A British expatriate currently residing in Prague, Czech Republic. A big sports fan with a love of travelling and experiencing new cultures.
IVF procedures are becoming increasingly common in European countries with there being a recent surge in the number of patients undertaking this form of surgery abroad. Central Europe and the Czech Republic in particular have become popular destinations for undertaking the procedure. The purpose of this article is to discuss the ideal diet that IVF patients should follow after the procedure in order to get the best results.
According to a recent report by the Harvard School of Public Health, avocados can triple the birth rates for couples about to undertake IVF. The detailed report also concluded that foods that are high in monounsaturated fats such as seeds, nuts, olive oil, sunflower oil as well as avocados can significantly impact the success rate of IVF, if consumed to a high proportion. However, the report found that those couples who ate saturated fats, such as red meat and butter will decrease the success rates of successful IVF treatment. It is therefore strongly recommended to eat foods such as avocados and nuts to increase the success rate of IVF. Given the detailed nature of the research from the Harvard School of Public Health, it is advisable for patients to follow the report’s findings.
Another thing to avoid whilst on IVF treatment is drinking too much coffee. A 2012 report from Denmark concluded that women who drank five or more cups of coffee per day dramatically reduced their chances of success in IVF. Coffee should therefore be eliminated or at worst, consumed to small degrees. The British Coffee Association advises than a maximum of 200mg of coffee should be consumed by those trying to conceive and it would be wise to heed this advice.
In terms of foods that are strongly recommended, amongst the best are fruits and vegetables. In particular, strawberries, blueberries and bananas’ are amongst the best fruits to eat for IVF patients. Good vegetables to incorporate regularly into the diet include broccoli, cabbage and sweet potatoes. Nuts are also beneficial, especially Brazil nuts and walnuts. Whole meal bread and brown rice are two solid foods that will also increase the chances of success in IVF.
Overall, the key to success in IVF is to maintain a general and balanced diet. Exercise is also strongly recommended as it can significantly reduce the chances of having an overweight baby. Numerous studies have confirmed that a mother’s diet before the time of conception may even affect the genes of the baby. Eating foods high in sugar, what we might classify as “junk foods” also has a dramatic effect on the success of IVF. The above information is certainly food for thought.
Sources:
http://www.yourivfjourney.com/the-perfect-ivf-diet-ask-an-avocado/
http://www.hertsandessexfertility.com/wellbeing/nutrition/diet-for-health-egg-and-sperm/
http://www.womenfitness.net/foods_ivfTreatment.htm