Fertility Foods, Natural Fertility Supplements and Herbs for Ovulation Boost
by Julia Indichova
An ever increasing volume of research proves the beneficial effect of fertility foods, natural fertility supplements and natural fertility herbs on the function of endocrine system and all aspects of the female ovulation cycle. The following list of foods, natural fertility supplements, vitamins, minerals, and natural fertility herbs focuses on restoring ovulation and healthy menstrual cycle, increasing estrogen levels, and restoring estrogen-progesterone balance in women with ovulatory irregularities. See the Food and Supplement related chapters in The Fertile Female for additional in depth information.
Increasing Estrogen levels with specific fertility foods and nutrients:
PABA Para Aminobenzoic Acid is known to stimulate the function of endocrine system by stimulating the pituitary gland to produce more estrogen. Many women, for example, women diagnosed with elevated FSH levels might have diminished levels of estrogen and this natural fertility supplement might help correct that imbalance Fertility Foods that contain PABA – whole grains, eggs, brewer’s yeast, which is not related to Candida albicans fungus that causes yeast infections. Still it is an allergen and people with impaired immune function should avoid brewer’s yeast (take only high quality brewer’s yeast, if it doesn’t taste bitter, it is not real brewer’s yeast), spinach
Boron – a trace mineral which insures optimal function of endocrine system helps the body utilize estrogen. In one study, 3 milligrams of boron per day increased estrogen levels of postmenopausal women. I would lean toward boosting boron levels through food rather than fertility supplements, since some studies raise questions about the safety of supplementation with boron Fertility Foods that contain Boron – almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, grapes, dandelion, parsley (consume parsley only in the first half of your cycle, since it stimulates the uterus, it can contribute to miscarriage) Soaking raw almonds for 6-8 hours makes them easier to digest, and neutralizes the effect of tannic acid in the skin which can interfere with iron absorption and is an enzyme inhibitor. You can also buy blanched almonds.
Maca – a root that supports balanced function of endocrine system and ovulation through its estrogenic nature is considered one of the libido enhancing fertility foods
Evening Prmrose Oil – promotes estrogen production
Increasing Progesterone Levels with Fertility Foods and Nutrients:
Magnesium – is one of the key supplements for raising progesterone levels. All hight quality fertility supplements should have adequate levels of magnesium) Excellent fertility food sources of magnesium are oat bran, pumpkin and squash seeds, almonds, cashes, brazil nuts
Yams and sweet potatoes are rich sources of progesterone (women with repeated miscarriages can benefit from eating yams and sweet potatoes) They should be eaten in the first half of the cycle. (See Yam and Fertility article for more details on when best to consume yams and why)
Other Fertility Enhancing Nutrients and Fertility Foods:
B6 – One of the stars of natural fertility supplements that support the function of endocrine system is B6 which also plays a central role in maintaining healthy estrogen progesterone balance. A Harvard study of women with elevated prolactin who were not ovulating showed restored ovulation after three months of supplementing with 200 to 600mcg of B6 daily. (All of the B vitamins are important which is why you want to make sure that your multivitamin contains a spectrum of B complex vitamins.
Fertility Foods Rich in B6 – carrots, walnuts, spinach (eat cooked spinach only, raw spinach is high in oxalic acid and will interfere with the absorption of calcium), avocado
Cooking with Herbs for Ovulation Boost
Rosemary – is known to stimulate menstrual flow, ease cramps and overall regulate the menstrual cycle. You can place a few sprigs of fresh rosemary in a cup and pour boiling water over it for a soothing cup of tea or spice up your soups and stews with this highly medicinal herb
Parsley – supports the liver, one of the the main organs responsible for sweeping out the toxins from the body, and supporting balanced function of endocrine system, adrenal function, and uterine health. (Caution: Ingest parsley only in the first half of your cycle, stimulates uterine activity, implicated in miscarriages)
Sage – exhibits strong antiviral, and antibacterial properties Caution: Again, just like with parsley, ingest only in the first half of your cycle, stimulates uterine activity, implicated in miscarriages)
Chasteberry – is a well loved herb for regulating hormonal balance, repairing the delicate estrogen-progesterone balance, it can be beneficial for women with elevated FSH level. Although some of the herbal literature in the most holistically minded resources gives misleading guidance on the use of chaste berry in the context of elevated FSH
The best way to use the above natural fertility supplements for optimizing the proper function of endocrine system, is to take a high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement and to check the amounts of the above nutrients. You may consider reading my article on fertility supplements that includes brand recommendations
Above All Know Your Fertile Heart – The endocrine system and the female ovulation cycle is perhaps the most finely tuned system in the body that reflects the hidden Orphans within us in a most awe-inspiring way. What I’ve learned in the last fifteen years, is that when the Orphans are in charge of nutrient absorption, the fertility foods or the most natural fertility supplements will never get to “where the trouble is.” I’ve seen clients who stopped ovulating after a death of a parent, after a divorce, and in response to a myriad of hidden Orphan-rooted beliefs. For many of these women the repair of the function of endocrine system came through a consistent Fertile Heart TM OVUM Practice was a road back to a healthy cycle. You may want to include the imagery sequences in the Fertile Heart Imagery 2 CD, focused specifically on supporting the function of endocrine system and female ovulation cycle – in your healing protocol
Copyright © 2010 – Julia Indichova and FertileHeart.com No part of this article may be reproduced or transmitted in any form by any means without the permission in writing from Julia Indichova and FertileHeart.com. As I understand it, unlawful reproduction also ruins your baby-making and overall karma.
Sources: Fifteen years of counseling, research, and interviews with countless holistic practitioners. For bibliography of books see Fertile HeartTM bookshelf, and for studies see our Studies Resource list
