The term fertility as it relates to a couple refers to their ability to conceive a child. Becoming pregnant is one of the most joyous moments a couple will experience. For many people however, there getting pregnant is not as easy as they would hope. There are many factors that can impact fertility. Some of these are due to internal issues such as hormonal imbalance or blocked tubes, and external factors caused by the environment.
Luckily, there is now hope for those persons who want to start or increase their family. Reproductive technology has resulted in the development of a number of fertility drugs on the market. But what if a couple chooses to try boosting their fertility levels naturally? In many cases, lifestyle changes as well as changes in diet can greatly improve a couple’s chances of becoming pregnant. There are also herbs which have been shown to help some couples boost their fertility and become parents.
Lifestyle changes
Being significantly overweight can impact chances of conceiving for both men and women. For women, estrogen production is impacted negatively by excess weight. Obese men tend to have a lower sperm count as well as lower quality sperm. This can be easily rectified by adopting a more active lifestyle and making changes in eating habits. Even moderate exercise has been shown to be beneficial to couples trying to improve their chances of getting pregnant.
Excessive alcohol use and smoking can also lessen the chances of becoming pregnant. Not only can reducing or eliminating these help in getting pregnant, it can also have a beneficial impact on overall health. While some believe that a glass of wine occasionally may not have a negative impact, it may be best to stop all together.
Diet
Various nutrients have been shown to improve the body’s fertility levels. While these can be taken as supplements, it is important to include them as much as possible in the daily diet. Men’s fertility levels can be greatly enhanced by increasing the intake of vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D and Calcium.
Good natural sources of vitamin C include lemons, oranges, Brussels sprouts and kale. Foods that contain protein are usually rich in zinc as well. Some of these are chicken, lean beef, salmon and turkey. Vegetarians can still get enough zinc in their diet by consuming whole grain cereals, pumpkin seeds, dairy products, yogurt and brown rice.
Milk is a good source of calcium, and is sometimes fortified with vitamin D. Mackerel, tuna and salmon contain vitamin D, and many people get it from being exposed to sunlight. Calcium can be added to your diet from green peas, black-eyed peas, spinach and collard greens in addition to dairy products.
Women trying to get pregnant should consume a nutrient rich diet and limit their intake of refined carbohydrates. Studies have shown that refined carbs can lead to irregular flow of insulin which can affect ovulation. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish or other sources should also be consumed. If you have concerns about mercury levels, salmon and catfish are considered to be good options. According to the FDA it is safe to eat 12 ounces of low mercury fish per week.
It is also important that a woman’s diet is geared towards promoting hormonal balance. Also necessary, especially for women is to get adequate amounts of B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12. These can be found in fortified cereals, liver, fish yogurt, salmon and Lima beans, as well as supplements.
Herbs
It is important to speak to someone with knowledge of herbal medicine before committing to a regimen in the hopes of getting pregnant. When properly used, herbs such as chasteberry and Dong Quai have been proven to help boost fertility levels. Chasteberry promotes the regulation of sex hormones by stimulating the pituitary gland.
Dong Quai, also called Chinese angelica, has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for many years. It is highly effective in helping to improve fertility levels. It is used to help deal with menstrual problems and increases the chances of implantation of a fertilized egg.
While it is always best to consult a doctor about fertility concerns, there is no harm in seeking alternatives to fertility drugs. It is important to get as much information as possible before making a decision. Before you start trying however, trying to get to your ideal body weight and eating right will greatly improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Once you have achieved and improved fertility levels or even better gotten pregnant, stop using the herbs. Many herbs that boost fertility can cause problems in pregnancy such as triggering a miscarriage.
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