Is it possible for pregnant women to eat fresh cucumbers. Pickles while breastfeeding. Functions of salt in the body

To an ordinary person It is recommended to eat no more than 6 grams of salt per day. However, with the onset of pregnancy, the body's need for sodium ( chemical base"white death") increases, a woman is drawn to salty and even oversalted food.

Even experts are very ambiguous about this phenomenon. Someone calls it normal process, someone thinks that you can’t follow the body’s lead and consume too much of this product. In order to decide how much salty food can be eaten in this position without harm to health, it is better to first determine why pregnant women are drawn to salty food, especially in the first trimester.

So, why are you craving salt during pregnancy? There are no differences among physicians here:

• in the first trimester, the hormone progesterone begins to be intensively produced, one of the properties of which is to relax blood vessels, which causes dizziness, drowsiness, shortness of breath;
• expanding, the vessels do not put pressure on the blood flowing through them - its flow slows down, which leads to a decrease in pressure;
• sodium (salt) human body increases (i.e. in this case normalizes) pressure;
• consuming salt more than usual, a woman begins to drink more fluids, which increases the amount of blood circulating in the body;
• as a result, the pressure is restored, the condition returns to normal (read more about pressure in expectant mothers).

This is all typical for the first trimester, so it is on this stage women most often want salty: then this passion passes, and everything falls into place. The formed placenta itself takes on the functions of hormones, thereby normalizing pressure. If he continues to crave salty food in II or III trimesters, this is a pathology that requires a doctor's consultation. This could mean inflammatory process in the body, decreased immunity or lack of protein foods.

About daily allowance salt intake by pregnant women consensus no. The most common advice is:

• I trimester: up to 12 gr;
• II trimester: up to 9 gr;
• III trimester: up to 3 gr.

These guidelines must be followed in order to avoid water-salt balance in the body, which in one way or another affects the condition of both the mother and the child. But how to calculate these grams? What products and how much can you afford?

Salty foods during pregnancy

Various foods that contain a lot of salt can affect the condition and health of the baby in different ways, so women need to be extremely careful in consuming salty goodies at any stage of bearing a child.

• cucumbers

Crispy pickled cucumbers during pregnancy are allowed only in small quantities: no more than 2 medium-sized vegetables per day in the first trimester, no more than one in the second. Restrictions are associated with vinegar, which destroys tooth enamel, precious in this position, and increases appetite, which leads to a set excess weight.

• Tomatoes

Much more harm bring to the body of a pregnant woman salted tomatoes: they provoke the appearance of edema and jumps blood pressure. You can eat 1 small tomato a week if you really want to, but lean on this product not worth it.

• A fish

Most best option for pregnant women who lack sodium, it is salted red fish, which contains a lot useful substances necessary for the full bearing of the baby. You can take any varieties, but keep in mind that the fish should be lightly salted and it is recommended to use it no more than 1 piece per day. Read more about the benefits of fish during pregnancy.

In the summer heat, when you are thirsty or you need to eat at work, best way out for future mother- Eat a fresh cucumber. They are almost entirely composed of water, but do not lead to edema. In addition, they are low in calories, which means there is no risk of gaining overweight, which can be dangerous for a pregnant woman and fetus.

How useful is this vegetable during pregnancy, can there be harm from eating them during this period? These questions are primarily of interest to all expectant mothers.

Cucumber is a widely grown vegetable throughout the world. A member of the "Pumpkin" family, its fruits are used fresh, salted, pickled. Not every cucumber is useful during pregnancy. Yes, and with its quantity also need to be careful. Why? You will find all the answers below in the article.

What are the benefits of cucumbers during pregnancy

Cucumbers have been cultivated for many thousands of years in India, where they can still be found growing wild today. Europeans learned the taste of this vegetable crop much later.

Despite the fact that it consists of almost only water, it contains a number of nutrients, necessary for normal flow pregnancy, helps to cope with some unpleasant symptoms in this period.

