If you’re ready to embark on the journey towards motherhood, it’s time to take a closer look at the foods you’re eating.
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, there’s no better time to reflect on your reproductive health and ways to boost your chances of pregnancy if you’re trying to conceive. As more and more couples struggle with infertility, it’s crucial to explore every avenue to enhance your chances of conception. There are many factors at play when trying to conceive, but one that is often overlooked is the role of your diet. If you’re ready to start or expand your family, it may be worth delving deeper into the foods you eat.
When it comes to fertility, some nutrients are nothing short of essential. Two such nutrients are folate and omega-3 fatty acids, which do wonders for your body’s ability to conceive. Dark leafy greens, brussel sprouts, beans, avocados, and peanuts are all brimming with folate, a vitamin that can significantly reduce the risk of miscarriage in women who consume higher amounts of it.
Meanwhile, omega-3 fatty acids, mostly found in fatty fish like salmon, trout, and sardines, can regulate hormones and promote ovulation, boosting egg quality and quantity. This regulation is particularly crucial for older women, as these levels tend to decrease with age. Omega-3 is also packed with antioxidants that can tackle inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are major culprits of infertility.
There are many other lesser-known, but equally remarkable fertility-boosting foods worth adding to your diet. Take seaweed, for example, which is jam-packed with iodine, a key player in maintaining a healthy thyroid. A healthy thyroid is essential to ensuring your baby’s brain and nervous system develop properly. Figs are an often-overlooked source of iron, which is essential for healthy ovulation and protecting eggs from damage. Oysters are another excellent choice, thanks to their high levels of zinc which are simply unbeatable in supporting proper egg development.
It’s important to note that not all foods are beneficial for fertility. Processed foods, such as sugary drinks or fast food, often contain high levels of unhealthy additives, preservatives, and trans fats. Many studies have linked the consumption of such foods to lower fertility rates, so limiting your intake is wise if you’re looking to improve your chances of conception.
Of course, it’s also vital to remember that lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and stress, can all have a substantial impact on fertility outcomes. Taking a holistic approach and considering all aspects of your lifestyle will undoubtedly be a game-changer. While no single food can guarantee fertility, incorporating these options into a healthy and balanced diet can significantly increase your chances of starting or growing a family.
By Lauren Dunn
MIS researcher and writer
