These are all steps you can take in order to increase your IVF chances, your diet being one of the most important steps. We are what we eat, and substituting those unhealthy meals and snacks with proper nutritional staples will not only increase your IVF chances, but will help you have an easier pregnancy down the road.
Although some doctors believe that IVF has peaked at 25%, others believe your chances hover closer around the 30% mark. The one determining factor you can’t change is your age and it goes without saying that younger women will have a much better chance of IVF success than an older woman. The general cutoff of that age is about 35, but it is not the be all end all.
But when it comes to determining factors you can control, your diet is perhaps the easiest of them all. Below are some ways your diet will help your present and future chances.
The Meditteranean Diet
The Medittereanean diet is regularly regarded as one of the best diets for women undergoing IVF treatment. Why? This diet has just about everything an expectant mother needs.
Interest for this diet began about 60 years ago, when researchers noticed that those who lived in Meditteranean countries like Greece, Italy, and Spain had less deaths to heart disease than those in the United States and other parts of Europe.
Since then, the diet has grown in popularity for people of all ages and walks of life.
It’s worth noting there is no grand, overarching definition of what exactly constitutes a Meditteranean diet, but it does have a few main components, such as:
- Vegetables, fruits and whole grains
- Healthy fats
- Fish, poultry, beans
- Moderate dairy intake
- Moderate red meat consumption
Overall, the diet is plant based, and not meat based.
Healthy Fats
Despite the negative connotation on fat, there are some healthy fats out there that contain the essential omega-3 acids.You can find these in fish (avoiding those high in mercury), avocados and olive oil.
These foods will help boost egg health, making it essential for treatments and conception chances. They are also ideal for regulating ovulation hormones and increased blood flow. Avoid saturated fats in butter or read meat, and turn to the healthier options.
Fruits and Vegetables
While you may love eating fruit during these hot summer months, forcing yourself to eat vegetables could be a whole other story.
When you’re looking for fruits and veggies, it’s important to eat those that are high in folic acid. Folic acid is crucial for helping healthy cells grow and develop and it is also key to preventing birth defects.
Make sure and load up on spinach, broccoli and kale. Put them in some olive oil and add them to your salads or casseroles.
For fruits, stock up on oranges and strawberries which is pretty easy because they’re so delicious.
Make sure you are washing your fruits and veggies extra well before use.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are great for increasing your iron levels, which is important for moving oxygen throughout your body and your future baby. Make sure you check with your clinic to see if you are iron deficient, which many women are.
You can find whole grains in healthy breakfast cereals, lean meats like chicken and turkey as well as spinach.
Whole grains are also essential in helping with embryo implantation.
Not Just You
Your partner should also follow a diet in order to increase his overall sperm health. That means cutting back on drinking and smoking, as well as junk food. Even though it may seem like it’s all on you, your partner also plays a big role in IVF success.
Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your partner and it would be great to have him follow you with your diet. That way, you are both eating healthy, staying happy, and increasing your chances at IVF success.
You won’t have to be the only one trying to finish your spinach salad!
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