Superfoods for Healthy and Natural Conception

If you're having problems getting pregnant, you know how frustrating it can be, and if you're concerned about the effects of fertility drugs on the body, you may be wondering what are some natural methods that can help. In both the female and male body, the balance of hormones has to be just right for conception to occur and for pregnancy to proceed. Nutrients that are in excess or that are at a deficiency in the body can throw off balance and disrupt the whole process.

When we can choose fresh whole foods for our diet, we are increasing our chances of obtaining the nutrients we need. Whole foods include fruits, fresh vegetables, unrefined grains, beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, and small whole fish. It’s important to make sure you’re choosing healthy whole superfoods that have an abundant supply of each of the following vitamins and minerals - and it's not just important for women, but for men as well.

Eggs (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

B Vitamins: B-complex vitamins need to be replenished all the time, as they are water soluble and passed out of the body with urination. Vitamins B6 and B12 are particularly important for fertility and hormonal function. Fortified cereals, baked potatoes with skin, bananas, light-meat chicken and turkey, eggs, and spinach are all great sources of B6, and beef, clams, mussels, crabs, salmon, poultry, soybeans, and some fortified foods have healthy amounts of B12.

Folic Acid: Folic Acid, also known as folate, is essential for the production of genetic material in conjunction with vitamin B12, and is particularly important for women as it helps prevent birth defects in utero. The body cannot store Folic Acid so it must be replenished regularly. It is found naturally in dark green leafy vegetables, apricots, avocados, oranges, carrots, egg yolks, liver, melons, whole grains, and yeast's.

Zinc: Zinc is an essential component of genetic material and plays an important role in the fertility of men (affecting sperm count) and women. Zinc is vital to healthy cell division, so healthy zinc levels are essential at conception. Zinc occurs naturally in oats, rye, almonds, pumpkin seeds and peas.

EFAs: Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's) work on every system of the body and are essential for healthy hormone production. EFA's can prevent blood from clotting inappropriately which can be helpful to women who have suffered from recurrent miscarriages (if clotting was an issue). They are primarily found in fish oils.

Vitamin E: Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Low vitamin E levels can be a cause for subfertility in men and women. It is found in wheat germ cereal, avocados, sunflower seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, brown rice, eggs, milk, organ meats, soy beans and sweet potatoes.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant which is helpful to sperm production and may play a role in healthy ovulation. Vitamin C is essential to the normal healthy functioning of many systems in the human body. Excellent sources include blackcurrants, raw red peppers, guavas and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. Other good sources include strawberries, kiwifruit, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.

Iron: Iron aids in the production of red blood cells and carries oxygen around our bodies. The female body can lose iron through periods, childbirth or blood loss (including blood donation). Leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, poultry, and soy food products are all good sources of iron.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A is an antioxidant essential at conception for the developing embryo. Natural sources include carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, and spinach.

You will want to consult with your personal physician and/or a fertility specialist, but including these superfoods in your diet on a regular basis can help naturally improve your overall health and fertility, and possibly your chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.