Tag Archives: pregnancy

Salon Science: AnaGain Review – For Thicker, Fuller, Denser Hair

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Frost is reviewing something a bit different: In recent years there has been a huge leap forward in plant bio-active and stem cell technology which has provided access to superior formulations and ingredients which have not, until now, been available in haircare. Salon Science  is a brand new haircare collection of 18 products that uses plant stem cells and bio-active technology within the formulations.

Salon Science- AnaGain Review - For Thicker, Fuller, Denser Hair

Developed by the leading experts in plant stem cells and bio-actives, all of the products are underpinned by extensive in vitro and in vivo testing. The collection is comprised of four ranges, each devised to tackle a specific series of problems using a key active ingredient, derived from plant extracts.

Salon Science seamlessly combines cutting edge scientific expertise with plant bio-active and stem cell technology resulting in a luxury salon quality collection. Salon Science breathes life back into hair… reviving, revitalising and nourishing from root to tip.

There are many reasons why women lose their hair. Pregnancy, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiency, metabolism, genetics and stress. With that in mind we tried the AnaGain

This is what they say: “Packed with AnaGain, an organic pea sprout extract that is rich in restorative proteins, starch and fibres. These rebalancing phytonutrients combined with caffeine agents stimulate blood circulation to help encourage the growth of hair at the root. This advanced formulation helps strengthen, add volume, moisturise and protect, making hair more resistant to everyday damage. Continuous use of the Pro-accelerant regime helps give denser, thicker, fuller hair in 3 months.”

Do we think it works? Yes, hair looks noticeable better and thicker. Although this is all cosmetic it make you look and feel better. The shampoo is £15, the conditioner is £17 and the treatment is £39. Considering the price of other hair loss treatments- and the fact that many of them don’t actually work- this seems reasonable. We will continue to use this and give a further update in a few months.

Available from boots.com

The Benefits of a Vegan Pregnancy

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vegan pregnancyAll essential vitamins and minerals can easily be found in a wide variety of vegan foods, including green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, lentils, pulses, beans, soy, whole grains and flax. So there is no need to worry about how to get enough protein, calcium, iron, omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin D. The only exception is vitamin B12, which can be easily supplemented.

Actors Alicia Silverstone and Emily Deschanel have both had vegan pregnancies. Alicia says, “All of the vegan pregnancies I have witnessed have been way smoother than those of my non-vegan friends. … From my point of view, the more vegan you are, the more healthy you are and that makes your pregnancy go more easily and helps your baby to be super duper healthy!”

 

 

  1. Ward off morning sickness: Morning sickness is one of the least fun aspects of pregnancy, and interestingly enough, a vegan diet during pregnancy may alleviate some of those symptoms. Some studies have connected a diet high in meat and dairy with more severe symptoms of morning sickness. The science is this: Morning sickness is the body’s natural attempt to protect the fetus from unhealthy substances, physically clearing those substances (and the food that contains them) out of the mother’s body. Many of the chemicals that are cleared out most commonly come from meat and dairy products, because these products are at a higher risk for contamination. Thus, eating a vegan diet (ideally organic) may reduce or totally eliminate the symptoms of morning sickness. Unlike meat and dairy product, plants can help to rid the body of toxins, ultimately providing the fetus with lower amounts of unhealthy chemicals that we consume in our food.
    In addition, a vegan diet ensures that the mother is not consuming the foods that are commonly known to be harmful for fetuses, including fish and seafood, deli meats, and unpasteurized dairy products. Each of these can put a fetus at risk for birth defects, and eating a vegan diet guarantees that none will be an issue.

 

  1. A healthier, happier you: A vegan diet is great for your health! According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vegans are less likely to develop heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or high blood pressure than meat-eaters are. Vegans get all the nutrients that they need to be healthy, such as plant protein, fiber, and minerals, without all the nasty stuff in meat that slows you down and makes you sick, such as cholesterol and saturated animal fat.

 

  1. It’s the best way to help animals: Every vegan saves the lives of countless animals each year. There is simply no easier way to help animals and prevent suffering than by choosing vegan foods over meat, eggs, and dairy products.

 

If you are considering making the switch to a vegan diet- please visit peta.org.uk where you can order a free vegan starter kit and find out more on how to have a healthy and happy vegan pregnancy.

 

PETA supporter and vegan mum, Kimberley Brewser says:

 

There was no doubt in my mind that a vegan pregnancy was what was best for me and, more importantly, my precious bundle.

 

Apart from my initial morning sickness, I thoroughly enjoyed my pregnancy. I’ve never felt better inside and out.

