IVF Superfoods: Top 20 Foods to Eat to Increase IVF Success

I did A LOT of research on IVF Superfoods to eat and foods to avoid during my IVF journey. In all of my research, I realized that I needed to focus on the best way to naturally increase my uterine lining (check out my post on that HERE.) and increase my chances of implantation. I also wanted foods that could carry over into the two week wait, and make my body an ideal place for a little embryo to survive. It is important to eat a diet that includes a variety of fresh, whole, unprocessed foods. So, try to include these IVF Superfoods into your healthy diet for about 3 months before your transfer. I can’t stress enough that you need to eat a VARIETY of these foods. Don’t focus too much on just one thing. (Check out my IVF DIET MEAL PLAN HERE, that allows you to easily incorporate all of these foods into your diet.)

What are IVF Superfoods?

This is the optimized list of IVF Superfoods that I came up with and followed during my successful IVF cycle. Your IVF diet should be high in protein, high in good, healthy fats, and high in antioxidants. The carbs you take in should come only from fruit, vegetables and healthy whole grains. The list is prioritized by how important I believe the food to be. I tried to get a little bit of each of these foods into my diet every day for 3 months leading up to and for two weeks after my frozen embryo transfer. Pretty much until I started getting morning sickness once I was pregnant ;). So, here is the ultimate list of food you should eat to increase your chances during IVF:

