Many couples in Celebration, Florida, try to conceive for months and have yet to get the results. And as the frustration levels increase, it’s easy to begin wondering if there are things that you could be doing differently to make it happen. You might be tempted to cut out certain foods or break from drinking alcohol but before you do, seek professional help first. A fertility medication Celebration specialist can guide you on the meals to complete your fertility plan. Some specific foods and drinks can hinder your ability to get pregnant. Let’s learn more.
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1. High-Mercury Fish
You might have read that fish is good for you when trying to get pregnant. And while it’s true that seafood contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for a baby’s brain development, some fish have high levels of mercury. Mercury is a toxic element that can damage the nervous system.
So, which fish should you avoid? The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that women trying to get pregnant avoid fish with high levels of mercury, including swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish. If you’re craving seafood, opt for low-mercury fish, such as salmon, shrimp, canned light tuna, tilapia, catfish, and cod.
2. Raw Sprouts
Uncooked sprouts, such as alfalfa, clover, radish, and mung bean, may be contaminated with harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella. These bacteria can cause food poisoning, which can lead to dehydration–and that’s not good when you’re trying to get pregnant.
Dehydration can interfere with the reproductive process by making the cervical mucus too thick for sperm to swim through or travel to the egg. It can also make it difficult for the embryo to implant in the uterus. So, it’s best to avoid eating raw sprouts when trying to conceive.
3. High-Glycemic-Index Foods
Eating high-glycemic-index foods, such as white bread, pasta, and pastries, can cause your blood sugar levels. This can lead to insulin resistance, which is a condition that makes it difficult for your body to use the hormone insulin effectively.
Insulin resistance can interfere with ovulation and make it more challenging to get pregnant. So, if you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to limit high-glycemic-index foods and opt for low-glycemic-index foods, such as whole grains, beans, and vegetables.
4. Low-Fat Dairy
You might have heard that eating low-fat dairy can help you lose weight–but did you know that it can also make it more challenging to get pregnant? A study published in the journal Human Reproduction found that women who ate two or more low-fat dairy per day were 27% less likely to get pregnant than women who ate one serving or less per day.
The researchers believe that the hormones in low-fat dairy can interfere with ovulation. So, if you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s best to limit your intake of low-fat dairy products.
5. Processed Foods
Processed foods, such as breakfast cereals, crackers, and cookies, are often high in sugar and low in nutrients. These foods can cause your blood sugar levels to rise, leading to insulin resistance and making it more challenging to get pregnant.
So, if you’re trying to conceive, it’s best to limit your intake of processed foods and opt for whole, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
In conclusion, if you’re trying to get pregnant, there are certain foods and drinks that you should avoid. These include high-mercury fish, raw sprouts, high-glycemic-index foods, low-fat dairy, and processed foods. By avoiding these foods and beverages, you can improve your chances of getting pregnant.
