Recommended foods for pregnant women to reduce edema
As pregnancy progresses, many pregnant women experience edema due to changes in hormone levels and uterine compression. This can make the body uncomfortable and can lead to other health problems, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Although pregnant women cannot use drugs to treat edema, the edema problem can be effectively controlled through dietary therapy. This article will recommend several effective food methods for pregnant women to reduce edema to help pregnant women solve this problem.
Food recommendation 1: low-sodium diet
Sodium is a key substance that affects fluid balance in the body. If a pregnant woman eats too much sodium, it can cause excess fluid in the body and cause edema. Therefore, pregnant women should eat as little high-sodium foods as possible. For example, canned foods, cured meats, salty snacks, etc. are all high-sodium foods. Conversely, fresh fruits and vegetables, oatmeal, chicken, etc. are all lower sodium foods. In addition, herbs and other spices can be used instead of salt to reduce the amount of sodium consumed by pregnant women.
Choose low-sodium foods
Pregnant women need to learn how to read sodium content on food labels. Choosing low-sodium foods relies on information provided by food labels. Low-sodium foods should contain less than 140 milligrams of sodium per item. Pregnant women need to note that low-salt and no-salt do not necessarily mean low sodium.
Light meals
Pregnant women should eat less high-calorie and high-fat foods such as fried chicken, burgers and junk food. Eating light meals can not only reduce edema, but also help pregnant women maintain a healthy weight. Light meal recommendations include plenty of vegetables and fruits, lean meats, and low-fat, healthy cooking methods such as boiling, steaming, and grilling.
Drink more water
Excessive water conservation can lead to more edema. Pregnant women need to consume enough water every day to dilute the salt in the body and reduce edema. However, pregnant women also need to be careful not to drink too much water at night, as too much water can lead to frequent trips to the toilet at night.
Food Recommendation 2: High Calcium Food
Calcium is an essential nutrient for strong teeth and bones. When pregnant women lack calcium in their bodies, they will release part of the calcium from their bones to provide it to the fetus, so pregnant women need to take in enough calcium every day. In addition to protecting teeth and bones, calcium also helps reduce swelling.
Beans and soy products
Beans and soy products, such as tofu, soybeans, black beans, etc., are rich in calcium. Pregnant women can get enough calcium by adding beans and soy products.
Milk and dairy products
Milk and milk products are also excellent sources of calcium. For example, cheese, yogurt, milk, etc. are all dairy products that pregnant women need for nutrition.
Bell pepper
Bell pepper is a rare vegetable that has a high content of calcium, containing more than 150 mg of calcium per 100 grams.
Food recommendation three: Foods rich in potassium
Potassium helps the muscles and nervous system function properly and helps eliminate excess sodium from the body.
Banana
Bananas contain high levels of potassium, approximately 400 milligrams per 100 gramselement.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are a food rich in potassium, with approximately 400 milligrams of potassium per 100 grams.
Pumpkin
Pumpkin is a food rich in potassium, and it also contains a lot of antioxidants and fiber.
Food recommendation four: Food with a cool taste
Foods with a cool taste can help pregnant women relieve edema, improve fluid circulation in the body, and increase their appetite.
Ginger
Ginger has a diaphoretic effect and helps regulate moisture in the body. Pregnant women can try ginger tea as a healthy option to remove moisture from the body.
Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a cooling fruit that is rich in vitamin C and minerals, which can improve blood flow and boost body metabolism.
Pineapple
Pineapple is especially suitable for pregnant women to eliminate edema because it is rich in protease, which helps digestion and relieves the burden on the body. At the same time, its cool taste is also a good choice for pregnant women.
Summary
During pregnancy, edema is one of the health problems faced by many pregnant women. Although drug therapy is contraindicated in pregnant women, edema can be controlled through diet. This article recommends several effective food methods for pregnant women to reduce edema, including low-sodium diets, high-calcium foods, potassium-rich foods, and foods with a cool taste. Pregnant women can choose appropriate foods according to their own needs. By adding these foods to their daily diet, they can better control the edema problem.
