by Nicole Chien
There are many ways to approach pregnancy but the best ways to prepare for pregnancy revolve around healthy eating and exercise. Increasingly, people are also incorporating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and herbal nutrition into their pre-pregnancy regime and it’s not difficult to work out why. TCM and Chinese herbal nutrition look to treat both the mind as well as well as the body in a holistic way so ideal if you are considering starting a family or adding to it.
Below are the prep steps:
- See your doctor and seek their advice on this crucial pre-pregnancy stage.
- Start taking folic acid each day.
- Avoid toxic substances and environmental contaminants.
- Reach and maintain a healthy weight. … eat optimally and boost your metabolism through diet and exercise.
- Get mentally healthy by exercising, meditating, and avoiding stress where possible.
- Regain your health by making up for all the nutrition lost during your last period.
- Improve your immunity through your diet.
According to TCM, any pregnancy plan starts with replenishing the loss of nutrients that occurs as a result of your last period. Your period robs you of iron and minerals which in turn can affect your hormones so it’s really important to replace what you have lost so your body functions optimally. A healthy body is always preferable for pregnancy and adequate nutrition is especially important during this phase because it provides the energy your body needs as it prepares to release an egg.
Amino acids in your diet are key. These essential nutrients are comprised of small molecules so they are more absorbable and grow and repair the body, making hormones and brain chemicals – also known as neurotransmitters.
Foods that contain all nine essential amino acids are called complete proteins. These foods include beef, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, soy, quinoa and buckwheat. Foods that contain some but not all the essential amino acids are called incomplete proteins. These foods include nuts, seeds, beans and some grains but all proteins – complete or not – are invaluable when prepping for pregnancy.
You can buy Chinese herbal soup bases that are high in amino acids to help replenish and rebalance the body and, also, to regulate the body’s circulation which is important for early pregnancy. You are best advised to take these during your period.
If you want even more benefit then make up these soups with glutinous rice water – glutinous rice water contains a high level of nutrients including vitamins, minerals and amino acids. You can then add additional protein and vegetables to your taste.
Drinking Red Jujube Tea is also important. This tea, which contains red dates, is best drunk after a period. The red dates contain protein, vitamin A, C and calcium, magnesium, and other mineral elements. These red dates are very important in Traditional Chinese Medicine, supplementing and nourishing your health.
Also try what TCM experts call a ‘warming tea’. It helps support uterine and ovarian health and encourages healthy and regular periods. It is made with selected natural ingredients including ginger slices which helps with body conditioning and improving blood flow, and whole fungus which is rich in natural collagen (get that pregnancy glow early!), red dates for energy and a clear complexion and natural brown sugar which is rich in minerals and helps to build energy (not all sugar is bad!). Also recommended by TCM and herbal nutrition experts is Chicken Essence as it improves immunity and metabolism.
Also look for further products that treat and detox the body during your period and also nourish your body after your period. Ingredients for menstrual detox products typically include raspberries, mulberries and organic cranberry juice while post period products include American Gingseng, beetroot extract and rose hydrosol. These seriously go to work on the body, carrying you through from your period to ovulation.
As a precaution you should always check the pack of each TCM product as not all are suitable for pregnancy but that they are invaluable when you are preparing for pregnancy.
There is a lot of infertility and secondary infertility these days – much more than even 10 years ago and scientists and nutritionists are realising that much of this is down to poor nutrition and processed foods. If you are having trouble getting pregnant or just want to get pregnant when you are at your healthiest, then consider a TCM approach. It could certainly be your first step before turning to IVF which is expensive and evasive.
About Author
Nicole Chien is a leading nutritionist with a Bachelor’s Degree of Nutrition from Taiwan and a Masters from Monash University and a mother of two. For over 20 years she has worked in pregnancy, maternal, postpartum and baby & childhood nutrition as well as weight management. https://tasteforlifeaustralia.com.au/en