Healthy pregnancy

Written by Slawomir (“Swavak”) Gromadzki, MPH

PREGNANCY SUPPORT SUMMERY

REMEDIES: Daily Essentials Multivitamin (Phoenix Nutrition) or a good quality multivitamin for pregnant women (make sure it contains at least 100mcg Biotin; Folate or Methylfolate instead of Folic Acid, Kelp as a source of Iodine). However, although these multivitamins usually contain all or almost all key pregnancy nutrients but because some of them are needed in higher strength, in addition to those multivitamins take also the following: Sublingual methylcobalamin B12 – 1 tablet (1000mcg) daily under the tongue after breakfast; Magnesium Bisglycinate (or citrate if constipated) – 150mg twice daily; Vitamin D3 – 2,000 to 5,000 IU daily with breakfast (new studies suggest 4000 IU daily is optimal daily amount of D3 during pregnancy: >); Raspberry Leaf capsules or tea: Start around 32 weeks of pregnancy (not earlier). At first take 1 capsule (or 1 cup) daily and then after a few weeks 2 capsules (2 cups) followed by 3. Raspberry leaf can help bring on labour as its nutrients have been found to strengthen the uterine muscles which could make contractions more efficient. Raspberry leaf tea will enrich the mother’s milk, especially during periods when the baby is going through a growth spurt (first period); Organic Chlorella, Organic Barley Grass, or Super Greens.

LIFESTYLE: Implement listed here principles of healthy lifestyle. Buy water distiller and rink only distilled water with a pinch of sea salt; Avoid plastic, sugar, artificial sweeteners, stimulants including caffeine; Eat variety of organic unrefined plant foods; Reduce or avoid meat and dairy products.

Healthy lifestyle and diet are always very important aspects of life at any time, but they are even more important for women who are planning a pregnancy or are already pregnant.

Of course, it is always best to get all vitamins, minerals and other nutrients from the food. The problem, however, is that at the present time it is very difficult to get sufficient amounts of all the nutrients from food alone. Due to the soil depletion, poor dietary habits, stress, and other factors, deficiency of vitamins and minerals is a very common problem. In addition, during pregnancy the demands of a growing foetus can worsen these deficiencies or even cause them, putting unborn babies at risk for developmental issues and birth defects. The same deficiencies make pregnant and breastfeeding women tired and contribute to low mood, hormonal imbalance, morning sickness and other problems.

In order to ensure healthy pregnancy try to do your best to live according to the principles I included in the HEALTH RECOVERY PLAN > as in this way you will deal with true causes of almost any health problems and possible nutritional deficiencies.

MOST IMPORTANT NUTRIENTS NEEDED BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY

In addition, try to include as many of the following as possible:

– Vitamin B12 deficiency is a very common problem today not only among vegans or elderly people but also among those who consume animal foods (meat products and dairy) due to the fact that caged and treated with antibiotics animals are deficient in B12 producing bacteria. B12 deficiency may be even more common among pregnant women and it is very dangerous for both fetus development (may lead to neural tube damage in fetus) and pregnant woman (neurological damage, fatigue, etc.). B12 must be in the form of sublingual methylcobalamin and not cyanocobalamin: 1000 to 2000mcg under the tongue only after breakfast every day before and during pregnancy. B12 should be taken with folic acid (L-methylfolate is the best form). Vitamin B12 is also the best way to boost energy, to detoxify the body and reverse neurological damage. Vitamin B12 must be taken in the form sublingual methylcobalamin (not cyanocobalamin): 1000-2000mcg under the tongue a day only with breakfast.

Read a very interesting article about Vitamin B12 > This article also claims that the healthy blood levels of this vitamin should be much higher than it is suggested.

SUBLINGUAL METHYLCOBALAMIN (HEALTHAID) >

– Zinc also protects against birth defects and its deficiency is rampant too due to the fact that soil is depleted of this very important mineral. Take about 15 to 30 mg of zinc (picolinate) after breakfast. In addition have 1 or 2 tablespoons of soaked overnight in distilled water pumpkin seeds with breakfast.

