Superfoods For A Super Pregnancy

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in your life. It can also be very taxing and exhausting for your body, mind and spirit at times. But by nourishing your body with these great superfoods, you’ll be energized, strong, and sharp, and ready to welcome your pending bundle of joy healthy and happy.

Beans and legumes are good sources of protein, fiber, calcium, iron, thiamine, and niacin. Make a big batch of beans when you have time and freeze them in small containers. Be careful with canned varieties, as they’re usually higher in sodium and their nutritional value is a bit lower since they’re processed using high temperatures. Soybeans provide more protein than any other bean or legume, making them a staple either the vegan or non-vegan. Soybeans are rich in many nutrients, including calcium and iron.

Include plenty of whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, millet, and oats as they’re a great source of fiber, minerals, protein and B complex vitamins. Buy the least processed grain types you can find, since many of the commercially prepared grains have had the nutritional and beneficial germ and bran removed.

Dark green leafy vegetables like kale, collard greens, watercress, and spinach are especially important while pregnant or lactating because they supply so many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A and C, calcium, and iron. Dark leafy green vegetables also are rich in phytochemicals like beta carotene and lutein which protect against many forms of cancer. Vegetables from the cabbage family such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are wonderful sources of vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. They are also rich in phytochemicals that have anticancer properties. Dark green leafy vegetables and cabbage family vegetables provide important nutrients that help to promote a plentiful milk supply for your baby.

Nuts and seeds are good sources of fiber, protein, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Be sure to eat flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds and walnuts to get omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for baby’s brain and nervous system development as well as your own health. Nuts and seeds can be eaten raw or toasted, and work great in a salad made of dark leafy green vegetables.

Lastly, it’s important to drink plenty of water, and make sure you’re getting plenty of rest during this time. A well-hydrated, well-rested body recovers more quickly, and ready to take on the challenges that life with a newborn baby brings with it.

Superfoods to Alleviate the Symptoms of Gout

Gout, also called gouty arthritis, is caused by an accumulation of uric acid in the blood. The disease usually appears in midlife and primarily in males. It can be hereditary or the secondary to some other disease process. The main symptom of gout is severe pain and swelling in joints, but gout usually effects one joint at a time, then may move from one joint to affect another joint.

The kidneys filter uric acid out of the body. But with gout, the body makes excess uric acid or the kidneys fail to function properly, failing to rid the body of the uric acid and it begins to build up in the joints in the form of uric acid crystals. This condition is very painful. The accumulation of these crystals causes severe pain and swelling in the joint. A common site for gout is the big toe joint. But gout can occur in an ankle, knee, elbow, wrist or finger. Typically the onset occurs at night with excruciating pain, swelling and inflammation. Rich food and alcohol may contribute to the rise in uric acid and the increase in the severity of the symptoms.

Luckily, there are several superfoods that are probably already a part of your everyday diet that help alleviate the symptoms of gout.

The pectin and vitamin C in apples can help alleviate gout. The vitamin C helps strengthen the immune system and the pectin helps the joints remain flexible.

Onions protect the circulatory system and are a powerful antibiotic. They’re good for urinary infections, and their diuretic activity helps with arthritis, rheumatism and gout.

Beets are richer than spinach in iron and other minerals, and the greens are helpful in cases of gout since the iron helps oxygenate and purify the bloodstream.

It’s also important to drink plenty of water to help keep the kidneys filtrating properly and to prevent the formation of kidney stones. Avoid foods that are high in purines, as they account for approximately 50 percent of the uric acid produced in the body. Organ meats like liver, sweetbreads, brains, kidney, meat gravies, meat extracts, scallops, wild game, mackerel, herring, anchovies and sardines and cauliflower are all high in purines.

Superfoods For Hives Relief

Hives are also known as urticaria, and they cause raised white or yellow, itchy wheals surrounded by an area of red inflammation. It is an allergic reaction by the skin, causing the body to release histamine into the effected tissues. The size of the wheal itself varies, with the larger ones sometimes joining together in places to form an irregular rash. They usually cause severe irritation and usually appear on the limbs and trunk, but can appear anywhere. Acute urticaria develops rapidly and usually lasts for just as few hours – it is characterized by a feverish, faint feeling and occasionally nausea. Chronic urticaria can persist for a long period of time.
Common triggers include drugs such as aspirin and penicillin, food additives, food sensitivity such as milk eggs, shellfish and nuts, environmental factors such as exposure to cold, heat or sunlight, stress and anxiety, and bites and stings.
All fruits and vegetables contain some amount of vitamin C. Foods that tend to be the highest sources of vitamin C include green peppers, citrus fruits and juices, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, turnip greens and other leafy greens, sweet and white potatoes, cantaloupe and spinach. Vitamin C helps promote a healthy immune system and releases antihistamines. Green tea is also reported to have an antihistamine effect.
Vitamin B12 has been reported to reduce the severity of acute hives as well as to reduce the frequency and severity of outbreaks in chronic cases. Vitamin B12 is found in animal foods, fortified foods, and some fermented foods. Some sources of B12 are eggs, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and foods made from soy. Salmon and low-fat milk are particularly good sources.
If you suffer from food allergies, it’s important to keep a detailed food diary. Note what you ate when you have hives breakouts, as it may be just a simple matter of eliminating a food or several foods from your diet in order to avoid suffering from hives.

