You're likely aware of how gluten impacts fertility (we have numerous blogs and podcasts on the topic) and encourage couples that are TTC to eliminate gluten (and it's cross reactors) for at least 60-90 days.
This is crucial because gluten intolerance and celiac disease often go undiagnosed. A study revealed a significant 5.9% increase in undiagnosed celiac disease among women with unexplained infertility.
Additionally, research has shown that gluten prompts the release of a protein called zonulin, which loosens tight junctions in the intestinal lining, leading to 'leaky gut' and various issues such as acne, bloating, mood swings, and fatigue.
Given these reasons and those mentioned below, it's important to emphasize the necessity of adhering to a gluten-free diet. Here are some key connections between gluten and fertility:
- Undiagnosed celiac disease or non celiac gluten sensitivity can cause ongoing inflammation in the body. This overburdens the immune system, exacerbating inflammation and impeding fertility and hormonal balance.
- Chronic inflammation throws off the intricate harmony of hormones crucial for regulating the menstrual cycle, impairing ovulation, and compromising the entire reproductive system's function.
- Damaged gut lining, like from gluten intolerance, can make it hard for your small intestine to soak up important stuff like iron, zinc, folate, and B vitamins. These nutrients are important for reproductive health because they help eggs and sperm grow, make hormones, and keep your periods regular.
- Gluten intolerance can disrupt gut bacteria balance (gut dysbiosis), impeding nutrient absorption and affecting vaginal health. Imbalanced vaginal flora can hinder sperm and egg environment, complicating conception, implantation, and IVF outcomes.
We're not suggesting that you need to go gluten-free forever. We typically like for you to remove gluten and dairy from your diet for at least 60-90 days.
To fast track pregnancy success we conduct food sensitivity testing to tweak your diet further.
It's crucial to maintain a strict 100% gluten-free diet to avoid setbacks in your progress.
We recognize the challenges of adhering to a gluten-free diet, which is why we've created the FREE Fertility Recipe Guide with you in mind. We also have additional podcasts and blog posts, all conveniently linked below, covering this important topic.
What You Need To Know About Gluten And Infertility
The Impact Of Gluten On Embryo Implantation, Pregnancy Loss, NK Cells and AMH/FSH Levels
Let’s connect and talk about how the Fab Fertile Program could help you and your partner achieve pregnancy success! Book your free 15 minute call here.
Choi JM, Lebwohl B, Wang J, Lee SK, Murray JA, Sauer MV, Green PH. Increased prevalence of celiac disease in patients with unexplained infertility in the United States. J Reprod Med. 2011 May-Jun;56(5-6):199-203. PMID: 21682114; PMCID: PMC3122153.
Fasano A. Zonulin, regulation of tight junctions, and autoimmune diseases. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2012 Jul;1258(1):25-33. doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06538.x. PMID: 22731712; PMCID: PMC3384703.
Nenna R, Mennini M, Petrarca L, et alImmediate effect on fertility of a gluten-free diet in women with untreated coeliac diseaseGut 2011;60:1023-1024.
