Are you feeling bloated after an egg collection? Or maybe you have you been told to follow
a high protein and high sodium diet post your egg retrieval,
and are wondering why this is important and what exactly you should eat?!
Well, you've come to the right place! Stay tuned and I'll explain why some people recommend a
high protein and high sodium diet after egg collection, what to eat and what to avoid...
Hello! If this is our first time connecting, welcome! My name is Melanie McGrice and I'm
a fertility and prenatal dietitian. I help couples boost their fertility and give their
baby's the best start possible with the power of good food. Make sure you connect with me on
my socials... you'll find all the details in the description box below this video.
It's increasingly common for women to be told to follow a high protein, high sodium diet post
egg retrieval, but there's actually little evidence to support these recommendations.
The theory behind a high protein and high sodium diet is that it may help to reduce
the risk of a condition called Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome, or OHSS. OHSS
is essentially where your ovaries become swollen and sore as a result of increased hormones.
Some of the most common symptoms of OHSS is fluid retention and bloating,
but check out my video on OHSS for more information.
Now, the theory goes, that when you're consuming a high protein diet, you will conversely reduce
your carbohydrate intake, ending up in a state called ketosis. In ketosis, you lose carbohydrate
stores in your muscle and liver, and when you lose them, you also lose the fluid attached to them.
Long story short, when following a high protein, low carb diet, you tend to lose
a lot of fluid... which may be helpful to counteract fluid retention caused by OHSS.
So, what about the high sodium part? Many women who develop OHSS present with low sodium levels
in their bloodstream. A high sodium diet after egg retrieval helps to prevent this side effect.
Try these tips to follow a high protein and high sodium diet:
Number 1. Unless you've got thyroid conditions or are already taking iodine supplements,
use iodized salt and add a sprinkle to your meals
Number 2. Drink sports drinks or hydration drinks, which are high in salt, instead of water
Number 3. Try adding a teaspoon of vegemite or bonox to a cup of warm water
Number 4. Ensure that you're eating fish three times each week
Number 5. Snack on a handful of salted nuts each day
Number 6. Replace fruit with veggie sticks.
Number 7. Make up a big pot of veggie soup recipe that you can find on my website.
Number 8. Reduce your intake of sugar, grains, legumes and fruit.
This diet should only be followed short term until your bloating subsides,
and you definitely want to be off it prior to an embryo transfer.
For the best results, see a fertility dietitian
to help you calculate your personal protein, carbohydrate,
fluid and sodium requirements - I guarantee you that you'll get much better outcomes.
And make sure that you go and check out all of my fertility nutrition resources at
melaniemcgrice.com/shop.
I'll see you in my next video!