In the exceptional In the times we live in, it is more important than ever for mothers to be extra careful as winter approaches. When it comes to pregnancy, it can be overwhelming to determine what is safe for both mother and baby to support a healthy immune system. Even conventional over-the-counter options often contain warnings about use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It can feel a little hopeless wading through a pack of restrictions with little advice on what can be done safely to support the immune system and a quick return to health at this time of year. In a time of face masks, hand sanitizer, and social distancing, I embark on my first pregnancy journey myself, grateful for my background in holistic nutrition and empowered with the knowledge of gentle herbs that midwives have used for thousands of years. If you’re an expectant mother like me and felt the doom and gloom of those first first appointments you attended alone because of the pandemic, then this post is for you!
As a nutritionist, I would be remiss if I didn’t start with a solid foundation of plenty of water (I cannot emphasize this enough), balanced diet and light activity. The outdated advice to ‘eat for two’ has long proven unnecessary and potentially harmful. In fact, there is no need to increase calorie intake during the first trimester. The best approach to supporting a healthy immune system is to ensure you eat a balanced diet with around 75 – 100 grams of protein per day (about 20% of your calories), 40 – 60 grams of protein. quality fat per day (33% of your calories), and at least 175 grams of fiber-rich carbohydrates per day (45 – 65% of your calories). Needs vary from person to person, so it is best to consult a prenatal nutritionist, midwife or naturopath for individual needs.
Nutrition is so important when it comes to immune function for a number of reasons. First, a poor diet can lead to malnutrition, or the lack of one or more nutrients that hinder the production and activity of immune cells and antibodies, while a balanced diet of whole foods, rich in nutrients, supports the function of all cells, including the immune system. During pregnancy, the mother’s body will prioritize the baby’s nutrition, so it is extra important for the mother to get all those important vitamins and minerals in abundance. Diets high in refined sugar, conventional animal products, and low in fruits and vegetables tend to promote inflammation and suppress immunity.
It is also worth mentioning the importance of the microbiome which is mainly found in our intestines where 70 – 80% of our immune system is located. The microbiome consists of trillions of living microorganisms that play a key role in immune function. Certain foods act like… prebiotics to feed those beneficial bacteria, where other cultured or fermented foods can directly contribute to healthy living probiotic tribes. In short, digestive well-being, which is largely dependent on what we eat, plays a crucial role in our immune function.
Now let’s say you’ve been eating a balanced whole foods diet, or eat a rainbowas you will often hear nutritionists advise, but you are looking for extra support in these cautious times. Pregnancy is known to increase sensitivity. What’s a mother to do? This is where your herbal allies come into the picture!
Let me preface this by saying that full strength alcohol tinctures are not recommended during pregnancy without consultation with your OB/GYN, midwife, or other qualified health care provider. The products I’ve listed below are specifically formulated for pregnancy with a proprietary process that reduces the alcohol content to approximately what you’ll find in a ripe banana. Additionally, the herbs in these formulas have been carefully selected for safety and efficacy.
Immune Boost Seasonal rescue for pregnancy
A real herbal tonic! Immune Boost is best used daily to nourish the immune system while providing light, active support. When it comes to pregnancy, we want to avoid anything that could be too stimulating. Burdock root supports a healthy pH balance (acid/alkaline). When the body becomes too acidic, it leads to problems with foreign insects. Furthermore, Burdock is very liver friendly and helps the liver process all the extra pregnancy hormones that tend to build up in the liver, clogging the primary organ for detoxification. Immune Boost also provides lymphatic support without the heavy heat you would find in a typical adult immune formula. Red Clover is a nutritious and strengthening herb that can gently support healthy lymphatic function. Echinacea is known for its immune supporting properties. Calendula supports a healthy inflammatory response and also acts as part of the lymphatic team in this formula, while Marshmallow soothes the mucous membranes. Mothers can use this formula 1 to 4 times per day as part of their gentle immune support regiment.
Congestion Rescue Immune Support for Pregnancy
For more active situations! Congestion Rescue Immune Support for Pregnancy is a great formula for moms to keep in their immune toolbox as it provides breathing support along with soothing herbs for the throat and sinuses. Hyssop belongs to the mint family and is an excellent support for coughs. Like hyssop, thyme also helps support healthy mucus formation in the lungs and sinuses. Wild Cherry is traditionally used in cough syrups for its calming effect and at the same time supports a healthy mucous membrane in the lungs. Wild Cherry and Elderflower both provide gentle lymphatic support, while Elderflower goes a step further and provides a gentle balance between immune building and active support. By helping to support a healthy balance of microorganisms in the body that positively influence our immune response, elderflower, yerba santa and peppermint leaf polish this immune formula for the moment. Instead of using daily, reserve Cold Seasons for the times when you need your immune system to kick into gear.
Kick-Ass Allergy Seasonal Rescue for Pregnancy
Allergies are very common during pregnancy! Whether mothers have a history of allergies or are developing them for the first time during pregnancy, they can make you feel miserable. Pregnancy is a time when it is normal to experience leaky gut, possibly because the body improves nutrient absorption, but it can also increase your susceptibility to allergies from airborne irritants (pollen, pet dander), environmental allergens, mold and foodstuffs. Kick-Ass Allergy Seasonal Rescue For Pregnancy combines Yerba Santa leaf, nettle leaf and Echinacea purpurea root for a healthy response to histamine. If you suffer from leaky sinuses and watery eyes, from sneezing or excess mucus, Yerba Santa provides stabilization of the mucous membranes to restore balance. Nettle leaf has long been used in supporting a healthy response to histamine and supports a healthy inflammatory response in the sinuses. Less well known are the benefits of Echinacea purpurea in the field of allergy support. Echinacea supports healthy hyaluronidase activity, which plays a role in watery eyes and nasal reactions to allergies.
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Writer Danielle Cicak is the sales representative and regional educator for WishGarden Herbs in Northern Colorado and Wyoming, based in Louisville, Colorado. In 2003, Danielle started her career in the supplement aisle at Natural Grocers. Inspired to help others with their health and wellness, she trained in holistic nutrition at the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver, Colorado. As a Master Nutrition Therapist (MNT), Danielle served as a Nutritional Health Coach (NHC) before advancing to NHC Development Specialist, where she led and developed the NHC Natural Grocer Training Program. As a Colorado native, Danielle is excited to partner with another local family business that promotes health and activism through education: WishGarden Herbs! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, making healthy dishes in her kitchen, and enjoying the beauty that Colorado has to offer!
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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