Can Foods Increase Your Fertility?

Rather than focusing on specific types of food, Sass explains that women struggling with getting pregnant should seek out a healthier diet in general. "An optimal diet will best support the functioning of every system in the body, including the reproductive system. This means eating the right number of calories to support ideal weight, and choosing mostly nutrient-rich foods with treats in moderation."

Sheila Dean, a registered and licensed dietitian and exercise physiologist in Palm Harbor, Florida, agrees with this well-balanced diet approach for women trying to conceive. She says, "In general, the healthier your diet, the better your nutritional status, which in turn leads to healthier body functions, including that of fertility and conception."

Dean also emphasizes that would-be mothers need to "increase the nutrients your body begs for through eating a nutritious diet and possibly taking supplements under the supervision of a nutritionist—it's these very nutrients that help our body to detoxify and stay healthy and fertile."

Sass agrees, saying, "I think it's important for people to see the big picture of nutrition. There are no superfoods—it's our overall diet and consistent balance that optimize health."

So, don't let the inconsistent research confuse you. The goal is to strive for a balanced diet full of healthy nutrients when you're trying to conceive. If this doesn't work and you've been trying to get pregnant for more than a year, you should definitely make an appointment with your OB-GYN to explore other possible problems.