Monday, September 14, 2009

Does in-take of prenatal multivitamins affect hair growth?

Does in-take of prenatal multivitamins affect hair growth?Many of us do believe that prenatal multivitamins are good for hair growth. But there is no proof behind our belief that proves that in-take of prenatal multivitamins affects the growth of our hair. Although some pregnant women notice that their hair is growing faster, this is due to the hormonal changes that occur inside their body.

Research has not shown yet that prenatal vitamins help with hair growth. Yes, our hair needs some vitamins for proper and healthy growth. Multivitamins contain vitamins and minerals that meet the nutritional needs of a woman during pregnancy. So, vitamins present inside the body may be good for hair growth. There are some hormone boosting elements present in the prenatal vitamins that are designed especially for pregnant women to fulfill the nutritional needs of her and her baby.

A prenatal vitamin is very much similar to a multivitamin, except it usually contains more iron and folic acid. There are misconceptions that prenatal multivitamins help grow our hair and because of this some woman take prenatal vitamins just to make their hair grow faster. However, it’s probably a good idea to check with your doctor whether it’s ok to take prenatal vitamins even if you are not pregnant.

We know that these prenatal multivitamins contain a large amount of folic acid, which is needed in pregnancy, as our regular diet lacks folic acid. And folic acid is considered as one of the key components needed for steady hair growth as it helps in the formation and shaping of new cells. For hair growth, it is essential that the old cells should be replaced by new ones, and for that some vitamins and minerals are essential.

In a survey, it was found out that some woman experienced fast hair growth and some did not, while they took prenatal vitamins. There may be evidence to show that prenatal vitamins may help with hair growth, but there is no reliable research to suggest they are useful for hair growth.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

What You Eat Is Important For Your Baby

What You Eat Is Important For Your Baby
Recent studies have revealed that a baby’s health in later life may be determined by the mothers' health in the days or weeks before becoming pregnant. What you eat during your pregnancy can have an enormous impact on your baby’s development. Here are a few tips that can help you to get enough nutrition for you and your baby.

Folic acid- A sufficient intake of B vitamin in the first trimester helps to reduce neural-tube defects in developing babies by 50 to 70%. You must include enough folic acid in your diet. It is recommended to take 400 micrograms before conceiving and increase the dose to about 600 micrograms when your pregnancy is confirmed. The risk of pre-term delivery can also be reduced if you take folic acid supplement for about a year before pregnancy and also in the second trimester.

Limit Caffeine- Caffeine sometimes lead to health complications in pregnancy or even miscarriages. Coffee, tea, soft drinks and even chocolate contain high levels of caffeine.

Lots of fiber- Foods high in fiber is packed with rich vitamins, minerals as well as phytochemicals. These are essential to your baby's development.

Go Organic- Now, most food products are exposed to pesticides and that has been linked to birth defects, pre-term birth, miscarriage, growth restriction, immune disorder and childhood cancer. Organic food can reduce all these problems.

Don’t overeat- Indigestion, bloating, heartburn, weight gain and other side effects are common when pregnant women over eat. Overeating is unhealthy especially during pregnancy.

Eat you vitamin - prenatal vitamins- Prenatal vitamins are specially formulated for pregnant women. Prenatal multivitamins contain the recommended intake of folic acid, calcium and iron for your baby’s healthy development. A good prenatal vitamin is the foundation of good health and nutrition. The prenatal multivitamin you choose must contain the required nutrients and absorb into your body easily.

Special Diet for Pregnant Women

Special Diet for Pregnant Women
There is a need to for a balanced diet during pregnancy as nutrition and minerals are essential for the development of the mother as well as the baby. Mostly, the food that we consume is deficient in nutrients and minerals. Every organ in our body requires a certain amount of proteins, minerals, vitamins and nutrients. If these elements are not delivered to the organ in the right proportion, it will begin to lose its efficiency. The failure of one organ can cause a lot of damage to the entire body. Therefore, for pregnant women there it is an added responsibility of taking care of their diet. They have to be extremely vigilant about their diet and ensure that they receive exact prenatal nutrients to ensure that the developing baby has a good start.

For the purpose of providing a healthy diet, prenatal vitamins are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. Now modern day women have hectic schedules and on top of that, they have to endure morning sickness, nausea and provide for the changing nutritional needs of the baby. With all this, it is difficult to acquire the right nutritional balance. Prenatal vitamins are vitamin supplements, taken before and during pregnancy, that provide nutrients to the women of child bearing age.