1. Water – DRINK WATER! A nurse at my clinic told me if I do anything during IVF, it better be to drink at least 64 oz of water every day. I would aim for half your body weight in ounces everyday. Water helps distribute your IVF medications throughout your body, helps balance your hormones and detox your body, aids in circulation to help thicken uterine lining, among many other benefits. It’s good for you. Just do it. Just two of THESE Waterbottles per day meets your daily water intake need. (Check out my post on tips to drink more water HERE.)
2. Avocados – A study done by the Harvard School of Public Health found that eating avocado before, and while undergoing IVF treatment, will more than TRIPLE your chances for pregnancy and live birth. That’s impressive! I tried to eat at least 1/4 to 1 whole avocado per day for 2 months before and during my IVF treatment.
3. Warm Lemon Water – A cup of warm water with a squeeze of lemon juice first thing in the morning on an empty stomach has many health benefits, but is especially great during IVF. The antioxidants help detox the body, and balance your hormones. It also helps your body absorb all of the IVF hormones you will be taking and distributes them throughout your body. Warm lemon water also aids in digestion, which is great considering IVF medications often cause constipation. Plus, this nice morning ritual, boosts your immunity, because the last thing you want while going through IVF is to get sick.
4. Bone Broth – While undergoing IVF, and continuing on through your first trimester, a cup of hot bone broth before bed will increase your chances for conception. Not only does it add an extra 10 grams of protein to that high protein diet you’re trying to follow, but bone broth is chock full of nutrients that every cell in our body needs to survive. There are a ton of flavors and options HERE, or you can make your own! Just aim for lowest sodium, highest protein.
5. Brazil Nuts & Walnuts – Nuts should be a major source of good fat, protein and nutrients during your IVF journey, if you’re not allergic to them. Brazil Nuts and Walnuts are both known to help with implantation. They also aid in hormone balance and thyroid health, so these nuts are also beneficial for those suffering from Hypothyroidism. Just one Brazil Nut per day is all you need to meet your Selenium requirements for Hypothyroidism. I have found Trader Joe’s and Sprouts to have the best prices on Organic nuts.
6. Berries – Blueberries and raspberries in particular are packed with antioxidants, which help prevent damage and aging to your body’s cells including your eggs. The anthocyanins in blueberries help thicken uterine lining. Also, raspberries are full of fiber to help ward off constipation from fertility drugs.
7. Whole Eggs (yolk and whites) – Eggs are a great source of protein to add to your high protein fertility diet. Egg yolks are rich in fertility vitamins. They are also chock full of those fertility boosting omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA; the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and vitamin K2. K2 is very important in forming healthy bones, quick blood clotting, and regulated menstrual cycles.
8. Dried Fruit – Dried Goji Berries, Dates and Figs are rich in iron. High iron foods help thicken uterine lining to prepare the uterus for implantation. And, iron rich foods combat anemia, which could contribute to infertility. During IVF, it is important to eat “blood foods” that aid in circulation to increase food flow to the uterus and circulate those important reproductive hormones throughout your body.
9. Spinach, Kale & Dark Leafy Greens – Dark, leafy greens like spinach and kale are one of the best sources of iron and folic acid. Kale and Spinach are another “blood food” that support healthy circulation to the uterus. This is needed to thicken uterine lining and increase chances of implantation. I ate these uncooked or cold in salads and other dishes for the 2 months leading up to my cycle. Once my IVF cycle began my acupuncturist recommended eating dark leafy greens lightly sautéed and warmed to help keep my uterus warm.
10. Pomegranate Juice – Pomegranate Juice was a lifesaver during my IVF cycle. You want to avoid all alcohol during your IVF cycle. I found that a slightly warmed or room temperature glass of Pomegranate Juice was a wonderful replacement for red wine! It saved my sanity on a few of the tough days. Pomegranate Juice is rich in antioxidants that help circulate blood to the uterus to increase uterine lining quickly. Opt for Organic Pure Pomegranate Juice, not a blended juice. You can get it for a great price at Trader Joe’s ;).
11. Olive Oil – These will aid in getting you to that 35-40% ratio of healthy fats in your diet. The same study that found avocado beneficial to those undergoing IVF also found that higher intakes of monounsaturated fat, the main fat found in olive oil, increased the odds of a live birth after embryo transfer by 3.45 times. Cooking with Olive Oil is one of the best and easiest ways to eat those healthy fats! I also buy my Olive Oil, Walnut Oil and Avocado Oil at Trader Joe’s or Costco for a great price!
12. Pineapple Core – This is one of those things that you’ll hear is an “old wive’s tale” when it comes to whether or not it helps your IVF chances. But, unless you’re allergic to it, why not try it? It is said that the bromelain in Pineapple Core aids in implantation. Dosage is important here, so don’t go too crazy with it. This IVF superfood is best saved for closer to the actual Embryo Transfer day. Peel the Pineapple, leave the core in, turn it on it’s side, and cut it into 6 even sections. Warm to room temperature, and eat one section per day (including the core!) starting the day before the transfer until all the pineapple is gone.
13. Organic Lean Meats – You’ll have a hard time reaching that daily protein goal without Organic Lean Meats! It is important to focus on leaner cuts of meat with less fat. Lean meats help increase your iron levels to aid in blood circulation to the uterus and combat anemia. Plus, according to Chinese Medicine and my acupuncturist, Chicken, Lamb, Mussels and Shrimp are all warming foods. Warming foods help keep your uterus warm and inviting for an embryo.
14. Chia Seeds – Chia Seeds are the best source for Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which increase cervical mucus, promote healthy ovulation and increase blood flow to the uterus. They are high in fiber, as well, which helps relieve constipation issues due to IVF medications. Chia Seeds are a Pregnancy Superfood too, so keep eating them throughout your pregnancy!
15. Turmeric – Turmeric was recommended to me by my acupuncturist, and I’m glad she did. This special spice has proven to be beneficial for various infertility problems including PCOS, PMS, endometriosis and fibroids. Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial agent. It boosts immunity and circulation and combats free radical damage to our DNA. *Definitely add it to your IVF Diet, but limit use once confirmed pregnant.* I got my turmeric before my IVF transfer, and an extra boost of protein, by drinking THIS.
16. Beets – Beetroot is a “blood food” that is high in iron and antioxidants, which means it aids in thickening uterine lining. Beetroot contains nitric oxide. Nitric Oxide dilates blood vessels allowing a rich supply of oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood to flow to the uterus and ovaries.
17. Salmon – Salmon is a double whammy for your IVF Diet. Not only is it high in protein, but it is chock full of healthy fats and Omega 3 Fatty Acids.
18. Lentils and Legumes – Lentils and Beans, especially black beans, are high in protein and fiber. They are also low in fat and rich in iron, folate and other essential vitamins and nutrients. I love Lentil and Bean Pasta as a protein and superfood packed pasta rather than regular pasta when trying to eat right for your IVF transfer.
19. Sweet Potatoes/Yams – One Sweet Potato contains 700% of your daily dose of Vitamin A! Vitamin A is a powerful antioxidant proven to combat cell damage and increase the health of women’s eggs. Sweet potatoes also help regulate hormones, boost immunity and reduce inflammation.
20. Coconut – The jury is still out on whether or not dairy is beneficial or hurtful to your IVF Success. I decided not to take my chances. I switched from milk to Almond Coconut Milk, ate flakes of coconut as a snack, and used this amazing Coconut Oil and Ghee combination in my cooking. Almonds are a fertility superfood, and it turns out that coconut is too! Coconut Oil is beneficial to Thyroid function which is vital for conception. Coconut’s health benefits derive from its unique medium-chain fatty acids. But, don’t overdo the Coconut Oil because it is a Saturated Fat.

I hope these foods are easy for you to incorporate into your diet. Every little bit helps! I created an entire IVF Meal Plan that allows you to easily incorporate these foods into your diet with little to no effort. You can also find most of these on the IVF and Fertility List on Foods for Fertility’s Amazon Store here. Please reach out to me with any questions. Good luck in your journey!