What Foods Help Implantation After IVF Transfer?

All couples who use assisted reproductive techniques such as IVF treatment seek different methods to increase their chance of successful pregnancy. One way to increase your chances of IVF implantation is to have a proper diet after embryo transfer. In this essay, we introduce what foods support implantation and what foods lower the chance of IVF success.

Read more: How to Increase Chances of Successful IVF?

Importance of IVF Diet after Embryo Transfer 

Foods have different nutritional values and can highly affect hormone production, sperm production, the number of eggs and their quality, and the quality of sperm. Therefore, a balanced diet before and after IVF is essential for this successful method. Moreover, having a nutrient-rich diet rich in vitamins and minerals will boost your immune system, and the embryo will be protected against free radicals. 

What to Eat after IVF Embryo Transfer?

Read on to learn what you should eat after IVF embryo transfer:

Water

Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water after embryo transfer has many advantages, such as: 

• It makes pre-IVF medications enter the blood circulation system;
• It balances the hormones;
• It boosts the immune system;
• It removes impurities from blood (detoxification);
• It improves blood flow and
• It thickens the uterine wall and prepares the uterus for implantation. 

Also, adding several drops of lemon juice to a glass of water increases the absorption of IVF medications. It eliminates the common post-IVF digestive problems such as constipation and nausea.

Nuts

Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, folate, antioxidants, protein, and other necessary nutrients for implantation. Moreover, nuts such as almonds and walnuts have selenium, which directs blood flow to the uterus and ovaries, thickens the uterine wall, and protects the embryo from free radical damage.

Egg 

Egg yolk contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, E, and K2, which are very useful for implantation and preventing the formation of blood clots. Also, egg white is a good source of protein and B-12 vitamin. Remember that raw eggs contain harmful microbes like salmonellas, so they should be cooked before eating.

Salmon 

Salmon is rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids. So, it is a wholesome food you should add to your IVF diet.  

Sweet Potato

Sweet potato can provide 70% of vitamin A needed for your body after IVF. Also, since it has antioxidants, potassium, and fiber, it plays an important role in supporting digestive health, maintaining normal blood pressure levels, regulating hormones, boosting the immune system, and reducing inflammation.

Foods Rich in Folate

Folic acid is necessary to properly develop the neural tube -which serves as the embryonic brain and spinal cord. Dark green vegetables such as spinach and kale, citrus fruits, beans, peas, avocados, and broccoli are rich in folate. Moreover, nuts, beans, lentils, eggs, and peanut butter are good sources of folate.

Beetroot

Beetroot, rich in iron, glutamine, and antioxidants, thickens the uterine wall and prepares the uterus for implantation. It also contains nitric oxide, a molecule that dilates blood vessels, increases oxygen delivery speed and helps nutrients and blood cells reach the uterus and ovaries.

Lean Protein

Having lean proteins at least twice weekly makes antibodies for your immune system and regulates your hormones and enzymes. Good sources of lean protein include beans, eggs, nuts, seeds, salmon, and yogurt. 

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Having fresh fruits and vegetables such as bananas, oranges, berries, dates, sprouts, broccoli, etc., eliminates your post-IVF digestive problem and keeps you and the baby healthy.

Healthy fats

Although some fats are harmful to the body, healthy fats such as olive oil, sesame oil, flaxseed oil, and chia seed oil contain vitamins A and B and benefit both the mother and the baby.

Foods to Avoid After IVF Transfer

After IVF transfer, you should avoid the following foods:

• Alcoholic beverages;
• Caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, and energy drinks;
• Sodas;
• Seafood high in mercury, such as tuna and mackerel;
• Processed and canned foods;
• Leftovers;
• Junk food;
• Unpasteurized milk;
• Processed meats; 
• Foods that contain artificial color and sugar;
• Sheep and chicken liver;
• Undercooked meat or egg;
• Too much papaya and pineapple;
• Allergenic foods such as eggplant;
• Spicy foods; and
• Too much pickle and vinegar.

Mediterranean Diet after IVF Embryo Transfer

Studies have shown that a Mediterranean diet increases the chance of IVF success in women under 35. Also, women with a Mediterranean diet can maintain a healthy BMI throughout the pregnancy after IVF embryo transfer. If you wonder what is included in this type of diet, read the following:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (raw, steamed, boiled);
• Whole grains such as pasta and quinoa;
• Lean proteins such as eggs, chicken, and fish;
• Nuts including almond, walnut, hazelnut;
• Legumes such as soybean, pea, chickpea, and lentil;
• Healthy fats such as olive and sesame oil and
• Low-fat dairies.

Also, you should reduce salt intake and avoid having red meat, refined or hydrogenated oils, refined grains, artificial sweeteners, and processed foods when having this diet.

Taking Supplements after IVF Transfer

Taking vitamins and dietary supplements after IVF transfer is not an obligation, but it can significantly impact the success of the treatment. Women over 35 and those with low ovarian reserve should take coenzyme Q-10 and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements for a couple of months to increase their IVF pregnancy. Also, taking vitamins D and E, folic acid, L-arginine, and omega-3 supplements positively affects fetal brain development and thickens the endometrium wall.

Read more: What to Do After Embryo Transfer to Increase Success?

conclusion

In general, by having a proper diet after embryo transfer, the chance of IVF failure will decrease to a great extent. Notably, your diet after embryo transfer should be similar to that of a woman who has naturally attained pregnancy. If you want a successful IVF, the Raadina team provides you with the most affordable and customized fertility treatment packages in Iran. 

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