IVF or In vitro fertilization is a series of procedures that is advised as a reproductive treatment for people who have failed to conceive naturally. It is usually advised in cases where fertility is affected by conditions such as endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and blocked or absent fallopian tubes. For IVF, mature eggs are extracted from the ovaries, and fertilized by a sperm in a lab environment. Subsequently, fertilized eggs would then be placed in the uterus where they would develop into babies. Multiple practices are followed to ensure that the procedure is a success, which includes following certain diets and supplements. The one getting the most limelight lately is the Mediterranean diet, but does it actually help?
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Does The Mediterranean Diet Help With IVF?
As per the recent study titled, ‘Mediterranean Diet May Help Women Receiving IVF Achieve Successful Pregnancies’, published in The European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, strictly following a Mediterranean diet increases the chances of getting pregnant when going through the IVF procedure. During the research, it was found that women who strictly followed the Mediterranean diet regime for six months before initiating the IVF procedure had a significantly better chance of conceiving and giving birth as opposed to the women who didn’t adhere to it.
As per the findings, adopting a dietary regime with no red meat with more fruit, vegetables, seafood, whole grains, legumes, and vegetable oils increased the chances of conceiving and giving birth by approximately 65 to 68 percent.
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How Does The Mediterranean Diet Help With IVF?
The Mediterranean Diet is filled with antioxidants that prevent oxidative stress and shield the body from free radicals. The excess of free radicals can pose harm to the eggs, reproductive hormone glands, and reproductive organs. Mediterranean diet regime can help reduce any damage from free radicals and facilitate the operation of glands and organs at their best.
This diet also provides a good amount of Omega-6 fatty acids as it highly relies on the use of healthy vegetable oils. It gives the body the precursors to produce prostaglandins that play a huge role in regulating the reproductive system, ovulation, and initiation of labor.
Though the success of IVF depends on several factors including the quantity and quality of the eggs, fertilization, growth of embryo, and implantation, diet and nutrition play a significant role as well.