Thursday, October 9, 2014
Folic acid during pregnancy
What is folic acid?
Folic acid is a B vitamin (vitamin B9). It occurs naturally, in the form of folate in foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, oranges, wholegrains and pulses (dals).Why do I need folic acid during pregnancy?
Folic acid helps to protect your unborn baby from developing neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Folic acid may also help to prevent other birth defects, such as a cleft palate.Folic acid is good for you, too, as it works with vitamin B12 to form healthy red blood cells. Not having enough folic acid can cause you to have a type of anaemia. The other, more common type of anaemia, is due to a lack of iron.
How much folic acid do I need during pregnancy?
If you are thinking about pregnancy or in the first trimester of pregnancy, you are advised to take a daily supplement of 5mg of folic acid and eat a diet rich in folates. This will help protect your baby from birth defects, and reduce your risk ofmiscarriage.You should start taking a folic acid supplement as soon as you decide to try for a baby, up to three months before you conceive. Carry on taking it (along with iron supplements) throughout pregnancy and for the first six months of breastfeeding.
If you have had a child with a NTD, your doctor may prescribe a much higher daily dose of folic acid. This is because you are at greater risk of having further children with a NTD.
If you are taking certain prescribed medicines, such as for epilepsy, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose of folic acid. That's because these medicines may prevent your body form absorbing folic acid. Talk to your doctor if you have epilepsy and are trying for a baby.
If you are overweight and have a body mass index (BMI) of over 25, or if you have diabetes, your doctor may prescribe a higher dose.
If you are overweight and/or have diabetes, it increases the risk of you having a baby with an NTD. Women with a higher BMI tend to have lower levels of folate in their blood. So ask your doctor for advice as soon as you decide to try for a baby.
It's good to eat as much folate-rich food as you can. But even if you eat a balanced diet, it's hard to get the amount you need from your food. This is why doctors recommend taking a supplement. The risk to your baby from folic acid deficiency is much greater than any inconvenience you might feel in taking a supplement.
Which foods contain the most folic acid?
It's a good idea to eat foods rich in folate as well as taking folic acid supplements to make sure you're getting the recommended amount. These foods will be packed with all sorts of other nutrients as well that are good for you and your baby.Don’t Let Pregnancy Phobia Wreck Havoc on your Womanhood
Life of a woman is never the same once she graduates to the beautiful role of a mother. Besides experiencing physical changes, a woman also sees some changes in her perspective towards life. All these transformations that take place after child birth are mostly taken in good spirit by every woman. But, there are exceptions to this too. Although the percentage may be less, we cannot ignore the fact that there do exist women who treat pregnancy nothing less than a nightmarish experience. Their pregnancy phobia which is also known as tokophobia can be blamed for their fear.
So, Why does it Happen?
Tokophobia is a condition in which women have a fear of childbirth and pregnancy. It is important for a woman to first overcome this fear in order to conceive. If a woman suffers fromprimary tokophobia, she may not have experienced a troublesome pregnancy in real life. However, if she suffers from secondary tokophobia it may be a result of a painful delivery in the past.
The level of severity of tokophobia differs at individual levels. It commences during adolescence and grows with age. This gradual growth of fear makes women choose C-section over vaginal delivery. In cases where this phobia is not treated within time, it may lead to anxiety and depression in later stages. So, here are some tips to combat the phobia.
The level of severity of tokophobia differs at individual levels. It commences during adolescence and grows with age. This gradual growth of fear makes women choose C-section over vaginal delivery. In cases where this phobia is not treated within time, it may lead to anxiety and depression in later stages. So, here are some tips to combat the phobia.
Partner’s Support
When you see that the idea of having a baby gives your wife jitters, make sure that you stand by her side instead of mocking her fear. You must understand her fear and talk things out with her. It is definitely important to have a child for a happy married life but, what is more important is for her to have a happy pregnancy.
Communicate with your Partner
When you realize that the phobia is wrecking havoc on your married life, it is time for you to fight back and the first step towards this would be communicating with your partner. This must include sharing the details of your fear with your husband. For example, tell the stage of pregnancy that scares you the most. While some women fear carrying a child in the belly, some females are afraid of the delivery or labour pain. Understanding and discussing your fear will help you develop a correct strategy towards having a child.
Be Real
There are high chances that your fears are only fictitious and have no resemblance with reality. Try to learn more about facts associated with pregnancy. You must avoid coming in contact with people who form an opinion about child birth without any medical support. Read about pregnancy as much as you can and make a distance from myths.
