With each trimester of pregnancy comes a number of different symptoms and energy levels. Unfortunately, the immune system can be weaker during the pregnancy due to your baby's need for nutrients and changing hormones. To give your immune system an extra boost and feel more like yourself, there are a number of foods to incorporate into your diet during the cold and flu season.
Almonds
For a mid-afternoon snack that will curb any cravings and also strengthen your body against sickness, almonds help the white blood cells detect viruses that may be a threat to your health. The natural food also contains calcium, copper, riboflavin and manganese, which will all boost your energy levels and help you heal if you've already come down with a cold. Try using almonds as an ingredient on a salad or having them for dessert with some dark chocolate.
Grapefruit
This light and healthy food is great to add to your breakfast to help with any morning sickness, as well as boost your immune system due to the flavonoids and vitamin C that it contains. The natural chemical compounds found in grapefruit work to increase the immune system and help you feel more refreshed during the day.
Wheat Germ
Wheat germ is jam-packed with nutrients and is found in different types of breads and baked foods. Wheat germ contains antioxidants, protein, good fat, zinc, folate, vitamin B6 and fiber for a healthy addition to your diet. The food also helps the body to detox itself, lower unhealthy cholesterol levels, support the nervous system and help the body repair the nervous system with its high level of minerals.
Low-Fat Yogurt
As one of the most recommended foods for pregnant women, low-fat yogurt is an ideal item to fill up on each day. The live and active cultures in the yogurt work to stimulate the immune system and increase vitamin D levels to reduce the risk of catching a cold or virus while pregnant. Add it to a fruit parfait for breakfast or use it as a topping on oatmeal.
Keeping your immune system strong during pregnancy is important for your health, as well as your baby's, says Dr. Gilbert W. Webb at Mercy.net. Although it can be easy to feel fatigued and more susceptible to colds or the flu during the fall and winter seasons, there are many ways to strengthen your immune system and feel energized. By adding natural foods that contain high levels of minerals or nutrients, it's possible to sustain your body and protect both you and your baby's health.
By Anita Ginsburg for Healthy Moms Blog Magazine.
Anita is a freelance writer from Denver, Colorado.
Thanks for sharing these foods. But this is not enough you can also take organic herbal chyawanprash daily for a strong immune system.
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