What to eat when trying to conceive

The benefits of certain foods on fertility have been accepted since time immemorial. Many old wives' tales suggest that some food items help in conception more than others. However, it does not mean one cannot get pregnant if one is not consuming these foods. Scientists are still looking for the chord that connects food and fertility, but many swear by the uncanny bond between the two.

Well, the extra nutritious diet will only do favours for you and your baby. Therefore, it is best to stuff your meals with healthy food items and remove the ingredients that hamper health and fertility. You don't need scientific proof to understand that eating a healthy, pre-pregnancy diet fuels your chances of becoming pregnant.

Fertility-friendly diet

Some eatables are more beneficial than others when having a baby is your priority. Add the following list to your pre-pregnancy diet:

• Dairy products

Dairy food items are good not only for bones but also for reproductive health. So would-be parents, drink your milk and have yoghurt, cheese, and smoothies. Remember to stick to low-fat or fat-free options. Please do not overdo it, as the balance is vital for seeing the results.

• Lean animal protein

Lean turkey, chicken, or beef are loaded with proteins and iron and largely contribute to conception. Iron is an essential nutrient that should be consumed in ample quantity to boost fertility. You can choose beans, tofu, or quinoa if you are a vegetarian, and ask for supplements from your doctor if needed.

• Complex carbs

Always pick complex carbs like whole grains, beans, vegetables, and fruits compared to refined carbs like white bread, rice, refined cereals, or sugar-stuffed foods. Refined carbohydrates increase blood sugar and insulin, and increased insulin can cause an imbalance in the reproductive hormones and mess with menses.

• Berries
• They contain antioxidants and protect your family from cellular damage and ageing. You can pick any berry of your choice strawberry, raspberry, or blueberry. By consuming this superfood item, you can increase your health and the odds of conception.

Beans play a major role in enhancing one's fertility. Throw beans into a salad, or make a vegetarian chilli. Experiment with beans in different dishes, and one will find themselves pregnant soon!Another very delicious item that can be a part of your diet is ice cream! A study has found that one or two daily servings of whole milk or whole milk products protect against ovulatory infertility. So, be happy and indulge in a lot of ice – cream.

Apart from this, Spinach, romaine, arugula, broccoli, and other dark leafy greens are high in folate, a B vitamin that a few studies have shown may improve ovulation. Make sure to share this salad with your man since higher doses of folate leads to healthier sperm.

So green leafy vegetables are good for both the woman and the man!

Pumpkin seeds are also very good if one wants to conceive. They are high in non–heme iron. Pumpkin seeds can be made yummy by toasting them in an oven for some time – have a crunchy and yummy snack.

Fertility busters

While some food items support fertility, other things hamper fertility and should not be included in the diet when planning to conceive. Remember NOT to consume these food items.

• High-mercury fish

Too much mercury in the fish can hamper your chances of getting pregnant, like fresh tuna, swordfish king mackerel, fresh tuna, and shark.

• Trans-fats

These are unhealthy forms of fats and should not be consumed when one is trying to conceive. Researchers believe that if a woman's diet is full of transfats, then there is a high probability that the woman may develop ovulatory infertility. Please read the labels of packed items carefully to avoid them completely. Get healthy fats from olive oil, flaxseed, nuts, avocados, and more.

One of the many things one should include in their diet is olive oil. Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that helps increase insulin sensitivity and decrease inflammation throughout the body.

Summary

We hope this article has been a good read and cleared your doubts about what to eat when trying to conceive. Fertility is no easy feat and requires the balance of many factors. While there are couples, who conceive on their first attempt, there are many more who struggle with conception. The right balance of diet and lifestyle will help you to achieve your goal in no time.

References

1. Skoracka K, Ratajczak AE, Rychter AM, Dobrowolska A, Krela-Kaźmierczak I. (2021). Female Fertility and the Nutritional Approach: The Most Essential Aspects. Adv Nutr.

2. Gaskins, A. J., & Chavarro, J. E. (2018). Diet and fertility: a review. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology