Education

Should you go gluten-free to get pregnant faster?

Jun 03, 2015

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For many couples experiencing fertility one of the best recommendations is to try going gluten-free. I know there is a gluten-free craze going on right now.  Not everyone needs to go gluten free, but if you are experiencing infertility it is a good place to start.

Gluten can cause many health problems. Here are few that will benefit from an elimination of gluten: infertility, digestive upset, brain fog, diarrhea, constipation, joint pain, rashes, depression, anxiety, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, acne and asthma.

If you suffer from any of the symptoms listed above — as well as digestive issues, PCOS and endometriosis — it is best to eliminate gluten for three months. Also, if you have a personal or family history of autoimmune disease, a gluten-free diet is recommended for three months, and if your symptoms improve, stay on the restricted diet.

Women with PCOS may particularly benefit from a gluten-free diet, as many of the gluten-free grains such as quinoa, amaranth and brown rice are low on the glycemic index and will not spike blood sugar.

if you need help right now my Fertility Diet Challenge is packed with chef prepared recipes that are gluten free!  Download the free challenge here!

If you need specific recipes that will help you right now my Fabulously Fertile Cookbook has you covered.  There are gluten free, dairy free, corn free, soy free, egg free, paleo and vegan options.

Here are some of my favourite gluten-free resources:

Spunky Coconut

Great resource for all things gluten and dairy free!  If you have a dessert craving, this is my go to resource.  She has amazing ice cream too.  I love her take on healthy cinnamon buns.  Yes they are absolutely delicious and good for your fertility.  Click here for the recipe.

www.spunkycoconut.com

Elana’s Pantry

She has lots of gluten-free and dairy-free recipes. From delicious pancakes, banana breads to mouth watering entrees and salads.  Here is a salad using the strawberries for a pop of sweetness.  Click here for the recipe

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http://elanaspantry.com/

Minimalist Baker

My favourite meal of the day is breakfast.  I’m obsessed with pancakes, waffles, smoothies, green juice, gluten-free granola. The minimalist baker has amazing gluten free options.  Check out their gluten-free pancakes.  Enjoy for breakfast or dinner! Click here for recipe.

www.minimalistbaker.com

Paleo Grubs

When you are looking for something easy to eat for dinner.  Paleo Grubs has an awesome list to tempt your taste buds.  Try the Baked Salmon.  Simple and good for your fertility.  Loaded with Omega 3’s that have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

http://paleogrubs.com/paleo-salmon

Oh She Glows

According to the Harvard Nurses’ Health Study, when you get more of your protein from plants and less from animals, you improve your chances of getting pregnant. In the study, women with the highest consumption of animal protein had 41% greater risk of ovulatory infertility than women who consumed more plant protein. The study found that adding one serving a day of red meat and chicken increased risk of ovulatory infertility. One serving of eggs and fish did not influence ovulatory infertility. One of my favourite plant protein sites is Oh She Glows.  Check out this Warm and Roasted Winter salad bowl here

www.ohsheglows.com

Fabulously Fertile

Still not sure how to get started I’ve got you covered with my Fabulously Fertile Cookbook – Real Food to Boost Fertility.  With over 65 gluten-free recipes to specifically target your fertility you will never be at a loss for what to eat.  Grab your spouse and get cooking.  What you place on your fork every day dramatically affects your ability to conceive.  Here’s a recipe from the cookbook – Brussels Sprout Slaw

Sarah Clark empowers couples to discover how lifestyle and diet can dramatically impact their chances of conceiving.  She was diagnosed with premature ovarian failure at 28 and had both her kids with donor eggs.  Not until years later did she discover that the root cause of her infertility was a food intolerance.  Ready to gaze into your baby’s eyes….but struggling.  Download 10 step Checklist here