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Nutrients For Pregnancy And Wellness
Nutrients and Pregnancy & Wellness
Vitamin A* is essential for vision; it is a vital component of visual purple, which is needed for vision in dim light. It is involved in the repair of cells that have suffered oxidative damage. *During pregnancy no more than 800μg vitamin A should be ingested through both diet and supplements(10).
The antioxidant vitamins C and E help in the reduction of oxidative stress in cells. Zinc, manganese and copper are part of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase and selenium is necessary for super-oxide-dismutase.
B complex vitamins are involved in the release of energy from food. Brain activity and nerve function use a lot of energy and therefore need these synergistic vitamins(11).
Carotenoids are in the cells of plants. Lutein and zeaxanthin are the only two carotenoid plant compounds present in the lens of the eye and are in particularly high concentrations in the macula. Many studies have linked their intake to decreased risk of Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Vitamin D is vital for healthy calcium levels in the newborn, and health of the other's bones(11). Rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults is the result of the inability of the body to produce enough or a lack of vitamin D in the diet.
Vitamin K has been found to be low in hip fracture patients with osteoporosis. Some types of protein in the bone matrix depend on this vitamin.
Boron is an essential nutrient for healthy bones and joints(12).
Calcium demand by the foetus in the last few weeks of pregnancy is high. Maternal calcium stores therefore can decline, despite the increased efficiency of calcium absorption(11).
Copper contributes to bone health. Fractures may occur in premature infants
and people who have had intravenous nutrition for a long time.
Iron deficiency has been associated with premature birth, low birth weight and anaemia in the mother(11).
Magnesium two thirds of magnesium in the body is located in the skeleton(13). Healthy bones need calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. Magnesium plays a pivotal role in energy release.
Protein is needed for growth and development of all cells and enzymes. Protein is composed of amino acids, eight of which must be obtained through diet because they cannot be made in the body.
Herbs, Pregnancy & Wellness
For centuries herbs have been used as nature's medicine, but modern medicine has tried to replace traditional herbal medicine and the abuse of antibiotics, aspirin and painkillers indicates just how important herb products can be to maintaining optimum health and in particular circulation. Today's herbalists are documenting the successful use of herbs and understand how herbs react with other medicines and with foods. Therefore, care should be taken when selecting herbs and this is often best done by choosing single herbs along with any other diet and lifestyle choices or supplements you might wish to consider.
Choosing the right herb
Using single herb supplements enables correct selection or combining of herbs at potencies which can have the best effect. This is better than a preformulated complex of herbs, some of which may be unnecessary and may even restrict the suitability of the product when considering any medication that is being taken.
Potency can now be guaranteed
The production of herbal supplements has developed from a point where quantities of active compounds were unknown in the past, but today current technology helps identify all of the naturally occurring compounds in the herb plant and the natural balance of those compounds in herb extracts.
Standardised Extracts
Standardised Extracts are the most reliable form of herb for a supplement as the potency and ratio of naturally occurring herb compounds are guaranteed throughout the dispensing, blending and tabletting of the finished product and its stability and shelf-life thereafter.
*Do not take herbs during pregnancy or lactation unless under the guidance of a medical practitioner.
AGNUS CASTUS* (Vitex agnus castus)
Agnus castus is a member of the verbena family, native to the Mediterranean and Asia. Preparations of Agnus castus have been available in Europe since the 1950s. Agnus castus is traditionally used in the management of pre-menstrual symptoms and menstrual problems, insufficient lactation(19), and menopausal complaints.
ANISEED* (Pimpinella anisum)
Aniseed is reputed to increase milk secretion(20).
BILBERRY* (Vaccinium myrtillus) extracts appear to be of benefit to the eyes. Bilberry has antioxidant properties, and may therefore help to reduce oxidative stress on the collagen structure in the eye and in the walls of capillaries that transport nutrientrich blood in the eyes. Anthocyanosides in bilberry have an affinity for the visual purple area of the retina responsible for vision and controlling the adaptation from dark to light and vice versa(21).
DEVIL'S CLAW* Harpagophytum procumbens)
Devil's claw is a native herb of southern Africa. Traditionally, Devil's claw has been used in the management of inflammation. Harpagoside and other glycosides found in Devil's Claw may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory action; however research is still ongoing(22).
EYEBRIGHT* (Euphrasia)
The use of eyebright dates back to the Middle Ages when the herb was used as an eyewash for irritations and infections. Eyebright is believed to have been used to treat eye problems because of the appearance of its bloodshot petals(23). This idea is based on the medieval philosophy the Signature of Doctrines, which states that the appearance of herbs reveals their proper use. Eyebright should be used in weak solutions when applying directly to the eye.
