Flax seeds in pregnancy: benefits and harms

For centuries, flax seeds have been part of people's diet, but over time such a useful product is almost forgotten. Today it is being recalled again and its effect on human health is being studied. The seeds were found to contain many useful trace elements, vitamins, oils and other substances that can have a beneficial effect on the work of internal organs, the state of the skin. Pregnant women are no exception. During this period, the body of future mothers undergoes changes, the growing fetus receives elements for development from the woman, as a result she may have a deficit of some substances. Flax seeds help to make up for it.

There are different opinions about the benefits of this product for pregnant women. Some experts insist that the introduction of this product into the diet has a beneficial effect, helps the mother and child to feel good. But there is also an opinion that in some periods of pregnancy you should not eat flax seeds, so as not to provoke a premature delivery or exacerbation of chronic diseases.

In any case, it is necessary to consult with a doctor, who supervises the pregnancy. The diet of the expectant mother depends on the course of the process, her health and well-being. Only a specialist is able to decide whether it is safe to introduce a particular product in the diet, whether it will benefit or be able to harm. Do not forget that flax seeds, like any other products, can be contraindicated under certain conditions and diseases.

Can I eat flax seeds during pregnancy?

It is customary for experts to divide the period of pregnancy into three parts. This is due to the different phases of fetal development and the preparation of the body for them. The early and late periods usually deserve special attention. Therefore, the use of any drugs or the inclusion in the diet of certain foods may be limited or avoided altogether.

In the early trimester

In the first trimester the female body gets used to a new condition. There is its preparation and restructuring. At this time, the hormonal background changes greatly. That is why the diet plays an important role.

Flax seeds in their composition have fiber and phytohormones that can cause the contraction of the uterine walls. Such a condition can threaten a sudden abortion. Therefore, it is worth a time to give up the product or limit its use, pre-consulting with your doctor.

It is noted that such a condition can occur with an overabundance of plant hormones contained in flaxseed. This usually occurs in those who overeat this product. But there are exceptions when a woman has to give it up altogether to reduce the risk of losing her baby.

The third trimester is characterized by the fact that the future mother's body is preparing for the forthcoming birth.

The third trimester is characterized by the fact that the body of the future mother is preparing for the upcoming birth. Therefore, the change of hormonal background can also cause an undesirable condition that provokes the premature birth of the baby. During this period, women should also follow the recommendations of doctors and comply with their prescriptions. It may be necessary to exclude flax seeds from the diet at this stage.

In both cases, an individual approach is needed. Problems with the consumption of certain products may occur in those who suffer from chronic diseases. If there are violations in the production of hormones, exacerbations of certain diseases, then flax seeds can be harmful.

It is quite possible that the doctor will have no objections to the use of this product in limited quantities, while strictly observing the measure. Still, to cause significant harm to the body, you need to eat the product in large quantities. But we should not forget that each organism has its own peculiarities. It is always necessary to take them into account. Some are more sensitive to some products and elements, while in others the inclusion of seeds in the diet throughout pregnancy will not cause any difficulties and complications.

Still, the best time for the inclusion of flax seeds in the diet is the second trimester. The mother's body has time to adapt, the fetus is almost formed and its growth begins. Exactly in this period the future baby needs a lot of substances for its growth and development, which she can replenish with healthy food. In this time period, a woman can afford a variety in the diet, based on her preferences and desires.

How to Use Flax Seeds Properly

First of all, the mother must observe moderation. The seeds should not be eaten by spoonfuls, believing that in this way the body will receive more useful substances. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that there are different ways of eating the product. Sometimes they should be crushed or make a kissel, which is easier and faster absorbed by the body.

How much you can eat per day

If after consultation the specialist did not forbid the use of seeds in food, it is worth paying attention to the dosage of this product. Abuse has not benefited anyone yet. Usually it is recommended to eat no more than 1-2 tbsp. seeds a day. It is also worth taking breaks, especially at the initial stage. They are necessary in order to evaluate the state of health after eating the product. If there are no unpleasant sensations, you can continue to use flaxseeds.

It is also necessary to consider other options for consuming the seed other than whole. Sometimes decoctions and infusions can be healthier and will not harm a pregnant woman's body. At the same time, the dosage should remain the same. For example, you should not prepare a full pot of kissel. The drink should be drunk immediately after preparation. It is enough to brew 1 tbsp of grains in a glass to replenish the need for all the useful substances.

