Energy drinks are consumed by people all over the world for a variety of reasons. But if you're expecting a child, should you consume energy drinks?
Energy drinks are beverages with stimulant ingredients, usually caffeine, advertised to provide mental and physical stimulation. They could also have sugar, other sweeteners, herbal extracts, taurine, and amino acids in addition to being carbonated.
The intake of energy drinks during pregnancy can contribute to anaemia associated with pregnancy, making a woman feel tired and unable to work at her best. The effects of excessive caffeine use on the fetus are also very dangerous. Hence, there is a need to avoid it as much as possible.
Pregnant women are not advised to take energy drinks while carrying a child. Every energy drink contains components which could be unhealthy for you and your unborn child. Below are some of the ingredients.
1. Refined sugar and artificial sweeteners
This is one reason not to consume energy drinks during pregnancy. Refined sugar is extremely harmful to the body and a significant cause of autoimmune diseases and cancer.
All energy drinks have significant levels of refined sugar, so it is recommended to stay away from them when expecting a baby.
2. Artificial minerals and vitamins
Energy drinks typically have high levels of artificial vitamins and minerals. They are put together with inferior materials and might potentially harm your body.
Even worse, many artificial vitamins and minerals contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), worsening the situation. Cancer and birth abnormalities are linked to them.
3. Caffeine
Consuming moderate amounts of coffee while pregnant won't harm your unborn child. On the other hand, if you consistently drink energy drinks during pregnancy, your body will become over-caffeinated. A pregnant woman should be careful to avoid energy drinks with caffeine.
4. pH level
Energy drinks have an acidic pH level of roughly 3. Human blood has a pH of roughly 7.3 under normal circumstances, and when it falls below 7.0, the blood starts to become acidic. You'll have extreme fatigue since the blood cells won't be able to carry enough oxygen.
5. Sodium
Women who are pregnant should not limit their salt intake. However, a high salt intake may result in retaining water in the body in the later trimester of pregnancy. Eliminating salt is then necessary for the mother's health.
On the other hand, energy drinks and pregnancy don't mix well because they frequently have a lot of sodium. The body will flush away excess sodium if you drink much water daily.
Through the explanation of ingredients above, it is safe to say that energy drinks are unhealthy for both mother and child. How can a pregnant woman get energized?
How to naturally boost your energy in pregnancy
1. Consume nutritious foods. For a pregnant woman's health, a balanced diet is crucial. Essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients should be present in the diet.
2. Get sufficient rest if you want to increase your vitality. Most people require 8 hours of sleep per night. However, pregnant women require more sleep overall, including daytime naps.
Try to find a comfortable position if you are having difficulty sleeping. Pay attention to your body when you need a break, and take one.
3. Drink more water during pregnancy: According to the WHO, pregnant women are advised to drink 4.8 litres of water daily. As other meals you eat during the day also include water, you won't need to drink about 5 litres of water every day.
Any other beverage can't compare to plain water. Keeping this in mind, avoid drinking energy drinks when pregnant. Consider a caffeine-free tea if you find it difficult to sip plain water.
4. Your well-being depends greatly on regular physical activity: You can naturally increase your energy by doing gentle exercises for about 30 minutes daily. You can check up on prenatal exercises online or speak with your doctor.
Your circulation will increase with exercise, allowing more oxygen to reach every cell in your body. Your energy levels will consequently increase. Your body will manufacture more endorphins when you engage in regular physical activity, which improves your mood.
You will experience less stress and be able to handle the pregnancy better if you feel good. You can do whichever exercise you want, including yoga, swimming, walking, etc. Keep in mind that you are pregnant, and refrain from overexerting yourself.
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