In my practice as a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine I have observed that infertility is an increasing concern. I am often asked, “Can I boost my fertility by eating more of the right foods and avoiding the wrong foods?” Without guidance, it can be confusing to decide what you should and should not eat. Yet the nutrients that circulate through your body have a profound affect on the function of your reproductive organs.
Whereas Western nutrition categorizes foods according to their vitamin and mineral content, TCM considers the energetic qualities of foods and their impact on your vital essences. The goal of TCM is to create an internal environment where blood and energy flow smoothly through your reproductive organs. Your organs must be well nourished to function optimally.
Lack of nourishment can manifest as light menstrual flow and this calls for an increased intake of local and organically grown red, purple and dark green foods:
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Pomegranate
- Beets
- Chard
- Green / red cabbage
- Yams
- Sweet potato
- Spirulina
- Blue-green algae
- Pumpkin seeds
- Flax seeds
- Beans
- Organ meats
- Clams and oysters
- Flax / fish oils
To improve your general reproductive health consider adding these neutral foods:
- Coconut
- Plum
- Shiitake mushrooms
- Peas
- Taro root
- Yams
- Rice (brown or white)
- Rye
- Almonds
- Hazelnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Adzuki beans
- Soybean
- Free range eggs
- Unmedicated chicken
- Wild fish
Please visit www.mytcm.ca for recipe ideas and ways to integrate these foods into vegan, vegetarian and whole food diets. For optimum fertility limit or avoid exposure to chemicals, heavy metals, antibiotics, hormones and the following foods:
- Junk food and candy
- Processed or bleached foods
- Canned foods
- Cold food and drink
- Ice cream / frozen yogurt
- Refined / processed oils
- Large fish (Tuna and Halibit)
- Alcohol
- Coffee
- Cigarettes
- Exposure to toxic chemicals: strongly scented bath oils, incense, candles, lotions and perfumes
One of the most common problems inhibiting conception is unmanageable levels of emotional, physical and chemical stress. Stress often manifests when you eat on the go, grab a quick snack or eat out choosing non-organic options. To support your liver and reduces stress, increase your consumption of turmeric, basil, cardamom, chives, coriander, dill, garlic, orange peel, anise and thyme.
In TCM nutrition and lifestyle are integral for enhancing fertility, and choosing fertile foods and a healthy lifestyle is the most important thing that you can do for yourself. Take time to choose your foods, prepare your own meals and eat mindfully. Keep in mind that traditionally acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are integrated with diet and lifestyle to create balance, enhance fertility and get you pregnant.
Dr. Jeda Boughton is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Registered Acupuncturist in Vancouver. She is also a Registered Herbologist and the founder of BodaHealth.
