Kefir at night during pregnancy: we understand the benefits and risks for expectant mothers
Pregnancy is a special period in a woman’s life, when it is necessary to carefully monitor their health and nutrition. There are many questions about what is possible and what cannot be eaten. Kefir, a traditional sour -milk drink, often becomes the object of close attention of future mothers. Is it possible to drink kefir at night during pregnancy? How does it affect the body of the mother and child? In this article, we will analyze in detail the benefits and potential risks of using kefir before going to bed during pregnancy, based on scientific research, recommendations of doctors and women’s reviews.
Kefir composition and its beneficial properties
Kefir is a sour -milk drink obtained by beating milk with kefir fungi (symbiotic leaven containing lactic streptococci and sticks, vinegar bacteria and yeast). Thanks to this unique composition, kefir has a number of useful properties, especially important for the body of a pregnant woman:
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Probiotics: Kefir contains a large number of probiotics – living microorganisms that have a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora. Probiotics help restore the balance of intestinal microflora, improve digestion, strengthen immunity and fight harmful bacteria. During pregnancy, when the woman’s immune system is weakened, and hormonal changes can lead to constipation and other digestive problems, the probiotic properties of kefir become especially valuable.
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Calcium: Kefir is an excellent source of calcium necessary for the formation of bones and teeth in a child. During pregnancy, the need for calcium increases, since the mother’s body gives part of the calcium to the fetus. The lack of calcium can lead to health problems both in the mother (osteoporosis, convulsions) and in the child (violation of the development of the bone system).
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Protein: Kefir contains easily digestible protein, which is necessary for the construction of cells and tissues of the body, both mother and child. The protein plays an important role in the formation of the placenta, the development of the brain and other fetal organs.
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Vitamins and minerals: Kefir contains vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B6, B12), vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K, as well as minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. These vitamins and minerals are necessary for the normal functioning of the body, maintaining health and energy.
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Easy digestibility: Thanks to the fermentation process, kefir is easier to absorb by the body than milk. Milk sugar (lactose) breaks down into simpler sugar, which makes kefir more acceptable for people with lactose intolerance (to a mild degree).
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Improvement: Kefir contains a tripophane – an amino acid that contributes to the production of melatonin, sleep hormone. The use of kefir at night can help improve sleep quality and cope with insomnia, which often bothers pregnant women.
The benefits of kefir at night during pregnancy
The use of kefir at night during pregnancy can bring a number of advantages:
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Improving digestion and prevention of constipation: As already mentioned, kefir contains probiotics that normalize the intestinal microflora and improve digestion. Constipation is a common problem during pregnancy caused by hormonal changes and the pressure of the growing uterus to the intestines. Kefir helps to soften the chair and facilitate the defecation process.
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Strengthening immunity: The probiotics contained in kefir strengthen the immune system, which is especially important during pregnancy, when the woman’s body is more susceptible to infections. Strong immunity helps to protect the mother and child from various diseases.
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Improving calcium assimilation: Kefir not only contains a large amount of calcium, but also helps the body to absorb it. This is important for the formation of the bones and teeth of the child, as well as for maintaining the health of the mother’s bones.
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Blood sugar stabilization: Some studies show that kefir use can help stabilize blood sugar. This is especially important for pregnant women with gestational diabetes or the risk of its development.
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Improvement: The triptophane contained in kefir contributes to the production of melatonin, sleep hormone. The use of kefir at night can help improve sleep quality and cope with insomnia.
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Reducing the risk of allergies in a child: Some studies suggest that the use of probiotics during pregnancy can reduce the risk of allergies in a child in the future.
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Help in the fight against toxicosis: Sour -milk products, such as kefir, can help reduce nausea and vomiting, which often bother pregnant women in the first trimester.
Potential risks and contraindications
Despite many useful properties, the use of kefir at night during pregnancy can be contraindicated in some cases:
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Individual intolerance: Some people may have an allergy to milk protein or lactose intolerance. In this case, the use of kefir can cause discomfort, bloating, diarrhea or other allergic reactions.
