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Sacred Nutrition During Pregnancy: Embracing Ancient Wisdom and Modern Science
Ashley Michaud • May 15, 2024
Ensuring proper nutrition during pregnancy is crucial for the health of both you and your baby. This guide integrates ancient wisdom and modern science to provide essential information on vital nutrients, sacred foods, and practical tips to support you through this incredible journey. We'll explore the importance of various nutrients and delve into the benefits of mushrooms, entheogens, cayenne pepper, and other historically revered foods. Additionally, we'll offer tips to help with labor and sample menus for each trimester.
Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy
Proper nutrition is vital during pregnancy to support the health and development of your baby. Each nutrient plays a specific role:
- Healthy Fats: Essential for the development of your baby’s brain and nervous system.
- Proteins: Crucial for growth and development of fetal tissues, including the brain.
- Collagen: Important for the development of baby's skin, joints, and bones.
- Fiber: Helps with digestion and prevents constipation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Crucial for brain and eye development.
- Unsaturated Fats: Provide energy and support brain development.
- Saturated Fats: Necessary in moderation for overall development.
Maintaining a balanced diet that includes a variety of whole foods ensures that you and your baby get the necessary vitamins, minerals, proteins, prebiotics, and probiotics.
Benefits of Getting Nutrition from Food Over Supplements
- Bioavailability: Nutrients from whole foods are more readily absorbed by the body compared to those from supplements.
- Balanced Nutrition: Whole foods provide a balance of nutrients, fibers, and phytochemicals that work synergistically.
- Fewer Additives: Supplements can contain additives and fillers that aren't present in whole foods.
- Better Digestion: Whole foods promote better digestion and gut health, thanks to their fiber content.
Key Nutrients and Their Sources
Healthy Fats
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Aim for 650 mg daily, including 300 mg of DHA. Sources: 3 ounces of fatty fish like salmon (1,240 mg), 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (5,060 mg), and 1 ounce of walnuts (2,570 mg).
- Unsaturated Fats: Include avocados (1 avocado: 29 grams), nuts like almonds (1 ounce: 14 grams), seeds, and olive oil (1 tablespoon: 14 grams).
- Saturated Fats: Necessary in moderation. Sources: 1 cup of whole milk (4.6 grams), 3 ounces of meat (4 grams), and whole grains like oatmeal (0.9 grams per cup).
Proteins
(Recommended daily intake: 71 grams)
- Lean meats: 3 ounces of chicken breast (26 grams), 3 ounces of turkey (25 grams).
- Fish: 3 ounces of salmon (22 grams), 3 ounces of tuna (25 grams).
- Legumes: 1 cup of lentils (18 grams), 1 cup of chickpeas (15 grams).
- Dairy: 1 cup of Greek yogurt (10 grams), 1 cup of milk (8 grams).
- Plant-based: 1/2 cup of tofu (10 grams), 2 tablespoons of peanut butter (8 grams).
Collagen
- Bone broth: 1 cup (7-10 grams).
- Chicken skin and cartilage: Variable amounts.
- Fish skin: Variable amounts.
- Gelatin: 1 tablespoon (6 grams).
Fiber (Recommended daily intake: 28 grams)
- Fruits: 1 medium apple (4.4 grams), 1 medium pear (5.5 grams).
- Vegetables: 1 cup of cooked broccoli (5.1 grams), 1 cup of carrots (3.6 grams).
- Whole grains: 1 cup of cooked quinoa (5.2 grams), 1 cup of oatmeal (4 grams).
- Legumes: 1 cup of lentils (15.6 grams), 1 cup of black beans (15 grams).
Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamin A: Recommended daily intake: 750 mcg for pregnant women. Sources: 1 medium sweet potato (1,403 mcg), 1 cup of cooked spinach (573 mcg), and 3 ounces of beef liver (6,582 mcg).
- Vitamin C: Recommended daily intake: 85 mg. Sources: 1 medium orange (70 mg), 1 cup of strawberries (150 mg), and 1 cup of cooked broccoli (100 mg).
- Vitamin D: Recommended daily intake: 600 IU. Sources: 3 ounces of salmon (570 IU), 1 cup of fortified milk (115-124 IU), and sunlight exposure.
- Vitamin E: Recommended daily intake: 15 mg. Sources: 1 ounce of almonds (7.3 mg), 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil (5.6 mg), and 1 cup of spinach (3.7 mg).
- Vitamin K: Recommended daily intake: 90 mcg. Sources: 1 cup of cooked kale (1,062 mcg), 1 cup of broccoli (220 mcg), and 1 cup of Brussels sprouts (156 mcg).
- Calcium: Recommended daily intake: 1,000 mg. Sources: 1 cup of milk (300 mg), 1 cup of fortified plant-based milk (300-450 mg), and 1 cup of cooked kale (94 mg).
- Iron: Recommended daily intake: 27 mg. Sources: 3 ounces of beef (2.1 mg), 1 cup of lentils (6.6 mg), and 1 cup of fortified cereal (18 mg).
- Folate: Recommended daily intake: 600 mcg. Sources: 1 cup of cooked spinach (263 mcg), 1 cup of lentils (358 mcg), and 1 cup of fortified cereal (400 mcg).
- Magnesium: Recommended daily intake: 350 mg. Sources: 1 ounce of almonds (80 mg), 1 cup of cooked spinach (157 mg), and 1 cup of black beans (120 mg).
