A hopeful woman asked: Are there any foods that we should be eating to help with fertility issues?
Fertility issues are complex but a good diet can’t hurt!
I know it isn’t the magic bullet that you are looking for, but a balanced day filled with fruits, vegetables and whole grains should form the foundation of any diet. Reproduction is something that our bodies want to do only when they are fully nourished and can do it perfectly. Having said that, there is one nutrient that is often overlooked that can factor into fertility.
Zinc.
The North American diet is sadly deficient in zinc, because most of our food is grown in soil that is also depleted. We need zinc most during puberty as it factors in to the production of healthy sperm and eggs (clears up zitty skin too!) Zinc is found in eggs, shellfish and seafood. Nuts, legumes, and whole grains are also good sources, but they may be less absorbable. Oysters are high sources of zinc and said to be an aphrodisiac… hmm.
While I always prefer to use food, supplements may be your best bet since the food sources are dependent upon their food sources. Interestingly, the folic acid that we know is so crucial during pregnancy can cause a zinc deficiency. Just take a look at your maternity vitamin and make sure that there is at least 23 mg. If not, add food sources or a supplement daily.
But before you go gobbling up all kinds of zinc pills, know that they can add to nausea symptoms. It is best to spread any supplements out over the day so you don’t go around gagging like I did, hopped up on vitamins. Grab yourself a pill cutter and take a nibble at the end of each meal or snack. If you still need more zinc, lozenges can be a great source since they are usually low, absorbable doses that can be sucked on without the side effects.
Happy oyster eatin’, lozenge suckin’ baby makin’.
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