Diet

Not getting enough nutrients can affect your periods, making it difficult to predict ovulation. If you are Obese or underweight, lack of nutrients will make it difficult to ovulate or reduce the sperm quality.

We have tried to compile a list of food to eat duringthis period. There are numerous scientific evidences to suggest a direct co-relation between the food you eat and its impact on hormones and reproductive organs

Foods that aid in Reproduction and normal menstrual cycles:

1. Eat Food rich in Iron, Magnesium, Potassium and other minerals: leafy green vegetables like Spinach, Lettuce, Kale, Fenugreek (Methi) andBroccoli are high in Iron, vitamin B and have shown to improve ovulationand reduce miscarriage. Dark Leafy vegetables are high in Folate and can help make healthy sperm, reducing the chances of miscarriage or genetic problems in baby.

2. Sperm cells and Egg cells are highly susceptible to damage. Eating Food rich in flavonoids helps to protect them. Flavonoids are plant pigments that give color to range of foods and vegetables and have lots of anti-oxidants – these include, Blueberries, Raspberries, Cherries, Grapes, Oranges, Peaches, Plums, and Tomatoes etc.

3. Calcium rich Food like Milk, yogurt, cheese and Ice cream: Calcium is a vital ingredient in the process of triggering growth in the embryo and decreases the risk of ovulatory infertility. Aim for 1000 mg of calcium daily.

4. Food rich in Omega 3; like Salmon and low mercury cold-water fish, Walnuts, Canola Oil, Pumpkin seeds, Enriched Eggs and Flaxseed. Omega 3 fatty acids consist of EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid), ALA (Alpha Linolenic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid). They help to regulate reproductive hormones, increase blood flow to the uterus, which helps with uterus lining development, reduces inflammation and normalizes your cycle.

5. Zinc and Vitamin C – Food rich in Zinc and Vitamin C are important for improving sperm quality. These include, Nuts, Pistachios, Eggs, Fish, Seeds and Whole grains. Food rich in vitamin C include Citrus fruits, Tomatoes and Green Leafy vegetables.

6. Beans – Lentils, Rajma, Chole, and Endmame: Research from Harvard suggests that infertility is higher in women who have more animal based protein than those who take vegetable protein from Beans and Lentils. Protein should account for 12-20% of your daily Calorie intake.

For centuries many foods have been associated with fertility – these include Pomegranates, Avocados, Banana’s, Figs, Dates, Asparagus, Almonds and Garlic. These are rich in vital vitamins and minerals that aid fertility.

6 Foods to Avoid When Trying to Conceive

There is a growing body of research, which is now focusing on the food we consume and how it affects our body. If you are having trouble conceiving, you already know how many problems can occur within a normal menstrual cycle. You need to have healthy hormones, eggs, sperm, and embryo to successfully conceive. The food we eat daily like Junk food, Aerated drinks, Fried food, Alcohol etc. affect these hormones, lower the sperm quality and make it difficult to get pregnant.

We have compiled 6 diet foods to absolutely avoid or limit if you are trying to have a baby:

1. Alcohol – Even moderate Alcohol consumption can lower fertility in both men and women. There is a lot of research to prove that men who drink alcohol regularly have lower sperm motility and lower chance of fertilization. In women, alcohol directly impairs egg health as it depresses the adrenal glands and slows the release of hormones. Frequent alcohol consumption also increases the incidence of menstrual disorders.

2. Coffee, Tea and drinks high in Caffeine – Multiple studies suggest that caffeine increases the risk of miscarriage. You should limit consumption to 100 mg of caffeine daily. Things to remember: 1 cup of instant coffee has approx. 75 mg of caffeine. 1 cup of tea has approx. 62 mg of caffeine.

3. Mercury in seafood and fish: Mercury in water is consumed by fishes and converted into a toxin known as methyl mercury. Choose smaller fish as the build up of mercury is less in smaller fish. Experts recommend that you avoid seawater fishes and consume fresh-water fish like Bangada, Hilsa, Tilapia and pomfret.

4. Trans Fat and Sweets: Avoid Fried and Junk Food. Eat at home preferably. Trans fat decrease the body’s ability to react to insulin, which results in irregular ovulation.

5. Meats – please make sure that meats are fully cooked before consumption. Avoid smoked or raw meats like Steaks, Sushi, Salami’s as they carry many types of bacteria harmful to egg development, embryo and fetus.

6. Smoking – Smoking is harmful to both male and female fertility. In women, smoking affects the way uterus responds to the egg. Smoking in women increases the chances of Infertility by 30%. In Men, Smoking reduces sperm production and damages DNA. We advice you to quit smoking if you are trying to conceive.