TikTok users are sharing their experiences of how certain foods aided their pregnancies, especially for those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). But how accurate are these claims?
Experts in nutrition and fertility state that while some diets might help certain individuals with fertility, no single food or diet can guarantee pregnancy. The link between food and fertility is complex, and people should be skeptical of extreme health claims on social media.
McKenzie Caldwell, a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Feed Your Zest Nutrition & Wellness, notes that these videos can mislead clients on their fertility journey.
She explains that these are personal experiences, not necessarily evidence-based advice for everyone, and should be viewed cautiously.
PCOS, fertility, and diet
PCOS is a hormonal condition that can hinder conception, leading to irregular periods, infertility, and hair loss, among other symptoms. It can also impact metabolic health, like blood sugar and cholesterol. While there’s no cure, treatments are available, and nutrition can be helpful for those trying to conceive.
Nutrition plays a role in managing PCOS, and doctors advise a healthy, balanced diet. However, some influencers promote dietary changes as the main way to get pregnant by “balancing hormones,” a term that many experts consider vague and potentially leading to ineffective methods.
Dr. Lora Shahine, a reproductive endocrinologist and host of the Brave & Curious podcast, appreciates the focus on wellness and lifestyle for health, but finds the topic complex. She worries that people might delay seeking medical advice by solely focusing on diet changes.
Shahine believes that a good diet can improve metabolic health. However, she often sees patients who have been trying to manage PCOS and fertility at home with supplements and diet, wishing they had sought professional help sooner. She emphasizes that diet is part of the bigger picture, but not the whole solution.
Vanessa Rissetto, a registered dietitian and co-founder of Culina Health, is concerned that content creators without medical backgrounds could negatively impact viewers with their claims.
Rissetto understands the desire to address fertility issues naturally through food rather than undergoing expensive and emotionally taxing IVF. However, she cautions against the dangerous idea that a single method will work for everyone just because it worked for some.
Nutrition’s role in fertility
Research suggests that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts—often called the Mediterranean diet—can improve fertility compared to a poor diet.
Still, there’s no proof that dietary changes alone can guarantee pregnancy for those struggling with fertility. Rissetto notes that people who eat healthily are generally healthier overall, which might make fertility easier, but there’s no guarantee.
Caldwell has seen social media posts promoting gluten-free or dairy-free diets to boost fertility, including for those with PCOS, but emphasizes there’s no evidence to support this unless there’s an intolerance. Eliminating these foods without an intolerance may even be less healthy, as they provide fiber and micronutrients.
Another popular diet online is the ketogenic diet, which is very low in carbohydrates. Caldwell advises against it because carbohydrates are essential sources of fiber and antioxidants, important for overall health.
Anthea Levi, a registered dietitian and founder of ALIVE+WELL Nutrition, suggests that targeted nutrition choices can be beneficial based on individual conditions and fertility goals, and a registered dietitian experienced in fertility can help. However, she finds some online claims questionable, such as those promoting raw vegetables and dairy elimination.
Levi states that there’s no evidence that raw fruits and vegetables are necessary to gain the most benefits. Cooking can often improve their digestibility and how well people tolerate them.
Advising caution
Levi advises people to verify the credentials of online creators giving recommendations. While certain foods can be helpful, she emphasizes that it’s never about one single food and that many factors, including genetics, can impact fertility.
Levi concludes that it’s difficult to prove that any food or lifestyle choice is the sole reason for getting pregnant or not. She believes that no single food will cure PCOS or infertility, and that overall dietary patterns are most important for supporting hormones.
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