The Pineapple: Infertility's Official Fruit
By Team BHF
Why is the pineapple a sign of infertility? Move over hospitality... The surprising and quirky truth behind pineapple's new delegation as "mascot" to the infertility community.
The pineapple, once a symbol reserved for guest towels and colonial wallpaper, has taken the infertility community by storm. Sweet on the inside, full of spikes on the outside, here's why this tropical fruit has become a fertility warrior's best friend.
Part myth, part medicinal, eating pineapple can actually boost one chances of getting pregnant for a variety of reasons. The key component? Bromelain, a substance which fights inflammation in the body, supporting the immune system and increasing blood flow to the uterus.
Can eating pineapple make you more fertile?
If you have ever Googled anything about fertility or in this case infertility, you’ll immediately notice that pineapples are quite literally everywhere. No complaints here as this fruit is both beautiful and delicious. Yes, it’s true that the pineapple has become an iconic symbol amongst the community. But, why?
This fruit is something compared to the Holy Grail of pregnancy with this group of women originally getting its start as an old folks tale. It was said that its ingredients can contribute to a healthy pre and post-pregnancy. While there is very little scientific evidence available, doctors say the properties of the fruit may very well improve the chances of those trying to conceive.
Well, the main factor to dissect here is Bromelain. But it doesn’t end there. Let’s break down the queen of fruit to further understand why it’s so highly recommended
- Bromelain
The bromelain found in Pineapple offers two key benefits to women who are trying to conceive. It’s an enzymatic protein found in both the fruit and stem that offer anti-inflammatory and anticoagulant properties. Because these both break down the protein that makes the mucous in our mouths, it’s thought to have the same effect on the uterus to thin the walls and help with implantation.
Think of it as breaking down the barriers to pregnancy, literally. Since it also acts as a blood thinner, it assists blood flow to all areas of the body - including the uterus. This is something that is imperative to reproductive health.
- Folate
Pineapples are high in folate. According to one study published by the National Institute of Health, when women undergoing IVF took folic acid supplements their embryos were higher in quality and they enjoyed a greater likelihood of actually becoming pregnant. All of this in addition to glowing skin and stronger hair & nails? Sign us up! If food is your medicine, search out folate-rich options like lentils, spinach, avocados and sweet corn. Alternatively or in addition, consider a daily supplement.
- Vitamin C
Vitamin C is one of the vitamins most commonly associated with fertility. Not only can it help increase your progesterone levels, but it can also help boost your partner’s sperm quality - including quantity, and mobility. The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 90 milligrams (mg) for men and 75 mg for women. So the next time you are both enjoying breakfast in bed, don’t forget the OJ!
Vitamin C is not only found in citrus fruits. Some other foods that are surprising high in this powerhouse vitamin include bell peppers, broccoli, kale and snow peas. (Stir fry anyone?)
- Calcium
Experts advise that any women trying to conceive get at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day. While that sounds like a lot, it can easily be achieved through a dairy-driven breakfast like yogurt or a decaf latte along with an abundance of leafy greens topped off with salmon or tofu.
If you are TTC, make sure your daily multivitamin or prenatal includes calcium, too. This is just one more of the vitamins that your baby will need as soon as he or she is conceived to ensure a healthy development.
How does pineapple help during IVF?
Pineapple has been connected to IVF for a few different reasons. The main being the benefits from the vitamins mentioned above for those trying to conceive. Pineapples have also been deemed a universal sign of good luck - which is why you might find them on everything from shoes and handbags to home decor and jewelry.
Increased fertility plus good luck? Sounds like a winner to us. It’s clear to see why pineapple won out as the fruit of choice for fertility warriors around the world. But let’s dive a bit more into what it’s properties actually do to help boost your chances of getting pregnant …
- Bromelain
Coming back to the main benefit of Pineapple, it can be specifically helpful with IVF because many women who are being treated with IVF may have conditions like an inflamed pelvic or something along the lines that cause issues with implantation. Because Bromelain reduces the inflammation in the body the uterus is more likely to receive the embryo.
Why? Because when Bromelain is taken with food it breaks down and helps us digest our foods. But when taken on an empty stomach it helps thin the blood, create blood flow to the uterus, and reduce inflammation that would affect the sperm and egg’s ability to meet. Bromelain is critical to reproductive health. In other words, pineapple gives the extra boost during IVF that potential mamas may need.
- Vitamins, Calcium, and Folate
While IVF is certainly an emotionally draining process, it is also a physically draining process. In order to be in the best possible position for the process to work, women need to be well-rested and healthy. This is why extra calcium to help strengthen bones, Vitamin C to help support the immune system, and folate for healthy embryo development are all crucial when trying to conceive.
When should you eat pineapple if you want to get pregnant?
Pineapple has been heralded by many as the fruit of choice to eat throughout the IVF process. In particular, many patients have found good luck eating it on an empty stomach on the day of your transfer. There is a process specific to IVF that many have claimed is the tried and true way.
How should you eat pineapple if you want to get pregnant?
This sounds crazy, because it sort of is but... There is a whole group of women out there who became pregnant through IVF that will tell you it's not only enough to eat pineapple during your cycle, but that it should be consumed in a specific way. For real. They recommend cutting the pineapple into five slices (including the core). Starting on the day of your IVF transfer eat one slice a day for the next five days.
But be warned, too much pineapple (we're talking a LOT of pineapple) can create an overly acidic atmosphere which could be a big turn off to sperm and embryo implantation.
And, even if you are not going through IVF, the mama community still recommends trying to eat pineapple wedges for 6-8 days after ovulation for the best chances of natural implantation.
But be warned: While eating pineapple to get pregnant because of the bromelain property is common practice, once you actually are pregnant, doctors may recommend limiting your pineapple intake (among other things). The key here is to have an open and honest line of communication with your fertility clinic and your OBGYN to determine what’s safe for your unique set of circumstances and what you should be avoiding.
What does it mean to be a part of the #PineappleTribe?
This is the hashtag most widely used for those who support the symbolism of the pineapple representing infertility. Not only does it help patients feel a sense of belonging and community, but the pineapple also helps to raise awareness about infertility.
If you are trying to find a community to join, you’ll notice that many groups and women in these groups have dedicated their profile photos to pineapples. But the love for the queen fruit doesn’t end there!
The pineapple emoji will pop up everywhere in captions on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and more. What are in these photos? Likely women wearing pineapple tee-shirts with positive vibes in a pretty print. The #PineappleTribe hashtag is a great way to share your TTC journey with those who can relate and a great way to find other women who are also going through IVF.
