Foods That May Prevent GBS+ During Pregnancy
Tara Carpenter, NC.
Nutrition Consultant specialized in therapeutic nutrition to heal mild to severe health conditions, esp. digestive disturbances involving yeast, bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
One way to potentially decrease the chance of acquiring a group B strep infection (GBS+) during pregnancy is to build up the birth canal with good bacteria that can naturally discourage excessive group B strep overgrowth. One way to do this is by eating foods known to not ‘feed’ these bacteria. This one thing is able to potentially prevent them in a natural way from growing too large in population/numbers.
Group B strep bacteria live in every expectant mom’s birth canal and are normally harmless. They can cause a problem if allowed to populate in numbers greater than the beneficial flora (a.k.a. probiotics) that also live in your body. If GBS bacteria do grow at a faster rate, this could throw off the gut’s homeostasis (a.k.a. inner ecosystem) and lead to a GBS+ diagnosis.
The Body Ecology Diet (B.E.D.) is the best protocol I know to keep this common infection at bay. If I could have my babies over again, I’d start this way of eating before conceiving because the recommended foods do not feed the GBS and are rich in probiotics, healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals that nourish you, and your growing baby, during pregnancy, If you want support in getting started on this diet, I am a Holistic Nutritionist and offer B.E.D. Support to implement diet changes that may help prevent/reverse a GBS+ diagnosis.
Tara successfully helped me understand what foods to eat and avoid during my 3rd trimester of pregnancy so I could receive a negative GBS test. ~ A.M., Arlington, TX.
Foods Known to Help Limit/Discourage Group B Strep:
- Animal protein (i.e., beef, chicken, fish)that is grass-fed and hormone/antibiotic-free may help build healthy, resistant cell membranes and body tissue (organs, wild meat, beef, chicken).
- Plant protein (i.e. lima beans, almonds, pumpkin seeds) that is organic and non-gmo is a secondary source of protein that can nourish the body and a growing baby within.
- Cultured dairy (i.e., milk kefir, cultured butter) that is pastured, organic, and made with a hearty culture starter contains probiotics that are able to stand up to GBS bacteria and bring harmony to the mother’s inner ecosystem.
- Eggs that are organic, free-range, omega-3 rich are rich in amino acids, essential fats, antioxidants, B12, and minerals; esp. choline.
- Wild fish from cold ocean waters are rich in protein, zinc, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA (fish to eat and fish to avoid).
- Healthy fat (i.e., tallow, lard, cold-pressed coconut oil) that is pastured and organic is the body’s preferred source of energy.
- Ocean vegetables (i.e., nori, kombu, arame) sourced from clean waters are rich in alkaline minerals and can strengthen the body.
- Non and mild-starch vegetables (i.e., kale, collards) that are organic and non-gmo are alkalizing, hydrating, and rich in vitamins/minerals.
- Starchy vegetables (i.e., squash, artichokes, peas) that are organic and non-gmo are a steady food for energy and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Seed-like grains (i.e., millet, buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth) that are organic contain amino acids, fiber, minerals, and healthy fat for slow and stable energy in the body.
- Unsalted cultured food (i.e., young green coconut kefir, cv’s) made with diverse and healthy bacteria/yeast strains such as can be found in this culture starter or kefir starter is alive, alkalizing, and rich in enzymes, minerals, probiotics.
- Stevia/BE Sweet are sweeteners known to not feed harmful pathogens in the body nor make the blood acidic like sugar or honey do. These alternative sweeteners are also safe for diabetics.
- Green tea (i.e., jasmine, ujido matcha, white tea) is antioxidant-rich, and contains smaller caffeine amounts (25-45mg versus 95-200mg) than coffee does.
May all bellies be happy!
References
Gardner, J. (1987). Vaginal Infections. Healing Yourself During Pregnancy. Freedom, CA.: The Crossing Press
Gates, D. (2007). Strep B and The Body Ecology Recommendations to Prevent and Overcome It. Retrieved from https://bodyecology.com/articles/strep_b_prevent_and_overcome.php#.UkbjPobkvNl
Iannelli, V. M.D. (2004). More About Group B Strep. Retrieved from https://pediatrics.about.com/cs/commoninfections/a/group_b_strep_3.htm
Nettleman, Mary. M.D. (2009). Group B Strep Infection. Retrieved from https://www.emedicinehealth.com/group_b_strep_infection/page2_em.htm
The Group B Strep Association (n.d.). Awareness of Group B Streptococcus Infection During Pregnancy. Retrieved from
I was glad to be able to focus fully on my baby’s health and well-being during pregnancy rather than on fretting about a GBS+ diagnosis; I am grateful for Tara’s dietary expertise in this field. ~ T.Y. Brisbane, Australia
Group B Strep Infection (GBS+) During Pregnancy
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