Is there a fertility diet? We do know that women who are closer to their healthy body weight have better odds of conception than women who are over or under their ideal weight. In addition, there is evidence that conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and yeast overgrowth, which may negatively impact fertility, can be treated with dietary modification. While “dieting” is not advisable when you are trying to conceive (unless recommended by your physician), it is possible to make changes to your diet to maximize nutrient intake, improve mood and energy levels and avoid the creeping weight gain that some women experience during fertility treatment.
Nothing is more important than nurturing your body and your baby with good food. Learn what foods are best to prepare your body for pregnancy, to support your growing baby’s development and improve overall health of both of you!
Classically defined, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder in which many benign cysts form on the ovaries. It causes your menstrual cycle to be irregular or you may have no periods at all. PCOS can make it hard for you to become pregnant and cause other problems as well. PCOS is most common in women less than 30 years old, ironically our prime reproductive years.
Common Symptoms
- Irregular menstrual periods, particularly long cycles, or no periods at all
- About 20 percent of women with polycystic ovaries have normal menstrual cycles
- Very light or very heavy bleeding during your period
- Trouble getting pregnant
- More hair on your face, chest, and lower abdomen
- Balding in some women
- Obesity
- Acne
Causes
The exact cause of PCOS is unclear. It is common for sisters or a mother and daughter to have PCOS, but a definite genetic link has not been found. PCOS is often characterized by high levels of LH (Luteinizing Hormone), which seems to cause the problem. While LH is necessary to mature the follicle, unbalanced amounts of this hormone also causes the follicle to stop growing in preparation for ovulation. Research shows that elevated levels of the hormone insulin may in fact be the root cause of PCOS because high insulin levels can increase LH levels, directly affecting the follicle. In addition, excess body weight is strongly connected.
Poor sperm quality accounts for a large part of infertility and many of the factors that lead to male infertility have nutritional implications. However, there are many specific diet and lifestyle factors that have been found to be associated with male infertility and can be modified through nutrition counseling, such as:
- Poor antioxidant status
- Systemic Inflammation
- Compromised digestive health
- Poor blood sugar regulation
- High stress levels
- Poor hormonal balance – higher estrogen and lower testosterone levels
Our Nutrition Therapy for Male Infertility program focuses on detailed diet, micronutrient and lifestyle changes to impact sperm quality. While helping you reach an optimal healthy weight and improving overall health parameters are part of the process, we incorporate and eliminate specific foods known to have effects on sperm quality and hormone balance. In addition to dietary changes, we do recommend some vitamins and mineral supplements, when appropriate, to help improve sperm quality.
Our Weight Loss for Fertility Program is a is designed to help women increase their odds of conception through weight loss. We will introduce you to highly nutritious and satisfying eating guidelines. We focus on providing ample amounts of nutrients that are important for good nutrition function and target the specific ways in which being overweight negatively impacts fertility: poor blood sugar regulation, inflammation and the negative hormonal impact of excess body fat.
We focus on minimally processed whole and real foods along with healthy fats to support overall health and fertility. We direct you towards satisfying, nutrient-rich foods. Refined sugars and treats play a minimal role in this dietary pattern as do “diet foods” like processed low-fat dairy, and sugar free or fat free foods.
Following these dietary guidelines has been shown to promote weight loss as well as improve metabolic syndrome, such as decreasing LDL (bad) cholesterol in women.
We specialize in treating women with PCOS and have great results. In fact, these are our favorite patients to treat as well.
Our weight loss program is greatly different from other programs. For women trying to conceive, these are often inappropriate due to their calorically restrictive plans and do not incorporate the specific foods that help women with PCOS and/or do not eliminate the ones that can make the syndrome worse. All our nutritional patients receive a variety of handouts, recipes, meal plans, a list of fertility foods, and other relevant information as part of our consultations. PCOS is highly manageable with nutritional therapy
As woman prepare for conception, they will find that well within is able to support them through a multitude of purposes and goals, as we offer integrative options for a variety of individuals through pre and post-natal massage therapy, holistic health counseling and pre/post-natal Yoga. Each practitioner, based on their specialty, is able to create safe and effective exercises, relief from the symptoms of pre-menstrual variations, pregnancy support, relaxation and restorative techniques to decrease the effects of stress or anxiety, preparation for childbirth and conscientious parenting, recovery from birth.
Our mission to provide the highest-quality integrated health care in a peaceful, beautiful and healing space. We are committed to maintaining health care professionals who share our passion for collaboration and are skilled in creating customized treatment plans that best meet the individual needs of each of our patients. Our patients have access to a variety of wellness services, expert guidance and continued care to help them reach their goals and live their best lives.
You’re finally pregnant or have a new baby and still feel a bit nervous? Well, we’re not surprised. No matter how hard it was to get pregnant, the honest truth is that the really hard work has actually just begun. If you’ve taken a holistic approach this far you will not be surprised to learn that what you eat, what you do for exercise and how you handle stress during your pregnancy can have far-reaching consequences for both your health and the health of your baby. In addition, pregnancy is a process and the needs of both mom and the developing baby change over the course of a full-term pregnancy.
Take care of your unborn baby.
Disclaimer
The sole purpose of these blogs is to provide information about pregnancy and related health issues . This information is not intended for use in the diagnosis, prevention or cure of any disease. If you have any serious, acute or chronic health concern, please consult a trained doctor/health professional who can fully assess your needs and address them effectively. If you are seeking the medical advice of a trained Ayurvedic expert, call us or e mail.
Dr Unnati Chavda
(Promoting pregnancy wellness)
www.ayurvedapanchkarma.in
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