Foods that boost fertility

Shilva

Today’s stressful lifestyle can cause a number of problems for young couples. Apart from related diseases, stress is a major culprit that can cause hormonal imbalance and many other fertility-related problems in couples. The rate of infertility in India has increased in the last few years. Hence, more and more couples are turning to fertility doctors to help them conceive. According to a 2013 World Bank estimate, the drop in fertility started about 10 years ago in India, with a steady 20 per cent decline from 2000. 

Lifestyle-related issues such as stress, rise in obesity, increasing incidence of diabetes, compounded by sedentary lifestyles, changes in eating habits and pollution are significant contributors to the infertility burden in both men and women. 

Another trend witnessed in recent years is of couples delaying pregnancy to focus on their careers; and deciding to have kids well in their thirties when fertility levels start declining, especially in women. The stress that comes along with corporate jobs does have an adverse effect on the body and its internal functioning. Couples trying to conceive need to get their bodies in good shape – eating right, detoxing and quitting smoking, drinking alcohol all of which is crucial when thinking of planning a baby. 

What you eat goes a long way in defining your health, mental agility and fertility. Vitamin C and magnesium boosts testosterone in men and also decreases the chances of miscarriage in women. Foods have the ability to boost your fertility and rev-up your sex life, especially if you are planning a pregnancy.

Foods beneficial for women

Studies show that meat can be detrimental in women’s ovulation reducing their chances of getting pregnant. To increase your protein intake, turn to vegetables and dairy products. Eat green leafy vegetables, paneer, tofu, etc. to increase your chances of conception. 

Almonds and walnuts contain a rich amount of vitamin E that improves a woman’s sex drive and also protects the embryo from miscarriages.  

Potatoes are rich in vitamins B and E that enhance cell division. Eating potatoes increases the secretion of certain enzymes which helps in the implantation of the fertilised egg and reduces the chances of early miscarriage.  

Eggs are a power-packed source of nutrition that boosts your fertility. Eggs contain vitamin B12 which minimises birth defects. Antioxidants found in eggs also boost fertility in women. 

Boosters for sperm health

Fresh fruits that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants improve sperm quality. Before planning conception, men should consume at least two portions of fresh fruits daily, fill up on oranges, mangoes and mousambi. Pomegranates are known to boost the testosterone levels in men. Fruits also reduce oxidative stress which can reduce the decline in sperm count. 

Garlic has therapeutic properties that can recover testicular functions and improve male sexual health. It is also known to have aphrodisiac properties that improve blood circulation. But excess consumption can inhibit testicular functions and impair sperm count. So limit your daily consumption to maintain sexual health and boost your cardiovascular functions. 

Fatty acids found in fish helps improve circulation around the reproductive system and boosts quality in the process. Men, who consume fish, have higher sperm count than those who eat meat. Men should be encouraged to increase their fish intake to improve their semen quality and sperm count to increase chances of conception. 

A healthy lifestyle along with the inclusion of these foods in your daily diet can help in promoting fertility and increase the chances of pregnancy.

— The writer is a gynaecologist, Paras Bliss Hospital, Panchkula