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Antiphospholipid syndrome in pregnancy can be dangerous, leading to recurrent miscarriages. Learn what it is, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. What is APS (Antiphospholipid Syndrome)? Our immune system’s principal role is to clear infections, identifying the foreign body and generating an immune response. However, an autoimmune condition is known as a group where the body identifies and attacks its own cells and tissue. Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune systemic disorder in which phospholipid binding proteins are made to antibodies. Blood clots and pregnancy complications develop from antiphospholipid antibodies. An early identification of the condition therefore helps to reduce illness-related consequences. How APS is classified? APS can occur without the association of other autoimmune disorders (primary APS) or in association with other rheumatic diseases (like SLE). Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome (CAPS) is a severe form of APS with multiple organ thromboses in a short period time. How to Diagnose APS? The presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) in the blood and one relevant clinical feature indicates the antiphospholipid syndrome in pregnancy. The presence of aPL must be diagnosed on one or two occasions during pregnancy, tested at least twelve weeks apart. aPL positivity can be categorized as Asymptomatic aPL-positive patients: These patients have no history of blood clots or pregnancy complications. APS patients with pregnancy complications only APS patients with blood clots with or without pregnancy complications. How APS affects Pregnancy? Antiphospholipid antibodies can affect at any stage of pregnancy. 1. Miscarriages In the early stages of pregnancy (between conception and week nine of gestation), aPL affects the implantation of the embryo, thereby inhibiting the growth of fetal cells, resulting in miscarriages. In later stages of pregnancy (between week ten of gestation and delivery), aPL can cause clots in the placenta, thereby restricting the nutrient supply to the fetus. 2. Preterm Delivery Preterm delivery can happen as a result of preeclampsia, eclampsia, or placental insufficiency. 3. Intrauterine growth restriction- Fetus is smaller than expected. 4. Blood clots can happen during pregnancy and up to six weeks post-pregnancy. Antiphospholipid antibodies might not be the sole reason for the above complications. Factors like hormonal, anatomic, and genetic factors might also contribute to pregnancy complications. What is the Treatment of APS in Pregnancy? Blood-thinning medications like heparin (low molecular weight), low dose aspirin, and warfarin are used for the treatment of APS. However, warfarin is not recommended for pregnant women since it may cause birth defects. This is because blood-thinning medications interrupt the formation of blood clots. In most cases, heparin along with aspirin is the first line of treatment to prevent further obstetrical complications. Calcium and vitamin D supplements are also prescribed to reduce the risk of heparin-induced osteoporosis. What Are The Precautions To Be Taken? Most pregnant women with APS deliver healthy babies. However, to have a successful pregnancy it is important to follow certain precautions. Inform your physician if aPL test comes out positive, so that treatment can be initiated at the early stages to avoid miscarriages. If there is a history of thrombotic events in the last six months, pregnancy must be considered only after a medical consultation. During pregnancy, a woman with APS requires special care from a group of doctors with multi-specialty (obstetrician, rheumatologist, and neonatologist) to avoid complications and reduce the risk of premature delivery. Post Delivery Most women with APS will be able to breastfeed their babies. After the delivery, patients with APS should regularly consult a rheumatologist to monitor the disease outcome. Most patients with APS can give birth to healthy babies. Some babies are born with low birth weight. As a consequence of maternal transmission, some babies may have a PL in their blood. But, this may disappear within the first six months and do not cause blood clots. Conclusion Upon early diagnosis, you can manage complications caused by antiphospholipid antibody in pregnancy. #antiphospholipidantibodies #WhatisAPS #howAPSaffectspregnancy #antiphospholipidsyndrome #antiphospholipidantibodysyndrome #antiphospholipidantibody #treatmentofAPS

Today’s generation depends on a heavy dose of caffeine in the form of a steaming cup of coffee right after waking up. You end up drinking coffee before breakfast on an empty stomach. Undeniably, drinking coffee does come with it’s own plus points like an instant energy burst, a strong taste, and it’s ability to keep you alert when you feel like a zombie. Caffeine has become an essential part of people’s lifestyle everywhere. Most people love to have coffee with breakfast. Indeed, many deem it as an essential drink without which no breakfast meal can be complete. This habit is so ingrained in us that we don’t think it necessary to examine whether it is causing us more harm or good. When it comes to the timing of consuming coffee, there seems to be innumerable opinions of people. Let’s find out the correct way of taking it, with breakfast, before, or after breakfast? Is It Better to Drink Coffee Before or After Breakfast? According to studies, consuming strong black coffee before breakfast has the effect of raising the blood glucose response to breakfast. It can cause insulin resistance, hence it becomes important to eat something before consuming it. You may be tempted to gulp down a cup of coffee after a poor sleep to keep yourself awake but it will not benefit you in the long run. You should never drink coffee on an empty stomach especially if you have suffered from a broken sleep the night before. The best way of consuming coffee is to first have your breakfast and then drink this beverage. What to Eat before Drinking Coffee If you wake up at the same time every day then it’s best to make a habit of drinking coffee after breakfast. It can be anywhere from around 9:30 AM to 12:00 