THE BEST VITAMINS POST-PREGNANCY
Everyone knows that pregnant women must take great care of themselves, which often includes taking pregnancy vitamins and supplements. Once the baby is born however, it is easy to neglect post-pregnancy care. After spending nine months creating another human being, increasing your intake of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients helps ensure you are as well-nourished as the baby is essential. Especially if breastfeeding. If you’re not sure which vitamins you might need to supplement and why, here are some of the best vitamins, post-pregnancy you should be taking.
Vitamin A
New mums are often exhausted. This means they can pick up viruses more readily than usual. Vitamin A helps to resist these pesky germs, keeping mum and baby in the pink of health. Needed for strong immune systems and healthy vision, babies also tend to be lacking in vitamin A unless it is boosted through the breastmilk that sustains them.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is responsible for mood and levels of phosphorous and calcium, both of which are vital for healthy bones. The best source is from sunlight, but since many mums don’t get a chance to step outdoors, boosting your Vitamin D levels with a supplement is essential.
B Vitamins
Vitamin B12 helps boost nerve and blood cell health to give an extra advantage against germs and viruses. Mums that are vegetarians and vegans especially should supplement their Vitamin B12 as it most often occurs naturally in animal products and meats. But B vitamins as a group are also essential post-pregnancy, having been known to help with stress and energy levels. When your body needs more energy than ever to repair itself, Vitamin B5 and B6 help to transport oxygen around the body and aid cell repair. Vitamin B3 promotes a healthy nervous system, digestion and skin to help you feel better from within.
Calcium
Expectant mothers can lose between three and five per cent of their bone density while carrying their baby and while breastfeeding. Once baby has arrived, top up your calcium levels (and team it with Vitamin D to ensure it is best used by the body) with a daily supplement to restore bone strength and give your breastfed baby healthy bones.
Iron & Vitamin C
You may be prescribed iron to overcome blood loss during pregnancy, but the secret weapon behind it is Vitamin C. This everyday vitamin improves your absorption of iron but is also essential for a strong immune system. Vitamin C will help you combat illness when you’re under stress and strain.
No matter the good intentions, it can be hard to look after yourself when you are putting in long hours and short nights with a baby. Sometimes just remembering to eat a hot meal is hard enough, never mind remembering to buy and then take specialist post-pregnancy supplements. A natural health drink that is rich in vitamins and minerals is the best way to keep yourself in great shape.
Overhang is certainly part of the answer you have been looking for. Packed with 50% of your Vitamin C as well as Vitamins B3, B5 and B6. Made by a father and son team from an old family recipe, it contains milk thistle (an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant), ginger (great for boosting energy levels and circulation), and burdock. Try it today from select Tesco and Asda stores, Morrisons, Holland & Barrett, WHSmith, Ocado and in bulk fromAmazon.