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Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: With exacerbation of gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, pancreatitis or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, the use of kefir can be contraindicated.
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Renal failure: With renal failure, the use of a large amount of kefir can lead to reloading of the kidneys.
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Increased acidity of the stomach: Kefir is a fermented milk product, so its use can increase the acidity of the stomach and cause heartburn.
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Fresh kefir: Fresh kefir (one -day) can have a laxative effect. With a tendency to diarrhea, it is better to use 2-3 day exposure kefir.
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Alcohol in kefir: In the process of fermentation, a small amount of alcohol is formed in kefir (usually not more than 0.5%). Although this amount is insignificant, some pregnant women can be uncomfortable to drink products containing alcohol, even in minimal doses.
How to use kefir at night during pregnancy
To get the maximum benefit from the use of kefir at night during pregnancy and avoid possible risks, the following recommendations should be observed:
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Choose high -quality kefir: Pay attention to the composition of kefir, shelf life and storage conditions. Give preference to kefir with a short expiration date, as it contains more living bacteria.
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Start with small portions: If you have not used kefir regularly, start with small portions (100-150 ml) and gradually increase the amount.
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Use kefir 1-2 hours before bedtime: This will avoid discomfort in the stomach and improve sleep.
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Do not add sugar or sweeteners: It is better to use kefir in pure form or with the addition of a small amount of fruits or berries.
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Observe moderation: It is not recommended to use more than 200-300 ml of kefir per day.
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Consult a doctor: Before using kefir at night during pregnancy, be sure to consult a doctor, especially if you have any diseases or allergies.
Alternatives to kefir
If kefir does not suit you for any reason, there are other sour-milk products that can be useful during pregnancy:
- Yogurt: Yogurt also contains probiotics and calcium. Choose natural yogurt without adding sugar and flavorings.
- Ryazhenka: Ryazhenka is a fermented milk product obtained by adjusting ghee. It has a soft taste and contains a lot of calcium.
- Yogurt: Yrucks is a fermented milk product obtained by beating milk with lactic acid bacteria. It is easily absorbed and useful for digestion.
- Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is a rich source of protein and calcium. It can be consumed in its pure form, with fruits or as part of various dishes.
The influence of the development of the fetus
The use of kefir as a source of probiotics, calcium and other important nutrients can have a positive effect on the development of the fetus:
- Formation of bones and teeth: Calcium contained in kefir is necessary for the formation of bones and teeth in a child.
- The development of the immune system: Probiotics contained in kefir can contribute to the development of the child’s immune system.
- Reducing the risk of allergies: Some studies show that the use of probiotics during pregnancy can reduce the risk of allergies in a child in the future.
- Normal development of the nervous system: B vitamins contained in kefir are necessary for the normal development of the nervous system of the child.
Reviews of pregnant women
Many pregnant women note the positive effect of kefir use at night on their well -being:
- “Kefir saves me from constipation during pregnancy. I drink every evening before going to bed and feel much better.”
- “After using kefir at night, I sleep stronger and wake up a rested one.”
- “Kefir helped me cope with nausea in the first trimester of pregnancy.”
- “I was worried about the lack of calcium during pregnancy, but the doctor advised to drink kefir. Now I am calm for the health of my bones and teeth of the child.”
However, some women note that the use of kefir causes them discomfort in the stomach or heartburn. Therefore, it is important to listen to your body and not use kefir if it causes negative sensations.
Conclusion
Kefir is a useful sour -milk drink that can be included in the diet of a pregnant woman. It contains probiotics, calcium, protein, vitamins and minerals necessary for the health of the mother and child. The use of kefir at night can help improve digestion, strengthen immunity, stabilize blood sugar, improve sleep and reduce the risk of allergies in a child. However, before using kefir at night during pregnancy, it is necessary to consult a doctor and make sure that there are no contraindications. It is important to choose high -quality kefir, start with small portions and observe moderation. When any negative sensations appear, you should stop using kefir and consult a doctor.