Besides age, sperm quality, ovarian stimulation protocol, and embryo transfer, your eating style also plays a vital role in making your IVF successful. Surprised? Well, don’t be! Although you cannot control what happens inside the body, you can influence the process and results by eating right during your IVF process.
So, whether you are undergoing your IVF treatment or will start with it soon, keeping a check on your food intake is crucial. Below, in consultation with the top gynaecologist in Chandigarh, we cover the Indian diet plan for IVF success. It will support your body best during the IVF cycle and pregnancy.
Food Items to Avoid during IVF Treatment
Certain food items can interfere with IVF and sperm production, leading to improper morphology and low motility. To prevent this condition, note the top food items you should avoid while undergoing an IVF treatment.
Fish
Some fishes, like swordfish and tuna, have high mercury content. Experts recommend both men and women avoid consuming such fish. But what hazard does mercury have on the fertilisation process? The mercury content stored in the body can adversely impact sperm production. However, you can eat fish like salmon and shellfish. They are rich in zinc, and their essential fatty acids are also healthy for fertility.
Full Fat Milk
Studies have shown that full-fat milk and other dairy products can significantly reduce sperm production in the body. This food item also plays a vital role in impacting sperm motility. The main hazard of consuming full-fat milk is the chemicals and pesticides used to generate fat in it. However, it doesn’t mean you should not drink milk during your IVF process. You can consume low-fat milk and dairy products to fulfil your daily calcium requirements.
Processed Meats
Hotdogs, bacon, sausages, salami, etc., should be completely avoided when undergoing an IVF treatment. Do you know why? Because processed meat tends to contain higher hormonal residue than unprocessed meat.
It can adversely affect sperm production, leaving you with low-quality and low-motility sperm. Why don’t you contact the top gynaecologist in Mohali to know how to make IVF successful the first time?
Carbonated Drinks and Alcohol
Please note that carbonated drinks and alcohol should be avoided by both partners when undergoing an IVF treatment. These drinks can spike abnormal and low-quality sperm production. The aspartame content in diet drinks also affects sperm count. In women, drinking more than one drink daily can increase the chances of failed fertilisation.
Caffeine
Caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure. It also narrows the blood vessels, increasing the chances of pregnancy complications. Therefore, doctors recommend significantly reducing caffeine consumption when undergoing an IVF treatment. Consider consulting an expert to learn about the ideal diet to increase your chances of conceiving during IVF.
Soy
Men supporting their partners in IVF treatment should avoid consuming soy-based food. You see, soy has phytoestrogens. It can bind estrogenic receptors throughout the body. In certain ways, it can be harmful to male fertility. Therefore, men who already have lower sperm count should prevent eating soy till their doctor recommends it.
Raw Eggs
Eggs contain proteins, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, and iron. However, eggs in raw form also have the Salmonella virus. This virus can lead to food poisoning in some cases. Therefore, doctors recommend avoiding consuming raw eggs during the IVF process. You should cook it well if you want to consume it. Moreover, meet your doctor to know the nutrients you need before getting pregnant.
Cigarettes
Smoking is hazardous for sperm health. It can drastically reduce sperm count and give rise to abnormal sperm shape. Moreover, as per the latest research, smoking can also lead to DNA fragmentation in sperm. Smoking can also significantly reduce women’s fertility, making conceiving challenging.
It also impacts the hormone production process in the body. According to the top gynaecologist in Mohali, prolonged exposure to tobacco and smoking can damage the reproductive system. Therefore, it is high time for couples undergoing IVF procedures to quit smoking as soon as possible.
Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners found in drinks and beverages can reduce female fertility. Moreover, Saccharin-based sweeteners can also reduce the chances of IVF success. Therefore, you should avoid its consumption as much as possible.
However, cutting off sugar completely from your diet is also not recommended. Therefore, experienced gynaecologists in Mohali advise natural sweetening syrups or sucralose-based sweeteners during the IVF process.
Refined Sugar
Refined sugar triggers high blood sugar levels in a woman’s body. As a result, it affects egg quality and reduces the chances of conception. Moreover, its excess consumption for a long time can impact the entire IVF fertility process. However, you can satisfy your unhealthy food cravings with these healthy options.
Seafood
We all know that seafood is an excellent source of protein. But consuming half-cooked or raw seafood can lead to severe infection. Also, the mercury content can hamper the fetus development process, leading to severe congenital disabilities. So ensure you remember this IVF success tips diet while choosing the right food items.
Cheese
Women trying to conceive through IVF should avoid mould-ripened cheese like camembert, brie, etc. Consuming them increases the risk of developing listeria infection. Consult the best gynaecologist to learn more about the side-effect of cheese on your conception process. Here’s how you can find the best gynaecologist in Chandigarh.
Fast and Fried Food
Last but not least, fried and fast-food items like momos, French fries, pizzas, burgers, hotdogs, etc., should be completely avoided during IVF. Most of these items are made in low-quality, pre-heated refined oil. It can be hazardous to the mother’s health and the conception process.
Bottom Line
So, these are the top food items to avoid during your IVF treatment. Consider consulting the best gynaecologist in Chandigarh to know the best foods to help implantation for IVF. You can also ask your doctor to refer an experienced nutritionist to help you learn more about the ideal IVF diet plan. Remember, mindful eating habits can help immensely make your IVF attempt successful.
