Nutrition
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.
Our Centre’s Nutritionist will help you create a balanced diet, which provides adequate nutrient and calorie uptake, and guide you with appropriate advice and supervision.
Our Centre’s Program 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: We’ve been trying to conceive for almost 4 years and have had one unsuccessful IVF cycle. I’ve been diagnosed with polycystic ovaries and have been told that I must lose at least 15 kg in order to increase my chances of getting pregnant.
Is there a particular diet/exercises, which are more effective in women with polycystic ovary syndrome?
Answer: 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.
Question: Are there any foods to avoid when trying to conceive?
Answer: 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.
Question: My husband’s sperm analysis showed a low sperm count with spermatozoa of bad morphology and poor motility.
Can changes in his diet improve these parameters?
Answer: Maybe. There are many dietary changes that can positively impact the quality of a semen sample.
At the Gynaecology and Fertility Centre 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.
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After 16 years of trying to have a baby, our dream became reality!
Irini - Babis
Edessa 25/1/2012
