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Women who suffer from infertility often experience an influx of emotions when trying to get pregnant. While the process may seem daunting, there are some things you can do to help increase your chances.

One major focus is a balanced diet. Food is an easy concept to grasp. We eat to survive. Nutrition or diet, on the other hand, seems to have taken on a confusing, overwhelming and sometimes conflicting ideas of what is healthy and not healthy. 

The foods recommended to eat from the Fertility Diet are those that we have heard of and many doctors approve of (especially cardiologists) based on the Mediterranean diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, seafood and unsaturated fats). There's no calorie counting or wild food deprivations. It's a simple and effective approach to a balanced diet with many health benefits. During this season, we focus on eating seasonal foods, which are lighter, brighter in color and higher in water content, and which keep our bodies cool, moisturized and light.

Here are a few in-season summer foods rich in nutrients that are beneficial to your fertiltiy:

Tomatoes

Not only are they high in several antioxidants including vitamin C and carotenoids, they support the cardiovascular system.

Leafy Greens

Dark leafy greens, like spinach, arugula and romaine contain folate, which is a B vitamin that’s said to improve ovulation, an important part of the conception process. These greens are also good for a man’s fertility as they can help create healthier sperm.

Berries

Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries—all are exceptionally high in antioxidants and are very refreshing in the summertime.

Salmon

Fresh, wild salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which can help regulate your reproductive hormones and increase blood flow to the reproductive organs. It’s also a great source of protein and is wonderful on the grill.

Corn

A dietary fiber that is gluten-free! It’s also rich in antioxidants, b-complex vitamins and minerals. Their vitamins are extremely important for your fertility.

A balanced diet of seasonal foods and herbs along with acupuncture can unlock your own healing potential for childbearing.

For better digestion and assimilation of nutrients, avoid mixing too many foods together, eat smaller amounts of heavier foods such as eggs, grains, seeds, nuts and meats, and eat fruits and juicier foods alone or in-between meals.

And don't forget, we're looking at the broad picture of an entire lifetime. If you fall back to unhealthy habits one day and eat one too many cinnamon buns, don't beat yourself up about it! There's always tomorrow and the next day to make better choices. It's all about building the foundation to create the mountain of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

If you are interested in learning more about how fertility acupuncture and Chinese herbs can help your infertility, reach out to Earley Wellness Group. We can help you and your chances to have a child.

For more information on seasonal eating see The Seasonal Food Guide poster and booklet by Celestial Arts, Berkeley, CA.