Pregnant women often wonder what foods and drinks are safe and good for them to consume. One interesting product that might catch your attention is Bloom Greens.
Made from a blend of nutrient-rich superfoods, Bloom Greens raises an important question for pregnant women: is it safe to continue or start consumption during pregnancy?
In this article, we take a closer look at the ingredients in Bloom Greens. We want to help you understand if these components are safe, helpful, or possibly harmful during pregnancy. In our discussion, we aim to help you make an informed decision about including Bloom Greens in your pregnancy diet.
Understanding What is Bloom Greens?
Bloom Nutrition was started in 2019 by Mari Llewellyn and Greg LaVecchia, who are married. Llewellyn is new to the fitness industry and noticed that there was a gap in the market for yummy and healthy supplements with quality ingredients.
According to Llewellyn, the Greens & Superfoods powder is the company’s best-selling product and has become incredibly popular on TikTok.
This health supplement is made from a mix of superfoods known for their rich nutritional content. These superfoods include spinach, kale, moringa, and wheatgrass – all well-known for their high concentrations of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
In addition to these, the probiotics in the supplement help balance gut bacteria. This results in improved digestion and fewer gut-related issues like bloating.
Uses of Bloom Greens
These nutritional powders have found their place in the diets of many health-conscious individuals. The common uses of Bloom Greens include:
- improving nutrient density in diets
- helping in digestion through dietary fibers
- supporting immune function due to antioxidants
- enhancing energy levels naturally
- boosting bone health and increasing calcium intake
- reducing inflammation in the body
Bloom Greens Ingredients
Bloom Greens has a decent amount of good ingredients, each contributing to its nutrient-dense profile. Some of these include:
- Spinach: Known for its high iron content, this leafy green is also rich in vitamin A, vitamin K, fiber, and folate – all essential nutrients for expecting mothers.
- Kale: Brimming with potent antioxidants, kale is also noteworthy for its high concentration of vitamins A, C, and K.
- Moringa: This superfood is packed with a variety of nutrients, including protein, vitamins B6, C and A, iron, riboflavin, and magnesium.
- Wheatgrass: A powerhouse of nutrients, wheatgrass is packed with vitamins A, C, E, and many B vitamins. It also contains a substantial amount of iron, calcium, and amino acids.
- Probiotics: These beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining gut health, which is directly linked to overall health and wellbeing.
What are the side effects of drinking Bloom Greens?
While most people can use green powders without any problems, a few possible side effects could be:
- Gastrointestinal discomfort due to high fiber content
- Allergic reactions, especially if one has allergies to any of the ingredients
- Interaction with certain medications due to high vitamin and mineral concentrations
- Nausea and upset stomach if consumed on an empty stomach
- Bloating or gas if the body is not used to high levels of probiotics
Must Read: Does Bloom Greens Help with Bloating? An Honest Review
Can I take Bloom Greens while pregnant?
No, it’s not safe to drink bloom greens when you’re pregnant. They have a blend called adaptogens that can help your body manage stress but they can also have a strong effect on your body. It’s best to avoid greens that have adaptogens while you’re pregnant, so they don’t affect your baby.
However, we don’t have enough evidence to say if adaptogens are safe or effective. But it’s important to be informed so you can make the right choices for yourself.
The high amounts of vitamins and minerals in Bloom Greens can react with prenatal vitamins or other medications, which may lead to too much of certain nutrients and cause an overdose.
Moreover, some of the ingredients in Bloom Greens, like moringa, have been traditionally used to stimulate uterine contractions, which could potentially cause miscarriage or premature labor.
Lastly, the probiotics present in the Bloom Greens supplement can cause bloating or gas, especially in those not used to high levels of these. While these side effects are not usually dangerous, they can add to the discomfort already experienced by many women during pregnancy.
Depending on the source, opinions on consuming during pregnancy may vary. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider or someone knowledgeable in natural medicines/herbs during pregnancy.
Note: Recent studies show that consuming moringa leaf while pregnant can boost iron levels and help prevent anemia during pregnancy.
