The ketogenic diet is receiving a considerable amount of attention in light of recent studies that suggest it can boost fertility in overweight women.
Given the fact that being overweight or obese is associated with an increased risk of experiencing a pregnancy-related condition known as miscarriage.
It stands to reason many women looking to get pregnant would be interested in knowing whether diet can help them shed fat while boosting their chances of conceiving and/or carrying a baby to term.
One study has suggested that a keto diet may optimize fertility rates by reducing body fat. (1)
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1. Keto Diet and Fertility? Does It play A role?
There are several signs that may indicate high fertility in a woman.
Some common signs include regular and predictable menstrual cycles, regular ovulation, and the presence of cervical mucus that is clear and stretchy.
Diets high in unsaturated fats and complex carbs, as well as vegetables and fish, have proven beneficial to overall fertility health in both men and women.
Now, what about dairy, alcohol, or even caffeine?
The jury is still out on exactly how they relate to male or female fertility, but it's generally agreed upon that saturated fats and refined sugars are harmful to overall fertility if not outright damaging. (2)
2. What Is The Keto Diet?
A ketogenic diet, which is high in fat and will eventually limit protein and carbohydrate intake so you can enter a state of ketosis, is a highly effective way to achieve weight loss by way of heightened fat burning.
According to initial studies, adhering to a keto diet program may aid with fertility problems like female infertility because it limits carbs which allow the body to burn more stored fat for energy.
In addition, numerous growth factors are believed to be triggered that not only aid with weight reduction but also help treat systemic inflammation which often adversely impacts overall fertility (fertility) by disrupting hormone balance.
Furthermore, keeping insulin levels low may help balance other reproductive hormones such as testosterone, LH, and FSH because when sugar is consumed in large quantities or sugary foods or drinks are consumed frequently this can increase blood sugar significantly (Blood Sugar).
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It significantly offers benefits such as –
- PCOS and curing epilepsy
- Weight loss
- Controlling blood sugar level
- And, in conceiving after infertility
3. Does Keto Diet Boost Fertility?
Our bodies normally run mainly on carbohydrates for energy.
When you cut out carbs from your diet, the body goes into a ketosis state, which is where it breaks down stored body fat for energy as opposed to burning carbohydrates which can be inconsistent as a source of fuel.
In the process, the body produces molecules called ketones which some people call 'fuel' but essentially they are an essential building block of chemicals that help keep our organs and tissues healthy, among other things like digesting food. (7)
4. Fertility And Keto Diet
The keto diet and the gluten-free diet are both dietary approaches that have been shown to have a positive impact on fertility.
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When our body thrives to convert that sugar into energy, some natural hormonal changes occur, such as –
- Body cells become resistant to insulin
- The body produces more glycation end products
Men who are overweight and suffering from lower fertility levels should take a close look at what they're eating.
Researchers have shown that too many processed carbohydrates and sugars in the diet can lead to poor sperm health which means sperm count, reproductive system functioning, and even shape may be compromised.
A healthy fertility diet is key since it affects how well your sperm will swim, its shape and texture, and overall fertility.
So make sure that if you or your partner have been struggling to conceive that you've eaten plenty of omega-fatty-acid-rich seafood like salmon (or other fatty fish) as well as nuts, seeds, veggies, fruit, and high-quality dairy products!
Eating all this tasty goodness is bound to help improve your fertility naturally. (3)
5. How Does It Affect For Female (PCOS And Pregnancy)
The keto diet and plant-based diet for fertility have contrasting effects on fertility.
Recent studies suggest that other factors besides just weight loss, influenced by ketogenic diets may influence women with PCOS, including hormones and even fertility.
Such beneficial recorded results serve to shed more light on this alternative way of eating not only for weight loss but also as a means of managing various underlying symptoms and health concerns.
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In a recent clinical case study, four women with polycystic ovarian syndrome participated in a scientifically-supported diet designed to reduce their diagnoses.
Six months later, they'd all lost weight and resumed a regular period as compared to having irregular periods beforehand.
However, the researchers also found that two of the four women became pregnant without having to employ fertility treatments such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF). (4)
6. Overall Benefits Of A Keto Diet For Fertility
These are the benefits of a healthy diet for fertility –
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Keto Diet For Female Fertility |
It's well-known that women who suffer from polycystic ovarian syndrome can experience infertility because their hormone production is imbalanced. What we sometimes forget is that the way a woman carries herself physically can affect the state of her reproductive system and in turn, improve it. And in this regard, diet plays a prominent role. (5) |
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Keto Diet And Male Fertility |
A healthy diet may promote a healthy body—but it could also improve the quality of men’s sperm. In this regard, the keto diet promotes not only a healthy body but improves the sperm count as well. |
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It primarily supports weight loss |
There are a lot of ways in which a ketogenic diet can help with weight loss depending on the specific circumstances of the individual. In general, when one adheres to such a fertility diet, they reduce the intake of foods that are known to trigger hormones that are responsible for prompting hunger pangs. When one reduces their overall consumption of foods like these, they naturally begin to lose weight as they simply feel fuller longer throughout the day. (6) |
7. Tips And Precautions About Keto
Many women turn to a ketogenic diet to help them lose weight in a short period before attempting conception.
However, it's always best to improve your eating habits and reduce your BMI (Body Mass Index) before conception for both your and the baby's sake.
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The keto diet can certainly help you lose weight, but to make sure that the diet is safe, you need to eat healthy foods.
You must speak with a doctor prior to beginning any new diet, especially if pregnant or planning to conceive.
The ketogenic diet might not be right for everyone and nutrients will need to monitored closely by a healthcare provider for fertility issues.
Diets high in saturated fats and trans fats have been associated with health problems such as cardiovascular disease.
In addition, eating too much fat can lead to complications regarding your intake of vitamins A, D, and E.
8. Conclusion
Whether you start keto diet for fertility or do the basics to eliminate toxic foods while on your path to parenthood, it's going to be about listening to your body and trying different things out.
You should consult your physician or reproductive endocrinologist before switching to a keto diet because not all people will experience the same results.
