'Fertile Foods' Can Help Boost Your Baby Making Power

A new book claims diet has a major impact on fertility and that certain foods will boost your baby-making ability.

One local doctor we talked to agrees, and she said there are changes both mom- and dad-to-be can make.

Before women can have a baby, they may need to have some sweets.

Does that sound too good to be true? Maybe not, according to a new book called "The Fertility Diet."

Two doctors and a newsletter editor from Harvard say what you eat can set the stage for a healthy pregnancy, especially if infertility is due to a lack of ovulation, or the release of an egg.

Dr. Anu Momi, a family medicine specialist, agrees with a lot of the books' tips and said the first step to boosting your baby-making ability involves both parents.

"They want to decrease caffeine intake, alcohol and tobacco," Momi said.

Momi said it also helps if women take prenatal vitamins months before they expect to be expecting.

The book says avoid trans fats, eat more nuts and beans, switch to whole-grains like oatmeal and barley, drink a glass of whole milk a day -- not skim -- and ice cream works, too.

Salmon is good for its Omega-3s but go easy on tuna and tilefish, which have high levels of mercury.

Momi said include dark green, leafy vegetables for iron.

They're all good tips for mom wannabes, but what about the guys?

"They want to optimize their reproductive system as well. So there are certain supplements, like zinc and magnesium, that are all going to supplement ... The healthy sperm that they are going to be contributing to the pregnancy," Momi said.

The diet changes won't fix all infertility but the doctors say the book is based on long-term studies.

Couples who have been trying for a baby without success for a year should talk to a doctor.

For more information on what foods to eat, click here.

For information on the book "The Fertility Diet," click here.

Source: http://www.nbc10.com/health/14794833/detail.html

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Category: Diet, Fertility, infertility, Male Fertility, sperm