Many women dream of becoming mothers, but think little of infertility until they encounter problems with conception. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 7.4 million women have used the artificial insemination service. As scientists recently found out, an important component of conception is the nutrition of a woman. The right combination of treatment and proper diet can increase a woman’s chance of achieving conception.
The elimination of processed foods and the selection of natural organic products whenever possible – perfectly contribute to conception. Also, some vitamins and minerals can help a woman’s body prepare for conception. A good birth control diet contains five key components:
1. Healthy fats. Healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can promote fertility by regulating hormones, increasing cervical fluid, and promoting ovulation. A study published by the National Institutes of Health says women suffering from infertility had lower omega-3 levels. Good sources of these fats are: hemp seeds, flaxseed or flaxseed oil and walnuts. EPA and DHA are of animal origin and can be found in oily fish such as salmon, herring, trout, tuna, cod, and also in egg yolk. Beef is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
2. Vitamin D. This fat-soluble vitamin helps maintain estrogen production and helps in regulating cell growth. Vitamin D is rich in oily fish, oysters, caviar and fish oil.
3. Vitamin A. This is an important fat-soluble vitamin that can help the development of follicles, as well as improve the composition of cervical fluid. There are two groups of vitamins: retinols and carotenoids. Retinols are found in animal products, including beef liver, organic butter and cream, fish oil and eggs. Beta carotene is found in plant foods: its best sources are carrots, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, spinach and herbs.
4. Vitamin E. Vitamin E promotes the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins and also contributes to the normalization of hormones. This vitamin is rich in sunflower seeds, almonds, dark green leafy vegetables, olive oil and eggs.
5. Iodine. This mineral is essential for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland, which helps with the production of sex hormones. Seafood, as well as fruits and vegetables grown on the seashore, including seaweed, kelp, and coconut, are rich in iodine. Molasses, spinach, eggs and dairy products from whole milk also contain a sufficient amount of iodine.