In not found:

Vitamins of group B, K, C, E;

salt minerals: calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus;

Cellulose;

Chlorophyll;

Carbohydrates;

vegetable protein;

Fatty acid.

The fruit is free of cholesterol and saturated fat.

Skin good source fiber, which serves as a prevention of constipation and hemorrhoids, which is typical for pregnant women.

They are a source of both soluble and insoluble fiber. The first helps to lower cholesterol and blood sugar. The second - normalizes the work of the intestinal tract.

They contain chemical compounds with strong antioxidant properties, including beta-carotene, vitamins C, A, lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds increase the immunity of future mothers, help fight infections, colds.

With cucumbers, a pregnant woman receives a large dose of vitamin K, which ensures the strength of teeth and bones.

B9 or folic acid necessary for a woman to prevent fetal malformations.

B vitamins improve mood, relieve anxiety, and limit some of the effects associated with stress.

Iron prevents anemia, ensures the delivery of oxygen to the fetus.

The benefits of cucumbers

Many doubt their usefulness. However, it is not. What does a pregnant woman get when eating cucumbers?

Fresh cucumbers:

• Low calorie product;
• Prevent dehydration;
• Natural mild diuretic;
• Improves appearance skin;
• Improves mood;
• Rich source of dietary fiber;
• Improve immunity;
• Reduce the risk of abnormalities in the development of the fetus;
• Normalize blood pressure;
• Helps to strengthen tooth enamel;
• Lower blood sugar levels.

If you suffer from morning sickness, eat a few slices of cucumber.

Harm cucumbers

TO unpleasant flaws excessive consumption of cucumbers include:

Gas formation and dyspepsia;

Excess water content in them will increase the frequency of urination, which can cause discomfort;

Sometimes cucumbers can cause allergic reactions leading to itching and swelling;

They contain toxic substances such as cucurbitacin and tetracyclic triterpenoids, which give them a bitter taste and are life-threatening if taken in excess.

Can you drink cucumber juice during pregnancy?

Freshly squeezed cucumber juice is not forbidden to drink at this time. In addition to quenching thirst, it is good for the gums, increases salivation, thus neutralizing the acid in the mouth.

You can add a little sugar, salt or honey to cucumber juice.

What is the best way to eat cucumbers

If you have no contraindications to use fresh cucumbers then you need to include them in your diet. After you wash them well, be sure to remove the skin. It is in it that most pesticides and other harmful substances are found.

Best Ways to Eat Cucumbers:

Add to salads: Combine cucumbers with tomatoes, onions or any other vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, vinegar and pepper. You can also make a delicious salad by combining cucumbers, olives, chopped dill, avocado, and watercress. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.

Cold soup: Mix the chopped cucumbers, onion, garlic clove, chopped dill, olive oil and some sour cream. Once the puree is ready, refrigerate for about one to two hours. This is a great soup to eat on hot summer days.

sandwiches: Slice cucumber into thin slices and place between two slices of bread. Add greens, grease bread with butter.

Tzatziki Sauce: Grate cucumber, season with yogurt, add chopped dill, garlic clove. Salt to taste. Cool in the refrigerator for 5-6 hours. The sauce can be eaten on its own or seasoned with vegetable salad.

From fresh cucumbers you can make juice, cocktails, smoothies.

Pickled cucumbers benefits and harms during pregnancy

Many women, especially in the first trimester, "lean" on pickled or pickled cucumbers. Can they be eaten and are they harmful?

Such cucumbers contain a lot of salt, and pickled ones also contain acetic acid, which is harmful to tooth enamel.

They increase appetite and can lead to rapid weight gain.

In addition, they are harmful to the kidneys and Bladder, can cause urinary retention, which is fraught with swelling and increased blood pressure.

Therefore, eating such cucumbers is not very useful. Of course, 1-2 pieces per day will not bring great harm. But in large quantities they are harmful.

