Randy Chandler
A healthy diet and lifestyle are crucial for successful IVF treatment. Nutrition directly impacts hormonal balance, which is a key factor in fertility treatment success. While some sources recommend avoiding cheese during IVF, others suggest that dairy intake is associated with higher chances of live birth, particularly in women over 35. Cheese was the most commonly consumed dairy food among women undergoing IVF. However, it is important to distinguish between different types of cheese.
Is cheese good for IVF?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese consumption during IVF | Cheese is the most commonly consumed dairy food (32%) during IVF treatment. |
| Dairy food consumption and IVF outcomes | Dairy food intake has a positive association with live births, especially in women ≥35 years of age. |
| Types of cheese to avoid during IVF | Mould-ripened soft cheese such as brie, camembert, and blue-veined varieties such as stilton due to the risk of listeria infection. |
| Types of cheese allowed during IVF | Hard cheeses such as cheddar and parmesan, and cheeses made from pasteurised milk such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and cheese spreads. |
| Other dietary considerations during IVF | Consume protein-rich, antioxidant-rich, and anti-inflammatory foods. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol, caffeine, refined sugar, and processed foods. |
| Lifestyle considerations during IVF | Light to moderate exercise, stress management techniques, and achieving a healthy BMI are recommended. |
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What You'll Learn
Cheese types to avoid during IVF
It is recommended that women undergoing IVF avoid eating cheese, especially mould-ripened soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, and blue-veined varieties like stilton and Danish blue. This is because there is a risk of listeria infection, which can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, or severe illness in the newborn. Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be found in food and can cause serious health problems, especially during pregnancy. While listeriosis is very rare, it is important to take extra precautions during pregnancy to ensure the health and safety of both the mother and the baby.
Mould-ripened soft cheeses are particularly susceptible to listeria contamination because the mould used in the ripening process can carry the bacteria. While hard cheeses, such as chedder and parmesan, are generally considered safe, it is important to read labels and opt for cheeses made with pasteurized milk to further reduce the risk of infection.
In addition to mould-ripened soft cheeses, it is also recommended to avoid unpasteurized dairy products during IVF. This includes soft cheeses made with unpasteurized milk, as well as raw or unpasteurized milk itself. Unpasteurized dairy products may contain harmful bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella, which can cause foodborne illnesses.
Some sources suggest that cooked mould-ripened soft cheeses may be safe to consume during IVF, as the heat from cooking can kill the listeria bacteria. However, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or a fertility specialist for personalized advice and recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle during IVF treatment.
Overall, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet during IVF is crucial. This includes staying hydrated, consuming protein-rich foods, and avoiding excessive caffeine and alcohol intake. Additionally, it is important to be mindful of other food safety considerations, such as ensuring proper handling and cooking of meat, poultry, and eggs to prevent foodborne illnesses.
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Cheese types that are safe to eat during IVF
While undergoing IVF, it is important to maintain a healthy and balanced diet. Eating food rich in saturated fats is said to negatively impact IVF treatment. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid cheese, especially mould-ripened soft cheeses, during your IVF cycle. Cheeses such as brie, camembert, stilton, and Danish blue should be avoided due to the risk of listeria infection. Listeriosis can lead to severe illness in the newborn, miscarriage, or stillbirth.
However, not all cheese needs to be avoided during IVF. Hard cheeses, such as cheddar and parmesan, are generally considered safe. In addition, cheeses made from pasteurised milk, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and cheese spreads, can also be consumed.
Cottage cheese, or paneer, is a great source of calcium and protein. It can be enjoyed as a snack or added to dishes for a creamy and nutritious boost. Greek yogurt is another protein-rich option that provides probiotics for a healthy gut. For a lower-fat option, skim milk provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.
While it is important to be mindful of your diet during IVF, it is always best to consult with your doctor or a registered dietician for personalised advice. They can provide guidance on any necessary dietary restrictions or adjustments to support your IVF journey.
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The impact of dairy intake on IVF outcomes
Dairy products are recommended as part of a healthy diet during IVF treatment. Dairy intake is associated with higher chances of live births, especially in women over 35. Milk consumption during pregnancy has been linked to higher placental size and offspring size at birth. Additionally, it has been associated with higher birth weights resulting from increased fetal weight gain in the third trimester.
However, it is important to distinguish between different types of dairy products. Cheese was the most commonly consumed dairy food among women undergoing IVF treatment. While cheese is generally safe, it is recommended to avoid mould-ripened soft cheeses such as brie and camembert, as well as blue-veined varieties like stilton, due to the risk of listeria infection. These types of cheeses are safe to consume if they are made from pasteurised milk. Other safe options include hard cheeses such as cheddar and parmesan, as well as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and cheese spreads.
