In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) is a blessing for individuals and couples experiencing difficulties in conceiving. This process takes up to 6 to 8 weeks to complete, involving several steps, and it’s therefore important for those undergoing this procedure to experience the joy of parenthood to ensure their well-being at every step (and afterwards!) While maintaining overall well-being is of the greatest importance throughout the IVF process, diet, in particular, plays a very important role in ensuring optimal health, minimal complications, and successful outcomes.
To boost the chances of a healthy pregnancy through IVF, our very own, home-made, Indian diet plan for IVF success, can be incredibly helpful. But, before we move on to the best IVF diet for success and discuss things to eat and avoid during the process, let’s first discuss what IVF is.
What is IVF?
IVF Kya hai? In the modern world, unhealthy lifestyles, poor eating habits, and stress have led to an increase in the cases of both female and male infertility. Couples and individuals who wish to experience parenthood often face disappointment when they’re unable to get pregnant naturally. Among such couples and individuals, IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation), a form of ART (Assisted Reproductive Technology) serves as a beacon of hope.
In the IVF procedure, eggs are fertilised in a laboratory dish before being re-implanted as embryos into the uterus. This technique offers a viable option for achieving pregnancy after other treatments fail. IVF is considered to be one of the most viable fertility treatments, with high ivf success rates. But, does diet affect IVF success?
Absolutely! While the success of IVF depends on several factors, diet happens to be a major factor.
Indian Diet Plan for IVF Success
Indian diets are generally very nutrient dense–which is precisely what’s required for optimal IVF results. Your diet must be rich in all essential nutrients throughout the IVF process. In addition, you must make mindful decisions regarding what you eat and absolutely avoid foods that can put you at risk of complications. There are certain ivf foods to avoid which one should be aware of. In simple words, you may have to stop taking those trips to your favourite fast food joints- irrespective of how hard it may seem. To help you navigate the diet aspect of your IVF journey, our experts have compiled tips on the foods to eat during the IVF process, and an Indian diet plan for IVF success that will help you get all the essential nutrients and have a seamless journey.
Also Read: Diet During IVF Injections, What to Avoid During IVF Injections
Foods to Add to IVF Diet for Success
To design a diet plan for women undergoing IVF, our experts considered the nutrients essential for the IVF procedure and catered to the Indian palate. Let’s look at the essential foods to add to the diet during IVF:
Fruits and Vegetables: It goes without saying that fruits and vegetables are the most essential source of nutrients, even during IVF. They have antioxidant properties and all the necessary vitamins and minerals to ensure optimal health during IVF. Palak (Spinach), Methi, Broccoli, and Tomatoes are must-haves during the IVF procedure. In addition, fruits like oranges, apples, avocados, and pomegranates can also be highly beneficial. An Indian diet plan for IVF success should be rich in fruits and veggies. (How To Make IVF Successful The First Time)
Complex Carbohydrates: Beans and whole grains are rich in complex carbohydrates. Consuming foods with complex carbohydrates during IVF is important as they help sustain energy, manage blood sugar levels, and promote overall reproductive well-being.
Chapattis, Brown Rice, Oats, Millets, and Ragi are good sources of complex carbohydrates.
Dairy: High-fat dairy foods are considered vital for ensuring the hormonal balance in the body, which is essential for successful IVF. In addition, they’re good sources of vitamin D and calcium. Dairy foods to include in the diet include full-fat milk, curd, and paneer. However, ensure you take advice on the amount you should consume from your IVF specialist.
Nuts: Nuts are rich in fats, protein, and other essential nutrients that can help improve fertility and encourage reproductive health during IVF. Pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds, almonds, walnuts, pinenuts, and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of zinc, essential for healthy sperm and eggs.
Lean Proteins: Lean proteins are essential to overall reproductive health and are important in IVF success. The best sources of lean protein during IVF include chicken, fish, eggs, and tofu.
A combination of all these foods in a diet make the best recipe for successful IVF.
Lets get started
7-Day Indian Diet Plan for IVF Success
| Day | Breakfast | Mid-Morning Snack | Lunch | Evening Snack | Dinner |
| Day 1 | Whole grain oats with fruits & nuts | Pomegranate | Dal (lentil) & quinoa upma, veggie salad | Dried fruits | Paneer or fish sabzi, brown rice & saute/steamed vegetables |
| Day 2 | Whole wheat bread sandwich with Avocado & boiled eggs | Fruit Smoothie with flax seeds | Chole Sabzi, 2 wheat Chapatis, cucumber-to mato salad | Yoghurt with berries or kiwi | Mix-vegetable sabzi with quinoa |
| Day 3 | Spinach & mushroom omelette, whole grain toast | Date & almond ladoo | Dal with mix vegetables, curd & bajra roti | Roasted chana | Paneer sabzi, brown rice, and sauteed spinach |
| Day 4 | Poha with mixed vegetables | Roasted nuts | Rajma, brown rice,
tomato-cucumber salad |
Guava | Soya/Chicken curry with whole wheat chapati & veggie salad |
| Day 5 | Stuffed methi roti with yoghourt | Oranges & Walnuts | Veggie brown rice pulao with cucumber raita | Roasted corn | Grilled Tofu/ chicken, quinoa, and saute spinach |
| Day 6 | Vegetable upma with veggies | Roasted makhana with tea | Mix veggies, dal, quinoa & salad | Roasted chickpeas | Baingan sabzi, whole wheat chapati & dahi |
| Day 7 | Sabudana khichdi with peanuts | Orange juice with almonds | Lauki sabzi, whole wheat chapati, green salad | Assorted nuts and seeds mix | Paneer tikka, bhindi sabzi, and brown rice |
Does Diet Affect IVF Success?- The Conclusion
Diet is an often an understated but important component of IVF, with significant impact on the outcomes. Therefore, if you’ve embarked on the path to parenthood through IVF, you must take care of what you eat. A carefully curated Indian diet plan for success must include all the essential nutrients for reproductive well-being. In addition to a healthy diet, engaging in some exercise, and managing stress-levels can also be highly beneficial. So, boost your IVF journey with a healthy IVF diet for success and have a seamless journey to parenthood.
