 rich in selenium 15. According to a small clinical trial published in Nephro-Urology Monthly in May 2014, this mineral is an integral component of glutathione peroxidase 9. Selenium supplementation has been shown to elevate GPx activity in chronic kidney disease sufferers 1415.
Organ meat, muscle meats, seafood and whole grains are all excellent sources of selenium, as the National Institutes of Health points out 15. Brazil nuts, for example, provide 777 percent of the daily recommended selenium intake per serving (1 ounce), according to the NIH 15.
- This enzyme reduces oxidative stress.
- According to a February 2018 study published in the journal Eating and Weight Disorders, higher GPx concentrations are linked to elevated FSH levels.
Fill Up on Leafy Greens
What Are the Causes of Fluctuating Thyroid Levels?
Leafy green vegetables won't directly increase FSH levels. However, they are low in calories and can help you lose weight, which in turn, may raise FSH concentrations, as noted in the above studies.
These foods boast high doses of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that support reproductive health. Antioxidants are particularly important when you're trying to conceive.
Oxidative stress may contribute to reproductive disorders and pregnancy complications. Alcohol consumption, bad eating, pollution and obesity only make things worse.
The antioxidants in vegetables and other whole foods neutralize free radical damage and reduce oxidative stress, according to a research paper posted in Frontiers in Pharmacology in October 2018 1618. These compounds protect against age-related diseases, cellular damage and chronic inflammation, among other health issues.
Men can benefit from an antioxidant-rich diet, too. Oxidative stress affects male fertility and sperm production, making it difficult to conceive. In women, it may cause inflammation in the reproductive organs and impair fertility.
Read more: 10 Scary Facts About Men's Sperm Count
Kale, for example, is rich in vitamin C, polyphenols, beta-carotene and other potent antioxidants. Cooking seems to increase its antioxidant levels, as reported in a March 2015 review featured in the International Journal of Food Properties.
- Leafy green vegetables won't directly increase FSH levels.
- However, they are low in calories and can help you lose weight, which in turn, may raise FSH concentrations, as noted in the above studies.
Choose Your Foods Wisely
No single food increases FSH levels. If you're planning to have a baby, follow a diet that supports reproductive health. Beware that some foods, such as soy and dairy, may affect FSH levels.
The isoflavones in soy, for example, may slightly decrease FSH levels and affect reproductive function. Full-fat dairy products, on the other hand, have been shown to affect sperm motility, size and shape.
Prioritize those with high selenium and antioxidant levels 15. Kick bad habits like smoking and drinking as they may affect your fertility.
If you're obese or overweight, take the steps needed to lose a few pounds. Cut down on sugar, fill up on leafy greens and increase your fiber intake.
Choose lean meat over fatty cuts and processed varieties. As mentioned earlier, FSH levels tend to be lower in obese women.
- No single food increases FSH levels.
- Read more: 15 Tips From Real People Who Succeeded at Losing Weight If you're obese or overweight, take the steps needed to lose a few pounds.
Oregano & Hormones
What Are the Causes of Fluctuating Thyroid Levels?
What Can You Naturally Do for Low Progesterone?
Foods That Act Like Estrogen
High Testosterone & Pregnancy
Herbs That Stimulate the Pituitary Gland
Does Too Much Fiber Lower Testosterone?
What Foods Contain Estrogen Hormones?
Soy and Hormonal Imbalance
Foods That Reduce the Production of the Androgen Hormones
- Colorado State University: "Gonadotropins: Luteinizing and Follicle Stimulating Hormones"
- Hopkins Medicine: "Conditions We Treat: Gonadal and Menstrual Disorders"
- Mount Sinai: "Hypothalamic Dysfunction"
- American Association for Clinical Chemistry: "Follicle-stimulating Horm