 

For any food that I craved, there was a vegan alternative, so I never felt that I was missing out. I always made sure that I had my favourite foods in the house if I had a craving. I ate very well.

 

While some of my pregnant friends suffered with low iron levels and high blood pressure, my iron levels were high and my blood pressure was fantastic throughout.

 

I’m a dancer and continued to perform at shows and dance throughout my pregnancy. I had so much energy. I was dancing four days before I gave birth.

 

Hadley was a healthy 7 lbs, 11 ozs when he was born. Now at 15 months, he continues to thrive on a healthy, varied and colourful vegan diet. He’s a happy, healthy, beautiful little boy.

 

Would I recommend a vegan diet to expectant mothers? Definitely!

 

 

Flat coke may be the cure for Kate Middleton’s morning sickness

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katemiddletonThere is a high probability that Kate Middleton will experience the same morning sickness as with her first pregnancy, say Alison Edwards – Senior Lecturer in Midwifery at Birmingham City University. In fact she has had to cancel some of her engagements already because of her acute morning sickness.

 

“Though there is an increased chance due to having the excessive sickness before she may well have an entirely different experience this time with little or no sickness.  Though there is no ‘cure’ for morning sickness (and certainly not hyperemesis) there are steps that can be taken to try to settle the unpleasant symptoms.”

 

“Though there are few sources of scientific evidence to support any ‘remedies’, making sure fluid intake is maintained is a priority. Flat coke has been found to help here as can arrowroot or ginger. Some women swear by travel bands.  Small low fat meals can help and avoiding anything spicy.  If the symptoms become excessive then medical advice must be sought as there are medications that can reduce the sickness and nausea; these do need prescribing however.

 

“Excessive morning sickness can make women unwell and certainly miserable, so plenty of support and rest are vital, especially if admission to hospital is required as Kate was last year. There are also support groups set up by women who have experienced hyperemesis.”

 

 

Young People Using Fertility MOTs

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Erica and Kenny An increasing number of young people are discovering the benefit of ‘fertility MOTs’, consultants have said, even if they have no immediate plans to start a family.

Patients can come in for fertility advice even if they aren’t yet trying for children, and have a full range of tests so they can decide when they should start thinking about a family.

Mrs Yasmin Sajjad, fertility consultant at Spire Liverpool Hospital said: “The growing popularity of our fertility MOTs reflects a rising trend of young couples and singles seeking peace of mind on their fertility status.”

As people get older some may find it increasingly difficult to conceive and fertility consultancy is valuable in providing early advice as to how long it is practical to wait.

Yasmin said: “At 25 – 27 years old a woman’s fertility is already starting to decline, and upon reaching 35, chances of conception have often halved. Women who take an early assessment of their fertility can make informed decisions about their options later down the line, including the possibility of having eggs frozen for a later date.”

Erica Wilson used the fertility MOT to help make an informed decision on when she and her husband should start trying for children, she said: “I came to Spire a few years ago for a fertility MOT at the age of 31.  I was keen to see if there were any issues, and help become better informed so myself and my husband Ken could find out when we should start trying for children.  It ended up being a very good decision because we found out early on that there were problems and it has given us time to address this.”

Erica is now going through a treatment called ICSI, Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection.  This involves injecting a single sperm into an egg in order to fertilise it, it’s then transferred back to the woman’s womb as an embryo.

Erica said: “So far we have undergone a few treatments of ICSI through the NHS.  The treatment went smoothly but unfortunately it hasn’t worked.  It’s now been diagnosed by Mrs Sajjad that I have certain cells, which identify the embryo being put back in my womb as a foreign body and I am now on a course of steroid treatment which should prevent this.  Ken and I are now really hopeful that we can start a family and having a fertility MOT has given us the time to solve the issues, and have a good chance at trying for a family before time and the odds are against us.”

Yasmin also said that they have seen an increase in the use of the clinic by couples in the middle of trying for a family. “Many couples are leaving it later to try for children, which simply put means they can’t afford to wait around.  If they have been trying for a year with no success then they should visit a GP, but often taking this route can mean they end up on waiting lists for tests and to see a fertility expert.  This wait can mean the difference between having a child and not, as some couples have left it too close in terms of their fertility or accessing IVF on the NHS, where the cut off for funding is often around the age of 40.  This means that the women should be referred for assisted conception treatment at least six months before their 40th birthday.

“Many older couples are now choosing to pay privately to find out if there is an issue straight away, then they can decide what action to take.”

