Does Eating Pineapple or Getting Acupuncture Aid in Implantation?

“It seems that bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, is a slight anti-inflammatory and slight blood thinner, which seems to aid in implantation.”

It has been a widely supported topic in online forums and among acupuncturists and herbalists, but what is the real story behind pineapple consumption aiding in implantation? We asked Acupuncturist Heather Pentland, pineapple advocate, and Dr. Amber Cooper, board-certified OB/GYN and REI, about their thoughts on this controversial subject.

— From Heather Pentland, Acupuncturist

There seems to be no solid proof that pineapple will aid in implantation. Why are you adamant it will?

“I would start by saying that I'm not adamant that it will aid implantation, but there does seem to be evidence that it can help. And during the very early stages of conception—namely implantation—there doesn't seem to be any evidence that it is harmful, so I do suggest it to my clients.

{ MORE: What Does Pregnancy Implantation Mean? }

“It seems that bromelain, an enzyme in pineapple, is a slight anti-inflammatory and slight blood thinner, which seems to aid in implantation. And it tastes good and is healthy, so it seems a good idea for women to try it during the implantation phase.”

“Women have been eating lots of pineapple all during their pregnancies for centuries and have been fine, but to be safe, I tell women to stop after implantation would have occurred.”

How much should be eaten and how much is too much? When should one eat it?

“According to the research, the best way to consume it is to cut out the core of the pineapple, as that is where the bromelain is most concentrated. Then cut the core into five pieces and eat one piece a day, refrigerating the other pieces during that time.

“This should only be done starting at ovulation and through the window for implantation, typically up to 12-14 days past ovulation.

{ MORE: Simple Ways to Detect Ovulation }

“After that, one should stop eating it, as then the research shifts, and things like blood thinners can work against you; they can be harmful to an early pregnancy. Now, this is a food source, and effects are subtle. All over the world, women have been eating lots of pineapple all during their pregnancies for centuries and have been fine, but to be safe, I tell women to stop after implantation would have occurred.

“And for those doing IVF, this would be a shorter window—more like 5-7 days post transfer. Of course, some women need blood thinners, and in those cases, they should be managed by their doctor. But in terms of the pineapple, once the period of implantation is over, one should stop eating pineapple to be safe.”

Doesn't the acid cause problems such as miscarriage?

“I have read that online, but [I have] not seen any studies supporting it. And what I have read suggested that consuming lots of pineapple after implantation—during the first trimester—could cause problems. The only things I have read have been anecdotal, though. That said, if there is such evidence out there, then this should be discontinued as a practice.

{ MORE: Dealing with a Miscarriage }

“I am constantly trying to keep up with new research. But as far as I know, taken in the amounts I described during the time frame I described, I haven't seen evidence of a problem.”

Is it only the core that helps?

“It is any part of the pineapple, because it is the bromelain that is helpful, and that is present throughout the pineapple. But according to research, you would have to eat very large quantities of pineapple to get the amount of the enzyme you want that way. Bromelain is much more concentrated in the core, so it is easier to get the amount desired by eating part of the core each day.”

I also find a key, key part of this process that is often overlooked is some sort of relaxation technique—yoga or meditation or listening to a guided meditation CD.

How does acupuncture help women who are trying to conceive ?

“Acupuncture helps women trying to conceive  in so many different ways. It is one of the only therapies, other than drug therapy, shown to increase the thickness of a woman's uterine lining. It can also help balance a woman's hormones, regulate periods and ovulation, and balance out hormonal imbalances that might be impeding pregnancy. It is also profoundly relaxing and helps women be calm and reduce the stress hormones in their bodies. This can be so helpful when trying to conceive.”

Do you suggest any other foods to those trying to conceive  such as avocado, yams, or pomegranate juice?

“I offer diet tips to my clients based on each person's Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) body types. Certain foods are helpful for balancing the energy and the hot/cold or yin/yang of the body, but they are different based on which type of constitution one has. So each person gets an individualized list of food suggestions from me.

“That said, there are some foods that are universally associated with fertility in TCM such as cherries, raspberries, and walnuts. I also suggest that women stop drinking caffeine, or at least limit it to one cup a day, and eat only hormone-free meat and dairy products.

{ MORE: His and Her Foods for Maximum Fertility }

“And though you didn't ask about this, after doing this for many years, I also find a key, key part of this process that is often overlooked is some sort of relaxation technique—yoga or meditation or listening to a guided meditation CD.

“I suggest this for all my fertility clients, as trying to conceive  can be stressful, and most of us lead very busy, stressful lives anyway. Teaching the body how to be in a more relaxed state is so helpful to those trying to conceive,  in my opinion.”

“While pineapple is likely not harmful, it specifically has not been shown in scientific trials to really influence implantation.” 

— From Dr. Amber Cooper, board-certified OB/GYN and REI

“Pineapple has been touted to have anti-inflammatory properties. While some may benefit from anti-inflammatory foods or medications, too much of such at the time of ovulation or implantation may also hinder the process. Ovulation and implantation are very active [and] complex processes that require a coordinated immune system.

“While pineapple is likely not harmful, it specifically has not been shown in scientific trials to really influence implantation. I recommend a healthy, balanced diet for women trying to conceive.

“I suggest women focus on overall health by decreasing trans fats, increasing omega-3 fatty acids, and including some antioxidant rich and green, leafy vegetables in their diet. Improving calcium and vitamin D intake may also be helpful. I also suggest reducing alcohol and tobacco and increasing exercise.”

{ MORE: 5 Tips for Eating More Fruits and Vegetables }

What do you think? Would you be willing to try adding pineapple to your diet or making your way to the acupuncture clinice? Let us know in the comments!