When preparing for pregnancy, it is important to do everything possible to create a healthy environment for a baby to grow, and that includes following a healthy diet. The fertility diet can not only create a nourishing home for baby but also prepare the body for pregnancy by boosting fertility and helping prevent miscarriage. Harvard University and other credible medical organizations have conducted numerous studies, the results of which support the benefits of the fertility diet.

The Diet Works Best When it Starts with a Cleanse

Before embarking on the fertility diet, women may choose to undertake a fertility cleanse. The cleanse consists of a blend of whole, natural herbs that heighten the liver’s ability to banish toxins harmful to a fetus. These toxins may be from birth control, alcohol, cigarette smoke, or environmental factors. Once pregnant or nursing, however, women should not do any cleansing.

Water is an Important Part of the Fertility Diet

Water is perhaps one of the most important aspects of any diet, and in fact, of good health in general. Proper hydration keeps the body running at optimum levels. Obtaining water from a clean, safe source is extremely important, especially when one is trying to conceive, and during pregnancy. Distilled or reverse osmosis water from a BPA-free drinking container is the best choice.

Foods Should Be Organic

When following the fertility diet, it’s important to choose foods free of dangerous pesticides and other chemicals. Women should consume only organic fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products. Chemicals and additives can remain in the body for up to 90 days after consumption, be harmful to eggs and sperm, and can have negative effects on a growing fetus. Therefore, according to the fertility diet, it is important to start eating organic foods before trying to conceive.

Dairy Must Be Raw, Whole, and Grain-Fed

The fertility diet encourages consuming only raw, whole, and grain fed dairy to ensure no added hormones or chemicals are ingested. Added estrogen in dairy products can have a negative effect on fertility. Added chemicals may cause harm to the reproductive system and, later, the growing fetus. Avoiding these additives is an important part of the fertility diet.

Include High-Fiber Foods with Every Meal

High-fiber foods provide a wide range of health benefits, but most importantly, they help regulate hormones. Additionally, fiber can boost immunity, regulate blood sugar and promote longer feelings of fullness, which can help prospective mothers maintain a healthy weight. High-fiber foods include whole grains, beans, fruits, and vegetables.

Avoid All Soy and Soy Products

Soy contains ingredients that mimic estrogen. It can also increase levels of actual estrogen in the body. Because of these properties, anyone who is following the fertility diet is cautioned to avoid soy and products containing it, including soy milk and other dairy replacements.

Fruit Juices Need to Be Freshly Squeezed

Fruit juices sold in grocery stores contain concentrated sugars that can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels and negatively affect hormones. Anyone on the fertility diet should avoid these juices, however, indulging in the occasional fresh-squeezed juice is harmless and can be quite healthy, as long as women remember even fresh juice contains a lot of natural sugar.

Refined Sugars are Off the Table

Any food that contains refined sugars will affect hormone levels and may have other side effects including mood swings, fatigue, and weight gain. Weight gain can also contribute to abnormal estrogen levels and make conception difficult. Instead, opt for natural options such as honey and stevia.

Only Eat Cold-Water Fish

Fish is an important part of the fertility diet, as it contains omega-3 essential fatty acids that contribute to the healthy production and regulation of hormones. It’s important, however, to choose cold-water fish such as wild salmon and avoid deep-water fish like ahi tuna and Chilean sea bass. Deep-water fish is more likely to contain high levels of mercury and other harmful chemicals.

Eat Free-Range Chicken

Anyone following the fertility diet should eat only ethically raised, cage-free or free-range chicken that is organic or grain-fed. Genetically modified foods can be harmful, particularly for women trying to conceive, as they can alter hormone levels. When eating eggs, it’s important to choose those from ethically raised chickens as well.