Superfoods That Battle The Herpes Virus

Herpes outbreaks can be embarrassing, not to mention uncomfortable and painful. And sometimes, prescription medication doesn’t fend off the flare ups. But with some consideration and creativity, we can add superfoods to our diet that will help our body fight off the herpes virus.

Cranberries may help to fight infection by the herpes virus, one of the most common viral infections in humans, according to recent research. Cranberries are already known to prevent urinary tract infections by reducing the power of certain E. coli bacteria to stick to the urinary tract walls, and recent studies suggest that cranberries also significantly suppressed herpes type 2 by preventing the virus to attach to and penetrate the walls. HSV-2 or herpes simplex infection causes cold sores and genital herpes.

Broccoli fights cancer, heart disease and other serious conditions. It’s high in vitamin C, which helps strengthen the immune system. Broccoli may also inhibit the herpes simplex virus from reproducing.
Kelp is a stellar, nutrient-dense sea vegetable that can also help eliminate herpes outbreaks. It is also known as Laminaria and it works as a blood purifier.

Other superfoods that can help strengthen the body’s immune system to fight the herpes simplex virus are those that are high in vitamins B, C, and E, as well as lysine, an amino acid. Fish, bean sprouts, fruits, vegetables, and whole grain complex carbohydrates are all great sources for these. Try to avoid refined sugars, stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, excessive sun exposure, and smoking, as these all have the ability to deplete energy stores which can in turn compromise your immunity and your ability to fend off infections. Stress is a major cause for herpes outbreaks, so do whatever possible to minimize stress in your life – get plenty of sleep, take time out to relax, and get plenty of fresh air and exercise.

Superfoods To Fight Flatulence

There are many causes for flatulence, such as overeating, eating too quickly, excessive consumption of refined carbohydrates or artificial sweeteners, food allergies and intolerance, a deficiency of vitamin B, excessive consumption of alcohol, emotional stress and parasites. One of the most common causes can be lactose, found in dairy products such as milk and cheese. Many other healthy foods can also cause gas, such as cabbage, beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, onions, cauliflower, whole wheat flour, radishes, bananas and apricots. Luckily, with some adjustments in our food choices and eating habits, the chances of this embarrassing malady can be greatly lessened or eliminated.

Do not overeat, and chew food slowly. Try to identify if it is a certain food causing the problem and eliminate it from your diet. Try chewing a sprig of parsley after meals. Try lemon juice or apple cider vinegar in water with your meal. You might also want to try sipping your drinks slowly through a straw in an effort to minimize the amount of air you take in during drinking.

Vitamin B complex, especially B3 (niacin) rich foods like light-meat chicken, tuna, salmon, turkey, enriched flour, peanuts, and fortified cereals can be helpful as they aid in the digestive process and in converting food to energy.

Yogurts that have acidophilus and peppermint oil in water sipped with the meal can also help with the digestive process. If the problem persists, you may want to try and eat proteins and carbohydrates in different meals.

In addition, peppermint and fennel-based teas are useful for occasional indigestion, particularly when there is flatulence and a sensation of fullness. Ginger has been shown to promote the flow of digestive juices, a normal process that supports the digestive system.

Superfoods For Healthy And Natural Conception

In both the female and male body, the balance of hormones has to be just right for conception to occur and for pregnancy to proceed. Nutrients that are in excess or that are in depletion can throw off balance and disrupt the pregnancy process. When we can choose whole foods for our diet, we are increasing our chances of obtaining the most nutrients we need. Whole foods include fruits, fresh vegetables, unrefined grains, beans, nuts, seeds, eggs, and small whole fish. It’s important to make sure you’re choosing healthy whole superfoods that have an abundant supply of each of the following vitamins and minerals.

