Pregnancy is a wonderful period in a woman’s life. For those who pass it for the first time, pregnancy is a very unusual and unusual condition, during which you want to eat a cucumber or chew it with candy. And everyone knows that this is quite normal.
But also every woman understands that her diet needs to be carefully monitored. Some foods need to be eliminated completely, but a certain list of substances needs to be included in your daily diet.
The focus of our attention today is such a well-known product as kefir. Is it possible to take this product during pregnancy, what are its benefits and harms, we will discuss many more interesting facts about this sour-milk product below.
The usefulness of kefir
It is no secret that in a pregnant woman, fermented milk products must be included in the diet. This is because, for example, kefir is the source of those very 8 amino acids that cannot be synthesized in the human body. They need to be obtained only from products.
Drink benefits
Why is it important to drink kefir during pregnancy?
- This fermented milk product contains a huge amount of vitamins, calcium, protein, magnesium, potassium, iron and other important nutrients needed by a pregnant woman.
- The product is absorbed in the body 3 times faster than milk.
- Kefir is an excellent source of energy. But it is known that in the second half of pregnancy, women begin to eat more high-calorie foods due to lack of strength, fatigue and rapid fatigue. In this case, this drink will be an excellent source of energy due to the content of milk fat in it.
- A fermented milk product normalizes the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, helps strengthen bones and teeth, which become very vulnerable during pregnancy. All this happens due to the content in the product of special fungi that are indispensable for the normalization of intestinal microflora.
- Kefir during pregnancy helps fight harmful microbes and bacteria so quickly that even if they enter the female body, they will not have time to get to the baby with blood.
- The drink helps to overcome such ailments as bloating and heartburn. The product also contributes to the faster absorption of other foods.
- Also, the substances contained in kefir are responsible for the structure of the baby's nervous system and the production of cholesterol. In addition, they help to develop sex hormones.
- We must not forget about lactose, which not only helps fight microbes, but also improves the absorption of calcium in the body.
Here's a seemingly simple product like kefir during pregnancy can be of great benefit to mom and her unborn baby.
Effect on the body
But the benefits of the product do not end there. Do not forget to consider its effect on the body.
Kefir must be consumed in order to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins that can pass through the placenta to the baby. It is known that this dairy product has cleansing properties.
Kefir during pregnancy, the benefits of which cannot be denied, has a positive effect on well-being - it soothes and relaxes the stomach. In addition, it strengthens the skeletal system and muscles, and also creates a wonderful environment in the body, where all important trace elements are absorbed.
Needless to say, strengthening immunity is the best way to find this.
It is important that this product has a low calorie content, but at the same time gives a feeling of satiety for a long time. A pregnant woman needs to drink only 1 cup of kefir in order to feel full for 2 hours.
Contraindications
Even with such a huge number of pluses, one should not forget about the minuses that kefir has during pregnancy.
- You should discard this dairy product if you are allergic to lactose. This problem is encountered quite often, in addition, milk protein in the body is absorbed worse than the one that we get from meat and fish. Therefore, the main advantage of this drink is its saturation with living bacteria.
- A woman needs to be careful when taking kefir, if she suffers from intestinal diseases. Excessive use of the product may cause dehydration, relaxation, or diarrhea. In this case, you need to consult a doctor.
- With increased acidity of the stomach, it is also necessary to take this fermented milk product with caution.
Diets with this drink can only be prescribed by a doctor. Therefore, if you decide to arrange a fasting day on kefir during pregnancy, it is important to discuss this with the doctor so as not to deprive your body and the baby's body of the necessary substances and elements.
How to use?
In order for your body to receive only benefit from kefir, it is important to follow tips on how to drink this drink.
When buying, pay attention to the shelf life of the dairy product. Doctors recommend eating kefir, the freshness of which is not more than one week. You should not buy products that have a long shelf life - such kefir contains thickeners that are not beneficial to the body.
Kefir during pregnancy can be consumed every day, but still it is better to take this drink every other day. The benefits of this will not be reduced, and you can minimize the risks of side effects from taking the product.
It is recommended to drink a fermented milk drink at night. Take your time when you drink, take slow sips of medium size. Thanks to this use, a woman will have a good appetite in the morning and her stomach will feel great.
Also, a pregnant girl can add sugar, fruit, vanilla or cinnamon to the drink to give an unusual taste. Also, for greater satiety, kefir is often added to breakfast cereals.
Every day, a woman can consume up to 600 ml of various dairy products. This includes not only kefir, but also sour cream, cottage cheese and milk.
For better functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, you can adhere to this rule of use: in the morning you take a weak kefir, which helps to relax the stomach, but at night you can drink a stronger drink that has been infused for 3 days, which helps to strengthen the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract.
Precautionary measures
You should also specify the points that should not be allowed when drinking this unusual drink. Do not drink too cold kefir. The drink should be at room temperature - so you can strengthen your immunity and establish the functioning of the stomach.
Pay attention to the label.
When buying, you must carefully study your chosen product.
- Pay attention to the manufacturer. Give preference to more famous and proven brands.
- Examine the production date and expiration date.
- Look at the temperature at which kefir is stored in the store - it must always be in the refrigerator, open or closed.
- Study the composition, its nutritional value and the elements included in kefir.
- Always read how many beneficial bacteria the drink contains in 1 g.
- Look for additional supplements.
And remember, a quality product will never do any harm.
About the alcohol content
Everyone knows that kefir contains a small percentage of alcohol. And this is true, because the product is obtained in the process of fermentation. But you must understand that this percentage is so small that it can not harm a baby and a pregnant woman.
But this does not mean that the drink should be drunk in liters every day. A woman can arrange a fasting day on kefir during pregnancy or use it daily, but within a reasonable framework. This will not hurt her. But do not be zealous.
We hope that now you have received the answer to the question: “Is it possible to use kefir during pregnancy every day?” Do not forget that there are many other useful products that you must also remember and eat them.