Stay Positive
You must understand that childbirth adds satisfaction to your life, both mental and physical. You must make yourself understand that there are millions of women in this world who have given birth and have lived a healthy life.
Giving birth to your young one is a law of nature and doing so completes a woman. So, kill the fear and enjoy womanhood.
Eat these foods in pregnancy
Eat these foods in pregnancy
Whole Grains
Pregnant women should eat whole grains. Whole grains such as - oatmeal, pasta, wheat, rice etc,
carbohydrates, iron and vitamins contain plentiful. They also have fiber and folic acid.
Beans
Beans are rich in vitamins, calcium, protein and nutrients such as iron are present. There are several
types of beans, such as - black beans, white beans, pinto beans, lentils, black-eyed peas and soya
beans etc.. Iron deficiency in pregnancy by eating regular beans are not.
Eggs
In pregnancy should definitely eat plenty of eggs. Amino acid is found in eggs, which is the main
source of protein. In addition to vitamins and minerals are found in eggs of the child in the womb,
which plays an important role in developing brain. You can eat raw and boiled egg.
Calcium-rich diet
Fetal bones, teeth and muscles need calcium to build and feeds from her mother it needs. If the
mother's pregnancy diet plentiful in calcigerous is not likely to get osteoporosis later. So calcigerous
foods - such as milk, yogurt, cheese, green vegetables, broccoli etc. should take.
Fruits and Vegetables
Regularly during pregnancy green vegetables and fresh fruits should be consumed. Banana, apple,
carrots, spinach etc. plentiful in vitamins, protein and calcium is.
Vitamin C rich diet
Vitamin C helps repair damaged tissue of the mother and child. Strengthens the immune mothers.
Vitamin C is easily oranges, strawberries, peppers and tomatoes in citrus fruits such as is found in
plentiful.
Top 10 Health Benefits of Dates
Top 10 Health Benefits of Dates
Dates can provide lot of health benefits. Dates are high in iron content and fluorine. Dates are rich source of vitamins and minerals. Consuming dates regularly can help to lower cholesterol and keep many health disorders away. Read on to know more about the top 10 benefits of consuming dates.
Health Benefits of Consuming Dates
The health benefits of dates are innumerable. It is, in fact, a dry fruit that is sweet in taste and is rich in minerals and vitamins. The cultivation of dates can be traced back many years in history. Have a quick look at top 10 health benefits of dates.
Health Benefits of Consuming Dates
- Dates are free from cholesterol and contain very low fat. Dates are rich in vitamins and minerals.
- They are rich source of protein, dietary fiber and rich in vitamin B1, B2, B3 and B5 along with vitamin A1 and C.
- It helps improve the digestive system as it contains soluble and insoluble fibers and different kinds of amino acids.
- Dates are great energy boosters as they contain natural sugars like glucose, sucrose and fructose. To get more advantage add dates to milk and make it a very nutritious snack. Dates are very low in calories and are extremely suitable for health conscious people.
- Dates are rich in potassium and reduced in sodium. This helps regulate a healthy nervous system. Researches have revealed the fact that potassium intake up to a certain extent can reduce risk of stroke. Dates also help in lowering of the LDL cholesterol.
- Dates have high iron content and are very useful in treating anemia. The patients can eat many dates for better advantages. Dates also have fluorine that slows down the process of tooth decay.
- It helps people suffering from constipation. Soak dates overnight and take it along with water to have added advantage.
- It helps increase one’s sexual stamina. Soak one handful of dates in goat’s milk overnight. In the morning grind the dates in the milk and add honey and cardamom powder and drink it.
- Dates help in weight gain and are beneficial for those who suffer from over slimming problem. Dates are excellent for alcoholic intoxication.
- Cures abdominal cancer. The best thing is that it does not have any side effect on the body and is completely natural as well as it works better than medicine. It also helps in improving eye sight and helps in curing night blindness as well.
Dates can be chipped and sprinkled on sweet dishes, cakes and puddings and this enhances the state of the dish too. Selection of dates is very easy and you can have good ones if they appear fleshy and evenly coloured. Make sure there is no artificial sugar coating. Wash the dates properly before you eat because dust accumulates on the dates easily. In addition to all these, storing dates is not a big deal. They are dry fruits and so you do not have to face hassles to store them.
Dates can be introduced in daily diet in any form. You can introduce it in the form of snacks. Adding dates in any form makes the food tasty and healthy too. It fills anyone with energy no matter how tired he is. Keeping in mind the health benefits of dates, one should take utmost care while choosing the right quality of dates.
