6 superfoods for lactating mothers

6 superfoods for lactating mothers

Lactating moms should fuel their bodies with the best foods so the child grows healthier. During the time of breastfeeding, the mother’s body is making milk 24 hours per day. Generally, breastfeeding moms feel hungry ever so often. This appetite comes from the energy the body polishes off for producing milk. High on energy and low on calories, these six superfoods offer adequate nourishment for the mother and the child. Avocados Avocados contain healthy fats that will not only provide you with necessary energy over the course of the day but also assist you in controlling your cholesterol levels. Avocados are also plentiful in protein, vitamin E, and folate, all of which assist in the improvement of your child’s focal sensory system. Nuts Nuts are full of essential minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, vitamin B, and vitamin K. They contain fatty acids and protein. Nuts are considered lactogenic in many parts of the world, meaning they are sometimes used to produce breast milk. Legumes or beans Legumes are a versatile food option for breastfeeding mothers, as they are a rich source of folate, iron, protein, vitamins, minerals, phytoestrogens, and fiber. Breastfeeding mothers require extra 25 grams of protein per day.
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Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – Foods to avoid

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – Foods to avoid

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or IPF is a chronic lung condition where a patient experiences difficulty breathing due to scarred and strained lungs. The condition is generally seen in people aged 70 years or above. The exact cause of IPF is not known. However, there are measures that can be taken to manage the condition and lifestyle. While some foods help manage the condition and control its symptoms, there are foods that result in exacerbated symptoms. This article talks about the foods that are better avoided with IPF. Dairy Dairy is one of the food groups that should be consumed in small portions. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients must try to avoid it completely. Milk and other milk products can lead to increased phlegm and mucus production in the body. This can, in turn, contribute to difficulty in breathing for the patients. It can also lead to increased coughing and wheezing, exerting excessive pressure on the lungs. Daily consumption of dairy products like ice cream and butter should be avoided at all costs. Dairy alternatives like soy milk, tofu, almond milk, and other plant milk products can be used. Processed meat Processed meats have long been condemned for their potential to cause harm to an individual’s health.
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5 mattresses that suit every type of sleeper

5 mattresses that suit every type of sleeper

When it comes to a person’s good health, there are three constant factors that are considered – food habits, active lifestyle, and quality sleep. This article is concerned with that last aspect. Achieving quality sleep begins from knowing how to choose the perfect mattress for your body type. If you are struggling with getting some good sleep, you might want to change your mattress. The various mattresses mentioned below should help you make an informed choice. Coir foam mattress This kind of mattress is perfect for people with back pain. It offers sufficient support to the body, and does not hamper the individual’s posture. That said, it’s very important for people with back pain to have a mattress that comfortably takes the weight of their body. Latex mattress This type of mattress is a lot softer and comfortable than spring mattresses. Latex mattresses have breathable layers. If you experience night sweats, this mattress should be your ideal choice. This type is definitely cooler than memory foam. Hypoallergenic mattress A hypoallergenic mattress is important for people with a sensitive nose. These mattresses prevent allergens, bugs, and microbes from settling onto the surface. Hypoallergenic mattresses also prevent the body oils from being absorbed, keeping the foam hygienic and fresh for recurring use.
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10 side effects of using a poor quality mattress

10 side effects of using a poor quality mattress

Having a proper mattress is an extremely important part of getting a good night’s sleep. Not investing in one can lead to several health issues along the road, making you feel unrested and resulting in chronic aches. In case you have not read about the consequences of using a poor-quality mattress regularly, here are a couple of side effects of sleeping on a bad mattress that may affect your physical and mental health. 10 side effects of using a poor quality mattress Premature aging A bad mattress leads to poor REM sleep, which affects your skin terribly. It results in dark circles, puffiness around the eyes, and dull skin. Memory issues The brain needs adequate rest after a full day of work. Sleep is an important aspect of rest and recovery, which helps in keeping the brain sharp and focused. Chronic drowsiness A lack of sleep leads to a tired mind and body. A good mattress will rectify this problem immediately. Waking up fresh and well-rested helps one stay active and not feel drowsy throughout the day. Back pain A lousy mattress interferes with the sleep cycle and creates severe physical problems. Back pain can lead to several complications, deterring you from having an active lifestyle.
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Nutrient-dense foods to eat during pregnancy

Nutrient-dense foods to eat during pregnancy

Eating the right kind of food when pregnant is very important for both you and the baby. That being said, finding the right foods that are healthy and satisfy your cravings can be difficult without a proper meal plan. So, if you’re deciding on your eating plan and do not know where to start, here is an essential guide that can help with foods that are good for pregnant women. Read on to learn more. Dairy products like yogurt It’s incredible how the human body is capable of creating new life. Of course, to do this, the body requires tons of extra protein and calcium that support the child’s growth. To ensure that you are getting your fill of all these essential nutrients, you can try to add dairy products to your meals. This includes milk, cheese, and yogurt. These dairy products will provide you with high-quality protein like casein and whey. They are also a great source of vitamins, magnesium, calcium, and other minerals. Whole grains like oats Whole grains are packed to the brim with essential fibers and plant compounds that can keep the body healthy and even promote the health of the unborn child. They also contain some amounts of protein, vitamin B, and magnesium.
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5 foods that help cope with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

