30/03/2024 / Gynecology and Motherhood

Fertility Diet Chart for Women

Fertility diet chart for women will help you to increase female fertility. Explore food to eat and avoid a fertility diet. Follow a 28 day diet plan to get pregnant.

Fertility Diet Chart for women
Dr. Mrinalinee RoyDr. Mrinalinee Roy
Dr. Mrinalinee Roy
MBBS Doctor, Research Associate
Medically Cited
Fact Checked

Table of Content

Introduction

Are you trying to conceive but facing problems in getting pregnant? Well not only you but actually a great number of women in the entire world are facing this problem currently . However, even food can impact your fertility. Sounds crazy right! So let's start with a healthy fertility diet plan to improve your chances of getting pregnant. Today in this article we will explain about various food items that can help you with your fertility problems. So read ahead to know more about fertility diets. 

Nutrition and Fertility

Nutrition has a remarkable impact on both the male and female reproductive health. A well-balanced diet is essential for women's menstrual cycle regularity and hormone production. Folic acid, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are all such nutrients that are crucial for reproductive health. A healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats provides your body with the critical vitamins and minerals that help maintain the delicate hormonal balance which in turn is necessary for your fertility.

Nutrition also influences sperm production and quality in men. Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants, which protect sperm from oxidative stress and potential damage. Plus , zinc and omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for proper sperm production. A diet which has more processed foods and lesser critical nutrients may lead to hormone disruptions, lower fertility, and an increased risk of reproductive diseases in both men and women.

Furthermore, it is critical for fertility to maintain a healthy weight through sufficient eating. Obesity and underweight can both impair reproductive function by interfering with hormone levels and menstrual regularity. Today we will be talking mainly about jowls nutrition affects women's fertility.

What Is A Fertility Diet Chart?

A fertility diet chart is a structured diet plan that outlines dietary recommendations to improve your reproductive health and increase your chances of conception. It often consists of a variety of foods that contain important nutrients known to positively enhance fertility. The goal is to enhance your body's hormonal balance, promote ovulation, and improve egg quality.

Consuming whole foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, are few of the important components of a fertility diet plan for conceiving quickly. Antioxidants are crucial for protecting reproductive cells from damage caused by free radicals produced by our bodies when we consume food or are exposed to pollutants.

Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, chia seeds, and flaxseed oil, are also necessary components of a prenatal diet. These lipids serve to manage ovulation hormones and nurture the endometrial lining of your uterus, which is where implantation happens.

Foods to Add in a Fertility Diet chart 

A fertility diet chart includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods that can aid in female fertility. Here are some major elements of the plan that will help with fertility:

Foods To Add In A Fertility Diet chart

1. Whole Grain Cereals

Whole-grain food items such as brown rice, quinoa, oats, and whole-wheat bread contain complex carbohydrates, fibre, and certain other important nutrients that help with blood sugar regulation and hormonal balance.

2. Lentils and legumes

Lentils, chickpeas, and kidney beans are rich in plant protein, fibre, and iron. These vitamins and minerals are crucial for reproductive health and hormone synthesis.

3. Vegetables and leafy greens

Folate, which is important for reproductive health and foetal development, is abundant in spinach, kale, broccoli, and other leafy green vegetables. They also include numerous antioxidants as well as other critical vitamins and minerals.

4. Seeds and nuts

Healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants are abundant in almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and chia seeds. They include nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and zinc, all of which are advantageous to hormonal balance and reproductive health.

5. Fats that are good for you

Avocado, olive oil, and coconut oil are high in healthy fats, which aid in hormone production and the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. These lipids have anti-inflammatory properties as well.

6. Cottage Cheese with a little Yoghurt

These dairy products are calcium and protein powerhouses, vital for reproductive health and bone strength.

Foods To Avoid in A Fertility Diet chart

Knowing what to eat and what not to eat is very crucial when you are trying to conceive. If you believe that everything in your kitchen is beneficial for your fertility, then you are in for a surprise. Turns out that many food items can be harmful for your reproductive health. So, let's find out what food items you should avoid if you want to conceive quickly.

Foods To avoid In A Fertility Diet chart
  • Processed foods:

Junk goods or Processed foods usually contain added sugars, bad fats, and preservatives, which can lead to inflammation and hormone imbalances.

