Nutrition for Immunity & Fertility

Research increasingly highlights the immune system's role in fertility and pregnancy outcomes. Autoimmunity is strongly linked to subfertility and pregnancy loss, with conditions like Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease, celiac disease, endometriosis, and PCOS affecting hormonal balance and reproductive function. Chronic inflammation associated with immune dysregulation can also impact fertility, particularly implantation.

Pilar Manzanaro

6 min

Trying to Conceive

Article

Diet

Conditions

Microbiome

Autoimmunity, Thyroid Health, and Fertility

Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism can elevate prolactin, lower estrogen and progesterone, and contribute to weight gain, which exacerbates estrogen imbalances, menstrual irregularities, and ovulatory dysfunction. Addressing inflammation through dietary and lifestyle changes is key to restoring hormonal and immune balance. Gluten, dairy, excess weight, and stress contribute to systemic inflammation and should be managed to support fertility.

For suspected inflammation-related infertility, a modified anti-inflammatory diet is recommended. In confirmed autoimmune cases with fertility concerns, a stricter autoimmune protocol may be necessary.

Endometriosis, Inflammation, and Fertility

Endometriosis can impair implantation, endometrial receptivity, and ovulation due to immune dysfunction. The inflammatory cascade associated with endometriosis affects uterine natural killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for implantation and early pregnancy. Additionally, inflammatory cytokines in the fallopian tubes can impair sperm motility.

From a nutritional perspective, anti-inflammatory nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, omega-3 fatty acids, and quercetin help modulate immune responses. Flaxseed, NAC, whole grains, beans, and brassicas support estrogen metabolism. A diet rich in plant protein and fiber increases SHBG and aids estrogen elimination. Reducing animal protein, particularly dairy and fatty meats, is advisable due to their pro-inflammatory effects.

Food Sensitivities and Environmental Factors

Identifying and eliminating food sensitivities can help rebalance immune function. Environmental toxins, including chemicals, perfumes, plastics (BPA), and pollution, may indicate liver detox inefficiencies that contribute to inflammation. Supporting liver function while avoiding extreme detox protocols helps reduce immune burden.

Inflammation at Implantation and Early Pregnancy

Implantation is a pro-inflammatory process, triggering immune responses crucial for embryo attachment and maternal tolerance. NK cells regulate this balance, and abnormalities can lead to implantation failure or miscarriage. Nutritional strategies to modulate inflammation include extra virgin olive oil, 7–10 daily servings of vegetables (including raw options), wild-caught fish, organic proteins, and dairy-free fermented foods.

Nutrition for Immune Balance and Pregnancy Support

To support immune health and pregnancy, an autoimmune fertility protocol eliminates gluten, dairy, nightshades, caffeine, sugar, alcohol, processed foods, and limits grains, red meat, legumes (unless vegan), sweet fruit, and eggs. Key nutrients include:

Vitamin C: Enhances NK cell activity
Vitamin E: Anti-inflammatory properties
Vitamin D: Supports NK cell maturation
Zinc & Selenium: Strengthen immune function
Omega-3s: Modulate immunity and inflammation
Curcumin & Ginger: Reduce inflammation
Quercetin & Bromelain: Balance immune response (best obtained from food sources like apples, onions, brassicas, and pineapple)

By addressing inflammation and immune balance through nutrition, fertility outcomes can be optimized, reducing the risk of implantation failure and pregnancy complications.