– It is suggested that Iodine intake for adults should be at least 150 mcg per day. Pregnant should increase their daily consumption to 220 mcg and lactating women to 300 mcg. Pregnant women are particularly susceptible to possible negative effects of iodine deficiency as adequate levels of this essential mineral are critically important for the proper neural development of the fetus. In addition, iodine deficiency is known as the most common causes of preventable brain damage, mental retardation, and cognitive decline. Dr. David Brownstein who is regarded by many as an iodine expert, suggests that the recommended daily allowance for iodine is way too low. As an example he points to the Japanese whose average daily intake of iodine is as high as almost 14,000 mcg per day due to their diet which is rich in sea weeds! It means that the daily iodine intake in Japan is almost 90 times higher than in America and over 100 times higher than in the UK, which fact may contribute to much better health status of Japanese people such low cancer rates in Japan. Some studies already suggest that it could be also the result of considerably higher intake of iodine which has been known of its antioxidant and anti-cancer properties.

– Take about 10 tabl. or 1 heaped tablespoon of organic Chlorella > 30 min before breakfast with water or vegetable juice every day before and during pregnancy to detoxify body, provides natural iodine (women often deficient), boost energy and prevent damages in fetus.

– Raspberry leaf capsules or tea. Start drinking raspberry leaf tea (or taking capsules) at around 32 weeks pregnant (not earlier) to. At first you drink 1 cup (1 capsule) a day and then after a few weeks 2 cups (2 capsules) followed by 3. Raspberry leaf can help bring on labour, its nutrients have been found to strengthen the uterine muscles which could make contractions more efficient. Raspberry leaf tea will enrich the mother’s milk, especially during periods when the baby is going through a growth spurt (first period).

– Folic acid (if possible in the form of L-methylfolate as it is the best and safe form): 200-400mcg a day. Its very important to take it also before conception. Adequate folate in healthful diets may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect. However, instead of using supplements it is much healthier and better to consume foods high in folate such as: Green leafy vegetable, Parsley leaf, Spinach (263mcg per 1 cup), Black Eyed Peas – Cooked (350mcg per 1 cup), Lentils – Cooked (250mcg per 1 cup), Chickpeas (280mcg per 1 cup), Asparagus (230mcg per 1 cup). Taking into consideration that the current DV for Folate (Vitamin B9) is 400mcg you can see that it is not difficult to provide the body with sufficient amount of folate on condition that you consume pulses (legumes) and green leafy vegetables. Otherwise it would better to take supplements.

– Vitamin D3: 2,000-5,000 IU a day (must be with Magnesium as D3 leads to magnesium deficiency and will not be beneficial if you are deficient in magnesium). Also Vitamin K2 (MQ7 – from fermented Nato) is important to ensure proper absorption of vitamin D and prevents vitamin D supplements from leading to calcification of different organs. Vitamin D will boost immune system and prevent autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, eczema, etc. Studies confirm taking about 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day during pregnancy is not only safe for both pregnant woman and baby but also necessary to maintain healthy pregnancy. Unfortunately, the average prenatal multivitamin and mineral formulas contain only about few hundreds IUs of this vitamin and therefore additional supplementation is recommended. Read more >

Pregnant and lactating women are encouraged to take vitamin D3 supplements (new studies suggest 4000 IU is optimal daily amount of D3 during pregnancy: >). Vitamin D supports the well-being of the baby, healthy bone and neural development. It also helps (together with magnesium, selenium and zinc) to prevent child-onset (juvenile) diabetes and other autoimmune conditions.

Extensive research proved without any doubt that Vitamin D deficiency (very common even in hot countries) leads to poor immune system function and greatly contributes to cancers, autoimmune diseases (including type 1 diabetes), weak bones, hormonal imbalance, frequent infections, poor mental health, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, etc.. Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption and metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.

– During pregnancy, appropriate levels of Magnesium help to keep the uterus from contracting prematurely. Magnesium prevents and reduces leg cramps. It is important as it supports building of bones, regulates insulin and blood sugar levels and the functioning of enzymes. Deficiency of Magnesium is the main and most frequent cause of morning sickness in pregnant women. Read more about Magnesium >

– A deficiency of Biotin, known as vitamin B7, coenzyme R, or vitamin H, can result in improper foetal development. Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin which is present in the skin, hair, nails, nerves and bone marrow. Like other B vitamins, biotin is needed for healthy metabolic, nerve, digestive and cardiovascular functions. Biotin enzymes also bind to histones that are an important part of DNA synthesis. This means that biotin plays a role in DNA replication and transcription. Since high strength biotin supplements (probably over 2500mg per day) may lead to the deficiency of pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) supplementation with this vitamin is recommended to prevent its deficiency. It is recommended that pregnant women should take at least 100mcg of Biotin (not more than 1000 mcg) every day with breakfast. Taking high doses (over 5,000 mcg per day) of biotin in early pregnancy may probably increase the risk of miscarriage. However, the reasoning behind this is not clear. Pregnant women are advised to consult a medical professional before taking high doses of biotin.

