Pregnancy is a delicate time for women, so you need a higher level of care.
Whatever you do as a mother is important, not just for you, but for the baby in your womb.
Most women are careful to avoid second-hand smoke, alcohol, and other vices, but many people neglect the harmful substances we take in every day. For health’s sake, you should avoid these foods all the time, but you should be deliberate in doing so, especially during pregnancy.
Here’s a list of five foods to avoid which may cause potential harm to you and your baby.
Trans Fats
You may avoid fast food and canned goods, but trans fats are still present in many of the things you eat, from crackers to chips and other baked or fried foods found in the supermarket. These unhealthy fats promote inflammation and lead to many heart conditions.
Monosodium Glutamate
MSG is another common processed food ingredient present in frozen dinners and cheap meat. Excess MSG can damage cells and lead to dysfunctioning brain activity. In severe cases, MSG is linked to disabilities, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
Excessive Preservatives
Manufacturers use chemicals to keep the shelf life of processed foods longer. However, excessive levels of these chemicals cause unwanted reactions for pregnant women. The components of preservatives affect the brain’s neurological functions which alter a person’s behavior. Sodium benzoate, a preservative found in aerated juices and beverages, makes children hyperactive and distracted.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
This dangerous artificial syrup fuses fructose and glucose together, meaning your body will need more time to absorb it. The complexity of the syrup taxes the liver and is equally as damaging as alcohol. The syrup is a major contributor to obesity because it’s converted to fat and stored in fat cells. One can of soda can put you over the permissible limit of corn syrup, so it’s best to avoid it entirely.
Artificial Sweeteners
Plenty of store products contain artificial sweeteners. It’s probably impossible to avoid them but shunning them is worth the effort for your baby. The worst artificial offender is aspartame, but other sweeteners such as sucralose and saccharin aren’t better either. Like MSG, artificial sweeteners affect your brain and attack brain cells due to overstimulation. Sucralose also affects your gut health and reduces the effectivity of digestive enzymes, leading to bowel disorders and inflammation.
If you are over 35 or have health complications, it’s better to steer clear of trouble-causing food!
Your baby is in a very delicate stage and he or she needs utmost care.
Give your best to your baby and live the healthy life you both deserve!
Aimee Harris-Newon, Psy.D., D.A.B.P.S., C.Ht