If you are looking to improve your chances of a successful IVF cycle, a simple and healthy option is to add fertility friendly foods to your diet. You don’t have to make major changes to your regular habits but instead add some of these suggestions that can aid in preparing your body for an IVF cycle and ultimately for an embryo transfer. Here are six great ideas for a healthy IVF nutrition plan.
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Dark leafy greens: Adding dark greens such as kale, spinach and swiss chard are essential for preparing your body for fertility treatments. They are packed with calcium, folate and iron which contribute to a healthy diet, and they all are great for blood circulation which can help with thickening the uterine lining. You can toss your greens into a salad, sauteed as a side dish, or blended into a smoothie.
Organic lean meats: Protein is important for preparing the body for IVF and pregnancy. Lean meats such as chicken, fish, and liver are all high in protein and iron which are important nutrients for preparing the body for pregnancy.
Salmon: Salmon is a great nutrition choice for both women and men when trying to get pregnant and preparing for IVF. In additional to providing loads of healthy fat and protein, omega 3 acids are an essential fertility booster. Salmon is also a great source of vitamins D, A, B12, C and E as well as, calcium, folate, potassium, and selenium. Choose wild salmon when available for lower levels of mercury.
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Avocado: Avocados are a healthy fat which is important for fertility and egg health. They are high in potassium and Vitamin K as well Vitamin E which has shown to improve the thickness of the uterus lining – essential for an embryo transfer. Include in your leafy green salad or spread on whole grain bread for a fertility friendly snack.
Fresh fruit: Vitamin C is crucial for improving hormone levels which can be challenged during an IVF cycle. Berries such as blueberries, raspberries or strawberries are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. Fruit is a great source of fiber which can help with constipation, a common side effect of IVF medications.
Eggs: Eggs are a fertility super food and packed with protein, vitamin B12 and E, and healthy monounsaturated fats like DHA – everything you want in an IVF diet. Be sure to eat the yolk where a lot of nutrients are found including choline which is important for fetal development. Male partners should include eggs in their daily diet as well as it supports sperm health.
Related Read: 5 Ways To Increase IVF Success
Bonus Suggestion:
*Water – Hydration is crucial in preparing for an IVF cycle. It helps with blood circulation, hormone balance, constipation, and other side effects from common IVF medications. Aim for drinking half your body weight in ounces per day.
Nutrition is an aspect of the IVF cycle you can be in control of so adding these fertility friendly foods will not only serve your physical body but also add confidence to your mental health that you are doing everything you can to prepare your body for the upcoming cycle.
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