Pregnancy causes a woman to go through biological, psychological, and emotional changes that influence her body shape, hormones, nutrient needs, appetite, digestion, emotions, mood, sleep, and psyche. These changes plus her motherly instinct, awareness of procreation, and excitement with her new condition prompt her to self-inspect.

Out of respect and consideration for her unborn growing fetus, she revises her lifestyle behaviors. She automatically practices self-imposed restrictions and prepares to embrace healthy lifestyle habits ignored until then. She quits smoking, eliminates alcohol; replaces coffee with green tea and herbal infusions; passes pre-prepared dishes and junk food for freshly cooked organic ones; substitutes soda drinks with fresh juices; and snacks on healthy nuts and fruits. She takes the initiative to do so, even though she knows she will resume her previous lifestyle once she quits breastfeeding.

However, healthy lifestyle habits should not start after conception. Preparation should start long before the happy event. The body should be given enough attention to improve health before a pregnancy in considered to enhance fertility, health and viability of the fetus. Fathers-to-be should also follow a health-promoting diet to ensure the healthy conception of the fetus.

If you have never embraced a toxin-free holistic lifestyle, you should start at least six months before venturing into parenthood. Healthy ways contribute to uncomplicated pregnancies and healthy and happy babies.

The column today is not about what to eat or not to eat, but more or less about how to minimize the intake of dietary and environmental toxins in order to enhance fertility, prepare for a healthy pregnancy, and reduce complications to both mother and child.

We are constantly exposed and threatened by environmental and dietary toxins long before we start reproduction. Daily we are bombarded by pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, drugs, or synthetic additives and preservatives in food, cosmetics, and beauty care products. Such chemicals (xenoestrogens) simulate estrogens and attach to cells. Once in the cells, they disrupt cell structure, disturb hormonal release, and trigger growths. They also raise estrogen levels, thus provoking hormonal imbalance.

The body detoxification system becomes overwhelmed by estrogen abundance, upsetting the reproductive system in both men and women. Xenoestrogens lead to infertility while concealing its causes. Medical doctors who practice natural approaches recommend a gentle detoxification program to enhance infertility.

Obstetrician Carlson-Rink, ND of Canada recommends to parents-to-be the elimination of alcohol, caffeine, tobacco, recreational and medical drugs, and sugar, which can frustrate fertility and a healthy pregnancy. Ellen Kamhi, PhD, RN, author of Cycles of Life, also recommends detoxifying fasts of vegetable soups (recipe later) and fresh organic fruits. Some herbs and supplements help in the cleansing process. Dandelion, burdock, liquorice root, and milk thistle are liver cleansers, while psyllium husk, ground flax seeds, and probiotics bolster a healthy digestion.

Other health-offenders to eliminate during this period are trans fats (hydrogenated oils), rancid (stale) fats and nuts, saturated fats, refined sugar and carbohydrates, pre-prepared foods, soda drinks, food colorings and additives, processed and junk foods, sugar substitutes (aspartame, saccharine), and food plastic wraps. Because they are concealed in most off-the-shelf packaged foods and snacks, such harmful substances build up in the body and cause damage.

Daily physical, mental, and emotional stress should be managed. It throws hormones off-balance. Sleep and aerobic and therapeutic exercises (yoga) are de-stressors; they balance hormones.

It is needless to emphasize that dietary changes should lean toward healthier food choices. They should include fresh organic deep-colored fruits, raw (for more enzymes) and cooked vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, healthy fats (omega-3-and-6 fats and olive oil), contaminant-free fish, and free-range eggs, red meat, dairy, and poultry. Live culture yogurt is essential to promote a healthy digestion, immunity, and pregnancy. Along with vitamin C, probiotics can prevent premature labor.

One last advice, delayed parenthood from both sides raises the risk of threatened abortions and defective fetuses; so does teenage parenting. Parenthood is a sacred mission. We owe it to our born and unborn off-springs as well as to ourselves to be healthy. For parents-to-be, being healthy is not an option.

Kamhi’s Detoxifying Soup

* 1 chopped onion

* 1 chopped cabbage head

* 2 chopped garlic cloves

* 2 chopped carrots

* 1 chopped parsley bunch

* 5 chopped kale leaves

* 4 chopped okra

* 2 chopped celery stalks

* 2 sheets nori seaweed

* 1 cup uncooked organic brown rice

* 2 quarts water

Simmer all the ingredients over low heat for one and a half hours. Season with Bragg’s Amino Acids. I suggest a small spoon of miso, as an alternative, after removing from fire. Enjoy!

— Mariam Alireza is a holistic science specialist. Send comments to [email protected]. Log on to arabnews.com for previous articles.