Naturally Inclined Health

Many people are surprised to learn that certain nutrients continue to be studied for their potential relationship with preeclampsia risk.

For Example:
Calcium
Vitamin D
Folic acid

These have all been explored in the research, with studies suggesting possible associations between nutritional status and pregnancy outcomes.

What these findings remind us is that pregnancy health is nuanced. The goal is not to self-prescribe supplements or chase individual nutrients, but to understand your own needs with the support of a qualified healthcare professional.

Personalized care can help you make informed choices that fit your health history, risk factors, and stage of pregnancy.

References:
Hofmeyr, G. J., Lawrie, T. A., Atallah, Á. N. & Torloni, M. R. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev.2018, CD001059 (2018).

Kinshella, M. W. et al. Calcium for pre‐eclampsia prevention: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis to guide personalised antenatal care. BJOG: Int. J. Obstet. Gynaecol.129, 1833–1843 (2022).

O’Callaghan, K. M. & Kiely, M. Systematic Review of Vitamin D and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Nutrients10, 294 (2018).

Purswani, J. M. et al. The role of vitamin D in pre-eclampsia: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth17, 231 (2017).

AlSubai, A. et al. Vitamin D and preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE Open Med.11, 20503121231212093 (2023).

Rouhani, P., Mokhtari, E., Lotfi, K. & Saneei, P. The association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and preeclampsia: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies with GRADE assessment. Nutr. Rev.81, 1267–1289 (2023).

Hu, K.-L., Zhang, C.-X., Chen, P., Zhang, D. & Hunt, S. Vitamin D Levels in Early and Middle Pregnancy and Preeclampsia, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients14, 999 (2022).

One of our why's as a Naturopathic Doctors is helping people feel informed and supported during some of the biggest moments of their lives.

Pregnancy can bring so much joy, but it can also bring uncertainty, especially when conversations turn to complications like high blood pressure or preeclampsia.

The research reminds us that there are ways we may be able to support health through nutrition, movement, and individualized care.

But just as importantly, it reminds us that no one should carry blame when complications occur.

I believe that this conversations are best had with a health care professional to help guide you, answer your questions and fill in the full picture. I also believe that your health education should leave you feeling empowered, not afraid.

That's why these conversations matter to us.

Link is in the bio to read!

References:

Madhuvrata, P., Govinden, G., Bustani, R., Song, S. & Farrell, T. Prevention of gestational diabetes in pregnant women with risk factors for gestational diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. Obstet. Med.8, 68–85 (2015).

Hofmeyr, G. J., Lawrie, T. A., Atallah, Á. N. & Torloni, M. R. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy for preventing hypertensive disorders and related problems. Cochrane Database Syst. Rev.2018, CD001059 (2018).

Kinshella, M. W. et al. Calcium for pre‐eclampsia prevention: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis to guide personalised antenatal care. BJOG: Int. J. Obstet. Gynaecol.129, 1833–1843 (2022).

O’Callaghan, K. M. & Kiely, M. Systematic Review of Vitamin D and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy. Nutrients10, 294 (2018).

Purswani, J. M. et al. The role of vitamin D in pre-eclampsia: a systematic review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth17, 231 (2017).

AlSubai, A. et al. Vitamin D and preeclampsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE Open Med.11, 20503121231212093 (2023).
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Team work makes the dream work!

Thank you to our wonderful practitioner team for taking care of our patients so well.

You can book a visit with one of our practitioners using the link in our bio.
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If you've experienced gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, this message is for you:

These conditions are complex and involve many factors, including genetics, immune function, vascular biology, and more. They are not a reflection of your effort, your choices, or your worth.

Even when someone follows recommendations carefully, these diagnoses can still occur.
What matters most moving forward is knowledge, support, and continuity of care. Understanding your history helps inform future healthcare decisions and supports your long-term cardiovascular health.

You deserve compassionate care, clear information, and support every step of the way.

References:

Magee, L. A. et al. Guideline No. 426: Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Prediction, Prevention, and Management. J. Obstet. Gynaecol. Can. 44, 547-571.e1 (2022).
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Living with ongoing digestive symptoms can be exhausting.

And sometimes, it can bring shame.

Re-reading the menu again and again, thinking everyone is waiting for you.

Checking where the bathrooms are as soon as you enter a space.

Being unsure on how to say "No" to some foods while in a group setting.

But needing support, testing, or guidance doesn’t mean you’ve failed at being “healthy.”

Chronic stress, life transitions, work pressures, and emotional strain all impact the gut.

Healing isn’t about perfection.

It’s about understanding your body instead of blaming it. 🌿

Save this for next time you need a reminder that it's not your fault that you have digestion issues.
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