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Fertility Diet? Is There Such a Thing?

Turns out there’s even more evidence that your mom was right when she touted the benefits of eating a healthful diet.

Fertility diet | Dallas IVFIn addition to helping you prevent numerous health issues, sticking to a balanced diet can also improve fertility. Research presented at the 2015 American Society for Reproductive Medicine’s (ASRM) Annual Meeting indicates that a high-fat diet could impact fertility in both men and women. Whether you’ve been having trouble getting pregnant or want to set the stage for a future healthy pregnancy, following the Dallas IVF fertility diet can help put you on the path to success.

What the fertility diet can and can’t do

The fertility specialists at Dallas IVF stress that while a healthful diet has a positive effect on fertility, it can only go so far. Eating low-fat, nutrient-rich foods won’t counteract infertility caused by physical barriers such as blocked fallopian tubes or uterine or cervical abnormalities.

Avoid trans fats- These artery-clogging fats are a no-no for men’s fertility. A team of researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health and Massachusetts General Hospital found that fertilization rates in couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) were lowest in couples in which men consumed high trans-fats diets.

Cut back on saturated fat – When examining the ovaries of mice fed a high-fat diet, researchers discovered that they had fewer primordial follicles; this reduced pregnancy potential when compared to mice fed a low-fat diet. Stick to eating monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in vegetable oils, nuts, salmon and sardines.

Look to your veggies for protein – Replace a serving of meat each day with beans, peas, soybeans, tofu or nuts to improve fertility.

Choose complex carbs – Choosing complex or slow digesting carbohydrates (whole grains, vegetables, fruits and beans) can control blood sugar and insulin levels—which have been shown to inhibit ovulation.

Take a multi-vitamin – Getting extra folic acid (400 micrograms a day) can give a boost to your fertility.

Hydrate to help ovulate – Water is the best choice for keeping your body hydrated. Caffeinated coffee, tea and alcohol are fine in moderation, but skipping sugary sodas is best.

Speak to your fertility specialist at Dallas IVF about how you can improve your fertility with the proper diet. Contact us here.