Implantation Foods
Wondering how implantation foods can increase your chances of conceiving? The key is to increase blood flow to the uterus, thicken the lining, create an ideal environment in the womb, and help the body make enough progesterone so that the uterine lining remains stable long enough for the pregnancy to flourish.
Let’s delve into the pivotal role of implantation foods grounded in scientific research.
1. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids found in foods like salmon, sardines, trout, flaxseeds, and walnuts have been linked to higher chances of implantation and higher pregnancy rates. These fats, particularly EPA and DHA from fish, reduce inflammation, creating an ideal environment for embryo implantation. It’s important to note that plant sources alone cannot meet our Omega-3 needs effectively.
2. Whole grains
Consuming whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, rolled oats, popcorn, and barley, rich in B vitamins, iron, and fiber, can thicken your endometrial lining. This potentially improves implantation chances, supporting a healthy start to pregnancy.
3. Cruciferous vegetables
Broccoli, kale, cauliflower, watercress, and Brussels sprouts help the body regulate estrogen levels, mitigating risks of uterine tissue growths like fibroids and polyps that may hinder implantation success.
4. Probiotic foods
Research indicates that the gut, vaginal, and uterine microbiota may impact immune factors essential for implantation. Fermented foods like kefir, yogurt, tempeh, miso, and sauerkraut nourish healthy bacteria, playing a vital role in this process.
5. Folate-rich foods
Higher folate intake correlates with increased implantation, clinical pregnancy, and live birth rates. Foods like beef liver, cooked spinach, black-eyed peas, and Brussels sprouts are high in folate, while avocados, broccoli, and lentils are also good sources.
6. Beetroot
Beetroot is rich in nitric oxide, and increases the flow of nutrient-dense blood to the uterus, aiding implantation. Drinking a daily mix of beetroot, watermelon, and ginger juice starting on the day of the embryo transfer until the day of the pregnancy test, improved the implantation rate and pregnancy rates significantly.
7. L-arginine-rich foods
L-arginine, an amino acid, enhances blood flow and thickens the uterine lining, aiding implantation. Foods like soy, sunflower seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, walnuts, brazil nuts, beef, chicken, lentils, eggs, chickpeas, and Parmesan cheese are great sources.
8. Vitamin E-rich foods
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and an antioxidant found in foods like avocado, sunflower seeds, almonds, extra virgin olive oil, peanuts, red sweet peppers, pine nuts, and Atlantic salmon. It helps reduce inflammation and improve uterine lining thickness, crucial for women who’ve experienced implantation failures. Incorporating these foods into your diet for at least 6 weeks before conception is beneficial.
9. Progesterone-rich foods
Foods high in vitamins B6, and C, Selenium, Zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids may increase the body’s progesterone production. For more details, refer to my blog on foods to increase progesterone.
Bottom line
By incorporating these nine implantation foods into your diet, you can create a nurturing environment for a successful pregnancy. Each food brings unique benefits, contributing to an optimal uterine setting to increase implantation success naturally. Need help or support implementing the above? Check out this in-depth training on optimizing implantation success with nutrition and lifestyle strategies, And get access to a certified fertility nutritionist to guide you on your journey to motherhood.
