This article is written from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and how you can eat the right way to boost fertility. As the classic saying goes, "you are what you eat" and as such the food you eat and the nutrients you get from that food has a dramatic effect on how your reproductive organs function. The goal of this article is to provide some basic guidance on which foods to seek out and which foods to avoid, when attempting to eat for fertility.

In western discussions of nutrition the focus is always on the vitamin, mineral and macronutrient content found within the foods we consume. In traditional Chinese medicine on the other hand, we focus on the energetic qualities of food and how they impact our vital essences. Ultimately, from a TCM perspective, we are striving to create an environment within our bodies that allows for the smooth flow of energy and blood throughout the entire body and of course the reproductive organs. As with every organ within the body, it is essential to nourish your reproductive organs in order to have them function at an optimal level.

If looking for foods to improve the overall health of the reproductive organs, try adding some of these foods to your diet: free range eggs, brown or white rice, coconuts, soybeans, peas, yams, almonds, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds, wild fish and shiitake mushrooms. If the reproductive organs are not given proper nourishment, it can sometimes cause a light menstrual flow. In these cases, it is recommended to eat more organic and locally grown dark green, red and purple foods. Some foods that would fit into this category are: yams, beans, pomegranate, raspberries, blackberries, beets, spirulina, organ meats, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds and oils, green and red cabbage and chard.

If you are serious about boosting or maintaining optimum fertility it would be strongly advised that you avoid foods such as: candy, processed, bleached and refined foods, canned foods, coffee, large fish like tuna and halibut, and any cold foods and drinks (including, ice cream and frozen yogurt). It is also important to avoid the obvious villains, like: smoking cigarettes or the consumption of drugs and alcohol.

In addition to paying close attention to what you put in your body food-wise. It is important to realize that a very common factor that can negatively affect the ability to conceive is the presence high levels of stress. This stress can be emotional, physical or even chemical. In order to support your liver and reduce stress, TCM recommends increasing the consumption of spices, such as: anise, thyme, chives, coriander, dill, turmeric, basic, cardamom and garlic.

Taking the time to consider what you put in your body is important for everyone, but is even more important if you are looking to boost your fertility and get pregnant. Remember, the foods you eat and the lifestyle you live can have a dramatic effect on your fertility as well as your overall health. Traditionally, diet and lifestyle are integrated with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine to help boost fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant.