The Fertility Diet: What To Know

Overview

The aim:

Boost ovulation and improve fertility.

The claim:

Changes to diet, weight and activity can increase ovulation and help you get pregnant faster.

The theory:

Research from the Nurses’ Health Study – which began in 1976 and grew to include 238,000 female nurse participants ages 30 to 55 – has shown that tweaking aspects of your diet, from fats to beverages, can increase ovulation and improve your chances of getting pregnant. In “The Fertility Diet: Groundbreaking Research Reveals Natural Ways to Boost Ovulation and Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant,” Drs. Jorge Chavarro and Walter Willett of the Harvard School of Public Health created a diet plan based on the study, which showed that women who consumed “good” fats, whole grains and plant protein improved their egg supply, while those who ate “bad” fats, refined carbohydrates and red meat may make fewer eggs, thereby increasing the risk for ovulatory infertility. They also suggest that full-fat dairy products are good for fertility compared with skim milk and sugary sodas. The doctors recommend a 10-step approach to improving fertility.

Balanced Diet

These diets fall within accepted ranges for the amount of protein, carbs, fat and other nutrients they provide.

Pros & Cons

• Promotes fertility
• Encourages healthy pregnancy

• Discouraged for those with blocked fallopian tubes
• Strictly for women