Natural Ways to Boost Fertility
Dr. Sandra Nnamani
- Eat Foods That Are Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants like folate and zinc may improve fertility for both men and women. Antioxidants deactivate the free radicals in your body, which can damage both sperm and egg cells. One study of young, adult men found that eating 75 grams of antioxidant-rich walnuts per day improved sperm quality. Foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains are packed full of beneficial antioxidants like vitamins C and E, folate, beta-carotene and lutein
- Eat a Bigger Breakfast
Eating a substantial breakfast may help women with fertility problems.
One study found that eating a larger breakfast may improve the hormonal effects of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a major cause of infertility. For normal-weight women with PCOS, eating most of their calories at breakfast reduced insulin levels by 8% and testosterone levels by 50%. High levels of either can contribute to infertility. In addition, these women ovulated 30% more than women who ate a smaller breakfast and larger dinner, suggesting improved fertility.
However, it’s important to note that increasing the size of your breakfast without reducing the size of your evening meal is likely to lead to weight gain.
3 Avoid Trans Fats
Eating healthy fat every day is important for boosting fertility, However, trans fats are associated with an increased risk of ovulatory infertility, due to their negative effects on insulin sensitivity.
Trans fats are commonly found in hydrogenated vegetable oils and are usually present in some margarine, fried foods, processed products and baked goods.
- Cut Down on Carbs
Following a lower-carb diet is generally recommended for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Lower-carb diets may help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce insulin levels and encourage fat loss, all while helping menstrual regularity.
In the study, women who ate more carbs had a 78% greater risk of ovulatory infertility than those who followed a lower-carb diet, One large observational study found that as carb intake increased, the risk of infertility also increased.
Another small study among overweight and obese women with PCOS reported that eating a low-carb diet reduced hormone levels, such as insulin and testosterone, both of which can contribute to infertility.
5 Eat Less Refined Carbs
It’s not just the amount of carbs that are important, but also the type.
Refined carbs may be especially problematic. Refined carbs include sugary foods and drinks and processed grains, including white pasta, bread and rice.
These carbs are absorbed very quickly, causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels.
Refined carbs also have a high glycemic index (GI).
One large observational study found that high-GI foods were associated with a greater risk of ovulatory infertility.
6 Eat More Fiber
Fiber helps your body get rid of excess hormones and keeps blood sugar balanced.
Some examples of high-fiber foods are whole grains, fruits, vegetables and beans.
Certain types of fiber can help remove excess estrogen by binding to it in the intestines.
The excess estrogen is then removed from the body as a waste product.
One study found that eating 10 grams more cereal fiber per day was associated with a 44% lower risk of ovulatory infertility among women older than 32 years.
However, the evidence on fiber is mixed. In another study of 250 women aged 18 to 44, eating the recommended 20-35 grams of fiber per day was associated with a nearly 10 times higher risk of abnormal ovulation cycles
7 Swap Protein Sources
Replacing some animal proteins (such as meat, fish and eggs) with vegetable protein sources (such as beans, nuts and seeds) is linked to a reduced risk of infertility.
On the other hand, eating more vegetable protein may protect against infertility. Therefore, consider replacing some of the meat protein in your diet with protein from vegetables, beans, lentils and nuts.
8 Choose High-Fat Diary
High intakes of low-fat dairy foods may increase the risk of infertility, whereas high-fat dairy foods may decrease it.
One large study looked at the effects of eating high-fat dairy more than once a day or less than once a week.
It found that women who consumed one or more servings of high-fat dairy per day were 27% less likely to be infertile.
You can try replacing one low-fat dairy serving per day with one high-fat dairy serving, such as a glass of whole milk.
9 Try a Multivitamin
Women who take multivitamins may be less likely to experience ovulatory infertility.
In fact, an estimated 20% of ovulatory infertility may be avoided if women consume 3 or more multivitamins per week.
What’s more, one study found that women who took multivitamins had up to a 41% lower risk of infertility. For women trying to get pregnant, a multivitamin containing folate may be especially beneficial.
Another study found that a dietary supplement including chasteberry, green tea, vitamin E and vitamin B6, improved chances of conception
After three months on the supplement, 26% of the women became pregnant compared to just 10% of those who did not take the supplement.
10 Take Time to Relax
As your stress levels increase, your chances of getting pregnant decrease. This is likely due to the hormonal changes that occur when you feel stressed.
Having a stressful job and working long hours can also increase the time it takes you to become pregnant.
In fact, stress, anxiety and depression affect around 30% of women who attend fertility clinics.
Receiving support and counseling may reduce anxiety and depression levels, therefore increasing your chances of becoming pregnant.
Vladimir Chimaobi Ugwu reporting, Obinwannem News
