Its summertime, which means hitting the pool, relaxing on the beach with a good book, and cookouts with friends. But just because you’re having some summer fun doesn’t mean you can’t also make sure you’re giving your fertility a boost in the process. Below, the fertility experts of The Center for Reproductive Medicine in Mobile, Alabama go over some of the foods you can enjoy this summer to boost your fertility while you’re trying to conceive.
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Fresh Fruits
During summer, fresh fruits like berries are in season! Not only are berries delicious, they can also help those who are trying to conceive. Fruits like raspberries and blueberries are rich in anti-oxidants and phytonutrients, both of which help protect eggs and sperm from damage, improving egg quality.
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Summer Salads
Why not enjoy those fresh fruits in a nice, crisp salad? Dark leafy greens, like spinach and romaine, contain plenty of the B vitamin Folate, which is key to improving ovulation and helping you conceive. Additionally, folate, a form of folic acid, is important for preventing certain abnormalities in the fetus once you do conceive. Additionally, if you like to top your salads with tomatoes, it can help boost your partner’s fertility – the lycopene found in tomatoes has been shown to improve sperm quality.
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Fresh Fish
If you’re out grilling, skip the hot dogs and hamburgers – processed meats and too much red meat can negatively impact fertility. Instead, swap them out for some fresh grilled fish, like salmon. Fish like salmon have an abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to improve egg quality and help with ovarian stimulation. Just make sure to stick to smaller fish like tilapia and salmon as they tend to have lower levels of mercury, making them a safer choice if you’re trying to conceive.
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Full-Fat Dairy
Nothing screams summer quite like ice cream! Feel free to indulge in the occasional scoop of your favorite ice cream or frozen yogurt if you’re trying to conceive. Studies have shown that consuming 1-2 servings of full fat dairy each day can help decrease your chances of ovulatory infertility. Dairy products are also a great source of vitamin D, which can help the follicles in your ovaries mature.
Whether you’re at a fourth of July cookout or a summer pool party, there are plenty of healthy choices you can make to boost your fertility. Whether you decide to consume one or all of these fertility friendly summer foods, know that you’re taking steps to improve your chances of TTC success. If you have been trying to conceive without success and would like to schedule an appointment with one of our fertility specialists, contact us today at 251-438-4200.