Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

How A High Fiber Diet May Reduce Preeclampsia Risk

by Amanda Goss | July 19, 2019

A recent study conducted by the University of Sydney has surprisingly revealed that a plant-based diet rich in fiber may reduce preeclampsia risk and have other protective health benefits.

How A High Fiber Diet May Reduce Preeclampsia Risk

Science Daily reported the findings of the study, showing a link between eating a plant-based diet and positive pregnancy outcomes including preeclampsia prevention.

Professor Ralph Nanan, who was a senior author of the study, says that the diet a pregnant woman follows and her gut health can be very crucial for a healthy pregnancy.

According to Science Daily, the study published in Nature Communications found that in humans, reduced levels of acetate, which is a by-product of fiber fermentation in the gut, is associated with the common and serious pregnancy-related condition preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia is reported to occur in up to 10 percent of pregnancies and includes symptoms such as high blood pressure and severe swelling.

Preeclampsia has also been linked with compromising the immune development of the growing child in the womb. There is evidence to suggest that this could lead to autoimmune disease later in life.

Researches are speculating that our current Western low fiber diet may also be a trigger for the rapid increase in allergies and autoimmune conditions throughout the population.

Nanan’s suggestion for good health, especially in pregnancy is to “eat real food, mostly plants, and not too much”.

So What Should You Eat During Pregnancy?

Following Nanan’s advice, eating a primarily whole food plant-based diet will help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.

Lots of leafy greens, salad, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Combined with beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, and some nuts and seeds.

But what happens if you are struggling with food aversions?

Food aversions, especially in the first trimester are common. You can see our previous article here for some ideas for when you are struggling with nausea and aversions.

Do you follow a high fiber vegan diet? Comment below.