regularly take multivitamins especially those containing folic acid and zinc are more likely to conceive than those who do not. These two nutrients are important in the growth and overall health of the fetus. Other important nutrients that should be taken are magnesium, vitamin C and iron. Rich sources of these are red meats, seafood, eggs, nuts, dried fruits, orange juice and leafy vegetables. Natural sources are your best option, as an overdosage of synthetic multivitamin capsules may be detrimental.

Alkaline foods over acidic foods

Alkaline foods such as non citrus foods, vegetables and cereals help promote the natural ph in a woman’s reproductive system. An intake of acidic food  promotes acidity and in turn, this type of environment may be harmful for a sperm’s motility since they can only survive in an alkaline environment. It’s also best to chew your food slowly as this provides an alkalinizing effect and is beneficial in the end.

Herbal Therapy

In Traditional Chinese medicine, there are several herbs that are thought to have the ability to regulate follicle stimulating hormones (FSH) and increase blood supply. When used as supplements, they have the potential to increase fertility. Examples are the following: ginseng, angelica,atractylodes,condonopsis,astragalus, false unicorn, phellodendron bark, dong quai root.

Foods to avoid when trying to conceive

It’s no surprise that caffeine is included in the list of foods to avoid. Caffeine decreases blood supply to the tissues and therefore decreases the perfusion needed for these tissues to function well.  When this happens to the uterus, the lack of blood and oxygen can affect the production of fertile eggs. Ideally, one should cut off caffeine a month before trying to conceive.

Heavy alcohol consumption is associated with anovulation and increased endometriosis, as well as an imbalance of estrogen and progesterone. If conception should occur, alcohol intake may increase the risk for spontaneous abortion.

Soy products contain large amounts of plant estrogens known as phytoestrogens. These affect women in the same way as human estrogen does, but because phytoestrogen come in much larger amounts than normal, the increase can lead hormonal imbalances. Avoiding soy products 3-4 months before you begin to conceive maximizes fertility.

Researchers have found certain natural chemicals in peas to have a contraceptive effect. For this reason, peas should be avoided in the diet altogether.

As mentioned earlier, simple sugars cause abrupt changes in the level of sugar in the bloodstream. In response to this, the body releases large amounts of insulin in order to combat this sudden outburst. In excess, this may lead to hypoglycaemia, causing body tissues to be thoroughly dehydrated. Again, this may lead to hormone imbalance and cause fertility problems.

In conclusion, infertility is a multifactorial phenomenon. If underlying medical causes have been taken into consideration and none was found, it is best to look into an infertility diet and keep the basics in order to maintain a healthy body capable of reproduction – and what better way than to start eating right.