  • Trans Fats:

Trans fats, which are found in partially hydrogenated oils, have been related to inflammation and may hinder insulin sensitivity. Avoid trans fat-containing fried foods.

  • High Caffeine:

While considerable amounts of caffeine consumption is generally expected to be safe, high caffeine consumption has been linked to fertility problems. Try to reduce your intake of coffee, tea, and energy drinks if you are trying to conceive.

  • Alcohol:

Alcohol in itself is bad and should be avoided. Excessive alcohol consumption can cause hormonal imbalance and have a negative impact on fertility. If you must drink alcohol, try reducing the limit.

  • Sugary Foods and Beverages:

A high sugar intake can cause insulin resistance, which may affect fertility. Therefore try reducing your intake of sugary foods, sodas, and desserts.

  • Low-Fiber carbs:

Refined carbohydrates, such as white bread and sugary cereals, may lead to a high blood sugar level. Choose whole grains to help keep your blood sugar stable.

7-Day Fertility Diet chart For Women

Maintaining a 7 day diet plan is very beneficial for the good health and fertility of a person. Some suggestions are : 

Breakfast:

  1. Vegetable Poha with peas, carrots, and spices.

                  2. Ragi dosa with coconut chutney and sambar.

                  3. Oats Pancakes (small 4-5) + Maple Syrup (2 tsp).

                  4. Muesli and Strawberry with Milk (1 cup).

Lunch:

  1. Moong dal with roti, cucumber raita, and salad.

              2. Rajma curry with brown rice and salad.

              3.Simple Baked Salmon Curry with Parboiled Rice (1 cup).

              4. Quinoa with Veggie (1 cup).

Dinner: 

1. Vegetable biryani with raita and salad.

              2. Palak paneer with brown rice and salad.

              3. Lentil Soup with Parboiled Rice (1/2 cup).

              4. Baked Fish with Spinach and Yoghurt Salad (1 cup).

28-day diet plan to get pregnant

To get pregnant one must follow a suitable diet plan.  For e.g.:

28 day diet plan to get pregnant

Breakfast:

1. Egg sandwich / 1 cup skimmed milk/Omelets +Cheese toast /Vegetables Upma

                 2. Cereals with Milk/ 1 Bread Toast/Poha/Idli

                 3. Spinach and mushroom omelet with whole-grain toast.

                 4. Overnight chia pudding with berries and a sprinkle of nuts.

Lunch:

1. Quinoa and roasted vegetable salad with a lemon-Tahini dressing.

            2. Grilled chicken breast salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a drizzle of    olive oil.

            3. Veg pulao rice/Roti + 1 cup lentil/Beans Vegetables + split pea curry + 1/2    cup Low fat curd

            4. Rice+Kidney beans curry 1 cup + 1/2 cup cucumber salad + Mixed vegetables /Paneer Curry/MixedVegetables

Dinner:

1. 3 roti + Green vegetables/ Vegetables Soup/Paneer Tikka

             2. Roti + 1/2 cup green beans sabzi+Mix Veg Curry+Vegetable Dalia

             3. Grilled tofu stir-fry with brown rice and colourful vegetables.

             4.Baked salmon with quinoa and steamed asparagus.

How to increase fertility after 35

While increasing the no. of eggs is an impossible task, improving the quality of eggs can help with the fertility issues a woman over the age 35 can face. The quality of eggs after 35 starts to degrade thus reducing the chances of conceiving. However, even if a person gets pregnant after 35, there are higher chances of complications. Though, increasing fertility after 35 is not a lot difficult either. Here are some suggestions that can help with fertility above 35 : 

  • Manage your weight :

Weight management is crucial for better fertility over 35. 

  • Check your menstrual cycle : 

Keeping a track of your menstrual cycle helps a great deal when it comes to getting pregnant  after 35 as it will directly point out the ovulation days and thus increase the chances of conception. 

  • Eat a healthy diet : 

Eating a healthy diet is another crucial factor when it comes to fertility. For better fertility one must have an iron, calcium and protein rich diet. 

  • Reduce caffeine intake :

Taking 1 to 2 cups of coffee is still permissible, according to the American Society of Reproductive Medicine, but more than 2 cups can be dangerous to reproductive health.

