Prenatal Nutrients
Learn more about Prenatal Nutrition:The Importance of the Leptin DietWeight Loss Before Pregnancy B-Vitamins -- Especially Coenzyme Folic Acids Your Need for Quality Iron Protein is Required for Growth The Vital Need for DHA Iodine for Intelligence Supporting Your Thyroid Dealing with Stress Calcium and Your Bones Handling Constipation Improving Fertility Dealing with Morning Sickness Staying Well The Importance of the Leptin DietLeptin is a hormone that comes from your stored body fat. It controls your metabolism, including the function of thyroid hormone. It controls your body weight. Women have a higher percentage of body fat than men, and thus higher levels of leptin even when not pregnant. This is specifically so that women have enough energy reserves to sustain pregnancy and nurse their child. In fact, if your percentage of body fat is too low you may have a lot of trouble getting pregnant in the first place. During pregnancy leptin levels naturally rise, enabling more weight to be stored to support these vital energy reserves. Under the influence of leptin you will generally store about 4 pounds in the first three months of pregnancy and then 4 pounds per month thereafter. Normal leptin-driven weight gain during pregnancy is 25-35 pounds. Additionally, leptin is what enables your placenta to grow. Healthy leptin function is the key factor involved with a healthy full term pregnancy. The overall proper function of leptin during pregnancy helps prevent gestational diabetes, inflammatory malnutrition, inappropriate weight gain, preeclampsia, and premature delivery. Leptin is the most powerful hormone in your body -- especially during pregnancy. You need to understand how it works, whether you are overweight or not. It pays to understand leptin and to eat in harmony with it both before and during pregnancy. Doing anything else is like rowing a boat against the current -- you can do it but it sure isn't easy.
Weight Loss Before PregnancyIf you are struggling with body weight prior to pregnancy you are wrestling with an inefficient leptin system that will invariably increase the risk for problems during and following pregnancy. Whenever possible you should be at a proper body weight for at least six months prior to getting pregnant. Minimally, you should have weight issues trending consistently in the right direction before getting pregnant. In addition to the Leptin Diet and consistent refreshing exercise various dietary supplements can assist your body so that leptin functions more normally. This can significantly assist you in your weight management efforts. Any effort to lose weight should take place before pregnancy. Any caloric restriction during pregnancy that is intended as a weight loss effort is not healthy and should never be done.* Our Leptin Control Pack is a convenient collection of our most popular weight management supplements. These are an ideal tool to assist weight loss prior to pregnancy, in combination with diet and exercise. There are no metabolic stimulants or calorie-blocking compounds in the Leptin Control Pack, which means it may also be taken during pregnancy. In fact, the nutrients in the Leptin Control Pack are an ideal array of nutrients to help manage thyroid issues, stress, and blood sugar metabolism.* The Leptin Control Pack will not interfere with the natural storage of fat that is needed during pregnancy. To the contrary, it supports healthy leptin function during pregnancy. This may be quite helpful for a person who is overweight going into pregnancy or someone with a yo-yo dieting history prior to pregnancy.*
B-Vitamins -- Especially Coenzyme Folic AcidB vitamins are needed for the healthy function of your nervous system and for the proper development of your baby's nervous system. Folic acid is now widely promoted for healthy pregnancy and ideally should be taken for a full year prior to becoming pregnant. Coenzyme folic acid is needed to synthesize DNA and RNA which is incredibly important for proper fetal nervous system development. Folic acid should always be taken with vitamin B12, so as not to mask a deficiency of B12 -- which is also vital for the proper function and development of nerves. Vitamin B6 is needed to help any neurotransmitter work properly, in both mother and child. B vitamins are your basics for stress management. B vitamins are important cofactors for prenatal nutrition -- don't leave home without them!* The quality of B vitamins makes a dramatic difference in how well they work in your body. The superior forms of B vitamins are called coenzymes -- meaning they are pre-energized and already in the exact form your body needs. In our Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin you get the coenzyme form of folic acid known as folinic acid (5-formyl tetrahydrofolate) in its pure form (calcium folinate). This form is naturally found in food and is far different than difficult-to-metabolize synthetic folic acid that is found in food fortification and the majority of cheap prenatal vitamins on the market today. Quality makes a huge difference -- give yourself and your baby the very best!* Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin is our multivitamin for everyone -- but it is also a great prenatal multivitamin. However, it does not contain iron so you will also need to use our highly superior Blood Builder product in conjunction with it for your prenatal basics.*
