Foods To Nix

People are filled with helpful advice for the couple who is trying to conceive. But sometimes it seems like it all comes down to a lot of: do this and don't do that. The more advice you receive, the more confused you become. It may be a good idea to stop listening to all this "helpful" advice and read up on the topic instead, so you can get your head clear on the do's and don'ts of baby-making. In this article, we list items that are best eliminated from the diet of a woman who is trying to conceive.

At the top of the list of foods to avoid are those containing chemical additives and preservatives. Additives include artificial sweeteners like NutraSweet. These additives can affect the balance of hormones in your body as well as your blood sugar levels. Diet soda pop is high at the top of the list of items with additives you would be wise to avoid, since it contains aspartame.

While you do need a moderate amount of fat in your diet in order to manufacture hormones and get enough vitamin A, you should avoid foods that are high in fat.

Egg Implantation

Caffeine can have a dire effect on egg implantation. This substance, found in cola, coffee, and tea serves to constrict the blood vessels. This in turn reduces the flow of blood to the uterus, preventing the egg from implanting on the uterine wall. If you're a serious coffee addict, at least limit your consumption, especially if you are planning an IVF procedure.

Stay away from refined carbohydrates like white bread, pasta, and white rice. When you eat these foods, you are substituting them for whole grains which can provide you with essential nutrients such as B vitamins and iron. Choose instead whole wheat or rye sourdough breads. These offer rich nutrients your body can store to nourish a potential fetus.

The inclusion of whole grains in your diet is even more important for women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS affects the balance of the hormones which then increases the body's insulin levels. The result is irregular or absent ovulation and infertility. Whole grains help to stabilize insulin levels.

Ammonia Levels

While you need to get enough protein, go easy on the amount of red meat you consume. Meat causes ammonia levels to rise which can inhibit egg implantation.

If you like an alcoholic drink here and there, remember that having more than 2 drinks a week can increase your levels of prolactin. This hormone, which is also involved in the lactation, is the one that has a limited contraceptive effect on nursing mothers, keeping them from becoming pregnant while nursing (though this is not a recommended or reliable method for contraception). Prolactin can undermine your efforts toward conceiving a child.

If you love edamame, and know them to be a healthy and delicious snack, you may be surprised to learn that soybeans are best avoided during the time you're trying to conceive. This rich source of plant-based estrogen can prolong your cycles and decrease your fertility.

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