Powerful foods that can boost your ivf success

The foods that you eat are fundamental as they create a nutritional foundation for which all of your bodily functions are built from. Your diet contributes to hormone production, semen production, egg count, egg quality, the quality of your uterine lining, and a whole lot of other essential bodily functions that are related to fertility. Therefore, it’s fair to say that your diet plays a reasonably important role in determining IVF success.

WHAT SHOULD YOUR DIET LOOK LIKE?

An anti-inflammatory diet is contributory to IVF success, so it’s important that you cut out or minimise the intake of processed foods, fast foods, and sugar as all of these can increase inflammation in the body and impede pregnancy. Additionally, studies have shown that inflammation during pregnancy is linked to a baby’s brain development; so, it’s important to keep it as low as possible during this crucial time. [1]

Healthy fats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and clean proteins such as fish, legumes, and low-fat poultry are all part of an anti-inflammatory diet.

LEAN MEATS AND PROTEINS

Starting off with what may be the most vital macronutrient – protein. It’s a crucial macronutrient for your baby’s growth throughout pregnancy. It provides the building blocks for your baby’s cells and helps your baby develop skin, hair, fingernails, and muscles. During pregnancy, you’ll typically need anywhere from 60 to 100 grams of protein per day, depending on your weight and physical activity level. [2]

Meat such as chicken, turkey, beef, and pork are all excellent sources of high-quality protein. Beef and pork are rich in iron, choline, and B vitamins. All of which you’ll need plenty of during pregnancy. [3]

Next up are eggs – a powerful superfood that should not be neglected. After all, a whole egg contains all the nutrients required to turn a single cell into a baby chicken. Eggs contain 13 different vitamins and minerals, omega-3s, antioxidants, and are a rich source of protein, containing all essential amino acids. An awesome food to include in your diet. [4]

Dairy products are also a great protein source. Foods such as Greek yogurt and cheese contain calcium, probiotics, and vitamin D – all of which are helpful in ovulation. [5] Additionally, milk is also a good source of protein. New research suggests that consuming whole milk instead of skimmed or low-fat milk may decrease the risk of a certain type of infertility. [6]

HEALTHY FATS

Healthy fatty foods are a great way to bump up fertility. Other than a number of benefits for your overall health, they’re essential for a baby’s brain and eye development.

Your fat intake should predominantly come from sources that include monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. These can be found in nuts, avocados, and plant-based oils such as olive oil and macadamia nut oil. Interestingly, olive oil is said to be one of the healthiest fats on the planet. Research has shown that it has many health benefits such as protection against heart disease, strokes, and even some types of cancer. [7]

Lastly, we can’t forget about salmon. Not only is this fish an extremely clean source of protein, but it’s one of the best sources of omega-3s you can get – an essential fatty acid that your body can’t produce naturally. Along with being full of high-quality protein and healthy fats, it also boasts an impressive micronutrient profile, containing an excellent source of B vitamins. [8]

CARBOHYDRATES AND GRAINS

Carbohydrates provide essential fuel for both you and your baby during pregnancy. When eaten, they are broken down and converted to simple sugars like glucose – your body’s preferred source of energy, and an essential resource for maternal and fetal brain function.

Dark leafy greens such as spinach and kale are excellent as they supply a significant amount of folate – a B vitamin that promotes heart health and helps prevent certain birth defects. [9]

Another healthy carb source to add would be berries. Varieties such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries all contain high amounts of vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber, potassium, and folate. [10]

Finally, grains such as whole wheat, oats, barley, corn, and rice are packed with minerals such as iron, selenium, and magnesium. They’re also an excellent source of B vitamins your baby will need in order to develop just about every part of their body. [11]

So, if you’re about to start your IVF journey – or you may already be on it – it’s vital now more than ever that your diet is in check. By using the foods that we’ve discussed above, there’s no doubt that it will help greatly with your IVF success.

SOURCES:

[1] Study confirms that inflammation during pregnancy is linked to baby’s brain | OHSU News

[2] Protein in pregnancy | BabyCenter

[3] Lean Meat and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds and legumes/beans | Eat For     Health

[4] Eating Eggs During Pregnancy: What You Should Know (australianeggs.org.au)  

[5] 10 Foods to Eat to Increase Fertility - Laurel Fertility Care

[6] Whole-milk products may increase fertility in women - The New York Times (nytimes.com)

[7] 11 Proven Benefits of Olive Oil (healthline.com)

[8] Top 5 health benefits of salmon | BBC Good Food

[9] Dark Green Leafy Vegetables: USDA ARS

[10] 3 Power Foods That Will Change the Way You Eat During Pregnancy - Sustainable Food Center

[11] Pregnancy nutrition: Healthy-eating basics - Mayo Clinic