Your Need for Quality IronAdequate stores of iron are vital for healthy pregnancy. Iron is needed to assemble proteins to form all aspects of your baby's body; it is required for growth and intelligence. Your body handles iron with great care and caution; indeed, poor quality iron supplementation can cause a lot of problems. Not all women need supplemental iron prior to getting pregnant -- but many do. Common reasons for a lack of iron are not eating red meat, heavy menstrual cycles, high stress, and excessive exercise (especially long distance running). Common symptoms of a lack of iron are fatigue, hair thinning or falling out, and vertical ridges on your fingernails. Any symptom of low thyroid may actually be a symptom of low iron -- as iron is needed within cells to carry out over 80 thyroid-related instructions. Since thyroid hormone function must be optimized during pregnancy, for your health and your mood, quality iron is a pivotal nutrient. If you are not sure of your iron status you can test your hemoglobin and your ferritin; ideally both scores should be in the middle of the normal range. Hemoglobin requires iron for its formation. Ferritin is reflective of the iron reserves stored within your liver -- a very important factor for healthy pregnancy. Quality of iron is a huge issue of the utmost importance. Cheap iron salts like ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate, which are almost always used in low quality prenatal vitamins, can cause you a lot of problems. Only 3% of such supplements are absorbed, the remaining 97% irritates your digestive tract, helps induce constipation, may add to morning sickness, and exposes your digestive tract to a lot of free radicals. In Blood Builder we use the special form of iron called iron bisglycinate -- which is one molecule or iron bound to two molecules of glycine -- a true and natural amino acid chelate. This form of iron stays intact in your digestive tract, does not promote constipation, and is easy for your body to use without producing undesirable free radicals.* Prior to pregnancy you can take 1-2 capsules a day, as needed, especially if you don't consume red meat. Even if you feel you eat enough read meat you could take 1 capsule every few days just to be on the safe side -- if you can tell it helps your energy you generally need it. Once pregnant you should have at least 1 capsule per day, up to 2-3 per day as needed to support your energy, mood, and/or dietary lack of iron.*
Protein is Required for GrowthProtein is by far the most important macro nutrient needed during pregnancy. It is required for construction of your baby's body. Protein malnutrition is a serious problem and can result in premature delivery, poor brain development, immune system weakness, and a failure to maximize genetic potential during fetal development. Our government has arbitrarily set the non-pregnancy suggestion for protein on the low side at 50 grams per day, meaning 10% of a 2000 calorie per day diet. You are supposed to eat 300-400 more calories per day when you are pregnant, and our government suggests this should give you another 10 grams of protein for a total of 60 grams per day during pregnancy. In my opinion these guidelines may be inadequate, as protein needs vary considerably based on stress, physical demands, and various different sizes of women. A better rule of thumb is ½ your ideal body weight in grams of protein per day, plus 10 to 15 extra grams for your baby. For example, if your ideal body weight is 130 pounds then you should have 65 grams of protein a day in preparation for pregnancy. If you have a physically demanding or emotionally stressful life you may need you may need 75 -- 80 grams of protein a day to offset wear and tear. In general you can tell that your energy and mood are better on adequate protein. Once pregnant you should add 10-15 more grams of protein per day to meet the extra protein needs of growing your baby. The quality of protein you consume is of immense importance, with meats, eggs, and dairy products providing excellent sources of complete sulfur-rich proteins. Meeting protein needs is most difficult for vegetarian women. Large amounts of soy protein, especially soy-based non-fermented American concoctions, may be harmful during pregnancy as such large amounts of soy are anti-thyroid, disturb digestion, and confuse the function of estrogen. I don't think women should ever use a soy protein drink during pregnancy. Getting adequate protein can be a challenge, especially