5 Essential Nutrients For Maintaining Optimal Maternal Health

Published on: 29 August 2023 Last Updated on: 12 September 2024

Is there anything more miraculous and joyful than carrying a piece of you for nine straight months? But pregnancy is certainly not a journey full of roses. From consuming the right diet to limiting exercise, there is so much to consider. But out of all, eating right during pregnancy is mega important.

It is really vital for nurturing a healthy baby and mama. But with so many pregnancy nutrition rules, it can get kind of confusing and overwhelming fast! Well, guess what, here is a guide that will take you through the 5 essential nutrients every expecting mother should consume in the right amount.

So, let’s get started…

Prenatal Vitamins: What Are Those?

In simple terms, prenatal vitamins refer to multivitamins for expecting mothers. In comparison to a usual multivitamin, the former has more nutrients that might make the pregnancy healthier. Usually, the medical professional assisting you will prescribe it, but if he doesn’t, you can always buy it from stores with a prescription.

The human body uses minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients present in food to stay healthy and strong. At the time of pregnancy, as we all know, the mother passes down all necessary nutrients to her embryo. Thus, your body asks for more vitamins when you are pregnant. That is exactly the job of prenatal vitamins.

Which Nutrients Are Most Important For A Perfect Maternal Health?

Before you go bonkers, let’s break it down to the essential nutrients preggos really need more of. Here are 5 all-star vitamins and minerals to help maintain tip-top maternal health:

The VIP Folate

Alright, all you soon-to-be mamas, listen up. Folate (aka folic acid) should be topping your prenatal vitamin rockstar list. This essential B vitamin helps prevent major birth defects of the baby’s brain and spine when taken before conception and in early pregnancy. We’re talking about the next level vital for fetal development.

Folate also helps produce new cells, so mama needs extra to accommodate a growing babe. Most docs recommend women start supplementing 400-800 mcg of folate at least a month before pregnancy. But hey, better late than never, if you’re already pregnant, try to achieve optimal maternal health with a Specialist Obstetrician!

Supercharged Iron

Fun fact: A developing fetus needs lots of mineral iron to form their blood supply and other tissues. So, in turn, mama needs way more iron to share with baby! When you’re expecting, your iron needs to jump by up to 50%.

Unfortunately, the vitamin C in my OJ every morning doesn’t cut it. Most mamas-to-be need an additional iron supplement of 30-60 mg on top of a balanced diet. Too little iron during pregnancy zaps your energy and can lead to stuff like anemia. No one wants that! So, rev up on iron-rich foods plus a prenatal vitamin to stay energized.

The Calcium Extravaganza

Did you know baby needs around 30 grams of calcium just to build their tiny growing skeleton? Well, they have to get that supply from somewhere! The calcium in Mama’s body works overtime during pregnancy to help form the baby’s bones and teeth.

That’s why pregnant women need around 1,000 mg of calcium per day. Goodbye, plain almond milk, hello, extra cheesy pizza! Jokes aside, ensure you get adequate calcium from dairy, leafy greens, supplements, or all of the above. Your wee one will thank you for strong bones.

Omega-3s For Winning

You’ve probably heard omega-3 fatty acids are clutch for heart and brain health. Well, it turns out they’re essential for a baby’s development, too. These healthy fats help build a baby’s nervous system and retinal tissues. They’re also linked to lower risks of preterm births and postpartum depression.

That’s why experts recommend at least 250–300 mg of omega-3s like DHA daily for expecting mothers. Load up on fatty fish, nuts, and seeds – or just grab a fish oil supplement as an insurance policy to meet your levels. Consider omega-3s a must for both of your well-being.

The Magical Magnesium

Don’t sleep on the mineral magnesium during pregnancy! It plays a role in so many vital stuff: bone growth, regulating blood pressure, aiding enzymes and metabolism, and muscle and nerve function. Oh, and helping build DNA and RNA. NBD!

Unfortunately, the typical Western diet often lacks enough magnesium. Pregnant women need at least 350–400 mg daily from food and supplements. Get your fill from dark leafy greens, nuts, whole grains, yogurt, and more magnesium-rich sources. Your body and babe will thank you!

