The popular saying ‘You are what you eat’ can be aptly applied to fertility and trying to conceive. Some changes to you and your partner’s diets may well improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Scientific study has proven that diet plays a role in fertility. In
some cases the verdict is still mixed as whether or not some substances
are healthy before or during pregnancy. It is always better to err on
the side of caution and avoid certain foods.
Foods Not Recommended While Trying to Conceive
Some foods are generally not recommended for women or men who are
trying-to-conceive. Some of the foods to eliminate from your diet as
you work towards having a baby include:
Processed
meats: While there is no need to totally stop eating processed meats,
it is advisable to cut back the quantity you eat. It is especially
important to ensure that processed meats such as hotdogs be thoroughly
heated before you eat them.
Caffeine:
The verdict is still out on this one, some doctors say that caffeine in
small amounts is harmless, while others advise cutting it out totally
so as to improve fertility levels. On the other hand caffeine boosts
sperm’s motility so it is believed that having some prior to
baby-making love may be a good idea.
Some types of fish: Some fish, especially large ones containing mercury which can be harmful to a fetus should be avoided.
Foods to Eat While Trying to Conceive (For Women)
A well-balanced diet is vital for improved fertility levels in
women. As such, apart from eating well, it is important to ensure that
you are getting adequate amounts of folic acid. In addition to
supplements, folic acid can be found in green leafy vegetables. Recent
research has also indicated that milk and diary products may actually
boost fertility levels.
Foods to Eat While Trying to Conceive (For Men)
Men who are ready to start a family should ensure that they eat a
well-balanced diet rich in zinc, calcium and vitamins C and E. For
centuries men all over the world have sworn by the power of oysters to
boost the libido. Interestingly, oysters not only have aphrodisiac
powers but are full of zinc which boosts semen volume. In fact
researchers have found that supplements containing vitamins D, E and
calcium have been found to improve both the viability and motility of
sperm. Both factors are important in male fertility.
Conclusion
Ultimately, eating right, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight
are the way to go when trying to conceive. Start creating a healthy
body to improve your fertility and so improve your chances of getting
pregnant.