• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Fertility Nutrition

High Sugar Foods, Inflammation and Your Fertility

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist
July 17, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Most of us know that too much sugar has a negative effect on our overall health and it does on our fertility as well. Even more concerning, filling up on high sugar foods means you’re skipping other nutrient-dense, Fertility Diet foods like fruits and vegetables, quality proteins, essential fats and whole grains.

Sugar: It’s probably one of the most misunderstood and over-consumed food substances. The latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) show adults in the US eat as much as 13% of their total daily calories from sugar. That’s simply too much!

Added Sugars- They’re Everywhere

Almost all snack foods and processed foods have added sugars in their ingredients. These sugars are very different than natural sugars from fruits and vegetables, which also offer many other nutrients that the body benefits from.

Added sugars appear on ingredient labels as: high fructose corn syrup, fructose, sucrose, brown sugar, rice syrup, dextrose, maltose, barley malt, fruit juice concentrates, glucose, invert sugar, lactose, maltose, malt syrup, pancake syrup, raw sugar, and turbinado sugar.

All of these sugars adversely affect many body systems and are highly concentrated. Similar to addictive drugs, added sugars affect the limbic system of the brain linked to emotional control. Eating sugar activates pleasure centers and increases serotonin production- the body’s “feel good” chemical.

For these reasons, eating sugar can make you feel good at first. In fact, many people use sugary foods as their daily reward. Yet, the more you eat sugar, the more you crave it. If you’ve gone through it you know: it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating patterns with sugar. Further, rewarding yourself with sugar backfires when it comes to hormone balance and fertility.

Sugar, Hormones & Your Fertility

Across the board, eating excess sugar increases oxidative stress and inflammation, and accelerates early aging, leading to cellular changes that damage the egg, sperm, and the reproductive system. Beyond that:

  • Too much sugar imbalances testosterone production and can lead to hormone-related acne and worsens PMS symptoms.
  • Eating too much sugar contributes to insulin resistance, affects weight management, and increases chronic inflammation.
  • For people with Immunological Infertility, too much sugar aggravates impaired immune response. It can also lead to leaky gut syndrome, affect mineral absorption, and may make it even harder to conceive.

The Science on Sugar & Inflammation

Refined sugar is 99.4-99.7 pure calories, without any vitamins, minerals, enzymes, fats or protein. At best, it’s a quick source of energy. At worst, it’s a trigger for early aging, potential disease and chronic inflammation.

A 2014 study published in Lipids in Health and Disease reveals consuming a 50-gram dose of fructose leads to a spike in inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP). More worrisome, inflammation remains high for over two hours after consumption.

A 2011 study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that 40 grams of added sugar from one can of soda a day increases inflammatory markers, insulin resistance and LDL cholesterol. The group studied gained more weight, too.

Some Good News about Sugar

You don’t have to quit all sugar! You can enjoy natural sugars from whole foods like fruits and vegetables guilt free. Natural sugars are not known to trigger inflammation or harm fertility. Because it contains complementary nutrients like fiber and enzymes, natural sugar is absorbed more slowly and is metabolized more easily.

Many sources of natural sugar actually have potent anti-inflammatory action. Just a few examples: organic pineapple, papaya, and berries.

Sugar & Fertility- The Bottom Line

Check ingredient lists of the foods you’re eating. While working on your fertility, make a conscious decision to avoid or strictly limit added sugars. Note: The highest sources of added sugars in the American diet are sugar-sweetened drinks, desserts and sweets. If you haven’t already, cut out or strictly limit these foods to drastically decrease your sugar intake.

For sweeteners, try Stevia leaf (Stevia rebaudiana), dates, lo han fruit, raw honey or Xylitol which add flavor without the health risks.

Stick to these changes, and your body and fertility will thank you. You may be surprised by how much better you feel when you cut out added sugars from your diet.