– Omega 3 (good quality distilled fish oil supplement, ground flax seed, chia seed, etc.). I do not recommend pregnant women consuming fish as they are often contaminated with heavy metals.

– Healthy Omega 6 (Evening Primrose oil or Star Flower oil). Find out if “Evening Primrose Oil Safely Induce Labor?” >

– Raspberry leaf capsules or tea. Start taking raspberry leaf around 32 weeks pregnant (not earlier). At first take 1 capsule (or 1 cup) daily and then after a few weeks 2 capsules (2 cups) followed by 3. Raspberry leaf can help bring on labour as its nutrients have been found to strengthen the uterine muscles which could make contractions more efficient. Raspberry leaf tea will enrich the mother’s milk, especially during periods when the baby is going through a growth spurt (first period).

NUTRITIONAL AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS

– Avoid all stimulants (alcohol, caffeine, black and green tea, chocolate, cola, etc.). To increase energy try vitamins, minerals, super greens (high in chlorophyll) and regular exercise.

– Avoid artificial sweeteners and refined sugar. Replace them with stevia, fresh and dried sweet whole fruits, raw organic, and honey other healthy sweeteners such as xylitol.

– Detoxify your body and brain from mercury heavy metals by removing amalgam dental fillings, avoiding fish, flu shots and drinking distilled water and taking organic chlorella.

– Remove amalgam dental fillings > (contain 50% mercury) or at least brush teeth with charcoal powder and use chlorella internally to detoxify body and brain from mercury.

– Eat healthy organic unrefined foods.

– Think positive, laugh, enjoy life, learn to control stress and fear by surrendering your life every day in pray to God. Read the Bible in the morning and evening beginning with the Gospel of Jon and other Gospels.

– Avoid vaccinations > (especially flu shots with mercury).

– Avoid bisphenols present in canned foods and water stored in plastic bottles.

– Avoid environmental sources of estrogens (xenoestrogens) found in pesticides, shaving creams, fabric softeners, air fresheners, laundry soaps, etc.

– Avoid bottled water (contaminated with bisphenols and thousands of other dangerous chemicals present in plastic) and tap water (contaminated with estradiol, mercury, chlorine, fluoride, heavy metals, etc.). Buy water distiller and drink only distilled water > (with a pinch of sea salt or pink salt) as it is the only way to perfectly remove harmful chemicals, heavy metals and inorganic calcium from water.

– Avoid or significantly reduce (to not more than 10% of your diet) consumption of animal foods (dairy, eggs and especially meat products). If you decide to not eliminate them from your diet try to consume only products from grass-fed animals and barn free-range eggs. Truth about dairy >

– Exercise every day (outside if possible) inducing sweating.

– Use only safe natural cosmetics, soaps and shampoos.

– Avoid water stored in plastic bottles and bisphenols present in canned foods.

– Avoid environmental sources of oestrogen (xenoestrogens) found in pesticides, fabric softeners, air fresheners, laundry soaps, water and food stored in plastic, etc.

– Avoid water stored in plastic bottles (as it is contaminated with bisphenols and thousands of other dangerous chemicals present in plastic). Avoid unfiltered tap water (contaminated with estradiol, mercury, chlorine, antibiotics, fluoride, heavy metals, etc.)

– Eat variety of unrefined plant-based foods such as fresh vegetable juices, vegetable smoothies, raw vegetable salads, steamed vegetables, pulses, whole grains (especially millet, barley, buckwheat, quinoa, etc.), soaked in distilled water seeds and nuts (about 2 tablespoons a day), and fresh fruits.

– Avoid wheat.

