In this episode of Food Freedom and Fertility, Caitlin Johnson and Sophia Pavia define the balance of a well-based diet and its relationship with fertility by dissecting the truths and reality around living a gluten and diary free lifestyle.  It’s a known fact, that trends have formed around gluten & dairy free diets however, Caitlin & Sophia discuss ways in which listeners can critically examine the need for these cutbacks in your diet based on defining the principles one should prioritize when addressing a well-balanced diet, the effects of these diets when applied to fertility and women with PCOS.  The reality is not everyone has to begin with a drastic step of becoming gluten and/or dairy free if their inherent diet does not meet the standard criteria of wellness and therefore, fertility. The other exception is of course, if there is known allergies and digestive disruptions that are illustrated by unwanted reactions or discomfort.  During this episode Caitlin & Sophia define strategies to ensure you’re meeting a standard level of nutrition in order to assess if drastic cuts of gluten and dairy are needed while defining the two so more women can grasp a full understanding when adjusting their diet for fertility.  Gluten is defined as a protein found in three grains, Wheat, Barley, and Rye.  Despite the fact that gluten appears in nearly everything, it can be defined in just those three food groups.  Its role can be blurred in the way mass food production works due to cross-contamination in the factories where gluten and other forms of grain are made.  Dairy is defined as any milk provided by an animal.  This excludes the many plant-based substitutes such as soy or almond milk.  Before diving into dietary restrictions, Caitlin & Sophia address strategies to ensure you’re meeting a standard level of nutrition defined as the balance of healthy nutrient density. Proper balance includes colorful fruits, vegetables, quality proteins and fats including vitamins A, D, E, and K.  Diving further into what qualifies quality proteins, Caitlin & Sophia suggest ways to ensure you’re meeting a standard level of nutrition and what to watch out for when it comes to unwanted gluten usage.  Blood sugar balance is also depicted as a check point when examining your diet and role of gluten and dairy in relation to PCOS.   Dietary restrictions including gluten and dairy free meals aren’t always the answer if it means substituting one unhealthy food item like, donuts, for a donut made gluten free. It’s about knowing your identifying your blood sugar levels and the ways in which incorporating healthy foods can turn your diet around after the necessary trial period, which usually takes 4-6 weeks for noticeable change.  This episode is beneficial for all people looking to create a healthy and balanced diet, but also focuses on the effects of your diet and how to determine if cutting dairy or gluten is a good fit for you. If after listening to this podcast you still have questions Caitlin or Sophia would love to schedule a time to discuss your eating lifestyle and habits.