19 Summer Fertility Super Foods

By Heidi Brockmyre, M.S. L.Ac.

Whatever efforts you’re making to get pregnant – whether it’s lifestyle changes, acupuncture and/or medical treatment – what you eat makes a huge difference in helping or hindering your fertile health.

I teach my patients that food is medicine. Nutritional supplements help to fill in the gaps, but nothing can replace of maintaining a consistently healthy diet. Food and exercise are first and foremost. When you give your body the basics it needs, it’s amazing how quickly health problems resolve.

Eating seasonally is an important part of maintaining a nutritious diet. Not only are seasonal foods fresher and richer in nutrients, they’re tastier, less expensive, and environmentally-friendlier. You can even try your hand at growing them yourself. Gardening relieves stress and gives you a sense of connectedness with all of life, a great practice as you prepare for pregnancy.

Guidelines to Eating Seasonally

Always buy or grow organic! It’s tempting to save a few dollars by choosing non-organic foods, whether produce or meat, but it’s not worth it. What is worth a few extra dollars? Your fertility and health are!
Pesticides can interfere with your endocrine system and therefore may affect your fertility. Non-organic meats contain hormones and antibiotics, more chemicals that can mess with your cycle. Instead, save a few dollars some other way by cutting out an unnecessary expense. Healthy food is a must.

Choose non-GMO foods (genetically modified organisms). GMO foods have been linked to lower birth rates and fewer babies in mice, according to a recent Australian study. GMO foods carry a list of serious health risks, infertility being at the top, as well as insulin regulation issues, which can also affect reproductive health.

Corn and soy are the two largest GMO crops in the world, so be sure to buy organic non-GMO corn and soy products. According to the USDA, an organic label implies non-GMO, but whether that’s always true is debatable. Do your best to confirm by looking for both labels when possible.

You want to cover four basics when eating for fertility: antioxidants, protein, essential fatty acids (EFAs), and complex carbohydrates. Antioxidants clean toxins from the body, improve egg and sperm quality, and support your immune system. Good quality protein builds eggs, sperm, and the uterine lining. EFAs improve egg and sperm quality and are important for the brain development of your baby. Complex carbohydrates maintain healthy blood sugar levels, while processed carbs cause inflammation and blood sugar spikes. The largest portion on your plate should consist of veggies, while protein and carbs should play supporting roles.

Eat a variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables to reap the benefits of a wide range of nutrients. Be mindful of eating too many cold fruits and raw veggies. Excessive amounts of cold and/or raw foods take a toll on the digestive system. In Chinese medicine, it’s thought that if the food isn’t cooked on the outside of the body, it must be cooked on the inside. This drains energy that would otherwise be used to support your reproductive system. Eat salads and raw food in moderation or consider pairing them with hot tea, soup, or a warm whole grain.

Antioxidant-Rich Summer Produce

• Tomatoes are high in several antioxidants, including vitamin C and carotenoids, including lycopene; a carotenoid that reduces the tendency of blood clots to form. Not only does that support heart health, but also the health of your uterine lining.
• Bell peppers are high in vitamin C and A as well as minerals including iron.
• Fresh corn is a gluten-free dietary fiber rich in antioxidants, B-complex vitamins, and minerals. B-complex vitamins are important for your fertility.
• Artichokes are high in dietary fiber, antioxidants, B-complex, and minerals that support fertility.
• Cherries are a low-calorie delicious fruit high in antioxidants and minerals. They contain melatonin, which helps calm the nervous system and promotes good sleep. They have anti-inflammatory properties, which supports ovarian and uterine health.
• Berries: blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries are all exceptionally high in antioxidants. Yum!
• Plums are mineral and antioxidant rich and high in iron.
• Summer squash contains vitamin A, lutein, and selenium, which protects against DNA damaging free radicals and infections.
• Asparagus is high in dietary fiber, regulates blood sugar, and rich in antioxidants, folates, B-complex; all great nutrients for fertility!
• Iced decaf green tea is a powerful antioxidant and perfectly refreshing drink!

Summer Protein

• Organic grass-fed ground beef burgers are an excellent iron-rich source of protein. Grass-fed beef is also high in EFA’s and antioxidants. Women should eat red meat after your menstrual period and before ovulation to help restore iron and protein and build your uterine lining.
• Organic grilled chicken is another excellent source of protein when organic. Focus on eating chicken during ovulation through the end of your menstrual cycle.

Summer EFAs

• Grilled salmon is not only a wonderful source of protein, but is the safest fish and a potent source of essential fatty acids. Although it’s more expensive, wild Alaskan salmon is considered the safest with the lowest mercury contamination levels.
• Avocados are a scrumptious power-food and full of healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Flaxseed oil is another great source of EFAs. Consider drizzling cold-pressed flaxseed oil over your summer salads.
• Walnuts contain EFAs and can be added to summer salads and fruit bowls.

Summer Complex Carbohydrates

• Baby potatoes makes an excellent addition to grilled summer skewers. This veggie contains vitamins and minerals and maintains blood sugar levels.
• Quinoa is a gluten-free complex carb and perfect protein. Make a grain salad mixed with walnuts, herbs, flax oil, and your choice of fresh summer veggies.
• Couscous is another whole grain that makes an excellent salad when mixed with nuts, herbs, and veggies or delicious as a side grain.

Enjoy a deliciously healthy and fertile rest of your summer!

About the Guest Author, Heidi Brockmyre:

Heidi Brockmyre, M.S. L.Ac. loves helping couples make healthy babies as an expert fertility acupuncturist at Zen Fertility Center in San Diego, CA. She created Positively Fertile, an online program that teaches women how to maximize their fertility and feel amazing in body, mind, and spirit with nutrition, movement and relaxation. She’s also the creator of Manifest Your Baby Now! Guided Relaxation, the first step in her series of Positively Fertile Must-Know Fertility Tips.