Deciding to have a baby is an exciting time in a couple’s life, but taking the next step to start a family or add to it can also raise many questions and concerns. If you and your partner have begun thinking about having a baby or if you’ve already been trying, you want to do everything possible to increase your chances of getting pregnant. It’s always best to try the natural route first, but how do you know where to start and what works? If you’re looking for natural ways to boost fertility and put yourself and your partner in the best position to conceive, just keep reading!
Eat Foods High In Antioxidants
Antioxidants are essential for everyone, especially couples trying to conceive. Antioxidants attack and eliminate free radicals in your body, which are known to damage sperm and eggs. Both men and women show benefits from ingesting both Folate and Zinc. In men, studies show an improvement in sperm quality, while in women, higher folate levels may increase the rate of successful implantation. Foods high in antioxidants include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains containing vitamins C and E and Folate, Beta Carotene, and Lutein.
Cut Down The Refined Carbs
Refined carbs are horrible, whether you’re trying to conceive or not. Not only will they cause you to gain weight, but they make you feel sluggish and don’t allow your body to work to its potential. Cutting out or eliminating sugary foods and drinks and processed grains like white bread, pasta, and rice, can help your body get baby ready. Refined carbs can also hurt your chances of fertility. Once eaten, they absorb quickly and spike your blood sugar which raises your insulin production. Insulin is similar in chemical makeup to your ovarian hormones, responsible for making your eggs mature. If you have consistently elevated insulin levels, your body will produce fewer reproductive hormones. If this happens, you may experience a lack of egg maturation and irregular ovulation.
Add A Daily Multivitamin
Multivitamins are a great addition to any health regiment, as most diets lack all the nutrients you need in a day. They are essential for women trying to conceive and may make them less likely to experience ovulatory infertility. Even if your body can create healthy eggs, you may struggle to become pregnant if your ovaries can’t regulate their release. According to one study, women can avoid approximately 20% of ovulatory infertility by taking three multivitamins a day. When choosing a multi, make sure you pick one that includes Folate.
Maintain A Healthy Weight
Weight is one of the most influential factors in infertility. Whether overweight or underweight, your body can be negatively affected; being underweight could cause infrequent ovulation and menstrual cycles. Being obese can cause a complete lack of ovulation, menstrual irregularity, and impaired egg development. It’s best to maintain a healthy weight through a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and lean protein. Steer clear of diet pills as they can harm your heart and are generally more of a sales gimmick than a weight-loss tool.
Utilize Natural Supplements
Natural supplements are an easy way to give your body a little boost. Although they most likely won’t fix severe medical problems, they can help you give yourself an added edge that may boost your pregnancy chances. As with all-natural supplements, consult your doctor before you begin taking them. Here is a list of a few supplements that may be beneficial:
- Maca – a plant grown in Peru, Maca may help improve sperm quality.
- Bee Propolis – in a study on women who have endometriosis, Bee Propolis led to a 40% higher chance of conceiving within nine months when taken daily.
- Royal Jelly – Royal Jelly is rich in amino acids, iron, calcium, lipids, and fatty acids. Taking it may improve overall reproductive health.
- Bee Pollen – Bee pollen has been shown to improve sperm quality and increase immunity, nutrition, and fertility.
Trying to conceive is full of highs and lows. Whether you are just starting your journey or have been trying for a while, every day is an adventure. If you want natural ways to boost fertility, there are options. Eat foods high in antioxidants, avoid refined carbs, add a multivitamin, maintain a healthy weight, or try natural supplements. In general, your body will thank you as you become healthier, and you can have confidence knowing you’re putting yourself in the best position possible for a healthy pregnancy!
