In this article we at IVF-Life explain the importance of the right thyroid hormone levels throughout the development of the foetus. As well as the influence of hypothyroidism, the right nutrition on our fertility. This is the reason why we provide you with a few nutritional tips to help you maintain the recommended thyroid levels in a healthy way.

Hypothyroidism and its effect on our fertility

A sum of organic alterations can lead to a lack of thyroid hormones, which is called hypothyroidism. These hormones are very important for most of functions of our body. For example, the T4 can have a big influence on the correct development of the central nervous system (CNS) of a foetus. When the hormonal levels are not in the recommended range, the neural migration and the formation and maturation of critical areas of the brain will not be optimal.

It is very important to maintain a TSH level (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) under 2.5mlU/L, in order to ensure ensure the appropriate level of thyroid hormonal input to the foetus.

Thanks to the correct level of hormones, the neuronal migration, maturation and formation of important parts of the brain, can develop normally.

Nutrition and hypothyroidism

In order to maintain the TSH levels in a healthy range, there are different medical treatments, but also some natural alternatives.

For these alternatives, there are two main elements we should control in our diet:

Selenium

Types of food we can find selenium in: sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, wheat and wheat germ, bran, barley and mustard seeds.

Iodine

There are some plant-based foods contain higher levels of iodine than others. The Iodine levels can change from one plant based food to another. For example, the iodine level in milligrams, per 100 grams in: spinach (41 mcg), whole-grain rice (20 mcg), fresh mushrooms (18 mcg), or beetroot, carrots and apples (8 mcg).

Other alternatives

Aside from a well-balanced diet, there are other alternative treatments that can help with thyroid-derived problems. Some studies support treatments like Phytotherapy and Ayurveda. If you are considering these options, we recommend you speak with a specialist in this sector.

Can nutrition influence our fertility?

Some changes in our diet can have a positive impact on our health and also on our fertility. There are also foods that can have a bad impact and many are already a big part of our diet. That is the reason why the World Health Organisation (WHO) advices to control the intake of saturated fats and trans-fatty acids, salt and sugars. At the same time, they recommend to increase the intake of all types of fruits and vegetables, as well as regular sport.

If you improve your diet, paying attention to what you should and shouldn’t eat, you will also help to improve your fertility.

What to eat during a fertility treatment?

We all know the different food groups, but in order to have a balanced a healthy diet we need to remember:

The most important group is the one with fruit and vegetables, because thanks to them we get all the nutrients we need. Many studies have proven that these can substitute others food with much less important nutrients and that way decrease the risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and various gastrointestinal problems.

Cereal and proteins, are no essential nutrients for us, as they can be substituted by combinations of others foods.

In order to discover more about how to improve your fertility through your diet, the nurse and fertility specialist Andreia Trigo, explains everything you should know about the relationship between nutrition and fertility.

Does my weight have an impact on my fertility?

As Andreia Trigo explains, a diet with an excess of animal proteins can displace the intake of other foods and therefore can worsen the fertility. This type of diet can also lead to overweight and impact both women and men:

Women: overweight can lead to higher oestrogen levels, which can produce an alteration on the menstrual cycle and ovulation, leading to a worse fertility.

Men: overweight often implies high insulin levels, which reduce the testosterone levels.

To avoid these effects on fertility and to improve the cardiovascular function, it is important to pursue a healthy and balanced diet.

In case you still have questions about this subject don’t doubt to contact us through this form, our team of specialists is happy to help you.