Tag: Folic Acid

Not many people would have even heard of homocysteine because it is not something you get from what you eat or do but is an...

An adequate dosage of folic acid while trying to conceive and during pregnancy is important for both the baby and the mother. In the baby, it avoids birth defects like spina bifida, anencephaly, and cleft palate. It also ensures adequate production of RBCs and prevents low birth weight. In the mother, it reduces the risk of preeclampsia and miscarriage.

When you're pregnant, there will be a million things on your mind in order to take care of yourself and your growing unborn child....

Roots and tubers are packed with the goodness of numerous nutrients and minerals. Since they grow below the soil, they absorb these nutrients that are essential for mental and physical development. They are rich in slow-burning carbohydrates and fiber, and help the digestive system and regulate the blood sugar level. In some Asian countries, edible roots and tubers are also used as traditional medicinal.

Are you pregnant or planning for pregnancy? If yes, there are chances that you are confused with the endless information on pregnancy. You get...

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) interferes with day to day life of the patient, if left untreated. Treatment depends on the severity of disorder. Cognitive...

Whether in a salad or soup or as the base of a main dish, lentils make a hearty and healthy addition to any meal. Here is everything you need to know about them!

Scan for anti-cancer foods at the grocery store. Pick up cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cabbage, bok choy) that have ample anti-cancer phytochemicals. Include foods rich in carotenoids (carrots and canataloupes), ellagic acid (strawberries, pomegranates), and resveratrol (red grapes, cocoa, peanuts) that negate free radicals. Fiber-rich whole grains and folate-rich foods curb tumor growth, too.

Excess folic acid may harm your baby by causing nervous damage (leading to autism), insulin resistance, obesity, or cognitive impairment. It may also increase risks of mammary tumors in the to-be mom. Daily recommended supplement intake of folic acid for pregnant women is 400–800 mcg. Folic acid available in natural form in dark green leafy veggies, fruits, nuts, and beans is not harmful.

Exercise 30 mins daily to get your blood pumping. Practise yoga to prevent stress. Eat nutrient-rich foods but do not overeat. Consume plenty of leafy greens rich in folate that helps improve the quality of your eggs. Stop googling for answers. Instead put across all queries to a qualified doctor. Take care of your gums. Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol. Save to meet the expenses of baby care.

Some multivitamins contain substantially higher vitamins and minerals than prescribed tolerable levels. Also some are cheaper to process into a pill than others, leading to excess consumption. Excess vit A may cause nausea and blurred vision; excess vit D may cause impaired muscle and brain function; excess zinc may cause cramping and diarrhea. Choose supplements based on your specific needs.

Folate (found in plants) and folic acid (in vit B9 supplements) are converted to 5-MTHF. All 3 compounds regulate the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. Impaired expansions induce: narrow vessels-high blood pressure-damaged vessels-heart disease. They slash free radicals and homocysteine levels and aid in nitric oxide synthesis needed for apt endothelial function.

Certain foods are fortified with nutrients which are not found naturally in that food or are present in very low amounts. Cereals, eggs, grains, salt and milk are fortified with Vitamin A, D, folic acid or iodine to cover for deficiencies in your diet. These can inhibit absorption of other nutrients or lead to an overdose of nutrients. Its is better to have a balanced diet of natural foods.

Reduce intake of salt and sodium rich foods like pickles, fried and canned foods. Exercise moderately for 25 mins/day. Maintain a healthy BMI, it reduces gestational hypertension and diabetes risk. Avoid stress, smoking and alcohol. Consume foods rich in potassium (beans, raisins), calcium (milk), folic acid (broccoli, spinach) and magnesium (leafy greens, fish).

-Avoid caffeine, cigarettes alcohol: Hinders nutrient absorption. Take prenatal at least 3-4 hrs apart. -Take with small amounts of healthy fats: Helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, K, D, E). - Ensure enough stomach acid: Aids mineral absorption. - Take multi vitamins: Absence of some vitamins limits absorption of other vitamins, so cover these dependencies.