ifv diet opinions

rockpaperlove · July 2012

Looking for opinions...

I drink a lot of filtered water, I stay away from dairy and wheat, I buy organic (cha ching), and I stock up on lots of fruits and veggies. I am currently taking a prenatal and iron supplement, I have recently put the alcohol under lock and key, I exercise (blah), and I am considering adding herbs to all from my acu clinic (double cha ching). All of this in desperate hope of improving my egg quality and chance of conception.

How much of a role does a strict IF diet really play, in your opinion?

Is it all worth the price and extra added effort to you?

NMscubagirl · July 2012

I honestly think it is absolutely worth it. I was on a similarly strict diet for 4 months prior to my ER and I strongly feel that led to 7 of our 8 embryos making it to blast. From research that I have done, I felt like the most important parts of my diet were the zero alcohol, reverse osmosis water, BPA free everything, and hormone free organic food. I feel crazy even saying it, but I honestly believe it made a difference. Also the follicles that will be there for your baseline AFC start developing about 3 months prior, so it is best to do all of this for 3.5-4 months prior. GL doll

MandaS08 · July 2012

I honestly don't know. On one hand I feel like what you put in your body must have some effect, but on the other people that don't have fertility issues don't eat a special diet, and I don't know how much eating well (or better) is going to help me have more eggs.

At the end of the day I feel like moderationg is the key-I wouldn't go crazy trying to stick to an unattainable diet, but by eating well you are taking care of yourself-whether or not it helps and that can't be bad.

Edwina.McDunnough · July 2012

If you have inflammation issues, then strict GF and DF is recommended. I was told it takes a month for it to really kick in, but you have to be strict, as any gluten/dairy is a setback. You can be tested for this, and I am instructed to do this for cycles where my own eggs aren't even part of the picture.

We eat a lot of local from the farmer's market. I think it's also important to eat real foods rather processed foods. If you want to get motivated, watch Food Inc and in a different way, King Corn.

It sucks at times, especially when you're out with other people, but I figure it's something I'd do if I were pregnant. Good luck with this!!

Roxie5739 · July 2012

I agree with Scuba and Edwina. I did a 3 month health kick before IVF too (and a truck load of supps) and my Dr commented on the improvement in my eggs from IVF 1 & 2. But it does take at least 3 months for it to have effect. GL

rockpaperlove · July 2012

I have always been about moderation with past cycles, but my third fresh IVF cycle next year may very well be our last attempt and I would like to do all I can to improve whatever I can.

Since I have a solid six plus months until our next cycle...I think I am going to give this IF diet my very best effort b/c of your feedback from personal experience.

Dr. Google can be resourceful, but advice from those with personal experience is better than gold!

A few more questions related to diet/health:

1. What is your take on "no raw/no cold"?

2. H20 reverse osmosis. What is it?

3. Herbs from acu clinic. Are they a good investment?

NMscubagirl · July 2012

Sorry, I can't quote from my phone. The reverse osmosis system was insisted on by MH. It removes all the heavy metals and particulates from the water. They are controversial though because many claim that removing everything from the water depletes good minerals and negatively affects the ph balance of the water. however our system has a filter that replaces the good minerals which in turn fixes the ph balance. MH felt it was more important to remove the nasty things like lead, mercury, estrogen, Uranium, etc... from our water and I agree. The in home system was rather expensive, but you can also get big jugs from natural food stores like Whole foods.

As far as the no cold/raw that didn't last for me and in my research I didn't find a lot to support it. As far as the herbs, there are those that swear by them, but I have never done them. I did do acu my first IVF and FET, but not for this last IVF which seems to be going well so far. I will probably do a post transfer session acu apt with this FET.

vanessagorc · July 2012

I did it all too, but my re believes it plays no part. Other than u Want to be generally healthy.

Look at countries w booming populations, they aren't doing any of this stuff. Even countries in famine, are cranking out babies.

rockpaperlove · July 2012

vanessagorc:

I did it all too, but my re believes it plays no part. Other than u Want to be generally healthy.

Look at countries w booming populations, they aren't doing any of this stuff. Even countries in famine, are cranking out babies.

My DH comes from the same school of thought. I am thinking it will be a good balance to keep to the organic with little to no alcohol/dairy/wheat for added precaution. Nothing too extreme diet wise...I am still on the fence on the herbs. I may be better invested with saving the cash toward the future cycle. (???)

vanessagorc · July 2012

rockpaperlove:
vanessagorc:

I did it all too, but my re believes it plays no part. Other than u Want to be generally healthy.

Look at countries w booming populations, they aren't doing any of this stuff. Even countries in famine, are cranking out babies.

