Pregnancy health (and health in general).

The health tips post I did awhile back was fun and I think you liked it too (am I being too bold to say that?).  Now that I'm pregnant, and have been for awhile, I've modified a few things in my own diet to grow a healthy baby and all that.  Since I like to share good health information because really, at the end of the day if you don't have your health than what do you have, here goes my pregnancy health tips.  And, I'll have you know, they've got the stamp of approval from my enema-loving, split-doing, yoga-practicing Mom.  And that's something.

I'd also like to say that every single winter without fail I usually get two nasty colds.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Since being pregnant through the winter, I was sure I'd get that or more (as you know, your immune system is not what it normally is so you're more susceptible to things).  Well, I think I have to attribute it to what I'm doing below, but I have not gotten one cold or even felt one coming on.  Since I've written this, I most likely will.  Starting tomorrow.

Nordic Naturals Fish Oil

  This picture is the one I actually take because I have William take it too so I just take the children's one.  Basically that means it's strawberry flavored.  Yes it has vitamin A in it and yes too much vitamin A can be bad for your growing baby but I specifically asked my homeopathic doctor this question and he said that this is a FOOD SOURCE vitamin A -- as opposed to it being artificially added to a vitamin.  It's naturally occuring, thus, it's ok.  But, to be on the safe side, I only take a spoonful about three times a week.  Why do I take it?  It's a fat and fats are good for your fetus (say that five times fast).  Also, it's amazing for brain development.  Since I've pretty much stopped eating all fish since being pregnant because of mercury, this is the main way I'm getting my omegas and that baby needs the omegas for brain development.  It also is a great source of vitamin D which, in the cloudy winter of Massachusetts, I'm getting none of.  They (the infamous THEY) are finding more and more information about the benefits of vitamin D.  Since you all might not believe a kooky natural doctor's information on Omegas, I will link you to this article by WebMD (pretty standard, yes?) about how brain development is more advanced in kids who have shown higher levels of DHA in their system.  I'd really say take this whether you're pregnant or not -- in the winter.  I have taken it on and off my whole life.  In the summer, you don't need the extra vitamin D.

(Also, I wouldn't trust any fish oil.  The ones I hear good things time and time again about are Carlson's brand or Nordic Naturals).

Probiotics.  I can't say enough good things about probiotics.  I take this ALL YEAR ROUND whether I'm pregnant or not though.  And, good news, you can't OD on the stuff!  My gut is pretty much swimming with them between this and all the yogurt I eat (I am a yogurt-aholic.  With pineapple, with granola, with strawberries, plain, it doesn't matter, I love it.  And gimme the full fat).  When you buy probiotics, it should be in the refrigerated section.  All the bacteria (good ones) need to be kept cool to stay alive, thus, if you're getting it off a store shelf at GNC, I'm not sure it's gonna be so good.  This one

comes from a natural grocer nearby, though Whole Foods has it too.  Probiotics are a good bacteria that should live in your intestines all the time.  Because of how much antibiotics our culture takes, often times, we don't have all the good bacteria (antibiotics kill all of it -- good or bad).  This is why a lot of people get yeast infections or urinary tract infections after taking a round of antibiotics.  You need to replenish your system of the good stuff.  But, in our toxic world, we should all be doing this all the time. They've (again, THEY!) also done studies that probiotics have been found to prevent food allergies in kids!  Yee-haw!  So, get a head start and take it before, while, and after pregnancy.  And pleeeease don't give me hate comments if you didn't take probiotics and your child has a food allergy.  Let me be clear: I AM NOT SAYING IT IS YOUR FAULT.  I just like talking about this stuff and have found, thus far, that it works for me.  Fair enough?

Now, if I have a child that comes out with peanut and shellfish allergies, feel free to disregard everything I am saying.

Here's my prenatal.

  Though, there are a gazillion to choose from.  I just trust this brand so, there you have it.  It's got all the folic acid you need plus much more.  Bam.

And of course, eat well, drink lots of water, blah blah blah.

But feel free to indulge from time to time slash every day.  Cause I do some of that too.