5 foods that help cope with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a severe disease that can cause scar tissue to grow inside the lungs. The abnormal growth of such tissue can slow the flow of oxygen from the lungs to the blood and make it harder to breathe. There is no cure for IPF, but a few treatments can slow its progression and prolong life expectancy. Furthermore, combining these five foods with treatments may also help cope with the lung condition. Apples Eating apples regularly is known to have several health benefits. Improving lung health is one of them. The fruit contains quercetin, an antioxidant that compliments the lungs. Eating about five or more apples a week will help reduce lung diseases like COPD and pulmonary fibrosis. Beetroots and beet greens People who eat beetroots and beet greens have shown signs of better lung function. The food is rich in nitrates, which help calm the blood vessels. The compound is also known to curb blood pressure and smoothen the flow of oxygen to the respective organs in the body. Furthermore, beet greens contain magnesium, potassium, vitamin C, and carotenoid antioxidants. These elements also benefit lung health. Pumpkin Pumpkins are a popular fruit abundant in properties like carotenoids, including zeaxanthin, lutein, and beta carotene.
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5 potential negative effects of using a bad mattress

5 potential negative effects of using a bad mattress

One of the most important pieces of equipment to facilitate a good night’s sleep is a mattress. However, if you’re not using the right mattress, or if your mattress is too old, it could harm you in ways you probably can’t imagine. Numerous studies show that mattresses are responsible for poor sleep and a range of health problems. Here, we discuss some ways in which a mattress can negatively affect your overall health. It can trigger allergies When a mattress gets old, it tends to attract dust mites. These microscopic creatures live off dead skin cells and thrive in a warm environment. People who are allergic to dust mites can experience coughing, sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes. Dust mites are especially problematic for people with asthma, as they can trigger shortness of breath, chest pain, and wheezing. It can cause pain Not using the right mattress can lead to pain in the back, neck, and joints. Back pain occurs when the mattress is excessively soft or saggy and doesn’t support your spine. A mattress with many lumps and saggy parts can contribute to neck pain. If your mattress is too firm, on the other hand, it can cause joint pain.
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Tips to prevent complications from a bleeding disorder

Tips to prevent complications from a bleeding disorder

Bleeding disorders can be quite dangerous and can lead to fatal consequences if neglected. In some instances, such as those with hemophilia, it is vital to know about the right diagnosis and treatment options available to ensure one’s safety and prevent accidents from occurring. This article discusses some tips on keeping a check on the symptoms of a bleeding disorder. These tips help manage the condition daily and prevent complications. Tips to prevent complications from a bleeding disorder Frequent check-ups It is vital to get frequent check-ups done every year, including checking the joints, muscles, and bones. Physical therapy is necessary to prevent any joint pain, and consider visiting a dentist every six months to a year. Get X-rays of the joints to eliminate any other hidden complications. Blood tests Getting a factor level check every once in a while is advisable as it will help with blood clotting function. Ensure to check for inhibitors as well, which can be done every year. Liver tests, complete blood count, and an immune system check are essential to ensure all the vitals are good. Additionally, check for Hepatitis A, B, and C, and if you aren’t vaccinated yet, get the vaccine if the results are negative.
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Travel precautions for hemophilia A patients

Travel precautions for hemophilia A patients

Hemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder that affects a fraction of the people in the country. According to the Centre for Disease Control, roughly 12 out of every 100,000 males are diagnosed with hemophilia A. The bleeding is caused by a missing factor VIII protein, responsible for the blood’s clotting function. This inherited disorder is challenging to manage, and one must take the following precautions, especially while traveling with hemophilia A. Consult with a specialist Always consult with a doctor to understand if traveling with hemophilia A is possible in the first place. One should reconsider if the bleeding symptoms are severe. Some vaccinations for hepatitis A and B are recommended for patients who plan to travel. Doctors also provide a travel letter that explains the disorder for security purposes. Only then can airport officials allow prescriptions and care package supplies on board with the passenger. Prepare a precautionary kit Understand that airline baggage restrictions are not applicable for doctor-approved prescriptions and emergency supplies. So, patients can pack everything conveniently into a carry-on bag. However, it is the patient’s responsibility to label and mark all supplies, as there are certain prescriptions or equipment that cannot be exposed to X-ray scanning at the airport.
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5 ways to live healthy with hemophilia

5 ways to live healthy with hemophilia

Hemophilia is a rare disorder wherein the blood doesn’t clot as it should due to the lack of sufficient blood-clotting proteins. So a person affected by the condition will experience bleeds for longer spans before clotting occurs. Hemophilia can also trigger internal bleeding, especially bleeding inside the knees, elbows, and ankles that might be life-threatening. Though treatments cannot cure hemophilia, here are five tips to stay healthy when dealing with hemophilia. Eating specific foods The food we eat plays a vital role in providing the necessary nutrition to the body. It also improves one’s overall well-being. As for hemophilia, people affected by the condition must eat foods like oats, whole wheat, barley, brown rice, broccoli, spinach, and dried beans. These foods are abundant in protein, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, copper, vitamin B6, and folic acid, which are involved in red blood cell production. Maintaining oral hygiene Brushing teeth is essential for healthy living in patients with hemophilia. Those with the blood disorder can bleed heavily from injuries sustained to their teeth or gums. Therefore, brushing helps stay away from visits to the dentist that may result in gum bleeding. Maintaining oral hygiene also helps eliminate germs from the teeth and gums.
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