[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f you have been trying to get pregnant, I’m sure you’ve searched and listened to people talking about egg quality. There are so many suggestions and ways to do so, from herbal concoctions to vitamin supplements, even placenta powder! Yes, the list goes on and on, and since we don’t get any younger, it’s best to move forward and improve chances of conception.
However, not all the things you read online or hear from friends are true. It might have you wonder which of these egg quality improving methods actually work! After much research, I’ll be showing you the five real ways to improve egg quality for pregnancy.
There are many factors which influence one’s egg health, may it be environmental or within your body. With the right lifestyle changes, you can improve your chances of conception of a successful egg retrieval process (if you’re undergoing IVF). To do so, follow these five tips to improve your egg quality for pregnancy.
1. Nourish Your Body with a Good Diet
The things you eat impacts egg health directly. Fortunately, there are a lot of foods that promote healthier egg development, so make sure you begin eating more of:
- Berries
- Dark, leafy vegetables
- Salmon and halibut
- Broccoli
- Pumpkin seeds
- Ginger
- Turmeric
Avoid foods which negatively impact egg health, which are:
- Processed foods
- Anything with sugar
- Soda and sugary drinks
- Foods high in trans fats
Avoid going for fad diets that improve fertility. Focus more on a wholesome and well-balanced diet, aiming for more of the good fruits and vegetables your parents told you to eat before! The vitamins and antioxidants found in these nourishing foods can really help with your overall health.
2. Manage Your Stress and Anxiety
It isn’t just about your physical wellbeing, but your mental health as well. Surely, no one wants to keep hearing, “just relax,” but this is actually advice that works! Stress doesn’t directly cause infertility, but environmental factors which case tress may cause your eggs not to perform as well as normal.
Reducing stress and anxiety is quite stressful itself, so it’s best to start off with finding the root of the stress. You don’t need to eradicate it, as we can’t avoid stress, but we can handle it to cope better. Find stress-relieving ways that work for YOU, such as walking, meditation, or going out with loved ones.
3. Take Prenatal Antioxidants or Vitamins
Like mentioned, there are so many fertility vitamins and herbal medicines you can purchase online. BUT, I do NOT recommend that you go for these sketchy supplements, but to check with a medical professional first.
All experts agree to take vitamins filled with antioxidants like CoQ10, which lessen free radical damage caused by stress and toxins. The antioxidant can give your cells more energy to your eggs.
Besides CoQ10, there are other vitamins experts recommend, such as folic acid, vitamins A and E, as well as DHEA. Just make sure that you inquire with your doctor before taking any supplement and what brands to trust.
4. Improve Your Blood Flow and Hormone Levels
It’s common for us to experience hormonal imbalance, caused by factors like our environment, diet, or stress. As a result, it can alter our fertility cycle to the point ovulation doesn’t take place. The same goes for your blood flow and oxygenation, as healthy eggs need the oxygen-rich blood flow!
To help with this, follow these tips:
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day
- Exercise regularly (low-impact exercises are best)
- Avoid exposing yourself to xenohormones
- Cleanse your system from toxins and/or excess hormones
5. Avoid Any Bad Vices Whatsoever
This goes without saying, but it’s still not able to stop any bad habits of yours right away, particularly smoking and drinking. If you consume alcohol and/or caffeine, as well as smoke, it’s time to begin the process of quitting.
Alcohol can lower pregnancy rates while nicotine is known to be toxic to eggs, lowering egg quality and chances of conception. While studies aren’t as clear with caffeine, it’s still best to lessen it and focus on healthier energy-producing foods.
Wrapping It Up
Sure, there are a ton of herbal medicines and therapies that claim to improve your fertility and egg quality. But it actually all boils down to living a healthier lifestyle, both physically and mentally. These can really help with your hormone levels and blood flow, as well as create a healthy, livable home for your growing baby after conception!
I hope that this article on the ways to improve egg quality for pregnancy helped you out. So don’t wait any longer and begin following a healthier life now.
If you have any questions or want to share your own tips and experiences in enhancing egg quality, then comment below. Your thoughts are much appreciated.
