Morning Sickness, commonly known as nausea during pregnancy, is referred to as "Ezhu" in traditional Chinese medicine. It usually occurs around the 5th or 6th week of pregnancy, but can also happen earlier. How can we alleviate morning sickness? Try using ginger!
Causes of Morning Sickness
1. Rapid hormonal changes
During pregnancy, there are rapid changes in a woman's hormones.
Since the body cannot adapt to these changes, morning sickness occurs.
2. Immune response in pregnant mothers
It is said that pregnant mothers produce an immune response that treats the baby as a "foreign object" and wants to reject the fetus.
"Morning sickness" is the result of this immune response.
3. Protection of the fetus
During pregnancy, it is important to prevent the mother from overeating or being too active.
Morning sickness is a protective response to ensure the well-being of the baby.
Try Ginger for Morning Sickness Relief
We all know that table tennis player Ai Fukuhara mentioned in an interview during her pregnancy that she was particularly suffering from morning sickness, to the extent that she had to brush her teeth seven times a day.
Ginger is well-known for its antiemetic properties and is referred to as the "holy medicine for vomiting" by Li Shizhen, a famous Chinese physician.
Ginger can inhibit gastrointestinal movement and relax the muscles of the stomach and intestines, making it effective in relieving nausea and vomiting in pregnant women.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, ginger, along with codonopsis, white atractylodes, hoelen, dried tangerine peel, pinellia, licorice, moschus, ginger, and jujube, can be used to make a formula called Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, which can tonify qi and invigorate the middle, transform phlegm, and descend rebellious qi.
Other Foods for Morning Sickness Relief
1. Grapefruit
Grapefruit contains a high amount of folic acid, and it belongs to the citrus family.
The refreshing taste of grapefruit makes it a favorite choice for many pregnant women with morning sickness. Making grapefruit juice or salad is a good option.
2. Lemon
Sour foods can stimulate stomach acid secretion and increase appetite. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and have a digestion-promoting effect.
Pregnant mothers can make their own apple lemon juice, which can relieve morning sickness and provide additional vitamins and minerals.
Pregnant mothers can also smell a lemon upon waking up in the morning, which can help relieve morning sickness.
However, lemons are acidic, so those with excessive stomach acid or stomach ulcers should consume them in moderation.
3. Apple
When morning sickness is severe, the diet should be nutritious, light and easy to digest.
Start with simple foods and gradually diversify the diet, taking into account the preferences and habits of expectant mothers.