Do not forget to wash the dates thoroughly so that the dust is cleaned properly before consumption. Buy and consume only those dates that are properly packed and processed. No matter how beneficial eatables are, you need to take care while choosing them and so go for the good ones even if you have to pay a little bit more for that.
6 Surprising Health Benefits of Coffee
Do you smell it? Can you taste it? For some people, that unmistakable smell and delectable taste are the main reasons to pry themselves out of bed each morning. What is it? It’s the eye-opening and mouth-watering beverage that’s consumed by an estimated 100 million Americans on a daily basis and it comes from a simple bean – coffee. But, aside from the caffeinated beverage’s eye-opening abilities and addictive flavor, there are many other hidden benefits and we’ve compiled a list of arguably the six best reasons you should be consuming coffee.
Mental Note
Is there anything sadder than seeing an aging loved one drastically losing their mental sharpness? You may be powerless to prevent it, but, according to a recent study, coffee may be able to help you from falling into the same trap. Researchers discovered that participants who drank three to five cups of coffee per day had about a 65% decreased chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease or dementia later on in life. To ensure you’re always drinking enough coffee, make it a point of always consuming coffee with your meals.
Cardiovascular Protection
Anybody who’s serious about health knows the importance of a healthy cardiovascular system. What they may not know is that by simply drinking one or two cups of coffee per day they could have a significantly reduced risk of cardiovascular disease-related death. According to a Japanese study of more than 76,000 participants, men consuming one to two cups of coffee daily reduced their risk of dying from a cardiovascular disease by as much as 38%. Of course, this still doesn’t excuse you from cardio exercises.
Risk Aversion
Want to lower your risk of death? A National Institutes of Health – AARP Diet and Health study of more than 400,000 people revealed that drinking coffee might be the answer. Between 1995 and 2008, male participants drinking even just one daily cup reduced their risk of death by 6%. Drinking either two to three cups or six or more cups reduced the risk by 10% during the timeframe of the study. The greatest reduction of death risk was 12% in the group drinking four to five cups. Know your limit: five cups.
25 POWERFUL REASONS TO EAT BANANAS
If you think bananas are just for monkeys, think again.
- Bananas help overcome depression due to high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin -- the happy-mood brain neurotransmitter.
- Eat two bananas before a strenuous workout to pack an energy punch and sustain your blood sugar.
- Protect against muscle cramps during workouts and nighttime leg cramps by eating a banana.
- Counteract calcium loss during urination and build strong bones by supplementing with a banana.
- Improve your mood and reduce PMS symptoms by eating a banana, which regulates blood sugar and produces stress-relieving relaxation.
- Bananas reduce swelling, protect against type II diabetes, aid weight loss, strengthen the nervous system, and help with the production of white blood cells, all due to high levels of vitamin B-6.
- Strengthen your blood and relieve anemia with the added iron from bananas.
- High in potassium and low in salt, bananas are officially recognized by the FDA as being able to lower blood pressure and protect against heart attack and stroke.
Eating Bananas Aids Digestion
- Rich in pectin, bananas aid digestion and gently chelate toxins and heavy metals from the body.
- Bananas act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients.
- Constipated? High fiber in bananas can help normalize bowel motility.
- Got the runs? Bananas are soothing to the digestive tract and help restore lost electrolytes after diarrhoea.
- Bananas are a natural antacid, providing relief from acid reflux, heartburn and GERD.
- Bananas are the only raw fruit that can be consumed without distress to relieve stomach ulcers by coating the lining of the stomach against corrosive acids.
Natural Cures From A Simple Banana- Eating bananas will help prevent kidney cancer, protects the eyes against macular degeneration and builds strong bones by increasing calcium absorption.
- Bananas make you smarter and help with learning by making you more alert. Eat a banana before an exam to benefit from the high levels of potassium.
- Bananas are high in antioxidants, providing free radicals and protection from chronic disease.
- Eating a banana between meals helps stabilize blood sugar and reduce nausea from morning sickness.
- Rub a bug bite or hives with the inside of the banana peel to relieve itching and irritation.
- Control blood sugar and avoid binging between meals by eating a banana.
- Eating a banana can lower the body temperature and cool you during a fever or on a hot day.
- The natural mood-enhancer tryptophan, helps to relieve Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
- Quitting smoking? Bananas contain high levels of B-vitamins as well as potassium and magnesium to speed recovery from the effects of withdrawal.
