Keto And Conception: Timing Your Diet Transition

The ketogenic diet is a popular, high-fat, low-carb diet that puts your body into a natural metabolic state called ketosis. While it can be an effective way to lose weight, there is little research on its effects on fertility. Some experts suggest that it may improve fertility in women with PCOS by helping them lose weight and rebalancing their hormones. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women as it may be detrimental, and it can also lead to nutrient deficiencies and increased cholesterol. It is advisable to consult a doctor or dietitian before starting any new diet, especially when trying to conceive.

Keto may help women with PCOS conceive

While there is no definitive answer to how long one should be off keto before trying to conceive, some sources suggest that the keto diet may help women with PCOS conceive.

PCOS, or polycystic ovary syndrome, is a common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, affecting 7-10% of women. It is a leading cause of female infertility and is characterised by irregular periods, high levels of testosterone, and ovaries with many small follicles.

The keto diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to improve fertility in women with PCOS. Research has found that the keto diet can help women with PCOS lose weight and improve their reproductive hormone levels. Specifically, the keto diet has been found to lower the follicle-stimulating hormone ratio, which may increase the likelihood of ovulation. The diet has also been found to lower testosterone levels, which can help with excess hair growth and other symptoms of excess male sex hormones.

In a small study, four overweight women with PCOS who were trying to conceive followed a ketogenic diet for six months. All four women lost weight and resumed regular menstruation, and two of the women conceived spontaneously without requiring ovulation induction.

Additionally, some assisted reproduction programs now advise both women and men to follow a low-carbohydrate, high-fat, and high-protein diet to enhance the health and fertility of their eggs and sperm before undergoing fertility treatments such as IVF.

However, it is important to note that the keto diet may not be suitable for everyone and that it can be challenging to follow the diet in a healthy way. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially when trying to conceive.

It can help regulate reproductive hormones

The ketogenic diet can help regulate reproductive hormones in several ways.

Firstly, the keto diet can help to reduce insulin levels and improve insulin resistance. Insulin is produced in response to carbohydrate consumption, and in a typical high-carb diet, this can lead to excessive blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance over time. By reducing carbohydrate intake, the keto diet helps to regulate insulin levels and improve blood sugar control, which has a positive impact on overall health and fertility.

Secondly, the keto diet can help to lower cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone released when blood sugar spikes and drops rapidly. By regulating blood sugar response, the keto diet reduces the stress on the body and leads to lower cortisol release, allowing the adrenal glands to function properly.

Thirdly, the keto diet has been shown to improve reproductive hormone imbalances associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common cause of infertility in women and is linked to insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose. The keto diet has been found to improve reproductive hormones and insulin levels in women with PCOS, and in some cases, lead to spontaneous pregnancies after previous fertility issues.

Additionally, the keto diet can positively impact thyroid function and help regulate sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, all of which play a crucial role in reproductive health.

While more research is needed, the available evidence suggests that the keto diet has the potential to contribute to improved pregnancy outcomes, alleviate symptoms of PCOS, and increase overall quality of life for individuals trying to conceive.

It's not recommended during pregnancy

While the keto diet may be an effective strategy to achieve short-term weight loss and improve conception success, it is not recommended during pregnancy.

Metabolic ketosis should be avoided once pregnant as the safety of the ketotic state in pregnancy has not been well-studied and may be detrimental. Research in this area is limited as it is difficult to conduct studies on pregnant women and their babies. However, a study on mice found that the keto diet caused deformations in the embryo's organs, including the brain, spinal cord, pharynx, heart, thymus, and liver.

Additionally, the keto diet can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which are especially risky during pregnancy when the body has very high nutrition requirements. For example, the keto diet may not provide enough folic acid, calcium, phosphorus, fibre, B vitamins, and magnesium. Whole grains, fruits, legumes, beans, and dairy foods—all of which are restricted on the keto diet—are linked to enhancing endometrial thickness to support implantation and provide important nutrients like iodine and folic acid.

Furthermore, adhering to a restrictive diet like keto could add to a woman's stress while undergoing fertility treatments or negatively impact her relationship with food. During pregnancy, women often reach for carbohydrates to cope with nausea, and the keto diet would put those foods on the "no-fly list." Even if a woman stops the keto diet by the time she becomes pregnant, she may still feel guilty about eating those foods.

For these reasons, it is not recommended to follow the keto diet during pregnancy.

It may be beneficial for men's fertility

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis. In ketosis, the body breaks down stored fat for energy instead of burning carbohydrates. This process creates molecules called ketones, which are used as fuel by the body.

The keto diet has been touted as a potential way to boost fertility in both men and women. While there is limited research on the direct link between keto and fertility, there is some evidence to suggest that the diet may be beneficial for male fertility.

Firstly, the keto diet can aid in weight loss, which can improve fertility. Being overweight or obese can reduce the chances of getting pregnant and increase the risk of miscarriage. By helping individuals lose weight, the keto diet may indirectly improve fertility outcomes.

Secondly, the keto diet can help reduce systemic inflammation. According to Kristin Kirkpatrick, RDN, a wellness nutrition services consultant, "inflammation can reduce overall fertility". By reducing inflammation, the keto diet may enhance reproductive health.

Additionally, a properly followed ketogenic diet can help regulate reproductive hormones, including testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Hormonal imbalances can disrupt the normal functioning of sperm and egg cells, leading to fertility issues. By regulating these hormones, the keto diet may improve fertility in men.

Furthermore, the keto diet recommends consuming healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, and omega fatty-acid-rich fish. These foods have been shown to improve sperm health, according to Will Cole, a doctor of chiropractic and functional medicine expert. A diet rich in these healthy fats may positively impact male fertility.

While the keto diet may offer potential benefits for male fertility, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes, as individual needs may vary.

It can help with weight loss

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that can help with weight loss. Typically, the keto diet involves getting 70% to 80% of your calories from fat, 10% to 20% from protein, and just 5% to 10% from carbohydrates. By reducing carbohydrate intake, the body is forced into a state of ketosis, where it breaks down stored fat for energy instead of glucose from carbs. This shift can enhance weight loss, at least in the short term.

Research suggests that the keto diet can help people lose weight faster compared to a calorie-reduction diet. For example, a systematic review of 13 randomised controlled trials found that participants on ketogenic diets lost 0.9 kg more than those on low-fat diets over 12 to 24 months. Another review of 11 randomised controlled trials found that the keto group lost 2.2 kg more than the low-fat group over 6 to 24 months.

The keto diet can be particularly beneficial for overweight women who want to get pregnant, as being overweight reduces the chances of getting pregnant and maintaining a pregnancy. The keto diet can help these women lose weight and boost their fertility at the same time. For example, a small study of four overweight women with PCOS who followed the keto diet found that within six months, all four lost weight and resumed regular menstruation, and two conceived spontaneously without requiring ovulation induction.

However, it is important to note that the keto diet can be challenging to maintain due to its restrictive nature, and it may not be suitable for everyone. It is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new diet, especially when trying to conceive.

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