Increase your Odds of Conception with an Infertility Diet
For some women, conception is a fairly easy goal to achieve. But for one in six couples, this dream is much harder to come by. This is the rate of infertility in the United States, and if you are one of those couples, you know how devastating this condition can be. Most women in this situation are willing to endure just about any medical procedure to see their desires for a child become reality. One way to boost your fertility odds without any unnecessary poking or prodding is to adhere to an infertility diet. Some experts believe that the correct food and nutrition can actually help to regulate hormone levels, making regular cycles, ovulation and conception a greater likelihood.
What to Eat
There are many nutrients that are important to a healthy, fertile body, and most can be obtained from the foods we eat every day. For example, vitamin C is thought to enhance fertility; making is a staple in the infertility diet. Get this important nutrient from citrus fruits and juices. Another important component in the infertility diet is calcium, which will also strengthen your bones and teeth. Calcium comes in most dairy products and a few vegetables, so drink your milk every day. Leafy greens and whole grains will give you the essential B vitamins, such as B6 and folic acid. Doctors agree that folic acid is such an important part of an infertility diet that many will recommend that women begin taking a supplement of this nutrient months before conception even takes place.
Two other necessary substances to add to your infertility diet are tea and water. Teas of all types are loaded with antioxidants that will keep your immune system strong. Some research indicates that women who make tea a regular part of their infertility diet will see an increased incidence of conception. Water is important any time, but particularly when you are trying to get pregnant. It is also an essential in the development of a healthy baby, so make sure that you are getting your eight glasses a day, every day.
What to Avoid
The best foods to avoid on your infertility diet are the same ones you would avoid any other time for better health. Caffeine in high amounts is known to increase the risk of miscarriage and diminish your odds of conceiving by as much as half. Alcohol can also decrease your chances of getting pregnant, so keep this out of your infertility diet as well. Foods that are high in fat, sugar and refined flour are never good for us either, and can increase your chances of developing gestational diabetes once you do become pregnant. Take these choices out of your infertility diet as well, and you will be on the road to a healthier, more fertile body.
They say that "you are what you eat". In this case, what you eat may affect your chances of conceiving and carrying a healthy baby. Eat for wellness.