Belly Blossom Doula is coming soon!
There is a power within us that is simply more than we know or can understand. Anyone who has experienced a birth can say that it is one of the most physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual representations of this power. It is a journey unlike any other. Through intention, education, kindness, respect, commitment, and support we manifest our vision of what this journey will be. Though there are unknowns, we trust in the wisdom of our bodies and our babies, and allow ourselves to blossom.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Natural Health Management During Pregnancy - This week: HEART BURN
HEART BURN by Melissa Tuton
Why is heartburn so common in pregnancy?
During pregnancy the placenta produces the hormone progesterone to relax the muscles of the uterus. Progesterone unfortunately also relaxes the valve that separates the stomach from your esophagus (Lower Esophageal Sphincter / LES), allowing stomach acids to travel up and cause the dreaded heartburn. And later on in pregnancy, the added pressure from your growing baby is pushing on your stomach, causes acids to travel up your esophagus.
Prevention is really the best medicine for heartburn!
AVOID:
- Antacids. Believe it or not, they will not help your LES valve to work properly. They will, however, cause acid levels in your stomach to drop; resulting in defective digestion. This allows food to sit in the stomach environment for longer than it should, putrefying as it does so and emitting acidic gases making your heartburn even worse!
- Acid forming foods: sugary, processed, refined carbohydrates, carbonated beverages
- Large meals
- High amounts of liquids during meals
- Caffeine containing foods and beverages
- Lying down after eating
- Eat alkaline foods: fresh, raw fruits and vegetables
- Eat SMALL meals and snacks SLOWLY throughout the day
- Sleep at a slight incline by propping your head and shoulders up
- Here are some home-remedies to consider adding to your diet:
- Apple Cider Vinegar - 1-2 tbsp. in 1-2 cups water, or however you can get it down! Those of you who know me, know that I'm an ACV advocate, nut, one of the two or both! Not only can it help with digestion and keeping heartburn at bay, but it can also help fight bacteria forming in your system - this one for sure is my Number 1 for a lot of things!!!
- Fermented Foods like pickles, kombucha, or kefir - aids in digestion
- Papaya - digestive enzymes - can be taken in the form of fruit or chewable supplement
- Pineapple - digestive enzymes - available in same forms as Papaya and sometimes offered together
- Coconut Water - help cool the burning feeling (more of a temporary fix, but has plenty of other benefits such as hydrations which as pregnant women, you know is super super important!)
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