Eating For FertilityBy Safana Zahili [Nutrition & Diet]
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 Protein is essential for the baby you are trying to conceive since it forms the main building blocks of his or her molecules. Without protein in your body, the embryo can’t attach itself to the uterine wall. Cut back on the red meat and increase your intake of beans, legumes, chicken, nuts and milk. Dairy The Harvard scientists found that women who ate a bit of full-fat dairy every day were 27 per cent less likely to have trouble conceiving because of ovulation problems than the women who ate fat-free or low-fat dairy daily. If you can’t tolerate dairy, then you should get your calcium from other sources such as kale, collard greens, baked beans and oranges. When you don’t consume enough calcium, your body uses the calcium in your bones to maintain your muscles and nervous system. This can lead to osteoporosis. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates provide the energy that your body needs to perform well and you’re going to need a heck of a lot of energy if your body is going to be building a baby. Carbs have gained a bad reputation in recent years because of diets like Atkins and South Beach. You should not neglect carbs if you are trying to become pregnant, but don’t get carried away. Doctors found that eating easily digestible carbs (fast carbs), like potatoes, white rice and white bread, decreases fertility. Instead, eat only complex carbs, like whole wheat, oats and wheat germ. Healthy Fats Fat can be an iffy issue for many women, especially if they struggle with their weight. The truth is, fat is essential to a healthy body. Fat is important for maintaining a strong immune system, a sharp brain and for producing hormones necessary for ovulation. But don’t go raiding the ice cream parlour just yet. The kinds of fats you should be consuming are essential fats, such as omega. You can find omega fats in avocado, hempseed, flaxseed and nuts. Supplements Obstetricians tell most women that they need to take a daily multivitamin supplement to ensure that they have the necessary nutrients to have a healthy pregnancy. The most important vitamin that future mothers must take is folic acid. It is proven to decrease the chances of having a baby with spina bifida. The most popular brand of neonatal supplement is Materna. However, many women who have taken Materna reported nausea and constipation. Canadian pharmaceutical company Duchesnay manufactures a prenatal/postpartum multivitamin called PregVit, which is available by prescription only. What is great about PregVit (besides the fact that it is certified halal and kosher and is gluten and lactose free) is that it is separated into a morning dose and an evening dose, so nausea and constipation should not be a problem since the vitamins are separated. Check to see if your benefits plan covers prenatal vitamins because PregVit costs about $30 a month. Herbal supplements and self-care medication have become mainstream in recent years. The problem is that the effects of all these supplements are still largely unknown. Beware of taking herbal supplements prior to and during your pregnancy as some of them can have adverse effects on the baby. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new regime. A Lifestyle Change The scientists who developed this diet do not guarantee pregnancy. This diet is to make your body healthier and prepare it for a possible pregnancy. If you are interested in learning more about this study, you can read The Fertility Diet by the Harvard scientists Dr. Jorge Chavarro and Dr. Walter Willett. Sources: The Natural Health Website for Women www.conceivableworld.com www.fertility.com www.nutrition.about.com CBC News lkmnutrition.blogspot.com |
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