Chicory in early pregnancy: benefit and harm, contraindications

Everyone knows that during pregnancy, coffee can be consumed only in limited quantities, or even prohibited. For some women, this will not be a problem, but there are also coffee-lovers who find it hard to give up drinking their favorite drink. In this case, chicory can be used as a substitute, because it looks like coffee to taste. Chicory during pregnancy should be drunk and regardless of the love of coffee, as it has many useful properties.

Is it possible to have chicory during pregnancy?

Pregnant women are required to pay special attention to their health, so before using any food or drinks, you must first determine whether they are allowed in their position. The answer to the question is, can chicory be during pregnancy - definitely, yes. This is even necessary, since the properties of this plant are extremely useful for the organism, especially in this period.

The use of chicory in pregnancy

During pregnancy, the body has to endure a double load. In particular, this applies to the hematopoietic and cardiovascular systems, because the need for blood increases. Chicory also makes it easier to load the heart, refreshes and cleanses the blood, but also increases the hemoglobin count. Together with this, this component supports the function of the spleen with the liver and stabilizes the level of glucose in the blood, which is why it is often recommended for diabetes mellitus.

It is also known that hormonal restructuring, occurring during pregnancy, often causes the appearance of a feeling of nervousness, anxiety and irritability. Using a cup with soluble chicory, you can stabilize the emotional state, since this plant has a calming effect on the NS, which differs from coffee, which on the contrary acts on the body excitingly.

In addition, this drink has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract - it activates the gastric function, helps to cope with nausea, relieves heartburn and constipation, and with it normalizes intestinal function.

Indications of the chicory in pregnancy

The main indication for the use of chicory in pregnancy is the ability of the plant to improve liver function, which makes it possible to excrete toxins more efficiently from the body. Studies have shown that chicory helps restore liver function.

The plant contains a large amount of inulin. This is a special kind of fiber - a nutrient component necessary for bifidobacteria, helping to maintain intestinal tone. Chicory will help to cope with flatulence and eliminate disturbances in the processes of digestion of food.

In addition, this plant reduces cholesterol, and also helps treat anemia.

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Pharmacodynamics

The composition of chicory includes such components: retinol, tocopherol, naphthoquinone and ascorbic acid, and in addition thiamine, riboflavin, pantothenate and pyridoxine, as well as folic acid, choline and nicotinamide. In addition, also the following minerals - calcium with potassium, sodium with magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, and with it zinc, selenium and manganese.

The roots of the plant contain glycoside intibin - it is actively used in the manufacture of a variety of drugs.

With regular use of the drink with chicory, the level of red blood cells increases, which improves blood composition.

In pregnancy, this component:

• stabilizes cardiac function and vascular tone;
• normalizes the hepatic function, so that toxins from the body are excreted much faster, that when bearing a child is very important;
• helps to normalize the work of the digestive tract, relieving from constipation, which are observed in many pregnant women, especially on the last terms of gestation. Together with this, he increases appetite, eliminates heartburn and has general toning properties;
• has also antibacterial activity;
• has a relaxing and soothing effect - it is very useful in the early stages of pregnancy, as it helps to support the function of the NS, which has a positive effect on the development of the fetus;
• normalizes metabolism, which is necessary for women with a tendency to fullness, especially during lactemia or pregnancy;
• prevents the risk of developing anemia, which is very common in pregnancy. Chicory raises the level of erythrocytes, which are engaged in the transportation of oxygen to all organs, and besides this to the fetus;
• has powerful bile and diuretic properties.

Together with this, chicory possesses anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, lowers the level of glucose and acts as a source of vitamin B for the body.

[3], [4], [5], [6]

Chicory in early pregnancy

Chicory is completely harmless for reception at an early stage of carrying out, as it does not contain any harmful components capable to worsen a condition of the pregnant woman or negatively to affect development of an embryo.

But, in any case, the body of every woman, as well as the course of the pregnancy are completely individual, therefore, before using chicory, it is recommended to consult a doctor, especially if this drink has never been used before.

Chicory with milk during pregnancy

Pregnant women are recommended to consume milk - to provide the amount of calcium necessary for the child to form a skeleton. But while some have problems with the processes of digestion and assimilation of this product - it is in such cases useful chicory.

It is necessary to warm up the milk and pour into it a few spoons of soluble chicory. This plant has the necessary properties, which make it easier to assimilate milk - it will not clot in the stomach.

Dosing and administration

When making a drink, you should use the root of chicory - it can be bought already chopped and ready for use. It is necessary to boil water, and pour boiling water into a cup, before adding chicory (in the amount of 1 teaspoon). Then add sugar to taste, and also milk (if desired). If ground chicory was used, it is recommended that the drink should be infused for some time.

Drink this drink 3-4 times a day.

The crushed root of the plant can be one of the components of toning beverages. Fillers in this case can be varied - lemon, apple juice or honey and so on.

Also, the roots of chicory can be used as an additive to salads or vinaigrettes. Chicory in a stewed form will be an excellent and original side dish for meat dishes.

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Contraindications

But, nevertheless, although the plant has many useful properties, it also has contraindications. It is forbidden to drink a drink from chicory with ulcers of the duodenum gut or stomach, with hemorrhoids, gastritis and varicose veins.

Use this beverage with caution, since frequent use in large quantities can lead to an acceleration of the process of excretion from the body of the liquid. This can be useful if the woman has swelling, but can also cause dehydration.

The use of chicory is also contraindicated in bronchitis or asthma, because this plant can provoke a cough. In addition to the natural discomfort from coughing, for a pregnant woman this can be fraught with contraction of the uterus and the walls of the peritoneum, which in turn increases the risk of miscarriage.

In addition, it should be borne in mind that due to the presence of vitamin C in the plant, it is possible to develop an allergic reaction in women who are sensitive to this element. An overdose of vitamins can be fraught with various negative consequences.

It is also known that this drink can enhance appetite, so if you are addicted to fullness, you should drink it at moderate dosages.

Overdose

Frequent use of chicory can provoke an overdose of ascorbic acid, which is fraught with complications such as angioedema.

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Storage conditions

Contain chicory in hermetically sealed jars, and collect only with a dry spoon, because even from the most insignificant contact with water, it begins to slide into hard lumps. Therefore, its storage location should also be dry. The temperature during storage should not exceed 25 degrees.

[9], [10], [11]

Shelf life

Chicory during pregnancy can be used only at a time when it is fit for use, after the expiry of the period it can not be drunk. In liquid form, the drink can be stored for 1 year. In the form of a soluble powder, it is suitable for 1-1.5 years. Some types of chicory can be used up to 2 years.

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