AM at noon. During this time, your cortisol levels are low. Hence, coffee will give you an energy boost and you will not find yourself experiencing mid-afternoon slump. Caffeine dehydrates your body. Thus, to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated, consume some fiber rich food items like fruits, or wholegrain cereals before reaching for that cup of joe. Take your supplements, if you consume any and hydrate yourself with plenty of water as soon as you wake up. You should drink coffee only after you have eaten something. How Long after Eating Can I Drink Coffee? Now that you know that drinking coffee on an empty stomach isn’t exactly healthy, it’s time to find out how long you should wait after your breakfast to have it. One crucial thing for you to remember is that caffeine hinders the absorption of essential micronutrients like iron and folate. It is recommended that you leave a gap of at least 1-2 hours before drinking coffee after your breakfast. How to Make Your Coffee Healthier? There are many ways by which you can make your cup of joe healthier as well as tastier so that instead of dehydrating your body, it will only benefit it. Just follow the tips given below. Avoid adding too much sugar or swap it for a sugar free alternative like stevia. Substitute your regular dairy milk with almond milk as it contains fewer calories per serving. Do not add artificial creamers into your coffee as they are filled with many preservatives. Try adding cinnamon into your cup. It has positive effects on your metabolism. Do not consume coffee a few hours before you sleep as it will interrupt your rest. Coffee has many benefits but it can also interfere with your body’s ability to synthesize nutrients if it is not consumed at the right time. It’s always a good idea to eat a little bit of something before reaching out for it. #Breakfast #coffee #healthy

No one can deny the fact that benefits of exercise are plenty. From keeping you fit to reducing stress, promoting better sleep, to even imparting a youthful glow to your skin – the list is endless. There is also an identified relation between exercise and cancer prevention. You know what comes as a surprise to many people on how to prevent cancer? It is the potential of daily exercise to ward off the threat of you developing dangerous diseases like cancer. Yes, recent research has pointed out that exercising daily is linked to a significantly lower risk for developing cancer. Increased physical activity has been shown to decrease the risk of various kinds of cancers like esophageal cancer, liver cancer, stomach and kidney cancers among many others. The best part is that you don’t have to be a seasoned fitness enthusiast to receive the cancer fighting benefits of exercise. Because even a light or moderate exercise kills cancer cells that can develop in an individual’s body. The Link between Exercise and Cancer Exercise is the best cancer fighting weapon in your hands. Hence, you can effectively eliminate the risks of developing bowel and breast cancer by engaging in just 30 minutes of physical activity everyday. Working out facilitates your body to pass the wastes more efficiently. This helps in getting rid of harmful toxins from your body. Women can reduce the threat of breast cancer through exercise as it helps to lower the estrogen levels in the body. When you are active, your body generates less amounts of insulin hence making you less prone to developing tumors. In fact, researches have revealed that if you have a BMI which is less than 25, your risks of developing cancer significantly lowers. A healthy diet and a regular exercise routine is what will help you achieve a lower BMI. This will help prevent yourself from falling victim to cancer. How to Prevent Cancer through Exercise You might be wondering how much exercise you need to do in order to make your body immune from being prone to cancer. Engage in 30 minutes of physical activity daily. On some days, you can also do an hour of moderate intensity exercise. Moderate intensity exercise refers to any physical activity that makes you breathe harder than normal. You don’t have to be huffing and puffing for breath. Just a slight increase in your heart rate for half an hour or an hour is enough. You can walk briskly, engage in gardening, swimming, or cycle down the street. On some days you can make your workout routine a bit more challenging by incorporating high intensity activities. These activities will make you breathe harder and increase your heart rate to a considerable extent. Circuit training, running, aerobics, and rowing are examples of high intensity physical activities. How to Stay Active Everyday? There are many ways by which you can stay active every day. A few of them are listed below : Do not miss any opportunity to walk. If you have a pet, walk him/her outside for a few minutes everyday Do household activities such as cleaning, sweeping, vacuuming, etc. Try to sit less and get up for around 5 minutes after every hour. Indulge in some muscle strengthening exercises a few days a week. Aim to hit a goal of 10,000 steps every day. Climb stairs instead of taking escalators in malls or offices. Play with your children outside. Exercise, if done consistently over a period of time will give you many benefits that are not just limited to a great physique. More research is underway to determine how exactly exercise works to prevent cancerous cells from developing in the body. In conclusion, the best action you can take on your part is to create a schedule of exercise and stick to it daily. #benefitsofexercise #cancer #howtopreventcancer #exercisekillscancercells #exercise #exerciseandcancer