Is it possible to eat at night and on an empty stomach?

Specialists on this issue have little disagreement. Advocates of a healthy diet recommend eating flaxseed just on an empty stomach, starting your day with it. But doctors make adjustments to this recommendation. They insist that the seed or a drink made of it should still be used 15-20 minutes before a meal. The product will start the process of digestion, enzymes will be released, which will contribute to better digestion of food. But the work of the gastrointestinal tract in idle can be harmful, causing an increase in acidity, the occurrence of heartburn and exacerbation of gastritis.

Doctors also recommend eating flaxseed in the first half of the day, adding it to breakfast dishes, snacks and salads. The fiber contained in the product takes a long time to digest and assimilate. That is why it is not recommended to eat it at night, when the body slows down all processes and puts the system into a state of sleep. In this case, there may be problems with gas and flatulence, which in the state of pregnancy is a negative factor.

Is it possible to eat dried

In order for the seed to be fully digested and not harm the intestinal health of the young mother, it is necessary to chew it thoroughly. Otherwise, the seeds will begin to absorb a large amount of liquid already in the intestines. This can start the process of dehydration and make constipation worse. Pregnant women should give preference to drinks made on the basis of seeds. Or they can be added to dairy products, porridges, where they will undergo a preliminary process of preparation for consumption and will not harm the health of the future mother.

Should we wash flax seeds before consumption?

In this matter, everyone can hold a different opinion. Theoretically, the product undergoes a stage of cleaning before packaging. Therefore, it is possible not to wash it. But it is not always possible to rely on the conscience of the manufacturer. The flax seeds could use another cleaning before cooking them or consuming them directly.

In the matter of consuming the seeds it is worth to listen to the recommendations of your doctor and to be guided by your own taste and needs. It is necessary to remember that pregnancy imposes certain restrictions on the diet of the expectant mother. At this time, the priority is the health of the woman and the baby. Therefore, it is better to choose the variant of consumption, which will bring the greatest benefit and help avoid negative consequences.

The benefits of flax seeds during pregnancy

For pregnancy to proceed without complications that may affect the development and health of the child, the mother's diet is given increased attention. It is excluded from the potentially dangerous and harmful products, increasing the consumption of healthy. Flax seeds are one of them. By followers of a healthy lifestyle, they are included in the list of superfoods that can maintain health, extend youth and fight many diseases.

The usefulness of this product is evidenced by the huge amount of vitamins, trace elements and other substances that have a beneficial effect not only on the mother's body, but also on the future baby. Those who are preparing for the role of parents, it is recommended to take a course of multivitamins even before pregnancy, so as not to suffer from a lack of useful substances. Therefore, a product with such a rich composition is of particular interest to experts.

1. First of all, the presence of a whole group of vitamins A, E, C and B important for the health of the mother and child development deserves attention. Vitamin A takes an active part in the growth and construction of cells, has a beneficial effect on vision. Vitamin E has not only a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair and nails. It participates in the process of regeneration of tissues, makes them elastic, prevents stretch marks on the skin, helps in the formation of the body of the baby. Its deficiency can cause serious disorders. These substances are also called vitamins of youth. They take an active part in metabolic processes. For future moms the question of preserving the beauty and youth is very acute, because during pregnancy, the woman's body actively supplies the fetus with all the necessary substances and elements, which affects the appearance of the fetus. So the presence of these vitamins allows you to quickly make up for missing nutrients.
2. Vitamin C is involved in the formation of a strong immune system in both the mother and the child. It helps to fight inflammation, participates in the excretion of harmful substances, toxins, free radicals. Sufficient amounts of vitamin C helps to protect the body from neoplasms. B vitamins - the basis for healthy blood vessels, normal functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems. B vitamin together with magnesium helps to cope with stress, easier to carry critical moments. For moms during pregnancy is an important factor. Hormonal failure, anxiety can lead to severe mood swings. Vitamin B allows you to carry this condition more calmly.
3. The seeds contain all micronutrients necessary for the body of a pregnant woman. These include potassium, magnesium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, iron and selenium. Calcium and phosphorus are necessary for the construction of the fetal skeleton and the normal functioning of joints. These elements are actively supplied from the mother's body, so women during pregnancy may deteriorate teeth, nails, hair, swelling and joint pain. Eating flax seeds, the mother-to-be can not only replenish her own supply of these substances, but also transmit them to her baby. Potassium and magnesium are needed to maintain good condition of the walls of blood vessels. During pregnancy, a woman's blood flow increases, and the main load is shifted to the blood vessels. Introduction to the diet of a product rich in potassium and magnesium helps to maintain their elasticity and regulate blood pressure. Iron is actively involved in the process of blood renewal and oxygen transport. And selenium is an important part of the body's immune defense against both inflammation and the processes of unwanted neoplasms.
4. Amino acids are the basic building material of cells, favorably influencing the development of the fetus. Fatty acids omega-3, 6 and 9 help prevent the development of pathologies in the baby. Fiber has a beneficial effect on the intestines of the expectant mother. Pregnancy often causes stool problems, and flax seeds in this case play the role of a mild laxative.
5. Due to its composition, the use of flax seeds allows to create favorable conditions for the development of the fetus without pathologies, to stimulate digestive processes in the mother, strengthen and maintain immunity, normalize blood pressure, avoid the risk of blood clots in blood vessels, maintain normal blood sugar levels. You can also use decoctions and infusions of flax seeds externally to get rid of oily shine on the skin or to fight the appearance of rashes, which often happens during pregnancy.