- Remove a wart by placing the inside of a piece of banana peel against the wart and taping it in place.
- Rub the inside of a banana peel on your leather shoes or handbag and polish with a dry cloth for a quick shine.
Wednesday, October 8, 2014
20 Health Benefits of the Holy Basil (Kemangi)
20 Health Benefits of the Holy Basil (Kemangi)
Basil plant has a lot of significance for mankind, due to the manifold medicinal benefits it provides. Basil leaves are widely used in the preparation of Ayurvedic medicines. It is known to promote the longevity of life. The extracts obtained from the plant are extensively brought to use for curing various diseases such as the common cold, inflammation, malaria, heart disease, headaches, stomach disorders, kidney stones, heart disorders, and many more. The Indian basil Tulasi also aids in the purification of atmosphere.
Basil has been used for thousands of years in Ayurveda for its diverse healing properties. It is mentioned in the Charaka Samhita, an ancient Ayurvedic text. Basil is considered to be an adaptogen, balancing different processes in the body, and helpful for adapting to stress. Marked by its strong aroma and astringent taste, it is regarded in Ayurveda as a kind of "elixir of life" and believed to promote longevity.
Basil extracts are used in ayurvedic remedies for common colds, headaches, stomach disorders, inflammation, heart disease, various forms of poisoning, and malaria. Traditionally, Basil is taken in many forms: as herbal tea, dried powder, fresh leaf, or mixed with ghee. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora Basil is mostly used for medicinal purposes and in herbal cosmetics, and is widely used in skin preparations due to its antibacterial activity. For centuries, the dried leaves have been mixed with stored grains to repel insects.
Basil plant serves as a fabulous repellant in fighting against flies, mosquitoes and insects. It is especially valuable in combating malarial fever. It is said that at the time of establishment of Victoria gardens in Bombay (now Mumbai), the workers became victims of mosquito bites and suffered from chronic malaria. Seeing the pitiable situation of the workers, some of the Hindu managers recommended the plantation of Basil plant in the garden. On following their advice, fruitful results were obtained. Thus, Holy Basil helped to abate the growth of mosquitoes and control malaria.
There are numerous uses of Basil plant. The plant is increasingly finding its way in the Ayurvedic treatment of diseases. Basil leaves are widely used due to their healing power. It is a tonic for the nervous system and thus, helps a great deal in sharpening the memory. This aromatic plant supports the removal of phlegm and catarrhal matter from the bronchial tube. It also works wonders in preventing stomach disorders. The herb Basil is known to cure the respiratory disorders. The decoction prepared by mixing honey, ginger and Basil leaves is quite helpful in combating bronchitis, influenza and asthma.
The leaves of Basil plant are extremely beneficial during the rainy season, when diseases like malaria and dengue victimize the country. Boil the tender leaves of Basil in tea and give it to the patient. The juice extracted from Basil leaves serves as the best remedy to bring down fever. Basil is an essential ingredient in the preparation of Ayurvedic cough syrups. It is highly useful in getting rid of cold and flu. Even, for sore throat, the leaves of medicinal plant Basil is of great value. Just boil the leaves of Basil in water and ask the patient to gargle with this decoction.
Basil has the ability to strengthen the kidneys. For those suffering from the problem of renal kidney stones, the decoction prepared by mixing the juice of Basil leaves with honey, if taken sincerely for six consecutive months can oust these stones via the urinary tract. For maintaining healthy heart, Basil is of utmost value. It helps in lowering the level of cholesterol in blood. Thus, Basil plant serves as the most effective remedy to combat cardiac diseases.
20 Health Benefits of the Holy Basil (Kemangi)
The Basil or holy basil is an important symbol in the Hindu religious tradition and is worshiped in the morning and evening by Hindus at large. The holy basil is also an herbal remedy for a lot of common ailments. Here're top fifteen medicinal uses of Basil.
1. Healing Power
The Basil plant has many medicinal properties. The leaves are a nerve tonic and also sharpen memory. They promote the removal of the catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tube. The leaves strengthen the stomach and induce copious perspiration. The seed of the plant are mucilaginous.
2. Fever; Common Cold
The leaves of basil are specific for many fevers. During the rainy season, when malaria and dengue fever are widely prevalent, tender leaves, boiled with tea, act as preventive against these diseases. In case of acute fevers, a decoction of the leaves boiled with powdered cardamom in half a liter of water and mixed with sugar and milk brings down the temperature. The juice of Basil leaves can be used to bring down fever. Extract of Basil leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours. In between one can keep giving sips of cold water. In children, it is every effective in bringing down the temperature.
