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Introduction

Pregnancy is a life process that many couples look forward to. But unfortunately, not all are successful in doing so. You would think that getting pregnant is not that difficult but in reality, India witnesses more than 10 lakh cases of infertility every year. The inability to get pregnant even after many timed attempts is known as infertility. It can be caused due to multiple issues in either partner. It is primarily caused due to hormonal imbalances or inadequate production of certain hormones. Having said that, infertility is curable with medicines or hormone inducers. Medication is always the last resort to cure an inability but before you resort to that, it might be of value to try some natural ways to boost your fertility. One can try these measures even if they aren’t completely infertile but just want to boost their fertility in order to give yourself better chances at conception.

Why infertility rate is more in women than men?

1/3 of women have fertility problems between the ages of 35-39 either due to their lifestyle or some clinical issues like PCOS, STD, and Endometerical Tuberculosis. Overall, one-third of infertility cases are caused by male reproductive issues, one-third by female reproductive issues, and one-third by both male and female reproductive issues or by unknown factors.

Natural ways to boost fertility

• Eat foods which are rich in anti-oxidants

Anti-oxidants like zinc and follicle help deactivate free radicles in the body, which may damage sperms and egg cells. Anti-oxidant rich foods like berries contain natural anti-inflammatory properties which is great for the infertility. They’re also high in vitamin C and folic acid, which provides healthy fetal growth after conception. 

• Eat foods rich in fiber

Foods like beans and lentils which are rich in fiber can improve ovulation. These foods are also rich in protein which help in regularizing cycles and promote the growth of healthy embryos. 

• Avoid Trans-fat

Eating healthy fats like avocados etc. is good for overall health and fertility but trans-fat is associated with an increased risk of ovulatory infertility, due to their negative effects on insulin sensitivity. Studies have found that a diet higher in trans fats and lower in unsaturated fats was linked to infertility for both men and women.  

• Carb Control

If you are unable to conceive due to PCOS then it is best recommended to cut down on carbs. Lower carbs help maintain a healthy weight and reduce insulin levels. It also helps with menstrual regularity. However, its not just about controlling the amount of carbs, it is also about the type of carbs. Refined carbs are bad for the body as they absorb sugars very quickly and therefore spike insulin levels. Insulin is chemically similar to ovarian hormones. These hormones help our eggs mature.

• Dairy

High fat dairy significantly decreases the risk of infertility. Foods like Greek yoghurt and cheeses are rich in calcium, probiotics, and vitamin D, all of which are known to improve ovulation health. 

• Iron rich food

Iron rich foods or iron supplements help decrease risks of ovulatory infertility. Foods like beans, dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots are rich in iron.

• Eggs

Eggs, especially the yolks are rich in Vitamin B and Omega-3 Folic acid is actually a B-complex vitamin that helps create red blood cells during pregnancy, which provides the ultimate conditions for an embryo to take hold. The omega-3s will also increase embryo health and assist in maintaining its development after conception.

Apart from these natural foods to boost fertility, it is advisable to start looking into multivitamin supplements before you start trying to conceive. These supplements will help strengthen and prepare the body of the physically taxing process of pregnancy and birth.

It also important to keep track of a few lifestyle choices in order to give yourself the best shot at pregnancy.

• Quit smoking and avoid alcohol. 
• Limit caffeine consumption.
• Start managing a healthy weight. 
• Get a thorough medical checkup done before you and your partner start trying actively. This will give you an idea of where you stand in terms of your odds of conceiving.
• Take time to relax and keep stress levels in check.

Pregnancy is considered to be the most beautiful phase of a woman’s life as it is followed by motherhood. Don’t lose heart easily and make sure you do everything to give yourself the best chance, if this is a phase you are looking to enter.

andMe has recently launched their very own andMe OvaBoost Drink made with prenatal vitamins help to conceive. It is made with the goodness of CoQ10, DHA, Shatavari, Zinc, Chasteberry, Vitamin B9 and Inositol that helps with egg quality and egg health, fertilization, aids in preparing the body for pregnancy and helps to prepare the uterus lining.

Best part? No added preservatives. No harmful chemicals.

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