But it is worth remembering about the limitations. Excessive consumption will lead to an imbalance of substances in the body and can provoke a worsening of some chronic diseases, thereby harming the body of the mother and the baby.

What is useful flax seed kissel during pregnancy

Kissel, cooked from seeds, has an advantage over a whole grain. The whole seed or in ground form can irritate the mucosa of the stomach or intestines. When exacerbated, it can cause damage to the walls of the organs of the digestive system. But kissel, thanks to its enveloping viscous structure, no harm to the body. Therefore, it is included in the therapeutic diet of people suffering from heartburn, gastritis, inflammation of the digestive organs. It helps to create a protective film, which not only protects against aggressive influences, but also has bactericidal properties, killing harmful microflora. The viscous structure is obtained due to the plant glue contained in the seeds. During cooking, it is actively released and mixed with water.

During this period, women often have heartburn, and gastritis can worsen. The use of medicines during this period is very limited, so you have to look for more natural remedies that will gently relieve this painful condition and help to maintain health throughout the pregnancy. Flaxseed kissel for this purpose is the best possible. It preserves all the useful properties of flax seeds, which are necessary for the normal well-being of the mother and the development of the child.

In addition, there are a number of contraindications for the use of unprocessed flaxseed, so a pregnant woman is sometimes forced to give up this useful product. Kissel in the case of disorders of the gastrointestinal tract may be allowed for inclusion in the diet. In addition, in a number of cases it can improve the health of the digestive organs.

It is found that the kissel retains most of the useful substances contained in the seed. For example, flaxseed oil loses a number of important components that are necessary for the health of the expectant mother and baby. For example, the hormone of plant origin lignan, which helps fight tumors and removes harmful substances from the body, is completely absent from the oil, but is retained in the kissel.

A lot of potassium and polyunsaturated fatty acids are preserved in the drink. In combination, they have a good effect on the condition of blood vessels, preventing the formation of cholesterol plaques, which reduces the risk of blood clots.

Flaxseed kissel has a beneficial effect on the heart, improves intestinal microflora, strengthens the immune system, stabilizes metabolic processes in the body, helps to combat "bad" cholesterol.

There are two main ways of preparing the drink, which equally give the desired result. You can prepare it from whole seeds by adding water and infusing it for a long time, or you can grind the seeds into flour and brew it with hot water. In both cases, boiling water is used, with which the main product is poured. The first option will require some time for the drink to infuse well.

Cooked kissel is not stored. It should be used the same day. When stored, its useful properties are quickly lost, the drink falls into disrepair. It is better to prepare a new portion each time.

With all the advantages of kissel it is worth remembering that there are limitations for certain categories of women. Hormones, amino acids and fiber are preserved in the drink, so in the first and last terms of pregnancy it is better to limit its use or exclude it altogether, depending on what the doctor advises.