Young moms often find themselves in a difficult situation. They don’t get much time for themselves as most of their time gets used up in chasing the kids around the house. Before they know it, the day has flown by. Amidst all the hustle and bustle of family life, exercise is the last thing that comes in their mind. But not anymore. Exercise for busy moms doesn’t have to be a far-flung thought. Did you know that starting a workout routine is only as difficult as it’s made out to be? It might be hard to believe, but it is surely possible to work up a good sweat and reap all the cardiovascular and muscle building benefits of the workout even on your busiest day! Take a look at the stay at home exercises and set yourself on the track of a healthy life. The Ultimate Busy Mom Workout Schedule You don’t have to train for hours at the gym or follow a specific workout routine everyday. There are innumerable ways of sneaking some good exercise throughout your day. You just need to get creative. Involve your kids Get more active Shorten the duration of your workout Strength train using your kids 1. Involve Your Kids as Part of Your Stay at Home Exercise Schedule Make exercise fun by involving your kids in it. They might be a little apprehensive of participating in the workout, but when they will see you perform various moves, it won’t take them long to join you. Take them for walks or go for bike rides with them. You can play some outdoor games with your kids also. Take out your double stroller, put your kid in it and start jogging. Within no time you will find that you are glistening with sweat. 2. Get More Active Guess what! Working out does not have to mean lifting heavy weights or running for miles and miles. The best at home workouts for mom are rooted in the philosophy of staying active all day long. Take the stairs instead of escalator if you’re out, add some walking into your schedule, and perform some strength training movements like squats and lunges when you’re cooking dinner or preparing a tea for your husband. Everything counts. The more you stay active, the more calories you will burn. Hence you will never have to worry about piling on pounds. 3. Shorten the Duration of Your Workout It is one of the biggest myths that for getting fit and achieving a super toned physique you have to workout for at least 60-90 minutes each day. It makes most moms abandon their journey to achieving good health before even starting it. You simply do not need to exercise for such long durations. Just cut down your workout to that of 25-30 minutes and you’re good to go! You will be amazed at how different your body looks in just a month’s time! 4. Strength Train Using Your Kids Your babies can also become your equipment and provide you an amazing workout. Hold them and perform some squats, lunches, and overhead presses. You will have a good workout experience while your kids will also get to enjoy themselves a lot. At the same time, you can also purchase some light weights online to do simple exercises at home. Did you see how easy it is to get a great workout at home? Apart from the ways mentioned above, you can also be more creative and come up with more ways to sneak in physical activities. The possibilities are endless. You just need a strong will. While you are working out, don’t forget the importance of a healthy and nutritious diet to help you achieve your weight loss and other fitness gals.

A lot of people eagerly wait for the winter season, as apart from bringing relief from the heat, the winter season also brings flu which results in making us fall sick.  If you are suffering from a combination of ailments like body aches, chills, fever, and blocked nose, then it is vital for you to understand how to combat cold and flu with natural ingredients. Home remedies for cold and cough will help ease your symptoms. Viruses are responsible for colds and flu, so antibiotics are not able to cure or prevent these illnesses. Plenty of rest, fluids, and home remedies can help relieve flu symptoms. 1.       Ginger honey juice is one of the best home remedies for cold One of the oldest home remedies, ginger honey juice works wonder for sore throat and cough. It also wards off the feeling of nausea. The anti-inflammatory gingerols and shogaols in ginger kill the rhinoviruses, which cause cold in the first place. Honey has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Adding honey to ginger alleviates the antimicrobial property of the mixture. A teaspoon of honey can instantly help relieve a sore throat. 2. Garlic can surprisingly help you feel better Garlic contains a compound called allicin, which is known to have antimicrobial property. Adding garlic to your diet can help relieve cold symptoms. Having garlic in your daily diet might even help you avoid getting sick in the first place. Chewing on some raw garlic first thing in the morning also helps control diabetes. You can include garlic in your soups, or just cook some directly on the gas and have them. 3. Load up on Vitamin C By now we all know that Vitamin C helps boost our immunity. Lemon, oranges, green vegetables and fruits are some of the easily available sources of Vitamin C. Having lemon juice in hot water can help reduce the phlegm. Though consuming vitamin rich foods might not clear your cold, but are they give a major boost to your immune system. Getting enough Vitamin C can relieve upper respiratory tract infections and other illnesses. 4. Reduce congestion When mucus builds up in your nasal passages and lungs, it causes congestion and a general feeling of stuffiness. Most congestion from a cold will clear up on its own over time, but you can sometimes reduce it if you: Use a cool mist vaporizer. Run a hot, steamy shower. Try a sinus rinse with saline solution. Place a warm compress on your face. Prop up your head with pillows before bed. This may allow some of your congestion to drain from your nose while you sleep. 5. Stay hydrated and keep taking fluids Proper hydration can help your body fight infection. To ensure you’re staying hydrated, try to: Drink lots of fluids. This can include water, decaffeinated tea, juice (but skip anything with too much sugar), and soup. Avoid beverages that dehydrate you — like sodas, alcohol, or coffee. Set yourself reminders to drink water. Fill up a water bottle in the morning and make sure to sip it throughout the day. 6. Get some good rest Fighting an illness can take a toll on your body. Giving your body the rest it needs can help your immune system fight off the cold virus. 7. Ease your sore throat A sore throat can be a constant irritation when you have a cold. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to soothe it. You can make your own honey, lemon, and ginger cough drops. Keep taking these drops to relieve the sore throat. You can also make a drink by boiling ginger, clove, peppercorns, cinnamon and honey in water. Drink this 2-3 times a day to instantly feel better. These home remedies can also be used safely for cold during pregnancy. They will help ease your symptoms and keep you from feeling miserable. #Homeremediesforcold #Homeremediesforcoldandcough #Homeremediesforcoldduringpregnancy #remediestotreatcoldandflu #Flusymptoms #Cold #Cough #CommonCold #Flu

