DO:
- Pineapple
- (Controversial;) Bromelain, an extract from pineapple stem, has demonstrated antithrombotic and anticoagulant activities in vivo. Bromelain reduced the adhesion of bound, thrombin stimulated, fluorescent labeled platelets to bovine aorta endothelial cells, and was shown to be as effective as the proteases papain and trypsin, on the basis of mass concentrations. The bromelain acts as a blood thinner, much like baby aspirin, which helps improve blood flow to the uterine lining, aiding in implantation. Start on the day of the transfer.(1,2)
- Rest
- Bed rest is no longer recommended, but resting for 1-2 hours after embryo transfer is suggested. (2)
- Acupuncture
- On the day of the embryo transfer, done at the fertility center; increases blood flow to the reproductive organs. One treatment before the transfer, one after. Another treatment done 3 days post transfer. (3)
- Yams
- (Controversial;) They contain diosgenin, which is a substance similar to progesterone, the female hormone responsible for facilitating pregnancy. Yams cause multiple eggs to be released for fertilization during ovulation. (4,5)
- L-Arginine
- Increases ovarian response, endometrial receptivity, and pregnancy rates in poor-responding IVF patients(6,8,9,12)
- Multi-vitamin
- Containing Folate (6)
- FOLATE: Sunflower seeds, avocado, artichoke (10)
- Co-enzyme Q10, Vitamins C, E, Zinc & Selenium
- Co-Q is an enzyme which improves cellular & mitochondrial function; the anti-oxidants (C,E,Zinc & Selenium) help to prevent mitochondrial damage. (6,7)
- ZINC: Sunflower & pumpkin seeds (11)
- SELENIUM: Sunflower & pumpkin seeds (11)
- VITAMIN E: Sunflower seeds, pomegranate, squash (10)
- VITAMIN C: tablet; fruit juice, fruit bars, broccoli, squash (10)
- DHEA
- Can be used to improve response to ovarian stimulation (7)
- Avoid Intercourse
- No proof that it dislodges the embryo; but better safe than sorry. (2)
DON'T:
- Heavy lifting
- Stress
1) http://www.wellsphere.com/pregnancy-fertility-article/fertility-foods/1017632
2) http://www.articlesbase.com/pregnancy-articles/how-to-improve-ivf-implantation-3345124.html
3) http://acubalance.ca/natural-fertility-ivf-support
4) http://www.ehow.com/facts_5548162_yams-good-infertility.html
5) http://www.pregnancy-info.net/increasing_twins.html
6) http://www.fertility.ca/2008/05/how-to-increase-your-chances-of-releasing-good-quality-eggs-2/
7) http://www.acudenver.com/articles/ArticlesRL1.pdf
8) http://natural-fertility-info.com/increase-egg-health
9) http://humrep.oxfordjournals.org/content/14/7/1690.full
10) http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/vitamins-nutrition-chart.html
11) http://www.healthalternatives2000.com/nut-seed-nutrition-chart.html
12) http://ivfbug.blogspot.com/p/nbm3s-sperm-friendly-diet.html
