Could Dairy, Gluten, or Soy Be Impacting Fertility? Here’s What Every Woman Trying to Conceive Should Know
When it comes to fertility nutrition, confusion is common. Between advice to eliminate dairy, ditch gluten, and avoid soy completely, many women and couples are left guessing their way through diets, especially when navigating PCOS, unexplained infertility, or preparing for IVF/IUI.
Dr. Joline Fernandes, a homoeopath, clinical nutritionist, and Goa's 1st Fertility Nutritionist, provides a science-backed, balanced perspective that cuts through the noise of diet trends.
Her approach? Precision nutrition tailored to the individual, not restrictive rules.
Understanding the Link Between Food and Fertility
Fertility is deeply influenced by daily diet. Hormone balance, ovulation, and even egg and sperm quality are shaped by what we eat. However, not all foods affect every individual in the same way. Here's a closer look at how dairy, gluten, and soy influence reproductive health.
Dairy: Not the Enemy
Dairy contains IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor), a hormone that can influence hormonal dynamics. For some women with PCOS or hormonal acne, excessive dairy might worsen symptoms.
But not all dairy is harmful. Fermented dairy – like curd, paneer, or buttermilk – promotes gut health, which supports hormonal balance.
👉 Key Insight: It’s not about elimination – it’s about form and quantity.
Gluten: A Case for Individualisation
Gluten, found in wheat, rye, and barley, often gets blamed for hormonal issues. But gluten is only problematic if there's:
- Celiac disease
- Non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS)
- Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Unnecessarily cutting out gluten may lead to deficiencies in B vitamins, zinc, and iron — all vital for fertility.
👉 Pro Tip: Always test for gluten sensitivity before elimination.
Soy: Misunderstood and Undervalued
Soy contains phytoestrogens — plant compounds that weakly mimic estrogen. Contrary to myths, moderate soy, especially in fermented forms like tempeh or miso, may help regulate hormones — especially in estrogen-deficient women.
👉 Myth Buster: Whole and fermented soy can be beneficial when consumed in moderation.
Common Fertility Food Myths — Debunked
🔸 Going completely dairy-free isn’t necessary for everyone.
🔸 Gluten doesn’t cause infertility unless you're sensitive to it.
🔸 Soy, in its natural form, is not dangerous for women’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes – but only with professional guidance. Unsupervised restriction can do more harm than good.
Try curd or paneer – fermented forms are often better tolerated.
Not always. Most plant-based milks are ultra-processed and low in key nutrients unless fortified.
Only if gluten triggers inflammation. Otherwise, prioritise fibre, protein, and blood sugar stability.
A Real-Life Success Story
Divya, a client with irregular cycles and failed IUI attempts, had eliminated both dairy and gluten with no improvement. She felt fatigued, bloated, and underweight.
Through a 100-day customised plan, the following changes were made:
✅ Reintroduction of fermented dairy
✅ Identification of soy as her trigger
✅ Focus on gut health and blood sugar balance
The result? Regular ovulation and a natural conception within five months, without extreme dietary restrictions.
From Elimination to Precision Nutrition
The takeaway: Fertility nutrition isn’t about eating less — it’s about eating right. Knowing what to eliminate and when to reintroduce can change everything.
Discover the Fertility Fuel Plan
To empower women and couples on their conception journey, Dr. Joline has created the Fertility Fuel Plan — a structured, easy-to-follow, self-paced program.
What’s Inside:
- A 3-phase roadmap to hormonal balance
- 20+ Indian meal ideas to boost egg and sperm quality
- Clear guidelines for elimination and reintroduction
- A starter guide for gut healing
Ready to stop guessing and start nourishing?
Join the hundreds who have already transformed their fertility journey with clarity and confidence.