FERTILITY DIET

WHAT TO EAT TO GET PREGNANT

A healthy diet that is optimal for fertility and conception is most beneficial when begun 3 to 6 months prior to trying to conceive.

Specific nutrients are essential for the health of both eggs and sperm, for treating hormonal disorders, and for preventing birth defects. Following a fertility diet – through eating properly and nutritional supplementation when necessary – is one of the things that every woman can control when it comes to getting pregnant, regardless of her age, economic status, health or location.

Most essential nutrients can be found in food sources. However, there are some nutrients that are hard or simply impossible to obtain through diet. And, higher levels are needed of certain other specific nutrients to increase the likelihood of fertility, address possible hormone imbalances, and reduces the possibility of potential birth defects. See our Fertility Supplement Page HERE.

When you schedule your first appointment with natural fertility expert Ruthie Harper, MD in Austin, TX she will look at your overall health, diet and lifestyle, and help you determine how your diet can be adjusted to help support optimal fertility to give you the greatest chance of getting pregnant.

WHAT TO EAT TO GET PREGNANT

Choose healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats and no trans fats.
Opt for organic vegetables and fruits.
Consume organic, whole fat dairy.
In cases of PCOS and endometriosis, or lactose intolerance, try almond or hemp milk.
Choose organic, grass-fed meat and free-range chicken.
Limit red meat consumption.
Increase cold-water fish consumption, like Alaskan salmon, halibut and cod.
Avoid tuna, swordfish and sea-bass due to high levels of mercury.
Avoid farm raised salmon as it contains antibiotics and food dyes.
Eat more fiber, including fruits, vegetables, dark leafy greens, and beans.
Consume whole grains. Choose whole-wheat bread & pasta, quinoa & brown rice.
Stay hydrated. Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of purified or filtered water daily.
Be moderate with coffee and tea consumption.
Avoid soy products such as soy milk, soy burgers, soy meats and soy cheeses.
Avoid sugar. Opt for healthy alternatives, such as stevia, honey, and maple syrup.

Patients of Dr. Harper may download her FREE EBOOK with complete details of the Fertility Diet.

FERTILITY DIET NUTRIENTS

Vitamin D helps the body to create sex hormones that affect ovulation and hormonal balance.
Vitamin E and selenium were found to increase sperm motility, percent of live sperm, and percent of normal spermatozoa. Vitamin E is also an important antioxidant.
Vitamin C improves hormone levels, increases fertility in women with luteal phase defects, lowers the chance of birth defects, improves sperm quality, and decreases risk of miscarriage.
Lipoic acid is an important antioxidant that increases fertility in both men and women.
Vitamin B6 is a hormone regulator, controls blood sugar levels, reduces PMS & relieves morning sickness.
Vitamin B12 improves sperm quality, strengthens the endometrial lining & decreases the chances of miscarriage.
Folic Acid/Folate can prevent many birth defects.
Iron can lead to a significantly lower risk of ovulatory infertility.
Selenium is an antioxidant that helps to protect the egg and sperm from free radical damage.
Zinc controls estrogen and progesterone levels and helps support a healthy reproductive system.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA) balance hormones, increase optimal cervical mucus & promote ovulation.
CoQ10 is necessary for every cell in the body for energy production and is a strong antioxidant.

Patients of Dr. Harper may download her FREE EBOOK for a comprehensive list of which foods can boost fertility and increase chances of conception.