Diet that enhances your fertility

By Dr. Shobha Gupta

Planning for a baby..? Your diet contains a special role in your conceiving.  Fertility diet includes food which would enhance the egg and sperm quality and supports a healthy pregnancy. 

A recent study has stated that certain food may increase IVF success rates.  For example Bananas are a great source of potassium, vitamin C, Vitamin B-6, Manganese, fiber and a range of other nutrients, which men need in order to maintain a strong sexual vitality. Also many studies have proved that bananas provide nutrients that can influence male fertility. Bananas are rich in Protein, Vitamins, Iron, Magnesium and Manganese which are essential for healthy sperm count in men.

Apart from that starting your day with a bowl of oatmeal might be a course to successful conception because it has great cholesterol-lowering powers &
regulates your blood pressure as well. It is well known that both high cholesterol & hypertension could affect fertility. Oats are a great source of many vital minerals and essential nutrients which are very good for a healthy fertility. They are rich in soluble fiber, protein, manganese, magnesium, zinc etc. which play a vital role in fertility enhancement.

Diet is important for men too. Various studies have shown adverse effect of dairy products, especially those with high fat content and high carbohydrates diet may decrease sperm concentration.

Food intake during IVF should be balanced with high content of folic acid containing foods. Here is the list of foods which are to be taken and which are to be avoided.

Foods should be taken are:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables like Broccoli, cabbage, mango, sweet potatoes, melon, pomegranate, strawberries, bananas, pineapple, blueberries, and orange enhance fertility by increasing antioxidants.
• Take more Pulses in your diet as they are low fat, high in fibre, with no cholesterol, low glycemic index, high in protein and nutrients
• Vitamin C is very important to women undergoing IVF as it significantly increases the pregnancy rate; Tomatoes provide an excellent amount of Vitamin C and E, They are also rich in anti-oxidants
• Nuts, dried figs, sunflower seeds, and walnuts, A high protein in the form of fish chicken eggs is also essential
• Unsaturated oils like olive oil
• Wholegrain foods – like wheat bread and pasta

Foods that should be avoided are:

• Avoid vegetables like bittergourd, spinach, methi as they have hot properties which can terminate your pregnancy
• Do not consume chicken or fish for first three months
• Reduce or eliminate caffeine like coffee, tea, chocolate, colas or alcohol.

Happy Pregnancy to all..!!