Mamas, Take Care Of Your Mental Health Too…

You are already doing so much, make sure to sit back and relax. Pregnancy might seem like a 9-month-long journey, but trust us when we say it passes in the blink of an eye. All those days will be missed by you later. So, make sure to take care of your mental health too.

Surround yourself with positive people, listen to calm music, and avoid taking too much stress. Post-partum depression is inevitable, but you can always be cheerful in your approaches when the baby is growing inside you.

Eat whatever satisfies your soul, but make sure that it doesn’t have a negative impact on your baby. Your emotional strength is responsible for your physical strength, too. So, ensure to keep both of them balanced, positive, and cherishing.

Conclusion

There you have it, mamas – the crème de la crème nutrients for staying healthy during pregnancy! Prioritizing these all-star vitamins and minerals ensures you and your growing baby get all the key building blocks you need. Consult your doctor and add any supplements needed for optimal levels.

Your nutrient intake matters more than ever before – so eat well for two! With this, it’s a wrap on this comprehensive guide. But you will get to know more if you want to. Keep reading my articles, as they have a lot of beneficial information for my readers. Also, if you find this article helpful, do not forget to share your comments below.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol

Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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This Is What Happens To Your Body When You Ingest Okra

Abelmoschus esculentus , Okra Hibiscus esculentus or Abelmoschus esculentus, is a vegetable that is widely used acrss the globe. Many people like its ‘slimy’ texture, however it is loaded with many health benefits that will definitely force you considering including it into your daily diet. Originated in Egypt, Okra is been produced since 12th century and consumed in various different manners, like fermented, stewed and even fried. It is typically served with rice, soups and other with vegetable. Various Health Benefits of Okra According to research published in Jilin Medical Journal in 2005, Okra proved to have positive effects on kidney or nephropathy diseases. To perform this study, participants were divided into 2 different groups, one of which was treated with okra and others with traditional medical therapy. For 6 months, no significant improvements were seen in the medical therapy subjects, however, participants with Okra intake experienced a significant reduction in urine protein and uric acid. Another study done on Okra capabilities to cure liver diseases published in Saudi Pharmaceutical Journal proved that Okra can protect against chemically induced liver problems. Okra was found to be having hepaprotective and potent antioxidant properties as compared to silymarin and milk thistle. In the Journal of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences, a study was published that stated that extracts of okra can help protect from diabetes. They took rats with the diabetes disease and found blood reduction in sugar levels as well as normalized lipid profile levels when rats were given okra. Also found in Vitro and Vivo studies that okra is great blood glucose-lowering food and it contains fiber in great quantity. Okra is also good to fight against cancer and proven to have effective action against breast cancers cells, however, this is only proven in preliminary lab studies. Many experts discovered that lectin (just discovered type of protein which is capable to bind to cell membranes) in Okra, really induces cell destructions in breast cancer cells. Research has also shown okra to possess the ability to fight depression. Although some fruits and vegetables have been shown to have various effects on mood, and the ability to elevate one’s mood (flavonoids and quercetin), Okra had not made the list until recently, when researchers from Mazandaran University of Medical Science decided to examine its effect on mood. Their results showed that okra seed extracts acted as a strong agent for elevating mood, in some cases performing just as well as common antidepressants. It seems that okra’s positive mood effects can be attributed to its high total phenol and flavonoid content. Okra like many other vegetables and fruits is also proven to be able to fight against depression. However, Okra is just recently proved to have such abilities against depression. Researchers from Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences planned to examine the effects of okra on mood. The results proved that extracts of okra seeds are a potent agent for mood elevation and in few cases, it works as good as antidepressants. When I come across scientifically validated information that sheds light on the knowledge of our ancestors and ancients, I am never surprised. This is commonly seen with quantum physics, astronomy, health, and spirituality, where our modern-day measurements of ‘truth’ correlate with teachings of our ancient world. It’s good to see science shed light on the healing properties found within nature, as it’s a branch of knowledge we have neglected for many years now. Chemical-based health and our reliance on pharmaceutical-grade medicine have completely taken over, which is perhaps one reason why chronic illness and disease are on the rise. “Let food by thy medicine, and medicine be thy food.” Read More: Healthy Protein Alternatives For Grandpa And Grandma Top 7 Superfoods For Healthy Skin And Hair 5 Protein Enriched Food To Improve Mental Health Top 5 Foods For Healthier And Thicker Hair

