Skin Elasticity During Pregnancy and Beyond
While stretch marks are our tiger stripes, who needs loads of them to remember what fierce creatures we become to bring our babies into the world? Genetics does seem to stack the odds against us, but how we feed our bodies may help turn those odds in our favor.
7 Important Nutritional Components For Your Health
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids help produce the necessary oils that keep skin soft
These are polyunsaturated fats that are found in a variety of foods, but most concentrated in fatty, cold water fish. To consume Omega-3 fats through food, you will need to take different dietary approaches depending on your food lifestyle. For instance, if you are vegan you may consider supplementing.
Whole Food Sources~ trout, salmon, sardines, flax, avocado, sea vegetables, coconut oil (also great to slather all over your beautiful pregnant self), walnuts, dark green leafy vegetables, pastured meats, and pastured dairy products.
2. Antioxidant Vitamins like A, C, and E help to fight lines and wrinkles
The Free Radical Fighters! These antioxidants help reduce the amount of free radicals running loose in your body, and help to protect your skin from harmful UV rays while you are soaking up soaking up some vitamin D. Moms are always multitasking!
Whole Food Sources~ sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, brussels sprouts, carrots, cooked tomatoes, broccoli, red and yellow bell peppers, oranges, mangoes, beets, berries, prunes, and raw seeds.
3. Vitamin D boosts elasticity and stimulates collagen production
This amazing body that we live in has the ability to synthesize vitamin D from bare skin exposure to sunlight. We can only have so much time in the sun these days though. Fortunately, there are some go to foods that can help us with the balance.
Whole Food Sources~ fatty fish like salmon and trout, portobello mushrooms, whole grain cereals, pastured dairy products, and tofu.
4. Collagen provides the skin with strength, waterproofing, and elasticity
Collagen is a protein produced by the body, and found in our connective tissue. Most relative to this topic, it helps to make up the second layer of skin (dermis). You can help to increase the collagen in your skin by eating loads of collagen boosting foods.
Whole Food Sources~ bone broth, beans, avocados, and other foods rich in Omega-3's and antioxidants.
5. Zinc is a trace mineral that helps to repair damaged tissue and heal wounds
Not only is it one of the more abundant trace minerals in the body, zinc is also easily found in an abundance of foods.
Whole Food Sources~ green veggies, nuts, seeds, whole grains, beans, mushrooms, pastured beef, chicken and most other animal proteins.
6. Silica is a trace mineral that helps to maintain elasticity and that healthy glow
Silica is the largest component in collagen, and after oxygen the most abundant element on earth. When we are children we have loads of silica, because it's also necessary for bone growth. As we age, we lose our stores of silica, and thus it's benefits to our skin. You can replenish silica regularly through food however it can be challenging to maintain high levels without supplementation.
Whole Food Sources~ apples, cherries, almonds, oranges, oats, seeds, and pastured animal proteins.
7. Hydration - you know the drill mamas!
The average adult is made up of 60% water. Currently, you are not an average adult; you are a clever, magnificent woman growing another life. Which means increased blood volume, and there is the small matter of that sac of water around your baby to maintain. Needless to say, you need plenty of water now more than ever. Plus, properly hydrated skin equals stretchy skin. It's recommended that you consume 8-12 8oz glasses, but listen to your body for signs of dehydration.
As Soft As Baby's Skin: Protect Your Largest Organ
You won't always be pregnant, but you will always be in your skin. You may as well set it up for a sassy rebound. For delicious recipes to try, we recommend you use Beautiful Babies: Nutrition for Fertility, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Baby's First Foods.
The postpartum family transitions from pregnancy to birth, leaving the hospital with a newborn to care for. Although expected and obvious, this "fourth trimester" can shock the system with sleep deprivation, limited time to take care of everyday needs, causing new parents to often rely on takeout and pizza delivery. Stock the freezer now with nutritious meals designed for post-natal and nursing parents.