top 5 fertility superfoods
Here’s a story for you…
More than 11 years ago I started my journey to becoming a mother and things didn’t go quite as I expected them to go. I didn’t get pregnant with ease like my other girlfriends and it was very frustrating. I didn’t know much about fertility except the fact that this issue is growing in our society and more and more couples find themselves in the stressful scenario of wanting a baby without any success.
This fact made me feel anxious and I was on a mission to try and solve it as soon as possible. Attending a few doctors I was fast enough prescribed medication that would help me to ovulate with higher chances. After two days of taking the pills, I instantly felt in my body that it was not the right thing for me to do. I then started researching other ‘unconventional’ ways to address my fertility. And I found an amazing practitioner that played a crucial role on my journey. After several acupuncture sessions, certain diet implementations and some other practices I successfully conceived my first child. Not only was I able to finally get pregnant, but my pregnancy was a very calm and healthy process. Few years later, after becoming a Certified Nutritional Practitioner and focusing on a holistic approach, I have no doubt in the effects of nutrition and lifestyle on our bodies.
More and more researchers find that there is a strong connection between our nutritional diet and fertility. If you are just planning your future pregnancy or whether you are actively trying to get pregnant - the choices you make regarding your daily nutrition are detrimental.
While it’s important to have a healthy and balanced diet on a daily basis, there are several foods that are extra beneficial for boosting your fertility in a natural way. These foods are very easy to get and implement in your everyday lifestyle.
In this blog post I listed 5 of my favorite superfoods that will help you to boost your fertility and increase your chances to have a healthy, full term pregnancy.
Avocado - an everyday staple and a great source of MUFA’s (monounsatturated fatty acids) that have been associated with improved fertility and healthy ovulation. It also contains vitamin A, folate, potassium and many other micronutrients that support reproductive health.
Salmon (and salmon roe) - not only it’s a great source of protein, but it also contains Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 are essential building blocks for hormone productio and it’s crucial for fertility, conception and pregnancy. Omega 3 is an essential micronutrient, meaning it can only be sourced from food and our bodies can’t produce it on it’s own. Omega-3s are also known to contribute to proper development of fetal nervous system and the brain.
If you’re following a vegan diet - other sources of Omega-3’s include flax seeds, walnuts, algae, chia seeds.
Eggs - great source of protein and iron. Women in childbearing age have a higher risk to be low on iron. Iron deficiency impairs the ability to conceive and carry a healthy and full term pregnancy, therefore iron is crucial when it comes to fertility. Eggs are also high in choline which is vital for ovarian function and sperm health and crucial for fetal brain development.
If you’re following a vegan diet - other sources of iron include spinach, beans, dark leafy greens, whole grains.
If you’re currently experiencing iron deficiency I highly recommend working with a trusted practitioner to elevate your levels. Iron is not only crucial for fertility but also for everyday health and functioning. Iron deficiencies can lead to serious health complications and I highly recommend addressing this issue with a health professional.
Pumpkin seeds - a powerhouse fertility food. Pumpkin seeds are high in minerals supporting hormonal balance, such as manganese, magnesium and zinc. They’re also high in isoflavonoids that help to manage healthy estrogen levels in the body.
Sauerkraut - fermented goodness. I include this food in the list because of all the benefits fermented foods give to our digestion - good bacteria, enzymes, lauric acid. All of these help to promote a healthy gut, absorb and utelize all the nutrients from the food we eat. A healthy gut is a foundation to your nutritional health.
Incorporating these foods in your everyday diet will have an amazing effect on your fertility.
If you’re ready to have a personalized plan, support and guidance for your fertility and pregnancy journey - click here to contact me and book your first session.
