Are you tired of hearing conflicting advice about what to eat (or not to eat) when trying
to conceive?
It can be overwhelming to navigate the sea of fertility diet myths that seem to pop up
everywhere, from social media to well-meaning friends and family.
But fear not!
In this video, we're going to dive headfirst into the top 10 fertility diet myths and debunk
them once and for all.
From the infamous pineapple theory to questionable supplements, we'll explore the science behind
these myths and separate fact from fiction.
So sit back, relax, and let's set the record straight on fertility and nutrition.
Welcome to Nourish!
My name is Melanie McGrice and I'm a dietitian specialising in nutrition for fertility.
As someone passionate about this space, my head is continually buried in the latest fertility
research, so you can rest assured you're getting the most current information in this space.
When thinking about getting pregnant, it's natural for us to be curious about what can
help boost fertility.
We might buy a few books, google a few phrases and ask our mum, sister or friends about what
they ate to fall pregnant.
Can nutrition help boost fertility?
Absolutely.
Will it be the same for everyone?
Absolutely not!
However, there are a few myths which you should absolutely not believe:
Myth number 1: Gluten is bad for fertility Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley,
rye and oats.
While some people may have an intolerance or sensitivity, for most people, gluten is
not harmful and can be part of a healthy balanced diet.
In fact, I bet if you think about it, you can list dozens of people who have successfully
had healthy babies, even after eating gluten!
In fact, cutting gluten from your diet completely can lead to nutrient deficiencies if not done
correctly.
Gluten containing foods, especially in their wholegrain form, can provide important nutrients
for fertility so I'd highly recommend speaking to a fertility dietitian if you're thinking
of cutting out gluten.
Myth number 2: More supplements will make you more fertile
Not only is this a myth, but excessive supplementation can be harmful to your health and fertility.
For example, I saw a client this week who was taking two supplements which both contained
vitamin B6.
Long story short is that she had developed a toxicity and now has to wait until she gets
her B6 levels back to normal before she can try to conceive.
Taking high doses of vitamins and minerals can interfere with your body's natural hormone
balance and even lead to toxicity which can actually do the reverse and make you less
fertile.
It's important when embarking on your pregnancy journey and considering supplements to consult
with a healthcare professional.
I have a team of dietitians who are specialists in fertility and are trained to give advice
on supplements, you can find our details in the description box below this video.
Myth number 3: Eating pineapple will get you pregnant
Some people believe that eating pineapple will magically help you conceive.
Whilst there's absolutely no evidence to support this theory, pineapple core is rich in an
enzyme called bromelain.
This enzyme has anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulant properties which, theoretically, could increase
your chances of embryo implantation.
Eating pineapple is safe and can be part of a healthy diet, so whilst eating a pineapple
won't magically make you conceive, it won't hurt either.
Myth number 4: Avoid cow's milk if you are trying to conceive
This myth couldn't be further from the truth.
The current research suggests that cow's milk may actually be beneficial for boosting fertility!
I'll post a link to another video I've created on this topic if you'd like to find out more.....
Myth number 5: The thinner you are, the more likely you are to get pregnant
Another myth that could not be further from the truth!
Whilst being overweight can impact your fertility, so can low body fat levels.
In my clinic, I see loads of women with low body fat levels who are struggling to conceive
as being too thin can affect the production of hormones, making ovulation more challenging.
Myth number 6: Take turmeric when trying to conceive
This popular spice used in cooking and traditional medicine is frequently touted to improve fertility
because of its well-known anti-inflammatory properties.
However, research warns that the opposite may be true!
Myth number 7: Your doctor is the best place to get nutrition information for trying to
conceive Doctors are trained in medicine.
Specialist fertility dietitians are trained in nutrition for fertility.
I think this one's a no brainer!
Myth number 8: It's the woman's fault if you're not getting pregnant
Over 90% of my fertility clients are women....so I want to know, where are all the guys?
Research tells us that 50% of infertility is caused by male issues, and nutritional
modification can have a big impact on their fertility risk too.
Myth number 9: You just to eat what your friend/an influencer/your sister ate to get pregnant
We're all so vastly different and have unique nutritional needs.
You may have a genetic abnormality that affects your ability to metabolise particular nutrients
and your best friend doesn't.
Or, your sister might compete in 5 marathons a year and you do yoga once a week.
When you compare these situations, it's logical to think that you'll have different nutritional
needs.
What works for one person won't necessarily work for someone else, and that's OK.
In fact, booking in with one of our experienced dietitians who will factor in your medical
history, medications, supplements, weight changes, physical activity, lifestyle and
diet and tailors a diet specially for you is the way to go to increase your chances
of conception.
Myth number 10: Avoid soy when you're trying to get pregnant
Soy and soy products are known to contain compounds called phyto estrogens which are
structurally very similar to human estrogen.
It's thought that eating foods that contain phytoestrogens impact our own hormone levels
and therefore, our reproductive cycle and ability to conceive.
In short, phytoestrogens can affect our fertility hormones but in most cases, do so positively.
I have spoken about this before in a previous video in depth so if you'd like to learn more,
I'll link the video below.
Let me know in the comments below which myth surprised you the most!
And please share this video with your friends....let's get some truths out there!
I'll look forward to seeing you next time!