Infertility affects a large number of people and couples attempting to conceive. The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines infertility as 'a disorder of the reproductive system defined by the failure to obtain a clinical pregnancy following 12 months or more of regular, unprotected sexual intercourse.' It affects approximately one in every six people of reproductive age globally. In this case, the question arises whether the diet we follow helps preserve our fertility or makes conception more difficult. Let's find out the difference each type of diet makes in your fertility jouey.
Gluten-Free Diet
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein combination present in several grains, including wheat, barley, rye, triticale, and spelt. It provides dough its flexibility, allowing it to rise while maintaining its shape. These proteins are found in a variety of meals, including pasta, bread, porridge, breakfast cereals, and beer, to mention a few.
What’s Best for You
Understanding the complex association between gluten and fertility is specific to you and your medical history.
For patients with Coeliac Disease, strictly following a gluten-free diet is critical for overall health and fertility. For patients with endometriosis and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, some data suggests that experimenting with a gluten-free diet, coupled with adequate physician or dietician supervision, can be a helpful step towards improving reproductive outcomes in certain circumstances.
However, for non-Coeliacs with no underlying diseases, there is little evidence that a gluten-free diet is beneficial.
Also Read: Personalized Nutrition Plans Based on Hormones
The Keto Diet
You may have heard of the ketogenic (Keto) diet. It's a low-carbohydrate diet heavy in fat and protein. The goal is to bring the body into ketosis.
Ketosis May Affect Fertility & Cause Birth Abnormalities
Some research suggests that consuming a low-carb diet before pregnancy increases the chance of some birth abnormalities, such as neural tube defects. These damage the brain, spine, or spinal cord and originate during the first month of pregnancy. This relationship has been shown even when persons take folic acid, though further research is required.
Also Read: The Ultimate PCOD Diet Guide: What to Eat & What to Avoid
Tips for A Healthier Keto Approach
The keto diet is usually not suggested for people who are attempting to get pregnant. If you try the diet, focus on nutrient-dense, high-quality foods.
- Consume veggies, nuts, and seeds, as well as protein-rich foods.
- Choose grass-fed meats, wild-caught seafood, and organic produce whenever possible.
- Avocados, olive oil, and almonds are examples of healthy fats that can be included in the diet. But total calories are still important for weight management.
- Remember that there are several methods to do keto, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Also Read: The Role of Diet and Preparation in IVF Success
Plant-Based Diet
A healthy plant-based diet contains a wide range of nutrients that are required for optimal egg and sperm quality, as well as for embryo implantation. It also helps in maintaining a healthy body weight, which is essential in regards to reproductive health.A plant-based diet that focuses primarily on whole foods can help to optimize both male and female fertility through a variety of mechanisms, in addition to other lifestyle interventions such as adequate physical activity, restorative sleep, avoidance of risky substances, reduced exposure to environmental pollutants, and stress management.
Considerations for Following a Plant-Based Diet
There are certain crucial elements to consider when adopting a healthy plant-based diet. A B12 supplement is needed for people following a completely plant-based diet with no animal-sourced foods, and it also applies to fertility, as insufficiency has been related to subfertility in women as well as low sperm count, motility, and DNA damage. It is also crucial to take a vitamin D supplement throughout the winter and in the summer when sunlight exposure is limited.
Furthermore, an iodine supplement is recommended for women trying to conceive because iodine is vital during the preconception period and for the duration of the first trimester of pregnancy.
Also Read: Living with PCOD? Natural Lifestyle Tips to Balance
Conclusion
Remember that each person is unique, so consult with a medical expert, such as a fertility dietitian, to develop a dietary plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Making informed decisions will empower you on your fertility jouey.
