Diet Guidelines During IVF
Eat more complex (“slow”) carbs and avoid highly processed ones.
Your body digests processed carbs (like cookies, cakes, white bread and white rice) quickly, and turns them into blood sugar. Complex carbs (those containing fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains) are digested slowly and limit insulin. High insulin levels appear to inhibit ovulation.
Avoid trans fats and opt for more healthy unsaturated fats.
Trans fats (found primarily in foods such as commercial baked and snack foods, animal products, french fries and some margarines) increase insulin resistance.
High insulin levels cause a lot of metabolic disturbances that affect ovulation
Get more plant protein
Plant protein (from beans, nuts, seeds) comes with healthy fats and is relatively low in calories
Don’t forget your vitamins:
| Eat more | To gain |
|---|---|
| Whole grains | B vitamins, vitamin E, fiber |
| Fruits, vegetables | Vitamin C, antioxidants |
| Lean meats, beans | Protein, zinc, iron |
| Low-fat dairy | Protein, calcium |
| DHA/Omega-3 (Fish,nuts,) | Benefits baby’s brain and nervous system development; reduces risk of premature birth |
| Multivitamin with 400 mcg of folic acid | Reduces risk of spinal cord and brain defects, especially in weeks before conception and first trimester of pregnancy |
Consume choline:
It helps to reduce harmful gene effects that may result in birth defects, also is important for brain function, among other benefits. Egg yolks, beef liver and Cauliflower have very high choline content.
Drink alcohol sparingly or completely avoid it
Avoid Caffeine altogether
Bonus: Move it.
Getting plenty of exercise during your pre-natal and ante-natal phase will improve your chances of having an easy and comfortable pregnancy. This can help avoid back pain, swelling and excessive weight gain.
By Ms. Prachi Jain, Dietitian/Nutritionist at the CK Birla Hospital in Gurgaon.
