The popularity of hypothermic diets has been increasing over the recent years among women. The idea behind the diet is to consume food that has a thermogenic effect, which means that it increases metabolism and body temperature.

The aim is to burn more calories and improve weight loss. However, while many people focus on the physical body advantages, not many know how it can affect reproductive health.

What is hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a medical condition that occurs in significant drops in body temperature.

It happens when the heat a person loses is more than the heat generated in the body, hence decreasing the core temperature below its normal range (37°C or 98.6°F).

The human body needs to be within a particular temperature range to function properly, meaning that even a slight drop in body temperature can cause mild to life-threatening complications.

The Hypothermic Diet

The fundamental principle behind the hypothermic diet is that certain foods like chili pepper, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon contain substances that can increase metabolism and induce a thermogenic effect, speeding up the body’s fat-burning processes.

According to proponents of the hypothermic diet, eating these foods, along with others like green tea, lean proteins, and whole grains, can increase the number of calories the body burns while resting.

Some of the possible effects of the hypothermic diet are increased weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced inflammation.

The Relation Between Hypothermic Diets and Women’s Reproductive Health

While hypothermic diets may have certain advantages for weight loss, the majority of research shows that they aren’t necessarily safe for prolonged use.

As for women’s reproductive health, prolonged consumption of hypothermic diets can have adverse effects on the menstrual cycle, making it more irregular or causing it to stop altogether, thereby affecting fertility.

In general, women require an adequate amount of fat intake to maintain hormonal balance.

Insufficient fat intake may lead to a condition known as hypothalamic amenorrhea, where hormones are not produced in the required quantities, creating anovulation, and irregular periods or menstrual cessation.

Effects of Hypothermic Diets on Fertility

Studies have shown that the hypothermic diet’s high-protein intake may lead to changes in estrogen metabolism. The high protein intake can disrupt hormone levels and may lead to changes in follicular development, ovulation, and the luteal phase.

Women who decide to engage in such a diet usually fail to consume an adequate amount of iron as heme iron, the kind of iron in red meat, absorbs better than plant-based iron and plays an essential role in reproductive health.

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that iron-deficient anemia, a condition that is prevalent in women with heavy periods or fibroids, can have an adverse effect on the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle.

Besides, it can compromise ovarian function and the luteal phase’s hormonal balance, affecting overall fertility.

The Effect on Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a delicate period that requires a balanced and nutrient-rich diet; however, a hypothermic diet can severely affect fetal growth and development.

In particular, calorie restriction for extended periods of time can lead to malnutrition, and this can have serious consequences. Malnutrition during pregnancy can cause low birth weight, premature birth, and micronutrient deficiency, negatively impacting the mother’s overall health and reproductive capacity in the long-term.

The Importance of a Balanced Diet

While the hypothermic diet may have some benefits for weight loss and inflammation reduction, it isn’t necessarily sustainable for long-term use.

Instead, it’s essential to focus on having a well-balanced diet that includes all the essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and healthy fats, to support overall health and reproductive function.

In conclusion, a hypothermic diet should be avoided for women who are trying to conceive or have fertility issues. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet to ensure that your body is in top shape for such a significant journey as pregnancy.

Nutrition is a vital aspect of women’s reproductive health, and consuming a well-balanced diet can help overcome fertility issues, support healthy pregnancies, and promote long-term reproductive health.