11 period mistakes to avoid for better health

11 period mistakes to avoid for better health

Dealing with menstruation is a natural and unavoidable aspect of life for many people. It entails a range of difficulties, such as mood swings, pain, discomfort, nausea, and inexplicable cravings. However, there are common period mistakes that, when avoided, can significantly contribute to better health and hygiene during this time. It is important to learn about these mistakes and gain insights into how to steer clear of them for a more comfortable and worry-free menstrual experience.

Using the wrong menstrual products
One of the most common period mistakes is selecting the wrong menstrual products. It’s essential to choose the product that best suits one’s needs and comfort level. Options include tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and period panties. Understanding the pros and cons of each and experimenting with different products can help discover what works best for the individual.

Not changing tampons or pads regularly
Failing to change tampons or pads regularly can lead to discomfort, odors, and even health risks. Depending on the individual’s flow, tampons, pads, and menstrual cups should be changed every 4-8 hours. Neglecting to do so can result in bacterial overgrowth and infections. Setting reminders or alarms can help ensure timely changes and reduce the risk of infections and toxicity.

Skipping personal hygiene
It’s important to prioritize personal hygiene during menstruation. Failing to wash hands before and after changing pads can expose one to harmful bacteria. Also, failing to clean the genital area properly can result in unpleasant odors and infections. To maintain freshness and hygiene, one must use a gentle, unscented soap and warm water as part of one’s daily routine.

Not cleaning the menstrual cup
If an individual uses a menstrual cup, cleaning it correctly is essential. Neglecting to do so can lead to bacterial growth and an increased risk of infections. After each use, it’s crucial to sterilize the cup by boiling it in water for a few minutes or following the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning. Regularly checking for wear and tear in the cup is also important to ensure its effectiveness.

Not managing heavy flows adequately
For individuals with heavy flows, managing menstruation can be challenging. Using lower absorbency products or not having a plan for handling heavy flows can lead to embarrassing leaks. Opt for high-absorbency pads or tampons designed for heavy flows, and consider using period panties or an extra liner for added protection during the night.

Overlooking menstrual pain management
Menstrual cramps and discomfort are common, but ignoring them can make one’s period even more challenging. Products like pain relievers, heating pads, and relaxation techniques can help alleviate these symptoms. One must consult a healthcare provider if one experiences severe pain that interferes with one’s daily life.

Not tracking the cycle
Understanding one’s menstrual cycle can be empowering for the individual. Many individuals make the mistake of not tracking their periods, which can lead to uncertainty and surprise. Using a menstrual tracking app or a simple calendar can help predict the next period, allowing one to be prepared and avoid accidents.

Not seeking medical advice when needed
Persistent irregularities in the menstrual cycle, including extremely heavy bleeding, severe pain, or other unusual symptoms, should not be ignored. These could be signs of underlying health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis. Seeking healthcare consultation and advice to get evaluated is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

Neglecting iron intake
Heavy menstrual bleeding can lead to iron deficiency anemia, causing fatigue and weakness. During periods, it is essential to consume iron-rich foods or supplements to help maintain healthy iron levels.

Using scented feminine hygiene products
Scented menstrual products may seem like a good idea for masking odors, but they can irritate sensitive skin and disrupt the natural pH balance. However, it is better to avoid harsh feminine hygiene products such as douches or scented wipes, as they can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal flora, increasing the risk of infections. This also includes some intimate wash and creams that could result in a disrupted pH of the genital region.

