TCM Fertility Diet: Foods to Boost Chances of Conceiving

Month after month, you've followed fertility advice, tracked ovulation and watched what you eat, yet pregnancy still feels out of reach. The frustration of following every guideline without the results you hope for can leave you feeling stuck.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different perspective. Unlike one-size-fits-all rules, TCM views fertility nutrition as restoring balance within your body through warm, whole foods that support your reproductive system.

What exactly is a TCM fertility diet?

A TCM fertility diet is an approach to eating that focuses on balancing your body's natural energies to support reproductive health. In particular, it emphasises the balance between Yin and Yang. Rather than counting calories or restricting food groups, this approach centres on choosing warm, cooked foods rich in nutrients. These foods nourish the Kidney, Spleen, and Liver while building Qi (your body's energy) and Blood.

This approach differs from typical Western nutrition advice. In TCM, your fertility reflects your overall health and internal balance. The goal is to strengthen your body from the inside out to create a supportive environment for conception.

Why consider a TCM fertility diet?

TCM for fertility is often used alongside other treatments to support reproductive health. If you're experiencing hormone imbalances, irregular periods or other reproductive concerns, a TCM fertility diet may offer ways to support your body.

This approach may help with:

• Supporting hormonal balance

• Regulating your menstrual cycle

• Improving Blood circulation to reproductive organs

• Supporting overall reproductive health

• Working gently with your body rather than against it

TCM focuses on restoring balance rather than offering quick fixes. It considers your whole body and how different systems connect to support fertility. 

How does the TCM fertility diet support fertility?

The TCM fertility diet works on several levels to create an internal environment that may support conception. Here's how it aims to help:

• Strengthens Qi:

  • Qi is the energy that powers all your bodily functions, including reproduction. By eating warm, nourishing foods, you support this energy. 

• Nourishes Blood:

  • In TCM, Blood quality and flow matter for reproductive health. Foods rich in nutrients can improve Blood quality and circulation to your reproductive organs.

• Balances Yin and Yang:

  • This dietary approach aims to maintain harmony between cooling (Yin) and warming (Yang) energies. TCM practitioners believe this balance supports healthy fertility.

• Reduces dampness:

  • In TCM, "dampness" refers to sluggishness and water retention that may disrupt your body's natural processes. 

  • By choosing certain foods and avoiding others, you help keep your system clear and balanced.

• Supports the Kidney essence:

  • In TCM, the Kidney is the source of reproductive health. They affect both egg and sperm quality. Nourishing your Kidney essence through diet is seen as foundational to fertility.

Many women find this approach helps them feel more in tune with their bodies. If you're considering TCM dietary principles, consult with a qualified TCM physician who can offer recommendations based on your unique health needs.

Which foods should you include in your diet to improve fertility?

Adding the right foods to your daily meals can make a real difference in supporting your fertility. Here are the foods that align with TCM principles and may offer specific benefits for conception.

Chinese red dates 

These sweet fruits are popular in Chinese cooking and traditional medicine. They nourish Blood and Qi, which may be particularly helpful if you're experiencing Blood deficiency. Red dates are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin supports your immune system, helps with iron absorption and may also improve hormone levels. 

For men, vitamin C has been linked to improved sperm count, quality and movement.

Walnuts 

Among nuts, walnuts offer excellent fertility support. They contain omega-3 fatty acids and alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). Your body converts ALA to DHA, an important fat for your future baby's brain development. 

Walnuts also provide magnesium, which helps balance progesterone and supports Blood flow to your uterus. This may lower the risk of miscarriage. Research suggests that men who eat foods rich in omega-3s tend to have improved sperm quality.

Maca herbs 

This Peruvian plant has been used for thousands of years to support fertility. It works as an adaptogen, helping your body respond to stress. It may also influence hormone receptors in both men and women. However, more research is needed to confirm these effects.

Monk’s hand fruit

Monk fruit is native to southern China. Its natural compounds are considered safe. Some women use it as a natural sweetener during pregnancy, particularly if they need to manage their glucose intake whilst maintaining energy levels. You should always consult your doctor about dietary choices during pregnancy.

