Dietary changes before IVF?

wvagirl

I have had one successful IVF cycle, and one where I got pregnant with twins and had a missed miscarriage around 8 weeks.  I am gearing up for IVF #3, and in the process have been taking wheat grass supplements, melatonin and prenatals.  Wondering if there are some dietary changes I should make too. I'd really like to do all I can to increase embryo quality. Humor me with changes you made before your successful cycle.  TIA, Steph

desabean

For my successful cycle (and my subsequent m/c and BFN cycles afterward) I stopped all caffeine and even decaf coffee/soda.  my acupuncturist said she would rather I drank caffeinated tea than decaf coffee or soda.  And stopped all artificial sweeteners.  For G I think I may have tried to incorporate more full fat dairy but I did not for the other cycles.  I think that is about it.  Good luck!!  Hope I'm right behind you!

howleyshell

Pick up the book "The Infertility Cure" by Radine Lewis.

Breaks down diet suggestions by IF diagnosis.

We made a LOT of modifications prior to IVF.

However... the way the ovaries work most books will tell you that the changes must be in place 3 months prior to wanting the eggs in tip top shape.  

Happycouple

I would highly recommend limiting or eliminating gluten, dairy and as much processed sugar/food as you can for atleast 3-4 weeks prior to the ET.  Good luck!!!

schmoodle

Besides the things you've mentioned, for both of my fresh cycles (both "successful" insofar as they resulted in viable pregnancies, even if the first didn't get a take home baby) I cut all caffeine (in beverages, still had chocolate), alcohol and artificial sweeteners before starting stims. I also cut out dairy almost entirely for the first cycle and cut back on it but not completely for the second - but that had to do with a specific diagnosis/recommendation from my acupuncturist (and I had a better cycle the second time when I didn't cut it out entirely, although I attribute that more to wheatgrass). Good luck!

Mrs.Reem

I cut out caffeine (my beloved pepsi) two weeks before transfer (because I'm not the chick making the eggs this time) and try to eat cleanly with increased water intake. Here are some other recommendations that I just kind of skim. Basically to cover these recommendations, I just take prenatal vitamins and call it good. I can't use artificial sweeteners anyway because they give me migraines....

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These substances can do damage on the genetic levels (sperm, egg, and embryo). Caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, recreational drugs, medical drugs, dietary mutagens, and environmental hazards,


Sufficient levels of vitamin A, B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, folate, zinc, magnesium, selenium, and essential fatty acids help protect against mutagens that may cause damage.

Vitamin A, C, E, are potent in the difestive tract and continue their action in the blood and around cell membranes. They are antioxidants and help to limit damage by pollutants. An excess of vitamin A however can cause birth defects, so the recommended daily dosage is under 3000 IU.

Calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc are powerful antimutagens and reduce uptake of aluminm, cadmium, lead, and mercury.

Green Tea contains substances known as catechins that are powerful antimutagens. (um it also is estrogenic though and can raise your estrogen levels)

Cholorella is considered to be an exceptionally broad spectrum antimutagen supplement. A freshwater algae that is a rich source of nutrients, chlorella binds to heaby metals and chemicals that have accumulated in the body.

Cilantro is a powerful heavy metal detoxifier, as well as pectin-rich foods such as apples, pears, and bananas.

Dietary fiber from friut, veggies, whole grains, oat bran, and legumes helps in the excretion of toxins from the body. Avoid wheat bran because it can block mineral absorption.

Low protein levels in the body create a situation where the production of DNA is impeded. Amino acids from protein are the essential building blocks of life. Protein intake is shown to be most important around ovulation, and up to the end of the first trimester.

Aspartame may cause the body have an immune reaction to it, which can destroy the fetus.

MSG (monosodium glutamate) is found in a lot of food in Chinese or Mexican restaurants, or prepared foods. It has been shown to cause infertility in animals. It is also in chips, meat seasonings, and soups.

 

choco_lab

I was eating a lot of protein and low carbs for the couple of months before this IVF.  I'd eat a couple of eggs a day.  Also gave up the artificial sweetners but didn't give up caffiene!