Resources to learn more:
Sugar May Contribute to Infertility
5 Anti-Inflammatory Foods Women Should Be Eating
Top 5 Anti-Nutrients That Affect Fertility
The Role of Inflammation in Infertility

References

  • Know Your Limit For Added Sugars. (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/know-your-limit-for-added-sugars.html
  • Hellmich, N. (2013, May). Adults consume 13% of calories from added sugars. Retrieved from: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/05/01/sugar-calories-soda-food/2121743/
  • Brown, M.J. (November 12, 2017). Does Sugar Cause Inflammation in the Body?. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sugar-and-inflammation
  • Jameel, F. et al. (2014, Aug.). Acute effects of feeding fructose, glucose and sucrose on blood lipid levels and systemic inflammation. Lipids Health Dis. 13: 195. Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4290803/
  • Aeberli, I. et al. (2011, Aug.). Low to moderate sugar-sweetened beverage consumption impairs glucose and lipid metabolism and promotes inflammation in healthy young men: a randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition; 94(2):479-85. doi: 10.3945/ajcn.111.013540. Epub 2011 Jun 15. Retrieved from:
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21677052
  • Joseph, SV et al. (2016). Fruit Polyphenols: A Review of Anti-inflammatory Effects in Humans. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr; 56(3):419-44. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2013.767221.
    Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25616409

« Previous Post
Early Treatment of PCOS Can Set You Up for Success
Next Post »
The Natural Fertility Guide To Vaginal Health

About the Author

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist

Sarah Abernathy - Certified Herbalist

Sarah has worked in the field of natural foods and herbalism for over 20 years. She's the Co-Author of "Healthy Healing" with over 1 million copies sold, a Certified Herbalist, and a health and wellness consultant. Sarah Graduated from the Professional Herbal Studies program at East West School of Herbology, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English from St. Mary's College. Working with women on their journey to wellness is her passion and she loves to share what she has been blessed to learn from naturopaths and other herbalists over the years.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 29

Open
Q: Will the Fertility Cleanse bring back a missing period?
​
​Swipe through the slides for our answer...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 27

Open
I believe things are placed on our hearts for a reason, not because we are supposed to suffer without them. While the journey to the outcome may not look exactly how we imagined, know that if it is in your heart, you can accomplish it. Just be open to the journey.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 24

Open
Two things are clear about phthalates and your fertility health: One, they are everywhere, and two, they are controversial! Particularly controversial is the link between phthalates and fibroids.
​
​Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are found in many everyday modern products. They’re found in floor and wall coverings, certain detergents, plastic food packaging, pharmaceuticals, lubricating oils, and personal care products like shampoos, soaps, hairspray, perfumes, and fragrant health products. Phthalates are even found in many of the plastic water bottles you might be drinking out of every day.
​
​If you are as concerned about these chemicals in our everyday lives as I am, see our Ditch & Switch Guide so you can start getting those chemicals out of your home. You can find it by clicking on our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 21

Open
How would you feel if in your twenties you were told you would never be able to have children because you were going through early menopause? Probably devastated. This is exactly what happened to Aleta. Fortunately for Aleta and her husband, advances in reproductive technology and a little old fashioned natural pregnancy preparation helped them achieve a goal they weren’t sure would ever be possible. This is Aleta’s story…

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 17

Open
Q: How long before an IVF should the Fertility Cleanse be done?
​
​Swipe through to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 14

Open
I am here talking my booty off day in and out to make sure you know that you are not alone.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 10

Open
Many women want to boost their fertility health but aren’t sure where to start.

If this is you, don’t you worry; I am going to make this as easy as possible for you and save you tons of time in trying to figure it all out.

This post is packed with resources for anyone who is just getting started with (or wanting to revive) their fertility journey.

Keep reading to learn about the three most important areas to focus on for healthy fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 8

Open
Latoya used the information from our website and the help of Vitex to become pregnant. Click through the slides to read more about her experience...
​
​
​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.
1w

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 6

Open
Q: My hair has been falling out lately. Is there anything natural I can do? Where should I start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 1

Open
The most important step to your success is the next 5 minutes of every moment.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 30

Open
Let's give a little extra love to our thyroids; shall we? Here are some foods you can add to your diet that help to nourish the thyroid... 
​
​Which are your favorites?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 26

Open
After 2 miscarriages, Felicia implemented certain products and therapies to increase her chances of a healthy pregnancy. She shares her story here... 
​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 23

Open
Q: Does having PMS mean hormonal imbalance?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 19

Open
What you are doing today is impacting the health of your eggs 90 days from now. Let's pamper those eggs! 
​
​If you are wondering where to get started, download my egg health guide at www.EggHealthTips.com

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us