Tubal reversal patients are often concerned about their diet. They want to know how they get their body in optimum shape for conception.
While there is no specific fertility diet, there are ways to change your current diet to ensure a healthy environment for conception after tubal reversal. If your body has to manage other diseases or deficiencies, it may not be ready for pregnancy.
One way to do this is to limit your refined sugar. The American Heart Association suggests that women eat no more than 25 grams of added sugar per day. Let’s put this into perspective. A 12-ounce can of Coca-Cola has 35 grams of sugar in it, which is already over the daily limit. A single serving of Honey Nut Cheerios contains 9 grams of sugar. A granola bar can contain anywhere from 7 to 15 grams of sugar. One packet of sugar contains 4 grams. You can see how this easily adds up.
The easiest way to limit sugar consumption is to stop drinking soda. Soda is immediately processed into sugar once in your body, spiking your blood sugar levels. Another easy way to limit your sugar intake is to avoid processed foods. This includes cookies, chips, most cereals, and even those low-calorie granola bars. These typically contain added sugar and sodium.
It’s not just candy that has sugar in it. Simple carbohydrates, such as white bread, pasta, and crackers, are quickly turned into sugar in your body. Whole grains, on the other hand, still have their wheat germ intact. This adds fiber to the food and increases the length of time it takes your body to digest it. This avoids the spike in blood sugar that happens when simple carbohydrates are consumed.
Why is it important to limit your sugar? When you eat a large dose of sugar, whether it’s candy, soda, or a bowl of sweet cereal, your body converts it to glucose quickly. This causes a sudden rise in your blood sugar levels. Your body responds by releasing insulin. Insulin helps the cells in your body take up the sugar in your blood and store it as fat. After your cells have stored the sugar, the blood sugar drops. This leaves you feeling fatigued and lethargic, causing you to reach for more sugar-rich foods. Your blood sugar rises again, and the roller coaster ride continues. This is the cycle of refined sugar consumption.
So, make an effort to replace white bread and pasta with whole grain options. Read the ingredients and the Nutriton Facts of your favorite foods to see how much sugar is in them. Replace the candy in your house with healthier snacks. Almonds are a great snack without added sugar. String cheese and plain yogurt also provide many nutrients, without spiking your blood sugar. If you’re having an afternoon craving, try having some carrots and hummus or other low calorie dip. And skip that soda for a flavored all natural sparkling beverage, such as lemon flavored sparkling water. A healthy diet helps prime your body for pregnancy after tubal reversal surgery.
