Pre eclampsia

Symptoms

Pre-eclampsia develops slowly during the later stages of pregnancy. Symptoms include water retention and high blood pressure, causing headaches. The ankles, hands, feet and face are most susceptible to swelling, which can cause noticeable weight gain. With regular prenatal check-ups, problems are recognized before symptoms appear. Serious pre-eclampsia causes abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. The eyes become very sensitive to light, and double vision and flickering appear. Today, full-blown eclampsia is rare. Pre-eclamptic symptoms can become serious, resulting in life-threatening convulsions and loss of consciousness, as well as kidney, liver and brain damage. Pre-eclampsia should be monitored closely by a medical professional to ensure that symptoms do not progress to eclampsia.

Causes

The process which causes eclampsia and pre-eclampsia is not fully understood. Most cases occur during a first pregnancy in women who have a history of high blood pressure and blood-vessel illnesses. Evidence suggests this condition is caused by poor diet and malnutrition, especially too little protein and deficiencies in calcium, essential fatty acids, and especially vitamin B6 and zinc. Sufficient salt and fluid intake is also important. Too much red meat is another culprit. Pre-eclampsia does not occur in vegans.

Nutrition

Use nutritional yeast as a bread spread, or as flakes in salads, sauces and soups. It is a good food source of calcium, zinc and B vitamins. In addition, it contains pyridoxine, which helps prevent the condition. Sardines are also excellent sources of zinc and calcium. Protein deficiencies causing pre-eclampsia should be alleviated with beans and tofu added to the diet. Do not limit salt intake, but use sea salt only. Drink plenty of fluids. Lemon juice is great with honey or maple syrup throughout the day.

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin B6 is the most effective supplement to reduce water retention. During pregnancy, this vitamin helps prevent eclampsia and treats early stages of the disease. Another helpful supplement is gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid found in evening primrose oil which prevents, or at least delays, the development of pre-eclampsia. Magnesium is crucial for the prevention of this condition and has been used to treat toxemia. A zinc deficiency is also partly to blame, since high iron levels in the body deplete zinc.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, 50 mg

Magnesium, 600 mg

Helpful

Zinc, 5 mg, with 3 mg copper

Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily

Herbal Remedies

Poor nutrition and high blood pressure are common causes of pre-eclampsia. Herbal remedies can fortify the blood to improve these conditions.

Alfalfa cleans the blood, take 1 tbsp. of juice three times daily.

Motherwort tea will eliminate swelling. Add
1 cup of boiling water to 1 tsp. of herbs, steep, strain and drink 3 cups daily.

Increase potassium by drinking 1 tbsp. of raw beet, mint and dandelion juice three times daily.

A green drink made of celery, comfrey, raspberry leaves, alfalfa leaves and cabbage will also provide potassium. Take 1/2 cup of this juice combination twice daily. The methionine in cabbage aids toxemia.

Homeopathy

The following remedies relieve pain temporarily. Take the 30c strength three times daily for up to three days. If symptoms persist, consult a physician or an experienced homeopath. Severe symptoms require immediate medical assistance.

Take Apis for stinging pain in the legs, made worse by heat.

Consider Arsenicum when feeling chilly, exhausted and anxious.

Tissue Salts

For relief using tissue salts, see blood pressure (high), headache, liver problems, nausea, pain, stomach pain and vomiting.

External/Physical Therapies

Get plenty of rest and avoid stress.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Calcium and Magnesium Citrate (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil

(Natural Factors)

Osteo Formula (Quest Vitamins)

Herbal Remedies

Alfalfa Leaves (Nature’s Herbs)