It is also recommended to drink pasteurised or UHT milk to reduce the risk of harmful germs. Skim milk is a lower-fat option that provides essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Greek yoghurt is another recommended dairy product during IVF as it is a protein-rich food that also provides probiotics for gut health.
Overall, a balanced diet that includes dairy products, whole grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats is recommended during IVF treatment. Maintaining proper nutrition and a healthy BMI can improve IVF success rates and provide the necessary nutrients to produce and regulate reproductive hormones effectively.
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Other foods to avoid during IVF
While undergoing IVF treatment, it is important to eat healthily and maintain a balanced diet. A nutritious diet can help regulate hormones, lower stress levels, and improve overall health. However, certain foods should be avoided to ensure successful IVF treatment and a healthy pregnancy.
Firstly, it is recommended to avoid caffeine and excessive sugar. Caffeine consumption should be carefully monitored, with less than 200 mg daily generally considered safe. Excessive sugar intake can lead to an abrupt rise in blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of Type-2 diabetes and negatively impacting hormonal balance. Carbonated drinks, such as soda, fall into this category due to their high sugar content.
Processed and fried foods are also best avoided as they can contribute to inflammation and negatively impact fertility. This includes packaged snacks, ready meals, and processed meats, which have high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and added sugars. Soy-based products should also be excluded from the diet during IVF treatment.
Alcohol consumption should be avoided as it can lead to ovarian dysfunction and increase the risk of miscarriage and other severe problems during pregnancy. Smoking should also be ceased, as it can harm sperm health, lower sperm count, and alter sperm shape, potentially leading to genetic illnesses.
Additionally, it is important to be cautious when consuming fish. While fish is recommended for its omega-3 fatty acids, it is crucial to choose varieties with low mercury levels. High mercury levels can cause birth defects, so it is best to avoid fish like bigeye tuna, king mackerel, and swordfish.
Overall, a well-balanced and nutrient-rich diet is crucial during IVF treatment to support successful conception, implantation, and a healthy pregnancy.
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Lifestyle habits to improve IVF success
Cheese, particularly mould-ripened varieties, is best avoided during IVF treatment. This is due to the risk of contracting a listeria infection, which could be harmful. However, other dairy products such as Greek yoghurt, skimmed milk and cottage cheese are recommended as part of a healthy diet to support IVF success.
Diet
A healthy, balanced diet is crucial to IVF success. Focus on whole foods, including plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats like avocado, nuts, and olive oil. A Mediterranean-style diet is recommended by some fertility doctors. Aim to eat antioxidant-rich foods to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, which can negatively impact fertility.
Weight Management
Maintaining a moderate weight and a balanced nutrition plan can improve sperm quality. Doctors recommend achieving a healthy BMI before beginning treatment. This can be achieved through appropriate exercise and a balanced nutrition plan.
Exercise
Light to moderate exercise for 30-40 minutes daily, 4-5 times a week, can improve treatment outcomes. Suitable activities include walking, swimming, or gentle yoga. High-intensity workouts are not recommended during treatment cycles.
Stress Management
Stress management is important during IVF treatment. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, gentle yoga, and other relaxing techniques can help maintain emotional balance. Counselling or support groups can also provide additional emotional support.
Sleep
Getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night is recommended to improve IVF success rates. This is because a lack of sleep can affect testosterone levels and sperm quality.
Avoid Chemicals and Toxins
A 2019 study showed that some chemicals and toxins may lower sperm quality. Avoid chemicals such as BPA or phenol in food packaging, parabens in soaps, and perfluorinated substances in kitchenware stain repellents.
Stop Smoking
Not smoking tobacco or weed can improve the success of IVF.
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Frequently asked questions
Cheese is not recommended during IVF treatment due to the risk of listeria infection, especially for mould-ripened varieties such as brie and camembert. However, some sources suggest that cheese may be consumed during IVF as long as it is made from pasteurised milk, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, and cheese spreads.
Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial during IVF treatment. This includes consuming protein-rich foods, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated by drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily is also recommended.
Yes, it is best to avoid processed foods, high sugar content, carbonated drinks, and alcohol during IVF treatment. Caffeine consumption should also be carefully monitored, with less than 200 mg daily generally considered safe.
Maintaining a healthy BMI through balanced nutrition and appropriate exercise is important. Light to moderate exercises such as walking, swimming, or gentle yoga are recommended. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and counselling can also positively impact IVF success rates.
