Nutrition and fertility

People who want to become a father or mother prepare in many ways to conceive a baby; they read information on fertility, go to the gynecologist, even start shopping for the arrival of the long-awaited baby and leave aside one of the most important aspects, that of Nutrition in conception.

The different types of nutrients that food provides us play a significant role in achieving a pregnancy, either naturally or through assisted reproduction. Diet is involved in optimizing fertility as it influences the production of healthy sperm and eggs, and therefore in preparing the body to achieve a healthy and safe pregnancy.

A diet high in antioxidants can improve sperm quality; Antioxidants can be found in many fruits, especially red fruits (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blackberries). Amino acids such as L-arginine, found in animal foods such as poultry, fish, and meat, can increase sperm count as well as increase motility; Folic acid, a vitamin found in broccoli, sprouts, peas, and chickpeas, protects sperm from DNA damage. On the other hand, zinc helps to improve the quality of the seminal fluid and increases the quantity, motility and fertilization capacity. Animal products such as fish, salmon, meat, poultry and eggs are rich in this mineral.

There are certain good foods for ovulation.

Antioxidants help neutralize the effects of free radicals and prevent damage to the egg; or the natural component called Myoinositol which we can find in foods such as brown rice, beans, lentils, citrus fruits, nuts and seeds, help improve the quality of the egg.

A diet high in calcium, Omega 3, iron, folic acid, among other nutrients, help prepare the woman’s body and feel ready to conceive. On the other hand, good nutrition also has an effect on hormones, because it improves their balance while influencing the reproductive system.

The above is only a small part of how certain foods participate in achieving a pregnancy; however, there are many more foods that are involved in reproduction.

“To meet the goal of conception and achieve an optimal state of health, according to personal needs, it is important to have an adequate eating plan, so visiting a Nutritionist with experience in the reproductive area is your best option. .”

Rdn. Marisol Navarrete
Rdn. Marisol Navarrete
Clinical nutrition and lactation
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