Not staying hydrated
Staying well-hydrated is essential for alleviating period discomfort and supporting overall health. Proper hydration reduces bloating, relieves cramps, prevents constipation, maintains energy levels, and supports various bodily functions. One should aim to drink at least 8-10 cups (64-80 ounces) of water daily but adjust as needed based on the body’s signals. Incorporating hydrating foods like watermelon and cucumber can also help. By staying hydrated, one can enhance their menstrual well-being and ease common period-related discomforts.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don't have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother's body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies. However, avoid bananas if you have allergies, a bout of cough and cold, or diabetes. Mothers can eat bananas after any meal or even add them to smoothies or pancakes as part of a meal. Fatty fish Fatty fish are naturally rich in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Fish like salmon and sardines are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for mothers and their infants. A deficiency of vitamin D in infants, though uncommon now, can lead to weak and deformed bones. These fish also contain DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for an infant's brain and heart development. DHA can be naturally found in breast milk if a mother eats fatty fish, eggs, or red meat. Omega-3 acids can also help in preventing postpartum depression. Mothers can choose from freshly caught fish, buy from verified farms, or use canned salmon. However, ensure that you have salmon or sardines twice a week to get its benefits and increase the production of breastmilk production. Homemade stock Soups and broths are wholesome and satisfying meals for nursing mothers. The most significant advantage of broths or soups is you can make large quantities and freeze them. The first three months can be hectic for new moms, which is why broths are perfect. They are nutritious, time savers, and can instantly replenish nutrients and strength. Mothers can use the bones and cartilage of chicken or lamb for meat broths. However, slow-cook them as the soup will have time to absorb all the nutrients and minerals from the meat and bones.  On the other hand, vegetarian mothers can make soups and broths of various vegetables and lentils. Bell pepper, carrots, celery stalks, french beans, lentils, mung, cottage cheese, and peas are ideal ingredients for vegetarian soups. Broths and soups can also help deal with postpartum depression and help regain bone density. It can also help reduce joint pain and strengthen joints right after childbirth. Leafy green vegetables It is widely known that green leafy vegetables contain multiple nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and K, fiber, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach has a high concentration of phytoestrogens and iron. When a nursing mom increases the intake of spinach, it raises the estrogen level and helps stimulate milk production. Phytoestrogens also help in regulating and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are low on calories; hence, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. One serving of green leafy vegetables daily is the recommended quantity for nursing moms.  Mothers can also eat broccoli and Swiss Chard, which are high in calcium and iron. The daily calcium requirement for nursing moms is about 1,300 milligrams a day. Kale or collard greens also can supply about 20% of the daily calcium requirement. Moms can also have milk and yogurt to ensure they receive the necessary supply of calcium. They can add greens to salads, smoothies, soups, or casseroles. Cigna breast pump Cigna is a global health service company that offers health, pharmacy, dental and supplemental insurance, and Medicare plans. You can get 100% of Cigna's insurance for hospital-grade and standard electric breast pumps with a prescription from your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Cigna also covers the cost of renting a heavy-duty hospital-grade breast pump if a standard breast pump fails. Elvie Free Elvie, one of the brands covered by Cigna with a doctor's prescription, has introduced a revolutionary, silent wearable breast pump that women can discretely fit in their clothes. It is a wireless breast pump that can be operated through a smartphone. This easy-to-use pump can be used confidently and without any hassle. Since it is silent, it can be used anywhere without any disturbance or the need for privacy. Moreover, there are no tubes or pipes. It consists of five easy-to-assemble and clean components that make pumping clean and safe. If you're a new mother who wants to try out breast pumps, give this a try after consulting a doctor. 

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5 Best Dog Foods For Growing Puppies

