Ask anyone who struggles with getting pregnant, and they’ll tell you there is almost nothing they won’t try. Reproductive endocrinologist Dr. Jim Douglas rules out the most obvious problems with fertility testing that targets the endocrine and reproductive systems.

Dr. Douglas also advocates non-invasive approaches, and encourages couples to adopt healthful habits that foil or even reverse underlying fertility busters.

If you want to boost your fertility, start by eating and drinking whole foods.

1. Whole Milk Many women come to IVF Plano with irregular cycles and ovulation disorders. Low fat milk products are the result of a skimming process that removes female hormones and leaves only male and sex-neutral hormones. Scientists believe this interferes with a woman’s delicate ovulatory process. While you are trying to conceive, switch to whole milk, and full-fat yogurt and ice cream (in sensible serving sizes, of course).
2. Whole Foods Americans know to avoid trans-fats, processed foods and fast foods, but it is especially important as you try to get pregnant. Fresh fruit and vegetables, beans, legumes and lean meats contribute to overall health, wellness and fertility.
3. Whole Grains Researchers notice a link between diabetes and infertility. When you eat refined carbohydrates — processed flour found in many packaged breads, crackers and snacks, it can cause your blood sugar and insulin levels to spike. Try eating carbs in moderation and choosing whole grains.

A modified diet and exercise regimen are especially important if you are underweight or overweight. Ask your fertility doctor how body mass index (BMI) can suppress ovulation. According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, 12 percent of all infertility cases stem from woman either weighing too little or too much.

In addition to dietary changes, Dr. Douglas and his team recommend that women trying to get pregnant take a daily prenatal vitamin or eat a bowl of cereal fortified with a full-day’s folic acid.

Of course, systemic or anatomical issues often cause female and male infertility. If this is the case, no diet can correct the problem. If you have tried to get pregnant for more than one year, or 6 months if you are over 35, contact a fertility specialist like Dr. James Douglas for an assessment.

IVF Plano has been helping couples overcome infertility for more than 20 years.

diet and fertility, eating to get pregnant, female infertility, infertility, male infertility, ovulation, ovulation disorders, trying to get pregnant | Female Infertility Fertility Treatment Infertility Male Infertility News Ovulation Trouble Getting Pregnant