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Benefits of coconut water in pregnancy

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coconut water

Discover the benefits of coconut water in pregnancy.

Coconut water is a clear, sweet, energizing isotonic drink that helps your body replenish lost fluids. Also known as Nariyal Pani and Elaneer in India, it is known for its versatility and countless nutritional benefits.

IS IT SAFE TO CONSUME COCONUT WATER DURING PREGNANCY?

Yes, it is safe to drink coconut water, but in moderation, as it contains natural vitamins and minerals.

Having coconut water in the first trimester helps curb dehydration resulting from morning sickness. It’s also good for heartburn and constipation, common symptoms of pregnancy.

You can drink coconut water at any time, but the best time is early in the morning. It is healthier, as the electrolytes and nutrients can be easily absorbed when the stomach is empty.

The nutritional benefits present in a cup of coconut water include:

•Calories 46

Sodium 252mg

•600mg potassium

•Carbs 8.9 grams

•Dietary fiber 2.6 grams

•Sugars 6.26 grams

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Calcium 6%

Benefits of coconut water in pregnancy

You can reap its benefits only when you consume fresh water, as it begins to ferment when left open and exposed to air.

1. NATURAL DIURETIC:

During pregnancy, uric acid levels should be normal in your body system. Coconut water is a diuretic and increases the need to urinate due to the presence of potassium, magnesium, and minerals.

They help eliminate toxins and cleanse the urinary tract. Thus, it improves kidney function and prevents kidney stones and infections. It also prevents urinary tract infections, which reduces the chances of preterm labor.

2. OFFERS ESSENTIAL ELECTROLYTES:

The need for electrolytes increases during pregnancy because conditions like morning sickness, nausea, and diarrhea dehydrate the body. Coconut water supplies all five essential electrolytes: minerals, sodium, calcium, potassium, and phosphorus, which calm the body and provide energy.

These electrolytes transmit electrical charges in your body and aid in muscle function. They also help maintain your body’s pH levels and control blood pressure levels. It is known to have cooling properties, which prevent conditions such as bilious fever and vomiting.

3. RELIEVES HEARTBURN AND CONSTIPATION:

Hormonal changes during pregnancy lead to various problems like heartburn, constipation, and indigestion. The rich content of dietary fiber in coconut water strengthens the digestive system, improves digestion, regulates pH levels, and prevents constipation.

Ayurveda considers young coconut water to be an excellent laxative. Improves metabolism and detoxifies the body. Coconut water is a natural acid neutralizer and thus prevents heartburn.

4. TREAT INFECTIONS:

Coconut water is rich in vitamins, essential minerals, and antioxidants, which boost your immune levels, providing resistance to infections. It contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid responsible for the production of a powerful antiviral monolaurin, Michelle-Lee Young writes in the book “Two Trees and Twelve Fruits That Will Change Your Life Forever.” Lauric is a disease-fighting acid that kills harmful bacteria and infections like the flu, and HIV, and retains good bacteria.

5. IMPROVES HEART HEALTH:

Low electrolyte level increases blood pressure. Drinking coconut water improves levels of potassium, magnesium, and lauric acid, which help regulate blood pressure. Improves good cholesterol and fights bad cholesterol.

The vitamins, essential proteins, and electrolytes in coconut water control sugar levels, and blood pressure levels, and improve circulation. A glass of coconut water every day is particularly helpful in the last trimester when there is increasing stress from labor that can increase your blood pressure.

6. MAINTAINS A HEALTHY WEIGHT:

Coconut water is fat-free and low in calories. As pregnancy adds extra weight to your body, coconut water prevents fat accumulation by removing bad cholesterol. It is an excellent replacement for sugary drinks and helps both the mother and the growing fetus to be healthy and fit.

7. NATURAL DRINK:

Coconut water is a tasty natural drink. It has no artificial flavors or harmful components. It is safe for you and your growing fetus as none of its components affect your health.

8. ENERGIZE AFTER TRAINING:

Coconut water is a natural isotonic drink, which helps you gain energy when suffering from dehydration, fatigue, and exhaustion. It is a great revitalizer

. If you exercise regularly to stay fit and strengthen your pelvic muscles, you can opt for coconut water as an energy drink. Hydration also improves skin elasticity, limiting the stretch marks that develop during pregnancy.

9. LOW SUGAR CONTENT:

Excessive sugar intake can lead to an increase in overall blood sugar levels. Coconut water has less sugar than other sports and energy drinks. You won’t gain pregnancy weight, and a diet low in simple sugars will reduce your risk of getting gestational diabetes.

