Gluten and dairy-free cycle

zeynsom

I have heard from people that they are on gluten and/or dairy-free diet during their IVF cycles. Is this for implantation purposes mainly or do they help with quality/quantity as well? It is possible that I may freeze all this cycle with a transfer for later this year. Is there an advantage of going gluten-free or dairy-free during the cycle if you are freezing all? And, is dairy-free or lactose-free? That is, is it okay if I eat yogurt and drink lactose-free milk? Thanks!

CallaLily30

My RE recommended it for a freeze all cycle as well as a FET cycle. Supposedly, it will help with egg quality as well as implantation. I believe you have to be dairy free as its the casein that causes the issue and this is in any cow products. My RE said goat products (cheese, milk, etc) are OK.

Justone13

Hmmm I haven't heard of this yet but I'm looking into it now!!!

ronniesgirl1981

I am gluten free, but not specifically for IF (though I, of course, hoped for a magical cure). I feel so much better all around. Lost 40 pounds and lost a huge amount of puffiness. For anyone considering making the switch, just be sure to stay away from packaged/processed GF foods. They are terrible for your blood sugar level and will keep you hungry. I occasionally eat GF pizza and always feel like crap for a day or two afterwards.

ashlee

I am permanently gluten and dairy-free, but only because I have reactions to gluten and dairy. I haven't heard about how it would benefit IVF. Removing gluten reduced my endo pain. For whatever reason gluten makes my endo pain ten times worse. So perhaps it is very inflammatory for some people.

ronniesgirl1981

@ashlee‌ There are studies that backup your experience: https://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2013/02/wheat-and-endometriosis/

swyatt2014

I'm doing the paleo diet (it's gluten and dairy free) because me and DH are doing a 5k at the end of the month. I didn't know it was good for the cycles but I'm glad I know ! Score!!! I know it has helped greatly with my digestion and regularity (sorry for the TMI) lol

ashlee

@ronniesgirl1981 Wow. I had no idea they had done a study on that!

ronniesgirl1981

@Hoping4LO‌ Both are bad for you for different reasons. I swear by Dr. Davis, so here's his explain: https://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2012/09/gluten-free-muffin-top/. FWIW, I had some tortillas chips today, because...they are good..., but I do try to keep it to a minimum. Here's Wheat Belly's "Quick and Dirty" guide in case anyone is interested. https://www.wheatbellyblog.com/2011/10/wheat-belly-quick-and-dirty/

ronniesgirl1981

One more: here's a chart showing the various types of flours: https://ggiswheatfree.wordpress.com/2012/06/13/so-many-flours-so-little-cupboard-space-how-gluten-free-flours-compare-for-carbs-and-protein-content/

daydreamernyc

I tried going gluten free for my last cycle. I started a few weeks before my cycle began and carried it through to the end. I also did I a lot of research/reading online too. 

 Here is my take: I believe there are a lot of people (more that 1% that is cited for celiacs) that have some level of sensitivity to gluten. If you do have a sensitivity or allergy then, yes, it would be advantageous to go gluten free. If you don't then I believe there is no impact and instead you remove an important protein source and complex carbs.

When I started going gluten free, I did not notice a difference in how I felt. Then when I started eating wheat again I also did not notice a difference in how I felt. Therefor I concluded that I do not have any issue with gluten. 

We are always looking for a thing that can help. All I can say is if you notice a difference in how you feel after going gluten free, then go for it. If not, enjoy a bagel!