10 ways to improve egg quality with IVF
The success rate of pregnancy is closely related to the quality of eggs. If the quality of eggs is not up to standard, the success rate will be greatly reduced. Clinically, there are many women who are repeatedly frustrated by poor egg quality, even with IVF, and this is especially true for women of advanced age.
Recent studies have shown that poor lifestyle, diseases, age and other adverse effects on the mitochondria are important reasons for the decline in egg quality. Improving the function of the mitochondria may result in higher quality eggs and a more favourable pregnancy outcome.
Mitochondria are ‘maternally inherited’. The mitochondria in a fertilised egg are all derived from the egg, and there are no mitochondria in the sperm. With age and the influence of external factors, the number of mitochondria will decrease and their function will deteriorate, which will cause the egg to be like a car without power, and it will easily break down, resulting in non-fertilisation, foetal termination, miscarriage and other phenomena.
So how to enhance mitochondrial function and improve oocyte quality?
Diet:
1. Eat more fresh fruits and vegetables
Fresh fruits and vegetables are a great source of glutathione, which is a free radical scavenger that can help maintain the structure and function of mitochondria. Eating 6 to 9 measuring cups (1 measuring cup of 228 grams) of fresh vegetables and fruits every day is beneficial to your health, and we recommend a variety of green vegetables (cauliflower, brussels sprouts, etc.) and dark, brightly coloured vegetables (beets, carrots, etc.).
2, intake of Ω3 fatty acids
Omega 3 fatty acids are components of the mitochondrial membrane, consuming foods rich in Omega 3 fatty acids can help repair damaged mitochondrial membranes and improve mitochondrial function. Not only that, Omega 3 fatty acids can also reduce the inflammatory response and alleviate autoimmune diseases. Deep-sea fish are mostly rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, such as mackerel, anchovies, herring, sardines and so on.
The World Health Organisation recommends a daily intake of 6 to 12 ounces (1 ounce equals about 31 grams) of herbivore meat or low mercury wild fish. It is important to note that different cooking methods have different effects on the Omega 3 fatty acids in food. Baking or boiling fish at low temperatures maximises the retention of the Omega 3 fatty acids in it, and if it is made into canned food, the Omega 3 fatty acids are almost completely destroyed. In addition, avocados, nuts and seeds are also rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, supplementing fish oil is also a good choice.
3, appropriate amount of calcium
For expectant parents preparing for pregnancy, they also need to make sure they get enough calcium to maintain bone strength, so it’s important to consume calcium-rich foods such as cheese, yoghurt, sardines (with bones) and dark green vegetables such as spinach and kale.
4. Anti-inflammatory diet
Please minimise your intake of red meat and replace it with fish, eggs or lean meat. Meat intake should be in small amounts and consider eating a vegetarian diet 1-2 days a week. Add protein to your vegetarian diet, such as lentils, tofu or soy products. Also, remember to avoid foods that promote inflammation, including sugar, white bread, white pasta, trans or hydrogenated fats and alcohol.
Exercise:
5, Maintain regular and somewhat intense exercise
Researchers at the University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine found that mitochondrial stress induced by aerobic exercise promotes the process of mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy). Mitochondrial autophagy is the body’s spontaneous elimination of ‘old, weak, sick and disabled’ mitochondria to complete cell renewal, so that the body’s mitochondrial team will always be young and strong members. Do strength training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can increase the number of mitochondria, and improve its function. HIIT can do tabatatraining (high-intensity challenge, four repetitions of each set of movements, 20 seconds – 10 seconds cycle), each time to do 12-16 minutes, the effect is equivalent to 45 minutes of high-intensity training.
6, insist on soaking feet
Foot soaking can promote blood circulation, eliminate fatigue, etc., suitable for girls with cold hands and feet, conducive to follicular development, improve the chances of conception. Soak your feet time: before 9 pm, soak for 10 minutes, slightly sweating can be.
7, maintain BMI
It is best not to gain weight or lose weight before the test tube, the change in weight will affect the body functions, during the body regulates itself, it may not be able to conceive better.
Nutritional supplements:
8, DHEA
Some studies have found that for women of advanced age and diminished ovarian reserve function, taking DHEA for 1-3 months can increase the number of sinus follicles, improve the quality of eggs and improve ovarian function.
9、Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is a fat-soluble antioxidant present in mitochondria, which is related to mitochondrial metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. Daily supplementation of Coenzyme Q10 300mg for senior women can help improve egg quality and pregnancy outcome.
10, pregnancy vitamins
Beneficial to their own nutritional supplementation, but also conducive to the growth and development of the foetus.
Most of the commercially available nutritional supplements of this type are combinations of the above ingredients, and there is not much difference in effect. We need to remind you that it is best to take nutritional supplements under the guidance of a doctor, and it is best to use nutritional supplements with fewer additives that are suitable for pregnant women to take with a high level of safety. Do not use without authorisation, so as not to be counterproductive.