10. ACCELERATES THE GROWTH OF THE FETUS:

Coconut water offers all the nutrients to the mother, essential to maintain and improve her health. Thus, it improves the health, growth, and proper nutrition of the unborn baby.

11. IMPROVES AMNIOTIC FLUID LEVELS:

Drinking coconut water improves the overall health and environment of your growing fetus. Coconut water taken especially in the third trimester increases amniotic fluid levels and improves blood volume and circulation.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS OF COCONUT WATER DURING PREGNANCY?

There is no evidence that coconut water has adverse effects on pregnancy. Like any other fruit or vegetable juice, it also appears to be safe. But there are two things to keep in mind:

•Coconut milk contains sodium, which may not be the right choice for pregnant women with preeclampsia.

•Ripe coconut water can cause constipation.

HOW MUCH COCONUT WATER CAN A PREGNANT WOMAN HAVE?

Moderation is always the key when it comes to eating a healthy diet. You can drink up to a glass of coconut water a day.

Consume the water soon after opening, as a fresh one will contain rich nutrients. Use a clean straw or pour it into a glass and drink.

It is always good to prefer natural coconut water to canned or bottled.

Do not consume coconut water if you react or do not like its taste.

HOW TO SELECT THE CORRECT COCONUT?

To enjoy the various benefits of coconut water, you need to know how to select them properly. These tips can help you buy fresh and tender coconut.

A fresh coconut will be light and sweet and will not contain coconut meat, the white, meaty, tender substance. A ripe or stale one will taste sour.

Selection: Choose medium-sized, clean, green walnuts, as they contain large amounts of water. Don’t choose coconuts that have hard brown shells and gray patches as they indicate ripe nuts.

Water: Shake the coconut vigorously near your ear to check for water. Select the ones that make a good splashing sound. A fresh coconut will contain almost a cup of water.

If you want to store coconuts at home, keep them in a cool place.

BENEFITS OF COCONUT MEAT DURING PREGNANCY:

1. GENERATION OF BREAST MILK:

Regular consumption of coconut meat during pregnancy improves the supply of breast milk after childbirth. Your baby will receive nutritious and rich breast milk. Also, coconut oil helps in the generation of breast milk.

It is also good during the lactation phase as it contains lauric and capric acids. These acids have antiviral, antibacterial, and parasiticidal effects, which protect the baby from diseases.

2. IMPROVES BLOOD CIRCULATION:

Blood volume doubles during pregnancy, causing swelling of the feet and legs. Poor blood circulation aggravates the condition. Coconut consumption improves blood circulation and prevents swelling and pain in the legs.

3. HELPS DIGESTION:

Consuming coconut meat and water prevents constipation as tender coconut meat acts as an excellent laxative. It is one of the best benefits of consuming a coconut in any form during pregnancy.

4. BETTER SLEEP:

Having coconut in combination with poppy seeds and ghee will improve your sleep cycle.

5. INCREASES METABOLISM:

When the coconut is mixed with spices, it helps boost metabolic activities in pregnant women.

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COCONUT MILK DURING PREGNANCY:

Coconut milk is a thick, milky liquid obtained by grinding grated coconut meat. It is also an essential ingredient in many foods, especially Southeast Asian dishes.

Coconut can be consumed in any form due to its amazing health benefits. Coconut milk helps increase body fuel. It is completely safe to drink unless you are allergic to it.

BENEFITS OF COCONUT MILK DURING PREGNANCY:

1. ENHANCE IMMUNITY:

Coconut milk contains lauric acid, which is an antibacterial and antiviral fat, useful for pregnant women. This type of fat helps improve the immune system, according to the book “Coconut Oil and the Immune System” by Sherri Neal. The long-chain fatty acids straighten the blood vessels and reduce any blockages in the heart, thus improving the condition of the heart as well.

2. OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE:

•It contains good amounts of iron, which can treat anemia.

•Improves digestive problems.

•It offers relaxation to the muscles and the nervous system.

•Controls blood sugar levels and blood pressure

•Relieves joint pain and scratches

•Makes your body fit and helps you lose weight

HOW TO PREPARE FRESH COCONUT MILK?

It is advisable to make coconut milk at home instead of opting for a packaged one.

Grate a whole coconut and add a cup and a half of hot water.

Let the mixture cool to room temperature.

Once the mixture cools down, strain to get the milk.

