Why do pregnant women often crave sour foods?

Medical Video: Are You Really Eating for Two? Food and Nutrition During Pregnancy

Why do many women like to eat sour foods while pregnant? Fresh sour sour cravings are indeed an unavoidable phenomenon for most pregnant women. When, pregnant women also tend to choose to eat sour from fruits, such as young mangoes, for example, rather than fruit or dishes that have sweet taste. This is indeed commonplace for pregnant women, but still invites concern for the condition of the mother and fetus.

What causes women to crave sour food while pregnant?

There are actually physiological reasons why women like to eat sour foods while pregnant, here are three main reasons:

1. Acidic foods arouse decreased appetite due to nausea

At the stage the early stages of pregnancy, naturally the formation of the fetus can reduce stomach acid. During the first trimester, the body of a prospective mother also reduces the activity of digestive enzymes, so that pregnant women experience alias nausea morning sickness, to loss of appetite and other symptoms. So pregnant women need something to revive their appetite, one of them is by eating sour foods.

2. Helping baby's bone formation

When entering the age of 2 to 3 months of pregnancy, the fetal skeleton begins to form. By eating acidic foods that contain potassium and iron which is good for bone formation in infants. So it is not surprising that pregnant women instinctively and their appetite for food tends to lead to acidic food.

3. Increase endurance

Eating acidic foods during pregnancy is actually good for iron absorption and helps the formation of hemoglobin. Acidic foods that contain vitamin C are needed for maternal and fetal nutrition. Vitamin C can basically improve the immune system of pregnant women.

Is it good to eat sour food continuously?

Based on the three reasons above, acidic foods do contain a number of nutrients and benefits that are useful for pregnant women and fetuses. Like folic acid, vitamin C, phosphorus and potassium are good for fetal formation. Unfortunately, if excessive it can actually make the stomach feel uncomfortable. Especially for mothers who have ulcers, ulcers generally also appear during pregnancy.

Consumption of acidic foods containing excessive sodium can also cause health problems such as dehydration. So, check the sodium content in acidic foods and avoid too much pickles or salty foods during pregnancy. Choose sour foods that are fresh, or freshly cooked.

So in conclusion, eating sour foods during pregnancy is not harmful to the mother and fetus. But, please eat in sufficient portions, not excessive. Given that excessive nutrition endangers the health of the fetus during the womb even after birth. Also balance with other nutritious foods, such as vegetables, pregnant milk, or fruits that are good for the balance of fetal and maternal nutrition.

Why do pregnant women often crave sour foods?

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