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Considering IVF? Here are 5 foods to add to your diet

Adding these foods to your IVF diet can increase your chances of success! So, find out what to eat and what to avoid.
Remember you have to work together to plan a pregnancy. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj Published: 10 Aug 2022, 12:45 pm IST
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A healthy diet plays a significant role at every stage of life, and for couples embarking on the IVF journey, it is as important as ever. The foods that you eat form the basis of your nutritional foundation, upon which all bodily functions are built. Your diet is responsible for your egg count, sperm quality, hormonal balance, uterine health, and a host of other fertility-related processes. Therefore, a proper IVF diet is crucial for the success of your fertility treatment.

So once you decide to go for IVF treatment, be cautious of your diet and jot down the list of foods to power you through your day while you undergo the process. Let us help you with some suggestions for a healthy diet during your journey to motherhood.

Foods to eat and avoid with IVF treatment

First things first, healthy eating is about getting the desired amount of nutrients for your body every single day. Besides, you can also keep track of the number of calories you are consuming every day and accordingly make changes to your diet to work out the best diet for IVF success.

You should know about the chances involved with IVF. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Here are 5 foods to add to your IVF diet:

1. Foods rich in zinc

Our body needs only a trace amount of this mineral. It helps in the regulation of hormones in the body. Foods rich in zinc like nuts, dairy products, potatoes, meat items, and grains should be included in the diet.

2. Folic acid

It has a vital role in the development of a baby’s brain and spinal cord. For this reason, it is given as a supplement during pregnancy. Besides, one should try to include folic acid-rich foods like beans, spinach, peas, broccoli, etc.

Also, read: Trying motherhood via IVF? Here’s what a fertility specialist wants you to know

3. Foods rich in protein

Proteins are the building blocks of life and an increase in the amount of protein intake by even a gram before fertility treatment can result in better outcomes for the baby. Protein-rich foods include fish, tofu, yogurt, milk, lean chicken, nuts, broccoli, etc. Besides, well-cooked eggs also serve as a good source of protein.

4. Iron-rich food

Iron deficiency during pregnancy can cause anemia, which in turn can lead to low-birth-weight or the baby being born too early. Some of the good sources of iron include spinach, oysters, and pumpkin seeds.

5. Green vegetables

Some other foods, such as green leafy vegetables, bananas, and dates, are considered beneficial during IVF treatment.

Don’t forget to add green foods to your diet Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Other diet tips for IVF treatment:

We need to bear in mind that, along with a healthy and balanced diet, it is equally essential to consume a sufficient amount of water and stay well-hydrated at all times. While eating right is critical during the treatment process, consuming an adequate amount of water and staying well hydrated at all times is also the need of the hour.

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Some of the foods that should be completely avoided during IVF treatment include:

1. Raw eggs

Consumption of raw eggs can cause food poisoning due to the presence of a virus named Salmonella. Therefore, cooked eggs are recommended during the treatment process.

Also, read: Is it safe to have sex after an embryo transfer? An IVF expert answers

2. Processed foods

Processed foods are full of preservatives, and one should avoid consuming them during this time. In addition, certain processed meats such as salami are high in hormonal residue and can interfere with IVF treatment. Therefore, it is best to stay away from them for better outcomes.

Processed food shall always hinder the process of disease prevention. Image Courtesy: Shutterstock

3. Artificial sweetener

Artificial sweeteners are saccharin-based sweeteners that can reduce the success rate of IVF treatment and should be avoided in the process.

4. Alcohol

Alcohol is known to have a detrimental effect on fertility and should be avoided completely.

Also, avoid smoking during IVF treatment:

Smoking is not only bad for your lungs, but it can also impact fertility as well. Hence, one should consider quitting for the time being during IVF treatment.

Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj

Dr Archana Dhawan Bajaj is a gynaecologist, fertility and IVF expert. She is an Obstetrician, Gynecologist, Fertility & IVF Expert at The Nurture clinic in the capital. She is an MBBS, DNB, MNAMS and M. Med Science in Assisted Reproductive Technology from the University of Nottingham, UK. She has received training from renowned centres like Nurture IVF centre (Nottingham, UK) and Farah IVF specialist centre and Hospital (Jordan). Her expertise in reproductive endocrinology, Infertility, ART, High Risk Pregnancy Management, Laparoscopic Surgeries, Hysteroscopic Surgeries (Minimal Invasive Surgeries) matches the best in the respective areas. She has over 16 years of experience in the field of reproductive medicine. She has successfully treated patients with various infertility issues such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, male factor infertility, and unexplained infertility. ...Read More

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