Teeth sensitivity is something many of us suffer from. Since our teeth are super-sensitive, almost anything may cause sensitivity like not brushing teeth well, brushing teeth for too long or too many times, acidic and sour food, sweet food, teeth grinding, tooth decay, cavity, recent dental work, etc. Thus, preventing teeth sensitivity is difficult. However, there are few home remedies which can help you to deal with the dental condition. Tooth sensitivity : Causes A tooth can become sensitive when the enamel (protective layer) wears down. This makes the dentin underneath more permeable, allowing liquids and gases pass through easily. Below dentin, the dental pulp is present that contains many blood vessels and nerve endings. When substances pass through the dentin to this nerve ending, a person experiences pain. Very hot or very cold substances act as a trigger to pain. The following can all wear down enamel and lead to tooth sensitivity: gingivitis tooth decay tooth whitening excessive teeth brushing or brushing too hard eating acidic foods grinding or clenching the teeth Home remedies for sensitive teeth 1. A solution of salt and water How to stop tooth pain fast A solution of salt and water is one of the most common treatments of dental problems. It helps in maintaining the pH balance of the mouth to create a more alkaline environment where harmful bacteria struggles to survive. All you need to do is add two teaspoons of salt in warm water, stir it well and rinse your mouth twice a day with it in order to reduce tooth sensitivity and pain. 2. Old traditional way of Oil pulling Home remedies for sensitive teeth It is an Ayurveda technique and can be tried with sesame and coconut oil to heal tooth sensitivity. It involves swishing oil around the mouth for several minutes before spitting it out. 3. Chewing Guava leaves Guava leaves have properties that are anti-inflammatory and reduce tooth sensitivity and toothache. Just chew few leaves for 2-3 minutes and then rinse your mouth. If you don’t want to chew it, add 4-5 leaves and a cup of water in a utensil and boil it for few minutes. Add a sprinkle of salt and use it as a mouthwash. 4. Sipping Green tea Green tea is helpful for oral health too. If you are facing tooth sensitivity, have green tea without sugar and use it as a mouthwash twice a day. It will reduce inflammation and strengthen teeth. 5. Paste of Garlic Well, nobody likes the smell of garlic from the mouth but garlic can certainly help you out with tooth sensitivity. It is an anti-bacterial agent and a natural anesthetic that can relieve you from tooth sensitivity. Make a paste of two-three garlic, add few drops of oil and a pinch of salt in it. Now apply this paste on the affected teeth or tooth. Let it stay for a few minutes and then rinse the tooth with warm saltwater. 6. Apply Clove oil Use clove oil as a home remedy to relieve toothache Clove oil helps numb pain while keeping teeth and gums healthy. From a long while, cloves have been used for their anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anesthetic properties that treat oral infections and reduce pain. The best way to use it is by mixing it up with almond or coconut oil and applying on the affective tooth. After a while, it can be washed away with warm water. 7. Consume Honey with warm water Honey has anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory properties which treat wounds. When faced with tooth sensitivity, rinse your mouth with a solution of warm water and a teaspoon of honey. It will heal the pain. 8. Massage with Turmeric Turmeric can be used in anti-inflammatory treatments. Turmeric also helps in wound healing. To alleviate the pain of sensitive tooth, you can massage ground turmeric on the affected tooth. Another alternative is taking half teaspoon turmeric, with a similar amount of salt and mustard oil. Mix this together and apply the paste on the affected part twice a day for pain relief. How Can You Prevent Teeth Sensitivity? Teeth sensitivity can be quite painful and can affect your daily life. Therefore preventing it is best. Here are a few tips by which you can stop your teeth from getting sensitive. Toothpaste which is for sensitive teeth contains potassium nitrate. This helps to block the tubules in the dentine which have been exposed due to the wearing off of the teeth enamel. However, regular and continuous use will only help. Brushing your teeth the right way can help you to prevent sensitive teeth. Brush your teeth with soft bristles and brush gently for two minutes. However, brushing for too long may wear away the tooth enamel and cause sensitive tooth. Consult your dentist for pain barriers that are done to prevent sensitivity in your teeth. Getting a fluoride varnish or plastic resins can help cure teeth sensitivity for some time until it does not wear out after a few months or a year. Put a mouth guard at night or change the way you sleep if you grind your teeth at night. If you have a habit of grinding the teeth when tense or angry, be alert and conscious to stop yourself from doing so. Try to prevent your mouth from getting dry especially when you are down with a cold and breathing through your mouth since you have blocked nostrils. Having a dry mouth causes oral infections resulting in dental problems. Drink a lot of water and avoid too much intake of coffee and tea to overcome this problem. Rinse your mouth thoroughly with plain water after eating or drinking something. You may also use home-made mouth wash to rinse your mouth twice a day to aid oral hygiene. Avoiding acidic food and caffeinated beverages which may cause tooth decay and other dental problems. If you suffer from acid reflux, consult a doctor and get it treated at the earliest since acidity erodes the enamel from your teeth and causes sensitivity.