B-complex vitamins need to be replenished all the time, as they are water soluble and passed out of the body with urination. Vitamins B6 and B12 are particularly important for fertility and hormonal function. Fortified cereals, fortified soy-based meat substitutes, baked potatoes with skin, bananas, light-meat chicken and turkey, eggs, and spinach are all great sources of B6 and beef, clams, mussels, crabs, salmon, poultry, soybeans, and fortified foods have healthy amounts of B12.
Folic Acid, also known as folate, is essential for the production of genetic material in conjunction with vitamin B12. The body cannot store Folic Acid so it must be replenished regularly. It is found naturally in dark green leafy vegetables, apricots, avocados, carrots, egg yolks, liver, melons, whole grains, and yeast’s.

Zinc is an essential component of genetic material and plays an important role in the fertility of men (affecting sperm count) and women. Zinc is vital to healthy cell division, so healthy zinc levels are essential at conception. Zinc occurs naturally in oats, rye, almonds, pumpkin seeds and peas.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) work on every system of the body and are essential for healthy hormone production. EFA’s can prevent blood from clotting inappropriately which can be helpful to women who have suffered from recurrent miscarriages (if clotting was an issue). They are primarily found in fish oils.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant. Low vitamin E levels can be a cause for subfertility in men and women. Found in wheat germ cereal, sunflower seeds, dark green leafy vegetables, nuts, brown rice, eggs, milk, organ meats, soy beans and sweet potatoes.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant, helpful to sperm production and may play a role in healthy ovulation. Vitamin C is essential to the normal healthy functioning of many systems in the human body. Excellent sources include blackcurrants, raw red peppers, guavas and citrus fruits such as oranges and grapefruits. Other good sources include strawberries, kiwifruit, broccoli and Brussel sprouts.

Iron aids in the production of red blood cells and carries oxygen around our bodies. The body can lose iron through periods, childbirth or blood loss (including blood donation). Leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, poultry, and soy food products are all good sources of iron.
Vitamin A is an antioxidant essential at conception for the developing embryo. Natural sources include carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, and spinach.

Superfoods For A Healthy Prostate

The prostate gland has a reputation as a health destroyer. Hypertrophy of the prostate gland, which affects nearly every elderly male, strangles the urethra. This troublesome condition makes urination difficult and increases the risk of bladder infections and kidney damage. However, there are many superfoods that may already be a part of your everyday diet that can help thwart the onset of prostate problems.

Tomatoes, watermelons, red grapefruit, papaya and red berries are all great sources of lycopene, a health-promoting plant pigment known for its cancer-battling ability. It also promotes a strong immune system and helps support prostate health in men. Though fresh are always an excellent option, the lycopene in cooked tomatoes is actually absorbed more readily by the body. It’s also your ally in the battle against heart disease.

Quercetin, a flavonoid that forms the backbone of many other flavonoids, may have positive effects in combating or helping to prevent many different types of cancer, including prostate. It also acts as an antihistamine and has anti-inflammatory properties, which may be helpful in relieving the pain of an inflamed prostate.

Foods rich in quercetin include apples, black & green tea, onions, raspberries, red wine, red grapes, citrus fruits, broccoli & other leafy green vegetables, and cherries. Quercetin can also be found in honey and sap, including the type from eucalyptus and tea tree flowers.

It’s important to remember to get a healthy balance of foods to keep your prostate healthy, including antioxidants, vitamin E from nuts and seeds, and drink plenty of clear fluids to help flush the bladder. Try to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. Keeping your weight in check will also help maintain a healthy prostate.

Superfoods For A Smooth Transition Into Menopause

Menopause is a tough transition for many women. It usually begins to occur in late middle age when the efficiency of the ovaries begins to decline. Problems associated with the related estrogen deficiency that occur may include arteriosclerosis, osteoporosis, decreased skin elasticity and changes in the sympathetic nervous system that result in “hot flashes.” However, by including the following superfoods in your everyday diet, symptoms can be alleviated, memory power maintained, and osteoporosis prevented.

Tofu is an excellent protein alternative for meat and it can be very helpful in lowering your cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Tofu and other soy products may also help lessen the side effects of menopause, such as hot flashes.

Recent studies have shown that fiber can help reduce your risk of colon and other types of cancer, as well as diverticulosis. Women need approximately 30 grams of fiber each day. Navy beans come in at 19 grams, so they’re a wonderful choice. Use them in your chili or soups, or try them for a nutritious side dish instead of the usual pasta or rice.