Can cucumbers cause miscarriage?

No, they do not have the properties of relaxing the walls of the uterus and cannot cause premature birth and miscarriage.

Do cucumbers talk about the gender of the unborn child?

By folk beliefs if a woman eats a lot of pickled or pickled cucumbers during pregnancy, she will have a boy. None scientific evidence this is not. This is just one of folk signs when a woman tried to guess who she will be born. It didn't always match.

Is it possible to eat cucumber with seeds

Cucumbers are best eaten young, in which large seeds have not yet formed. They contain a compound called cucurbitacin, which has toxic properties. It can cause digestive upset.

If the cucumbers are overripe, remove the seeds from them before eating them.

Summing up, we can say that fresh cucumbers are useful during pregnancy. True, in small quantities and if there are no special contraindications, that is, they can be. What can not be said about salted and pickled. They need to be limited, especially if you suffer from edema and high blood pressure.

Cucumbers appeared in our culture more than 6 thousand years ago. The birthplace of such a seemingly native vegetable is actually India and China. And, nevertheless, the cultivation of cucumbers occupies one of the leading places in our country, which means that its availability and significance are great. How useful are cucumbers during pregnancy?

Benefit

There are undoubtedly benefits from fresh cucumbers, moreover, it rarely causes allergic reactions, which allows you to eat it without fear.

• Cucumber is 95% water, very low in protein, fat and carbohydrates.. There are only 15 kilocalories per 100 grams, so it can be safely attributed to low-calorie foods that need to be included in the diet of pregnant women with pathological increase in weight.
• High percentage of water in a cucumber hot weather well satisfies an attack of thirst.
• Cucumbers contain enzymes aiding in the digestion of protein foods. Good to match meat dishes with fresh cucumber salad.
• Cucumber peel is a source of indigestible dietary fiber, forming stool and facilitate bowel movements. And solving problems with is one of the main tasks during pregnancy.
• Fresh fleshy cucumber has a lot of potassium- the most important intracellular electrolyte that maintains the water-salt balance and balance in the pregnant female body.
• Has a diuretic effect which is good in dealing with pregnancy.

Harm

Pregnant women who have a particular passion for cucumbers may have to face some unpleasant consequences:

• Stomach upset, increased gas formation, belching, diarrhea. The likelihood of such consequences arises not only from the huge amount of cucumbers eaten, but also if you drink a glass of water or milk after eating a cucumber.
• Cucumbers Treated with Pesticides and Nitrates Can Cause an Allergic Reaction. This applies more to greenhouse cucumbers grown in winter period. We recommend checking the purchased products.

Possible contraindications

There are certain contraindications to the use of cucumbers.

Women in position are often worried about the question: why pregnant women are drawn to salt and is it harmful to developing fetus? Experts take a different position in this phenomenon. Some consider it necessary process, others state negative influence on the body.

Often women in position want pickles. But it is important to pay attention to fresh vegetables, which are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Cucumber contains B vitamins, which are involved in all cellular processes of the body:

• Thiamine, supports the work of the heart and nervous system;
• Riboflavin is involved in metabolism, improves eyesight, nails and hair;
• Niacin lowers cholesterol levels, improves blood circulation, normalizes general state organism;
• Pyridoxine stimulates metabolism;
• Folic acid is necessary for the formation of the fetus, is involved in the normal production of blood cells.

Vitamins are especially important during pregnancy and lactation. Retinol is involved in the antioxidant defense of the body. Vitamin C strengthens the immune system.

Cucumber contains a large amount of potassium, which plays an important role in the body:

• Regulates acid-base balance in the blood;
• Activates carbohydrate metabolism;
• Helps synthesize protein;
• Improves intestinal peristalsis;
• Increases blood pressure;
• Normalizes the work of the heart and blood vessels.

The main element is iodine, which is easily absorbed by the body and improves functioning. thyroid gland. Additional minerals are phosphorus, magnesium, calcium.