Coconut milk taken directly from fresh coconuts will contain approximately 450 calories and 50 g of fat. A cup of coconut milk (approximately 240 g) has the following nutritional values:

•Calories 550

•Fats 50.2gm (all types of fats)

•Cholesterol 0

•Sodium 40gm

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•Carbohydrates 14gm (in 250gm of milk)

•Proteins 6gm

•Vitamin C 11%

•Iron 22%

•Calcium 4%

IS CANNED COCONUT MILK GOOD DURING PREGNANCY?

It’s safe to have canned coconut milk during pregnancy, but you need to make sure the can isn’t corroded, rusted, expired, or stored at dangerous temperatures.

Coconut milk contains considerable amounts of saturated fat, that is, 3 g in a tablespoon. Eating too much-saturated fat will increase the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the body. In the case of canned milk, you must take into account your level of consumption, since you should not exceed your daily requirement.

In addition to the above, other reasons why you may not choose canned coconut milk are:

1. BISPHENOL A (BPA):

It is a chemical that is typically used in the lining of cans used for packaged foods. This BPA can gradually leach into acidic, fatty, or salty foods like coconut milk, vegetables, tomatoes, and soups. One study claims that there is a relationship between high levels of BPA in mothers and neurobehavioral problems in babies.

2. GUAR GUM:

Guar gum is an additive present in canned coconut milk. It is a galactomannan, a polysaccharide, and is primarily a ground endosperm of guar beans.

There have been complaints such as severe abdominal cramps, indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea, as beans are difficult to digest. In a clinical experiment, patients with intestinal problems showed improvement when they stopped using canned coconut milk in their diet.

3. FRUCTOSE MALABSORPTION:

It is a digestive disease characterized by impaired transport of fructose (a simple sugar found in fruits, vegetables, and honey) through the small intestine. Increased fructose levels in the gut cause bacterial overgrowth.

Therefore, it reduces the absorption of water in the intestine. Pregnant women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are highly affected by fructose malabsorption.

According to nutrition data, coconut milk contains sugar, including fructose. Therefore, it should be avoided by those affected by IBD and IBS disorders.

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5 Ways a Qualified Marijuana Doctor Can Streamline the Process of Obtaining Your Medical Card

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5 Ways a Qualified Marijuana Doctor Can Streamline the Process of Obtaining Your Medical Card

A qualified cannabis physician will perform a physical exam, complete and document a full assessment of your medical history and determine whether you qualify for a marijuana card. This process typically takes 20 – 30 minutes. If you meet the qualifications, a medical marijuana doctor will give you a patient ID number that you can use to register with your state.

Streamlined Appointments

Whether you’re a current medical marijuana patient or are seeking an evaluation to become one, your experience with your doctor can be a huge factor in the success of your treatment. A qualified doctor will take the time to examine and question you about your symptoms thoroughly. They will listen to you and provide an honest opinion on whether they think medical cannabis can help. Medical marijuana doctors like Texas 420 Doctors are educated on cannabis as a medicine and can determine if your conditions qualify you for the drug. This means they can create a personalized marijuana treatment plan for you. A great way to streamline your appointment is by offering telemedicine consultations. Unlike traditional MD or DO assignments, these can be done at any time of day. In addition to the streamlined appointment, medical marijuana doctors can help expedite the process of completing the state’s application. They will make sure you have the correct paperwork, forms, and medical records ready to go so that you can complete your registration or renewal. Additionally, they will alert you if your physician certification is approaching its expiration date so you can schedule an appointment to get recertified.

Convenient Locations

A qualified marijuana doctor knows that patients are eager to get relief from their debilitating symptoms and will work hard to schedule appointments that accommodate their busy lives. They are also familiar with state laws and understand the limitations on physician access to medical marijuana patients. Depending on your condition, medical marijuana may ease the pain of cancer treatment, reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, or help you sleep better. Medical marijuana can come in various forms, including dried flowers, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. A qualified marijuana doctor will ask you to bring a government-issued photo ID and a list of your current medications. They will also review your health records and determine if cannabis is an appropriate medication to treat your symptoms. They will explain how to use the medicine and discuss the risks. They will also recommend entering your name into the medical marijuana registry. Your certifying doctor must do this for each patient before you can purchase from a dispensary. You will be subject to legal repercussions if you do not complete this step.

