Baby-Making Breakfast

It’s obvious why men and women are waiting to have children nowadays. Kids can be expensive, demanding, and challenging at times. Now more than ever society is faced with an increase in hormonal imbalances, leading to serious fertility problems and sexual health concerns.

What are the underlying reasons for all these hormonal issues? Some claim it’s the environment, while others believe stress and synthetic chemicals are the root cause. Although a number of factors affect hormonal health and fertility, basic nutrition is often overlooked and disregarded. Think about it – if PMS can be treated with natural seeds from the earth and erectile dysfunction resolved with tasty Maca smoothies, why aren’t more individuals making changes to their diet?

Synthetic prescriptions aren’t the only option in treating hormonal dysfunction. Many men and women have been able to manage their hormones naturally simply by eating hormone-friendly foods and taking botanical formulas, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and zinc.

There’s no question that good nutrition balances hormones, improves sperm and egg production, and assists in the treatment of various sexual health concerns. When it comes to hormones, every meal and snack counts – especially breakfast, so here’s a list of my favorite breakfast options to ensure optimal hormone health and enhanced fertility.

Green Smoothies
Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach are a great addition to breakfast smoothies and are quickly gaining popularity. They are filled with iron, vitamin C and many other important nutrients for fertility and healthy reproduction. Dark greens are also an excellent source of folic acid, which prevents neural tube defects and is essential for healthy sperm and egg production.

Homemade Granola
Cereal in the morning is something that many people enjoy. However, the majority of cereals on the grocery store shelf are filled with simple carbohydrates, processed sugars, additives and hard-to-digest grains. It’s best to consume cereals that are made from ancient grains such as quinoa, amaranth, millet, buckwheat and brown rice. For additional hormone-balancing benefits and flavor, add flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, or goji berries to your cereal.

Morning cereals are best served with almond milk or coconut milk rather than cow’s milk or soy beverages, which may alter natural hormone levels.

Maca Berry Smoothies
These delicious smoothies are easy to digest, filled with nutrients and a great breakfast option to balance male and female hormones. Lepidium meyenii, also known as Maca, is loaded with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and amino acids. Besides providing an incredible amount of energy, strength and endurance, this Peruvian herb boosts libido, enhances fertility and treats underlying imbalances in male and female hormones.

Avocado Trio
This breakfast option balances blood sugars and ensures long-lasting energy during the day. It includes half an avocado drizzled with olive oil served with one organic, hard-boiled egg. Starting the morning with this satisfying combination of unsaturated fats keeps individuals feeling fuller longer and can also help with weight loss. This is important because carrying additional weight can lead to many hormonal disturbances such as elevated cortisol and increased estrogen. Avocados are also rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, which enhances fertility and reproductive health in both men and women. In men, vitamin E has been shown to improve sperm viability, and in women it helps regulate ovulation and cervical mucus production.

For both men and women, remedying hormonal imbalance involves multiple steps and actions –stress management techniques, natural health products, detoxification, and regular exercise. However, the most important step is to ensure a nutritious breakfast every morning. By doing so, you’ll be doing your hormones, your body and your future offspring a world of good.