5 Essential Supplements For Healthy Pregnancy!
Taking necessary supplements during pregnancy is as important as eating healthy when you're pregnant!Your body is working hard to grow your baby, so you need more nutrients than usual for your baby to develop strong bones, a healthy brain, and everything else they need.What necessary supplements are required during pregnancy?Adequate nutrients, such as protein, iron, calcium, and folic acid, are important for the proper growth of a baby's brain, bones, and organs.5 most important nutrients during pregnancy:Folic Acid: Folic Acid is a B vitamin that helps prevent neural tube defects in the baby, which can further lead to serious birth defects of the brain and spine. Amount of folic acid you need during this period:Before pregnancy: 400 mcg (micrograms) per day.During pregnancy and when breastfeeding, 600 mcg (micrograms) per day.Consuming this much folic acid is not possible only with food, and so folic acid is prescribed by the doctors. 2. Iron: Iron is essential for the production of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to both you and your baby. It is recommended that a pregnant woman should consume atleast 27 mg (milligrams) of iron a day.Reaching this amount alone with food is not possible and hence supplements are prescribed by the doctors. 3. Calcium: Calcium is a crucial nutrient during pregnancy as it can reduce the risk of pre-eclampsia, a serious medical condition that causes a sudden increase in the blood pressure. Calcium also helps in building up the baby's bones and teeth. Requirement of calcium are as follows: a. Pregnant adults: 1,000 mg (milligrams) of calcium in a day b. Pregnant teenagers (ages 14-18): 1,300 mg of calcium in a day.Consuming this much calcium is not possible only with food intake, and so calcium tablets are prescribed by the doctors. 4. Vitamin D: Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin is essential, as it helps absorb calcium in your body which further enhances building of the baby's bones and teeth. All pregnant women should get 600 IU (international units) of vitamin D per day. 5. Water: Getting enough fluids is also one special nutritional concern during pregnancy. During pregnancy, your body needs much more water to stay hydrated and support the life inside you. So it becomes really important to drink enough fluids every day.Just remember, taking too many supplements can sometimes have negative impact. It is important to consult your doctor to discuss your specific nutritional needs so that they can recommend any supplements as per your personalized needs.Source:-1. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/whats-food 2. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/whats-food/proteins
Weight Gain Tips for underweight Children: BMI, Diet, and Supportive Parenting!
Are you worried about your child's weight? It's a common concern for many parents. Let's work together to address this issue in a healthy way.Follow these 2 Steps to achieve your goal:Step 1: Calculate Your Child's BMIA good starting point is to calculate your child's Body Mass Index (BMI). This simple calculation can provide insights into their weight status.https://medwiki.co.in/health-assessment-tools/fitness-calculators/body-mass-indexStep 2: Understand the ResultsOnce you have your child's BMI as a percentile ranking. You will know if your child is underweight or it is just that you think so.Results show that your child is underweight?Don't worry. There are effective strategies to help them gain weight healthily.Do's:Diet:Increase carbohydrates: Incorporate more starchy foods like potatoes and rice.Add healthy fats: Include avocados, nuts, and olive oil in their diet.Offer high-calorie drinks: Milkshakes and smoothies can be nutritious and calorie-dense.Encourage healthy eating habits: Involve your child in meal preparation and eat together as a family.Provide healthy snacks: Offer yogurt, fruits, and vegetables as snacks.Focus on essential vitamins: Ensure they get enough vitamins A, C, and D.Don't:Rely on junk food and sugary drinks, for weight gain. Use a nutritious diet always.Offer pre-meal drinks and snacks, as they can fill their tummies. This will impact their nutritious meal.Create a stressful mealtime environment. Let the children enjoy their mealtime.Encourage Physical ActivityRegular exercise is essential for overall health, including weight gain. Encourage your child to participate in activities that they enjoy. Also be a part of their physical activity routine.Remember:Patience is key: Gaining weight in a healthy way takes time.Consult a healthcare professional: If you have any concerns, consult a pediatrician for personalized advice.By following these guidelines, you can help them achieve a healthy weight in a safe and sustainable way.Source:-https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/childrens-weight/how-to-help-your-child-gain-weight/
Want to Get Pregnant? 5 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Having a Baby!
