The immune system plays a crucial role in defending our body against foreign invaders. During pregnancy, specific parts of the mother’s immune system are enhanced to protect the baby from infection. Along the same lines, other parts are suppressed to ensure the body doesn’t attack the fetus as a foreign invader. This change means that mums-to-be are more susceptible to infection and illness. Amazonia’s Head Dietitian, Tara Kaff shares a few ways to help bolster your immunity throughout pregnancy.
Wholefood Diet
Eating a nutritious diet high in colourful fruits and vegetables, wholegrains and good-quality protein is one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system. This also means cutting back on foods and drinks high in saturated fat, added sugar, salt and other refined carbohydrates.
To stay clear from caffeine, we have a a lovely blend of herbs from Love Tea's, 'Immunity' Tea Bags or Loose Leaf that supports your immune system, whilst giving you a satisfying earthy taste. If tea isn't for you, try Orchard St Immunity Elixir Powder. It's curated to help strengthen the immune system with anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties. Simply mix with your favourite drink or sprinkle over food.
Vitamin C
In addition to taking high-quality prenatal supplements, the whole fruits and veggies in your diet provide a variety of powerful antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to support immunity.
Vitamin C is a key player here. It can not only help prevent infections but it also aids in iron absorption and maintaining healthy skin, bones and connective tissue. Foods high in vitamin C include blackcurrants, citrus fruits, capsicum, kiwifruit, broccoli and strawberries. If you struggle to get enough of the vitamin in your diet, a non-synthetic supplement such as Amazonia Raw Vitamin C can help. This certified organic formula contains 1000% RDI wholefood vitamin C per serve combined with a prebiotic immune blend for optimal digestion.
Protein
It’s also important to ensure you’re meeting your daily protein requirements during pregnancy. Plant-based protein sources include tofu, tempeh, edamame, nuts, seeds, and legumes. To support your intake, you might consider supplementing with a high-quality protein powder. Not all protein powders are safe to consume while pregnant or breastfeeding, so it’s important to consult your doctor first.
Amazonia Raw Protein Pregnancy Plus is specially formulated to nourish women through conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding. This non-synthetic blend is loaded with dietary fibre, 24g of sprouted and fermented plant protein and 14 wholefood vitamins and minerals. Each serve contains 50% RDI Iron and 45% RDI Folate, plus B Vitamins and Zinc to support fertility and reproduction.
Quality Sleep
Getting quality sleep during pregnancy is crucial for both mum and bub. Sleep deprivation can take its toll on your overall well being and immune function. Throughout your pregnancy, your body's working overtime to support you and nurture a growing bub at the same time. Amazing, right? Sleep is the time when your body resets and repairs itself, so make it a priority to get at least 7 hours each night.
Try applying The Physic Garden Sleep Balm to your back, chest or pulse points for a deep, restful sleep. You could also try out our 'Sleep' Teas, which contains a blend of organic herbs that helps support a deeper, more rejuvenating sleep cycle.
Regular Exercise
If you have been cleared to exercise by your healthcare professional, moving your body regularly is a great way to support your overall well being while pregnant. It can also help boost your mood and energy levels, improve sleep quality, and promote healthy muscle tone. Start by trying low-intensity activities such as walking, swimming, yoga and pilates and see how your body feels.
Water is also extremely important for our bodies. We are made up mostly water, so it's only natural that we require water for our immune system to run effectively. Hydration is a biggie.
Having a wholefood rich diet, quality sleep and regular exercise is really helpful to keep your immunity up during pregnancy.
Note: We are not offering medical advice and always consult your doctor for specific advice around your pregnancy.
For more helpful tips around pregnancy, check out the blogs below.
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