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Do you know what PCOS and endometriosis have in common? Besides being two of the most common infertility factors for women, they both involve inflammation. In fact, just about evert medical condition affecting the body involves some level of inflammation – part of the natural immune response.
When inflammation becomes chronic, it wreaks havoc on your energy levels, biochemical balance and overall health – and inflammation can also compromise fertility.
Facilitate fertility by sticking to an anti-inflammatory diet
The internet is full of information on this food or that nutrient improving fertility. However, when reading between the lines, the majority of fertility-friendly food recommendations are included in an anti-inflammatory diet.
The simplest way to define an anti-inflammatory diet is to think fresh, whole, unprocessed and chemical-free. Foods are varied and colorful, focused mainly on vegetables and fruits. For detailed recommendations, visit, Anti-Inflammatory Diet Tips and Anti-Inflammatory Foods.
NOTE: If you have PCOS, it’s do take the anti-inflammatory diet ideas to heart, but blend them it the dietary recommendations for those with diabetes. This means more focus on low-carb veggies and fruits that lower on the glycemic index to maintain more balanced blood sugar levels.
If inflammation is impacting your fertility, getting it under control is an important step in facilitating conception at home, or improving the success rates of fertility treatments.
What is an Anti-Inflammatory Diet?
First, an anti-inflammatory diet eliminates anything that disrupts your body’s ability to easily digest and assimilate nutrients in your diet, and shies away from foods grown, raised and/or manufactured using chemicals and preservatives. Therefore, it focuses on:
Lean proteins
If you eat red meat, only purchase products that are grass-fed and sustainably raised to optimize their nutritional value and minimize saturated fat content. Otherwise, anti-inflammatory diets prioritize lean meats such as chicken, turkey or wild game.
Healthy fish options are a focal point due to their Omega-3 fatty acid content. Beans, nuts and seeds are another healthy way to get the protein your body needs without consuming meat.
Colorful veggies and fruits
Every plate should be filled with veggies. Salads are a wonderful way to eat your way through the rainbow, focusing on vegetables that are high in fiber and anti-oxidants. You may find your body is happier when you substitute sweet potatoes for regular potatoes, or al dente green vegetables for cooked-to-mush varieties. Cruciferous veggies – broccoli, kale, brussels sprouts, bok choy, cabbages – should be a focus.
Fruits are important too, but they’re the secondary focus since fruits have higher sugar content. Berries and fruits that are orange and yellow are the healthier way to go. If you’re diabetic or have PCOS, your doctor should provide specific fruit intake recommendations.
Whole-grains
Again, the less processed the better and 100% whole-grain options should be the priority when eating processed carbs – like bread, tortilla, pasta, etc. Brown rice is better than white rice, and do experiment around with higher-protein options, like bulgur wheat and quinoa, for healthier alternatives.
With an anti-inflammatory diet, you can literally eat your way to better health and fertility. Have questions about your fertility diet? Contact us here at RRC.
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