Pregnancy and Mineral Balancing
Introduction
Many women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy often inquire about the suitability of a Mineral Balancing Program during this crucial stage. They frequently express concerns about whether any adjustments or modifications need to be made to the program specifically for pregnant women.
Is Nutrition Wise During Pregnancy?
The importance of nutrition during pregnancy cannot be overstated. Based on our extensive experience with numerous women who have followed Mineral Balancing Programs while pregnant, we have found that such programs are not only safe but also have the potential to enhance the well-being of both the mother and the developing child.
When it comes to nutritional supplements, it's reassuring to know that they generally pose a low risk of toxicity, making them suitable for pregnant women. In fact, healthcare professionals widely acknowledge the importance of vitamin intake during pregnancy. It's worth noting that the only vitamin that may have potential toxicity in high doses for developing foetuses is vitamin A. However, in Mineral Balancing Programs designed for pregnant women, the vitamin A dosage is carefully controlled within a safe range of 4,000 to 8,000 IU per day. This ensures the well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.
Are Alternations Necessary for a Mineral Balancing Program?
During pregnancy, ensuring adequate nutrition becomes even more crucial. There is an increased demand for vitamins as well as many minerals.
In most cases, following a high-quality diet and adhering to a Mineral Balancing Program will provide the necessary nutrients. However, there may be instances where a few alterations to the program are advisable during pregnancy. For example, folic acid is considered particularly important for pregnant women. If your recommended supplement program doesn't already include folic acid, it is advisable to supplement with 400 mcg of folic acid twice per day. Dietary sources of folic acid include leafy vegetables, peanuts, kidneys, and liver. Keep in mind that cooking can reduce the folic acid content of foods.
Calcium is another vital nutrient for pregnant women. If your nutrition program already includes a calcium or calcium/magnesium product, additional calcium supplementation is not required.
Iron is of significant importance during pregnancy as well. It is recommended to add 25-30 mg of chelated iron to your program daily or as directed by your physician/practitioner. Organ meats and dark green leafy vegetables are also good food sources of iron. While some prenatal vitamins contain copper, not all women require additional copper supplementation during pregnancy, as pregnancy itself elevates copper levels.
Phosphorus, obtained from protein-rich foods, nuts, seeds, and whole grains, is another essential mineral for pregnant women. It is generally unnecessary to supplement with phosphorus.
Other nutrients that are commonly found to be deficient in pregnant women include vitamin C and trace minerals. Supplementation can help prevent these deficiencies, which can lead to low birth weight, learning disabilities, and other complications.
While some physicians may recommend fluoride supplements to promote healthy baby teeth, due to the potential toxicity of fluoride and the lack of conclusive evidence regarding its effectiveness, fluoride supplements are not generally recommended.
Can One Obtain Too Much of Certain Minerals or Vitamins?
Yes, it is possible to consume excessive amounts of certain minerals and vitamins, which can have negative effects on health, especially during pregnancy.
In the early stages of pregnancy, if the amount of zinc in your Mineral Balancing Program exceeds 50 mg, it is advisable to reduce zinc supplementation. Copper is crucial for maintaining a healthy pregnancy, and excessive zinc intake can interfere with copper levels in a small number of women, potentially increasing the risk of miscarriage. However, as the pregnancy progresses, the risk of miscarriage decreases, and there is typically no need for zinc restriction later on.
When it comes to vitamin A, it is important to ensure that intake does not exceed 4,000 to 8,000 IU per day during pregnancy. High doses of vitamin A can pose risks to foetal development, making it important to stay within the recommended range.
Can Detoxification of Heavy Metals Affect the Foetus?
Detoxification of heavy metals during a mineral balancing program may involve retracing or healing reactions, where the body eliminates toxic substances, including toxic metals.
Based on our experience, we have found that the elimination of toxic metals during pregnancy does not have an adverse effect on the foetus. The body eliminates these metals through its natural pathways, such as the liver, kidneys, and bowel. In fact, if the mother experiences increased elimination of toxic metals, it may act as a protective mechanism, preventing these metals from reaching the foetus.
