Does A Meat-Free Diet Help With Fertility?
There are many reasons why people might choose to follow a meat-free diet. Some people choose to go meat-free for religious reasons, while others may do so for health or environmental reasons.
But does going meat-free also mean you’re more likely to have a successful pregnancy? A recent study suggests that it might.
In a study published in April 2017 in the journal Human Reproduction, researchers looked at how diet patterns related to fertility outcomes among 782 participants trying to conceive. They examined the association between the following diets: omnivore, pescatarian, semi-vegetarian, vegetarian and vegan and infertility treatment outcomes.
According to their findings, women who followed an overall plant-based diet, including fruit and vegetables, were 11% less likely than those following an omnivorous diet to have trouble conceiving or requiring fertility treatments like IVF.
These associations were strongest in women who also had a body mass index (BMI) lower than 25, suggesting that weight could potentially influence the effects of diet.
These results don’t necessarily mean that cutting meat from your diet will guarantee you an easier time getting pregnant or that only vegetarians have good fertility outcomes. However, they suggest a link between eating more plant foods and better fertility outcomes and provide a potential way to improve your chances of having a baby.
Are There Any Health Risks Associated With a Meat-Free Diet?
There are generally no health risks associated with a meat-free diet, as long as you’re getting the nutrients your body needs from other sources.
However, it is important to ensure that you’re avoiding fatty and processed foods when following this diet, since these types of foods can increase your risk for certain health conditions like heart disease.
Also, if you do not eat enough protein or iron regularly, it can affect your fertility and overall health. If you decide to follow a vegetarian or vegan diet and want to become pregnant, be sure to talk with your doctor about any special nutritional considerations that may be necessary for your situation.
Make sure you get enough protein and iron in your daily diet – especially if you are planning on becoming pregnant. If you have any questions about the health risks associated with a meat-free diet or what types of foods to eat for optimal nutrition while following this type of diet, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.
So if you’re considering following a meat-free diet or are simply looking for ways to eat healthier overall, this study suggests that filling up on fruits, vegetables, and other plant foods may help improve your chances of getting pregnant.
Just ensure not to eliminate nutrient-rich animal products from your diet, too, even if you don’t plan on eating them during pregnancy. And as always, talk to your doctor or midwife before making major changes to your diet.
If you want more advice on fertility, then speak to Fertility Plus who can help.
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