Ayurveda describes some basic rules for diets to be followed during pregnancy period. It is described under garbhini paricharya in Ayurvedic texts. It has a description of nutrition (ahar), lifestyle (vihar) and thought process (vichar). All these factors affect the child as well as the mother, according to Ayurveda.
According to Ayurveda, a pregnant woman should not eat meals for two person, but she should give importance to the nutrients. Some vitamin rich foods and rich fruits can make an expectant mother glow and her hair shinier than ever and teeth and bone strong. A fetus grows on the nutrients derived by mother. Thus, a pregnant women should eat more nutritious food. Some foods according to Ayurveda that should be followed during pregnancy are discussed in this article.
Foods Taken During Pregnancy
Ayurveda advices some simple and nutritious foods during pregnancy, which are as follows:
- Less fat and less sugar containing foods should be taken.
- Strong spices should be taken in moderate amounts.
- Meats should be avoided .
- Iron rich fruits and green leafy vegetables should be eaten. Indigestion and constipation is a regular problem in pregnancy period, thus taking fiber rich foods will be beneficial.
- Protein rich foods such as wheat, rye, oats, rice, whole meal flour, whole meal bread and lentils such as chickpeas, dried peas, soya-beans, beans, sprouts and tapioca have adequate amounts of protein.
- Dairy products such as yogurt and cottage cheese can be taken as milk can sometimes leads to flatulence in some women.
- Vegetables such as potatoes, spinach, lettuce, artichoke hearts and celery contain iron.
- Lemons, pineapple, oranges, papaya and apples contain vitamin C are beneficial for health.
A pregnant women should divide her meals for six times a day, instead of four meals. She should also not eat large quantities otherwise she will feel bloated.
The above diets, if taken regularly, can make a pregnant woman healthy as well as her child. Though, diet alone can’t ensure a happy and healthy child, some moderate exercises, peace of mind and a cheerful environment are enough to give birth to a healthy and happy child.
