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Fertility Dietitian Nutritionist in the St. Louis Area, Missouri, and Illinois

Optimize Hormone Health and Fertility with Medical Nutrition Therapy, Restore your Relationship with Food and Body

Can a nutritionist help with fertility?

Please note, we do not treat infertility, however nutrition can play a vital role in fertility. A dietitian can provide valuable guidance regarding dietary and lifestyle factors that may impact fertility such as addressing nutrient deficiencies, managing blood sugars, and assessing dietary intake.

Fruits and Vegetables

What foods boost fertility?

This is a bit of a loaded question because there are many potential causes of infertility. It is complex, and it is usually not rooted in one single thing. Nutrition, however, is a cornerstone of wellness and can improve your chances of conceiving naturally. This is in both men and women. Moreover, improving nutrition status before pregnancy can also help you reduce your risks during pregnancy and labor. 

 

Is there really a "fertility diet"? What do we know?

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No single food or supplement is a quick fix to fertility. That said,  a healthy, plant-based diet, low in ultra-processed foods, and high in lean proteins and healthy fats is a great way to optimize wellness and, in turn, fertility. 

 

And, if you and your partner are going through assisted reproductive technology, working with a dietitian can also help you improve your nutrition status. This, too, can reduce risks during pregnancy and labor and help support you through this exciting, and challenging, time.

 

We provide face-to-face or online medical nutrition therapy, to help you implement a sustainable diet plan that can improve your hormone and preconception health. This is for both parents!

Certain foods that may boost fertility can include leafy greens, whole grains, berries, legumes, fatty fish, nuts and seeds, eggs, dairy products, avocados and oysters if that's your jam!

Planting a Tree

What nutrients support fertility?

These nutrients can have a vital role in fertility, especially if the person is depleted of these. This includes but is not limited to:

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  • Iron - Eating a diet rich in iron from vegetables and supplements, when recommended by your ObGyn or dietitian, might lower your risk of ovulatory infertility.

  • Omega-3 - This nutrient can help you regulate hormones and ovulation, increase blood flow to the uterus, and reduce inflammation. 

  • Zinc - Zinc deficiency can have a negative effect on egg development.

  • Vitamin D - Studies show that Vitamin D plays an important role in both male and female reproduction.

  • Antioxidants

  • Protein 

  • Fiber

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Don't forget folic acid. We recommend that all women of child-bearing age take a folic acid supplement. Folic acid is a key nutrient to reduce the risks of neural tube defects in babies. 

Tropical Fruits

Should I see a dietitian to improve my hormone health?

One of the dietitians on our team can assist in improving nutrient intake to help with hormonal health. We offer online nutrition counseling and meal plan support tailored to your unique needs. Some balanced diet recommendations include complex carbohydrates, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. In addition, dietitians in our practice can assist with recommendations to manage gestational diabetes and PCOS , while supporting a Health at Every Size®, intuitive eating approach. 

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