I created this IVF green smoothie to help support my body and hormones during IVF. I drank it daily throughout down-regulation (the first stage of the long protocol IVF treatment cycle) and it helped me to keep feeling well during this stage of IVF. Read on to learn how this smoothie may help you too.
DOWN-REGULATION SYMPTOMS
Side effects during down-regulation may include: headaches, night sweats, bloating, constipation, fatigue, sluggishness, low mood, irritability and skin breakouts. Ugh! I decided that I would do whatever it took to prevent them.
These symptoms may point to poor detoxification. Detoxification is the process of transforming potentially harmful molecules into metabolites that can be safely excreted from your body.
Our bodies must detoxify all the molecules we are exposed to on everyday, and they all contribute to our ‘toxic load’. Food, drink, heavy metals, pollution, bacteria, cleaning chemicals and beauty products are just a few examples. So, you can see why adding IVF meds into the mix may produce side effects, especially if your toxic load is already high.
This is where we can use diet and lifestyle to support ourselves and that’s why I created this smoothie.
IVF GREEN SMOOTHIE INGREDIENTS
Make this smoothie from just a handful of fresh ingredients:
BABY LEAF SPINACH (A DARK GREEN LEAFY VEG)
As well as providing a concentrated source of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, dark green leafy veg contain folate. Folate is a key supporter of detoxification pathways. Lightly steam your spinach to improve digestion, especially if you have an under active thyroid or suffer with digestive issues. Read more about why leafy greens are so important for fertility in this article.
KIWI
Kiwi is my go-to fruit for constipation relief – two a day should do the trick! When our bowels are moving well, the production of gases that may cause bloating is reduced. We also eliminate toxins in our poop, so opening your bowels everyday is important.
SEA SALT (OR ELECTROLYTES)
Getting enough minerals in your diet, including (unrefined) sea salt, is super important. Electrolytes may help support energy levels, healthy hydration and fluid balance. The addition of sea salt may help reduce fatigue, headaches and bloating. If you want to elevate this smoothie even more, add an electrolyte supplement. I recommend adding electrolytes if you find yourself very thirsty during down-regulation. Shop my recommended brand via this link and use the coupon code TFK.
AVOCADO
Avocado provides healthy fats which help support bile production. Did you know that our bodies excrete toxins in bile? Healthy fats may also keep you feeling fuller for longer. Avocados also make this smoothie creamy and delicious.
CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are little nutritional superstars! Not only are they rich in minerals, they are also high in fibre. They are unique as they provide an ideal blend of soluble and insoluble fibre, so they may help to keep your bowels healthy and help you to poop! Going regularly is vital for removal of waste, including old hormones.
FILTERED WATER
Water is vital for maintaining good circulation, bringing nutrients to your reproductive system and removing waste. Staying hydrated may help prevent constipation, headaches, tiredness and bloating. Use filtered water if you can. If you don’t have a water filter you could use mineral water, otherwise tap is fine. You could also use coconut water which has the benefit of adding electrolytes to the smoothie.
YOGHURT
Use Greek yoghurt, or coconut yoghurt if you’re dairy-free. If you use coconut yoghurt, choose a brand that uses minimal ingredients such as COCOS. Yoghurt adds creaminess to this smoothie.
ORGANIC VANILLA WHEY PROTEIN
I’ve added this in for a protein and a hint of sweetness (which comes from the vanilla). I use unsweetened organic vanilla whey protein powder which provides the essential amino acids needed for cell growth and repair. Read this article to find out why I recommend whey protein as the best protein powder for IVF.
COLLAGEN
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body and glycine is the most abundant amino acid in collagen. Glycine plays an important role in promoting healthy detoxification. Add 1 tablespoon of collagen to your smoothie. Shop my favourite collagen via this link.
FLAXSEED OIL
This is optional, but I recommend adding it for a boost of omega-3s. If you do buy flaxseed oil make sure it’s cold-pressed and store it in the fridge as it can turn rancid quickly. You’ll know if it has gone rancid as it will smell off. Shop my favourite flaxseed oil via this link, use coupon code THEFERTILITYKITCHEN for 20% off your order.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR IVF GREEN SMOOTHIE
You can make this smoothie in just two simple steps:
- Prep the spinach: First, place the spinach in a colander or steaming basket over a saucepan of gently simmering water, cover and steam gently for 1-2 minutes, or until wilted. Remove from the colander with kitchen tongs, place on a plate lined with kitchen roll and pat dry. Set aside to cool while you prepare the other ingredients. You can skip this step if you’re short on time.
- Blend: Next, place the spinach, kiwi, avocado, chia seeds, salt (or electrolytes), water, yoghurt, collagen, vanilla and flaxseed oil (if using) in a blender and blend until smooth. If the smoothie is too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
That’s it! A refreshing IVF green smoothie full of goodness to make the down-regulation phase of IVF that little bit easier to navigate.
TOP TIP
If you’re used to smoothies loaded with sweetness (bananas, mango, pineapple and the like), then this IVF green smoothie may take some getting used to! I recommend slowly reducing the tropical fruit whilst increasing other ingredients. If you give it a chance I’m certain you will grow to love it.
I was incredibly lucky not to experience any side effects during down reg, so I hope that this smoothie will help you too. For maximum support consider optimising other lifestyle factors (sleep, exercise and stress reduction) as well and check out Optimise IVF for complete nutrition, diet and lifestyle support.
OPTIMISE HYDRATION
Support hydration during IVF with chia seed water. It’s refreshing thanks to a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and makes reaching your daily water goal that little bit more interesting!
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