5 Best Dog Foods For Growing PuppiesGrowing pups need lots of things - toys to keep them stimulated, love to keep them happy, and most importantly, food to keep them healthy. Pet owners must be incredibly attentive with puppies because, like children, puppies need proper nutrition and plenty of energy-giving carbohydrates and must be shielded from harmful preservatives. Hence, dog food is the last place you should be skimping on. Here are the five best dog foods for growing puppies. Royal Canin Small Puppy Wet Dog FoodRoyal Canin is an excellent brand to invest in as they make special food for small, medium, and large dogs. Often, owners do not realize that smaller dogs have different requirements than large ones and when you give the same food to them, small dogs often gain undue weight. Royal Canin Small Puppy wet food is perfect for small dogs that weigh between 1 and 10 kg. The Royal Canin 3-oz pouches of wet food have real chicken and a gravy-like consistency that allows you to mix it with kibble. Further, you can get specialized food, especially for puppies younger than two months, since their requirements differ. And if your dog is a giant breed, Royal Canin provides options for that as well. Nutro Natural Choice Puppy Dry Dog Food - Lamb and Brown RiceNutro Natural Choice dry dog food is made from non-GMO ingredients and does not include artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. They pride themselves on using high-quality protein sources as their primary component. There is no corn, wheat, soy, or chicken by-product meal. Nutro's puppy food comes in a Lamb and Brown rice recipe. Generally available in 30lbs packs, this puppy food should be on the top of your list. 26% of the food contains proteins, which are suitable for the growth of puppies. The main ingredients are deboned lamb and brewers rice, rice bran, and split peas. Remember that it is dry food, so you must ensure that your pets always have enough drinking water. Instinct Original Puppy Grain-Free Recipe with Real ChickenMost puppies prefer wet food since dry food is hard to chew, and transitioning from milk to dry food can be rather difficult. Instinct grain-free puppy food is a perfect choice for puppies since it contains truly premium ingredients. The grain-free recipe with chicken has cage-free chicken, beef liver, and salmon, and absolutely no fillers or artificial additives. The holistic formula contains 95% chicken, turkey, and chicken liver and only 5% vegetables. Carrageenan is a primary concern for pet owners, which is absent in this puppy food. This brand prides itself on the loaf-like texture of its wet food, which can be a snack or a meal for your little pup. Instinct also includes frozen raw meals among its products, which is an excellent alternative to kibble. Nutro Puppy Tender Beef, Pea, and Carrot Recipe Bites in GravyAnother option from Nutro is the beef, pea, and carrot recipe. This dog food is created from non-GMO ingredients and comes in easy-to-serve food trays. This brand promises real beef, chicken, and pork broth that all puppies will surely enjoy. Puppies generally prefer wet food, and further, Nutro includes no corn, wheat, or soy, all of which are not nutritious. Most pet food companies use these as fillers in their food, but Nutro is not among them. Their Feed Clean logo also promises Zero Waste to landfills, ensuring that your pup and the planet are happy. Nutro also offers turkey, duck, chicken, and whitefish variants of its wet gravy food if you want to mix it up. Remember that doctors recommend switching your dog food, as your puppy can grow allergic to the same food over time. Purina One +Plus Healthy Puppy Formula Dry Dog FoodPurina offers quality food at an affordable price in wet, dry, and even large breed versions in several flavors. Purina One +Plus Healthy puppy formula uses chicken as its number one ingredient, and the recipe includes DHA for brain development and calcium for the bones and joints of your little one. Real meat supports the development of a robust immune system and the growth of a healthy coat. Most veterinarians recommend Purina One, so feel free to talk to your veterinarian about it if you have questions. Another remarkable thing about Purina is that they offer customized food packages through Just Right - www.justrightpetfood.com. You take a five-minute quiz to determine what kind of food your pet needs and then get recommendations from Purina's experts. They offer subscription plans, so you do not have to worry about stocking up each month. What do puppies need?A puppy's diet should include four key components - protein, fat, carbohydrates, and calcium. Protein is the most critical requirement, especially after weaning. 22% to 25% of the daily diet should be protein for optimal growth, but it is best not to exceed this amount. Fat is necessary as it is a concentrated energy source and enables the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy. Calcium is essential, especially for large breeds, to maintain bone density. If you plan to home-cook meals, remember to keep these in mind and check with your veterinarian what fruits and vegetables are safe for your puppy. Referenceshttps://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feeding-growing-puppieshttps://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/the-14-best-dog-foods-for-puppieshttps://www.nutro.ca/en/natural-dog-food/nutro/natural-choice-large-breed-puppy-dry-dog-food-lamb-and-rice-recipehttps://instinctpetfood.com/dog/?category=wethttps://www.justrightpetfood.com/how-it-workshttps://www.pumpkin.care/blog/best-puppy-food-2021/

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