CityPages Kuwait June 2016 Issue June 2016 | Page 42
FASTING FOR FERTILITY
Dr. Monikaa Chawla
Dr. Monikaa Chawla is a
Reproductive endocrinologist and
fertility specialist at Fakih IVF Abu
Dhabi, practicing the subspecialty
for more than 16 years. Dr. Monika
is highly specialized in minimal
access surgery (Laparoscopy and
Hysteroscopy, diagnostic and
operative) having trained at the
Royal Free Hospital in London and
Kiel University in Germany. Her
research work has been published
in 27 international and indexed
journals and has presented at
various international conferences.
She completed her postgraduate
award in Assisted Reproduction
from Warwick University,UK with
thesis on 'Time lapse technology
and its current implications'.
Islamic fasting is special because of how it
corrects people’s lifestyle, it promotes health and
boosts spirituality of humans. Islam sees health
and ‘well-being’ as much more than just bodily
health, as well-being or tranquility requires a
strong relationship with one’s spirituality, good
physical health, mental happiness, a sense of
purpose, good character, and relationships.
immune system is boosted, nervous system is rested
and reproductive system becomes more balanced and
ready.
It’s important to understand the changes that
happen in the body while fasting and how it
adapts to that. Fasting in Ramadan is an example of
intermittent fasting. As the Ramadan fast extends
from dawn till dusk, there is ample opportunity to
replenish energy stores at pre-dawn and dusk meals.
This provides a progressive, gentle transition from
using glucose to fat as the main source of energy, and
prevents the breakdown of muscle for protein. The
use of fat for energy aids weight loss, preserving the
muscles, and in the long run reduces your cholest erol
levels. In addition, weight loss results in better control
of diabetes and reduces blood pressure. A detoxification
process also seems to occur, as any toxins stored in the
body’s fat are dissolved and removed from the body.
After a few days of the fast, higher levels of certain
hormones appear in the blood (endorphins), resulting
in a better level of alertness and an overall feeling of
general mental well-being.
The effect of fasting on various male and female
fertility hormones have been studied and found no
difference or any adverse effects. Levels of some stress
hormones in patients of polycystic ovaries like cortisol
and nor adrenaline etc. reduce while fasting which is
an advantage in these patients.
Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, should be a wholesome,
moderate meal that is filling and provides enough
energy for many hours. It is therefore particularly
important to include slowly-digesting foods in the
suhoor.
Iftar is the meal which breaks the day’s fast. This meal
could include dates, following the Prophetic traditions.
Dates will provide a refreshing burst of much-needed
energy. Fruit juices will also have a similar, revitalizing
effect. The meal should remain a meal and not become
a feast! Try to minimize the rich, sugary dishes which
are traditionally served.
Foods to avoid are the heavily-processed, fast-burning
foods that contain refined carbohydrates in the form of
sugar, white flour, etc., as well as, of course, too much
fatty food (cakes, biscuits, chocolates and sweets).
It may also be worth avoiding the caffeine content in
drinks such as tea, coffee and cola. Caffeine is a diuretic
and stimulates faster water loss through urination.
For couples who have been trying to conceive through
in vitro fertilization (IVF) without success or have been
in various forms of synthetic contraception, fasting
might help improve results. Fasting pulls out excess
or synthetic hormones, cleanses the liver, alkalizes
the blood stream and reboots the natural hormonal
process of the body. It allows for all the toxins to be
removed from the cells, hormones to be rebalanced,
the liver to metabolize any excess hormones floating
around the body such as xenoestrogens and cortisol
(stress hormone which can lead to inflammation,
exhaustion, poor cellular function) which may be
leading to infertility. Inflammation is decreased, all
organs are regenerated, blood sugars are rebalanced,
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JUNE, 2016
Scientific data shows that adult onset caloric
restriction prevents the age-related decline in oocyte
[egg precursor cell] quality and quantity according to
Jonathan Tilly, a reproductive biologist from Boston.
For male infertility, there were some suggestions
that fasting improves the total sperm count, the
gonadotrophic hormone levels, and the testosterone
level in fertile males. Fasting does not either improve
or decrease the seminal quality of azoospermics
but may have some effect on oligozoospermics.
There was a beneficial effect of the Ramadan fast on
spermatogenesis, either via the hypothalamo-pituitarytesticular axis or by a direct effect on the testis.
Quick tips for Ramadan fasting
during IVF treatment
1.Take plenty of water and other clear non carbonated
fluids during morning (Suhoor) and evening hours
(Iftar). Add slices of strawberry, orange, lemon and
mint to the water.
2.AVOID caffeine, fizzy drinks and sugary fluids,
sodas, decaffeinated tea and coffee.
3.AVOID processed, spicy, fried and sugary foods.
4.Go slow and start with light meals. Coconut-coated
dates with laban, avocado juice with fruits or dried
fruit or soups are the perfect choice of foods to opt
for when you break your fast. A good mix of carbs,
proteins, fruits and vegetables should be included in
your meals.
5.Vitamins like B COMPLEX supplements can be
added to your daily routine.
6.Seek medical advice if nausea, dizziness, heartburn
etc. occur.
In summary, the month of Ramadan is a great
opportunity to focus on bringing back a balanced
and healthy lifestyle in your life. Through fasting you
begin to learn how to manage your eating habits, how
to improve self-control and discipline. This month
requires you to challenge and control the digestive
system, and by doing so you are able to break down
and expel the accumulated toxins from your body.
Fertility can actually be boosted by this practice and
there is no contraindication to fertility treatments
during this period. Simple modifications in the timings
of medications and injections can help you rub this
process smoothly with good results