Nutrition for Fertility: What to Eat and Avoid When Trying to Conceive

When you're trying to get pregnant, nutrition, the daily intake of food and nutrients that support bodily function and reproductive health. Also known as fertility diet, it isn't just about taking pills—it's about what you put on your plate every day. Many people think IVF is all about drugs and injections, but the truth is, your body needs the right fuel to respond to those treatments. Poor nutrition can mess with hormone levels, reduce egg quality, and make your uterus less welcoming for an embryo—even if your meds are perfect.

Folic acid, a B vitamin critical for cell division and neural tube development. Also known as folate, it isn’t just for pregnant women—it’s a must-start three months before you begin trying. Low levels, especially in people with IBD or gut issues, can trigger megaloblastic anemia and hurt ovulation. You’ll find posts here that explain exactly how folic acid deficiency shows up in blood tests and how to fix it fast. Then there’s inflammation, a silent driver behind acne, PCOS, and failed IVF cycles. Also known as chronic low-grade inflammation, it doesn’t always cause pain, but it can block ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and make embryos stick less. The same foods that cause acne or eczema flare-ups can also sabotage your fertility. Sugar, processed oils, and refined carbs? They’re not just empty calories—they’re inflammation bombs.

On the flip side, some foods help. Omega-3s from fish or flaxseed calm inflammation. Iron from spinach and lentils supports healthy blood flow to the ovaries. Zinc from pumpkin seeds and eggs boosts egg maturation. And yes, even something as simple as staying hydrated matters—your cervical mucus needs water to do its job. You won’t find magic superfoods here, but you will find real, practical advice on what to eat, what to skip, and why it actually works. You’ll see how nutrition connects to the drugs you’re taking—like how metformin works better when paired with low-glycemic meals, or why folic acid is useless if your gut can’t absorb it. This isn’t a generic "eat more greens" list. It’s a guide built from real cases: women who got pregnant after fixing their diet, not just their meds.

Below, you’ll find detailed comparisons and breakdowns of how specific nutrients interact with medications, how inflammation shapes fertility outcomes, and what dietary tweaks made the difference for real people. No fluff. Just what works—and what doesn’t.