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Congratulations on your pregnancy! As a woman nothing is more amazing or fulfilling than the journey of growing a little human being. The human body is quite amazing and has the innate ability to heal and recover from illness even during this special journey. However, there are times when even Mother Nature needs a little help. It is always advisable to ensure that you are supplementing correctly throughout your pregnancy to boost your immune system and manage all your day to day ailments. Please go and have a read through our article Back to Basics – Fertility, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding for great recommendations and advice for a comfortable and healthy pregnancy.
Most pregnant women worry about getting that dreaded cold or flu while pregnant. What we plan to focus on with this blog are the basics of dealing with and treating potential seasonal viruses using safe and effective natural means should that dreaded cold or flu come knocking during your pregnancy. This article is a collaboration between VitaSoul and Martina Suliman. While writing this article Martina herself was pregnant with her 4th child and has tried and tested all of the below suggestions herself.
Martina is the founder and owner of Alterna Medica. She is a certified Functional Medical Health Coach (FMCA) and a Registered Herbalist (AHG) specializing in Quantum Diacom Biofeedback Therapy. Quantum Diacom Biofeedback therapy can identify pathogenic load and organ imbalances based on quantum frequency science. This is incredibly important in healing from any issue affecting your mind and body. She is an expert in her field when it comes to using the right natural remedies and nutritional supplements to support your body through illness no matter what current journey you find yourself on.
Fighting those nasty Colds & Flu during Pregnancy!
Before we delve into my suggestions, please note that Homeopathy is safe in pregnancy and a visit to a Homeopath is always the best place to start… And food is always your first source of medicine! Bring on the homemade Chicken Soup…
During your First Trimester not much is advised other than your basic supplements which have been discussed in detail here Back to Basics – Fertility, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding.
In this blog I have detailed some amazing articles you really should read on my suggested supplements and remedies. Click on the numbers after the suggestions and you will be taken to those articles. Enjoy!
Immune Support Supplements
Choline is an essential B vitamin nutrient that is a must have for the pregnancy first aid kit. It can prevent fetal brain developmental problems that often occur after prenatal maternal infections, such as colds and influenza (flu), according to a recently published study. (1)
Should you fall ill we suggest adding in Liposomal Vitamin C. We recommend this as you can then safely mega dose without causing yourself any discomfort. As the Liposomal technology bypasses the digestive tract you would not have to deal with bowel intolerance or aggravating your gastritis or acid reflux.
You can also use alternative clean sources of Vitamin C like Sodium Ascorbate or Ascorbic Acid, but then we suggest you take it slowly so that you don’t cause yourself any discomfort.
Products featured: Coyne Liposomal Vitamin C
A Probiotic can be taken as directed on the bottle. Research evidence shows that probiotics are helpful during flu, to improve symptoms associated with digestive system distress – like IBS, diarrhoea, stomach cramps and nausea.
Products featured: Good Health Immuno-Biotic Probiotic
Zinc can be taken when ill to boost the immune system. It is an important mineral that keeps the immune system strong, helps heal wounds, and supports normal growth. (2)
Products featured: Mineralife Zinc
Natural Antivirals
Below are my trusted powerful natural Cold and Flu fighters.
Elderberry Syrup is an excellent remedy in the treatment of colds and flu. Interestingly if taken within the first 48 hours of experiencing symptoms it is believed to reduce the severity and duration of the infection. Who wouldn’t want that? (3)
Olive Leaf Extract is a potent natural antiviral remedy. (4)(5)
Products featured: Viridian Olive Leaf Extract and NOW Elderberry Syrup
Echinacea Tincture encourages the immune system and reduces many of the symptoms of colds, flu and some other illnesses, infections and conditions. Do not take echinacea if you suffer with an autoimmune condition as that can cause irritation. (6) When using any tincture with alcohol its always advisable to put the dosage in a glass of hot water and leave it to stand for 10min. You can also read how it can be done effectively here. (7)
Lemon Balm has amazing antiviral properties and is safe to use while pregnant. (8)
Products featured: Viridian Echinacea Tincture and Viridian L-Theanine with Lemon Balm
Sinus and Chest Remedies
If you find yourself struggling with a a blocked nose then your go to safe and effective remedy would definitely be Colloidal Nasal Spray . Colloidal Silver is so effective you could also use the liquid Colloidal Silver in a nebulizer. It is a natural antihistamine and decongestant and will help in preventing a secondary bacterial infection in the upper respiratory tract.
