Foods that May Boost Fertility

Food affects almost every aspect of health including fertility.  Women who watch their weight and eat a Mediterranean-style diet may increase their chance of becoming pregnant. The Mediterranean-style diet is high is vegetables, fish, beans, and vegetable oils.  Good eating habits not only effect fertility, they effect the fetus and the chance of complications with pregnancy.

According to the National Infertility Association 30% of infertility is due to being underweight or overweight. Either extreme of weight can cause changes to hormones decreasing fertility.  Brook Schantz, MS, RD, recommends these nutrition tips in order to increase fertility.

Take a regular women’s multi-vitamin

Add more fiber to your diet via whole grains, veggies, and fruit

Lower intake of animal protein

Reduce intake of trans and saturated fats and increase monounsaturated fats (e.g. olive oil)

Eat more vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains

Consume high-fat dairy instead of low-fat dairy

Fertility isn’t only the female’s responsibility. Men also need to eat a balanced diet.  Obesity can affect their testosterone levels. For those who are trying to conceive eat a well-balanced meal and stay within a healthy weight range to increase your chances.