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

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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