Nutritional counseling is a method that may be used for different purposes, including weight loss or fertility problems. The effectiveness of nutritional counseling hasn’t been demonstrated yet, but the effects of a healthy diet on the baby are clear. Women that would like to get pregnant may change their diet to make sure the baby will be healthy. Not all patients are good candidates for nutritional counseling.
Candidacy for nutritional counseling
The ideal candidate for nutritional counseling should be in good health. If used to improve fertility, the patient that gets nutritional counseling should not have any biological problems that interfere with fertility. A good candidate for nutritional counseling to improve fertility is a patient that is not able to conceive due to undetected causes, but has no reproductive system problems.
In order to be able to receive nutritional counseling, the patient needs to be prepared to follow a strict regimen, as indicated by the nutritionist. This may mean a change in the lifestyle, which can often be a permanent change. The nutritional counseling will consist of keeping a special diet that is rich in foods that stimulate fertility (i.e. fish oils, whole grains, dairy products or avocado). Dietary supplements may also be included in the regimen.
Contraindications
Nutritional counseling to improve fertility may not be effective in women that have damaged fallopian tubes or defects, polycystic ovaries, or other physical conditions that clearly interfere with the conception.
The nutritional counseling is not indicated for patients that are smokers or consume a lot of alcohol, and are not ready to give up these vices.
