Fertility-Focused Eating – How Nutrition Can Support Your IVF Journey
Starting on your IVF journey is a momentous decision to make, particularly when you harbour aspirations of expanding your family. It’s a journey filled with hope, eager anticipation, and, at times, a considerable amount of stress. One method to potentially bolster the success of your IVF cycle is by concentrating on your nutritional intake.
The sustenance you choose to put into your body can significantly influence your IVF journey, especially how you prepare. Here, we explore the influence nutrition has on your fertility and in preparing your body for your IVF cycle.
Diet as the cornerstone of fertility
Before delving into specific nourishments, it’s vital to emphasise the significance of a diversified, nutrient-rich diet. Achieving a balanced diet is instrumental in maintaining an optimal weight, regulating hormonal functions, and fostering overall reproductive well-being.
Strive for a plate brimming with a variety of colours from fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and beneficial fats. The Mediterranean diet is definitely worth considering for this!
Folate
Let’s chat about Folate, a superhero B vitamin that plays a key role in cell growth and DNA formation – both super important for fertility and getting your baby’s development off to a great start.
Besides its well-known job in preventing birth defects, folate also boosts the quality of your eggs and your ovulation cycle. So, why not fill your plate with leafy greens like spinach and kale, as well as yummy avocados, nuts, and beans?
Antioxidant-rich eats
Antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, selenium, and zinc, act like your body’s personal bodyguards, protecting your cells from damage. When it comes to fertility, they’re thought to give both eggs and sperm a quality boost. Tuck into a variety of berries, citrus fruits, pomegranates, nuts, seeds, and whole grains to get a hearty dose of these protective pals.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3s are all-stars for hormone regulation, sprucing up egg quality, and improving blood flow to your baby-making organs. Find these essential fats in oily fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines. Do you prefer to be plant-based? Flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts have got you covered and offer the same nutritional benefits!
Protein
While protein is essential, where it comes from could sway your fertility results. Studies are now showing that plant-based proteins (think lentils, beans, and tofu) might have the edge on boosting fertility over animal sources. With that said, however, lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish are still great choices in moderation.
Whole Grains
Choosing whole grains over refined ones can help keep your blood sugar levels steady and support a happy hormone balance. Quinoa, brown rice, oats, and barley aren’t just tasty; they’re also packed with vitamins and minerals that love your fertility.
The dairy dilemma
The verdict’s still out, but some research suggests that full-fat dairy could be a friendlier choice for those hoping to conceive. How about adding some full-fat yoghurt, milk, or cheese to your meals in moderation?
Stay hydrated
Keeping well-hydrated is crucial for your body to function at its best, including your fertility. Water not only helps with hormone transport and follicle development but is simply essential. Aim for 8-10 glasses a day, and feel free to jazz it up with a slice of lemon or cucumber for a twist.
Foods to pass on for IVF prep
Now that we’ve covered what’s great to eat, let’s glance at what might not be so helpful. Alcohol, tobacco, and any recreational drugs are big no-nos for your fertility vibe and are best left out of the picture.
Also, think twice about your caffeine fix and those hidden processed snacks. A little caffeine is probably fine, but too much could throw a wrench in your fertility works. And those processed bites filled with saturated fats and refined sugars? Best to give them a miss.
In your fertility journey, what you skip eating is just as key as what you do eat. Avoiding these dietary downers can really smooth your path to a fertility-friendly lifestyle.
Tweaking your diet to boost your fertility is definitely a step in the right direction. But it’s important to remember that results can vary from person to person. What works wonders for one might not for another.
Take these changes in your own stride, with a hopeful heart and patience. And always, always chat with a healthcare provider or nutritionist to tailor a diet that fits you perfectly. Getting ready for IVF is a hopeful journey, and fueling your body right can be a powerful part of your prep for success!
