Thank you Ina May!
Mommy Wars: The Prequel
Ina May Gaskin and the Battle for at-Home Births
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
8 Foods Pregnant Women Should Eat
Almonds: These nuts are less allergenic than their cousins the peanuts, cashews & macadamia nut. They are high in folic acid, fiber & B vitamins have a low glycemic index. They are high in vitamin E, which can help with vascular health. Their fat content make them a great snack, which helps you to feel satisfied. Try a 20-30 almonds as a snack.
Chia Seeds: A What? Exactly. This is becoming a more popular food in healthy eating circles. Chia seeds are the ultimate vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acids, important for brain and eye development. They have 5000mg per ounce. They are high in fiber and contain a moderate amount of protein (4g in 1oz). In addition, they contain minerals like potassium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese.
Cherries: These berries are often overlooked as a superfood. They are the right color to give that rich antioxidant boost and are high in fiber and vitamin C. They also have natural melatonin which can aid with insomnia in pregnancy.
Chickpeas: An overlooked legume. These beans are a great source of protein and also are high in folate. They can have 15g of protein per cup. They also are a great source of minerals like selenium and zinc. So eat up that hummus.
Eggs: One egg has every single essential amnio acid we need. It's one of the very few dietary sources of vitamin D and also contains vitamins A, B6, B12, E, chlorine, iron, calcium and folic acid. One egg has approximately 12g of protein. Need I say more?
Flaxseeds: Known primarily as a great vegetarian source of omega-3, flax actually have less omega-3 than the chia seed, but many other wonderful properties. Flax has ligands which help balance hormones and can help stabilize mood swings in pregnancy.
Mushrooms: Especially types like Shiitake are a great low calorie highly satisfying food. They are high in several minerals such as: selenium, copper and potassium. They can be helpful in reducing inflammation in pregnancy
Yogurt: There is just no getting around how wonderful yogurt is. All natural, no sugar added, live culture yogurt is high in lactobacillius which quells yeast (a common complaint in pregnancy). Many types of yogurt are high in protein as well as calcium. The list of medicinal benefits is vast: decreased muscle cramps, promotes skeletal growth, decreases inflammation, aids in digestion, improves skin, decreases nausea.
Cherries: These berries are often overlooked as a superfood. They are the right color to give that rich antioxidant boost and are high in fiber and vitamin C. They also have natural melatonin which can aid with insomnia in pregnancy.
Eggs: One egg has every single essential amnio acid we need. It's one of the very few dietary sources of vitamin D and also contains vitamins A, B6, B12, E, chlorine, iron, calcium and folic acid. One egg has approximately 12g of protein. Need I say more?Flaxseeds: Known primarily as a great vegetarian source of omega-3, flax actually have less omega-3 than the chia seed, but many other wonderful properties. Flax has ligands which help balance hormones and can help stabilize mood swings in pregnancy.
Mushrooms: Especially types like Shiitake are a great low calorie highly satisfying food. They are high in several minerals such as: selenium, copper and potassium. They can be helpful in reducing inflammation in pregnancy
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Pesky Yeast
Ugh, yeast infections in pregnancy. What to do? Especially if you are in the 1st trimester and the regular azoles (terconazole & monistat) are not generally recommended. Here are some natural remedies for yeast. They can be cumbersome. But, when done correctly, are very effective.
Garlic - Garlic has a range of health benefits from anticarcinogenic to insect repellant. It is also a wonderful antimicrobial (bacterial, fungal, parasitic). Garlic can be ingested orally (one raw cloves, capsules 600-900 mg) or inserted vaginally (one raw clove) every night for 3-7 nights.
Acidophilus - Also known as lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly bacterial that helps to maintain a normal gut and a normal vaginal pH by acting like a natural antibiotic. Acidophilus can be found in pill and powder form. Some suggest that the refrigerated form is more effective. It can also be found in yogurt and yogurt products.
Tea tree oil - This oil may be applied topically for symptomatic relief of itching or burning. It also has antiseptic properties which is why it is better than vitamin E or vitamin A oils.
Gentian Violet - This is a dye that is a powerful yeast killer. It should be applied liberally in the perineal area. It will keep the skin purple for a few days and will also dye underwear.
Allspice - Allspice is actually a green fruit (berry) that grows on the Pimenta tree. While traditionally used to cure indigestion or stomach aches, it also has been found to have antiseptic an anesthetic effects especially against candida albicans (yeast).
Boric acid - There is a lot of controversy over boric acid capsule use in pregnancy. Some practitioners and pharmacists are adamant that it should only be used in non-pregnant women. I also don't typically recommend it, but included it here to be complete. It is very effective, when used as boric acid capsules, 98% of women with chronic yeast report being cured from chronic yeast. Insert into the vagina up to twice a day for 2-4 weeks. Boric acid should NEVER be ingested orally.
Garlic - Garlic has a range of health benefits from anticarcinogenic to insect repellant. It is also a wonderful antimicrobial (bacterial, fungal, parasitic). Garlic can be ingested orally (one raw cloves, capsules 600-900 mg) or inserted vaginally (one raw clove) every night for 3-7 nights.
Acidophilus - Also known as lactobacillus acidophilus is a friendly bacterial that helps to maintain a normal gut and a normal vaginal pH by acting like a natural antibiotic. Acidophilus can be found in pill and powder form. Some suggest that the refrigerated form is more effective. It can also be found in yogurt and yogurt products.
Tea tree oil - This oil may be applied topically for symptomatic relief of itching or burning. It also has antiseptic properties which is why it is better than vitamin E or vitamin A oils.
Gentian Violet - This is a dye that is a powerful yeast killer. It should be applied liberally in the perineal area. It will keep the skin purple for a few days and will also dye underwear.
Allspice - Allspice is actually a green fruit (berry) that grows on the Pimenta tree. While traditionally used to cure indigestion or stomach aches, it also has been found to have antiseptic an anesthetic effects especially against candida albicans (yeast).
Boric acid - There is a lot of controversy over boric acid capsule use in pregnancy. Some practitioners and pharmacists are adamant that it should only be used in non-pregnant women. I also don't typically recommend it, but included it here to be complete. It is very effective, when used as boric acid capsules, 98% of women with chronic yeast report being cured from chronic yeast. Insert into the vagina up to twice a day for 2-4 weeks. Boric acid should NEVER be ingested orally.
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