Frequently Asked Question: Why Pregnant Women Crave Salty

Pregnant women really crave salty foods. Hormonal changes and a large amount of progesterone in the 1st trimester relaxes the blood vessels, lowering the pressure. Appear characteristic symptoms, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness. Eating more salt automatically increases the desire to drink fresh water.

By increasing fluid absorption, the body fills the bloodstream, increasing blood circulation and increasing pressure, and as a result, the well-being of the expectant mother improves.

Salt is a source of sodium, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the heart, brain, and kidneys. During pregnancy, part of the salt reserves are taken by the child. A woman tries to compensate for the lack of sodium in a natural way.

In addition, sodium affects the amount amniotic fluid and blood circulation in the placenta. Therefore, the body's need for salt increases. normal body it is necessary to use about 5 gr. salt per day.

The optimal numbers for various terms pregnancies are:

1. In early pregnancy, consumption should not exceed 12 grams. It is at this stage that there is a large production of progesterone and the need for salt.
2. 2 trimester up to 9 grams.
3. 3rd trimester no more than 4 gr.

After the formation of the placenta, the growth of hormones stabilizes and gradually declines. If you are still drawn to the salty later dates pregnancy, this is a deviation. This problem must be reported to the doctor.

Every pregnant woman needs to know the benefits of pickles

Salting and fermenting fresh vegetables preserves everything beneficial features products. Pickled vegetables acquire additional prebiotics and beneficial bacteria. Pickled cucumbers are no less useful than fresh vegetables. They contain a large amount of trace elements and iodine. Pickles are high in sodium and lactic acid bacteria.

Lactic acid also has a beneficial effect on the body of a pregnant woman. It facilitates defecation, improves bowel function, removes excess cholesterol.

The benefits of pickled cucumbers:

• Content a large number liquids;
• Entry into the body essential minerals and vitamins;
• Causes a slight laxative effect;
• Saturates the body with sodium.

Pickled cucumbers are treated with boiling water and acetic acid is added, while some of the vitamins and minerals are lost. Experts believe that they are harmful to the body of the expectant mother. It is recommended to consume no more than 2 medium cucumbers per day.

The advantage of pickled pickles is their sour property, long term storage, palatability, sodium, iodine and large amounts of water.

Uncontrolled consumption of marinades can harm the body. Acetic acid destroys tooth enamel. The sour taste increases appetite. This factor is not desirable during pregnancy, when the body is less active, especially for obese women.

Lightly salted cucumbers are a great alternative for expectant mothers. Sufficient quantity vitamins, minerals, fresh taste and the presence of sodium perfect combination for the body of a pregnant woman.

We fortify pregnancy or how fresh cucumbers are useful

During pregnancy, you can eat fresh cucumbers throughout the entire period. At severe toxicosis they have a positive effect on the state of the dehydrated body. Cucumber is good for both fetus and mother.

Useful properties of cucumbers:

• Potassium maintains the water-salt balance;
• Fiber in the skin improves the process of defecation, copes with constipation, which often torment pregnant women;
• Positive effect on the heart and blood vessels;
• Promote the removal of cholesterol from the body;
• Prevent the formation of sclerotic plaques in the vessels;
• Have a slight diuretic effect;
• Reduce blood pressure;
• Quench thirst;
• Improve skin conditions.

Cucumbers are low in calories, so their use is recommended for a diet with strong weight gain. Ripe cucumbers do not lose their qualities.

In addition, the vegetable is rich in folic acid, which is very necessary during pregnancy.

Possible consequences:

• Diarrhea;
• Belching;
• Increased gas formation in the intestines.

With these symptoms, the stomach may hurt, which will affect the condition of the mother and will negative impact to the fruit.

What to use salinity during pregnancy should be discussed with your doctor. Some products may affect hormonal system women, increase cholesterol, provoke the development of urolithiasis.

