Preconception detoxification and pregnancy preparation
Written by Jill Dunn - MHSc Complementary Medicine, Registered Naturopath, Registered Medical Herbalist, Registered Nurse (Non-practising)
The concept of internal cleansing or detoxification in the maintenance of good health is understood by traditional and natural healing traditions. A person's ability to detoxify is considered a major determinant of their level of health.
These health traditions hold that the body has an enormous self-healing capacity, if unencumbered by environmental or body generated toxins. Detoxification is constantly occurring in the body and the major organs involved are the digestive tract, liver, gall bladder, lungs, kidneys, lymphatic vessels and skin. When any of these channels are under performing, the other channels have to compensate. Symptoms that indicate the need for detoxification include recurrent symptoms such as headaches, joint aches and pains, allergies, digestive problems, constipation, skin complaints, reoccurring ear, nose, throat and some bronchial problems.
When planning your family take six to twelve months out to build you and your partner's health prior to conception. If you have been a smoker, recreational drug user, had a regular alcohol intake or contraceptive pill use, this time can be one of detoxification and replenishment of essential nutrients.
We are constantly exposed to harmful substances in our air, water and food. Such toxins include: industrial chemicals, pesticides, food additives, preservatives, heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium, solvents and hormones which cause problems when they are accumulating faster than our bodies can get rid of them. Although a relatively green country, we are not exempt from environmental pollution. Pesticide Action Network Aotearoa NZ co-ordinator Dr. Meriel Watts, discussed the NZ Food Safety Authority's (NZFSA) second report “2003/2004 Total Diet Survey” on food safety in New Zealand1 which showed 99.99 percent of samples had no residues above the maximum residues level (MRL), the legal limit in NZ for any single chemical. However, she reported that 39 different foods contained residues of one or more of 39 different pesticides. Some contained multiple residues – the worst offender being raisins with 14 different pesticides. Most of the foods sampled were imported (which accounts for an estimated 40 percent of our food), and which are not routinely monitored for pesticide residues1. Residues of DDT, 11 different veterinary compounds, PCBs, mercury, organochlorine pesticide dieldrin, and several other pesticides (although below MRL) were also found in some of our animal products1. Dr. Watts is concerned that such testing only takes into account: single chemicals and not multiple residues, the synergistic effects of the chemicals, nor individual differences in the ability to detoxify1. So as you can see, it is near impossible to escape adverse environmental effects, although use of organic products and foods are a good place to start.
Apart from environmental pollutants, internal toxins are also generated during normal body functions such as digestion. Bacterial imbalance of the digestive flora and undigested food in the intestines are a major cause of self-generated toxins. Correcting digestive dysfunction is an important part of a detoxification program. Digestive enzymes and bitter herbs improve digestion. Probiotics such as lactobacillus and bifidobacteria help implant and correct an imbalance in gut flora. Herbal detoxification formulas that address the liver, kidneys, lymphatics, bowel and skin can assist the bodies own elimination processes, although these detoxification measures should cease four months prior to conception, in order to prevent the foetus being exposed to increased circulating toxins. Regular daily exercise and increasing water intake to six glasses of water daily, assists detoxification and is best continued throughout pregnancy.
Preparing yourselves for pregnancy
Both the state of the mothers and fathers health influences the health of the offspring. These positive lifestyle changes prepare you for pregnancy and set foundations for your family life ahead.
- Cease any addictive behaviour such as cigarette smoking, alcohol, recreational drugs, chocolate or caffeine binges.
- Drink 6-8 glasses of water daily.
- Exercise for at least ½ an hour daily.
- Eat nourishing foods rich in antioxidants and preferably organic. Eat at least 3 or 4 pieces of fruit, and 5 or 6 portions of fresh vegetables daily. Homemade fresh fruit salad with raw or home-toasted nuts and seeds (almonds, sunflower, sesame, pumpkin kernels and linseed). Eat only wholegrain breads with toppings such as tomatoes, avocado or banana. Have a salad at lunchtime with fresh herbs, cold meat or fish, or a homemade soup with lots of vegetables. Consume at least another 3 vegetables including a green with meat, fish or legumes and whole grains at dinnertime. If you require snacks, eat raw or dry toasted nuts (brazils and hazel nuts provide selenium) and fresh dates or dried figs for those sweet cravings.
- Add additional concentrated food sources to your diet, for example spirulina smoothies and lecithin granules, wheatgerm and ricebran to your breakfast.
- Use eco-friendly household cleaning products, reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals.
- De-stress your life. Learn meditation and practice relaxation or creative visualization.
- Do something creative and have some fun – art, music, handcrafts, dance.
- Carry out a detoxification plan if indicated although this must cease 4 months prior to conception. Many herbal medicines should not be taken during pregnancy. If unsure seek advice from a qualified naturopath or medical herbalist. During this time of detoxification, supplement your diet with an antioxidant that contains selenium (because N.Z. soils are low in it), zinc and vitamins A, C and E to provide protection against free radicals and to assist in the removal of heavy metals.
- Then for the next 4 months prior to conception use a prenatal multivitamin and mineral formula, omega-3 and 6 essential fatty acids, and 800mcg of folic acid daily to ensure all the essential nutrients are present at time of conception and this early critical stage of your babies development.
References
- Watts, M. 2004, Is our food really as safe as the government would like us to believe? Organic NZ, 63(4), pp. 9-11.
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