Women undergo a drastic physiology change during pregnancy in order to support the development of the growing baby. The amount of nutrients required by women during pregnancy is more than before pregnancy. What a pregnant woman eats during pregnancy determines the how healthy the baby is going to be. It is very important to have an intake of proteins that will ensure your baby’s health in future.

Promise prenatal vitamins target every stage of pregnancy with the perfect proportion of nutrients. They provide omega3 and DHA which helps enhance the baby's brain and eye development. They help to reduce nausea with the aid of coated iron tablets. The prenatal vitamins are compressed in a small highly absorbent tablet.

Promise Prenatal vitamins offer proteins, minerals and vitamins that are required by your baby and you. They are available in three unique stages and DHA support. If you follow the correct nutrition during pregnancy, you can be rest assured of your baby’s healthly development.

Monday, August 31, 2009

Pregnant Women Must Increase Vitamin C Intake

Pregnant Women Must Increase Vitamin C Intake
A woman’s diet especially during pregnancy should include many vitamins and what doctors believe is that a pregnant woman must increase the intake of vitamin C. New studies have suggested that if there are insufficient levels of vitamin C before and during pregnancy, there is a higher risk involved of damage to the developing baby. A low amount of vitamin C can result in a ruptured membrane and premature delivery.

The role of Vitamin C during pregnancy is quite significant. This water-soluble essential nutrient is very important for repairing tissues, collagen formation and numerous metabolic processes that include iron metabolism and converting folic acid to folinic acid.

Pregnant women should consume 85 mg of vitamin C daily as recommended by DRIs. The intake should be sufficient especially during the second trimester.

When the pregnancy approaches the end of the third trimester, the sac membranes that hold the fetus and amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus will start to rupture, a sign of onset of delivery of the baby. The membranes’ premature rupture can lead to premature delivery. An adequate amount of vitamin C intake can reduce this risk.

Collagen is the main component that folds the fetal membrane and it preserves the chorio amniotic membranes’ mechanical strength. Intrauterine or cervicovaginal infections are some of the conditions that result from low Vitamin C levels.

Vitamin C also helps to develop the baby’s teeth and bones. For the formation of hemoglobin, Vitamin C assists in proper absorption of iron. Even after pregnancy, vitamin C supplies nutrients that your baby needs during breast-feeding.

Tomatoes, citrus fruits, tomato juice, brussel sprouts, cabbage, potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and spinach are all good sources of vitamin C. However, you can take prenatal vitamins that have the recommended 85 mg of vitamin C level. Before you buy your prenatal supplement, check that the vitamin C level is appropriate. A pregnancy vitamin is the best way to include vitamin C if you have any concerns about your diet.

What to Eat During the First Trimester of Pregnancy

What to Eat During the First Trimester of Pregnancy
A good diet is the essence for a pregnant woman to be healthy and for the baby to develop normally. It is during the first trimester of pregnancy that pregnant women need to provide enough nutrients to for their body. This is when the baby starts to develop very rapidly. Major developments like brain development, lung development and overall growth takes place during this period.

It is very crucial that pregnant women eat a healthy diet even before conceiving. This will help them to prepare themselves for the whole nine months of pregnancy. But a major concern is that most pregnant women experience morning sickness and that can make it very difficult for them to eat a healthy diet. When nausea and vomiting happens, it becomes very hard for women to digest their food. The best thing you can do is take prenatal vitamins to reduce pregnancy morning sickness. You can also eat small and light meals at frequent intervals. Ginger ale and lemon drops are some of the home made remedies for a morning sickness cure.

It is also important to stay hydrated at all times. Drinking a lot of water or fluid during pregnancy is recommended by many doctors. Folic acid is a must to have during to the first trimester. Best source for folic acid is green leafy vegetables. Food high in proteins and fiber, lentils, beans, nuts and dry fruits and whole grain food are recommended during the first trimester.

Another important thing that a pregnant woman must take daily is the prenatal vitamins. The prenatal vitamins will provide all the essential nutrients that your diet is unable to provide. If there is any nutritional gap, the prenatal vitamins will fix this. However, it is better if you consult your doctor before buying any pregnancy vitamins.