Becoming a mother is a dream for many women, but sometimes it takes time and effort. If you are trying to conceive, don’t lose hope. There are simple ways to boost your fertility and increase your chances of getting pregnant.Here are five effective methods that can help to improve fertilityKeep a Healthy WeightYour weight affects your chances of getting pregnant. Being too thin or overweight can disturb your hormones and make ovulation harder. Staying at a healthy weight with the help of a hormone called leptin can balance your body, work better, and improve fertility.Eat Fertility-Friendly FoodsYour diet matters a lot. Foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and good fats can improve your reproductive health. Include leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and healthy proteins in your meals. These foods contain vitamins A, D, E, K, magnesium, and calcium. They balance as well as support your hormones and improve the quality of your eggs.Manage Stress LevelsStress can affect your ability to conceive. It can disturb your hormones and make it harder for your body to prepare for pregnancy. Simple activities like yoga, meditation, or even a daily walk release hormones like dopamine in your body. Therefore, it can help you feel calmer and support your fertility.Tracking Your Ovulation CycleKnowing your ovulation days can help you plan better. Ovulation is the time when your body releases an egg, making it the best time to try for a baby. You can use ovulation kits, apps, or temperature charts to track your fertile days.Exercise RegularlyModerate exercise releases endorphins, which keep your body stress-free and boost circulation. This improves your chances of getting pregnant. However, avoid heavy workouts, as too much exercise can harm fertility. Focus on balanced activities like walking, swimming, or light yoga.These steps can help make your journey to motherhood smoother.Remember, every woman’s body is different, so results may take time.Stay positive, take care of your health, and trust the process. With patience and care, your dream of becoming a mother can come true.Source:-1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8634384/ 2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6079277/ 3. https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/reproductivehealth
Constipation in Kids:Causes and how to Treat it!
If you are also struggling with constipation in your little one? Watch this video to know all about the signs of constipation in kids, why do kids get constipated, and what you can do to help.Hey parents! Today, we're talking about a very common but often frustrating problem: constipation in babies and kids. Almost 1 in 20 doctor visits for kids are because of constipation, so you're definitely not alone if this is happening in your home.What are the Signs of Constipation in Kids?Recognizing the signs early can make a big difference:Babies might be very fussy and spit up more often.Difficulty passing stools that are hard and dry.Your child might have pain when passing stools.Stomach pain or bloating.For older kids, having fewer than three bowel movements a week.Why Do Kids Get Constipated?Constipation happens when stool stays in the colon for too long. During this time, the colon absorbs too much water, making stools hard and dry. Here are some reasons why this happens:Dietary Factors: Not eating enough fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lead to constipation. Fiber helps in adding bulk to the stool, which makes it easier to pass.Low Fluid Intake: Water and other fluids help keep stools soft and easier to pass. Not drinking enough fluids causes dehydration, leading to hard and dry stools.Delaying Bathroom Trips: Kids sometimes avoid going to the bathroom because they’re too busy playing, don’t want to use public restrooms, or feel embarrassed. This can cause stool to sit longer in the colon, leading to constipation.Changes in Routine: Changes like starting solid foods for babies, moving from breast milk to formula, or even stressful events such as starting school can disrupt bowel habits and lead to constipation.Medical Conditions: Certain medical issues, such as hypothyroidism, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or medications that affect bowel muscles, can also be the cause of constipation.Emotional Stress: Emotional factors can play a role too. Stressful events, like moving to a new home or conflicts at school, can make kids hold in their stool, leading to constipation.Understanding the root cause of constipation can help in taking the right measures to ease it. If any of this sounds familiar, don't worry—I have some tips that can help!Source:- https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003125.htm
