So, you want to know if there are any foods that help implantation after IVF.
Well, the answer is yes, but it's not pineapple!
Today on Nourish, I'm going to tell you about 3 foods that help implantation after IVF.
Stay tuned!
Unfortunately there's not a huge amount of research into foods that help implantation
after IVF, but there is some, so you may as well give these foods a go....
Firstly, make sure you are eating plenty of wholegrains.
An American study by Dr Gaskins and his team found that those who consumed a higher intake
of wholegrains each day had a higher probability of their embryo implanting than women who
had the lowest intake of wholegrains.
This was attributed to the fact that women who consumed more wholegrains developed thicker
uterine linings, and we already know that a thick uterine lining is beneficial for implantation.
It is recommended that we include at least 48 grams of wholegrains in our diet each day,
so try to include some wholegrains at each meal after your embryo transfer.
You may like to try oats for breakfast, an ancient grain salad for lunch and brown rice
with dinner.
Secondly, include low mercury, omega 3 rich fish in your meal plan three times each week.
A recent study of one hundred women undergoing Assisted Reproductive Therapy found that women
who had a higher intake of omega 3 in their diet, had higher rates of implantation than
those who consumed less omega 3.
Fish is one of the best ways to boost your omega 3 intake, so that's the best place to start.
Although, research seems to suggest that it's not just omega 3 that's helpful....reducing
bad saturated fats with good mono and polyunsaturated fats seems to be beneficial for implantation
in general.
To achieve this, avoid processed foods like chips and chocolate and choose foods rich
in good fats such as nuts and extra virgin olive oil.
And, number three is brazil nuts.
Now, I have to admit that I haven't seen any studies that directly link eating brazil nuts
with increased implantation rates after IVF, but, brazil nuts are a good food sources of
zinc, and there are a few emerging studies on the benefits of zinc for implantation.
Furthermore, high blood copper levels have been shown to be problematic when it comes
to implantation, and increasing the zinc to copper ratio has been shown to be a good way
to improve this.
Although brazil nuts contain some copper, the amount is minute compared to the amount
of zinc, so it could be a good idea to enjoy six brazil nuts per day after your embryo transfer
Other foods that have a good zinc to copper ratio include eggs, wheatgerm and oysters.
But just watch your mercury intake if you're eating oysters as well as fish.
Whether you decide to focus on these three foods or not, it's important to focus on eating
a diet high in nutrient-rich foods, and avoiding highly processed foods, as what you eat in
the lead up to conception, during pregnancy and breast-feeding has a huge impact on programming
your baby's epigenetics.
Make sure you check out my other videos on a nutritious diet to optimise your fertility,
including the one on pineapple for implantation, and subscribe so that you'll receive my latest
fertility video each week.
I look forward to seeing you in my next video!