Glow after birth

Eshanka Wahi highlights how targeted postpartum nutrition – rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals – can significantly enhance skin elasticity, promote hair regrowth, and support overall recovery, offering aesthetic benefits for new mothers.

Postpartum recovery is a critical period where the body’s healing processes are deeply influenced by nutritional intake. For aesthetic medicine practitioners, integrating nutritional guidance into postpartum care is essential, as it directly impacts skin elasticity, hair health, and overall body composition. Eshanka Wahi, a Dubai and Delhi-based Culinary Nutritionist, Holistic Wellness Coach, and Founder of ‘Eat Clean with Eshanka’, is renowned for her authentic approach to clean eating and holistic wellness. Recognized globally as a ‘40 under 40’ leader in the Wellness and Health category, Eshanka inspires thousands to embrace balanced living through her relatable content and innovative nutritional guidance.

In this interview, she shares her expertise on how postpartum nutrition significantly impacts skin, hair, and body composition, providing valuable insights for new mothers navigating their wellness journey.

How does postpartum nutrition impact skin, hair, and body composition in new mothers?

Postpartum nutrition impacts skin elasticity, hair loss, and collagen restoration through the postpartum diet. Nutrition plays a crucial role in recovery, regulating metabolism, and tissue healing. A nutrient-rich diet, including eggs, whole grains, leafy vegetables, and legumes, helps produce collagen and keratin, which are key for healthy skin and hair.

What are the key nutrients that promote healing, restore hormonal balance, and enhance aesthetic recovery after pregnancy?

A well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet containing proteins, iron, zinc, omega-3fatty acids, vitamin C, vitamin D, magnesium, and biotin helps promote healing, improve metabolism, restore hormonal balance, and support recovery after pregnancy.

Which foods help stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce inflammation postpregnancy?

Foods such as eggs, fish, chicken, and bone broth aid in collagen production. Nuts, seeds, citrus fruits, berries, and avocados nourish the skin and improve elasticity. Anti-inflammatory teas, leafy greens, and salmon help reduce inflammation during the post-pregnancy period.

What are the best dietary strategies to prevent excessive postpartum hair shedding and support regrowth?

Intake of protein-rich foods such as eggs, lentils, and chicken helps produce keratin, while iron-rich foods like beetroot, dates, and spinach help overcome anemia. Almonds, oats, and cucumbers strengthen hair. Drinking enough water is essential, as dehydration can cause dry hair. Consuming well-balanced meals plays a crucial role in preventing hair shedding.

Can you share a sample postpartum meal plan that supports skin rejuvenation, body sculpting, and hair health?

• Morning: Warm water with lemon and a protein-rich smoothie made with almond milk, banana, and chia seeds.

• Snacks: Walnuts and soaked dates.

• Lunch: Grilled salmon, quinoa, broccoli, leafy greens, and curd.

• Evening: Anti-inflammatory tea.

• Dinner: Bone broth or vegetable broth, chicken, and sweet potato.

• Before bed: Almond milk..

How can nutrition enhance the effects of aesthetic treatments such as skin tightening, body contouring, and hair restoration?

A well-balanced diet rich in antioxidants, collagen precursors, and anti-inflammatory compounds speeds up healing and improves skin receptivity. Hydration plays a key role in maintaining healthy hair and skin. Adequate protein intake from foods such as omega-3s, nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, and legumes supports body contouring, improves scalp circulation, and aids in hair restoration.

What role does diet play in stabilizing postpartum hormones, and how does this impact weight management and skin health?

Diet plays a prominent role in balancing postpartum hormones, as it directly affects insulin, cortisol, and estrogen levels. Complex carbohydrates such as quinoa, brown rice, lentils, beans, chia seeds, and fruits, along with healthy fats like fatty fish, avocado, walnuts, almonds, cashews, and flax seeds, help normalize cycles, reduce bloating, and prevent acne. Balanced blood sugar levels help reduce cravings and mood swings, supporting weight management.

Why is it important for aesthetic dermatologists and physicians to educate their postpartum patients about nutrition, and how can they integrate this guidance into their practice?

Educating new mothers is the responsibility of physicians and dermatologists to help prevent skin and hair issues and to achieve sustainable results from treatments. Dermatologists can collaborate with nutritionists to offer diet plans and raise awareness among new mothers about dietary preferences, nutrition, and overall health.