Pregnancy tends to come with a host of uncomfortable and annoying side effects, however many of them are related to dehydration and can be easily alleviated by drinking enough filtered water.
Ionized alkaline water is particularly effective because it is supercharged with antioxidants and bioavailable alkaline minerals. It is also believed to be up to six times more hydrating than tap or bottled water, and has an alkaline pH which is beneficial to overall health.
Here are 9 common pregnancy side effects that can be remedied with ionized alkaline water:
1. Constipation
Up to 50% of women suffer from constipation at some point during their pregnancy. Reasons include increased progesterone, added pressure of the uterus on the rectum in late pregnancy, and increased iron supplementation. Drinking plenty of water can easily help alleviate constipation by lubricating the intestines and flushing waste out more effectively.
2. Swollen hands and feet
Ironically, water retention is a sign of dehydration. Your body holds onto excess water out of desperation and fear of not having enough water based on your water intake habits. This is common in the last trimester of pregnancy, when you should be drinking more water to compensate for the extra weight gain. By drinking a minimum of half your body weight in ounces daily, you allow your body to relax and let go of the excess water, only keeping what it really needs.
3. Lower back pain
Increased weight and pressure of the uterus commonly result in lower back pain in pregnant women, particularly in the second and third trimesters. Lower back pain is often a symptom of dehydration, because when the discs that cushion the gaps in between vertebrae are not well lubricated they create friction and inflammation which causes pain. Drinking water can help lubricate the discs in the spinal cord and alleviate the pain. Soaking a rag in strong ionized alkaline water and applying topically to the pain site is also very effective at temporarily relieving pain.
4. Heartburn/indigestion
Heartburn and indigestion are other side effects of increased progesterone and a growing uterus during pregnancy. Aiming to drink your water between meals instead of during meals can help prevent heartburn and indigestion, and drinking a cool glass of water while experiencing this pain can help alleviate it.
5. Morning sickness
The true cause of morning sickness is a lack of alkaline minerals because our bodies require increased levels of alkaline minerals during pregnancy to help develop the fetus. When we don’t have an ample supply of alkaline minerals we force our bodies to steal from our bones, muscles and teeth whenever we eat and drink acidic foods like hamburgers and soda. A sudden shift in our pH balance during pregnancy can result in morning sickness, so the key is to drink plenty of ionized alkaline water and eat an abundance of alkaline foods.
According to author Sang Whang, “Before a woman becomes pregnant, she should drink ample amount of alkaline water to avoid morning sickness and have a healthy baby. Without enough alkaline minerals, the woman ages considerably during pregnancy and may experience all kinds of post-delivery problems.”
6. Dry itchy skin
A growing pregnant belly stretches the skin and often results in dry, itchy skin. Staying properly hydrated can help skin stay smooth and supple and prevent itching.
7. Poor sleep
Poor sleep is common throughout pregnancy due to increased hormones, frequent urination, anxiety, discomfort, and other annoying side effects. Ionized alkaline water from an electric water ionizer has been found to promote better sleep overall. Pregnant women should attempt to fulfill their daily water quota by early evening to help prevent additional late night treks to the bathroom.
8. Low energy/fatigue
Low energy and fatigue are common in early and late pregnancy due to increased hormones and added weight, often compounded by a lack of quality sleep. Ionized alkaline water has been found to increase energy, because being properly hydrated helps the body function better on all levels. Pregnant women should attempt to meet their daily water quota by early evening to prevent additional late night trips to the restroom.
9. Brain Fog
Remember the quality of the water you drink is just as important as the quantity. Most bottled waters are acidic and actually rob the body of alkaline minerals, while unfiltered tap water carries many chemicals and contaminants. Invest in a Chanson water ionizer today and enjoy fresh filtered ionized alkaline water for pennies on the gallon!