Healthy Eating for Fertility

30 August 2017 by Donna Larcom

We know that when it comes to reproduction both the male and female contribute 50% each to the DNA of the baby.

Although the woman grows the baby, the good health of both the male and female are very important, and good nutrition from a well-balanced diet is an essential.
Every time we eat we have the ability to nourish your body or damage it. A properly prepared nutrient dense diet is the ideal way to prepare your body and increase fertility in order to conceive naturally.

In addressing your diet and lifestyle to replenish the body, removing toxins and bad habits you will create a healthy environment for fertility.

If you are thinking of starting or expanding your family, now is the time to do an audit on what you eat and what you are exposed to – before you conceive.

Fertility food is nutrient rich, whole foods packed full of vitamins and minerals, originating from healthy fats, proteins and plant-based carbohydrates.

How is your microbiome?

This is the balance of microflora that lives inside your gut. If this becomes out of balance—and with the standard diet this is all too common—you will find your ability to digest properly becomes impaired, along with your ability to absorb nutrients from your food, not to mention nasty symptoms, like gas and bloating. When a baby is born naturally, it gets a good dose of the mother's gut microbiome when it passes through the birth canal. This helps to set up a thriving microbiome for the baby, protecting against disease and boosting immunity. We now know that around 80% of your immune system resides in your gut. All the more reason to make sure we have the right balance working on our behalf!

Do you have a sugar or refined carbohydrate addiction? This may be contributing to an ongoing low-level stress situation in your body that is pulling your hormones around, calling on the stress hormone cortisol too often. This may also be helping to feed the non-beneficial characters that can set up inside your gut and create an imbalance.

Are you getting the right balance of fatty acids?

Good quality fatty acids are required for each and every one of our cell linings, there are literally trillions of them in our body, we also know that our brain is primarily made of fatty acids. There are so many new cells required to grow a new life.

Are you properly hydrated?

For a nutrient that is so readily available, we know that ongoing chronic dehydration is epidemic in our society. Diuretic drinks such as fruit juice, soft drink, tea and coffee play a major role in this. It can take up to three months to become properly hydrated right through to your joints.

How about minerals?

Minerals require digestion to be working well in order for us to really absorb them. Zinc and selenium are important minerals found in sperm. Along with Iron, these are essential minerals for reproduction.

Give yourself the best chance to conceive naturally, and nourish your body with every mouthful!