food and nutrition

It is obviously  important at all times to eat nutritious and balanced meals.

There are many foods you should avoid during pregnancy and when trying to conceive and while you are pregnant.

Most couples know about timing of pregnancy, ovulation, and sperm issues, but when it comes to nutrition and food, most have little clue.

Much advice is given about what to eat while you are pregnant.  Even more advice can be found for what to avoid while you are pregnant.  But what should you eat if you want to improve your fertility? 

Some foods are safe and others are not safe during pregnancy because changes in hormones can cause a woman's immune system to become suppressed.

The “Dirty Dozen, Clean Fifteen” list has been updated for 2013.

Many women are seeking the best dietary and lifestyle approaches to promote fertility. An important
concept of the fertility-friendly diet is that foods to avoid are just as important as those that are beneficial to consume.

With the 24/7 job of caring for an infant, new mothers hardly have time to shower or sleep, not to mention worry about how they will go about losing their “baby weight.” Most new moms may be intrigued by a recent study suggesting that canola oil can reduce belly fat.

After nine months of abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy, it may
come as a shock to new moms when an alcoholic beverage is actually
recommended during breastfeeding.

Research finds a new reason why adequate DHA intake is important during pregnancy.

Are eggs too high in cholesterol too be part of a healthy pregnancy diet? Eggs have long been thought of as a diet no-no when it comes to heart health and keeping cholesterol in check.

To drink, or not to drink diet soda: this is a commonly asked question
during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Many women whose pre-pregnancy drink
of choice was a calorie-free Diet Coke
or Diet Pepsi may have a difficult time giving up their beverage fix.

Kale is a veritable powerhouse of nutrition; the deep, forest green
hue of this power green hints at the rich concentration of nutrients
held within.

Meat is a great source of protein- an essential nutrient that every
woman must be sure to consume in adequate amounts during pregnancy.
But when it comes to red meat, there is no shortage of research
highlighting why this protein source is not optimal.

Recent data suggest caffeine has pain-lowering powers of its own — at least when it comes to the pain associated with exercise. University of Georgia researchers showed that moderate doses of caffeine — equivalent to two cups of joe — reduced post-workout pain by almost 50 percent.

One of the richest known sources of antioxidants, tart cherries are an anti-inflammatory powerhouse.

Fish oil acts directly on the immune system by suppressing 40 to 55 percent of the release of cytokines, compounds known to destroy joints.

According to the Alzheimer's Association, flavonoid-rich foods may also reduce inflammation in the brain, possibly slowing the progression of Alzheimer's disease.

Add carrots to your salad or cook them as a side dish for any meal.

Flaxseed is packed with omega-3 fatty acids which can help to reduce inflammation in the body.

The tropical yellow fruit pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which is helpful in treating muscle injuries like sprains and strains.

Phytochemicals are found in turmeric in large numbers and they have been investigated in preliminary research for their potential effects on diseases

Walnuts are one of the healthiest nuts you can eat.

Many berries such as cherries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries are among the richest known sources of antioxidans.

Onion are among the oldest cultivated plants, are used both as a food and for medicinal applications.

There are more than 20 anti-inflammatory compounds in celery and celery seeds, including a substance called apigenin,

Sage is perhaps the culionary herb with the broadest range of medicinal uses.

Ginger is a natural anti-emetic, often used to alleviate motion sickness and pregnancy morning sickness. Much research has also been published on using Ginger to treat nausea during pregnancy.

Cinnamon

There is no single food that can treat  pain. But a healthful diet is an important part of your pain-management strategy. The Mediterranean diet, for example, is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthful unsaturated fats.