How Does Being “Overweight” Affect Pregnancy? Obesity Is a Serious Health Problem According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is considered to be one of the serious health problems of the 21st century. In recent years there is a dramatic increase in obesity among pregnant women. Those women who are overweight and pregnant may have pregnancy-related complications. Let’s see how it affects the mother and baby and how it can be managed. What Is Overweight And Obese? Obesity is defined as excessive body fat which is likely to impair your health. You are classified as overweight or obese based on your body mass index (BMI). BMI is a measurement based on your height and weight.BMIWeight statusless than 18.5Underweight18.5 to 24.9Healthy weight25-29.9Overweight30 to 40Obese According to WHO, the prevalence of obesity in pregnancy ranges from 1.8 to 25.3%. How Obesity Affects Pregnancy? Ovaries, Credits: pixabay Overweight and obese women have higher levels of leptin hormone, which is produced in fatty tissue. This can disrupt the hormone balance and lead to reduced fertility. Women, who are obese or underweight, may have reduced fertility when compared to women who have a healthy weight. This subfertility could be due to a decrease in frequency or complete absence of ovulation. Obese women who conceive through assisted reproductive techniques (ART) may face certain problems (duration of ovarian stimulation, fertilization rate, embryo transfer rate as well as implantation and pregnancy rates). What Are The Problems Associated With Obesity During Pregnancy? Women who are overweight and pregnant may be at risk of certain health problems. Gestational diabetes Preeclampsia Cesarean section 1. Gestational Diabetes A person checking blood sugar Though there are a lot of factors (age, family history) associated with gestational diabetes, obesity is considered to be an independent risk factor for the development of gestational diabetes. Overweight and pregnant women with gestational diabetes tend to have babies with higher birth weight. 2. Preeclampsia Overweight and pregnant women are two to three times at a higher risk of developing preeclampsia than women with a normal weight. 3. Cesarean Section Obese women are two folds at an increased risk for undergoing cesarean section. Also, women who are overweight or obese are more susceptible to postoperative complications, such as excessive blood loss, deep venous thrombosis, wound infection, and postpartum uterine infection. Other common problems overweight and pregnant women may face include sleep apnea (a person stops breathing for short periods during sleep), thrombosis (blood clots), preterm birth, cardiac dysfunction, longer labor, and heavy bleeding after birth. What Are The Problems For My Baby If I Am Overweight? The following are the complications a baby can face if his/her mother is overweight or obese during pregnancy. Miscarriage Preterm birth Neural tube defects Macrosomia Stillbirth Childhood asthma and childhood obesity 1. Miscarriage The higher a woman’s BMI, the greater are the chances of a miscarriage (1 in 4 pregnancies) 2. Preterm Birth A baby Problems associated with obesity such as high blood pressure can lead to preterm birth, that is, the baby is delivered at an early date for medical reasons. 3. Neural Tube Defects Babies born to obese mothers may have higher chances of developing neural tube defects (abnormalities in the baby’s skull and spine) and cardiovascular abnormalities. 4. Macrosomia Pregnant women who are obese and have gestational diabetes are at risk of producing overweight babies (>4kg). This may lead to fatal injury and also baby’s shoulder may get stuck during delivery. Macrosomia increases the chances of a cesarean section.  Babies born to overweight women may become obese later in their life. 5. Still Birth The chances of stillbirth (1 in every 100 births in obese women versus 1 in 200 in normal women) increase in obese pregnant women. 6. Childhood asthma and childhood obesity are the other problems your baby can face due to obesity. Management of Obesity The recommended gestational weight gain is 11.5 to 16.0 kg (0.5 to 2.0 kg for the first trimester and 0.35 to 0.50 kg per week for the second and third trimesters). Women who are overweight should not exceed these weight gain recommendations. Before Pregnancy Losing weight before pregnancy is the ideal choice to avoid complications in the future. Also, weight loss before pregnancy results in a better chance for conception and increases the percentage of live births for obese women with or without polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). During Pregnancy Losing weight by dieting during pregnancy is not recommended and this may harm your baby. Concentrate on eating well and do physical exercises. Healthy Eating Healthy eating will benefit you and your baby. You can consult a dietician and understand how many calories you require based on your height and weight. She may even give you a weekly plan and help you to stay energetic and active with low-calorie foods. Don’t “Eat for two” Try eating small meals throughout the day instead of large meals Drink plenty of water and have fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Choose low glycemic foods. Don’t suppress your appetite with pills and beverages Cut out fried foods and sugary drinks Take your prenatal supplements for folic acid, iron, and calcium supplements Stay Active Walking, swimming and gardening can help you stay active. Don’t do any vigorous exercise. Start walking or do any other exercise for 15 minutes and gradually increase the time. Avoid sitting for a longer time. Take the stairs Not all obese women have poor pregnancy outcomes. Overweight and pregnant women can have healthy babies. It requires careful monitoring of your weight to reduce the complications.

