Foods to help IVF treatment: what you must eat and avoid
Let us understand what IVF treatment is and how healthy food intake can lead to positive results in your lives.
What is IVF?
IVF is an abbreviation for in vitro fertilisation. It is one of the more well-known types of assisted reproductive technology (ART). IVF works by combining medications and surgical procedures to assist sperm in fertilising an egg and the fertilised egg in implanting in your uterus.
During IVF, mature eggs are extracted from the ovaries and fertilised in a laboratory with sperms. The fertilised egg (embryo) or eggs (embryos) are then placed in the uterus. A full IVF cycle takes about three weeks or more.
Can dietary changes help your IVF treatment?
Diet and lifestyle choices are critical to the success of IVF. If you consume unhealthy foods high in saturated fats and poor sources of macro and micronutrients, your health will suffer as a result. It is critical to maintain a healthy diet when attempting to conceive using assisted reproductive technologies such as IVF.
Foods you must eat
● Whole grains – Prioritizing at least four servings of whole grains per day is linked to a higher chance of pregnancy after IVF treatment.
● Beans and Lentils – Beans and lentils are high in fibre and folate, both of which are essential for maintaining a healthy hormonal balance. Lentils are also high in the polyamine spermidine, which may aid sperm fertilisation.
● Citrus fruits – They contain not only potassium and calcium, but also folate, which helps regulate ovulation and creates a healthy environment for eggs.
● Pomegranate – Pomegranate’s antioxidant properties improve sperm quality.
● Salmon – Salmon is a fertility all-star because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which help balance your reproductive system and keep you as healthy as possible.
● Eggs – Eggs are frequently cited as one of the most effective foods for promoting fertility because they are high in protein, high in vitamins B12 and E, and high in good monounsaturated fats like DHA.
● Leafy greens – Dark, leafy greens are an excellent addition to any diet, but spinach’s versatility makes it an easy ingredient to incorporate into meals when trying to boost ovulation.
● Dried nuts & fruits – Pregnant women should consume dry fruits and nuts. Consume cashews, almonds, raisins, dates, walnuts, and pistas. Dry fruits are high in nutrients and should be consumed on a daily basis.
● Lean meat – This is an excellent source of iron, which aids in the prevention of anaemia, lowers the risk of ovulatory infertility, and aids in the production and function of red blood cells.
● Berries – Berries, particularly blueberries and raspberries, are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which both promote fertility.
● Sweet potatoes – Sweet potatoes and yams contain vitamins that promote fertility. They contain beta-carotene, which aids in progesterone production and is essential for embryo development.
Foods you must avoid
● Full-fat milk – The fat content of whole milk dairy foods may influence fertility by modulating oestrogen levels in the body.
● Processed meats – Processed meats can also be high in trans fats and saturated fats, both of which have been linked to decreased fertility.
● Alcohol – Alcohol can disrupt ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity, as well as reproductive hormones like estradiol, testosterone, and LH, making conception difficult.
● Carbonated drinks with high sugar levels – Toxins found in processed foods (such as refined carbs and sugars), as well as the inflammation these cause. These foods can damage the cells lining a woman’s womb, potentially preventing a successful pregnancy.
● Mercury -rich fish – Mercury can also affect oestrogen levels and function, as well as fertility in women. It can cause polycystic ovary syndrome, premenstrual syndrome, premature menopause, and endometriosis. It’s basically bad news for anyone trying to conceive!
● Cigarettes – Cigarette smoking can have a negative impact on fertility, making it more difficult to conceive.
In case you’re struggling with conceiving or undergoing IVF treatment and need help, contact Kanupriya Khanna who’s been working in this field since 2003.