As we grow older, we may find that our memory begins to slip a bit, and we find ourselves forgetting things. By eating blueberries, we might actually be able to curb that short-term memory loss. Toss them on top of some plain yogurt for a great breakfast or snack choice. Yogurt, which is loaded with calcium, can help prevent osteoporosis. As an added bonus, it can help strengthen your immunity and support your weight loss efforts. Choose yogurts that contain high amounts of good bacteria such as acidophilus, which can also help prevent yeast and urinary tract infections.

Avocados are high in antioxidants such as vitamin E, which is important element to protecting both your vision and skin. They also contain monosaturated fats, which have been shown to improve the condition of hair and skin, which can suffer when a woman goes through menopause. Chunk up a nice ripe avocado for a delicious guacamole dip, or even try them on your sandwich with a tomato.

Try also to avoid drinking a large amount of caffeinated drinks each day, and boost your body’s vitamin C absorption by teaming an orange with an iron-rich food like whole-grain oatmeal.

Superfoods To Help You Manage Menopause

Including these superfoods in your diet can help to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, maintain your memory power, and prevent osteoporosis. These superfoods are delicious to eat, easy to prepare, and super-good for you!

Tofu is an alternative protein source to meat. Along with other soy products, tofu can be beneficial for lowering your cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Soy products like tofu may also decrease the side effects associated with menopause, including the dreaded ‘hot flashes.’

Navy beans are loaded with fiber, which can help reduce your risk of color and other forms of cancer, as well as relieve the symptoms associated with diverticulosis. Women need 30 grams of fiber each day, so include them in your favorite chili recipe, or try them as a side dish alternative to pasta or rice.

Packed with calcium, yogurt can help prevent osteoporosis. It has also been shown to boost your immunity and help with weight management. Additionally, yogurt contains high amounts of good bacteria such as acidophilus, which helps to prevent yeast infections and urinary tract infections. It also contains protein, which may help your body battle the fatigue and weariness that follows a hot flash.

As we age, we sometimes find ourselves forgetting things or feeling as if we’re in a fog. If you find this to be the case, grab for the blueberries the next time you’re shopping for groceries. Recent studies show they may actually help with short-term memory loss. They’re also loaded with antioxidants. Pair them with some low-fat plain yogurt for a top-notch way to protect both your brain and your bones.

Avocado also contains antioxidants, such as vitamin E, which can help to protect your vision and skin, which can suffer as we age. The monounsaturated fat found in avocados has also been shown to improve the condition of hair and skin. They’re great on a turkey sandwich, or mash up a few ripe ones and whip up a quick side of guacamole to have with some low-fat baked tortilla chips.

And as always, it’s important to make low-fat and low-sodium choices when menu planning. These do nothing to help alleviate the symptoms brought on by menopause, and are unhealthy options at any age, but especially as we grow older. Avoid smoking or alcohol, and get plenty of rest, and you’ll soon find your menopause symptoms are easily managed.

Superfoods To Help You Manage Your Monthly Menstruation

Every month it’s the same thing. You’re bloated, tired, cranky, fighting cravings, and trying to get rid of headaches. You wish you could be like your friend or your sister, who seems to just breeze right through her cycle with little or no problem. Take a look at your diet and see if these superfoods are a part of it. If they’re not, they can easily become a part of a well-balanced healthy diet that might just make your cycles to come simple to manage.

Bananas have long been well known as nature’s ‘perfect food.’ They’re loaded with potassium, zinc, iron, folic acid, calcium, B6 and soluble fiber. They’re good for digestion, menstrual difficulties and essential for athletes because they can quickly replace what your body loses during your cycle or when you’re exercising frequently. And, if you suffer from diarrhea during your monthly cycle, they are the idea treatment when eaten in conjunction with apples, rice and dry toast – more commonly known as the BRAT treatment.

Bee pollen has been popularized by famous athletes who take it regularly for strength and endurance. It has been used successfully to treat a variety of ailments including allergies, asthma, menstrual irregularities, constipation, diarrhea, anemia, low energy, cancer, rheumatism, arthritis and toxic conditions. It can, however, provoke allergic reactions in those who are taking it for the first time, so it’s important to start with small amounts and slowly build up to a teaspoon or so per day. Bee pollen can be taken in powder, capsule or tablet form—or in raw unprocessed honey mixed with cereal or spread on toast.

Make sure you’re getting plenty of iron-rich foods in your diet. Leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, poultry, soy foods are great choices. Try teaming these with citrus foods containing vitamin C, which will promote iron absorption. Steer clear of alcohol, caffeinated beverages, or salty foods, and as always, make sure you choose unsaturated fats. These will only exacerbate that bloated feeling you suffer through each month.

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