This week we’re proud to announce that Kalila co-founder Claire has an article in the Association for Post natal Illness (APNI) newsletter, supporting mums with postnatal depression, explaining how diet and healthy eating can support some of the many symptoms linked to post-partum illness. Post Natal Depression (PND) affects as many as 10% of new mums and is the most prevalent mood disorder associated with childbirth. Yet research in this area is still very limited, and little advice is given about the role our diets play in mental health.
At Kalila we’re big advocates of both nutrition and fitness in supporting mums achieve both physical and mental wellness. World awareness days are great at shining more light on subjects that have traditionally been difficult to talk about and when it comes to mums we want more to be done to support them during and post pregnancy. Thankfully where there was once stigma there is now increasing conversation and awareness. No mum should have to struggle alone with post natal depression and little things that family and friends can do to support mums to eat well and exercise post-natally can all contribute to recovery after birth.
We’ve included a snippet of what’s in the APNI newsletter here below and full the full article click on the link provided.
How ‘eating well’ may support PND
If ‘we are what we eat’ then it makes perfect sense that a good diet has a role to play in how well we feel. People are often surprised by the close connection between the gut and brain which share a sophisticated communications network. One of the key messengers between the two is serotonin, our ‘happiness hormone’, which is mostly produced in the gut. So what we eat has a direct relationship with our mood. It is therefore good to include as wide a variety of foods as possible in your everyday diet such as colourful fruits and vegetables, good quality meat, oily fish and seafood protein, beans and pulses, and nuts and seeds. This helps to ensure a good mix of nutrients. It’s an easy trap to fall into eating the same thing over and over, especially postpartum when new mums may be sleep deprived. Asking friends and family to get involved in helping with shopping and meal preparations is often a great support at this time. When we are tired and ‘low’ there is also a tendency to reach for quick snacks and comfort foods which typically are higher in sugars, salts and unhealthy fats, all of which can exacerbate a low mood. Research has shown that poor diet may be linked to a greater risk of postnatal depression, and can increase feelings of stress and anxiety (9). Aim for healthy switches from biscuits and crisps to, apples, vegetable sticks, hummus, olives (to name just a few examples) which will provide more goodness to help support your mood and the body’s all important communication systems.
You can read the full article here.
THE APNI is a UK based charity working to support mums with post natal illness. If you are outside of the UK – you can contact Postpartum Support International (PSI) on the following website: www.postpartum.net