You might have always heard that stretching everyday benefits everyone. But you may have only seen fitness enthusiasts, ballerinas, or daily runners stretching their legs, back, and shoulder muscles. This might confuse you as to just how stretching can help an office or an average person who isn’t that active or indulge in any physical activity daily. You’re not alone in thinking that. Even those who actively participate in sports or go to the gym regularly fail to see the real value of stretching for their body. They try to get over with it as quickly as possible, or sometimes, don’t do it at all. But we are here to tell you why stretching is something that you should not avoid at any cost. Spending as little as 5 minutes stretching your body can improve your overall health in ways that you wouldn’t have even imagined. Benefits of Stretching Your Body Everyday Stretching is not only for young adults or fitness enthusiasts. In fact, its importance grows as you age. From enhanced mobility to a great balance, stretching everyday results in many benefits that you can only reap if you do it regularly. Renewed energy No stiff muscles and joints Enhanced sports performance Good for diabetics Reduces stress 1.  Renewed Energy Woman feeling energetic, Credit: Pixabay Stretching proves to be very useful for those people who are used to sitting at work for long hours. Come mid-afternoon, and you start feeling sluggish and tired. Stretching is a way to beat this fatigue and get some blood flow in your body. Taking five minutes break will instantly make you feel more energetic. So instead of grabbing a cup of sugary coffee, spend a few minutes stretching your muscles, and your body will thank you for it. 2.  No Stiff Muscles and Joints Man suffering from joint pain.Credit: Pixabay There are two types of stretching, static and dynamic. The primary difference between dynamic and static stretching is that the former involves more than one muscle group, while the latter is only meant for a single muscle. To relieve your muscles of any stiffness and pain, you should do dynamic stretches regularly. Stretches like wrist bends, shoulder shrugs, knee lifts, and leg swings allow a full range of motion to your muscles and joints. Thus, they help in keeping them healthy. 3.  Enhanced Sports Performance Woman performing high intensity workout, Credit: Pixabay If you want to benefit from a great workout or sports session, you need to incorporate both dynamic and static stretching into your routine. It will make you more flexible, enhance your mobility, and provide you with a better range of motion. It will directly reflect in the quality of your workouts, where you will be able to perform your regular exercises more efficiently. 4. Good for Diabetics Woman checking blood sugar, Credit: Pixabay Stretching is great for diabetics too. But its is essential for them to distinguish between dynamic and static stretching. It is because they will benefit the most from dynamic stretching which involves whole body movements done successively. They will not only enhance their mobility but also burn some calories in the process. It will help them to control and lower their blood sugar to a great extent. It is especially true for the elderly and those who don’t have much time for exercise. 5. Reduces Stress Woman suffering from stress, Credit: Pixabay Undoubtedly, stress is one of the major reasons behind many of the lifestyle related conditions that develop in people. Stretching soothes not only your stiff muscles but can also calm your mind in the process. stretching relieves tight muscles in your body. At the same time, it also eliminates all the accumulated tension and stress. Thus, you should stretch more often to manage the stress in your life. After going through these amazing benefits of stretching mentioned above, you may have been convinced about making it a part of your daily life. Start stretching today and let it work wonders for your health.

Almost everyone suffers from stomach aches, gas, heartburn from time to time. Usually, these disorders of digestive system in humans are not a cause of much worry. They happen due to the inability of one or the other organ of your digestive system like the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, or gallbladder to work properly. You can manage these disorders by following a healthy lifestyle and reducing stress. However, sometimes you need to seek a doctor’s guidance if you’re not able to manage your condition. The disorders range from anywhere between mild to serious. Here is a list of common digestive disorders that you may face and how you can treat them at home. Common Digestive Disorders and Their Treatment Gastro esophageal Reflux disease Constipation Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Stomach flu Hemorrhoids 1.  Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease A woman experiencing pain, Credit: Pixabay Gastro esophageal Reflux disease occurs when you experience heartburn a few times in a week. It happens when your esophageal muscles become weak. It causes the acid of the stomach to leak and come back to your esophagus. It causes the burning sensation known as heartburn. Often it begins as a hiccup and turns into a burning sensation. You can treat heartburn by Eating small portions of meals. Consuming liquorice supplements. Chewing gum. Sipping on baking soda mixed with water or apple cider vinegar. 2.  Constipation Woman in toilet, Credit: Pixabay It is a very common disorder characterised by irregular bowel movements that are very dry and difficult to pass. It occurs food is unable to move at its usual speed through the intestine. It is caused due to a poor diet lacking in fiber, dehydration, and an unhealthy lifestyle. This gastrointestinal disease treatment is as follows: Drink more water throughout the day. Eat fiber rich meals like fruits and vegetables. Take some probiotic supplements. Exercise more often. 3.  Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) A woman in pain, Credit: Pixabay It is a type of abdominal pain that occurs 3-4 times in a month. You might also suffer from constipation or diarrhea in it. You might suffer from stomach cramps after eating your food. Sometimes you may feel uncomfortably full or bloated. This disorder can be easily treated by: Consuming small meals throughout the day. Avoiding those foods that cause the symptoms of IBS to flare up. Eating more fiber rich meals. Taking probiotics supplements 4.  Stomach Flu A man in pain, Credit: Pixabay It is an infection of the stomach which commonly affects people. You may experience diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting if you have a stomach flu. In diarrhea, you lose a considerable amount of water from your body. But stomach flu as a digestive disorder occurs and goes away on its own. Here is how you can manage it at home. Drink lots of water but avoid taking too much caffeine in the form of tea and coffee. Eat easily digestible food items like bananas, rice, and white bread toast. Get adequate rest. 5.  Hemorrhoids digestive system in humans, Credit: Pixabay Hemorrhoids or piles occur when the veins in your anus become swollen. It can be internal or external.its common symptoms include itching, pain, and bleeding from the rectum. Although they go away on their own, they cause a lot of discomfort to the sufferer. You can treat them by the following remedies: Using hemorrhoid creams. Taking warm baths 20 minutes after your bowel movements. Taking fiber supplements to reduce constipation. Drinking adequate water throughout the day. Availing the Right Treatment for Digestive Disorders A team of doctor, Credit: Pixabay People find it embarrassing to talk about gastrointestinal and digestive disorders. They wait for the symptoms to abate on their own. It can sometimes result in the disease becoming severe. So it is necessary for you to seek a doctor’s help if you find that no amount of home remedies are effective in helping you get relief from the symptoms There are many digestive disorders annapolis treatment services available if you reside in that area. Instead of self-medicating and developing a new complication in your system, it is recommended that you seek a professional in one of the clinics there. Services like Digestive Disorders Associates and Anne Arundel Medical Centre are especially renowned for digestive system in humans services. So don’t hesitate to reach out for help.

