I often hear, “I’m mostly gluten free.”
I’m sorry to say, if you’re letting *any* gluten into your diet, you’re not gluten free.
In addition to digestive issues, like bloating, gas and diarrhea, gluten sensitivity can cause a host of problems, including eczema, acid reflux, fatigue, joint pain, menstrual issues and yes, infertility.
Studies show:
- Undiagnosed celiac disease may cause unexplained infertility in approximately 6% of women.
- Women had increased success with fertility treatment when they removed gluten from their diets.
One main reason: inflammation, and not just in your gut, but through your whole body, which can interfere with the ability to get and stay pregnant.
Inflammation can also lead to ineffective absorption of nutrients including protein, fat and vitamin D, which are important for conception.
Many of my clients remove gluten from their diets for a period of time. It helps the gut reset, and often provides relief of symptoms from digestive issues, skin irritations and even congestion. And while it may not be something they notice, it’s often boosting their fertility.
Going gluten free doesn’t have to be difficult; it just takes some adjusting to. To start, cut out all products that contain wheat or gluten – that will include most bread, pasta and cereal – and keep track of symptoms. Commit to doing this for at least 5 days and up to 4 weeks.
But do yourself a favor, don’t start stocking up on snacks and carbs from the gluten free aisle of the supermarket. Processed food is processed food, and often is high in sugar and artificial ingredients. You’ll give your fertility an added boost by eating more whole, unprocessed foods.