  • Reduce smoking and alcohol consumption : 

Smoking and alcohol can adversely affect your reproductive health and thereby reduce your chances of conception. 

  • Prenatal medicines :

  Prenatal medications are often recommended by doctors if you want to conceive after the age of 35 because they boost your chances of getting pregnant. Folic acid and Vitamin B are two vitamins that are commonly administered. Folic acid is beneficial not only to the body but also to reproductive health. 

  • Regular consultation with your doctor :

Last but not least, regardless of who recommends what, you should consult your gynecologist because they are more knowledgeable. Pregnancy after the age of 35 is more likely to result in unpleasant complications, therefore it is best to check with your doctor for the sake of a successful pregnancy and a healthy child. 

Food for fertility over 40

Even though chances of conceiving reduce over 35 but living a fertile life can still be possible over 40 by having some lifestyle changes and adopting a particular diet. Here are some food items that you must try if possible:

  •  Citrus fruits :

Citrus fruits like lemons, grapefruit, oranges etc. are highly beneficial for your reproductive health as they protect against oxidative stress and free radicals which affect your health adversely. 

  • Sunflower Seeds : 

Some studies point that sunflower seeds have beneficial amounts of folate and selenium that support fertility in both men and women. 

  • Full-fat Dairy :

Dairy is rich in a variety of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, all of which collectively helps one’s reproductive health after 40.

  • Beans and Lentils :

Both beans and lentils have a good amount of fibre and folate in them, which help the overall health of the consumers.

  • Pomegranate :

The high percentage of antioxidants in the pomegranate helps to improve sperm quality, sperm count, and overall sperm motility as well. Not just that, eating pomegranate is also beneficial in boosting iron  and haemoglobin levels in the blood. 

  • Egg Yolks :

Not only a rich source of Vitamin B12, but yolks are also enriched with  minerals, including iron, calcium, zinc, folate, etc. If you are above 40, the chances of birth defects in the baby are often high. Doctors thereby suggest eggs, which are rich in choline, and reduce those risks exponentially. 

  • Fatty fish :

Fatty fish like salmon are also good fertility foods for getting pregnant. They are rich in omega-3s fatty acids, which improve fertility in both men and women.

  • Oysters : 

It is one of the best fertility superfoods that is loaded with Vitamin B12, zinc, selenium, and iron – all of which support reproductive health.

Do I need pre-conception supplements?

Pre-conception supplements are vitamins and micronutrients that a lady takes a few months before planning pregnancy. They play a crucial role in the growth and development of the baby as usually most of us are deficient in most of these nutrients. Taking these supplements a few  months prior to planning conception usually helps you as it fulfils your body's demands and prepares you for a healthy pregnancy. 

During pregnancy, you need more folic acid and iron than usual. Taking these two supplements help you prevent neural tube defects in your baby and he'll in the healthy development of the placenta and fetus.

In addition to folic acid and iron, want for a prenatal vitamin with calcium and vitamin D. They aid in the growth of the baby's teeth and bones. It may also be good to look for a prenatal vitamin that has vitamins C, A, E, B vitamins, zinc, and iodine.

What is a healthy diet for pregnancy?

A healthy diet is vital for a healthy lifestyle at any age, but it is especially crucial if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Eating carefully during pregnancy is crucial in the development and growth of your kid.

You do not need to follow a specific diet, but it is vital to eat a variety of foods every day to ensure that you and your baby receive the proper balance of nutrients. 

It's preferable to receive vitamins and minerals from food, but if you're pregnant, you should also take a folic acid supplement to ensure you get everything you need.

You should consume more protein, calcium, iron, and key vitamins while pregnant. You may get these by consuming a range of lean meats, seafood, whole grains, and plant-based foods.

Take Home Point

A fertility diet can be a great approach for you to increase your chances of getting pregnant. You will notice changes in your general health and reproductive system by including the correct nutrients into your daily meals and removing harmful ones.

What is critical about any diet is to acquire all of the nutrients you need to maintain fertility. Maintaining a healthy weight and being hydrated can improve your chances of conception.

You should keep in mind that, while a fertility diet is an important element of attempting to conceive, other factors also influence pregnancy success rates. It is always important to consult with your doctor or healthcare practitioner before making significant dietary changes.


References

FAQs On Fertility Diet Chart

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