- Zinc: Recommended daily intake: 11 mg. Sources: 3 ounces of beef (4.8 mg), 1 cup of cooked chickpeas (2.5 mg), and 1 ounce of pumpkin seeds (2.2 mg).
- Iodine: Recommended daily intake: 220 mcg. Sources: 1 gram of dried seaweed (16-2,984 mcg), 1 cup of milk (56 mcg), and 3 ounces of cod (99 mcg).
- Vitamin B12: Recommended daily intake: 2.6 mcg. Sources: 3 ounces of cooked salmon (2.4 mcg), 1 cup of fortified breakfast cereal (6 mcg), and 1 cup of milk (1.2 mcg).
Prebiotics and Probiotics
- Prebiotics: Recommended daily intake: Varies, aim for a variety. Sources: 1 clove of garlic (0.9 grams), 1 medium banana (0.7 grams), 1 cup of cooked oats (0.4 grams), and 1 medium apple (1.2 grams).
- Probiotics: Recommended daily intake: Varies, aim for regular consumption. Sources: 1 cup of yogurt (1 billion CFU), 1 cup of kefir (up to 3 billion CFU), 1/2 cup of sauerkraut (1 billion CFU), and 1/2 cup of kimchi (1 billion CFU).
Sacred Foods and Their Benefits
- Mushrooms: Reishi, Shiitake, and Maitake: Known for their immune-boosting properties and rich nutrient profile. They are considered sacred in various cultures for their healing properties.
- Cacao: Revered by the Aztecs and Mayans, cacao is rich in magnesium and antioxidants, and it is believed to enhance mood and provide energy.
- Sacred Mushrooms: Historically used in spiritual ceremonies, certain mushrooms can support mental well-being. However, it’s crucial to use them under guidance, especially during pregnancy.
- Cayenne Pepper (Capsaicin): Found in cayenne pepper, it aids digestion and circulation. Historically, it has been used to ease labor pains and stimulate contractions.
- Other Sacred Foods
Special Foods and Their Benefits
- Seaweeds: Rich in iodine and other trace minerals, beneficial for thyroid function. Sources: Nori, kelp, wakame.
- Dates: High in fiber, potassium, and iron; can help with labor preparation. Aim for 6 dates per day in the third trimester.
- Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: Traditionally used to tone the uterus and may aid in labor preparation. Recommended intake: 1-3 cups daily in the second and third trimesters.
Sample Menus for Each Trimester
Preconception and Fertility
Goal: Hormone balance and preparation for pregnancy.
- Breakfast: Greek yogurt with chia seeds, berries, and a drizzle of honey.
- Snack: Almonds and a piece of fruit.
- Lunch: Quinoa salad with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil dressing.
- Snack: Veggie sticks with hummus.
- Dinner: Grilled salmon with steamed broccoli and sweet potato.
First Trimester
Goal: Support early development and manage nausea.
- Breakfast: Whole grain toast with avocado and a boiled egg.
- Snack: Smoothie with spinach, banana, and almond milk.
- Lunch: Lentil soup with a side of mixed greens salad.
- Snack: Carrot sticks and a handful of walnuts.
- Dinner: Baked chicken breast with quinoa and sautéed spinach.
Second Trimester
Goal: Support growing baby's needs and boost energy.
- Breakfast: Oatmeal topped with berries, chia seeds, and a spoonful of almond butter.
- Snack: Sliced apple with peanut butter.
- Lunch: Turkey and avocado wrap with whole grain tortilla and a side salad.
- Snack: Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of flaxseeds.
- Dinner: Stir-fried tofu with mixed vegetables and brown rice.
Third Trimester
Goal: Prepare for labor and support baby's final growth stages.
- Breakfast: Smoothie with spinach, banana, blueberries, and a scoop of protein powder.
- Snack: Dates stuffed with almond butter.
- Lunch: Grilled chicken Caesar salad with whole grain croutons.
- Snack: A handful of trail mix.
- Dinner: Baked salmon with sweet potato and steamed asparagus.
Postpartum and Breastfeeding
Goal: Support recovery and milk production.
- Breakfast: Overnight oats with chia seeds, berries, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Snack: Sliced cucumber with hummus.
- Lunch: Chicken and quinoa salad with mixed greens, avocado, and a light vinaigrette.
- Snack: Smoothie with spinach, mango, and Greek yogurt.
- Dinner: Lean beef stir-fry with mixed vegetables and brown rice.
Tips to Help with Labor
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is crucial.
- Regular Exercise: Gentle activities like walking and prenatal yoga can strengthen your body for labor.
- Perineal Massage: Can reduce the risk of tearing during delivery.
- Relaxation Techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation, and visualization can help manage pain and stress during labor.
- Eating Dates: Studies suggest that consuming dates in the third trimester can promote cervical dilation and reduce the need for induced labor.
Conclusion
Ensuring you receive proper nutrition during pregnancy is vital for the health of both you and your baby. Focusing on whole foods rich in essential nutrients, sacred foods like mushrooms and dates, and incorporating ancient wisdom with modern science will provide the best support throughout your pregnancy and beyond. Embrace the journey with mindful eating and reverence for the sacred foods that have nourished humanity for centuries.
Remember to consult with your healthcare provider to tailor your diet to your specific needs and circumstances. For those seeking personalized guidance, I received my expertise from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN)
and equipped to help you create a more customized plan.
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