GOOD PREGNANCY SUPPLEMENT

– All mentioned above vitamins, minerals and Omega-3 should be included in a good pregnancy supplement. They are found for instance in Pregnazon Complete (HealthAid) and some other good quality formulations. Take 1 capsules with breakfast and 1 with the second meal. Pregnazon Complete provides optimum nutritional daily support from pre-conception, through all pregnancy stages and during breastfeeding. It contains scientifically formulated and carefully balanced 21 essential nutrients including Vitamins, Minerals, Trace Elements, and Antioxidants, fortified with additional benefits of high in DHA Omega-3. Adequate levels of Folic Acid & Vitamin B12 are crucial for proper neural development preventing brain or spinal cord defect defects in the developing foetus and help prevent fatigue during pregnancy. Iron helps mothers maintain normal energy levels, prevents anaemia (very common during pregnancy), and supports healthy foetal development preventing premature delivery. Iodine & Biotin deficiency can result in improper foetal development as it plays important role in DNA replication. Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA & EPA) support proper brain development and function, help prevent dry skin, and promote good mood, heart and eye function during pregnancy. Vitamin C increases Iron absorption, and together with natural Vitamin E, Beta Carotene & Selenium fights oxidative damage and supports immune system. Zinc contributes to normal fertility & reproduction, DNA synthesis, vision, hormonal balance, immune & nervous system function, development of bones, as well as healthy hair, skin & nails. Vitamin D is crucial for bone & teeth development, immunity, mood and brain function. Its deficiency is very common and is linked to high risk of developing autoimmune conditions including type I diabetes. Very common during pregnancy lack of Magnesium is believed to be the key cause of morning sickness, mood & sleep problems, and muscle cramps. During pregnancy, appropriate levels of Magnesium help to keep the uterus from contracting prematurely. B Vitamins support nervous system development and in pregnant women they are vital for progesterone production (especially B5 & B6), hormonal balance, metabolism, energy, and nervous system function.

ADDITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS

Although Pregnazon Complete contains all key pregnancy nutrients but because some of them are needed in higher strength, in addition to Pregnazon Complete take also the following:

– Metcobin (sublingual methylcobalamin) – 1 tablet (1000mcg) daily under the tongue after breakfast;

– Magnesium Bisglycinate – 150mg twice daily;

– Vitamin D3 – 2,000 to 5,000 IU daily with breakfast;

– Raspberry Leaf Capsules – according to the above instruction;

– Super Greens – 1 scoop (tablespoon) twice daily 30 minutes before meal with distilled (or at least filtered) water or vegetable juice every day before and during pregnancy to detoxify body, provide natural iodine and boost energy. Super Greens includes Chlorella, Barley Grass, Alfalfa, and other super foods.

SUPER FOODS

– Every day include in your diet the 4 CRITICAL and MOST POWERFUL SUPER FOODS as they contain the highest concentration of nutrients, chlorophyll, phytochemicals, and solar energy in the most easily digestible form available:

1. Fresh raw sprouts;

2. Freshwater algae – chlorella (Pukka);

3. Super grasses (barley grass, alfalfa, wheat grass).

4. Fresh cold pressed vegetable juices;

– Every day eat fresh raw (not cooked) sprouts (alfalfa sprouts, watercress sprouts, sunflower sprouts, etc.).

The process of seed germination results in a dramatic increase in their vitamin, mineral and phytochemical content. According to Dr. J. Mercola, „Sprouts can contain up to 30 times the nutrition of organic vegetables! Sprouted seed, nut or bean has a whopping 43 times the enzyme power when compared to the non-sprouted variety! Sprouts are the highest source of ENZYMES which improve digestion of food and absorption of essential nutrients.”

Sprouts are also bioactive food as they are the only plant based food that is still growing as we consume them!

Purchasing very inexpensive sprouts at retail stores is the simplest method for adding sprouts to your menu, but growing them at home on a large tray with soil is much better. Using good quality soil to grow your own sprouts, you make them organic and free from pesticides and other unwanted chemicals. I make my own sunflower sprouts as they are most delicious and very potent. Try to avoid consuming the same type of sprouts every day for a longer period of time. Instead use variety of different sprouts but the most important seem to be fresh sunflower sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, and watercress sprouts. On YouTube you will find numerous videos explaining how to make your own sprouts at home. More on sprouts >

– I personally believe Chlorella is currently the best natural super food and natural remedy in the world. And you should agree with me after reading the article about Chlorella.

Since Chlorella is a powerful detoxifier and energy booster it is better if you start with a smaller dose such as 1 teaspoon or 3 tablets 30 minutes before breakfast and the same amount 30 minutes before lunch with 2 glasses of water, vegetable juice or smoothie. Then gradually increase the intake every day (by approximately 1 tablet) until reaching the maximum dose of 2 heaped tablespoons or 10 – 20 tablets (500mg) 30 min before breakfast and the same amount 30 min before lunch.

Altogether you can take 2-6 round tablespoons or about 20-40 tablets (500mg per tablet) of chlorella a day. he more you take the better results you will see.