My DH comes from the same school of thought. I am thinking it will be a good balance to keep to the organic with little to no alcohol/dairy/wheat for added precaution. Nothing too extreme diet wise...I am still on the fence on the herbs. I may be better invested with saving the cash toward the future cycle. (???)

. I did the herbs too, bc they really we not expensive. Acu was a lot more...and I tried it all too. By the 4th transfer, I just settled for not showing up drunk.

I tried to be healthy, but I feel like a rigid diet did me more harm than good bc I was always stressed about it. Plus my re kept telling me it didn't matter...so I aimed for moderation.

I don't believe in the water at all. Everyone I see is pregnant and we are ll drinking NYC tap.

The cold food thing is an acu theory that embies like warm places. So i take it w a grain of salt.

Edwina.McDunnough · July 2012

rockpaperlove:
vanessagorc:

I did it all too, but my re believes it plays no part. Other than u Want to be generally healthy.

My DH comes from the same school of thought. I am thinking it will be a good balance to keep to the organic with little to no alcohol/dairy/wheat for added precaution. Nothing too extreme diet wise...I am still on the fence on the herbs. I may be better invested with saving the cash toward the future cycle. (???)

I agree with V too, but it can't hurt, but for me the inflammation issue relates to implantation, not EQ. My dx came from elevated cytokines and the diet change, antioxidants, and prednisone are the recommendation to counteract this. You can do the restricted diet to cover your bases or you can get tested and see if you have any issues.

I don't get the hot/cold thing. You're a warm blooded creature and your body temp is regulated, unless you're in a dealthly kind of situation. My acu's herbs were around $5/week.

AmCheri · July 2012

My RE's thoughts on this topic are in line with V's comments. It certainly can't hurt. It's good for you generally and can give you a sense of taking proactive steps that can contribute to a good outcome. Like acupuncture and supplements, I think as long as there aren't any downsides, give it a go. At a minimum, placebo effects can be powerful. For me, the more I tried to do and control, the more stressed I felt. You just do whatever feels right for you. Good luck sweets!

Married071709 · July 2012

vanessagorc:
I did it all too, but my re believes it plays no part. Other than u Want to be generally healthy.

Look at countries w booming populations, they aren't doing any of this stuff. Even countries in famine, are cranking out babies.

This is how I feel too. We eat organic/non processed foods but that because my MIL has stage 4 cancer and they told us it is probably because of her diet. I too believe that everything in moderation is better then something dramatic.

rockpaperlove · July 2012

Thanks ladies. Your opinions are quite helpful. I think I will stick to what has come easy for me. A well rounded organic diet, some exercise, and the standard few supplements. Simply, keep it in moderation. Thanks again for the honest opinions. Much appreciated.

Mitzi Bishi · July 2012

The only other things I could suggest are perhaps adding fish oil, flax seed, and some nuts and cut sugar.

I did the whole 9 as well... even down to those acu herbs and it didn't seem to make an ounce of difference for me, but hopefully it will for you.

That's the really difficult part in doing tons of things for the sake of "health" and looking for some kind of key to be the answers. While it never hurts to try to get healthier I think most people spending big bucks on IVF are already trying to live healthy lifestyles and this just gives something for you to control.

Unfortunately you can't really know unless you try.

Wishing you find that missing piece.

rockpaperlove · July 2012

Mitzi Bishi:
The only other things I could suggest are perhaps adding fish oil, flax seed, and some nuts and cut sugar.
I did the whole 9 as well... even down to those acu herbs and it didn't seem to make an ounce of difference for me, but hopefully it will for you.
That's the really difficult part in doing tons of things for the sake of "health" and looking for some kind of key to be the answers. While it never hurts to try to get healthier I think most people spending big bucks on IVF are already trying to live healthy lifestyles and this just gives something for you to control.
Unfortunately you can't really know unless you try.
Wishing you find that missing piece.

Thank you Mitzi. That's exactly it. This is something I can control and it is good for me and maybe-just maybe-it will help a little with a fututre cycle. These three things are enough to convince me to make a long term lifestyle change with my diet.

I have kept away from sugar with the exception of a celebration or family event where sweets are in full effect and that is huge for me coming from the girl who loooooves her sweets and flavored coffees!

The nuts, flax, and oil is a good recommendation. I need to restock my omega 369 and I need to find ways to incorporate the flax. It basically sits on the shelf because I either forget it or I don't know how to use it other than in my morning oatmeal or a smoothie. I guess I need to google how to use flax!

And,the herbs...no go. I made reference to paying for them several times and it isn't that they are expensive. It is just that I don't want to waste a penny on a theory that will be a waste of time...and dollars and cents. Now with the feedback in...I am out. I was looking for raving reviews to make it worth the investment of my time and I didn't hear that. So, one less thing to worry about! No herbs.

Thanks again for the suggestions and thoughts. Hope you are well. Xo

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