Since breast milk composition is influenced by the mother's blood levels of various substances, including heavy metals. Some heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, can accumulate in the body over time and be stored in tissues like bones and fat. When mobilization occurs, these stored metals may be released into the bloodstream and have the potential to enter breast milk.
It is important to note that any detoxification or elimination process should be approached with caution during pregnancy. For This reason, we always do a gentler program for those that are nursing or pregnant. It is recommended to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or physician who is knowledgeable about both mineral balancing programs and pregnancy to ensure the safety and well-being of both the mother and the developing baby.
What Changes Often Occur in Metabolism During Pregnancy?
During pregnancy, a wide range of metabolic changes take place. One notable change is the increase in glandular activity, including the thyroid, adrenal, and female sex hormones. Throughout the entire pregnancy, the levels of estrogen and progesterone remain elevated and continue to rise as the pregnancy progresses.
Interestingly, the effect of pregnancy on the body's oxidation rate is influenced by the gender of the foetus. Within a few weeks of conception, the foetus starts secreting sex hormones that can impact the mother's metabolism. If the foetus is female, it is more likely to cause a decrease in the oxidation rate. On the other hand, if the foetus is male, it is more likely to lead to an increase in the oxidation rate.
This notable difference in the oxidation rate can be used to predict the sex of the baby with relatively good accuracy. To predict the baby's sex, a hair test is performed before the woman becomes pregnant to establish a baseline oxidation rate. A second test is then conducted during pregnancy, allowing a comparison to be made.
Nausea and vomiting, commonly known as morning sickness, are often experienced by women with a copper imbalance early in pregnancy. This may be a result of the increase in estrogen and copper that occurs during this period. Taking extra vitamin B6 and other copper antagonists may help alleviate morning sickness.
However, for some women, severe nausea can make it challenging to follow a nutrition program. In such cases, it is recommended to make the best effort to continue the program, even if adjustments to the supplement regimen are necessary. It is possible to grind up the supplements and consume them in a drink, which can make them easier to tolerate.
Pre-eclampsia or eclampsia are more serious complications of pregnancy characterized by salt and water retention, oedema, and vascular spasms. These conditions can be life-threatening. However, in our experience, women who adhere to Mineral Balancing Programs tend to avoid experiencing these symptoms.
Weight gain during pregnancy is a normal occurrence. The majority of weight gain should ideally happen in the last two trimesters. In a healthy woman, weight gain should not exceed 25-30 pounds.
Dietary Suggestions for A Healthy Pregnancy
Pregnancy does not require a special diet, but it is important to focus on consuming high-quality foods that provide adequate nutrition. Since the body's needs are greater during pregnancy, there should be a slight increase in protein and calorie intake. It is recommended to increase protein intake by 20-40 grams and calories by 500-1500 per day, depending on the woman's physical demands.
There are some simple yet essential nutritional recommendations to keep in mind:
Avoid junk food and foods with added sugars: These types of foods should be completely avoided during pregnancy. Consuming refined carbohydrates can contribute to the development or worsening of gestational diabetes.
Steer clear of crash diets and inadequate diets: It is crucial to eat three balanced meals per day during pregnancy. While reasonable dieting may be acceptable for women who are obese, it is important to avoid rigid and nutritionally questionable diets during pregnancy.
Be cautious about consuming excessive milk: Many women experience lactose intolerance or have allergies to dairy products to some degree. If drinking milk leads to discomfort, there are numerous alternative sources of high-quality protein and calcium.
What Are Your Thoughts on Beginning Mineral Balancing Prior To Pregnancy?
One of the crucial roles of supplementary vitamins and minerals is the prevention of birth defects. In the United States, the rate of birth defects has increased twofold since 1950. One in 33 babies, approximately 3% of those born in the United States have birth defects, and they are the leading cause of infant deaths. Factors such as atomic fallout and toxic chemicals may contribute to this rise, nutrition undoubtedly plays a significant role. Certain nutrients, such as zinc and folic acid, have been found to help prevent neural tube defects, which are common but very serious birth defects.
