CHARLOTTE, N.C. — June is World Infertility Awareness Month, and it's a time to talk more about the issue, which affects one in six people, according to a report from the World Health Organization.

The WHO says a number of different conditions and factors can impact fertility. Growing evidence shows what you eat may affect fertility too, the National Institute of Health says. 

Charlotte-based registered dietitian nutritionist McKenzie Caldwell says she specializes in helping people use nutrition to improve their fertility.

"So there are more and more dietitians specializing in fertility because there's more and more research coming out about how nutrition really can impact fertility and be a really helpful support, alongside what you’re seeking out medically,” she said.

Caldwell says certain foods can support people dealing with different issues.

“For fertility, I do recommend full-fat dairy, and we're not exactly sure why, but it seems that it helps promote ovulation,” she said.

“It’s better to focus on adding in protein, fat and fiber to balance your blood sugar than it is to cut out carbohydrates, because glucose is everybody's primary source of energy,” Caldwell added. "And your reproductive system needs a lot of energy to function.”

She says the infertility rate is growing, but there could be a few reasons for that.

“So part of that is probably our aging population,” Caldwell said. "Fertility does decline with age. And part of that could be that it's just being diagnosed more. More people are seeking support for it."

She says people shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help.

“People put a lot of blame on themselves, so a lot of what I'm doing with my clients is actually helping them kind of lift the shame off their shoulders and recognize that their fertility is not their fault,” Caldwell explained. "And at the same time, there is a lot that they can do to improve their fertility through nutrition.”

She adds there is a lot of misinformation on social media about nutrition.

Caldwell says one way to know if someone is an expert is by looking for a registered dietitian or registered dietitian nutritionalist.