Intermittent Fasting for Fertility: Is Fasting Good for Fertility?

By now, you’re aware of the impressive benefits intermittent fasting offers, such as weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced risk of heart disease. While fasting can positively impact our health in many interconnected ways, is it also good for fertility? 

Let’s delve into the correlation between intermittent fasting and fertility, and find out. 

What is Intermittent Fasting and How Does It Work?

Intermittent fasting focuses on the timing of eating, rather than calorie intake. It consists of consuming your daily recommended calorie intake within a specific timeframe, known as the eating window. The length of the eating window varies depending on the fasting protocol and can typically go from 4 to 12 hours. During fasting, you can only drink water and calorie-free beverages. 

Intermittent Fasting Methods

Intermittent fasting is a popular approach for those wanting to improve their overall health because it can adapt to any lifestyle. Its variations in eating and fasting times allow you to decide when and how to incorporate them into your routine. 

List of intermittent fasting protocols:

• 20:4

• 18:6

• 16:8

• 14:10

• 12:12

There is no best intermittent fasting protocol. Each individual will choose whichever fits best into their routine, eating habits, desired intensity, health condition, and objectives. Additionally, complementing your fasting with exercise is ideal to maximize fasting results. 

Make your fasting journey as easygoing and enjoyable as possible with Fastic. The Fastic app is your 24/7 companion, assisting you throughout your fasting journey. It provides helpful tools, such as keeping a meal calorie count, monitoring your weight loss progress, sending timely reminders for meals and maintaining optimal hydration levels, and even answering nutrition answers through its AI-powered NutriChatBot.

Health Benefits of Intermittent Fasting

Practicing intermittent fasting can bring plenty of benefits to your health. One study on obese people following a 14:10 fast for 8 weeks showed weight loss and improved blood glucose. Another study proved the same weight loss effects in women following a 16:8 fast for 3 months.

Intermittent fasting can offer many more wellness advantages besides weight loss, including:

• diminish inflammation and oxidative stress

• help reduce the risk of heart disease

• improve metabolic markers like insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels

• promote cellular repair and renewal, and longevity

• boost brain health and energy levels

Keep in mind that the potential health benefits of intermittent fasting may vary from person to person and that not all bodies react the same to nutritional changes. What might work for someone might not work the same for another.

Optimizing Fertility: Importance of Hormonal Balance and a Healthy Diet

Hormonal balance in women

Optimal estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels help regulate menstrual cycles and support reproductive health, influencing ovulation and fertility outcomes.

Hormonal balance in men

Prime testosterone levels, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and other hormones, aid in regulating sperm production, affecting sperm quality and fertility results.

Nutritious Diet

A well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet grants essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for effective reproductive health. Diets high in unsaturated fats, whole grains, vegetables, and fish have been associated with improved fertility in both men and women. 

Use the Fastic app to choose from various fasting-friendly recipes that safely propel you towards reaching your objectives. Learn about each meal’s caloric content, health advantages, cooking instructions, and more.

Intermittent Fasting for Fertility: Is Fasting Good for Female Fertility?

Fasting can affect ovulation, leading to a change in mood, low sex drive, hair loss, and even dry skin. What do studies have to say about the effects of fasting on fertility?

Studies on the impact of intermittent fasting on female fertility

Krista Varady, a UIC professor of kinesiology and nutrition, stated that about 30 trials on intermittent fasting have been done, where about 85 percent of samples were women, and the diet followed did not affect reproductive hormones and even benefited people with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).” Learn how intermittent fasting can help you with PCOS. 

Furthermore, one of the studies performed on pre and post-menopausal obese women showed that the levels of a sex-binding globulin hormone, a protein that carries reproductive hormones through the body, were unchanged after women underwent a “warrior diet” for 8 weeks. Discover how fasting can help menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood changes.

Studies on the negative impact of intermittent fasting on female fertility

A recent study performed on zebrafish following a time-restricted diet found that the quality of eggs was negatively impacted and that the adverse effects continued after usual feeding. Zebrafish share more than 70% of their genome with humans. And, although this study was not performed on humans, it may suggest implications for reproductive health in organisms with similar dietary restrictions.

So, does intermittent fasting affect fertility? It’s uncertain whether intermittent fasting has a positive or negative impact on fertility. However, it can offer health improvements depending on your health condition and how well you go about it. 

Intermittent Fasting for Fertility: Is Fasting Good for Male Fertility?

Just as fasting can impact female hormones, it can also affect male hormones, but is the impact the same? 

Studies on the positive impact of intermittent fasting on male fertility

A study on the impact of intermittent fasting on sperm outcomes where patients followed a fasting period of 14-16 hours during 30 days, demonstrated an improvement in sperm pH value, viability, and motility. Additionally, while sperm concentration and morphology were not significantly affected, overall findings suggest fasting may enhance male reproductive potential. 

A study on 24-hour intermittent fasting showed an increase in human growth hormone (HGH) secretion. Human growth hormone helps produce sperm both directly and indirectly through a substance called, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 stimulates the maturation of spermatozoa, the increase in sperm motility, and correlates significantly with total sperm count.

Studies on the negative impact of intermittent fasting on male fertility

A review of human trials on intermittent fasting showed a decrease in testosterone levels in lean, physically active, young females, however, sex-binding globulin hormone was not affected. Muscle mass and strength remained unaffected. 

Does intermittent fasting affect male fertility? Same as with females, fasting can also impact male reproduction. With study outcomes all over the place, it is difficult to say whether intermittent fasting is good or bad for men’s fertility. Men over 40 practice intermittent fasting, Other studies found that fasting did not impact sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels. Reduced SHBG levels can lead to higher levels of free testosterone.

Considerations and Recommendations: Intermittent Fasting and Fertility 

Consider your health background

Intermittent fasting may not be ideal for everyone, particularly individuals with specific health conditions. Factors like age, health, and reproductive goals should be considered. 

Consult with your healthcare provider

Seek professional medical guidance before starting intermittent fasting. If you are trying to conceive, it's paramount that you get personalized advice and monitor any potential effects on fertility.

Smartly introduce fasting into your lifestyle

Do not prioritize fasting over your health. Drastically changing your routine to meet fasting expectations is not recommended, especially if you notice negative effects. Try to tailor the fasting protocol to fit your daily schedule, eating habits, and activities as closely as possible to minimize the impact it may have on your body. Download the Fastic app to determine which fasting protocol fits best with your lifestyle and goals.

Conclusion: Is Fasting Good for Fertility?

While there is no evidence that fasting can help with fertility, there isn’t any evidence that proves fasting is harmful either. Studies have demonstrated that fasting can positively and negatively impact reproductive health, however, more studies are needed to determine whether fasting is good or bad for fertility. If you are considering conceiving and intermittent fasting, consult with a healthcare specialist for accurate guidance for an effective and safe fasting experience.  

Disclaimer: It is advised to speak with a health professional before beginning intermittent fasting or a diet program. There may be side effects for people with certain medical conditions.