If you have trouble conceiving naturally, you should know that even small change in your diet and lifestyle could improve your chances of getting pregnant. There is a lot of natural fertility supplements that may increase your fertility, saving you from expensive treatments and additional stress they cause.
One of the first prerequisites for successful conception is having a regular sex. Increasing libido is thus the primary goal. Few supplements such as Maca root powder could be of great help. Maca Root (Lepidium Meyenii) contains significant amounts of amino acids, complex carbohydrates, Vitamins B1, B2, C, E and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc and iron. Maca is used traditionally to increase libido in both men and women, also increasing sperm count and mobility in men, and improving menstrual irregularities and hormonal imbalance in women. Maca differs from other supplements because it stimulates the glands in the body to produce the hormones according to the individuals’ unique requirements, rather than introducing hormones from outside.
There are other herbal based supplements that could help increasing your libido, such as Dong Quai or wild jam, but you should consult qualified herbal specialist before taking any of them.
Vitamins and minerals play very important role in conception process, so they should be included in regular diet as a food or in a form of additional supplements.
Vitamin B is one of the most essential supplements for fertility. Vitamin B6 and B12 are particularly important for fertility and hormonal function. This vitamin needs to be replenished all the time, as it’s water soluble, leaving the body with urination. Foods rich in Vitamin B are turkey, liver, tuna, chili peppers, lentils, bananas, potatoes, oats, barley, wheat bran, avocado, salmon, Brazil nuts. In addition, brewer’s yeast is good source of B vitamins. Other meats, dairy products and eggs are high in vitamin B12, which is essential for the production of genetic material in conjunction with Folic Acid.
Folic Acid or Folate is also a member of the Vitamin B family, very important for the fertility. Human body cannot store Folic Acid, so it must be replenished regularly. It can be deficient in people with Celiac disease and Crohn’s disease. Also, alcohol use, the contraceptive pills and other drugs can cause Folic Acid to be excreted out of the body. Folic acid is found naturally in dark green leafy vegetables, apricots, avocados, carrots, egg yolks, liver, melons, whole grains, and yeast’s.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant essential at conception for the developing embryo. There has been some controversy that high doses of this Vitamin may be harmful to baby development, so smaller amounts of this Vitamin are recommended. Food rich in Vitamin A include carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, spinach and broccoli.
Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, helpful to sperm production and healthy ovulation. Food sources include blackcurrants, red peppers, guavas and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.
Vitamin E is important as an antioxidant. Low levels of Vitamin E could cause subfertility in men and women. This vitamin is found in wheat germ cereal, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, sunflower seeds, brown rice, milk, eggs, meat, soya beans and sweet potatoes.
Zinc is an essential component of genetic material and plays an important role in the fertility of women, and especially men, affecting sperm count. Zinc is also vital to healthy cell division, which makes it essential at conception. Zinc occurs naturally in oats, rye, pumpkin seeds, almonds and peas.
Selenium is important antioxidant protecting the body from free radicals. It is especially important for healthy sperm production. However, it should be consumed in small amounts, otherwise it could cause toxicity. It could be found in corn, wheat, rice, Brazil nuts and walnuts, soybeans, animal products such as beef, egg and dairy. Tuna is also important source of selenium.
Iron is important for the production of red blood cells and oxygen transport. Low iron levels can be a factor in subfertility. Great sources of iron are liver, spinach, beans, kale, and broccoli.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are, as their name says, essential for healthy hormone production. These acids are crucial for the development of the baby brain, eyes and central nervous system. Great source of EFA’s are fish oils.
L-arginine and L-carnitine are two amino acids essential to healthy sperm production. They are found in dairy products, meat, poultry, walnuts, peanuts, chocolate, seafood and fish, wheat germ and flour.
