Eat yourself pregnant
From The Times
January 17, 2008
For the past 25 years I have worked as a nutritionist, specialising in women’s health, and have seen thousands of people for many different reasons. But by far the most common, divisive and traumatic problem for which both men and women seek help is fertility.
Here, I highlight the speediest and most useful ways in which you can help yourself to get pregnant, fast (the fuller version is in my new book). My plan is designed for any woman who wants to have a baby, whether she is thinking about it or has been trying with no results.
STEP ONE:
TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR DIET
If you’re sceptical about the connection between food and fertility, bear in mind that your body uses the nutrients from the food that you eat – and the supplements that you take – to repair cells, produce hormones and, ultimately, produce healthy eggs and sperm. In many ways your fertility depends upon what you eat.
Carbohydrates
These are your key energy source.
Protein
This is important for your fertility because it helps to maintain blood sugar balance and gives your body the even supply of amino acids it needs for building and repairing cells, manufacturing hormones and a healthy reproductive system.
Dairy products
Some studies indicate that dairy products have a beneficial effect on fertility because of their calcium content, while others have found that milk-drinking women tend to be less fertile when older. My issue with dairy foods is their production and their possible hormonal effect on your body at a time when hormones need to be functioning normally in both partners.
Fats
Essential fatty acids (EFAs) found in nuts, seeds and oily fish, on the other hand, play a crucial role in fertility and the development of a healthy baby.
Caffeine
Researchers have found that caffeine can have an adverse affect on female fertility, so if you want to conceive it makes sense to cut it out altogether.
STEP TWO:
CHANGE YOUR LIFESTYLE
If you smoke, quit
Alcohol
Like smoking, alcohol can interfere with your fertility. One study found that alcohol intake was a significant predictor for infertility among women above the age of 30.
Stress
Too much stress can interfere with sex hormone production.
STEP THREE:
TAKE FERTILITY-BOOSTING SUPPLEMENTS
Standard medical advice is to get all the nutrients you need from a balanced diet. Unfortunately, even if you do try to eat healthily, your food may not always contain all you need. To ensure that you do get all you need I strongly advise taking supplements.
Marilyn Glenville
Detailed article here
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/lif...cle3197591.ece