Everyone knows that what we eat plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of our metabolism. But did you know that diet is a determining factor when it comes to fertility? What we put on our plate contributes to increasing the chances of conception for both men and women. Indeed, certain foods can improve sperm quality in men or ovulation in women. So what should you consume to improve your fertility?
Choosing a healthy and balanced diet
According to researchers, poor eating habits are likely to harm a person’s fertility. Additionally, it has been proven that abnormal weight also impacts fertility.
Therefore, you should opt for a healthy and balanced diet to improve your fertility. On this topic, the reproductive and fertility treatments set up by the Ukrainian fertility clinic ilaya revolve around diet.
Thus, according to this institution, a good diet is considered the first step towards better fertility, as it is the most reliable way to produce hormones. Therefore, while enjoying your meals, you should ensure you meet the daily intakes of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.
Consuming specific carbohydrates
If you want to maximize your chances of conceiving a baby, you need to consume a particular type of carbohydrates. Some foods have a high glycemic index (GI), which increases the level of sugar in your blood (sodas, white flour, refined sugar, etc.)
You should be careful not to consume these types of foods as they promote significant insulin secretion in your body. According to experts, high levels of insulin or hyperinsulinemia could harm ovulation in women.
To maximize your chances, consume low-GI foods, such as legumes, whole grains, agave syrup, and fresh fruits. These have a positive impact not only on conception but also during pregnancy.
It is also important to know that fibers help regulate the body’s assimilation of carbohydrates, thus limiting insulin secretion. Add flax seeds, oat bran, and agar-agar to your salads or yogurts. This way, you can reduce the risk of gestational diabetes.
Favor foods rich in antioxidants
Among the foods to consider, those rich in antioxidants hold an essential place. According to experts, bad eating habits have a detrimental impact because they contribute to damaging eggs and sperm, which reduces fertility.
However, specialists believe that folate, zinc, and vitamins C and E found in foods like nuts, cereals, and fruits are antioxidants that can increase the chances of conception in both women and men.
Another study conducted on men shows that regular consumption of nuts (rich in antioxidants) positively impacts sperm quality. Similarly, antioxidants may enhance conception through in vitro fertilization by increasing chances by 23%.
Consume the right fats
Fatty foods also play a role in fertility. Our bodies need omega-3 fatty acids to function well. Therefore, it is essential to consume fatty acids daily to stay healthy. In turn, our fertility will be boosted.
So, consume walnut, flaxseed, olive, or canola oil. Prefer margarines rich in omega-3, fatty fish like anchovies, sardines, mackerel, or salmon. Also, choose eggs from organic or free-range chickens.
Consume vitamin B9 for women
Also known as folic acid, vitamin B9 plays an important role in women’s conception. This vitamin promotes the proper course of the menstrual cycle and ovulation. While it is available as a dietary supplement, it is also found in certain foods.
Consume oats, buckwheat, quinoa, melon, spinach, nuts, or lentils. Vitamin B9 also helps prevent miscarriages, malformations, and prematurity.
Avoid pesticides for men
Fertilization can only occur when eggs and sperm are of good quality. This is achieved through a healthy diet. According to a study published in the medical journal Human Reproduction, only a healthy diet guarantees men’s fertility through good sperm quality.
Although it has been revealed that 15% of couples face infertility issues, it should also be noted that in 25% of cases, infertility is due to the quality of the man’s sperm. Therefore, it’s an issue to take seriously.
According to many specialists, the reproductive problems faced by men stem from exposure to synthetic chemicals, like pesticides. It appears these substances hinder the proper production of androgen hormones. Experts from Human Reproduction have stated that pesticides used in agriculture could disrupt spermatogenesis in men.
To mitigate the impact of pesticides on sperm, it is recommended to consume organic products. Specifically, you should consume fruits and vegetables grown without pesticides. It is also advisable to consume local and seasonal foods, as they are not transported and therefore do not receive chemical treatments for preservation during transport.
While it’s true that organic products are not accessible to everyone, you can use another method to reduce pesticide residues in your fruit and vegetable consumption. Simply peeling the foods by hand can reduce pesticide residues by 20 to 30%.
Furthermore, men who wish to improve their sperm quality should consume shellfish, poultry, fish, seafood, skim milk, and whole grains.
Diet influences the child’s gender
It appears that parents’ diet could impact the gender of their children. Researchers from the University of Oxford and Exeter have looked into this. They revealed that at the moment of conception, a high-calorie diet favors the birth of boys.
Additionally, a diversity of nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and vitamins C, E, and B12 would favor the birth of boys. Conversely, a low-calorie diet would be more likely to result in the birth of girls.