7 Diabetes Mistakes And How To Avoid Them

It should come as no surprise that Type 2 Diabetes is on the increase in the United States. Every day, an increasing number of people are diagnosed with prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes. Diabetes is a life-threatening condition. It takes a 24-hour commitment to stick to your diabetes treatment plan. However, your efforts are commendable. Diabetes management can help you avoid significant even life-threatening consequences. If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you should be aware of the 7 most frequent diabetes management errors and how to prevent them. The Diabetes Curing Supplement can take care of your diabetic health only if you avoid these mistakes so let’s find them out. 1: Smoking Is A Big NO If you smoke, try to avoid it or quit. Smoking raises your chances of developing type 2 diabetes and developing diabetic complications, such as reduced blood flow in the legs and feet, blood sugar management deterioration, coronary artery disease, stroke, blindness, nerve damage, etc. Speak with your doctor about options to help you quit smoking or using other tobacco products if you want to take care of your diabetes. 2: Regular Exercise And Checkup Are Must In addition to your yearly physical and normal eye exams, schedule two to four diabetes checks every year. During the physical exam, your doctor will inquire about your diet and exercise level, as well as search for diabetes-related consequences such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and heart disease, as well as screen for other medical issues. He will also inspect your feet to see if there are any problems that need to be addressed. Your eye doctor will look for evidence of glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal degeneration. 3: Skipping Meals Is Not The Solution Anyone, diabetic or not, should avoid missing meals. When you skip a meal, your liver begins to deplete the glycogen, a precursor to glucose. According to studies, the combination of elevated cortisol from stress and glycogen may raise blood sugar levels more than a meal. Insulin resistance can be caused by high cortisol levels. Eat less frequent meals throughout the day to ensure that your body receives a consistent supply of nutrients. This helps you lose weight by revving up your metabolism. 4: There Are Some Good Carbs Too Since carbs are turned to sugar by the body, it has long been believed that carbohydrate consumption should be considerably restricted. This has resulted in diets that are too low in carbs, resulting in the loss of important elements. Consider consuming foods that are low on the glycemic index. The index indicates the glycemic load of various carbohydrate meals. Some just slightly elevate your blood sugar and keep it stable, while others might swiftly spike your blood sugar. 5: Drinking Too Much Alcohol Is Forbidden Depending on how much you drink and if you eat at the same time, alcohol can create high or low blood sugar. If you must drink, do it in moderation, no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for males. Always drink with a meal or snack, and remember to calculate the calories in any alcohol you consume as part of your regular calorie intake. Also, keep in mind that alcohol might cause low blood sugar in the long run, especially if you take insulin. 6: Your Cholesterol And Blood Sugar Level Are Never In Control High blood pressure, like diabetes, can harm your blood vessels. High cholesterol is another concern because the harm caused by it is generally worse and quicker when you have diabetes. When these factors come together, they can cause a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening complications. Controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol can be as simple as eating a healthy, low-fat, low-salt diet, avoiding excessive drinking, and exercising regularly. 7: Stress Is Your Enemy When you're anxious, it's easy to fall behind on your diabetes care. Set boundaries to help you manage your stress. Make a list of your priorities. Relaxation methods should be learned. Make sure you get enough rest. Above all, have an optimistic attitude. You have complete control over your diabetes treatment. Diabetes won't stop you from living an active, healthy life if you're prepared to put in the effort. Avoid These!!! We know that learning these fundamentals might be intimidating. But, once you understand how these mistakes hamper your diabetic health, you will find ways to avoid them. Hence, if you require more help from us, let us know in the comment section. We will come back to you with an answer in no time. Read Also: Why is random blood sugar test prescribed? Choosing A Diet Based On Your Personality Type How Can A Dallas Functional Medicine Doctor Help You?

