In addition to being a source of body nourishment, food affects hormones, cells and blood. Therefore, a person's poor diet can sometimes hinder chances of conceiving or having a child. Certain foods will contribute to increased fertility, while excessive amounts of beverages and coffee containing sugar, caffeine, diary and fatty and processed foods can inhibit fertility.
Complex Carbohydrates
PCOS, medically known as polycystic ovarian syndrome, can cause infertility but diet changes can substantially improve fertility. Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar, rice and white bread can trigger insulin resistance, causing ovulation cycles and irregularities in addition to hormonal fluctuations, according to Everyday Health. Complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, brown rice and whole grains have little to no effect on insulin levels. The body digests complex carbohydrates at a slower rate in comparison with highly refined foods. This helps the body to sustain substantial energy levels throughout the day.
Iron-Rich Foods
Spinach, beans, lentils, prunes, kale and apricots are all examples of iron-rich foods. According to the website Shared Journey, these foods prevent the development of ovulatory infertility and enhances fertility. Ovulatory infertily is a condition in which the body is unable to produce healthy eggs. A diet rich in nonheme iron may prevent or reduce the chances of developing ovulatory infertility. Heme iron, found primarily in red meats, salmon and chicken, may increase the chances of successful egg development and attachment to the uterine wall.
Superfoods
Superfoods are rich in nutrients and promote optimal health while preventing the development of diseases. Superfoods may enhance fertility in women and men and in come cases raise libido levels, according to a CBS News article on fertility. Yam, a vegetable grown in Africa, Asia and Latin America, is considered a superfood. It has anti-estrogen properties that may trick the brain into producing more estrogen. Blackberries, blueberries and dark leafy greens are rich in folic acid, an essential nutrient for healthy pregnancies and women attempting to conceive. Folic acid improves the quality of sperm, eggs and lowers the incidence of birth defects. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests women take 400mcg of folic acid before and during pregnancy. Eggs, broccoli and asparagus also contain adequate amounts of folic acid.
References
- Baby Center: Fertility Diet--The Nutrients You Need to Conceive
- Shared Journey: Fertility and Iron Supplements--How Low Iron Consumption Affects Female Fertility
- Everyday Health: Foods That Make You Fertile--Pregnancy Center
- CBS News: Six Fertility Superfoods and 5 Foods to avoid
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Folic Acid--What Should You Know?
