“Forbidden food” if you try to have a child

On the journey to her he holds a prominent position. Although it does not correct all problems preventing children from having children, it can help improve the conditions for arrest. Those women who try to capture must therefore be careful with their diet, since any food they consume has an impact on reproductive capacity. Of course, there is no specific “fertility nutrition”. There are some nutrient groups that have a positive effect on the process and others that can undermine efforts to achieve a healthy pregnancy. So women who want to have children must keep an eye on their diet. And summer is not exempt… Ice cream and soft drinks that are often selected to cool from high temperatures should be limited to a minimum. Those seeking pregnancy must be careful both with the consumption of animal proteins and fats and instead choose fish or seafood. “The weakness of a couple to achieve conception and complete pregnancy, risks becoming an epidemic in recent years. About 15% of couples worldwide are in this position. Female infertility is responsible for 35% of cases and male for 30%. At 20% of couples the problem is attributed to both, while at 15% the causes are unclear. The factors that are likely to lead to female infertility are many. These include ovulation disorders, reproductive problems (blocked trumpets, fibromyomas, polyps, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome), hormonal imbalances (increased prolactin) and some medicines, such as those to treat cancer”, explains the specialist in Gynecological Endocrinology, Infertility and Aided Reproduction, Obstetrician Gynecologist Dr. Ioannis Papakonstantinou. Recently research has turned to identifying potentially modified factors that may affect reproductive health. These include physical activity, stress, socio-economic factors, smoking and psychotropic substances. Most attention has been paid to the diet and the Body Mass Index, since the perception prevails that women who make wrong eating choices may have reproductive problems. “The impact of nutrition on women who try to capture naturally but, especially those who have resorted to assisted reproduction techniques has received particular attention. Obesity that is very common, is an important risk factor, as it negatively affects hormonal stimulation, response to ovulation induction schemes, success of in vitro fertilization and increased risk of complications even if pregnancy is achieved. Both balanced calorific intake and proper diet before conception seem to have a positive effect on in vitro fertilization, since research shows that healthy dietary standards can increase the chances of pregnant and birthing live infants,” he notes. The diet proposed is very similar to that which promotes general health. Foods selected for proper cardiovascular function, good health of the brain, immune system and musculoskeletal system are those that also help the reproductive system. Mediterranean diet is an excellent nutritional standard. Unlike the west containing much meat, fat and processed carbohydrates, it focuses on foods of plant origin, such as vegetables, fruit, legumes, whole grain, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices. Olive oil is the main source of fat. Fish, seafood, dairy and poultry are included as long as they are consumed in moderation, while red meat and sweets rarely enter the table. This should be followed by women who target a pregnancy. That’s why: Carbohydrates Carbohydrate intake, including sugar, leads to an increase in insulin, which interferes with the maturation process of the ova. Cause is that this hormone is confused with those that mature the eggs and when the organism is frequently confused, ovulation is prevented. When hormone production is delayed, a higher amount of testosterone is released, which can lead to polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that makes it difficult to conceive. Among many others, a large study conducted in 18,555 women with no history of infertility showed that higher carbohydrate consumption with high glycaemic index at the expense of vegetable fats was positively associated with infertility, due to ovulation disorders. “ Main sources of additional sugars in summer are soft drinks and ice cream. Their consumption may reduce the chances of successful pregnancy in women seeking it through assisted reproduction techniques. For example, the consumption of sugar soft drinks has been shown to cause increased oestradiol concentrations, adversely affecting the treatment prior to fertilization, while at the same time increasing the risk of early delivery,” he notes. Fat High fat content causes changes in reproductive functions, including menstrual cycle duration, reproductive hormone concentrations and embryo quality in assisted reproduction cycles. The quality of the oils hired is more important than their quantity. In the above-mentioned study it appeared that the increase in the intake of trans fats by even 2% resulted in a significant increase in risk of infertility due to ovulation disorders. The reason is that this class of fats has pro-inflammatory properties may increase insulin resistance and the risk of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Protein Regular consumption of plant proteins and reduced intake of animals, without excluding dairy products, fish and poultry, is a good tactic for women seeking pregnancy. Proteins obtained from red meat and less than poultry raise growth factor levels similar to insulin-1 (IGF-1), associated with ovulation disorders. The effect of dairy products on fertility depends on their fat content. In contrast, consumption of herbal proteins improves insulin sensitivity, reduces IGF-1 levels and has a positive effect on ovulation. In one study, women who replaced 5% of animal proteins with proteins of plant origin had a 50% reduced risk of follicular infertility. In another, it was found that the highest intake of fish and white meat was positively associated with the possibility of forming a good quality embryo with more chances of giving pregnancy (blastocyst) to women undergoing in vitro fertilization, as opposed to red meat. Infertile couples with strict devotion to the “Mediterranean” dietary standard have a 40% higher probability of reaching pregnancy after treatment of in vitro fertilization (IVF) or endocytoplasmic spermation (ICSI), according to a study carried out in Denmark. Adherence to this diet caused relatively high concentrations of folate and vitamin B6 in the blood and follicle fluid. The nutritional intake of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid and domosaxaneic acid is equally good. In addition to macronutrients (proteins, fats, carbohydrates) the role of micronutrients (vitamins, metals, trace elements) is distinct. A balanced diet ensures their suitability. Any lack of them is easy to find by blood tests and be replaced by diet or supplements. “Women trying to have children should know that no diet can cure serious infertility conditions. Those who want to create a family can resort to assisted reproduction techniques that will give them the gift of motherhood. And in them, healthy diet works helpfully,” concludes Dr Papakonstantinou.