The pineapple blessing for fertility

Written by- Vaidya Vibhuti Rao

Seema came to my clinic last week and asked me, 'doctor can I eat pineapple in the second half of my cycle. I have read it on the internet that it helps in implantation.' I asked Seema what else she knows about pineapple. She narrated the whole story of pineapple available on internet.  After listening to her I felt that there is a need of views from Ayurveda to be put forward among women about pineapple and fertility. I have written this article for Seema and such other women who are looking for some direction about this topic. 

​Women in India say- 'don’t eat pineapple when you are trying for a baby as it causes heat in the body.' On the internet pineapple is said to help in implantation. The fact is Pineapple is a new symbol of the infertility community. They love it. There is a current trend for pineapple among women undergoing IVF- they eat the core of it and says it helps in implantation of their frozen embryos. Now, the craze is so huge that women are wearing everything with a pineapple picture on it and worshiping it. Two different concepts create confusion among women who are trying to fall pregnant and desperately looking for some options. Well, after seeking pineapple blessing, I am writing my views about this fruit for fertility. Being an Ayurvedic doctor my views are largely influenced by my Ayurvedic clinical practice. ​

What is told about pineapple in Ayurveda

​It is nor a pine and or an apple but we call it pineapple. Anyways, we have pineapple lovers all around the world. In Ayurveda we call it Bahunetra phala (means which has many eyes). It balances abnormal Vata and Pitta dosha in the body and increase Kapha.

​Vata dosha abnormality leads to pains- period pain, low back pain, or migraine before periods. Also Vata imbalance causes scanty or heavy flow. The Apana Vata gets disturb which cause lot of menstrual abnormality. Eating pineapple may help in balancing Apana Vata and may helps women with constipation, flatulence, and periods pains. So eat pineapple 1 week before your expected period date. For women with endometriosis with scanty flow I suggest to eat pineapple. 

Pitta dosha abnormality leads to toxins in blood, poor blood circulation and invites inflammation in the body. Women often complaints that they have thick clots in their periods, suffer with burning sensation, have issues with digestion. For them eating pineapple may help too. It also helps in liver cleansing so that the excess hormones flush out from the body.

• Strengthen uterus- improves blood circulation to uterus. Removes old blood out. 
• Guru in quality- heavy to digest. People with poor Agni should not eat much.
• Snigdha- Best for Vata people who are looking for some smoothness in their body. I also suggest this to women who suffer with dry vagina- not enough mucous. Also women have very dry periods can have it. 
• Sheeta Veerya- As it is cold in temperament (not hot) . So, women who complaint of heat in their body can have it.
• Krimighna- Removes worms/ toxins out from the body. Have cleansing effect on gut.
• Balyam- Strengthen body- uterus and its parts.
• Tarpaka- Nourishes your body. So Vata people with good Agni can have pineapple juice. Pitta people can eat it like that.  

In Ayurveda there is no mention that it causes heat in the body. On contrary pineapple is believed to balance Pitta dosha and pacify the heat. One research done on rats proved that pineapple juice caused uterine contraction among rats which may lead to miscarriage. May be because of this women cautions not to take it during pregnancy. But there is no research yet which says that it will cause infertility or help in pregnancy. 

However, for the infertility community out there, I shout and support in whatever they believe that has worked for them. This roller-coaster ride is tough. Their love for pineapple is symbolic. Perhaps, they like pineapple as a symbol of strength- those thorns may indicate that life is not so easy for these women but they have all the sweetness inside them. I personally believe that anything which is not-scientific pr not yet proved can not be denied for its benefits. Researchs tarts with a quest. And it is here- does pineapple causes infertility or does it help in implantation? May be the research is in the process for being scientific. May be anyone yet have not given a thought about pineapple and fertility- Time for some research girls!
​
My conclusion-
Do not eat pineapple it when you are pregnant or once you miss your periods. Eat pineapple in moderation throughout your cycle if you are not trying for baby. You can take it more if you are not looking for pregnancy immediately and want to balance your hormones and clean your uterus. Remember, moderation is the key. Good luck trying.
​Please leave your comments if you want to ask anything further. 
 Namaskara,
Vaidya Vibhuti Rao