Must Read: Does Bloom Nutrition Make You Gain or Lose Weight?
Why I can’t take Bloom Greens while pregnant?
The main reason to avoid Bloom Greens during pregnancy is because it contains certain ingredients that could negatively affect pregnancy.
For example, the inclusion of adaptogens which are known to have strong effects on the body. While they may help reduce stress, we don’t fully understand how they affect a growing baby. They could interfere with the important hormonal balance needed for a healthy pregnancy and possibly cause undesired changes.
Moreover, the inclusion of large amounts of vitamins and minerals might interfere with the absorption of prenatal vitamins. This could lead to an excess of certain nutrients, which is not ideal. For instance, excessive vitamin A during pregnancy can lead to congenital disabilities in the baby, according to the Mayo Clinic.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially during pregnancy.
Are green supplements safe during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, green supplements can be helpful if used moderately and with guidance from a healthcare professional.
They provide a great source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, not all green supplements are created equal and safety can depend largely on the specific ingredients used.
Some may contain ingredients not recommended for pregnant women like certain herbs or adaptogens. As with all supplements, it is vital to consult with a healthcare provider before adding them into your diet during pregnancy.
Are there any pregnancy-safe green powders available?
Yes, several green powders are considered safe to consume during pregnancy, though it’s always important to consult with your provider before adding any new supplement to your diet.
- Nested Naturals Super Greens: This supplement is a blend of over 40 wholesome, nutrient-dense greens, antioxidant-rich superfoods, and probiotics. It is non-GMO, vegan, and free from gluten, dairy, wheat, and synthetic ingredients, making it a safe option for pregnant women.
- Organifi Green Juice: Organifi Green Juice is a superfood supplement that delivers a range of essential nutrients through organic, whole food-sourced ingredients. It has a mix of healthy greens and superfoods, without any adaptogens that might impact pregnancy.
- Garden of Life Raw Organic Perfect Food Green Superfood Juiced Greens Powder: This supplement is packed with a powerful blend of nutrient-rich, organically grown greens. It’s raw, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and non-GMO, with no whole grass fillers, added sugars, artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives.
We want to remind you not to solely rely on these artificial products just because we say so. There are no scientific claims about the effectiveness of these powders, so make sure to consult with your doctor first.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while green supplements like Bloom Greens offer a wealth of nutrients, they are not recommended for consumption during pregnancy due to the presence of certain ingredients. Conversely, there are other green powders that are considered safer for pregnant women. But it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before adding any new supplement to your diet, especially during pregnancy, to make sure both you and your baby stay healthy.
FAQ
Can you drink Bloom Greens while pregnant first trimester?
No, it’s not recommended to drink Bloom Greens during the first trimester of pregnancy. This is because it contains adaptogens that can assist in stress management, but they can also have a powerful impact on your body. The first trimester is a particularly sensitive time for fetal development. Given that this is a period of critical growth, it’s especially important for pregnant women to consult their healthcare providers before using Bloom Greens or any dietary supplement.
Is Bloom Nutrition safe for breastfeeding?
While some ingredients in Bloom Nutrition might be safe for breastfeeding mothers, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider. The product contains various vitamins, minerals, and probiotics that could potentially affect milk supply or transfer to the baby through breast milk.
What are the potential side effects of green supplements during pregnancy?
While many green supplements are generally safe, potential side effects can include nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. This mostly happens if you exceed the recommended dosage. Certain ingredients in green supplements could also potentially interfere with other medications or supplements you may be taking during pregnancy, so it’s always best to consult with a healthcare provider.
Are there any natural alternatives to green supplements during pregnancy?
Yes, there are many natural alternatives to green supplements during pregnancy. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can provide the same nutrients found in green supplements. Foods like spinach, kale, broccoli, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and berries are particularly nutrient-dense.
Is it possible to get too much of a certain nutrient from green supplements?
Yes, it is possible. While green supplements can be a good source of some nutrients, consuming them in excess can cause nutrient toxicity. This is particularly the case for fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are stored in the body’s fat cells and can build up to toxic levels if consumed in excess.