Some supplements you need to know right now

There are tons of supplements out there today, I would like to share some popular ones with you, the obesity I feel you need to know. For those who don't know what supplements are, they are a product that is meant to add a little bit to our diet, some can be taken in form of pills, capsules, tablet,s or oil. There are certain supplements you need to know right now to get a better dosage cycle. They are extracted from different sources of foods or nowadays purely synthetic, they usually contain necessary classes of food such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids. Well, I’m sure you all learned that your 3rd grade and higher institution. First off, I understand some of us don't completely get the nutrients we need from our food, so we rely on these supplements to help fill the gap, left for me, I would say we should all depend on food to get all the nutrients we need, but hey! We need these still, I’m also guilty of this too, when you live in this busy world, you'll understand what I mean. Essential Supplements You Need To Know Right Now There are certain essential supplements that you must know at your end while you want to make use of the supplements for your better health. 1. PROBIOTIC Do you know your gut has over 400 types of probiotics, don't know what these are? Think of them as the good tiny bugs that help you digest food properly or good bacteria that help you fight bad bacteria there are also present in your - that sounds crazy, I know. That's not all, they also help you fight infections that surround your digestive tract and control inflammatory bowel disease. What can this do as a supplement? When it turned to a dietary supplement, they help you prevent diarrhea, cramps (no thanks to medications and antibiotics. Before you head for work, make sure you take one as you will be sure to get a healthy digestive system. There are other ways to get the supplements, some of which are yogurt, kefir, etc. When shopping for probiotics, there are certain things you need to always look out for, some of which include the strain of bacteria and the dosage. bacteria aren't one size fits all come on different bacteria manage different conditions, make sure you look out for that. 2. VITAMIN D3 One of the vitamins that are trending in the research industry today. As a kid, we were told to stay outside in the morning to enjoy the sun if your childhood was like mine comma this was why your parents told you told you to do so. The sun is one of the major sources of vitamin D, I’m not saying you should stay in the sun, only a little bit of exposure can give you vitamin D. Don't get it twisted, there are two types of vitamin D, one is gotten from fortified foods (known as vitamin D2) while the other is gotten from the sun or exposure to Ultraviolet light (vitamin D3). Vitamin D is known to regulate phosphorus and calcium in the body, according to the latest revelation, it is also responsible for I immediately the regulation of insulin in our body and our body. Both can also be converted to hydroxyvitamin D3, an active form in the blood. If you are at higher latitude and you're experiencing winter, there's no way you'll be able to get the d3 you need, so I advise you get it from eggs and sardines. 3.OMEGA 3 I have a thing for this supplement, I take it every time, one of the reasons why I do so is because I'm trying to boost my immune system, and OMEGA 3 can help me do just that, research also finds it beneficial for heart-related issues, inflammatory response and brain health too. There are claims that it can help boost our mood and fight depression, improve your sexual life and make you sleep better all of which is due to the fact that it serves as a building block for a healthy brain. Natural sources would be your Salmon, the dark leafy greens, walnuts and of course, fatty fish. I'm sure, one if not all of these are found in our everyday food, if no seems to be your answer, you can get it as supplements from a pharmaceutical company, they should also contain DHA and EPA, these are the two fatty acids that are responsible for keeping us fit and healthy every day. 4. CLA SAFFLOWER OIL The CLA Safflower oil pills are a form of dietary supplement, the formula is made up of mostly Safflower oil when used, it helps to increase the mass of one’s muscle and enhance your metabolic rate. Experts have deemed it to be the healthiest oil so far. There are two types of oil that are extracted from the Safflower, the first has a higher concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and the other is rich in monounsaturated fatty acids. The oil is extracted from a plant known as Safflower. You could either take the oil by mouth to help fight diabetes, prevent heart-related diseases including the hardening of the heart. And for those in the fashion industry, they make use of this supplement to for hair growth. And for women who have menstrual issues, safflower oil can help treat that too. The main reason why I didn’t add it to the other supplement is that it is not fully recognized. Take for instance, in the United States, the Safflower Oil is not approved by their Food and Drug Administration, you will only find them in some FDA registered labs (that’s why I’m bold enough to add it to the list). To take it, you will need to consult your MD, since it can lead to some side effects that you might not know of. The best way to avoid these side effects is to take it by mouth or inject the oil emulsion (Liposyn) There are other supplements that are worth mentioning too: Multivitamin Protein powder Green Powder Read Also: A Little On The Side…Or Not? 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5 Essential Nutrients For Maintaining Optimal Maternal Health

Prenatal Vitamins: What Are Those?