Flax seeds in pregnancy for constipation

Pregnant women often face the problem of not being able to empty the bowels for several days. As a result, gas, flatulence may appear, harmful substances accumulate in the body. But pregnancy imposes serious restrictions on the use of medicines. In addition, artificial interference in this process over time leads to a deterioration of the condition, causing the body to depend on medication. In this case, you need a natural remedy, which will gently help to cope with this delicate problem. Flaxseed is one of these remedies.

To cope with the problem of constipation seeds allow due to the high content of fiber and plant glue. Fiber is not completely soluble in liquids, in addition, some of it is not absorbed by the body at all. This part stimulates the intestinal peristalsis, making it contract and excrete unprocessed substances. Plant glue has a viscous structure that softens the stool. Soft feces are easier to pass out of the intestines without damaging the intestinal walls. Therefore, flax seeds are also a good means of preventing hemorrhoids.

Flax seeds also significantly increase the volume of excreted feces. Therefore, it is believed that the product contributes to the additional excretion of toxins and other harmful substances accumulated over a long period of time.

An effective remedy for constipation is an infusion of linseeds. It is very simple and does not require additional time and effort. It is enough to pour 1 tbsp. seeds in a saucepan with 500 ml of water and put on the fire. The resulting mixture should be brought to a boil, but do not boil. Remove the pan, close the lid and allow to infuse. When the infusion cools completely, it can be considered ready. It is recommended to immediately pour the drink into a glass and immediately drink it. It is not necessary to store the resulting product. Almost all herbal teas lose their properties within a day. In addition such a drink may not be needed the next day. It is better to prepare it as needed and immediately use it all.

It is also allowed to prepare infusions with the addition of spices, fruits, which also have a beneficial effect on the intestinal function. In addition, they will help to improve the taste of the resulting drink. But be sure to pay attention to the absence of allergies and intolerance of additional components.

But do not rely only on the action of flax seeds. If the problem of constipation appears regularly and flax seeds do not help to correct the situation, it is better to consult a doctor.

Can flax seeds harm the future mother?

Flax seeds, as well as many other products, can not always be useful to a pregnant woman. There are contraindications that exclude the possibility of including this product in the diet.

Flax seeds should be excluded for those who have the following contraindications:

1. Exacerbation of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, the components of the seeds can irritate and damage the inflamed walls of the stomach during an exacerbation of an ulcer. It is worth abandoning the seeds for those who suffer from intestinal obstruction during an exacerbation of the disease. Any inflammatory processes in the digestive system exclude the consumption of flax seeds. This product is also excluded in acute pancreatitis. The substances it contains, as well as its structure, contribute to the production of digestive enzymes, which can lead to deterioration of health during an exacerbation.
2. Liver disease, cholecystitis, the presence of stones in the liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. The acids and oils in the seeds can cause the movement of stones, this is a very painful process, which will definitely not be useful during pregnancy.
3. Urolithiasis.
4. Uterine fibroma. This disease has a negative impact on the course of pregnancy. Therefore, the diet of the expectant mother is under the strict control of the doctor. Such products as flax seeds are usually excluded from the diet.
5. Hormonal disorder and uterine tonus. These conditions also exclude the use of flax seeds by the expectant mother.

The absence of contraindications does not mean that a pregnant woman can eat flax seeds in any quantity. Do not exceed the daily rate (1-2 tbsp.). Also throughout pregnancy, it is worth observing the body's reaction to the use of this product. Everyone has individual characteristics that affect eating habits. You should not forcefully consume the product if you do not like it. It is quite possible that the body does not need those substances that are contained in it, or a woman has an individual intolerance of any of its components. It is necessary to listen to the desires of your own body. Do not include flax seeds in your diet just because everyone is talking about its usefulness. No one has ever benefited from eating healthy food by force. In this case, the product will not have the desired effect, on the contrary, it can cause rejection.

It is also worth considering a variety of cooking options. In some cases it is allowed to use grains in their pure form, but in others it is necessary to subject them to preliminary processing: to grind them into a paste, to prepare a kissel. It will also allow you to diversify your diet, which will not get bored for a long period.

It is necessary to talk to the attending physician about the possibility and necessity of including flax seeds in the diet and stick to his recommendations. If the specialist does not advise to use the product, it is better to give it up and find a decent replacement.