Expert answer: why pregnant women are drawn to salt (video)

Increased salt intake is not considered a pathology for early dates pregnancy, and yet common sense and respect for the body should be a priority for every pregnant woman.

Cucumber is the fourth most cultivated vegetable in the world. Very rarely it causes allergic reactions, it is rich in vitamins and microelements, so its nutritional advantages are higher than the disadvantages. However, how are pregnancy and cucumbers combined? And what do you need to know about pickles, cravings for which are considered a sign of pregnancy? Let's figure it out.

Useful properties of cucumbers during pregnancy

Cucumbers are a low-calorie vegetable, 100 grams of which contain from 14 to a maximum of 20 kilocalories (depending on the variety). Therefore, they can be included in the daily menu without worrying about weight gain. Cucumbers are characterized by a high water content (about 95%), which saves pregnant women from dehydration.

Cucumber peel is a wonderful source of fiber that relieves constipation and (very common in pregnant women).

These vegetables contain a lot of potassium, an important intracellular electrolyte that is responsible for the balance of the female body.

What else is rich in the composition of cucumbers? Cucumbers contain many substances with strong antioxidant properties. Among them are beta-carotene, vitamins C, A, lutein and zeaxanthin. These elements increase the immunity of expectant mothers and help fight infections and colds.

With cucumbers, a large dose of vitamin K enters the body of a pregnant woman, which ensures the strength of her teeth and bones. Cucumbers also contain B vitamins: B9 (folic acid, so necessary for a woman to prevent fetal malformations), vitamins B1, B2, B3. As for trace elements, the vegetable contains zinc, potassium, magnesium, and iron. The last microelement is the basis of healthy hematopoiesis in a woman's body, which means the supply of oxygen to the fetus and the prevention of anemia. Other trace elements provide growth and normal development future child.

By the way, cucumber is a wonderful healer for burns. If you have such an injury, then you can avoid the appearance of a blister by applying a fresh cucumber to the wound.

Harm of fresh cucumbers during pregnancy

Love for cucumbers during childbearing may have some Negative consequences. So, the most common are the accumulation of intestinal gases, disorder gastrointestinal tract, belching in pregnant women. Very rarely, but itching can also occur as a manifestation of an allergy to cucumbers that were grown with the introduction of a large amount of chemical fertilizers. It's about about greenhouse cucumbers that are on sale in winter. There is no allergy to homemade cucumbers grown in the garden, in the open field. And if you notice such signs after eating cucumbers on the skin, then you need to “say goodbye” to the next crunchy vegetable.

In addition, cucumbers have a pronounced diuretic effect. This means more frequent urination, which is uncomfortable for working pregnant women.

Beware of buying greenhouse cucumbers, as well as vegetables from spontaneous markets. Grown vegetables without the use of chemical fertilizers will be the key to health for the mother and her unborn child.

By the way, it is better to eat cucumbers during the day, as at this time they are better absorbed, and in the evening their diuretic effect can lead to sleep problems.

Can pregnant women eat pickles?

But what about women who love pickles so much during pregnancy? You need to know that eating pickled and pickled cucumbers can damage tooth enamel. After all, they contain a lot of acetic acid.

Salted cucumbers increase appetite, and this is fraught with weight gain. In addition, with hypertension, kidney disease and of cardio-vascular system use during pregnancy pickles undesirable.

However, 1-2 cucumbers will not be able to harm the body. As for edema, it is not cucumbers that give them. This is the result bad work kidneys. And if they are not in order during pregnancy, then it is better not to “tease” them with pickled cucumbers. After all, this is a double burden on the kidneys, which will be forced to process salt from cucumbers.

For the first time, greenhouses for growing cucumbers were created for the emperor Tiberius, since he was a passionate admirer of these vegetables.

60% of the world's cucumber crop is grown in China.

In the cities of Nizhyn, Shklov and Lukhovitsy there are monuments to cucumbers.

Especially for Elena TOLOCHIK