as pregnancy moves along and digestion become "scrunched" from an ever-expanding uterus. It becomes more difficult to digest heavier protein-dense foods. Cottage cheese is one exception -- where you can get a lot of high quality sulfur-rich protein in a relatively small serving. It is easy to boost protein intake by using fine quality whey protein. This is an ideal protein to support your baby's growth -- providing the types of sulfur-rich protein needed for optimal brain formation and general health. My favorite product in this category is Daily Protein Plus, which provides whey along with oat beta glucan fiber and a serving of fruit (mangosteen extract). It makes a great breakfast and can be used to help boost protein at any meal, as needed.*
The Vital Need for DHADHA is required for optimal brain and eyesight development. If you want a smart child don't skimp on DHA. DHA is an essential fatty acid that is lacking in our processed food supply -- compared to evolution. Unfortunately, some of the now best sources of DHA, salmon and tuna, are typically high in mercury. No pregnant woman should expose herself to excess mercury from fish -- in any amount.* In our DHA-containing fish oil products we use a special molecularly distilled DHA. This type of DHA is completely free of any mercury or other chemical toxins. This makes supplemental DHA the safest and most convenient way to get this important nutrient for pregnancy.* We offer DHA in two supplements, Leptinal® and DHA (by itself). Leptinal®, which is also part of the Leptin Control Pack®, is a great product to support healthy leptin function. This product iswould be the preferred choice for any woman who has struggled with body weight, taking 2-3 capsules per day prior to and during pregnancy. If weight issues are not a problem, then simply taking 3 DHA capsules a day will give you the DHA that is needed for optimal health during pregnancy.*
Iodine for IntelligenceIodine is essential for brain function and intelligence. Since 2001 there have been numerous studies showing the importance of iodine during pregnancy, not only to help your thyroid work better, but specifically for the cognitive and neurological development of your child. It is important to understand that there is a window of time, especially the first half of pregnancy, wherein thyroid-dependent iodine function must be optimized for proper brain development. Unfortunately, if this nutritional need is not met during this critical time, nerve health may suffer irreversible consequences.* As a December 2007 study on iodine and pregnancy concludes "the birth of many children with learning disabilities may be prevented by advising women to take iodine supplements as soon as pregnancy starts, or earlier if possible, in order to ensure that their requirements for iodine are met." The quality of iodine supplement also makes a huge difference. I recommend Iosol Iodine, a water soluble and uniquely bioactive form of iodine. It is far superior to iodized salt, potassium iodide, or kelp. Place 1 drop in a small amount of water and drink daily, prior to and during pregnancy.
Supporting Your ThyroidThyroid hormone works overtime when you are pregnant. It sets the pace for your baby's growth and development, as well as the pace for the formation of all the hormones required to sustain a healthy pregnancy. In a sense, pregnancy is a true test of your thyroid system. It is important to understand your risks for pregnancy-related thyroid distress. The first symptoms you are likely to notice are poor mood, a heavy head at times of the day, fatigue, constipation, and feeling too cold. Any or all of these symptoms may occur and must be corrected as soon as they are noticed. Some women have a history with thyroid-related symptoms, others have none prior to pregnancy. It is common that women whose mothers have thyroid issues will experience them during pregnancy -- often for the first time. A poor dieting history and currently being overweight also sets the stage for thyroid-related pregnancy stress. Iosol Iodine, as mentioned above, is the most basic support for thyroid function during pregnancy. We often add Thyroid Helper® and Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin to naturally support thyroid function. Daily Energy is needed anyway, as a prenatal vitamin. It also helps all your cells produce energy, which is what thyroid hormone is trying to get them to do.* Thyroid Helper® is a unique thyroid support product that helps activate your natural production of thyroid hormone while protecting your liver and thyroid gland from the increased activity of thyroid hormone needed for pregnancy. When thyroid hormone runs faster during pregnancy -- sparks fly (otherwise known as free radicals). You must have adequate nutrients to sustain accelerated thyroid hormone function -- otherwise things start grinding to a slower pace -- especially your mood and energy. Thyroid Helper® is also in the Leptin Control Pack® -- for more comprehensive nutrient support. Thyroid Helper® may be used before and during pregnancy. 2-3 capsules per day is a common dose. Use enough to support your mood and energy.*
