The Top Foods For Fertility

Many couples start trying for a baby, only to run into difficulties. The good news is, there are plenty of ways that you can support your fertility naturally. As a naturopath, my first stop is always your diet – what you’re eating and what you’re not. So here are some of the top foods for fertility that I recommend.

Avocado

To make and maintain healthy hormone levels, we need good fats. And where can you find oodles of good fats? In avocados, of course!

This superstar of plants is not just for millenials who can’t afford a house. The combination of healthy fats, folate and blood-sugar balancing fibre make it a body’s dream fertility food.

Figs

Love your Mediterranean flavours? Add figs into your meals and snacks. This delicious fruit is a good source of iron, which is important for conception and health during pregnancy. It also supports healthy, happy sperm.

Salmon

A lot of health problems can be tracked back to inflammation, and that includes fertility problems. Luckily, oily fish like salmon are packed full of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids. As a bonus, omega-3s also support healthy sperm production.

Prefer plant-based options? Get a good dose of chia seeds, flaxseeds and walnuts every day.

Green leafy vegetables

We all know that folate is a must-have for fertility – both men and women need it to make a baby. But the supplements that are commonly used for preconception have a form of folate that can cause problems with some people. So I always say – the best way to get your nutrition is through food!

Luckily, getting a good dose of folate from food is simple. Just load up on plenty of veggies, particularly leafy greens.

Turmeric & ginger

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, it’s important to have good circulation to the womb for it to work. And I agree! That’s why ‘warming’ foods that boost circulation can be a great food for fertility.

Turmeric and ginger are two spices to get started with. Both also have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties too. So you’re getting a lot of bang for your spice buck!

Oysters

One of the most essential nutrients for fertility is zinc. Low zinc can be a problem for both conception and maintenance of a pregnancy. Guys, you need a good dose of zinc to keep your swimmers optimal, too!

Oysters are one of the best sources of zinc you can get. This might be why they have a reputation as an aphrodisiac food. Other shellfish are high in zinc too, so feel free to include other options if you prefer.

Pumpkin seeds

Not a fan of seafood? Try pumpkin seeds as a crunchy alternative for getting your zinc needs in. This is one of your best plant-based sources, so munch away on a daily basis.

You’ll also want to include other zinc-rich foods such as legumes, nuts and oats daily to keep your levels healthy.

Dark chocolate

That’s right – you don’t have to give up your chocolate stash. In fact, here’s your permission to eat a little dark chocolate every day! It’s full to the brim with potent antioxidants that get your body in tip-top baby-making form.

Make sure you share it with your partner – it also has a compound that boosts sperm count and quality. Or maybe just get him his own stash, so you don’t have to share! I won’t judge.

Want to learn more about how you can boost your fertility naturally? Book in for an appointment, and we can put together a treatment plan to optimise you for making babies!