When pregnant, the most crucial aspect is following a proper diet. Whatever you eat during this period will reflect on your fetus. Including healthy and nutritious foods in your diet will promote the growth and development of the fetus. For most women, the whole pregnancy can be a constant struggle between what they want to eat and what they should eat. Remember to avoid foods that may cause problems for you and your child throughout the pregnancy. Heat-inducing foods are one of them, and they may cause some problems during pregnancy when taken in excess.
As per Ayurveda, pregnant women should avoid heat-inducing foods in their diet as it can cause a complicated pregnancy. This article will reveal the harmful foods and their impact on pregnancy.
In This Article
- What is Meant by ‘Heat Inducing Foods’?
- Can Eating Heat-Inducing Foods in Pregnancy Cause Miscarriage?
- So What Should I Do? Should I Eat Hot Foods in Pregnancy?
- Which Foods Are Heat Inducing in Pregnancy?
- How Can I Reduce My Body Heat During Pregnancy?
- FAQ’s
What is Meant by ‘Heat-Inducing Foods’?
Since ancient times, it has been believed that each food item has its properties(1). Certain food items have the quality of either acting as a heating or cooling agent inside our bodies. For example, asparagus and coconut are believed to keep you cool. Whereas ginger, artichoke, and papaya can induce heat inside our body.
However, too many ‘hot’ foods can interfere with digestion and adversely affect our bodies. As per Ayurveda, the ancient medicinal system of heat-inducing foods has a dominance of Agni (fire) inside them. Heat-inducing foods increase blood pressure and improve blood circulation. Excess consumption can lead to excess body heat production. It is well-accepted that raising the body temperature during pregnancy could be dangerous for your fetus. In the first trimester, it can lead to birth defects.
Can Eating Heat-Inducing Foods in Pregnancy Cause Miscarriage?
There is no evidence that heat-inducing foods can cause this kind of serious complication in pregnancy. Spicy foods can generally cause heartburn but are considerably safe in pregnancy. Sometimes spicy foods cause diarrhea, indigestion, and loss of appetite but do not cause miscarriage. However, taking unpasteurized milk, raw meat, fish, and eggs is more concerning. Raw and spoiled food contains certain harmful bacteria that may enhance the severe complications of pregnancy.
Yet, most of us have heard of a few cases where consuming too many heat-inducing food items has caused premature labor in pregnant women. Many pregnant women around the globe have shared their different experiences regarding the same. Eating any heat-inducing food item in higher quantities and regularly can be harmful. They may not show any adverse effects on your body if consumed in moderate quantities.
Also, you would have been told to avoid papaya, mango, and pineapple during pregnancy (2). Still, these fruits are rich in vitamins and minerals, which are essential for the growth and development of the fetus. Always remember that balancing the food intake is essential to avoid any complications.
You can read about eating papaya during pregnancy here and eating pineapple during pregnancy here.
So What Should I Do? Should I Eat Hot Foods in Pregnancy?
There is certainly no harm in making the right choice about what you can eat during pregnancy, especially as it will have a direct impact on you and your unborn baby. So it’s always advisable to eat these food items in moderate quantities. The whole essence should be to get a wholesome, healthy meal every time you sit at the table. You don’t necessarily have to avoid every nutritionally harmful food item; just remember to eat them wisely (3).
Try to avoid eating anything raw and heat-inducing as well. However, avoiding them strictly during those nine months is your own choice. But if you have a history of miscarriage, it’s best to avoid them during the first trimester of pregnancy. Hot foods can overstimulate your digestive system. It can sometimes increase your body’s bowel movements, further upsetting your delicate system. This cycle can have an indirect, harmful effect on your pregnancy.
Which Foods Are Heat Inducing in Pregnancy?
Heat-inducing foods, when consumed in excess, can cause overheating of the body. Pregnant women are advised to avoid heaty foods from their diet as excess heat in the body can lead to various complications, which include morning sickness, excessive bleeding, miscarriage, and premature labor (4). As per Ayurveda, pregnancy is a hot state of the body. Therefore, avoid hot foods during pregnancy.
Some heat-inducing foods are:
- Red meat (include beef, mutton, and deer)
- Fried foods
- Spicy curry
- Ginger
- Jackfruits
- Pumpkin
- Squash
- Onion
- Garlic
- Red chillies
- Nuts
- Eggs
- Shrimp
- Walnuts
- Mango
- Papaya
- Pineapple
- Lychee
- Coffee
- Alcohol
How Can I Reduce My Body Heat During Pregnancy?
Rising body heat is common for women during pregnancy. However, little evidence has been found of an increase in the core body temperature of women during pregnancy. However, pregnant women from topical countries can face difficulties in the summer. Hot weather and the consumption of heat-inducing foods can lead to fatigue, dehydration, vomiting, and various complications in pregnancy.
However, do not panic, you can follow some tips to keep your body cool when you are pregnant:
- Firstly, drink plenty of water and fluids. Try to avoid the consumption of caffeinated and sweetened beverages.
- Secondly, wear comfortable, lightweight fabrics and loose-fitting clothes
- Avoid performing strenuous exercise if it is too humid.
- Do not step out during the hottest hours of the day
- Perform mild exercise within the home
- Eat healthy, nutritious, and easily digestible foods
- Keep the room temperature comfortable, and maintain proper air circulation.
- If you feel too hot, then take a bath and cool off.
- Take sufficient physical and mental rest, as pregnancy is the beginning of a long journey.
Sadly, miscarriages and premature births are pretty common in pregnancy. Almost 10% to 15% of pregnancies end in miscarriage without an unknown reason. Unfortunately, there are plenty of unscientific theories about miscarriage—especially theories related to your diet. Therefore, there is no need to worry about the heat-inducing foods in your diet, just remember the quantity and quality of the foods you are taking throughout the pregnancy.
FAQ’s
1. Can I Have a Miscarriage if I Eat Heat Foods?
Heat-inducing foods can cause miscarriage, but the evidence is less to support the thoughts. You can reduce such food intake to moderate amounts for the safe side.
2. Will Eating Papaya During Pregnancy Lead to an Abortion?
No. Any food when taken in a moderate amount cannot lead to any harmful effects. But overeating can be problematic.
3. Can I Eat Pineapples During Pregnancy?
Yes, but in moderate amounts, overeating is not advisable.
4. If I Eat Heat-Inducing Food by Mistake, Will it Harm my Fetus?
No, it most likely won’t. A one-off incident won’t harm the baby. Excess consumption will only have side effects.
5. What Causes More Heat During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy is related to complex physiological changes that cause vast hormonal changes during the first trimester. It can raise heat production during pregnancy. On the other hand, you can feel hot as blood volume increases during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your heart rate is increased by 20% which is another cause of feeling hot.
Read Also: Miscarriages : 15 Common Reasons
References
- Relationship between food composition and its cold/hot properties: A statistical study – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666154320300247]
- Food taboos and suggestions among Madurese pregnant women: a qualitative study – [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352618118301446]
- Food taboos in pregnancy and early lactation among women living in a rural area of West Bengal – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6396620/]
- Physiological mechanisms of the impact of heat during pregnancy and the clinical implications: review of the evidence from an expert group meeting – [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9300488/]