GINGER* (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is native to southern Asia and is now cultivated throughout the tropics. The "root" or knotted rhizome is commonly used around the world for culinary and medicinal purposes. Ginger is used in the treatment of numerous conditions ranging from heart problems to travel sickness. Morning sickness or motion sickness, ginger tea may be quite helpful in calming the stomach(21). Some of the active compounds found in ginger inhibit the production of certain prostaglandins and thromboxane synthesis making ginger an effective treatment for inflammatory and rheumatic conditions such as arthritis(24).
Red raspberry leaf tea has traditionally been administered to prevent pregnancy complications and to help ease labour. It should be taken only under medical supervision(20), for the last two months of pregnancy.
RHODIOLA* (Rhodiola rosea)
Rhodiola has been categorised as an adaptogen by Russian researchers due to its observed ability to increase resistance to a variety of chemical, biological,
and physical stresses. Research also indicates great utility in asthenia conditions (decline in work performance, sleep difficulties, poor appetite, irritability, hypertension, headaches, and fatigue) developing subsequent to intense physical or intellectual strain(25).
SIBERIAN GINSENG* (Eleutheroccocus senticosus)
The properties of Siberian ginseng root have been studied in Russia since the 1950s. Following detailed research using human studies, use of the extract as an
adaptogen is now widespread. Siberian ginseng also acts as a stimulant or sedative, immunostimulant, anti-inflammatory and anti-odema. Siberian ginseng has been used to help many body systems "normalise" themselves when imbalanced, to help resist stress and to build up general vitality. Studies have shown that Siberian ginseng has a stimulant effect on the central nervous system(26).
ST JOHN'S WORT* (Hypericum perforatum)
St. John's wort is a shrub-like plant with bright yellow flowers. The plant is native to many parts of the world including Europe and the United States. St John's wort
has been used by people who are easily irritated, for nerve pain, muscular rheumatism, sciatica and menstrual anxiety and/or depression. St John's Wort is
also anti-bacterial against Staphylococcus aureus (skin infections and boils)(27).
VALERIAN* (Valeriana officinalis)
Valerian is a plant native to North America and Europe. The root is the part used medicinally. Valepotriates and valeric acid are exclusive to valerian and have a sedative effect. A natural relaxant, this herb is non-addictive in its action(21).
*Do not take herbs during pregnancy or lactation unless under the guidance of a medical practitioner.
References
1. "Nutrition Concepts & Controversies", Sizer & Whitney. West. 1994.
2. JAMA, 1996, Apr 10, 275:14, 1093-6.
3. "Principles of Anatomy and Physiology". Tortora and Grabowski. HarperCollins, 1996.
4. "BMA Complete Family Health Encyclopedia". Dorling Kindersley. 1996.
5. Pharmacol Ther 2002;93 (1):37-49.
6. General Ref: Institut Rosell, Lallemand.
7. Surv Ophthalmol, 2000, 45:2: 115-133.
8. "The Family Guide to Homoeopathy" Dr A. Lockie. Hamish Hamilton 1998.
9. Osteoporosis International, 2001;12(6):493-9.
10. Council for Responsible Nutrition 1999.
11. "Human Nutrition & Dietetics", Garrow, James and Ralph. Churchill Livingstone. 2000.
12. Environ Health Perspect 1994 Nov;102 Suppl7:83).
13. Am J of Clin Nutr. 1999, 69 (4): 727-736.
14. JAMA, 1996, Apr 10, 275:14, 1093-6.
15. "The Healing Nutrients Within". Braverman & Pfeiffer. Keats, 1987.
16. Surv Ophthalmol, 2000, 45:2: 115-133.
17. Am.J.Clin.Nutr. July 1997, 66:1, 80-8.
18. Surv Ophthalmol, 2000, 45:2: 115-133.
19. Bruckner C. In mitteleuropa genutzte heilpflanzen mit milchsekretionsfördernder wirkung (galactogaga). Gleditschia, 17:189-201, 1989).
20. "Herbal Medicines A Guide to Health-Care Professionals", C A Newall, L A Anderson, J D Phillipson, The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
21. "The Healing Power of Herbs", M Murray ND. Prima, 1995.
22. Ann Rheum Dis 1981; 40:632. Grahame R, Robinson BV. Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procombens): pharmacologicval and clinical studies.
23. Lawrence Review of Natural Products. Eyebright monograph. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons Division, J.B. Lipincott Company, 1996.
24. Srivastava K et al. Ginger and rheumatic disorders. Med Hypoth, ,29:25-28, 1989.
25. Altern Med Rev, 2001, 6 (3): 293-302 Rhodiola rosea: A possible plant adaptogen.
26. Medon PJ et al. Effects of Eleutherococcus senticosus extracts on hexobarbital metabolism in vivo and in vitro. .J Ethnopharmacol, 10:235-241,1984.
27. Zakharova NS et al. Action of plant extracts on the natural immunity indices of animals. Zh Mikrobiol Epidemiol Immunobiol, ,3:75-78, 1986.Print this page |
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