Fertility Diet
We have heard that diet can cure a lot of things, but can it help you fall pregnant?
A recent study by Harvard has shown that diet can indeed help improve your chances to conceive, so if that's the case, what should be eating?
Carbs
Eating good carbohydrates which are high in fibre such as whole grain breads and cereals can improve your chances of falling pregnant by balancing your blood-sugar and insulin levels which in turn balance your hormones.
Eating good carbohydrates which are high in fibre such as whole grain breads and cereals can improve your chances of falling pregnant by balancing your blood-sugar and insulin levels which in turn balance your hormones.
Fats
Even though we are told that eating fat is our enemy - they are actually crucial for our hormones and cell renewal. Women who severely restrict fats from their diets may have trouble ovulating or could even stop menstruating altogether. It is especially important for women who suffer from ovulatory infertility - those that don't ovulate or where ovulation is impaired (early/late).
Sticking with the good fats (especially those high in Omega 3) such as fish oil and olive oil will help improve ovarian response to hormones in the body.
Proteins
Proteins are the building blocks of our cells and is therefore important to include them in your diet.
Proteins are the building blocks of our cells and is therefore important to include them in your diet.
The most beneficial finding of the study has shown that plant proteins such as beans and nuts can significantly improve fertility. They somehow work differently in the body than animal proteins such as chicken and meat. It therefore makes good sense to include more beans and nuts into your diet.
Full Fat Dairy
Now the good news. Eating one or more servings of full fat dairy (such as yoghurt, milk, cottage cheese and ice cream) can help improve fertility.
Now the good news. Eating one or more servings of full fat dairy (such as yoghurt, milk, cottage cheese and ice cream) can help improve fertility.
The findings in the study showed that women who consumed low-fat dairy had more trouble conceiving than those who ate full fat dairy products.
The two biggest winners in the study were milk and ice cream! So ditch the low-fat milk and replace it with full-fat and feel free to indulge in ice cream tonight.
Weight & Exercise
Women who kept their weight in their healthy weight range were able to balance their hormones better than those women who were under or overweight.
Women who kept their weight in their healthy weight range were able to balance their hormones better than those women who were under or overweight.
Exercise also helped in the journey to conceive as it improved circulation around the body. The better the heart is pumping, then the better your chances of getting those all important hormones where you want them, and eliminating all toxins from your blood faster.
Exercise is also great for building natural stress relievers which is also important in your journey to conceive.
Summary:
Eat more:
* Wholegrain carbohydrates high in fibre
* Oils and Fats high in Omega 3
* Plant based proteins (nuts, beans)
* Full fat dairy (ice cream, milk)
* Wholegrain carbohydrates high in fibre
* Oils and Fats high in Omega 3
* Plant based proteins (nuts, beans)
* Full fat dairy (ice cream, milk)
& include at least 30 minutes exercise daily, and try and keep your weight within a healthy weight range.