Products featured: Silverlab Colloidal Nasal Spray and Silverlab Colloidal Silver
If you are starting to feel chesty and want to ensure you don’t end up with Bronchitis or a secondary bacterial infection in the upper respiratory tract. Then the perfect product is N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC) in its clean form. Ensuring you take adequate NAC is important for a variety of health reasons, including replenishing the most powerful antioxidant in your body, Glutathione. These amino acids also help with chronic respiratory conditions, fertility and brain health. NAC can relieve symptoms of respiratory conditions by acting as an antioxidant and expectorant, loosening mucus in your air passageways. As an antioxidant, NAC helps replenish Glutathione levels in your lungs and reduces inflammation in your bronchial tubes and lung tissue.(9) (10)
Natural Antibiotics
Odourless Garlic is a natural antibiotic without any side effects. Please don’t take it if you are on any blood thinning medications as it will cause low blood pressure. (11)
Black Seed Oil in moderation (1/2tsp twice a day) can also be used as a natural antibiotic safely after the 1st trimester. This helps to prevent secondary bacterial infections associated with colds and flu. Black cumin seed oil is beneficial to your immune system because it increases the number of white blood cells in your body. When you get a cold, the flu, bronchitis or even pneumonia, your body always defends itself with white blood cells. Same with bacterial infections — white blood cells are your body’s defence against those too. White blood cells are how your body recovers from sickness. (12)
Products featured: Bene-Vita Black Seed Oil
Home Remedies
Hopefully the above will help you find some relief and get your through this magical journey safely and comfortably! Finally look into natural home remedies, there is a wealth of information available, just always verify the source.
An Epsom Salts soak to ease aches and pains always helps. Magnesium Sulphate, also known as Epsom salts, is a naturally occurring mineral compound that has been around for hundreds of years. Magnesium holds an array of health benefits to keep your body systems working to its’ optimum. This important element assists in the regulation and activity of over 325 enzymes, some of which are responsible for reducing inflammation, enhancing muscle and nerve function. It is suggested, it has a role in the formation of brain tissue, joint protein and it can strengthen the walls of the digestive tract. In addition to the many benefits of Magnesium, the sulphate element in Magnesium Sulphate helps to increase your body’s absorption of nutrients, as well as being able to promote the flushing of toxins from the body. (13)
A Hot Lemon Toasty (pregnancy version of a hot toddy)to keep you warm and the throat soothed:
- 1 lemon cut in half
- 2 cups of water
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ½ tbsp ground cinnamon and ginger
- A dash of cayenne pepper and sea salt.
In a saucepan, bring the 2 cups of water to a boil. Turn heat down to low and proceed to squeeze lemon’s juice into water. Once squeezed you can add the lemon halves in as well. Stir in honey/maple syrup, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne and salt to mix well. Let your Hot Lemon Toasty rest for up to 5 minutes. Strain and pour into mug and then curl up your Toasty on the couch with a loved one/book/furry friend and enjoy.
You can add a crushed clove of garlic and a tbsp. of Apple Cider Vinegar if you’re really stuffed up and/or very brave. The garlic is a potent anti-bacterial and the Apple Cider Vinegar thins mucous. (14)
Let’s not forget the power of a Herbal Steam. A chest cold or stuffy sinuses are a bummer. Steam is a great way to open up airways, and adding the power of herbs can give you a boost. Boil 4 cups of water and pour into a large bowl. Add a generous amount of oregano, thyme, and rosemary (dry is good, fresh is better). Take a seat, grab a towel, and create a herbal ‘tent’ so you can breathe in the steam. Oregano, thyme, and rosemary are traditional herbs that pack an anti-viral punch, and the hot water releases these potent volatile oils to bust up congestion. Essential oils wouldn’t be recommended for this steam, or for a bath, as they can be too irritating. Essential oils of Lavender, Lemon, Eucalyptus, and Frankincense are excellent options for a steamy shower. Put a few drops of each into a small bowl in the corner of your shower and breathe deep. (15)
Lastly an awesome Natural Cough Remedy. For a wet cough, you can try a black pepper and honey remedy that is said to work because the pepper stimulates circulation and mucus flow and the honey is a natural cough reliever. Use one teaspoon of freshly ground pepper and two tablespoon of honey in a mug, and fill with boiling water, suggests Reader’s Digest. Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes, strain and sip. (16)
Then finally rest as much as you possibly can…
nothing beats sleep when you need to get better!
So now what…
You can apply the above, but with illnesses please always get a diagnosis from a medical professional to ensure that you are not dealing with a dangerous bacterial infection. The herbal options above are suggested as support for easy to handle viral colds or flu’s that can be managed at home. You can also contact Lucy via Ask Lucy so she can hear your concerns and assist you in finding the right product or medical professional. She is not a medical professional but offers a wealth of knowledge, understanding and empathy to all situations. She also has a vast network of professionals she deals with on a day to day basis to ensure that you receive only the best information.
Yours in health & love,
Martina Suliman (Alterna Medica Founder)
Photography & Styling by Project Flash Photography
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