What a more loving time of your life, than when your baby is growing and developing inside your body. One organ that begins to form very early is your baby’s heart. It will start beating around week 3 to 4 of gestation, and needs plenty of calcium for its continued growth and function. This isn’t the only nutrient that is necessary, but it is rather important. It is also important for strong bones and teeth, however, we want to focus on the heart today.
Why is calcium important to baby’s heart health?
Calcium helps muscles in conjunction with magnesium. The heart is an organ, yes, but it is a muscular organ. If muscles are not supplied with the correct amount of calcium, there can be issues with its proper function. The conduction of nerve tissue, the transmission of information between nerve fibers, will not function properly without the best amount of calcium. Because of its properties that aid in proper nerve and muscle function, calcium is one of the most vital minerals for optimal functioning of your entire body. It is recommended that a mother who is pregnant takes in about 1000mg of calcium daily to support all the functions it is reliant upon. So, consuming calcium rich foods will not only help to support your heart, but your baby’s heart in utero as well. Some calcium rich foods include:
- Kale
- Oranges
- Sardines
- Sesame seeds/tahini
- Almonds
- Salmon
- Goat/Sheep yogurts and cheeses
- White beans
- Dried figs
- Turnip greens
- Arugula
- Broccoli
- Sunflower seeds
For more information, join Dr. Kyle on February 15th at 11am on Facebook Live where he will answering questions related to nutrition during pregnancy. He will also be showing everyone recipes to enjoy that are packed full of calcium. Can’t wait!? Click here for 2 free recipes now!
