How to boost your fertility, naturally.

So you’ve decided it’s time to have a baby, but did you know that your diet, lifestyle & environment can all have an impact on your chances of becoming pregnant?  Not only is a healthy, balanced diet essential for your general health & wellbeing, but it can also improve your chances of conception.  Research also shows that our modern lifestyle adversely affects our reproductive health.

As both parents are involved in conception, it is important that you both prepare your bodies prior to trying to conceive.  Ideally, improvements to your diet & lifestyle should be commenced at least 4 months before you begin trying for a baby.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Consume a balanced & varied diet high in fresh fruit & vegetables, protein & complex carbohydrates.
• Include foods rich in calcium, zinc, iron & folate – e.g. wholegrain breads & cereals, low fat dairy, lean meat, fish & green leafy vegetables.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine & recreational drugs.
• Lose or gain weight to maximise your chance of conception & a healthy pregnancy.
• Avoid produce grown with chemical fertilizers – try organic!
• Consume lots of fresh, filtered water – ideally 2 litres a day.
• Avoid food additives & artificial sweeteners.
• Be aware of dosage concerns with Vitamin A (excess associated with birth defects).
• Take extra care with toxic products e.g. paints, glues, herbicides & pesticides, household cleaning products.
• Decrease stress – try meditation, yoga, massage, exercise, ‘you’ time.
• Get to know your menstrual cycle – this will help you identity your optimal time for conception, any irregularities & the signs of fertility your body gives you.

If a major overhaul is needed, give yourself plenty of time to implement the changes.  One step at a time is less daunting!