What to Eat After Giving Birth to Boost Your Immune System
Knowing how you should eat after giving birth in order to boost your immune system is something that many women worry about. During this period, new mothers want to be in optimal health to regain their strength and restore their bodies.
It goes without saying that our bodies need the right vitamins and nutrients to heal after having a baby.
Eating healthy isn’t much of a mystery. We all know that eating fruits and vegetables, lean meats, nuts and oils that are rich in omega 3 boosts our defenses. It also helps keep our bodies in balance.
So, the real question is: What kinds of foods should we eat more of? And second, how much should we eat of each of these foods?
The following article will help answer these questions. We’ll talk about some of the most important foods for your postpartum diet, all of which are rich in vitamins. By including them in your daily regimen, you’ll start to build up your immune system right away.
What should women eat after giving birth to boost their immune system?
This first thing women should consider after giving birth is the start of breastfeeding. Women who are breastfeeding should eat very specific foods.
Whatever diet you choose, make sure that you have the approval of your doctor or nutritionist. Either one of these medical professionals will be capable of providing a guide that offers you the balanced nutrition you need.
Once you’ve understood that aspect, the purpose of this article is to point our natural and healthy ingredients that are known to boost defenses. We’ll also provide you with some simple ideas of how to prepare them in a delicious way.
Recommended foods to eat after giving birth
Fruit
At the top of the list of recommended foods to eat after giving birth are, of course, fruits. Fruits have an amazing power to build up our defenses, thanks to their high vitamin content.
Most fruits contain a good amount of vitamin C. This key vitamin is responsible for keeping our immune system in optimal conditions.
Among the fruits that offer the greatest concentration of vitamins are:
- Oranges
- Blackcurrants
- Kiwi
- Papaya
- Red berries
The best time for eating fruits is during the day. For example, we recommend preparing a delicious fruit salad.
Vegetables and legumes
Vegetables and legumes are another important component given their vitamin content and ability to boost our defenses. The most potent options are bell peppers, squash and parsley.
Parsley is very useful, given its versatility – it’s easy to add to a variety of foods. As for legumes, lentils are at the top of the list. They’re not only nutritious and packed with iron, but also delicious.
At the same time, when it comes to recovering after pregnancy and childbirth, we recommend consuming an abundant amount of leafy greens. Vegetables such as spinach, alfalfa, kale and chard possess vitamin K, which helps restore tissue ruptures as a result of natural birth or C-section.
“Whatever diet you choose, make sure that you have the approval of your doctor or nutritionist. Either one of these medical professionals will be capable of providing a guide that offers you the balanced nutrition you need.”
Fish that are rich in Omega 3
So-called “fatty fish” like salmon, sardines, trout and herring stand out thanks to their high omega 3 content. This component is absolutely fundamental when it comes to keeping our bodies in top conditions. It’s also key in avoiding the appearance of a number of illnesses.
Women who are breastfeeding should consume half an ounce per day in order to guarantee enough omega 3.
If you’ve made a choice to follow a vegetarian diet, then you’ll be happy to discover other sources of omega 3. For example, eggs, flaxseed, chia, walnuts and a variety of other nuts all offer omega 3. At the same time, soy milk and dairy products such as yogurt also contain omega 3, though in smaller amounts.
Just the same, it’s good to check with your doctor before making any radical decisions regarding your diet .
Infusions
Infusions are the perfect ally when it comes to strengthening your immune system. They boost your overall well-being and offer a sense of relaxation to new mothers, which undoubtedly helps to improve health. Among the top options, given their multiple properties, are valerian, cilantro, hibiscus, cranberry, cinnamon, hop and lemon balm.
Finally, remember that your recovery after giving birth and having good defenses starts during pregnancy. The way you eat during pregnancy will have a great impact on your health after your baby is born. Therefore, focus on staying healthy before, during and after your pregnancy.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Bucher A., White N., Vitamin C in the prevention and treatment of the common cold. Am J Lifestyle Med, 2016. 10 (3): 181-183.
- Stella AB., Cappellari GG., Barazzoni R., Zanetti M., Update on the impact of omega 3 fatty acids on inflammation, insulin resistance and sarcopenia: a review. Int J Mol Sci, 2018.