Preconception Gender Diet

"The Preconception Gender Diet" is a diet and book created by Sally Langendoen and William Proctor in 1982. The diet is based on the theory that what you eat influences whether you give birth to a boy or a girl. To have a boy, the diet promotes a high-sodium, calcium-reduced diet. For a girl, a calcium-rich, low-sodium diet is encouraged. Since the diet lacks evidence of effectiveness, talk to your doctor before altering your diet.

Theories/Speculation

"The Preconception Gender Diet" is based on the theory that what you eat prior to conception can influence the sex of your child by altering your body's pH balance. The authors, Langendoen and Proctor, suggest that a diet high in potassium and sodium, yet low in calcium can increase your chances of having a boy. A diet rich in magnesium and calcium, yet low in potassium, is said to increase your chances of having a girl.

Boy Guidelines

If you hope to conceive a boy, "The Preconception Gender Diet" promotes salty foods to increase the sodium content in your body. A maximum of 6 grams of salt per day is allowed. In order to reduce your magnesium intake, you must limit foods containing magnesium and foods containing calcium, say Langendoen and Proctor. Foods high in sodium include table salt, olives, processed meats, such as bacon, ham and pastrami, cheese, canned soup, frozen meals, potato chips, pretzels, pizza and tomato juice. Foods rich in magnesium include most fish, bananas, artichokes, figs, barley, wheat, oat bran, most nuts, pumpkin seeds, soybeans and spinach. Calcium-rich foods include milk, yogurt, cheeses, sour cream, ice cream, beans, tofu, almonds, turnip greens and fortified orange juice and cereals.

Girl Guidelines

If you hope to have a girl, "The Preconception Gender Diet" promotes calcium-rich foods, such as yogurt, cheese, milk, fish, legumes, leafy greens and almonds. Langendoen and Proctor also recommend reducing your sodium intake by seasoning foods with natural herbs rather than table salt and avoiding processed snack foods, prepared meals, fast food and processed meats and cheeses. Taking calcium, magnesium and vitamin D supplements may further increase your chances of having a girl, according to the diet.

Effectiveness

"The Preconception Gender Diet" lacks scientific evidence of effectiveness. According to Mayo Clinic obstetrician, Roger W. Harms, M.D., no known dietary or lifestyle technique exists that can influence whether you give birth to a boy or a girl. The only proven methods --- preimplantation genetic diagnosis and sperm-sorting --- are highly complex and generally used to prevent a genetic defect that can be passed on to a particular gender, not for general gender preferences.

Risks/Suggestions

When planning for pregnancy, a nutrient-rich diet is important for your health and for the health of your developing baby. MayoClinic.com recommends a diet rich in nutrients, such as folate and calcium. Limiting calcium in hopes of having a boy can hinder your infant's bone development. A sodium-rich diet may increase your risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Rather than alter your diet for the purpose of gender selection, consume a nutrient-rich, balanced diet that promotes your and your infant's wellness. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.