Dealing with StressA pregnancy that is running smoothly is a huge metabolic demand on your body -- in essence of form of stress in and of itself, like doing 8 hours of contruction work a day on top of everything else you do. The last thing you need is more energy-sapping stress. Trying to do too much (which can simply mean your formally normal routine) or having to deal with emotional tension or pressures are key factors that must be managed well. Women who have a history of trouble with their mood are much more likely to have issues during and following pregnancy. This is extremely undesirable as pregnancy-related emotional stress impacts on the developing nervous system and often results in fetal programming that makes your child have difficulty managing stress in later life. You must have adequate energy to manage stress. All topics discussed above, especially if you are lacking nutrients mentioned in one or more of the various categoriesthis category, will magnify your reaction to stress during pregnancy and set the stage for poor mood during or following pregnancy. Women who know they are stress sensitive should do everything in their power to set the stage for a pregnancy and postpartum time period that are as stable and stress-free as possible. Life has a tendency to throw curve balls at you -- do what you can to stay in control of as much as possible. Life-related planning and preparation can help keep stress to a minimum, thereby promoting a healthy pregnancy and an environment in which your baby can thrive. In addition to the basic stress-fighting nutrients contained in Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin -- Stress Helper® is our very best product to help boost and stabilize your mood. It is an innovative mix of Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Pantethine, and Carnosine -- providing you fine quality energy and mood support nutrition. Stress Helper® is also part of the Leptin Control Pack®.*
Calcium and Your BonesIt has been documented that calcium is mobilized from a mother's bones during pregnancy and helps build the baby's bones, a natural process. The loss of bone mineral density during pregnancy may be 5%, but that bone density is typically replaced within a year. Breast feeding appears to assist bone remineralization in the mother. There is some evidence to indicate that the number of pregnancies or the first pregnancy at a higher age are risk factors for later life bone loss. However, many variables are involved and no clear cause-effect relationship has been documented. At any rate, it is clear that bones "take a hit" during pregnancy, which is likely to be greater in high stress pregnancies. Our government's suggestion for calcium during pregnancy and lactation is 1300 mgs, which can be met by a combination of food sources and dietary supplements.* The quality of calcium, combined with the needed cofactors for bone metabolism, are important factors. Our premier calcium product that supports bone health is called Daily Bone Xcel, which contains 200 mg of the finest calcium per capsule -- along with vital bone building cofactor nutrients. Add up your dietary calcium and then use Daily Bone Xcel to make up the difference. Women who consume little dairy or other high calcium foods may need 6-7 capsules per day during pregnancy and lactation.*
Handling ConstipationConstipation is a common problem during pregnancy, partly due to elevated progesterone levels, partly due to thyroid struggles, and partly due to the digestive tract being compressed by the growing baby. Iron and calcium, both important for pregnancy, can also tilt one in the direction of constipation. Of course, if you are prone to constipation the problem is likely to be worse during pregnancy. Regular moderate exercise, like walking, always helps -- as does adequate dietary fiber and water consumption. Eating prunes or drinking prune juice can be used if it is helpful. Constipation during pregnancy is a problem that needs to be solved. Toxins that should be eliminated can re-enter the body and toxins needing to be cleared are not able to get out at the proper rate. Such toxic excess can, in some cases, cross the placenta and interfere with your baby's health. Minimally, it can make you tired and irritable -- a definite form of energy-sapping stress. During pregnancy the best basic approach is to have extra fiber to help provide stool bulk and keep your bowels moving. One bowel movement per day, hopefully without any straining, is the minimum. Our Fiber Helper is a combination of three different forms of soluble fiber, without any sweeteners. It is easy to mix and has a naturally pleasant taste. If needed, small amounts of natural bowel stimulants can be used, but not high doses that may trigger digestive or uterine cramping. Our best product for this purpose is Turkey Rhubarb, taking 1-2 capsules at bed.*