3. Coughs
Basil is an important constituent of many Ayurvedic cough syrups and expectorants. It helps to mobilize mucus in bronchitis and asthma. Chewing Basil leaves relieves cold and flu.
4. Sore Throat
Water boiled with basil leaves can be taken as drink in case of sore throat. This water can also be used as a gargle.
5. Respiratory Disorder
The herb is useful in the treatment of respiratory system disorder. A decoction of the leaves, with honey and ginger is an effective remedy for bronchitis, asthma, influenza, cough and cold. A decoction of the leaves, cloves and common salt also gives immediate relief in case of influenza. They should be boiled in half a liter of water till only half the water is left and add then taken.
6. Kidney Stone
Basil has strengthening effect on the kidney. In case of renal stone the juice of basil leaves and honey, if taken regularly for 6 months it will expel them via the urinary tract.
7. Heart Disorder
Basil has a beneficial effect in cardiac disease and the weakness resulting from them. It reduces the level of blood cholesterol.
8. Children's Ailments
Common pediatric problems like cough cold, fever, diarrhea and vomiting respond favorably to the juice of basil leaves. If pustules of chicken pox delay their appearance, basil leaves taken with saffron will hasten them.
9. Stress
Basil leaves are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It purifies blood and helps prevent several common elements.
10. Mouth Infections
The leaves are quite effective for the ulcer and infections in the mouth. A few leaves chewed will cure these conditions.
11. Insect Bites
The herb is a prophylactic or preventive and curative for insect stings or bites. A teaspoonful of the juice of the leaves is taken and is repeated after a few hours. Fresh juice must also be applied to the affected parts. A paste of fresh roots is also effective in case of bites of insects and leeches.
12. Skin Disorders
Applied locally, basil juice is beneficial in the treatment of ringworm and other skin diseases. It has also been tried successfully by some naturopaths in the treatment of leucoderma.
13. Teeth Disorder
The herb is useful in teeth disorders. Its leaves, dried in the sun and powdered, can be used for brushing teeth. It can also be mixed with mustered oil to make a paste and used as toothpaste. This is very good for maintaining dental health, counteracting bad breath and for massaging the gums. It is also useful in pyorrhea and other teeth disorders.
14. Headaches
Basil makes a good medicine for headache. A decoction of the leaves can be given for this disorder. Pounded leaves mixed with sandalwood paste can also be applied on the forehead for getting relief from heat, headache, and for providing coolness in general.
15. Eye Disorders
Basil juice is an effective remedy for sore eyes and night-blindness, which is generally caused by deficiency of vitamin A. Two drops of black basil juice are put into the eyes daily at bedtime.
16. Acts on nervous system
It act on nervous system providing them strength, relieves stress and helps in relieving pain.
17. It work as appetizer and promotes digestion by helping in secretion of digestive enzymes.
18. It helps in preventing flatulence and avoids constipated stool.
19. Basil juice drops are very effective in earache.
20. Keep powder of Basil root in water for overnight and take it early morning for diabetes natural cure.
Health Benefits of Black Pepper
Many people are ignorant about the numerous health benefits of black pepper. May contain potent antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic properties. May contain iron, potassium, manganese, vitamin C and fiber in large quantities. However, beside these, it may contain other nutritional components.
Black pepper is known to improve digestion.
Consider 5gm of black pepper powder mixed in a cup of buttermilk in case of digestive problems and intestinal infections. Pepper may help stomach to produce hydrochloric acid which is needed to digest food. This prevents food staying in the stomach for a long time which ultimately cures flatulence and stomach irritations.
In case of anorexia (loss of appetite), a decoction of black pepper taken may help solving the problem by stimulating the taste buds.
In case of fever with chills, drink little warm water boiled with pepper seeds. It may reduce the high temperature.
Chewing the seeds, gargling with warm water boiled with the seeds, may relieve toothaches.
A decoction of black pepper taken twice a day may help constipation.
Sucking few pepper corns may provide relief from throat irritations and dry cough
A decoction of black pepper taken twice a day may help common cold and cough.
May promote proper urination and sweating that helps get rid of harmful toxins from the body.
In case of minor cuts, sprinkle little black pepper powder on the area. May stop bleeding and its antibacterial properties promote immediate healing by killing the germs
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