So, here, we’ll be diving into why it’s so important to care for your body post-pregnancy, the five pillars of postpartum nutrition, why you should focus on anti-inflammatory foods and other important nutrients, and finally, a full checklist of foods you can try. An alarmingly growing body of new research has linked depression to inflammation1. We also now better understand the role of the gut-brain connection (via the vagus nerve) in regulating mood, and a 2013 study published in the Asian Journal of Psychiatry found a strong correlation between inflammation, serotonin levels, and postpartum depression. Further, the research on the link between nutrient depletion during pregnancy and lactation and postpartum depression has shown that nutrient depletion can affect the production of key mood-regulating neurotransmitters2, like serotonin, and that lower levels of folate, vitamin D, iron, selenium, zinc, fats, and fatty acids have all been associated with a higher risk of PPD. Clearly, proper postpartum nutrition is vital for both physical and mental health. Consider adding these anti-inflammatory foods to your diet: Keep in mind that you don’t need to eat all of these foods every week to get enough nutrients. Variety and awareness are key! If you want to go deeper, work with a functional medicine doctor six weeks postpartum to check in-depth labs and look for micronutrient deficiencies.
