Most women start eating healthy around the 13th week of their pregnancy (after the nausea subsides), but for the most enjoyable pregnancy and the healthiest baby, I encourage my clients to start improving their nutrition at least four months before conception. This week I want to talk about the importance of food and digestion as it relates to preparing for conception and maximizing fertility.
How do you do that, you say? The best meals for a typical woman trying to get pregnant are meals that are organic whole-foods based and rich in protein, vitamins, and essential minerals. Whole foods are those that are made with simple and pure ingredients that are nutrient-dense and minimally processed. Over time, consuming healthy foods prepares your body for pregnancy, in part because it encourages ideal body composition, including a healthy amount of fat and muscle mass. (Too much or too little body fat can have negative effects on fertility.)
Additionally, the health of your digestive system contributes to the quality of your overall health because it determines how well you absorb nutrients from food. We’re used to thinking of bacteria as a bad thing, but friendly bacteria line your intestines and help to break down food to make the nutrients more available. This bacteria can also help deal with certain toxins present in foods, preventing damage to your body. To encourage friendly bacteria, consider taking a daily high-quality probiotic (because you can’t count on your yogurt to provide all of your probiotic needs). Furthermore, before getting pregnant, it’s a good idea to identify food sensitivities that may potentially trigger immune reactions during pregnancy.
Read more of Dr. Naumes’ post over at D-Magazines DMoms Blog
