Nutrition
Nutritional accompaniment in the reproductive process
We know that following a balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management play a fundamental role in fertility. The work of Alba Andreu, as a dietitian-nutritionist and consultant for FIVCLÍNIC, will be to accompany you and promote healthy lifestyle habits to achieve the desired pregnancy.
Is there the ideal diet to promote fertility?
Scientific research on nutrition and fertility (Diet and fertility: a review. Am J Obstet Gynecol. Gaskins AJ, Chavarro JE. 2018 Apr) has advanced a lot in recent years, and although in some cases it is not yet robust, it does allow us get an idea of which nutrients could have a positive or negative impact on fertility.
What foods are beneficial for fertility?
It is known that the intake of complex carbohydrates and fiber, present in cereals and whole grains; monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil; and omega 3 fatty acids, in oily fish, could have a beneficial effect on fertility in women and men. In turn, it has been observed that replacing part of the proteins of animal origin (meat, fish, eggs) with proteins of plant origin (legumes, nuts and seeds) favors ovulation. In addition, an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals is essential to promote fertility. Specifically, antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc, appear to play an essential role in male reproduction. The main source of vitamins and antioxidants are found in fruits, vegetables and vegetables.
What foods should we avoid if we are in a reproductive process?
Conversely, excessive intake of saturated fats, trans-fatty acids, and animal proteins could have a detrimental effect on fertility. This group would include foods such as red and processed meats, cold cuts, pastries and fast-food.
Bearing this in mind, the well-known current Western diet, characterized by excessive consumption of red meat, processed foods, saturated fats, refined sugars and very little intake of fiber and vitamins, would have a negative impact on fertility.
What type of diet should we follow if we seek pregnancy?
Responding to the initial question, we can affirm that, although there is no single fertility diet, we can talk about different dietary patterns that can favor it, such as the Mediterranean, Atlantic, vegetarian and even vegan diets, always under the supervision of a professional.
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