Nutrients & more...

We all have come across "new improved packaging" way more often than actual improvement in the product itself. So, we end up buying new packets instead of new products.  Here are a few examples: Cholesterol free oil These oils claim to be heart healthy. The fact of the matter being that none of the refined oils or unrefined oils have cholesterol!! Even when it is not stated, the oils don't have cholesterol. Fact check: Cholesterol is made in the liver when excess fat is eaten. Ice cream  The so called cream is actually hydrogenated fats which are excessively harmful for your heart. Take a look at the ingredients of the 'Baskin Robbins' chocolate ice cream. Cream, Sugar, Nonfat Milk, Corn Syrup, Mousse Base (Palm Kernel Oil, Palm Oil, Corn Syrup Solids, Sodium Caseinate, Propylene Glycol Monostearate, Mono and Diglycerides, Cellulose Gum, Acetylated Monoglycerides, Guar Gum, Carrageenan), Chocolate Liquor and Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Whey Pow...

After delivery many new mothers have to deal with 'baby blues'. New mothers feel sad, anxious, irritable and weepy during this period. The hormones of a woman are stabilizing themselves and its natural to feel a little overwhelmed. Psychological support and help are needed by the mother to overcome these blues. image When this anxiety period lasts for more than 2 weeks , It develops into 'post partum depression' and you might need professional help. Post-partum depression - How diet can help? Though much is to be learned about postpartum depression, there are a few nutrients which have been found to help in overcoming PPD in new mothers. ·          Riboflavin- it’s also known as vit. B2. It is part of the b-complex vitamins. The Osaka maternal and child health study conducted in Japan on more than 800 women observed that riboflavin intake helped in post partum depression. Eggs, salmon, tofu, avocado, milk, mushrooms, spi...

So, you are a first-time mother and are anxious about breast-feeding. Dont fret, just trust your instincts and that of your infant! Babies have a suckling reflex and they will drink as much as they need to grow.  With rare exceptions, all mother can breast feed their children. Most mothers produce milk as per the demands of the new born. The more your baby nurses, the more milk will be produced. Traditionally there are some foods which are given to the new mother to recuperate and increase her milk production. Galactagogues / Lactogenic foods What are these? Galactagogues are substances which boosts milk production in nursing mothers. Many of these are anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory, reducing cramps, relieving flatulence and improving digestion. Some of them are pipal mool, sauth, chuhare, khus khus, gond, jeera, ajwain etc. Though studies are few and evidence is anecdotal. Here are a few which would help. 1.         Fenugreek seed...

What is the safest food for a baby, easy to digest, always available, complete with nutrients, packed with immunity boosters, easy to store and requires no pre-preparation? It is mother’s milk. It’s the complete food for the baby. image Breast feeding is the best thing that you can do for your baby and yourself. It protects her from all kinds of infections, boosts immunity and makes an unbreakable emotional bond with you. Studies suggest that a breast-fed baby has fewer chances of metabolic syndrome later in life. So, if you are a first-time mother and are anxious about breast-feeding; trust your instincts and that of your infant! Babies have a suckling reflex and they will drink as much as they need to grow.   With rare exceptions, all mother can breast feed their children. Its recommended to breastfeed the baby exclusively for 6 months. Breast feeding is essential not only for the baby but for your body too! It will prevent engorgement in your breasts. It wil...

Pregnancy comes with a long list of things of do’s and don’t’s. Breastfeeding diet is not as stringent. Basically,  you require a healthy diet with increased calorie intake. You just have to listen to your body cues to make little adjustments. For example, You might find beans too gassy while your friend hogged on them without a hitch. Its not unusual. Do not worry, do what your body needs.   While you and your lactation consultant or nutritionist are the best people to decide on the post pregnancy diet, here are a few things that should be avoided: 1.        Coffee - The amount of caffeine in your diet should be minimal to avoid over stimulating you child. She may be fussy and not sleep properly because of it. 2.     link    Chocolate - while a small piece will not do any harm, if you are having coffee, tea or energy drinks, it’ll tip the caffeine content on higher side. Your baby might not tolerate it. ...

India is a tropical country. A hot and humid climate encourages the harmful bacteria to grow in our foods and cause abdominal discomfort. A stomach infection usually leads to diarrhea in most cases. That's why it is so important to eat fresh foods and wash hands before eating. Diarrhea is one of the most common manifestation of these infections. It can be difficult to feed a person with diarrhea, since the appetite to eat simply dies. Weakness sets in, and a person will take long time to recover. Here are a few things which can be used for a person suffering from diarrhea and help him/her recover: ORS - Since the body loses a lot of fluids and minerals due to diarrhea, its very very important to keep body hydrated. Otherwise, the dehydration can be lethal. ORS gives the perfect balance of minerals and water for the recovery of body and maintenance of the body fluids. Lemonade-  Lemon squeezed with mint, salt and sugar in water. It will bala...

The summers have arrived. The soaring temperatures are accompanied by the heat waves.   A heat wave is a period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season (according to the National Disaster Management Authority). Heat strokes cases are always on the rise with the advent of the summer season in India. Heat stroke is caused when the body’s temperature rises to 40°C (104°F) or more, accompanied by delirium, seizures or coma. It can be a fatal condition.  The good news is, that it's preventable. You needn’t be the victim of the heat wave, if you take a few simple precautions. Here’s how to keep yourself and your loved ones cool this summer: 1.     Hydrate yourself - Drink, drink and drink some more should be your motto. If you are not interested in drinking plain water, jazz it up by adding citrus wedges , mint leaves or cucumber slices. Having coconut water is also a good idea, if i...