Diet in Fertility

Diet in Fertility

 

Is it possible that a particular diet can “cure” fertility problems?
No… it doesn’t ….
Researchers have found that eating healthy nutrient rich food is good for reproductive health.

Following so called fertility superfoods can be considered …..

  • Sunflower seeds:Excellent source of vit E. Helps in sperm motility, count and improve DNA fragmentation.
  • Fresh orange and grapefruit juice:Rich source of polyamines putrescine…. Improves sperm and egg health
  • Tomatoes:Both raw and cooked tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant…. Has potential role in improving male fertility.
  • Full fat dairy and cheese:Mature cheese is high in putrescine.
    Full fat dairy products is known to stimulate production of Insulin like growth factor (IGF 1), which helps in ovulation.
  • Pomegranate:High in antioxidants which can help in male infertility.
  • Walnut:Rich source of healthy fats like omega 3, omega 6 fatty acids, boosts fertility.
  • Lentils & Beans:Good source of protein. Lentils contain polyamine spermidine which may help in fertilization. It being good source of folate helps in pre conceptional and foetal health. It is also a rich in fibres.
  • Eggs:Contain high proteins, vit B, omega 3 fatty acids and choline, makes it not only fertility boosting food but also for overall healthy diet.
  • Pineapple:Contains vit C, Bromelain, has anti-inflammatory qualities.
  • Fish: Rich in omega 3 fatty acids, selenium and vit D.
    Selenium had role in sperm health. Low levels are vit D are seen in PCOD, shown to reduce fertility.
  • Cinnamon:Cinnamon is shown to have positive effects in diabetic patients, helps in lowering insulin resistance, has role in polycystic ovarian disease.
  • Healthy food along with exercise helps in maintenance of weight.
    At least 30 mins brisk walk per day helps.
    Loss of 5% of body weigh in obese PCOS patients helps in resumption of ovulation.
    Underweight females can face menstrual irregularities.
    BMI between 18.5 – 24.5 is considered normal.
  • In summary…..Diet rich in vegetable protein, high fat dairy, omega 3 fatty acids, high fibre enriched with vitamins, minerals helps in overall and reproductive health.
    While trans fats, diet high in carbohydrates like potatoes, sweets, sweetened beverages, high consumption of red meat can have negative impact.
    Supplementation with Folate, Vit B, omega 3 fatty acids have positive effect.Eat good …… Exercise ……… stay healthy…..
Stay positive blog by Genesis Fertility Center

Staying Positive

Staying Positive

Infertility is physically, emotionally and socially draining for some couples. Changing attitude towards can make it bearable.

  • Talk about it: Journey through infertility is stressful, tougher if u fight it alone. Find someone to talk who will listen to you without getting tempted to advise.
  • Volunteer: Being there for someone distracts you from constant thoughts about problems and treatment you are undergoing.
  • Go outside: Nature always has a healing touch. Take a walk, go on a hike, get absorbed in the beauty of nature Be kind to yourself: Constant thinking negatively about self affects your emotions. Couples live through the pain of these imagined events again and again…. In the world where we are kind to others, why we should deprive our self with it?
  • Have faith in the process but expect setbacks: Sometimes treatment gives success in the first go, but there can be setbacks. Have Faith that you and your fertility consultant are doing all you can. Try not to look at setbacks as failures but as stepping stones towards success….. Remember…. Even miracles take time sometimes…..
  • Don’t try to analyze your treatment: It’s wise to ask and clarify your doubts with the doctor. But do not over think on every aspect of the treatment.
  • Nurture your relationship: Infertility can cause emotional stress on both partners. It is important to understand that a male partner is also equally affected facing this problem. Spending time together to have fun, going out together, focusing on each other without discussing fertility issue all the time can bring closeness. Couples having a strong relationship get through the treatment process better.
  • Don’t let others break you: Infertility is not just a medical disorder but it has a social aspect also. Don’t let society decide how you should feel…. Be true to yourself, stay away from negative people and their thoughts.
  • Write about it: Keeping a journal, writing a blog or joining a support group of people going through the same problem can help. Writing about your thoughts help to get a wider perspective on them, helps to understand your emotions about it.
  • Exercise: Small amount of regular exercises like walking, gym, swimming or yoga can improve your mood.
  • Meditation and mindfulness: These practices help to reduce stress.
Fertility myths Blog

Fertility Myths & Facts

Women are a cause of Infertility

Fact: Incidence is 1/3rd due to each partner

Taking a pill can reduce Fertility

Fact: Pill prevents conception in a month when taken.

