Tips for Improving Fertility

Did you know that nearly 19 out of every 1,000 Indian women who have been married for five years or more are infertile, according to a recent study? As Indian couples see rising infertility, it is more than essential to know how lifestyle, diet, and environment affect fertility.

Some infertility cases necessitate medical intervention for effective treatment. However, several natural and holistic methods can increase your likelihood of becoming pregnant. Read on for science-based, simple-to-apply advice, from natural fertility supplements to fertility wellness advice, healthy habits, fertility diet tips, and holistic methods.

Why is India facing a decline in fertility rates?

India saw a consistent drop in the average number of children each woman had between 1950 and 2023, from 5.9 to 2.0 per woman. Infertility in India is primarily caused by conditions such as PCOS, thyroid disorders, obesity, diabetes, infection, and micronutrient deficiency. In males, the low quality of sperm is primarily attributed to smoking, alcohol, obesity, heat exposure, and diet. Pollution, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and urban stress are also contributing to the rising infertility in the nation.

Complete Guide on Holistic Approaches to Fertility

Healthy lifestyle habits, fertility-enhancing diets, and alternative therapies are designed to support the reproductive process, maximising conception rates. Below are the common fertility tips about a healthy lifestyle for conception:

Nutritional and Herbal Fertility Enhancers

Maximise fertility using natural food, herbal supplements, and vitamin-rich foods that promote reproductive health and conception.

• Foods High in Antioxidants: Include fruits, vegetables, nuts, and cereals containing high vitamin C, vitamin E, folate, and beta-carotene in your diet. These foods protect the sperm and eggs from oxidative stress, supporting reproductive health.
• Superfoods: Indian superfoods that would be helpful include the locally found finger millets, lentils, spinach, methi, beets, and dry fruits. These superfoods will provide iron, magnesium, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids to aid the quantity and quality of eggs and sperm.
• Bee Pollen and Propolis: Some studies indicate that bee pollen can improve immunity and male fertility. Bee propolis can help endometriosis patients get pregnant sooner, but consult your physician.
• Herbal Remedies: Ayurveda suggests herbs such as Ashwagandha, Shatavari, and Maca to aid hormonal balance and reproductive health. Most couples find these remedies helpful when guided by a trained practitioner.
• Prenatal Vitamins: Folic acid and multivitamin intake before conception prevents birth defects and aids overall fertility, particularly in women.

Also Read: Causes of Infertility in Women

Fertility Wellness Essentials

Fertility wellness essentials must entail holistic programs to care for your mind, body, and emotions. It integrates nutrition, stress reduction, frequent check-ups, and safe practices to enhance reproductive health and promote the optimal environment for conception.

• Holistic Wellness Approach: Wellness essentials for fertility address whole-brain, body, and emotional care. Indian clinics such as Apollo Spectra opt for diet counselling, stress management, and treatments such as meditation or acupuncture to conceive.
• Stress Management: Ongoing stress can interfere with hormones. Embracing yoga, meditation, and deep breathing keeps emotions stable.
• Regular Check-Ups: Frequent health check-ups for the couple help detect and treat fertility problems in the early stages.
• Infection Prevention: Prevent STIs by having safe sex and early treatment seeking, since an untreated infection leads to infertility.

Healthy Lifestyle to Support Conception

A healthy lifestyle for conception should be embraced, and below are some proven tips to attain maximum fertility.

• Cease Smoking, Alcohol, Coffee and Drugs: These substances are known to reduce fertility in both men and women. Quitting them improves reproductive health and ensures a safer environment for a future pregnancy.
• Exercise Daily: Obese and underweight patients can have issues with ovulation and sperm growth due to endocrine disorders. Sustaining and maintaining a healthy BMI must be achieved through exercise and following a balanced diet.
• Exercise Regularly: Practice moderate exercises like brisk walking, yoga, or swimming because excessive exercise damages fertility.
• Sleep Hygiene: Get 7–9 hours daily to regulate hormones and reduce stress. Quality sleep helps maintain menstrual regularity and increases overall chances of conception.
• Restrict Chemical Exposure: Choose organic food when possible, and avoid pesticides, plastics, and chemicals that can disrupt hormones.

Fertility-Friendly Eating Plan

A fertility-friendly diet focuses on nutrient-rich Indian foods, balanced meals, hydration, and mindful meal choices.

• Balanced Indian Diet: Incorporating whole grains such as brown rice, millet, and wheat, with colourful vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and beets provides essential minerals and vitamins. Add seasonal fruits like pomegranates, oranges, and bananas and lean proteins like paneer, dal, eggs, chicken, and fish (like salmon or bhangda) for nutrition to support reproduction.
• Dairy and Nuts: Full-fat dairy products with curd, cottage cheese, along with nuts such as walnuts, almonds, figs, and dates supply healthy fats, calcium, and vitamin D to maintain hormonal balance.
• Restrict Processed Foods: Limit high sugar, refined flour, trans fats, and processed foods. Hormonal balance and fertility can be negatively affected, so stick to fresh, minimally processed, home-cooked food for optimal reproductive health.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water daily. Traditional drinks like coconut water and buttermilk hydrate, soothe the body and cleanse the reproductive system.
• Meal Planning: Choose fresh home-cooked meals using locally sourced ingredients. Indian dishes like dal-rice, mixed vegetable curries, and khichdi are nutritious and support fertility and overall well-being.
• Micronutrient Emphasis: Include folic acid, zinc, vitamin D, and iron to prevent deficiencies impacting fertility. So, mindful supplementation or dietary choices are imperative.

Explore Personalized Fertility Solutions!

Fertility improvement is a holistic process that includes natural fertility boosters. It's a healthy conception lifestyle, and holistic approaches to fertility are appropriate for Indian couples. Following antioxidant-rich traditional diets, nutritional balance, exercise, and stress-free activities like yoga and meditation is the ideal situation for conception. 

Remember, each fertility path is unique. Call an Apollo Spectra specialist, be kind to yourself and nurture your mind and body. Informed choices enable you to realise your dream of becoming a parent in confidence and good health.