The Fertility Diet

The Fertility Diet Review:

Background

The Fertility Diet is based on a book from Harvard researchers entitled The Fertility Diet: Groundbreaking Research Reveals Natural Ways to Boost Ovulation and Improve Your Chances of Getting Pregnant by Jorge Chavarro MD, Walter Wilett MD and Patrick Skerrett. The diet advocates that ten simple changes in diet and activity can increase a woman's fertility levels and thereby, help her get pregnant. The conclusions are based on a landmark long-term study of over 20,000 female nurses who were seeking to get pregnant. Although fertility diets have been long touted, this book has received a great deal of attention due to the fact that it originates from Harvard.

What to Eat

The diet includes avoiding trans fats, and sugared sodas. Women on the fertility diet also are advised to eat more beans, nuts and whole grains. At least a glass of whole milk per day is also recommended. The book also recommends taking vitamins and folic acid. Interestingly enough, ice cream is advised to be a good substitution for the milk.

The Good

Diets full fiber and plant-based protein sources are healthier for the body and therefore, would boost overall health. Whether a person is trying to conceive or just wants better health, she cannot go wrong with eating more fruits, vegetables and beans.

The Bad

One major criticism of this book is that the program will not help women with real medical infertility programs. It is only designed to help women with ovulatory infertility (a condition that affects less than a third of infertile women). Most of the nurses who were in the study that this book is based on apparently did not have real cases of infertility. Also the book's recommendation that whole-fat dairy and ice cream will improve fertility is considered to be a dubious idea by many doctors.

Exercise

The book recommends a daily exercise plan including light to moderate exercise.

Cost

The book is $24.95 hardcover.