For women who are trying to conceive, here are a list of foods that can support fertility.
Raspberries
Not only do raspberries register as the lowest fruit on the glycemic index, they are also extremely beneficial for boosting fertility in men and women. They contain high levels of Vitamin C (key in sperm health) and Magnesium (key in production of testosterone). Raspberries also protect sperm from oxidative stress. For women, antioxidants can decrease the risk of miscarriage and is great source of folate which is important in embryo development.
Pineapple Core
Is this a myth true? We don’t know. Will it hurt? No. The active enzyme in pineapple is bromelain, which is more concentrated in the core of the pineapple. Bromelain is said to decrease inflammation in the body. The prescription is one whole pineapple cut into 5 portions consumed the day after you’ve had timed intercourse, an IUI or an IVF transfer for the next 5 days.
Avocado
Scientists believe that monounsaturated fats can increase fertility by decreasing inflammation in the body. Other sources of monounsaturated fats are olive oil, sunflower oil, nuts and seeds. In addition, the avocado also promotes regular ovulation.
Poultry
Chinese medicine categorizes herbal medicine and foods by taste, temperature, property and indication. Poultry has an interesting relationship with the uterus in that it tonifies the organ, thereby creating an upward energy. This is instrumental in implantation and your first trimester, since a downward motion of Qi or energy in the uterus could result in miscarriage. Chinese practitioners worldwide recommend eating poultry (turkey, chicken and duck) daily after ovulation and timed intercourse. They also say that eating it before is contraindicated (during the Follicular Phase) because, “You don’t want to close the gate”.
Protein
From a Chinese medicine point of view, this is key in fertility and pregnancy since protein bring blood and essence to the body. From a Western point of view, they are the building blocks of life and play a huge role in brain development of the unborn fetus. Proteins like fish, eggs and pork are wonderful for enhancing fertility, as is red meats like lamb and beef. The latter two should be less frequent though, because they have a tendency to cause inflammation in the body.
Complex Carbs
Eat more complex (slow) carbs and limit highly processed (simple) carbs. Your body digests simple carbs (cookies, cakes, white bread and pasta) quickly, and turns them into blood sugar, which then creates a surge of insulin. High insulin levels appear to inhibit ovulation. Besides, simple carbs also create inflammation, can reek havoc on the thyroid (AKA the 3rd ovary), mess with the digestion and cause disorder for all hormones, especially the lutenizing hormone.
Complex carbs are digested slowly and have a more gradual effect on blood sugar and insulin. Barely refined grains are superb sources of fertility-friendly B vitamins, vitamin E, and fiber. Some of our favorites are buckwheat, which contains d-chiro-inositol, a compound that improves ovulation and amaranth, millet and quinoa.