Kidneys are a pair of organs that are crucial to your overall health and well-being. They perform the significant task of eliminating all the harmful wastes from your body in the form of urine. Many factors can damage its optimal functioning. Any severe or mild kidney-related disease usually begins with a nagging pain experience in the left kidney. If you experience pain on your sides, or in the region of middle to upper back, it may be related to your kidneys. What causes kidney pain? Is there any kidney pain treatment available? Let’s understand all about it Kidney Pain – Causes and Symptoms Dehydration Kidney stones Urinary tract infection Injury Kidney cysts 1.  Dehydration Woman feeling dehydrated, Credit: Pixabay It is the most common cause of experiencing pain in the left kidney. Water is essential for the kidneys to eliminate waste from your body. If you’re dehydrated, kidneys will not be able to flush out the waste from your body effectively. Aside from not drinking enough water, over-consuming alcohol is another cause of dehydration. How does alcohol affect your kidneys? It completely dehydrates your body. As a result, your kidneys are not able to function correctly. Over time, excess alcohol consumption will severely slow down the functioning of the kidneys and cause you to experience pain. You can know that you’re dehydrated when you experience the following symptoms: Constipation Dizziness Unclear thoughts Lack of concentration 2.  Kidney Stones Doctor showing kidney stones, Credit: Pixabay Kidney stones are made as various salts, and minerals get concentrated in your kidneys. Smaller stones don’t cause many problems, but larger stones do. They get stuck in your kidneys, inhibiting urine from passing through. It further results in sharp pain. Can alcohol affect your kidney stones? Yes, it does. As it dehydrates your body, it causes the formation of calcium oxalate stones in your kidneys. Thus, you need to limit your alcohol consumption. Some symptoms of having kidney stones are: Presence of blood in urine. Difficulty in passing urine. Nausea and vomiting. Pain in the kidney area 3.  Urinary Tract Infection Man feeling intense pain, Credit: Pixabay Sometimes, bacteria can enter the kidney through the urinary tract. If not diagnosed and treated at the right time, the bacteria can move to the left kidney and cause a severe urinary tract infection. Symptoms of this infection include: A sharp or dull pain in your left kidney. Presence of blood in urine. Fever and nausea. Foul smelling urine. 4.  Injury Woman experiencing pain in chest, Credit: Pixabay Many times, during a sport or any other activity, you might get injured specifically in the kidney area. Such accidents may cause a disturbance in the normal flow of blood to the kidneys. Depending on their severity, injuries can even lead to a kidney failure. Some symptoms of a severe kidney injury are: Tiredness Difficulty in breathing. Not being able to urinate as often as before. Pain in the chest 5.  Kidney Cysts Diagram showing kidney cysts, Credit: Pixabay Sometimes cysts which are filled with fluid develop in your kidneys. They can either form in one or both the kidneys. These cysts have a tendency to get bigger, and catch infection. It rsults in a sharp kidney pain. Common symptoms of kidney cysts are: Dull ache in the upper abdomen. Pain in your sides. Fever Treatment of Kidney Pain Doctor examining a patient, Credit: Pixabay If felt for long periods of time, any kind of kidney pain demands a doctor’s attention. As there are various causes of kidney pain, a person can’t pinpoint an exact reason. The doctor makes a diagnosis using various tools. Urine analysis and imaging tests like CT scans are most commonly used to diagnose kidney conditions. On its basis, a line of treatment is prescribed. By paying attention to the various symptoms mentioned above, you can determine whether you’re suffering from any kidney disorder. It is recommended that you refer to your doctor as soon as possible. Ignoring the symptoms for long can result in other complications in the kidney.

