Monday, December 3, 2012

Hints for a Healthy Pregnancy


by Crystal Shelton
For many women, the moment they learn they are pregnant is one of the most joyous times in their life. At that point, everything seems to change – physically, your body is adjusting to the new life growing inside and morning sickness or extreme exhaustion (or both!) are knocking at your door. Mentally, most women start to wonder about the sex of the baby, pick out names and think of life with the impending arrival in mind. From that point forward, the most important thing is doing everything possible to ensure a healthy pregnancy.
 
One of the most important, if not the most important, things a woman should do when learning of pregnancy, is ensure she is getting the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals in her diet – one easy way to do that is take a prenatal multivitamin. Actually, if a woman is considering becoming pregnant, it is recommended to start a prenatal at that point – as studies show, certain vitamins and minerals are beneficial even in the very early stages of pregnancy.




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Pregnancy greatly increases the needs of certain vitamins and minerals as the growing fetus begins to use those nutrients the mother intakes. For example, the recommended daily value for folic acid doubles from 400 mcg to 800 mcg and calcium needs increase to 1,300 mg daily for pregnant women. It is important to note that all vitamins and minerals are important during pregnancy, but a couple are more important than others for specific reasons.
Folic acid is a B vitamin that is very familiar to most. It has a multitude of functions in the body, including its role in promoting normal cell replication and growth and supporting the normal formation of DNA and RNA, which are needed for protein synthesis in all cells. As such, rapidly growing tissues, such as those of a fetus, and rapidly regenerating cells, like red blood cells and immune cells, have a high need for folic acid. It is essential in the development of the fetal central nervous system and research has shown adequate amounts may reduce a woman’s risk of having a child with a brain or spinal cord defect. Folic acid deficiencies during pregnancy have also been associated with pre-term delivery and low infant birth weight. Folinic acid is the metabolically active derivative of folic acid which allows for higher bioavailability and would be the preferred form to be used as it is readily available and the body (already working over-time for the pregnancy) can work less to utilize its benefits.
 
Calcium is a vital mineral during pregnancy for many reasons. As it does for adults, it contributes to the proper mineralization of bones and teeth and plays a role in facilitating nerve conduction and muscle contraction for the growing fetus. Additionally, research has proven those that are deficient in calcium are at a much greater risk for hypertension (high blood pressure) and swelling during pregnancy, symptoms of a condition known as preeclampsia. Calcium deficiency has also been linked to impaired fetal bone development. It is critical to eat foods that are rich in calcium as well as supplement to ensure the needs are being adequately met.
 
 
 
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Iron is also an important component of a prenatal vitamin for its many roles in development, including functioning as a component of hemoglobin (transports oxygen to body) and synthesizing neurotransmitters for brain health. Oftentimes, iron is viewed as the “bad actor” of prenatal vitamins as it is deemed the culprit for causing an upset stomach and can be hard to digest. Also, it naturally has an unpleasant taste. To avoid the possible gastrointestinal discomfort and poor taste, it is important to use a highly bioavailable iron, such as SunActive Fe™.
It’s not always easy to eat the necessary amounts of fruits, vegetables and other foods to ensure you are getting the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals that your body needs during pregnancy. By taking a prenatal vitamin that encompasses the essential amounts of the important nutrients, you can alleviate that concern and know you are supplying your baby with the nutrients needed for healthy growth and development.




 

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Staying Ahead of Cold and Flu Season

 by Olivia Mungal
It’s that time of the year again: cold and flu season. Easily one of the more unpleasant experiences to have during the fall, getting sick is surprisingly common and it simply doesn’t need to be. There are plenty of things we can do to prevent coming down with the cold or flu this year.
Washing your hands often and avoiding touching your face, nose, eyes or mouth can help prevent the spread of germs. Even sanitizing doorknobs, handles, keyboards, remotes, keys, and other items you frequently touch can help to keep the cold and flu contained…but what happens when those pathogens are introduced into the body?
Cold and Flu Season
Courtesy of sodahead.com
Even if you’re prepared for flu season this year, others may not be quite as thoughtful when it comes to flu prevention. The average sneeze travels at approximately 100 miles per hour and carries over 100,000 germs a sneeze. With autumn on its way, now is the time to prime your immune system:
Vitamin A stimulates the production and activity of white blood cells and the endothelial cells that line the body’s interior surfaces which offer primary protection from illness and infection. In its pure form, Vitamin A can be toxic, but stored as Beta Carotene, the body will only convert and use what it needs. The remaining Beta Carotene works as an antioxidant in the body fighting free radicals. Vitamin A must be replaced daily, so make sure this is a part of your everyday regimen.
Vitamin C is well-known for its immunity benefits. Taking Vitamin C regularly can boost immunity, and people who take extra doses of Vitamin C report recovering from colds and the flu much faster than others. Even levels of 200 mg/day increase levels of immunoglobulin, which are proteins that act as disease-fighting antibodies. Vitamin C is often stored as Ascorbic Acid, which also increases the absorption of other vitamins you may be taking.
Vitamin D is best known as a precursor to calcium absorption and bone health, but the Harvard School of Public Health states that vitamin D also obstructs some of the damaging inflammatory response of some white blood cells. This can make a world of difference for those suffering swollen lymph nodes or raw, scratchy throats this cold and flu season.
Cold and Flu Season
Image by © Royalty-Free/Corbis
Not only can Vitamin E can also help support your body’s healing abilities, but it can also increase immunity response to pathogens. Studies by the Nutritional Immunology Laboratory preformed two separate studies around vitamin E supplementation. His first study found elderly patients who took vitamin E regularly were less likely to come down with colds or upper respiratory infections. The study was repeated again with young men as test subjects who also showed increased immune response.
Selenium is a trace mineral which is reduced into selenoproteins by the body. In this form, it can not only supports cellular immune response and cell membrane health, but it can also aid the body facilitate antioxidant enzymes. This means selenium can play a substantial role in helping the body fight off pathogens and free radicals.
Regular amounts of zinc can help ensure your T-cells and other immune cells are able to function properly and defend the body. Zinc deficiency or zinc overdose can inhibit your immune response. Meeting your Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) can help you avoid developing a deficiency of the trace element, zinc.

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