It is better and more beneficial to take chlorella alternately with moringa, barley grass, alfalfa, Clean Greens (Pukka), Spirulina, Bee pollen or other super foods or formulas as in this way you will avoid possible overdosing of iodine or other Chlorella’s ingredients (although I never found any reliable evidence that taking large doses of Chlorella may be harmful).

The dose depends also on age and body weight. The younger the children the smaller dose should be used. In case of small children I would start from 1 tablet or half a teaspoon mixed with breakfast or juice and slowly increase to 3 tablets or 1 teaspoon 2 times a day. Older children can start from 3 tablets or 1 flat teaspoon and gradually increase to about 7 tablets or 1 tablespoon with breakfast and lunch.

While taking chlorella remember to increase your water intake to 3 times a day 2-3 glasses between meals.

– Mix 100g of Barley grass powder (or Wheat grass) with 100g of Alfalfa powder, 50g organic fresh Turmeric (Pukka) and 50g Moringa leaf powder and keep the mixture in the fridge in a closed container. Take 1 heaped tablespoon of the the mixture with a vegetable juice about 30 minutes before meals twice daily.

– Drink 1 or 2 glasses of fresh raw and possibly cold-pressed (using slow juicer) vegetable juices (carrots, beets, broccoli, kale or spinach, etc.) 2 to 3 times a day before meals or instead. It is even better to have them with chlorella or spirulina, alfalfa, turmeric and barley grass.

If you want to maintain your health drink 2 to 3 times 1 glass. In case your intension is to treat different health problems such as cancer, etc. you need to have 2 glasses 3 to 4 times a day.

After a long and close analysis and comparison of different healthy vegetarian and vegan diets I believe that the most effective one is the Hallelujah Diet. And one of the key reasons of this conclusion is that this diet is based on raw fresh vegetable juices and it is 85% raw. There are thousands of testimonials written by people who on Hallelujah diet recovered from all sorts of health problems often regarded as incurable. In order to get strong motivation to start juicing read my article on Vegetable juices and Hallelujah diet.

SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT

– To understand how important role mental health plays in preventing and treating cancer try to read a chapter “Mind Cure“ from the book Ministry of Healing by Ellen White.

– If you believe in existence of God don’t forget about daily fervent prayers and reading or listening to a good spiritual literature (such as the Bible, Desire of Ages > and “Ministry of Healing” > by Ellen G White available online free of charge) which presents God as loving, healing, forgiving, carrying and saving from eternal death Person. All this will greatly increase the effectiveness of your improved diet and lifestyle: “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1Thessalonians 5:16-18, NIV); “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7, NIV). Because from my own experience I know and remember how difficult it was, in my case, to change my eating habits and give up on junk food and stimulants using my own pathetic at that time will power, I recommend to you reading or listening to a book “Steps to Christ” > and Great Controversy > by Ellen White. If you carefully study all the information presented there and follow the steps, you will not only become victorious but will actually experience an inward transformation which will enable you to enjoy your new lifestyle (including diet and physical activity).

Please read carefully the most important section of this website titled the “GOSPEL OF FREEDOM” and also the “EMPOWERMENT“. It reveals the secret of finding the only source of true inward peace which “surpasses all knowledge”. Combined with true faith this message will lead you to freedom from negative emotions such as anxiety or existential fears (one of the key sources of deadly free radicals). This most precious truth will empower you with moral strength necessary to overcome long-cultivated bad habits or addictions often impossible to defeat on our own. This unique and most wonderful good news of the gospel will give you a powerful motivation to not only practice but also enjoy your new and very healthy way of life. In addition, every day carefully read (or listen to) one chapter from the book Steps to Christ and Desire of Ages by Ellen White.

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REFERENCES

Carol L. Wagner, Donna Johnson, Thomas C. Hulsey, Myla Ebeling, Judy Shary, Pamela G. Smith, Betty Bivens, Bruce W. Hollis. Pediatrics/Obstetrics, Medical University of SC, Charleston, SC.Maternal Vitamin D and Fetal Growth in Early-Onset Severe Preeclampsia.

Vitamin D Supplementation during Pregnancy Part 2 NICHD/CTSA Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT): Outcomes.

Chrstopher Robinson, Carol Wagner, Bruce Hollis, John Baatz and Donna Johnson. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2011 June.

Any information or product suggested on this website is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Consult your primary healthcare physician before using any supplements or making any changes to your regime.