6 Foods to Boost Your Immunity This Winter!
Winter is here! To stay healthy during the colder months, it is important to strengthen our immune system. Eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep are great ways to do this.Here are some foods to help you build immunity this winter:Blueberries: Blueberries have antioxidant properties that boosts the immune system. They contain a type of flavonoid called anthocyanin, which plays an essential role in building the respiratory tract immune system.Adding a handful of blueberries to your morning oatmeal or smoothie can really give your immune system that extra kick!Dark Chocolate: Besides being a treat for your taste buds, dark chocolate contains an antioxidant called theobromine. This antioxidant helps protect the body’s cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can lead to illness. Just remember, moderation is key. A small piece of dark chocolate can give you the benefits without overdoing it.Broccoli: Broccoli is one rich source of Vitamin C. It also contains antioxidants, such as sulforaphane which can support the immune system. Lightly steaming broccoli keeps its nutrients intact, so try adding it as a side dish to your dinner to get the maximum benefits!Spinach: Another leafy green that’s great for winter is spinach. Packed with nutrients like Vitamin C, flavonoids, and carotenoids, spinach not only boosts immunity but also helps prevent common colds. Make sure to cook it just a little to keep its goodness intact. You can add spinach to your soups, curries, or even a warm winter salad.Red Bell Pepper: Did you know they contain even more Vitamin C than oranges? That’s right! Vitamin C is a key player in building immunity, and red bell peppers are loaded with it. Stir-frying or roasting red bell peppers is a great way to preserve their nutrients and flavor—making them a delicious addition to any winter meal.Oranges or Kiwifruit: Oranges and kiwis are an excellent source of vitamin C, which is the vitamin that many people turn to when they feel a cold developing. Vitamin C helps in reducing the duration of common cold symptoms and improves the function of the human immune system.Including these fruits in your breakfast or enjoying them as a snack can make a big difference in keeping those winter sniffles at bay.These 6 foods—blueberries, dark chocolate, broccoli, spinach, red bell peppers, oranges, and kiwifruit—are not only delicious but are also powerful allies in building your immunity this winter. So, make sure to include them in your diet and stay strong against the seasonal colds.Source:- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322412#which-foods-boost-the-immune-system
Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Life-Saving Treatment options!
Asthma is a common chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Diagnosis involves clinical tests, and treatment includes medications and lifestyle adjustments.Symptoms of AsthmaAsthma can have different symptoms, such as:Tight chestCoughing, usually at night or early morning.Struggling to breathe properly.Wheezing, a whistling sound when you breathe out.These symptoms can be mild or severe. They might appear daily or only sometimes.Asthma Attacks:An asthma attack occurs when the airway narrows, making it difficult to breathe. During an Asthma attack, symptoms might get even worse. Attacks can happen gradually or suddenly and may even be life-threatening. People with severe asthma, suffer from asthma attacks more frequently. If you're having frequent asthma attacks, your treatment may need adjustment.How is Asthma Diagnosed?Doctors use different methods to check if you have asthma:Physical Exam & Medical History: To understand your symptoms and triggers.Lung Function Tests:Spirometry: This test checks how well your lungs work. In this test, a small machine is attached to a mouthpiece through which you take a deep breath in, hold it for a few seconds, and then exhale as hard as you can into the mask. This measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs.Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF): This test requires a handheld device called Peak Flow Meter that is used to measure how fast you can blow air out, using your maximum effort.Airway Reaction Tests: In this test, you inhale certain allergens or medicines to see how your airways respond. A spirometry test is done before and after the test.Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) Test: This test measures nitric oxide levels in your breath when you breathe out. High levels of nitric oxide may mean that there is inflammation in your lungs.If you are diagnosed with Asthma, you will need to consult your doctor for a treatment plan. Here are a few treatment options for Asthma.What is the Treatment for Asthma?The treatment plan will include ways to manage your asthma symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. These include:Strategies to avoid triggers. Staying away from things that worsen your asthma, like smoke or allergens.Quick-relief medicines: These include inhalers or some medicines that provide quick relief. They are supposed to be carried along always. They help prevent symptoms or relieve symptoms during an asthma attack.Control medicines. These medicines are taken every day to help prevent symptoms. They reduce airway inflammation and prevent the narrowing of the airways.Advanced Treatment:Bronchial Thermoplasty: For adults with uncontrolled asthma, doctors might suggest a procedure called bronchial thermoplasty. It uses heat to shrink the muscles in your lungs, making it easier to breathe. This is usually the last option and might carry some risks. So, it is always recommended to discuss with your doctor in detail about such tests.Stay safe, avoid triggers, and follow your treatment plan!Source:-https://medlineplus.gov/asthma.html
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