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Few Nutritional Tips For a Healthier Pregnancy

11/19/2016

1 Comment

 
Probably the most important stage in life to watch what we eat, get some moderate physical activity, fresh air, sun light, good sleep and balance stress levels (laughter, meditation and outdoor activities).

The emotional aspect is also very important, any stressful relationship can influence the HPA axis in the baby, making it more prone to health and emotional imbalances, once he/she has reached adulthood. So be mindful about what you think during pregnancy. Speak to your baby fetus in a positive way, give good morning and good nights with love and intention. He or she will perceive your heart activity and frequencies.

How can I eat healthy for my baby?

Drink WATER or herbal teas (home made), at least half of your weight in pound, in ounces of water.


Avoid SUGARS, deserts and specially sugary liquids like fruit juices, sodas and any commercial beverage you may have consumed prior to know that you were pregnant. For instance, sodas with a very acid pH will make the BPA (Bisphenol A -known endocrine disruptor) from the plastic container to leach into the beverage. So, no only sugar and other chemicals the mom will be consuming, but dangerous BPA.  On the same line, avoid microwaving foods in plastic containers, heat will increase the transfer rate of plastic chemicals to foods.

Eat plenty of VEGETABLES
(1-3 cups/day), focus on seasonal vegetables and leafy ones. The latter will contain natural folate, super important for nerve system development and the prevention of birth defects.  Most corn and peas are GMO and not recommended. On the same token, conventional lettuce is loaded with atrazaine (pesticide that affect sex determination in frogs), choose organic lettuce when possible. Find the dirty dozen from the Environmental Working Group (https://www.ewg.org/) and become familiar with them.

If you drink regular milk, recognize organic plain YOGURT might be a much better choice. It is easier to digest and may add some probiotics to your gut. Ideally the yogurt is home made and fresh. Yogurt will also provide minerals for the bones of the baby. Minerals could also be obtained from vegetables and specially, from bone broth. Like cooking? Check some youtube video recipes on bone broth. Minerals like magnesium will help to regulate blood pressure and contraction during delivery.

If not into dairy or yogurt, coconut milk or almond milk might be good dairy alternatives. Avoid soy, since it may affect thyroid. And many pregnant women get postpartum thyroiditis, so is bet to take care of the thyroid by avoiding soy and other goitrogens. Eating salt water fish (small to medium size) would be an excellent way to provide IODINE for baby and moms thyroid. Adequate Iodine intake has also been connected to higher IQ in babies; since it is fundamental for development. Seaweed would be another source of iodine.

Make sure you are taking fish oil, preferably COD LIVER OIL or eating cold water ocean fish, like salmon and herring, as a source of the important and essential omega-3 fatty acids. I recommend liquid cod liver oil, since it contains vitamin D and A, both very important for pregnancy (as all other vitamins). In addition, does not contain the gelatin gel cap, so it is less processed. Always look at the expiration date, buy a fresh product and store in the refrigerator.



With this 6 tips, you will be ensuring a better nutrition and food intake during your pregnancy. There are many more things that should be considered though. These will be left for another post. Thanks!!


1 Comment

    Alejandro Leon

    Registered Dietitian trained in functional medicine. Here to answer your questions, with the hope you can find some answers that will guide you and your family to make better health choices and have a happier and more meaningful life.

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