Best Food for the New Mom

Post pregnancy the food you eat can make you and your baby healthy. The right food not only gives you a good health, lose the extra pounds but also will ensure a healthy baby. Foods that give you constant energy the new mom needs & the nutrients both mom and the baby needs, because if it doesn't come from the food it goes away from the mother's body.

1. Water: The body consists of 75% water and the body needs it for making milk for the baby also, so definitely increasing water intake will help you to make more milk. Also the breast-feeding can cause dehydration in the lactating mother, so drinking water helps.

2. Salmon: Salmons like any other fatty fish have a compound called DHA, which is essential for the nervous system of the baby. The mother's milk has DHA but the nutrient might not be enough if not taken in mother's diet.

3. Low fat dairy product: Dairy products like milk, yogurt & cheese help provide the body with essential calcium, protein, Vitamin D & Vitamin B complex to the body & also the milk you feed to your baby gives him the strength for stronger bones with the calcium & Vitamin D.

4. Legumes: A good source of proteins for vegetarians & vegans. Intake of the dark colored legumes like kidney beans & black beans also provide a good amount of iron in the milk.

5. Oranges: Powerhouse of antioxidant & rich in Vitamin C, they are very much needed by the nursing mother, if sipping on juices check out for natural ones without high sugar levels.

6. Garlic: Garlic has been known as age old remedy for boosting milk in new mothers. Adding it to food not only adds flavor but also the bonus. If not fan of garlic in food, can take pills which are equally good & does not have the afterward pungent smell.

7: Leafy Greens: They are a great source of Vitamin A which is good for the baby. They are also a great source of calcium for vegans. They also provide ample amount of iron & Vitamin C and known for excellent heart healthy anti-oxidants.

8. Eggs: They are versatile way to provide the body with protein & nutrients. If DHA fortified eggs are available in your area, you stand a better chance to increase your DHA intake.

There are also other advised foods which are good during & after pregnancy, you can add the best to your diet for your & your baby's health. A sick mother cannot be a great mom. Thanks!

Fluid Retention: Home Remedies

Fluid retention or Water retention occurs due to abnormal accumulation of fluid in and around, cells, tissues etc. This can be usually seen in changing weather, high salt intake & hormonal change during menstrual cycle. Swelling is seen across feet, ankles & hands which also show stiffness in movement due to the same. The body uses a system of hormones and hormone-like substances called prostaglandins to keep its volume of fluid at a constant level. If one were to intake excessive amount of fluids in a day, the amount of fluid would not be affected in the long-term, because the kidneys quickly excrete the excess in the form of urine. Likewise, if one did not get enough to drink, the body would hold on to its fluids and urinate less than usual.

Follow these to avoid water retention:
1. Do not drink alcohol: Alcohol leads to water retention and so taking alcohol is a bad option for people with fluid intake
2. Change your salt intake: Avoid packaged food as they usually have a much higher content of salt in them. This part plays an important role in fluid retention.
3. Avoid wearing tight clothes: They tend to form pockets in the body which give space for the fluid to stay.
4. Keep your feet at an elevated position: This movement against the gravity helps the movement of the fluids in the body & does not allow the fluid to retain at the feet.

Some Home Remedies to help you against fluid retention:
1. Drink Water: Drinking more & more fluids increases the activities of the kidney & helps the body flush out excess fluids from the body.
2. Lemon juice: Lemon juice helps the body to hydrate & thus helps you flush out excess fluid and toxins from the body. It acts as an excellent remedy for fluid retention.
3. Fennel Seeds (Saunf): It is a diuretic (which promotes the production of urine & flushes out excess fluid). It increases the sodium & water output from the kidneys, and is also known to aid in digestion & relieves gas. Drinking the warm water soaked with fennel 3-4 times a day helps alot.
4. Garlic: It is known for its effectiveness for digestion related issues, also for breaking downs fats. It also helps in fluid retention problems in a big manner. Take 2-3 cloves in the morning empty stomach.
5. Onion: It is a great diuretic, and helps in fluid retention. Also eating raw onion with each meal helps increase the insulin production in the body & diabetes patients are greatly benefited.

I hope these remedies & changes in lifestyle can do wonders for you. Also to remember that it is best to try natural diuretics in the above mentioned scenario rather than taking medicines because they might have lots of side-effects on the functioning of the kidney.