Support My Cycle

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can pose significant challenges to fertility, but there are natural approaches that can help:

1. Balanced Diet

• Low Glycemic Index (GI) Foods: Opt for whole grains, legumes, and vegetables to stabilize blood sugar levels.
• Lean Proteins: Include sources like chicken, fish, tofu, and beans.
• Healthy Fats: Incorporate avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil.
• Anti-inflammatory Foods: Eat berries, fatty fish, and leafy greens.

2. Regular Exercise

• Engage in moderate physical activities such as brisk walking, swimming, or yoga. 
• Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week.

3. Stress Management

• Practice mindfulness, meditation, or gentle yoga to reduce stress levels, which can impact hormone balance.

4. Herbal Supplements

• Consider natural herbs like inositol, which may improve insulin sensitivity and ovulation.

General infertility in women can often benefit from lifestyle and dietary adjustments:

1. Nutrient-Rich Diet

• Folate-Rich Foods: Include leafy greens, citrus fruits, and beans.
• Iron-Rich Foods: Consume lean meats, spinach, and fortified cereals.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Add salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds to your diet.

2. Maintain a Healthy Weight

• Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight can enhance fertility. 
• Both underweight and overweight conditions can affect ovulation.

3. Avoid Toxins

• Limit exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, chemicals in plastics (BPA), and excessive caffeine and alcohol.

4. Acupuncture

• Some studies suggest that acupuncture can improve blood flow to reproductive organs and balance hormones.

Male infertility can be improved with specific natural approaches:

1. Balanced Diet

• Antioxidant-Rich Foods: Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables like berries, citrus fruits, and leafy greens.
• Zinc and Selenium: Include foods like nuts, seeds, eggs, and whole grains.
• Healthy Fats: Focus on sources like olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish.

2. Exercise and Weight Management

• Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial for optimal sperm production and quality.

3. Avoid Heat Exposure

• Reduce exposure to heat by avoiding hot tubs, saunas, and tight clothing that can increase scrotal temperature.

4. Stress Reduction

• Engage in activities like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and hobbies that help reduce stress.

Women’s Diet Resources

• Fertility Diet by Drs. Jorge Chavarro and Walter Willett: Offers a comprehensive guide on foods that can boost reproductive health.
• PCOS Diet Support: Provides specific dietary advice and meal plans for managing PCOS.
• Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health: A great resource for understanding the link between diet and fertility.

Men’s Diet Resources

• Fertility Foods by Elizabeth Shaw and Chef Sara Haas: A cookbook with recipes designed to enhance male fertility.
• The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM): Offers guidelines and dietary advice for men looking to boost their fertility.