Tangerine peel 

Some physicians use it to help manage morning sickness by supporting digestive Qi flow in pregnant women. It has also been used in traditional practices to address male reproductive concerns, though more modern research is needed to confirm these traditional uses.

Fatty fish 

Salmon, sardines and other fatty fish provide omega-3 fatty acids. These fats may support conception by promoting ovulation. DHA from fatty fish can help balance progesterone. This hormone helps maintain a pregnancy after conception. You can also find omega-3s in flaxseed, grass-fed beef and chia seeds.

Plant-based proteins 

You can get protein from plants, not just meat. Some TCM fertility physicians favour plant-based proteins because they contain more antioxidants than animal protein. Antioxidants help reduce free radicals in the body that can damage sperm and egg cells.

Plant-based protein sources include:

• Quinoa

• Lentils

• Nuts

• Beans

• Seeds

• Tofu

• Legumes

These foods provide the protein needed for producing new cells and tissue.

High-fibre foods 

Fibre helps your body remove excess oestrogen through bowel movements. This matters because too much oestrogen compared to progesterone can interfere with fertility. Fibre also supports a healthy weight, another important factor in conception. 

Good sources of fibre include:

• Fruits

• Vegetables

• Whole grains

• Beans

If you’re planning to conceive and want guidance on dietary choices that support fertility, a personalised approach is key. Request an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine to consult with our TCM physicians, who can assess your body needs and provide tailored nutrition to support your fertility journey.

What foods should be avoided to maintain fertility balance?

In TCM, certain foods are thought to create coldness or dampness in your body. This can slow circulation and disrupt the energy flow to your reproductive organs.

Here's what you may want to limit or avoid:

• Cold and raw foods:

  • Foods like ice cream, iced drinks, sashimi, watermelon, honeydew, and large amounts of raw salads can cool your body too much.

• Sugary and processed foods:

  • These can contribute to inflammation in your body.

• Excess dairy: 

  • Low-fat dairy products in particular can create what TCM calls dampness. Moderation matters when you're trying to support your fertility.

• Too much caffeine and alcohol:

  • Both can disrupt hormonal balance and energy flow. 

• High-mercury fish: 

  • Large fish like tuna and halibut are best avoided or limited. Mercury can affect reproductive health.

• White processed foods: 

  • Bleached flour products and white sugar can weaken your Spleen according to TCM theory. Choose whole grain alternatives when possible.

During your period, it can be helpful to stick with warm, cooked foods. Avoid cold, raw options to support smooth menstrual flow. In TCM, this is considered important for fertility.

FAQ

Can TCM improve egg quality? 

TCM approaches are thought to support egg quality by improving Blood flow to your uterus and ovaries. By helping Blood vessel walls relax, circulation may improve, allowing more nutrients and oxygen to reach your reproductive organs. This improved circulation may support healthier egg quality over time. However, if you're concerned about egg quality, speak with your fertility specialist.

Is a TCM fertility diet suitable for both men and women? 

Yes, a TCM fertility diet can support both partners by focusing on restoring internal balance and overall health. Because fertility involves both men and women, this approach aims to support reproductive health in each partner. Together, these benefits may help improve your chances of conceiving.

Do you need herbal medicine alongside a TCM fertility diet? 

Can a TCM fertility diet help regulate irregular periods? 

TCM dietary principles may help regulate your menstrual cycle. When combined with herbal treatments, they can nourish the Liver, Spleen and Kidney while improving your Blood circulation. Regular cycles are an important sign of reproductive health. If you experience irregular periods, it's worth discussing this with your doctor.

Is a TCM fertility diet safe during IVF or IUI treatment? 

Are there specific foods you should avoid during TCM fertility preparation? 

Beyond the TCM recommendations mentioned earlier, consider limiting processed foods, too much caffeine, sugary snacks and any foods that cause inflammation or trigger allergies in your body. Instead of these foods, focus on whole, nutrient-rich foods that support the Spleen, Liver and Kidney health.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine today.

Reference:

Safarinejad, M. R., & Safarinejad, S. (2012). The roles of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in idiopathic male infertility. Asian Journal of Andrology, 14(4), 514–515. https://doi.org/10.1038/aja.2012.46