I have been wanting to write a post about boosting your immune system during pregnancy for quite some time. Now with the COVID-19 outbreak this post is essential! I am sitting here postpartum in quarantine as I write this!
Crazy times!
Here are a few safe and easy ways to boost your immune system during pregnancy and postpartum!
1. Get some rest!
During sleep, your immune system releases proteins called cytokines, some of which help promote sleep. Sleep deprivation may decrease production of these protective cytokines. In addition, infection fighting antibodies and cells are reduced during periods when you don't get enough sleep. It is SO hard to sleep especially postpartum and for many during pregnancy as well but try to prioritize this as mush as possible!
2. Probiotics
My go to for boosting my immune system! Probiotics have been shown to promote the production of natural antibodies in the body. I recommend boosting probiotic intake for labor preparation to help prevent infections and in case antibiotics need to be administered during labor or postpartum. During the postpartum weeks and months, beneficial bacteria can support your mood by helping to regulate and manufacture important neurotransmitters and hormones like serotonin, GABA, cortisol, and oxytocin—all of which have a huge impact on your day to day frame of mind. Approximately 95% of your body’s serotonin (the “happy” chemical) is manufactured in your gut! Great way to help prevent the ease the baby blues! You can get probiotics from fermented foods. I like Bio K Plus yogurt shots for supplementing.
3. Indulge in seasonal fruits & veggies!
Mother nature knows just what you need when you need it! For example, persimmons and winter greens tend to be higher in vitamin C content, just around flu season. I swear this is why I didn't get sick when I was pregnant during flu season! I had two permissions for breakfast almost every morning!
Seasonal food is fresher, tastier and more nutritious than food consumed out of season.
While on the topic of food....PLEASE continue to take your prenatals vitamins postpartum while you make that precious liquid gold, but also if you don't breastfeed. You need to replenish your vitamin and mineral reserve after creating a tiny human! Which brings me to the next recommendation....
4. Boost Tonic
Created by our lovely Clinical Herbalist Sanja, this is a herbal blend of the some of the most vitamin and mineral rich herbs safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It also contains red raspberry leaf tea which will helps tone and strengthen the uterus both during pregnancy and postpartum. Herbal teas are a better way to stock up on vitamins and minerals because they are recognized as a whole food. Unlike supplements. Although supplements are still better than nothing, they are not recognized as food, which is why it is important to take them with meals.