This information provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone.
The information is NOT a substitute for you visiting your doctor. However, as Medical Science is constantly changing and human error is always possible,
the authors, editors, and publisher of this information do not warrant the accuracy or completeness of this information
nor are they responsible for omissions or errors as a result of using this information.
Fresh approach to fertility
The Myth: There is no scientific data supporting
the notion that certain foods increase your chances for conceiving.
Similarly, there is no evidence proving that spicy foods will
increase sexual potency by increasing your blood pressure or
pulse rate.
The Exception: Oysters contain high levels
of zinc, which is a nutrient that contributes to semen and testosterone
production in men, and in ovulation and fertility in women.
There are several studies that indicate that deficiencies in
zinc impede upon both male and female fertility. Maintaining
the recommended dietary allowance of zinc of 15 mg a day can
help keep your reproductive system functioning suitably.
The Rule: Maintaining a diet of fruits, vegetables,
whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products regularly should
provide you with the recommended dietary allowance of vitamins
and minerals for the most favorable reproductive functioning.
Conception Preparation:
Begin making healthy changes three months to a year before you conceive. The evidence shows that healthy nutrition and fertility is linked for both men and women. Below is a list of suggestions for healthy nutrition prior to conception.
Folic Acid: It is recommended that women of childbearing age obtain 400 micrograms
(0.4 milligrams) of folate or folic acid each day. This B vitamin
helps reduce a baby's risk of neural-tube birth defects such
as spina bifida. If your family has a history of neural-tube
defects, your doctor may increase your daily intake. Folic Acid
may be obtained naturally through dark green leafy vegetables
(i.e. spinach), citrus fruits, nuts, legumes, whole grains,
and fortified breads and cereals, and these foods can be supplemented
with a prenatal vitamin which usually contains 800mcg of folic
acid. Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin allowing your body
to flush out excess amounts.
Calcium: It is recommended that women get at
least 1,000 mgs (three 8 oz glasses of skim milk) of calcium
a day if they are considering getting pregnant. Calcium may
be obtained from natural sources such as cottage cheese, low-fat
yogurt, canned salmon, sardines, rice, and cheese.
Supplements & Vitamins: In addition to a healthy
diet, many healthcare providers will encourage supplements to
increase the probability that you get all the nutrients you
need.
Caffeine: It is important to wean yourself
off of caffeine (including chocolate), because research has
shown that more than 300 milligrams of caffeine per day may
reduce fertility by 27 percent. Caffeine also impedes upon the
body's ability to absorb iron and calcium.
Remove: Artificial sweeteners, alcohol, recreational
drugs, and cigarettes all have the potential of harming your
soon to be conceived baby.
Good nutrition will help you and may well increase your chances of conceiving.Boost your intake of important vitamins and minerals by including
plenty of fresh produce, such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, beand, seeds and salads in your daily diet. Replacing your morning coffee with fruit juice and a breakfast
of wholegrain cereal would be a kinder start to the day, and try to eat lunch away from your desk at work. Prolonged stress, work-related or otherwise, may
affect your chances of conceiving, so spend time enjoying the company of your partner.
Eating out
If you do eat out, choose vegetable-based dishes and a portion
of fresh salad or fruit as a starter. A short detox programme
might help you cleanse your cells of toxins. Giving up cigarettes,
coffee and alcohol now would also help greatly in this respect,
but don't try to conceive during a detox programme. You could
also consider one of the prenatal supplement formulas currently
available. Omega-3 and 6, found in oily fish, seeds, nuts and
avocados, help maintain cells and manufacture hormones, and
the role of water and water-holding foods such as vegetables
, fruits and grains, cannot be overstated - drink bottled or
filtered water regularly throughout the day. If you do become
pregnant, consult your doctor for advice on taking supplements
and natural remedies.
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