As an acupuncturist specializing in fertility, I find that one of the best and easiest ways to enhance my patient’s ability to get pregnant is through diet. In general, a whole-foods diet that incorporates as much natural and organic foods as possible is ideal. Drink plenty of water and try to reduce or eliminate your intake of alcohol and coffee. Take a good quality prenatal vitamin and consider incorporating some of these specific foods that may boost your fertility and help you get pregnant quicker.
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale contain a substance called diindolylmethane – DIM – that may help boost your fertility. DIM can help break down and eliminate excessive estrogens in your body. This action is particularly helpful if you suffer from endometriosis, uterine fibroids or ovarian cysts – conditions that can negatively impact your fertility and may occur as a result of too much estrogen in your body.
Fish
Fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, DHA, EPA, vitamin D and B12. These nutrients may help regulate hormones and enhance your fertility while further supporting healthy fetal development once you get pregnant. According to a study published in the March 2012 issue of Human Reproduction, researchers found that men who consumed higher amounts of omega-3 fatty acids had healthier and more fertile sperm than men who consumed less. Therefore, omega-3 fats like those found in fish can help enhance both male and female fertility.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are high in essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals that can promote healthy reproductive function. Nuts are also high in protein and release glucose into your bloodstream slowly, which can help you maintain more stable blood sugar and insulin levels. These nutrient-dense foods are high in antioxidants and can help reduce your cholesterol levels, which benefits your heart and improves circulation thereby enhancing your body’s ability to transport nutrients to your reproductive organs. This can help improve egg quality in women and sperm quality in men.
Eggs
Eggs, especially the yolk, are rich in nutrients that support healthy fertility. Egg yolks contain omega-3 fatty acids, choline and vitamins A and E. Choline, a water-soluble B vitamin, may be particularly important since it can help promote the healthy nervous system development of your growing baby during pregnancy. Adequate choline before and during pregnancy can also enhance fetal brain and tooth development. From a Chinese medicine perspective and the treatment philosophy of using “like to treat like,” eggs can also provide the nutrients necessary to help improve the health of your own eggs.
Oysters, clams and mussels
Shellfish, particularly clams, oysters and mussels, are a rich source of nutrients like vitamin B12 and vitamin D. These seawater delights also contain minerals such as copper, iron, selenium and zinc. Vitamin D can help improve female fertility because it assists in regulating glucose levels, can help tone your uterus and promotes healthy bone development. Zinc and copper are particularly important to help boost male fertility since these minerals are vital for the development of healthy sperm. As an acupuncturist I consider oysters, clams and mussels as important for your fertility because these foods help nourish your kidneys, which are your body’s reproductive powerhouse in Chinese medicine.
Sources
Diindolylmethane Information Resource Center
PubMed
Nourished Kitchen
Worldwide Health
