Archive for 'Women’s Health'
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR PREGNANCY DISCOMFORTS
Along with the joys of prospective motherhood there are often attendant discomforts. Before rushing off for a prescription or an over-the-counter preparation with ingredients that might be more harmful than helpful, why not go for relief in ways that have proven themselves effective naturally?
Nausea
The changes in your body hormone levels, low blood sugar, digestive slowdown and often not enough В vitamins can contribute to morning sickness and nausea during pregnancy. Eating six small meals rather than three large ones helps, as does nibbling on a small dry snack (whole wheat toast) before getting out of bed in the morning.
• A cup of basil or red raspberry tea, plain or with a little honey can ease queasiness and help prevent vomiting.
• Two capsules of red raspberry concentrate, taken in the morning, has been found to alleviate nausea, particularly in the first trimester.
• Chewing on a stick of ginger (or sipping a cup of ginger tea) has helped many a lady-in-waiting overcome unpleasant intestinal unrest.
• Vitamin В complex, 100 mg. twice daily, can work as a preventive. (Vitamin Вб has long been used in many commercial anti-nausea preparations.)
Heartburn
Another common pregnancy discomfort, usually due to indigestion caused by an increase or decrease in gastric juices, is heartburn.
• Try potato juice! Potatoes are a great source of alkaline ingredients, which can reduce acidity. Simply grate a potato, strain, and drink the juice for natural relief.
• Drink cold liquids through a straw, to avoid swallowing excess air.
• Peppermint tea can soothe that uncomfortable burning sensation, and relax you as well.
• Avoid fried, spicy, and fatty foods, as well as alcohol, chocolate, coffee, colas, and cigarettes.
Constipation
Since pregnancy hormones can slow down the digestive system, it needs all the help it can get.
• Drink liquids, and plenty of them! Upon arising a glass of hot water with a little lemon can work wonders.
• Unprocessed bran and unprocessed wheat germ, 1 tbsp. each, daily. (These work better when moistened. Use milk, juice, or soup according to taste.)
• Licorice tea works well as a mild laxative.
• Be sure your meals include ample amounts of whole grains, fresh fruits, and raw vegetables. (These create needed bulk.)
• A good supplement regimen would be:
Acidophilus liquid 1 tbsp., 3 times daily
Bran tablets 3-9 daily
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