No Waiting

Marijuana is a plant with multiple medicinal properties. It contains two active compounds; one is cannabidiol (CBD), and the other is delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It has several therapeutic properties and has been found to help with chronic pain, PTSD, seizures, and many other conditions. Although it remains illegal on a federal level, 29 states and DC have legalized marijuana. While medical marijuana is still a very new industry, physicians are working to navigate uncharted legal territory to provide patients with the relief they need. It is important to find a doctor willing to work with state regulations and stay up to date on the latest research on medical cannabis.

Qualified doctors are also able to expedite the process of getting your card. They can provide a medical marijuana recommendation to eligible patients, which is needed to register online with the state. This will allow patients to purchase medical marijuana at a dispensary. In addition, the doctor can provide a government-issued photo ID to the patient and caregivers for identification purposes.

Knowledgeable Staff

Providing patients with the information and advice they need to treat their conditions effectively is one of the most important tasks of any doctor. A medical marijuana doctor is no different. They will take the time to explain the benefits, side effects, and contraindications of cannabis. They will also be knowledgeable about the current state of medical marijuana research, ensuring that their recommendations are based on the latest scientific evidence.

Marijuana has several medicinal compounds, including CBD and delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Both have been shown to have therapeutic effects for many health conditions. However, it is still illegal at the federal level and must be obtained through a qualified physician’s recommendation. Medical marijuana doctors are willing to navigate uncharted legal areas and make it possible for their patients to access a medication that can help ease pain, anxiety, nausea, spasms, and more. These doctors are dedicated to reducing the burdens and time associated with obtaining your medical card and helping you find relief from your symptoms. They are a true lifesaver for many people who need the natural treatment that marijuana can provide.

Experience

Many people are still unsure about the process of qualifying for medical marijuana. So many factors are involved, from self-reporting health symptoms to the cost of multiple appointments to get a formal diagnosis.

A qualified marijuana doctor can help make this process as simple and stress-free as possible. A physician who is familiar with the medical benefits of cannabis can help patients find the right products and dosages to treat their specific health conditions. Marijuana physicians should also be able to answer any questions that patients may have about the law or regulations in their state. This will ensure patients receive the most accurate information to avoid potential issues. A medical marijuana recommendation is valid for one year, and annual renewals are required. Finding a qualified, compassionate, cannabis-friendly doctor is important in obtaining your medical card. By understanding the benefits of working with a qualified marijuana doctor, you can save time and money while ensuring you receive the treatment you need to alleviate your symptoms.

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Understanding the Role of Neurologists in Colorado Integrated Neurology

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Understanding the Role of Neurologists in Colorado Integrated Neurology

Colorado Integrated Neurology provides chiropractic neurology and functional medicine care for patients with complex neurological conditions such as concussions, POTS, vertigo, balance disorders, movement disorders, and dysautonomia. 

The survey revealed that most neurologists do not understand (or disagree with) the concept of death that BD fulfills and that brain functions often remain in patients diagnosed dead using accepted clinical tests confirming the BD criterion.

What Is Integrated Neurology?

Integrated neurology services treat conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal dementia, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, and other less common neurobehavioral disorders. These specialists use a comprehensive approach to assess a patient’s cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning and develop individualized treatment strategies for each case.

Advanced radiology imaging can detect blood clots in the brain and perform a procedure called a thrombolysis or clot-busting injection. A tiny tube (catheter) is inserted through the neck or groin to access the blocked artery in the brain. Once the clot is removed, blood flow to the brain resumes, and brain cells are no longer deprived of oxygen.

Providing a one-stop shop for patients, they offer sleep studies, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), Botox treatment for migraines, electromyography, electroencephalograms (EEG), and other diagnostic procedures. 

What Are the Benefits of Integrated Neurology?

Colorado Integrated Neurology neurologists offer the latest diagnostic tools, including CT and MRI scans. They also perform procedures like spinal cord stimulators and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Additionally, they provide extensive treatments like sleep studies, CPAP, Botox for migraines, and telemedicine to help patients control their symptoms and enhance their quality of life.

The team specializes in neurobehavioral disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy body dementia, Parkinson’s, and traumatic brain injury. They work with various healthcare professionals, including general neurologists, psychiatrists, and therapists, to create a treatment plan that addresses the neurological and behavioral aspects of these disorders.

Many neurologists hesitate to learn about and incorporate integrative health into their practice because they believe it is not evidence-based, focuses on unconventional methods, or promotes unnecessary or harmful therapies. However, taking a don’t-ask-don’t-tell approach to this issue may lead to suboptimal care for their patients by implicitly endorsing unconventional medicine and perpetuating the misperception that alternative therapies are safe and effective.

