Why Dairy is a ‘No’ When It Comes to Fertility

If you’re trying to optimise your fertility, one of the most significant dietary changes you can make is eliminating dairy. Here’s why this applies to both men and women and why it matters so much when it comes to conceiving.

The Science Behind Dairy and Digestion

Dairy contains casein protein and lactose, which many people, particularly Caucasians (around 70%), struggle to digest properly. Humans are unique in continuing to consume milk after weaning, unlike cows or other mammals. For context, baby calves double their birth weight in just 47 days by consuming milk designed specifically to support their rapid growth. Once calves are weaned, they no longer drink milk—and neither should we.

As we grow older, our bodies lose the enzymes needed to properly digest dairy. This inability leads to digestive issues, which ripple through the body in harmful ways.

Dairy, Digestion, and Nutrient Deficiency

When digestion is disrupted by dairy, your body struggles to absorb essential nutrients from food, no matter how healthy your diet is. Think of it as an equation:

Digestive disruption ➡️ Nutrient deficiencies + hormonal disfunction = fertility issues.

Nutrient deficiencies are a significant concern for fertility, as they can affect thyroid function, which is crucial for hormone balance. This applies to both men and women, as balanced hormones are essential for egg and sperm health.

The Hormone Problem in Dairy

Dairy naturally contains hormones meant to help a calf grow quickly. Even organic dairy contains these natural growth hormones. Non-organic dairy is even worse, often containing synthetic hormones, pesticides, herbicides, and antibiotics that can further disrupt your body’s delicate hormonal balance.

What About Raw Dairy?

Raw dairy is easier to digest because it still contains the digestive enzymes that processing destroys and assists your body to break it down and feeds your microbiome. However, it’s still not ideal for fertility optimisation, as it doesn’t eliminate the matural growth hormone concerns.

The Solution: Eliminate Dairy

The best way to determine if dairy is negatively impacting your body and fertility is to take a complete break. Eliminate milk, cheese, yoghurt, and cream from your diet for at least a month and monitor your body’s response. Many people report improved digestion, better energy, and clearer skin—all signs of intolerance.

The Good News About Butter

If you love butter, there’s some good news: it’s largely fat and contains minimal casein or lactose. However, stick to grass-fed, organic butter to avoid the synthetic hormones and toxins found in non-organic options.

Dairy can be a major obstacle to fertility for many people. By taking a break, you allow your body to heal from digestive disruption, improve nutrient absorption, and support balanced hormones—all of which are vital for optimising your fertility journey.

If you’re serious about improving your chances of conception, this one dietary change could make a world of difference.

Interested in going deeper on your journey to optimal egg and sperm health - sign up for my BUD or FULL BLOOM programmes. Book a call to discuss HERE