Any sport or fitness program always begins and ends with a series of stretching exercises. Naturally, stretching plays an essential role in any activity that puts pressure on your muscles and joints. Not only this, people who do not indulge in any sport or physical activities can also leverage the benefits of stretching their bodies regularly. It can be seen in their improved flexibility and range of motion. There are many kinds of stretches that a person can do. However, everyone needs to know the difference between dynamic and static stretching, which are the two most popular forms of stretching recommended by fitness experts, therapists, and physicians. There is a need to know about both these types of stretching to incorporate them according to the type of physical activity. Here is all that you need to about these two kinds of stretches so that you can better distinguish between dynamic and static stretching. Dynamic Stretching Woman stretching arms and legs, Credit: Pixabay This type of stretching is more functional in nature. It incorporates full-body movements that impart an enhanced range of motion. Hip hinges, arm circles, lunging motions, leg kicks, swings, and moving hamstring stretches are some of its most common examples. All these stretches incorporate movement of more than one muscle group. A single dynamic stretch is repeated for about 10-12 times. Dynamic stretches should ideally be performed before your major exercises. These stretches boost your performance during the actual workout. They are very useful in enhancing your overall flexibility, muscle strength, and jump performance. Static Stretching People doing toe touch stretch, Credit: Pixabay Static stretching is used to stretch a particular muscle group for a period of time ranging from a few seconds to upto a minute. You remain stationed in a specific position and do not move, unlike dynamic stretches while performing them. Toe touches, calf stretches, and several yoga poses are its most common examples. A static stretch is repeated for about 2-4 times. It is generally advised to perform these stretches after your workout. Doing it before your workout may hamper your athletic performance as it decreases blood circulation in your muscles. It is best performed as a cool down after your activities. By now, you must have gained a sufficient understanding of the difference of dynamic and static stretching. Difference between Dynamic and Static Stretch Reflex Person stretching legs, Credit: Pixabay In order to further understand and describe difference between dynamic and static stretching, it is essential to get an idea of what a stretch reflex is. Stretch reflex means the extent of muscle contraction that happens as you stretch. If you suddenly extend or unstretch a particular muscle, a signal is sent to the spinal cord. It results in a sudden muscle contraction. Also, it is called the dynamic stretch reflex. It opposes sudden muscle length changes. Its intensity decreases as you keep doing the stretches regularly, helping your muscles to reach new lengths. In the case of the static stretch reflex, the muscle contraction continues as long as the stretch is maintained. Both these kinds of stretch reflexes are effective in preventing any oscillation or jerky body movements. Which Is Better – Dynamic Or Static Stretching? Woman stretching arms and legs, Credit: Pixabay Dynamic stretches engage all of your muscle groups and are very beneficial to prevent injury and boost your sports performance. They may be performed as active warm-ups before enjoying any sport or strength training exercises. Static stretches, on the other hand, should not be forgotten to be performed after your workout. They are useful in relieving muscle tension and stress and relaxing all the muscles that have worked hard during the training. Sometimes you can also incorporate some of the static stretches after doing your active warmups. Thus, we see that both dynamic and static stretches are beneficial in imparting your muscles with mobility and a better range of motion. Even if you are not accustomed to doing physical activities, these stretches should be an essential part of your daily life.

Alcohol finds a place in many celebrations and functions all over the world. It is enjoyed in many forms like champagne, wine, vodka, whiskey, and beer. Although not exactly delicious, its after-effects are what make it so popular among adults and older people alike. A few glasses of it alcohol affect your kidneys here and there doesn’t really mess with your health. However, it’s easy to get addicted to it. That’s where the problem begins. Regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol can seriously disrupt the functioning of various organs in your body. One such major organ which gets seriously damaged is the kidney. Let’s find out how exactly does alcohol affect your kidneys. How Will Alcohol Affect Your Kidneys? Alcohol and kidney, Credit: Pixabay Your kidneys filter out all the harmful substances and wastes from your body. Alcohol figures as one of the major harmful substances that needs to be effectively flushed out from your system. However, the excess consumption of alcohol alters the kidney function, and they are not able to work effectively. The kidney maintains the balance of fluids in your body. Alcohol drastically reduces their capacity to do so. It makes you dehydrated and, in turn, hamper the optimal working of your kidneys. Effect of Alcohol on Your Blood Pressure A man checking his blood pressure, Credit: Pixabay Alcohol, as you may be aware, comes in many forms. One of the most popular choices among people is to consume alcohol as vodka shots. Does vodka affect your kidneys? Indeed, it does. If you drink too much alcohol in any form, your chances of developing high blood pressure shoot up. High blood pressure contributes significantly to kidney diseases like albuminuria. It is a kidney condition that is characterized by high amounts of protein in the urine. Apart from this, you will be surprised to know that alcohol negatively affects the medications for high blood pressure that you may consume. Thus, to prevent yourself from falling prey to kidney disorders limit yourself to 1-2 glasses of alcohol per week. Effect of Alcohol on Your Liver Doctor with a patient, Credit: Pixabay People not coming from a medical background often ask, does alcohol affect your kidneys or liver? By now, you are aware of the way alcohol disturbs the healthy functioning of your kidneys. But its effects don’t stop here. Alcohol contributes significantly to various liver diseases too. Kidneys need to continually filter the blood and keep it clean from any harmful substances. If you get liver disease, your kidneys will not be able to filter the blood effectively. Those who are dependent on alcohol thus suffer from various liver diseases and disorders. Your liver breaks down every food item that you consume. Upon ingesting alcohol, the liver starts its process of breaking it down. But it is tough and often results in the cells of the liver getting damaged. It can inflame and scar the liver, which in turn damages it. Abdominal pain, dry mouth, fatigue, and always feeling thirsty are significant liver disease symptoms caused by excess alcohol consumption. Alcohol and kidney stones As you know, alcohol dehydrates your body completely. This dehydration significantly contributes to the formation of kidney stones. Calcium oxalate stones develop in your kidneys due to constant dehydration brought about by alcohol. As a result, your urine becomes more concentrated. It is a major indicator of you at risk of developing kidney stones. You might be interested to know can alcohol affect your kidney stones? You have read that it contributes to the formation of kidney stones. But for people who already suffer from the problem of kidney stones, drinking alcohol is never a good idea. It can exacerbate the condition further and put you at risk of severe kidney damage. Thus, it is always a good idea to drink alcohol sparingly. Don’t consume it in large quantities as it will only derail your health in the long term. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and always stay hydrated to prevent yourself from falling prey to any debilitating alcohol-induced kidney disorders.