The best and worst foods to have during fertility treatment

As you prepare yourself to welcome a new life into your life through fertility treatment, it is important to ensure that you take good care of your physical, mental, and emotional health. Embarking on the journey of fertility treatment, especially In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can be both exciting and intimidating. However, the optimal condition of your body ensures successful conception and implantation. Diet is one of the key factors that influence the success or failure of your treatment. A well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet can create a healthy environment in your body that is conducive to conception, implantation, and embryo development. On the contrary, opting for poor dietary choices can hinder your fertility treatment. Be mindful of foods to eat and avoid during fertility treatment.

Health Shots contacted dietitian Indrani Ghosh to learn foods to eat and avoid during fertility treatment.

What are the best foods to eat during fertility treatment?

Fertility treatment is both an emotional and a complex process that requires a good and healthy diet along with medications. It becomes crucial to know about the food to consume and avoid to get the best results and enhance the treatment process.

A go-through of the below food items can help people to understand the foods that should be consumed. Our expert suggests that a combination of animal protein along plant protein reduces the risk of infertility in both men & women.

1. Legumes such as beans and lentils

“These foods would help to boost the fertility. Beans and lentils are vital as they are rich sources of proteins and high in fibre that helps improve ovulation,” reckons the expert.

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2. Berries such as raspberries, strawberries and blueberries

Berries are a powerhouse of antioxidants and are rich in Vitamin C. They enhance the healthy growth of the foetus.

3. Salmon

A good source of Omega-3s, salmon benefits men by raising the sperm count and also helps in the healthy growth of the foetus in women.

4. Walnuts

Walnuts are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming a handful of walnuts every day boosts sperm vitality.

5. Curd

The rich content of Vitamin D, calcium and probiotics in curd improves ovulation and increases fertility and vitality in both genders.

What foods to avoid during fertility treatment?

Foods that should be avoided during a treatment such as IVF include:

1. Tuna

Tuna fish has a high content of mercury that affects sperm production and poses problems in conceiving. Hence, it should be avoided by both men and women, shares the expert.

2. Processed meat

As processed meat has high hormonal residue, forms of processed meat must be avoided so as to maintain the required sperm count.

3. Soy

It can have a mild estrogenic effect on the men. Thus, men with low sperm count must avoid soy-based products.

4. Alcohol

All forms of alcoholic drinks must be avoided by both men and women undergoing fertility treatment as alcohol poses adverse effects on the reproductive system, says the expert.

Also diet drinks are known to contain a substance called aspartame that can hinder sperm count and its quality.

5. Smoking

All forms of tobacco consumption must be abstained by both men and women as tobacco may cause DNA fragmentation in sperm and also impose difficulty in conceiving.