It is important to note that many women may not be aware of their pregnancy until several weeks after conception, usually when they miss their period. However, these early weeks of pregnancy are when critical structures are forming in the developing foetus. Therefore, the time before a woman realizes she is pregnant is often the period when she needs nutritional supplements the most. In many primitive cultures, this issue was addressed by providing special foods to young women as soon as they were married.
Another consideration is that based on our experience with hair analysis programs, it can take several months to a few years of nutritional therapy to correct body chemistry. If a woman wishes to feel well and give birth to a healthy child, it becomes evident that the ideal time to begin a nutrition program is not during pregnancy but at least a year before planning to conceive.
Ideally, prenatal care should begin long before pregnancy. Incorporating a hair analysis and a Mineral Balancing Program into a comprehensive health-building program well before a woman contemplates pregnancy can be immensely beneficial. By waiting and following a Mineral Balancing Program, both the mother and the child are more likely to experience a healthy pregnancy and delivery, setting a strong foundation for the well-being of both individuals.
Can you Breast Feed while on a Mineral Balancing Program?
A woman's nutritional needs during lactation are higher than at any other time. The quality of breast milk and the early nutrition provided to the infant have a significant impact on the child's future health. The nutritional composition of breast milk directly influences the infant's well-being. Therefore, it is important for a lactating woman to continue following a Mineral Balancing Program to ensure the production of high-quality breast milk.
While complications during lactation are rare, one potential issue may arise if the baby has a reaction to a specific supplement the mother is taking. This reaction can manifest as a rash, diarrhea, or other symptoms. If the mother suspects that her nutrition program is causing the baby's symptoms, she should temporarily stop the program for about a week to observe if the symptoms subside. If they do, the supplements can be reintroduced one at a time, with each supplement being tried for a day or two to identify the one causing the reaction. In such cases, it is advisable to contact Analytical Research Labs to modify the supplement program accordingly.
In one case study, a woman who had a tendency for high copper levels followed a Mineral Balancing Program for a year before getting pregnant. As a result of the program, her copper level decreased from 20 mg% to approximately 9 mg%. During pregnancy, she experienced some nausea and vomiting, possibly due to the remaining high copper levels. After giving birth, she exclusively breastfed her baby and stopped taking her supplement program. However, six months postpartum, she noticed hair loss in both herself and her baby. A hair test revealed that the mother's copper level had risen again to 18 mg%. Once the mother resumed the nutrition program to lower her copper levels, both her hair and her baby's hair stopped falling out.
This case highlights the importance of ongoing nutritional support during lactation. By maintaining a proper nutrition program, a lactating woman can optimize the quality of her breast milk and positively impact both her own well-being and the health of her baby.
Summary
Embarking on a Mineral Balancing Program before or during pregnancy is highly recommended. There are no known contraindications for following a nutrition program during pregnancy. However, it is advisable to initiate the program several months or even a year before planning to conceive. This timeline allows for significant improvements in health and provides maximum protection against the occurrence of birth defects.
A comprehensive Mineral Balancing Program not only aids in the prevention of birth defects but also contributes to reducing the accumulation of toxic metals in the developing foetus. Additionally, the mother's health also stands to benefit from such a program.
By starting a nutrition program well in advance of pregnancy, the expectant mother can enhance her overall well-being, optimize her nutritional status, and address any existing imbalances or deficiencies. This, in turn, promotes a healthier pregnancy and sets the stage for the well-being of both the mother and the unborn child.
Taking proactive measures through a nutrition program helps create an environment that supports optimal foetal development, lowers the risk of birth defects, and ensures the presence of essential nutrients required for the healthy growth and development of the baby.
In summary, initiating a Mineral Balancing Program several months or a year before pregnancy is an excellent approach to improving health, minimising the potential for birth defects, and providing the mother and child with long-lasting benefits.