It is hard to know what to believe with such an abundance of information available regarding diet and fertility.
Our expert nutritionist can help you create an individualized and effective diet.
Is there such a thing as a fertility diet?
There is a lot of information regarding diet and fertility and, unfortunately, a lot of it is contradictory. Should you cut down on sugar if you are trying to conceive? Wheat gluten? Alcohol? Caffeine? Do supplements affect fertility? Should you prefer high protein foods or those low in fat?
It has been scientifically proven that women close to their healthy body weight have better chances of conceiving and having a normal pregnancy than those who are far above or below their ideal weight.
Moreover, there is evidence that conditions, which have adverse effects on fertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, can be counter-balanced by changes in the diet.
Although “dieting” as such is not advisable when trying to get pregnant (unless it is recommended by a doctor), proper diet adjustments may increase nutrient intake, improve mood and energy levels and reduce the chances of weight gain during fertility treatment.
The Unit’s Nutritionist will help you create a balanced diet, which provides adequate nutrient and calorie uptake, and guide you with appropriate advice and supervision.
EmbryoClinic’s Programme is complete and individualized – in other words, it combines science-based nutrition with techniques of traditional Chinese medicine, such as Yoga.
Our patients learn healthy eating habits and ways to control stress. They may also feel a sense of satisfaction that stems from their newfound ability to “live the moment”: the time available to focus on themselves and their own welfare before the arrival of a baby, whose needs will then take priority.
Is there a particular diet/exercises, which are more effective in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Body weight definitely affects a woman’s fertility and weight loss has a therapeutic effect in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) cases.
In fact, several of our patients with PCOS who were Ann ovulatory, began having regular periods after implementing our Nutritionist’s program.
The best diet is one that maintains balanced blood sugars (high insulin levels are directly related to abnormal hormone levels evident in PCOS).
Any exercise is good exercise but, when trying to conceive, it should not be very strenuous nor put much strain on the body. Yoga, pilates, etc. are a good choice.
Are there any foods to avoid when trying to conceive?
Yes.
Studies show that even 300 mg of caffeine daily (approximately 1 cup) can reduce your chances of getting pregnant. Alcohol is also prohibited.
Foods with high fat and sugar content are not nutritious and often add extra kilos that can affect fertility.
Recent studies also show that the types of fats we eat may contribute to the fertilization capacity of an oocyte and thus influence fertility.
The above are general guidelines. For women with specific problems of the reproductive system, such as endometriosis or PCOS, there are certain foods that can improve the condition – as well as those that can sabotage the treatment process.
Low sperm count with spermatozoa of bad morphology and poor motility: can changes in his diet improve these parameters?
Maybe. There are many dietary changes that can positively impact the quality of a semen sample.
At EmbryoClinic, supplements are administered to enhance male fertility and certain dietary adjustments are recommended which have proven to be highly effective.
For instance, there are indications that anti-oxidants and vitamins (e.g. Carnation, vitamins A, E and C, Zinc, Selenium, etc.) improve sperm parameters. Apart from supplements, these substances may also be found in blueberries, cranberries, beans, artichokes, potatoes, etc.