The Benefits of Antioxidants on Maternal Mental Health Problems.

Did you know?

Stress is one of the most common feelings during pregnancy. You're not alone.

Although pregnancy can be a very happy and exciting time, not every woman’s experience is the same. For some this is an incredibly stressful and anxious time.

According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, women have expressed their experiences of perinatal mental health, in that the problems, and engagement with healthcare professions and quality of NHS care they have received has been poor. 

Benefits of Antioxidants 

Antioxidants scavenge free radicals from the body cells and prevent or reduce damage caused by oxidative stress, overall protecting the brain from neuronal damage. The importance of proper nutrition prior to and throughout pregnancy has long been known for optimising the health and well-being of both the mother and baby. This is why eating a diet rich in antioxidants are so important during pregnancy.

Benefits of Antioxidants 

• Eliminates free radicals, reducing stress on the mind and body.
• May fight Neurological and mood disorders caused by hormonal changes. 
• Encourages better health and wellbeing for both mother and baby.
• Boost your body’s natural defences. 

Antioxidants are a regular discussion in the promotion of good health and prevention of diseases. These powerful substances mostly come from the free fruit and vegetables we eat. According to the National Library of Medicine, a number of micronutrients and vitamins are known to serve as antioxidants or be essential cofactors for antioxidant enzymes; these include selenium, copper, zinc, manganese, and vitamins C and E. 

It is important to understand how we can better take care of ourselves to reduce the levels of stress naturally added to Women's mind and body during this time. Having just the right amount of antioxidants in your diet may help prevent or ease the strain of maternal mental health problems, that if left unattended can continue to impact the health, wellbeing and potential future of mother and baby's relationship.

Our next blog will feature everything you need to know about the Top Ten Best Foods High in Antioxidants for Maternal Mental Health. Providing an insight into exactly what you should include in your diet.

Every mother wants to give their baby the best start in life, from preconception to prenatal and postnatal. But we are very aware that during the stages of pregnancy and post partum it is difficult to prioritise your diet and this is why our  Neu Mum product provides all of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs. Not only is it important when trying to conceive in which the female body is often deficient in folic acid. Also from conception through to the end stages of breast feeding in which Neu Mum's high levels of Omega 3 give your baby the essential levels of fatty acids they need for physical and mental growth. 

Knowing that your baby and your body is getting exactly the nutrients they need each day can be a huge stress reliever. If you want to learn more about which nutrients you may need when pregnant or as a new mum visit our page here.