Fertility Superfoods

Are you struggling with infertility? Do you know someone who is? Chances are it has affected you or someone you know in some way. Women are having a harder time getting pregnant these days. We can’t pinpoint the exact reason why because so many factors come in to play including the health of the woman, man, and their surrounding environment. When a woman comes to see me who desperately wants to get pregnant, I take an integrative medicine approach and look at everything from diet to lifestyle to hormones. I prefer to start with their diet because sometimes it can be as simple as adding more foods high in B6. Nutritional deficiencies and food sensitivities or intolerances are also common reasons why women have trouble conceiving. Therefore, I like to start by prescribing a fertility superfood diet, using a holistic approach, to help with fertility issues.

Below you will find some of my favorite fertility superfoods:

• Asparagus– Folate is an essential B vitamin that women need to include in their diet who are trying to conceive. Folate can help to prevent neural tube defects, serious abnormalities of the brain and spinal cord. Asparagus is very high in folate, which is perfect because it’s in season! Other sources include lentils, spinach, and cantaloupe.

• Bananas– Bananas are high in B6 which can help to raise levels of progesterone, which is a hormone needed to prepare your body for pregnancy. Other foods high in B6 are sunflower seeds and avocados – so reach for the guacamole!

• Beans- Beans are high in zinc, which is important for both men and women who are trying to get pregnant. Zinc contributes to ovulation in women and also semen and testosterone production in men. Oysters contain the highest amount of zinc, but not everyone loves raw seafood. If you do like oysters, all you need is one to get the right amount of zinc in a day!

• Brazil Nuts– Brazil nuts are high in selenium which is important for egg production as well as helping to protect against birth defects and miscarriages. It may also help with male infertility as well. All you need is one or two nuts a day. Oysters, chicken, and whole grains are also high in selenium.

• Egg Yolks– Yes! Eat the whole egg. Egg yolks are high in Vitamin D, which has been shown to boost fertility in men and women. Vitamin D affects almost every cell in our bodies, but it is also known for boosting progesterone and estrogen in women, which helps to regulate menstrual cycles. Salmon, mushrooms, and canned tuna are also great choices!