Nutrient Needs of an After Pregnancy Diet
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Iron Levels and Postpartum
Anemia is a huge complication many women experience after pregnancy. Diet plays a key role in reversing the effects of anemia. Iron is especially important. The body uses iron to manufacture new red blood cells. It also plays a key role in the ability of red blood cells to do their job.
Iron needs to be at the top of the balanced diet chart. It can be found in foods like deep green vegetables, red meats and milk.
Diet colas and the chemicals they contain block the body's ability to absorb iron. This prolongs healing and exacerbates symptoms of anemia.
New Moms Still Need Lots of Fiber
Once the baby comes, new mothers find they are quite sore. Any added stress or strain to the perineum and the surrounding area will increase soreness and prolong a return to normal bathroom functions.
The last thing a postpartum mom needs is to become constipated on top of every other discomfort. To this end, fiber becomes very important. Fiber keeps mom and baby regular, eases the movement of the bowels and helps mom feel full so they can rest when baby is resting.
Fiber can be found in fruits, vegetables and beans. Juices are not helpful; eat the whole fruit or vegetable from its source.
EFA and DHA for Baby's Neurological Development
For many women, EFA and DHA have no place in their vernacular knowledge let alone a spot on their balanced diet chart. The anonymity of these essential nutrients does not lessen their importance.
EFA and DHA are notoriously deficient in the average western meal fare; this does not change without careful planning. Deficiency rates are especially high in populations of women who follow a vegetarian diet during pregnancy. This means the after pregnancy diet needs to pick up the slack.
EFA and DHA can be found in oily fishes, high quality Omga-3 supplements, vegetarian-fed chicken eggs, and flax seed. Women wishing to stick to a strict vegetarian diet during pregnancy can find EFA and DHA in algae products.
Any hassle involved in getting these powerful nutrients on the menu is made up for in their health benefits. Babies who get them via breast milk score higher on intelligence tests and have better eyesight. Mothers benefit by side stepping postpartum depression, memory loss and fatigue.
Lastly, remember WATER!!
Water makes everything else work. Fiber without adequate amounts of water can cause gas and constipation. Other nutrients without water cannot circulate through the sluggish dehydrated blood. Waste materials are stuck in body systems without water to flush them out. And baby's food supply is certain to run low if the body doesn't have enough water to build it.
Isabel De Los Rios, nutritionist, exercise specialist, author and successful business owner has unlocked the secrets to healthy weight maintenance not only during the especially crucial time of pregnancy but for the best after pregnancy diet as well. Learn her secrets to get the body, health and vitality you've always wanted visit http://www.WhatToEatWhilePregnant.com.