If you think that only some complex medical intervention such as IVF can help you to solve your fertility problems, then you could be wrong. Your nutrition, diet and lifestyle may be the real obstacles that are preventing you from realizing your dream of having a beautiful, healthy baby. In this article I would like to share with you some natural "fertility secrets" that can help you to conceive.

Even if you indeed, do elect to use IVF, fertility drugs and other treatments, the common-sense diet and lifestyle suggestions that I mention will still help you to make sure that the treatment is successful. So let's take a look at foods and substances that you should avoid as well as supplements that can increase your chances of conceiving.

Alcohol

Alcohol has been linked with many physical and psychological ailments, and it is closely associated with both male and female infertility. According to one study, if you drink less than five glasses of wine per week you are twice as likely to conceive as a woman who exceeds that level of alcohol consumption. To be on the safe side, it would be better to avoid any alcohol consumption for three months while you are trying to conceive.

The research supporting alcohol reduction and abstention for men is just as compelling. Alcohol consumption has been linked with lower sperm counts, increased percentage of abnormal sperm and a lower proportion of motile sperm. So, if you want to have the best possible chance of conceiving, then it would be advisable for both husband and wife to drastically reduce or refrain from alcohol consumption during a three month period.

Caffeine

Here is another common substance that is linked to both male and female infertility. Several studies show that consuming as little as one cup of coffee per day can reduce the chances of conceiving by 50 per cent. In males caffeine plays a similar role in contributing to infertility. Caffeine consumption has been linked to lower sperm counts, abnormalities in sperm and motility problems.

If you wish to tackle the problem of caffeine you have to look beyond tea and coffee. There are other foods that contain caffeine such as soft drinks, chocolates and energy drinks. As with alcohol it is best to abstain from caffeine-containing foods for a period of three months.

Smoking

The evidence linking tobacco with female infertility is clear, and smoking has even been linked to the premature onset of menopause. Similarly for men the increased consumption of cigarettes has been directly correlated with lower sperm counts, sperm abnormalities and motility issues. As with alcohol and caffeine, the message is clear: if you are serious about conceiving, then refrain from smoking and give your body the best chance of doing its work.

I've pointed out some of the main things to avoid while trying to conceive, now let's look at some supplements that have been shown to be helpful in overcoming infertility.

Folic Acid

Folic acid is a B-vitamin and it is one of the important building blocks of DNA and RNA, the genetic substances that are the base of life. Along with vitamin B-12, folic acid is helpful in making sure that a baby's genetic material is correct. Folic acid is best taken along with other B-vitamins, as all of the vitamins in this group play a role in aiding fertility. If your husband is suffering from a low sperm count, then vitamin B-12 is an option, as it has been shown to increase sperm counts.

Zinc

Like folic acid, zinc plays a big role in building the basic human genetic material, and its contribution to fertility has been widely studied. A deficiency of zinc either in the male or female can result in chromosome damage, or increase the chances of miscarriage. Zinc is especially important for men as it is an important building block of sperm. Some studies have also shown that a reduction of zinc in a man's diet will result in a lower sperm count. Zinc supplements are thus recommended for both partners of a couple trying to conceive.

Selenium

Selenium is an anti-oxidant that may play a big role in preventing chromosomal damage associated with both miscarriages and infertility. Selenium protects against highly reactive free-radical chemical compounds that are linked with a number of health problems as well as with infertility. As with folic acid and zinc, selenium is important in male fertility. High levels of selenium in blood have been shown to correlate with a high sperm count. Once again, the message is clear; selenium is a valuable supplement for both husband and wife.

I have just given a glimpse at the lifestyle and dietary factors that play a huge role in fertility. If you can avoid the foods and substances that contribute to infertility and take the supplements that bolster reproductive health then you will have taken an important step towards your goal of having a healthy baby.