Improving FertilityGood nutrition is fundamental to fertility. All of the nutrition tips given in this section will assist fertility. The proper function of leptin and thyroid hormones is of vital importance. Too little body fat and your subconscious brain thinks you don't have enough energy on hand to get pregnant. If you are overweight you end up with leptin resistance, a problem that interferes with the normal ripening and release of your eggs. Leptin problems always disturb thyroid function -- which also makes getting pregnant harder. Two key nutrients not mentioned thus far that are very helpful for fertility are vitamin E and zinc. Vitamin E is known as the fertility vitamin. Zinc is vital for hormone transport systems and the proper binding of hormones to the DNA of your cells. Zinc is also needed for proper sperm health and motility. I have often given Daily Super E (3 a day for men and women) and the zinc-containing Strengthener Plus (2 a day for men, 1 a day for women) to couples wishing to improve fertility -- oftentimes with very encouraging results.*
Dealing with Morning SicknessThe nausea and sometimes vomiting during pregnancy often starts between 4-6 weeks and may last until weeks 12-14. Since there are so many changes going on in your body during this time nobody has been able to nail down a precise cause -- but it sure can be annoying as well as getting in the way of you getting needed nutrition into your body. Avoid greasy and spicy food during this time, and use bland foods especially in the morning. Dry toast or soda crackers upon arising may help "mop up" the gunk in your tummy and settle things down. Eating four smaller meals a day four hours apart may work better than three meals a day. Try to avoid eating five to six small meals, as doing so may disturb leptin function that is vital to healthy pregnancy. Vitamin B6 may be helpful (as found in Daily Energy Multiple Vitamin). Vitamins may need to be taken at lunch or dinner during this time, especially iron (Blood Builder). Some women report the smell of fresh lemons is helpful. One of the best natural remedies I have used over the years is a product called GI Soother. This is a concentrate of specially filtered whey proteins that are very helpful for nausea -- as well as overall digestive health (including constipation). It is usually helpful in a dose of 1 heaping teaspoon up to 1 heaping tablespoon, mixed in several ounces of water or juice. If helpful, it can be used in any amount as often as desired. It works a high percentage of the time and is certainly worth a try.*
I have also formulated a special digestive enzyme product that contains ginger and slippery elm -- two herbs that soothe digestion and help allieviate nausea. Specially formulated plant enzymes help provide extra digestive power so that indigestion is less likely. This product can help your appetite and certainly helps your digestion. It may be used with any meal in any phase of pregnancy simply to help digestion. Take 1-2 with meals. Take ½ hour before meals if lacking appetite or queasy.
Staying WellYour immune system is automatically down-regulated during pregnancy, so that your immune system does not reject your baby. This means that you should seek to minimize your exposure to sick people and should make everyone in your household practice good hygiene and hand washing. Various nutrients can naturally support efficient immune function to assist you to be healthy. One of my favorite products for this purpose is Activator Plus. It is a product that has a duel purpose: helping your energy and naturally supporting your immune system. When you get tired during pregnancy your immune system is not able to work as efficiently as it should. Use enough Activator Plus to keep your energy up and your immune system is better supported. Doses range from 2-6 tablets a day, usually taken 1-2 at a time.* Another gentle and effective immune support product is our Super Immune Booster -- which actually contains first milk colostrum -- a safe and effective immune support nutrient. You can take 2-3 capsules any time, to naturally boost up your immune response anytime you need some help. It works well before bed.* Of course, if you are feeling good energy and getting along fine you do not need to use these products. They are nice to know about and may come in handy, especially if you are getting a run down feeling during your pregnancy.*
|
Shopping CartMy cart is empty.My AccountHow may we help you?
|
| Home > Health Topics > Prenatal Care Supplements |
|
|
|
952-929-4575 •
800-717-WELL | 7155
Amundson Avenue, Minneapolis, MN - Map Copyright
© Wellness Resources, Inc. 1999-2007 - Terms &
Conditions of Use
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Note: the asterisk mark following a paragraph and linking to the above FDA
disclaimer applies to any or all statements in that paragraph.