Fertility Boosters and Busters
Fertility. A word that carries a lot of weight in our world. If you think of something being fertile, what comes to mind? A lush field full of vegetation? Rich, dark soil full of nutrients? A life that’s full of beauty, love, and abundance?
For most, the word fertility itself conjures one of two images: a swollen belly full of life, or a sterile doctor’s office.
The reality is - it can be hard to have a baby! For most who are trying to conceive, it doesn’t happen as easily as one may think. There are many factors that play into the ability to conceive, however fertility is something that often isn’t talked about regularly.
The reality is, according to a study by UCLA Health in 2020, “an estimated 15% of couples will have trouble conceiving.” If you look at that on a global scale, that is roughly 1 billion people who will struggle with conception per year. 1 billion.
Here are some small changes you can make to your routine daily to help boost your fertility if you find yourself to be one in those 1 billion folks struggling with conception.
*Please make sure to speak with your medical professional before making any changes to your lifestyle*
Supplement naturally with herbal remedies - herbal medicine has been used for centuries to assist in fertility. From the well known benefits of Folic Acid to the lesser known benefits of Royal Jelly, there are many medicinal herbs that may help boost your ability to conceive.
Increase foods high in healthy fat, antioxidants, and fiber - studies show that increasing the amount of healthy fats (avocado, bone broth, oily nuts), antioxidants (berries, fruits, and leafy greens), and fiber (but not too much!) can help regulate your cycles and prepare your reproductive system for pregnancy. Check out this list of fertility boosters and busters as a place to start.
Decrease trans fats, refined carbs, caffeine, and alcohol consumption - as mentioned above, there are some dietary choices that can slow or stunt your fertility journey, making it difficult to conceive. If you’re looking to put a bun in your oven, it may behoove you to skip the refined carbs (white bread, white rice, sweets), trans fats (fried food) and caffeine (up to 200mg per day is generally okay, but more than that messes with your adrenals!). Alcohol is clearly not something to consume when pregnant, but you may not want to wait until the positive pregnancy test to cut it from your daily routine!
Off-load some stress and practice self care - particularly if you’re having trouble conceiving, it can be an emotionally trying and stressful time for both you and your partner. This list of reminders and tips for reducing stress while trying to conceive (TTC) from The Bump may be the ticket to getting your center back.
Ultimately, it’s important to remember that everyone is on their own journey when trying to conceive, and comparing your journey to anyone else’s is not fair to you and your own story. If you are struggling with getting pregnant, please know that you are not alone. Check out a few of these free resources to learn more and find support.
Fertility Out Loud - Dealing with fertility challenges can be so hard. But you’re not alone. 1 in 8 couples struggle to get and stay pregnant. So, Fertility Out Loud is here to help. We’ll get you started by providing resources and guidance to help you take action and find a fertility specialist in your area.
Rescripted - From a vibrant fertility community and trusted IVF content to a tech-enabled fertility pharmacy and mental health counseling, Rescripted brings together everything you need to feel fully supported on your fertility journey.
Resolve - Peer-Led and Professionally-Led Support Groups are a safe space to meet others facing similar struggles with infertility and family building. Find a Support Group near you today!
