Food and Fertility

We all know that it's good to be as close to our goal weight as possible when trying to conceive. But the journey to our goal weight is as important as the destination. Also remember, that this does not concern only the woman, the father-to-be also needs to be in good shape.

It is important to understand that the endocrine system orchestrates the whole process from fertilization to conception; and from pregnancy to birth, and that any and all food either has a positive or a negative effect on this system and its many functions.

Foods that have a negative effect on the endocrine system are:

• Refined sugar (white and brown)
• Alcohol
• Artificial sweeteners
• Caffeine
• Heated fats (margarine, sunflower oil, fish oil, etc)
• Too much animal fat
• Too much salt
• Dairy products (due to the hormones and artificial hormones introduced through modern farming methods)
• Foods containing gluten (wheat, rye, oats and barley) in gluten-intolerant persons

Foods that have a positive effect on the endocrine system are:

• Essential fatty acids (found in avocados, raw nuts and seeds, cold pressed natural vegetable oils, olives and sweet corn)
• Sufficient raw fruit and vegetables (they should form at least 75% of your diet)
• Sufficient natural carbohydrates (from fresh fruit)
• Sufficient concentrated carbohydrates (potatoes, brown rice, maize, grains, millet)

• Wheat-grass or barley grass juice (available in powdered form)

If your diet is poor you will suffer from lack of essential vitamins and minerals, and this will in turn affect your chances of conception adversely. Supplements are not the answer. Their absorption rate is poor, they strain the digestive system and the kidneys, and ironically are considered the number one cause of deficiencies in western countries.

The other important aspect to fertility is daily exercise. Combine the correct food with exercise and you can solve most fertility problems.

Calorie counting is not the issue here; it's the quality of food that matters. You need foods that heal and nourish your body. To create new life you need living food!