Planning To Get Pregnant?

FOODS TO EAT

Protein & Iron:

Protein sources, help maintain healthy level of iron. Low iron levels at the onset of pregnancy increase the risk of developing postpartum anemia, which reduces a new mom's energy. Post-partum anemia affects 27% of women. Foods like Pomegranate kernels are rich in iron which increases RBC.

Vegetarian diets are generally healthy, but iron supplements are sometimes needed to avoid anemia when a diet lacks reliable sources of iron and dairy. Calcium and B12 supplements may be recommended.

Omega3 Fatty Acids:

While many women are wary of fish because it contains mercury, you should still try to eat fish with low mercury levels. These are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which boost fertility and heart. Mercury is toxic to the fetus and stays in a woman's bloodstream for over a year. Fish that's high in mercury includes white tuna, shark, frozen swordfish and marlin. Fish that contain low levels of mercury include salmon, flounder, trout, haddock, tilapia, and canned chunk light tuna (not albacore). Experts say that it is safe for women to have up to 12 ounces of low mercury fish per week.

If women still feel wary about eating fish, or if they are vegetarians, flax seeds are another good source of omega-3. Extra omega-3 is now being added to many foods, including yogurts and breads.

Choosing breads with whole grains will help to ensure that you get enough fiber. Whole grains also contain nutrients that help to stimulate total body health.

Calcium:

Make sure that you're getting enough calcium. Dairy foods, such as milk, yogurt and cheese are all good sources, however, these foods contain saturated fats, which should only be consumed in moderation. Many vegetables, such as broccoli, kale and oranges are as good a source of calcium as dairy products. Fish, such as sardines and salmon, are also good sources of calcium.

Antioxidant rich vegetables:

Vegetables, such as peas, broccoli and pumpkin, are also excellent sources of fiber, vitamins and minerals. When choosing fruits and veggies, look for a bright hue; the brighter the color, the more nutrients the food contains. Blueberries, kale and red peppers are especially healthful. Antioxidants in these foods also help to counteract the negative effects of pollution and the sun on our bodies.

Citrus fruits

Oranges and lemons are a good food choice because they contain folic acid, which stimulates the development of female sex hormones, while reducing the risk of spina bifida in infants.

High-quality multivitamins:

High-quality multivitamins are an excellent way to ensure that a diet contains enough nutrients. Vitamins containing zinc, folic acid and B vitamins are crucial. Zinc helps cell division in the development of the fetus, while a lack of zinc can decrease the production of healthy eggs prior to conception. Zinc is the only mineral conclusively shown to increase fertility rates. Vitamin B6 is rich in folic acid, while Vitamin B12 helps to absorb it. A supplement containing essential fatty acids is also important.

A high fluid intake is also important when trying to conceive. In order to stay hydrated, a woman trying to get pregnant should be doubly sure to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water and natural fruit juices (that do not contain added sugar) per day.

Eating whole grains is especially important if you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal imbalance which increases insulin levels. PCOS can lead to irregular ovulation, which will hinder conception.

Food To Avoid:

Cut down a bit of stomach fat every day by never eating these 5 foods.

Red Meat:

Red meat from mammals and duck are not recommended for those with fibroids. These foods are likely to be high in added hormones, including estrogen. Eat lean white meat for a protein source instead.

Eating a lot of meat is not recommended. Meat raises the body's ammonia levels, which inhibits the implantation of the egg in the uterus.
High-fat Dairy Products

Women with fibroid tumors are encouraged to limit consumption of high-fat dairy products such as whole milk, cream and butter. These products are often high in added hormones that can feed your tumors. Opt for organic hormone-free products for your dairy consumption.

Caffeine Laden Beverages:

Beverages containing caffeine are on the list of foods to avoid when you have fibroids on your uterus. William E. Richardson of the Atlanta Clinic of Preventative Medicine warns against drinking these beverages due to their high level of methylanthins which, in turn, cause a high level of biochemicals in the body that can form tumors. Stay away from caffeinated sodas as it contains aspartame, tea, chocolate and coffee. According to Dr. Andrew Weil, coffee beans are often sprayed with the chemical DDT.

Caffeine should be limited, especially if you're having trouble conceiving, or while undergoing IVF. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the uterus and prevents eggs from attaching to the uterine wall.

Highly Salted Food:

Limit the amount of highly salted foods in your diet because they are hard on your liver. The liver is the organ most responsible for removing toxins and balancing hormones. Avoid canned soup, baked beans, pretzels, chips, pickles, olives and dried foods, such as jerky.

White Food:

Lower the amount of "white" foods you consume. According to Healthy.net, these foods alter estrogen metabolism and can cause fibroids to grow larger. These foods include pasta, white bread, white rice, cakes and cookies.
It is also recommended that you avoid drinking alcohol, taking illicit drugs and smoking when you're trying to conceive. Drinking more than two alcoholic beverages per week can increase levels of prolactin, the hormone that regulates milk production and reduces the chance of conception while nursing.

Chemicals:

Foods containing preservatives and other chemicals, such as artificial sweeteners, should be avoided because they affect blood sugar levels and hormonal balance.
Cosmetic items especially lipsticks should be avoided because they contain chemicals that affects the hormonal balance.

Soybeans:

Soybeans are not recommended when trying to conceive. This is because they contain a component that is similar to estrogen. This false estrogen can increase the length of menstrual cycles, researchers found that consuming 60 mg of soy per day can add about 2.5 days to a woman's menstrual cycle, decreasing her fertility. Soy also lowers the levels of two hormones necessary for ovulation, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).