Can improvement in my diet help me conceive?

A study suggests that women who regularly eat fast food and not enough fruits and vegetables are more likely to struggle with infertility.

In today’s world of modernisation where time is a constant restraint for preparing a healthy meal can sometimes prove a challenge. This fast paced lifestyle however has resulted in various lifestyle disorders like Obesity, Diabetes, Hypertension and disturbingly, Infertility too.

Out of all the obvious influencing factors of infertility like PCOS, Endometriosis, Fibroids, PID, Hyperthyroidism, Ovarian Insufficiency, Diet is one that is usually missed out. Those dealing with infertility may not think about dietary changes but sometimes switching to healthier food is all that would be needed.

A few pointers on the positive changes one could bring about in their diet for better fertility could include:

• Eating several servings of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and calcium rich foods such as yoghurt, cheese and milk every day. Not getting enough nutrients can cause a hormonal imbalance thus affecting your menses making it difficult to predict when you ovulate or you may not ovulate at all if you are significantly underweight or obese. Although it is well known that overweight or obese people find it harder to get pregnant than slimmer people, new research suggests that even those who manage to remain slim despite consuming high levels of junk food are damaging their fertility.
• Consumption of foods rich in fibre such as vegetables, whole grains and fruits
• Consumption of foods that are rich sources of Iron like Spinach, tomatoes, lentils, beans, whole grains, etc
• Consumption of vegetable protein Is found to improve fertility more than animal protein, for example peas, beans, soy
• Limiting intake of trans fat has also proven to help improve fertility. Trans fats are commonly found in fast foods and deep fried foods
• Avoid intake of alcohol as it hampers the metabolic activity of the liver.
• Drinking plenty of water: Avoid soda or carbonated drinks due to their high sugar content. Tea or coffee in moderation can be consumed.
• Exercising regularly to burn those extra calories. Make sure it is not over done. Try and maintain an Ideal body Mass Index (BMI) between 20 and 25
• Taking a prenatal multi vitamin: Studies have shown that taking a multivitamin can improve the chance of pregnancy as some times we are unable to get all the nutrients through the food we consume. Folic acid and other essential nutrients are usually supplemented to the body via the extra multi vitamins. Rest assured that a supplement can in no way substitute for a healthy diet.

Eating smart and healthy is all about having an awareness of your body. Eating a healthy diet to improve your fertility is one of the best changes you can make. Eating healthy and nutritious food is the simple and effective solution to improve a woman’s fertility.