Natural Fertility Boosters

A diet high in nutrient-dense foods along with regular exercise, stress management, and decreased alcohol intake will go a long way toward increasing the chances of getting pregnant. Anti-inflammatory, healthy fats like avocados, fatty fish, eggs, nuts, and yogurt can improve fertility by promoting regular ovulation. Choosing full-fat dairy products over their low-fat counterparts is additionally beneficial, according to one study that indicated those who went the full-fat route were 27% less likely to be infertile than those who chose lower-fat dairy foods.

This is great news if you enjoy a large breakfast of egg and avocado toast coupled with a yogurt parfait, as a recent study found that those struggling with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who ate a larger meal at breakfast reduced their insulin levels by 8%. But don't be too quick to load up on pancakes, waffles, and toast just yet — spikes in insulin and blood sugar levels have been linked to a lack of egg maturation and decreased ovulation.

Try balancing out your healthy fats with lower-refined carbs like Ezekiel bread. Or better yet, swap out the bread for fiber-rich sweet potato toast to balance blood sugar levels, or a low-carb bagel with full-fat cream cheese and lox.

Another helpful tip on what to avoid to protect your fertility through diet comes from research published in The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, which found those who ate one additional serving of animal protein each day were at a 32% increased risk of ovulatory infertility. Swapping out some of the meats in your diet for plant-based proteins like chickpeas, lentils, and beans, according to a 2019 study, had a slight benefit on fertility in those with iron deficiency.

While whole foods are the best source of vitamins and minerals, some are difficult to obtain in the ideal amounts, and others are not easily absorbed by the body.

For anyone seeking to supplement their nutritional intake through vitamins or other natural foods, the first step is to consult your doctor to ensure you're actually deficient. Also, inform your doctor of any supplements or vitamins you're planning to use, as even "natural" cures such as essential oils can be toxic.

Folic acid is one supplement your doctor may prescribe. Folate, which is B9 found in whole foods, is difficult for the body to absorb, mainly because it breaks down when exposed to light or heat. This is why all prenatal vitamins include folic acid, the synthetic form of folate.

"If you're trying to get pregnant, we recommend that you take folic acid. Folic acid is really essential in cell development, and it's also really important for the brain and spinal cord function," Natalie Crawford, MD, explained on her YouTube channel. "Folate can be found in nature, in your diet in your leafy greens, so your broccoli, spinach, asparagus, avocados, and beans. For most people, it's not at a high enough level to get everything you need just from your diet," the board-certified fertility doctor continued.

Crawford also recommends vitamin D supplements. She cited a study published in the journal Fertility and Sterility that found a correlation between positive IVF outcomes in donor-recipient eggs in which the donor received increased levels of vitamin D supplementation. She suggests that almost everyone can benefit from supplements with at least 1,000 IU of vitamin D3.

"Women have improved fertility, specifically improved uterine function and implantation when they have better vitamin D levels," Crawford explained. "The recommendation is to check your vitamin D, because some people have severe deficiencies that are going to require a prescription-strength medication to replete."

For some who are hoping to become pregnant, natural remedies from various regions and cultures can be a welcome change from synthetic supplements. Again, as with over-the-counter supplements, consulting your physician before incorporating any natural alternatives to boost fertility is always recommended.

Those who practice Ayurvedic medicine believe that any disease, issues, or concerns with the body are rooted in imbalance, and so Ayurveda suggests lifestyle and dietary changes to treat the root of the imbalance. For fertility, that may look like a combination of diet, herbal remedies, massage, and yoga. Ayurveda is a very specialized practice, geared toward each individual, so it's important to work with a professional to determine the proper treatment.

Native to Central America, maca root in some studies improved fertility in animals, though no research exists to prove its effectiveness in humans. Central American Indigenous practices are also used to treat infertility. Candace Neaves was told by doctors that she would never be able to conceive naturally due to two blocked fallopian tubes. However, she was able to naturally boost her fertility on her own.

"I had a Mayan abdominal womb massage, which is also referred to as Arvigo Therapy," Neaves — now a mom of two — explained on her YouTube channel. "The practitioner will come in and do this rather deep massage over the digestive organs, over the abdomen, and completely over the womb, and what it does is it helps to smooth away any blockages — things like fibroids, cysts — to bring more circulation to the area and create a massive change."

If you're interested in these options as an alternative to mainstream supplements, seek out the guidance of a holistic practitioner or doctor trained in naturopathic medicine for advice on how to increase fertility naturally through homeopathic means.