All polycystic ovaries require fertility treatment

Fact: some PCO can conceive with Lifestyle modification.

Pregnancy can be achieved at any time of the month

Fact: Pregnancy chances are maximum around ovulation.

The couple should try for a year on own

Fact: Patients with age >35yrs. should consult in 6mnths of trying.

Ovulation is on the 14th day of the cycle

Fact: Ovulation is variable according to cycle length.

Abstinence of 3-5 days must for good sperms

Fact: Lesser gap can give sperms with good motility.

Fertility Treatment = IVF

Fact: Treatment is individualized. Not all require IVF.

Impact of obesity on Fertility4

Obesity & Fertility

Reproduction and care of off springs is one of the primal function for all living beings. Inability to reproduce, Infertility can be devastating to couples for it is perceived not only as medical problem but has social and psychological burden.

Obesity is defined as an abnormal accumulation of body fat, usually 20% or more over an individual’s ideal body weight.

According to WHO

Normal BMI: 18.5-24.9

Over weight : 25-29.9

Obesity :  >30

1 in 4 women are suffering from obesity.

Obese women have 3 times more incidence of Infertility than ones with normal BMI.

Obesity affects Fertility, has pregnancy complications, adverse health effects

Obesity and Hormonal disturbances:

Fertility requires fine hormonal balance.

Leptin, product of Ob ( obese ) gene , serves as link between obesity and reproduction. Leptin acting on Hypothalamus reduces food intake and increases energy expenditure. In humans obesity is related to leptin resistance. Role of leptin present in pathogenesis of PCOS.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome makes it difficult for body to use insulin due to insulin resistance. Insulin helps to convert carbohydrates into energy. Due to insulin resistance sugar levels in blood stream increases. High insulin increases male hormones ( androgens) causing symptoms of acne, weight gain and menstrual irregularities.

34% of women suffering from infertility have obesity .

When it comes to menstrual disturbances and no ovulation 45% of females are found to be obese.

Insulin resistance is risk factor for future development of diabetes.

Obesity is also associated with thyroid disturbances which further can influence ovulation, egg quality and miscarriage rate.

Obesity affects conception:

Obesity makes it difficult to conceive in natural cycle or in treatment (IUI, IVF) cycles.

It is due to Hormonal disturbances, associated polycystic ovaries with inability to form eggs and ovulation or due to poor quality of eggs.

Dose of hormones required for growth of eggs is also high in obese women due to disturbed absorption and metabolism of drugs.

Obesity also increases risk of miscarriages… 38.1 % compared to 13.3% in normal BMI patients. It is postulated due to disturbed hormonal milieu like associated PCOS, hypothyroidism, insulin resistance, embryo quality or altered endometrial receptivity.

Obesity and fertility treatment:

Poor ART outcome is due to central obesity and PCOS, poor quality of embryos and need for higher hormonal doses. Endometrial receptivity may also be affected in obesity.

Obesity and pregnancy :

Obesity exposes mother and baby both to risk during pregnancy.

Chances of development of diabetes, increased BP are higher in obese females. Large baby, neonatal metabolic problems, requirement of operative delivery in case of fetal distress, malpresentation , neonatal morbidity, post partum endometritis is seen more often.

Obesity and male infertility:

Obesity can lead to decreased testosterone and quality of sperms in men. Ejaculatory dysfunctions is higher in obese males.

Health hazards of Obesity:

Other than Fertility problems obesity can affect other aspects of health in form of increased risk of

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular accidents
  • Joint problems including osteoarthritis
  • Sleep apnoea
  • Cancers: increased risk of uterine, gall bladder, breast , colon cancer in females and high risk of colon and prostate cancer in males

Can loss of weight help?

Despite of array of problems caused by obesity, situation can be improved by just 5% of weight loss.

Positive effects seen on loss of 5% body weight

  • Loss of abdominal fat by 11%
  • Increased insulin sensitivity up to 71%
  • Improved hormonal milieu of the body
  • Regularisation of menses and ovulation
  • Reduction in hormonal dosed in ART cycles
  • Improved pregnancy rates
  • Reduction in medication required for treatment of thyroid problems, diabetes and hypertension.

Life style modification programme:

Focuses on weight reduction by

  • Nutritional intervention
  • Increased physical activity by exercise programme as Gym, Yoga or walking
  • Medications for menstrual regularisation in cases of PCO and thyroid management
  • Behavioural modification to assist patient to change outlook towards life.