Dear friends,
Proper eating habits are essential for the normal functioning of the body and hence for fertility. The way we eat also affects our weight. Being over- or underweight can cause hormonal imbalances which have negative effect on ovulation.
How many of you manage to eat healthy in our hectic everyday life?
In this article we will offer you some tips on how to increase your chances of getting pregnant:
- Eat fresh fruit and vegetables
Fruit and vegetables, especially when fresh, are an ideal source of antioxidants and vitamins, and they also help decrease inflammation. Spinach, citruses and grains are rich in folic acid, which is necessary for the normal development of your future baby’s nervous system.
- Incorporate good protein sources into your diet
When trying to get pregnant, or if you are already pregnant, it is good for the diet to contain more protein than carbohydrates. This means that 40% of the daily dietary intake should be protein. Suitable sources of protein are lean meat, eggs, fish and beans. The assumption that eggs “raise cholesterol” and “must be avoided” is not true except in the case of some rare diseases of lipid metabolism.
- Do not neglect dairy products
If you are not lactose intolerant, there is no reason to avoid dairy products because they are a good source of protein and calcium.
- Do not forget the dietary intake of Omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, nuts, flax seed and chia). They are important for normal hormonal levels, and for the continued development of the fetus.
- Say “no” to coffee, alcohol and cigarettes
More than 1-2 cups of coffee a day can reduce fertility, lead to dehydration, and problems with iron absorption in the fetus. Excessive use of alcohol can affect ovulation while smoking increases the risk of ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and congenital abnormalities in the fetus.
Remember that proper nutrition is a responsibility of both partners. Unhealthy eating habits in men affect the fertilizing ability of sperm. When you both have a similar diet, it will be much easier for you to stick to it.
Getting ready for pregnancy marks the beginning of enormous changes in your life. Paying attention to your eating habits is a good place to start enhancing your chances of conceiving.