My husband and I have been trying to conceive for almost four years, and tried Clomid and Artificial Insemination and have had no luck. I was diagnosed with Polycystic Ovaries and told that a weight loss might help our chances and that I need to loose at least 30 lbs before trying IVF. Can you give me any advise on what diets/Exercises woman with PCOS have the best response to?
Absolutely does weight impact your chances of conception, and weight loss has a very healing and beneficial effect on PCOS. In fact, our patients with PCOS who are annovulatory have, after implementing our nutrition protocols, begun having normal, regular periods on their own! The best diet is a low-glycemic approach, focusing on foods that keep blood sugar balanced, as we know high insulin levels are directly related to abnormal hormone levels in PCOS. Any exercise is good exercise, but when trying to conceive, not all workouts are created equal. Yoga would be the recommendation of choice.
Are there any foods I should absolutely avoid if I am trying to conceive?
Yes! Of course, there is the obvious one that no Starbucks-loving woman likes to hear – and that is caffeine. Studies show that even 300mg daily (the amount in one cup of coffee) can decrease your chances of conception. Alcohol is another one that should be eliminated completely when trying to conceive. In addition, high fat foods and refined sugars/processed foods are minimally nutritious and often add extra pounds that can impact fertility. New studies are also showing that even the types of fats we eat contribute to how well an egg can fertilize and influence our conception rates. Although these are general guidelines, women with specific reproductive disorders such as endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome each have specific foods that will improve their condition – as well as foods that can sabotage the healing process.
What is unique about Pulling Down the Moon’s fertility-focused nutrition?
Unique to Pulling Down the Moon is a nutritional program focused solely on enhancing one’s fertility. Our nutritionists are specifically trained in how foods and nutrients affect our reproductive systems. Although there is not a specific one-size-fits-all fertility diet, there is an abundance of research on specific vitamins, minerals, and foods that are proven to enhance ones chances of conception. We have combined all this research to create a program that recognizes and addresses nutritional deficiencies that may sabotage your reproductive health. We also know that women closer to their healthy body weight have better odds of conception than women who are over or underweight. Our programs help women reach their healthy weight while not depriving them of important calories and nutrients necessary for conception.
My husband has low sperm count, quality, and motility. Can what he eats change those parameters?
Absolutley! It takes two to have a baby, and if a couple is dealing with male factor fertility when trying to conceive, know there are many nutritional changes that can positively influence all aspects of sperm count and quality. Our nutritionists recommend specific supplements to enhance male fertility as well as dietary modifications that have proven to be extremely effective.
What should I expect at my nutritional consultation and how many times do I have to be seen?
An initial nutritional consultation is a one-hour evaluation of your health and nutritional lifestyle. A detailed history will be taken as well as a dietary assessment and even evaluation of any current supplements. Based on each individual consultation, recommendations will be made on an individual basis. Each patient leaves with a packet of information on fertility, food choices, specific dietary modifications for that individual, and even healing foods for your specific health condition. Although we focus on fertility, we also address other reproductive disorders, digestive problems.
Here's what patients are saying about fertility nutrition counseling...
I don't know if you remember me but I came to see you at Pulling Down the Moon in the beginning of November. I just wanted to tell you that, while it is very very early, I am pregnant!!!!!! I am so excited- i had absolutely no fertility medication this month so attribute [the success] to a better diet and acupuncture. You have no idea how thrilled my husband and I are- not just to be pregnant but to not have to think about another round of IVF. Thanks again!
I wanted to thank you as I truly believe you working with my diet and health had a significant impact on me getting pregnant. Yep, you heard me correctly after 1+ year of trying we found out that we are 4 weeks pregnant. We are both extremely excited. I also forgot to tell you we didn't even start clomid or an IUI yet. This was all natural without any drugs or procedures done. :) (this was a phone consult!)
My husband and I met with you for nutritional counseling on infertility last October and November. We had previously done one IUI and 2 IVF cycles that had failed. You recommended I start taking Metagenics Wellness for Pregnancy supplements and also gave us great nutritional advice. Our plan was to do another IVF cycle in March, but amazingly enough, we achieved a spontaneous pregnancy in January! So, first of all, THANK YOU for your advice! My husband is convinced that is what did it for us.