How Can Integrated Neurology Help Me?

During integrated learning, students must make connections between different fields of study. These connections are further reinforced through case studies and presentations/seminars. The more a student is forced to recognize diseases that intersect neurology and psychiatry, the more likely they will identify them as they continue their education and career.

Integrated Neurologists can access state-of-the-art technologies like ultrasounds and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize a patient’s brain and spinal cord. It allows them to identify and treat problems like stroke, blood clots, seizures, head trauma, and multiple sclerosis.

Integrative neurologists can also help patients with lifestyle practices that may positively or negatively affect their health. They can help patients differentiate unconventional therapies from safe and effective ones. For example, they can help their patients with MS distinguish a diet that helps manage symptoms from those that do not.

What Is the Role of the Neurologists in Integrated Neurology?

A neurologist is a medical doctor trained to investigate, diagnose, and treat neurological disorders. These diseases affect the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, autonomic nervous system, and neuromuscular junction. Symptoms may include weakness, uncontrolled movement of body parts, lack of coordination or loss of sensation, chronic pain, or changes in behavior and emotional states.

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Untreated Sleep Apnea and Its Hidden Dangers

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Untreated Sleep Apnea and Its Hidden Dangers

Millions of people all around the world are impacted by sleep apnea, a prevalent but sometimes ignored sleep disorder. Unfortunately, a sizable portion of cases go unidentified and untreated. We will delve into the world of untreated sleep apnea in this blog, looking at its possible effects on physical and mental health as well as providing management tips.

Understanding Sleep Apnea

Breathing pauses or short breaths while sleeping are symptoms of sleep apnea. Multiple apneas, also known as interruptions, can take place in a single hour and can cause irregular sleep patterns. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), the most frequent type, results from an obstruction of the airway, usually caused by the soft tissue at the back of the throat collapsing.

The Unknown Threat

Sleep apnea can seriously harm a person’s general health if left untreated. Although the acute symptoms can appear to be unimportant, the long-term consequences might be serious and widespread.

Heart Complications

The effects of untreated sleep apnea on the cardiovascular system may be the most concerning side effect. Apneas stress the heart and can cause hypertension, arrhythmias, and even heart failure because of the intermittent shortage of oxygen they cause. Untreated OSA clearly increases the risk of stroke and heart attack, according to studies.

Daytime Sluggishness and Reduced Cognitive Abilities

Daytime tiredness and cognitive impairment are frequently the results of the fragmented sleep patterns brought on by sleep apnea. People could have trouble focusing, making choices, or remembering information. This may have a substantial impact on daily tasks, such as working and driving, and may even increase the risk of accidents and lower productivity.

Mood Disorders and Mental Health

A close connection has been shown between sleep apnea and mood disorders like anxiety and depression. The equilibrium of neurotransmitters in the brain can be upset by persistent sleep loss and the physiological stress response brought on by apneas. This imbalance may eventually play a role in the onset or worsening of mental health issues.

Gaining Weight and Metabolic Problems

Untreated sleep apnea can cause weight gain or make it more difficult to lose weight. Sleep disturbance can cause hormones that control hunger to become unbalanced, which increases appetite, especially for high-calorie, carbohydrate-rich foods. Additionally, untreated sleep apnea is linked to insulin resistance, which may result in type 2 diabetes.

Strained Relationships

Untreated sleep apnea frequently has an effect on not only the affected person but also their spouses and family. The sleep of those who share a bed can be disturbed by loud snoring and irregular sleep patterns, which can cause resentment, frustration, and marital tension.

Management and Treatment

Thankfully, there are practical methods for treating sleep apnea. Symptoms can be reduced by making lifestyle adjustments such as losing weight, exercising frequently, and refraining from alcohol and sedatives. Positional therapy, which involves switching up sleeping positions, can also occasionally be successful.

Sleep apnea is commonly treated with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) equipment, which are also very successful. These gadgets keep the airway from contracting as you sleep by providing a constant flow of air through a mask.

Oral appliances that keep the airway open may be advised for people with mild to moderate sleep apnea. Surgery may be an option in extreme circumstances to address structural problems restricting the airway.

Conclusion

Untreated sleep apnea is a major medical issue that could have catastrophic effects on a person’s physical and mental health. For reducing these risks, it is essential to be aware of the symptoms and seek the right therapy. People can regain deep, rejuvenating sleep, enjoy improved general health, and improve their quality of life by treating sleep apnea. Take action right away to stop the silent threat of untreated sleep apnea.

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