According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 8 couples faces trouble getting pregnant even after a year of unprotected intercourse. Additionally, a woman is considered infertile when she is able to get pregnant but is unable to sustain a pregnancy and carry the baby to term.
Maintaining a healthy diet is an integral part of a woman’s life. However, this task becomes even more important when the woman is trying to conceive a baby. This holds true for women who suffer from unexplained infertility and infertility due to menstrual disorders and hormonal issues.
Many patients suffer from ovulatory infertility because of a problem related to development or release of a mature egg every month. It has been scientifically observed that diet can play a major role in the management of such issues. However, dietary changes may not actually help with physical issues causing infertility such as tubal blockage or uterine abnormalities.
For example, what quality of carbohydrates you consume may have an impact on your ovulatory function. Carbohydrates are of two types – slowly digesting and fast digesting.
Slow digesting carbohydrates (good carbs) such as whole grains and fiber-containing fruits and vegetables have a gradual effect on the blood sugar and insulin levels. On the other hand, refined or fast digesting carbohydrates (bad carbs) such as white bread and cookies lead to a sudden spike in blood sugar levels. This, in turn, triggers a rapid release of insulin from the pancreas.
There are several studies that have proved that high insulin levels in the blood can actually inhibit ovulation through metabolic disturbances. A previous study found that women who consume foods rich in glycemic load were 92 percent more likely to suffer from ovulatory infertility than women whose diets had the lowest glycemic load.
This is why women planning pregnancy and those suffering from ovulatory dysfunction are advised to take the “fertility friendly diet.” This diet includes certain foods that are known to boost fertility in women.
The following are some of the foods that increase fertility in women:
Protein-rich foods
Healthy sources of proteins such as nuts, beans, seeds, and tofu must be consumed by women planning a pregnancy. Such foods are nutritious and possess healthy fats, in addition to being a rich source of proteins.
Additionally, such items are low in calories and thus, help maintain weight. This is absolutely essential for women who are overweight or obese and look forward to losing a few kilos to be able to ovulate regularly and get pregnant.
Specific food sources such as beans possess lean protein and are a rich source of iron. Both lean protein and iron help improve libido and fertility. Insufficient iron levels in the body may lead to anovulation, which is characterized by the inability of the ovary to produce a healthy egg every month.
Green leafy vegetables
Dark leafy vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are a rich source of folate, which is an essential B vitamin nutrient recommended to all women who are planning to get pregnant. It has been scientifically proved that folate can help with regular ovulation. An increased consumption of leafy greens also helps improve libido in women.
Dairy
Dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and full cream milk are essential for the health of the reproductive system. Switching to low-fat dairy products makes sense when a woman is trying to lose weight in the preconception stage. Otherwise, consumption of high-fat dairy is recommended for women who are actively trying to conceive. It has been scientifically proved that women who face trouble with ovulation may benefit a lot from consumption of just one serving of high-fat dairy in a day.
Citrus Fruits
Women who are trying to conceive are recommended to consume at least one serving of citrus fruits a day. Fruits such as oranges and grapefruit are a rich source of vitamin C, potassium, and calcium, all of which are needed for the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Citrus fruits are also a rich source of folate, which regulates ovulation and also provides a suitable environment for egg development.
Eggs
Eggs are a rich source of minerals and vitamins, in addition to amino acids such as choline. The amino acids contained in eggs help with the normal development of follicles and also help improve their quality. Choline also helps in the prevention of neural tube defects in the baby and helps with normal brain development.