THE ROLE OF FOOD CONSUMPTION IN EMOTIONAL ASPECTS DURING THE PUERPERIUM

Abstract

The postpartum period is a time of significant hormonal and psychological fluctuations. Postpartum women experience ambiguous feelings such as joy, fear, and insecurity, which makes psychological support a fundamental factor for mothers to navigate this period. However, psychological and family support alone are often insufficient. Nutrition plays a fundamental role in mood regulation and in the prevention of symptoms of psychological disorders. It is known that a diet deficient in nutrients and a higher consumption of ultra-processed foods can hinder not only the physical recovery but also the maintenance of mental health in these women. Therefore, this research aims to understand the role of nutrition and dietary patterns in the emotional recovery process of postpartum women through an integrative review of recent literature. The results demonstrated that dietary patterns considered balanced, such as the Mediterranean diet (MD), consumption of fruits, vegetables, fish, and legumes, as well as traditional patterns according to the woman's cultural context, were associated with a decrease in depressive and anxiety symptoms. Regarding micronutrient supplementation, the results obtained show that the isolated replacement of nutrients does not necessarily bring benefits to the emotional health of the postpartum woman. It is concluded that nutrition has a significant role in the prevention and management of emotional symptoms in this postpartum period; however, new research with robust and specific clinical trials is necessary