It seems like having a baby should be such a simple process, but your chances of conception are actually tied to a complex set of circumstances. Researchers continue to learn a great deal about the process of conception, and how big of a role certain factors play in fertility, nutrition being chief among them.
Recently, Newsweek ran an article that highlighted the latest developments that researchers have found linking pregnancy & nutrition. Most pregnancy nutritionists agree with these steps for increasing fertility and improving your nutrition. So if you want to increase your chances of conceiving, you should follow the steps outlined below:
Choose Your Carbs Wisely
Let’s begin by talking about your carbs. Instead of thinking in terms of low carbs or no carbs, you should be thinking about good vs. bad carbs. Studies have shown that eating a diet high in “bad carbs” (those with a high glycemic index) can increase your chance of type 2 diabetes, stroke, and heart disease.
But if you are trying to get pregnant, you should know that eating a diet high in simple carbs can cause your blood sugar and insulin production to rise too high, especially if your metabolism type is insulin resistant. This can cause your ovulation to be thrown off, making it more difficult for you to become pregnant.
Consume Good Fats
Studies have shown that, beyond a doubt, consuming trans fats can seriously impair your ability to conceive. However, that does not mean you should stop consuming fats altogether.
Healthy fats, such as those in organic butter, olive oil, or coconut oil, actually contain the kinds of fatty acids you need for a healthy conception and pregnancy. You can also get healthy fats from foods like avocadoes, raw nuts, and nut butters.
These fats have the added benefit of helping you to feel satiated between meals, which can help you avoid overeating. Obesity can also prevent you from being able to conceive easily.
Avoid Milk and Ice Cream
Believe it or not, you should say no to dairy while you are pregnant. Studies have shown that low-fat and skim milk can actually impair your ovulation. This is because removing fat from dairy changes the proportion of sex hormones it contains, and manufacturers often add other additives to make the milk or dairy product look and feel creamier.
These additives can also contribute to impaired ovulation in women. You can actually get just as much calcium from leafy greens as from a glass of milk. However, if you insist on drinking milk, try organic whole milk and avoid skim milk at any cost.
Get Exercise
Most experts agree that women who are trying to conceive without success should be exercising more often. There are a few notable exceptions to this rule.
Women above the age of 40, who exercise excessively, can cause their fertility levels to drop. All other women should be exercising regularly to help improve your ability to get pregnant. If you don’t exercise enough, it throws off your muscles’ ability to absorb blood sugar and to respond to insulin spikes and lows.
As we have learned, if you have an excessive amount of blood sugar and insulin in your bloodstream your ovulation is thrown off, which can lead to difficulties in conceiving.
Get and Stay Slim
Experts agree that having a BMI between 20-24 is the perfect zone for conception. So if you can reach that point with your own BMI, you should have a much greater chance of conceiving. Even losing just 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can be enough to make your ovulation more regular.