The Fertility MOT includes a range of packages, all of which require only two visits to the hospital within the space of a week. The comprehensive process will provide a full assessment of a patient’s ability to conceive and identify any underlying factors that may prevent natural conception down the line.

Packages are available for men, women, and couples. Men receive an expert semen analysis, while women will be given a pelvic ultrasound scan, urine test and tubal patency test. Both will also have a full blood test to check hormone status.

Upon the second visit the results are discussed and potential options will be laid out.  From there consultants can give expert advice on future options, and advise any appropriate treatments.

Yasmin added: “Modern hectic lifestyles mean that more couples are choosing to postpone a family until later in life, so a fertility MOT can be invaluable in checking one’s options before it’s too late.”

Spire Liverpool Hospital is holding an information event for couples planning a family on Thursday 24 October, from 6.30 – 9pm.

 

Katie Piper Speaks About Her Pregnancy Joy

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BRAVE TV PRESENTER KATIE PIPER GIVES HER FIRST INTERVIEW SINCE ANNOUNCING HER PREGNANCY IN THIS SUNDAY’S FABULOUS MAG

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In this week’s Fabulous magazine’s special Inspiration Issue, acid attack survivor, Katie Piper opens up about her pregnancy joy: “I just feel very blessed. It’s incredible really. When I go into hospital to have the baby, it’ll be the first time I’ve been there for something nice.”

In the exclusive interview, which is accompanied by a photoshoot by legendary photographer, David Bailey, the 29-year-old presenter and model says she finds it strange when people say she’s inspired them: “I was put in a situation and had to decide whether to sink or swim, and I think most people would fight and get through it. It’s not until we get tested that we know how strong we are.”

Katie, whose baby is due in the Spring, also opens up about the moment she found out she was pregnant and the morning sickness she’s been suffering from ever since.

Also in this week’s edition, brave Michelle Heaton opens up about her decision to have a double mastectomy after she was told she had an 80 per cent chance of contracting breast cancer, while award-winning Sky News foreign correspondent Alex Crawford reveals what it’s like reporting from some of the world’s most dangerous war zones.

Fabulous magazine is available free in The Sun every Sunday.

What To Eat When You’re Pregnant And Vegetarian | Book Review

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pregnancy, health, diet, food, what to eat, vegetarian, The phrase, ‘You are what you eat’, is never truer than when pregnant. In fact, both you and your baby are what you eat. If you are vegetarian, or just want to cut down on meat, then this book calls itself the ‘complete guide to healthy eating’. We put it to the test.

This book is an excellent guide. It has a handy reference of vegetarian-safe food and drink, checklists for pregnancy and post-conception, guidelines on caffeine and alcohol, tips on handling morning sickness, how to achieve a healthy weight, and then lose it again, advice on getting enough nutrients, advice on allergy-proofing your baby, food that affects a babies development and what you should eat when breastfeeding. Phew. That is quite a lot of information.

With its menu plans and tips for planning meals, the wealth of information in this book is vast. It even has graphs of how much you should weigh and what food you should eat, it makes a complicated time easy, at least when it comes to nutrition. I also thought the chapter on getting enough iron and avoiding anaemia is great for any mother-to-be. The common complaints during pregnancy and how to deal with them is great too. It covers most health complaints that occur in pregnancy.

What to Eat When You’re Pregnant and Vegetarian: The Complete Guide to Healthy Eating is a great book. A must buy if you are planning to get pregnant or already are.

Women ‘reluctant’ to believe pregnancy and oral health link

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Pregnant_woman2More than 20 million women in the UK are reluctant to believe the existing link between poor oral health and pregnancy complications.

In a new survey, two in every three (67 per cent) of women said they did not think the two problems were related while only one in four (25 per cent) said they would take steps to improve their oral health despite knowing it could cause complications during pregnancy.

In the last 12 months the Foundation has reported on a number of scientific studies showing possible links between the two health problems. Research has revealed a 34 per cent reduction in risk of preterm births for expectant mums suffering with gum disease if they underwent simple treatment at the dentist or hygienist.

Further studies have also shown mums who are more able to handle stress in their environment had children with better oral health. Karen Coates, Dental Advisor at the British Dental Health Foundation, encourages all women not to ignore the wealth of evidence suggesting a link.

Ms Coates said: “Taking care of your own oral hygiene is important at all times, but none more so than when you’re expecting a baby. As many women will testify, the significant changes to the body mean taking extra care, and that includes oral health.

“There has been a lot of research that shows poor oral health can lead to complications during pregnancy, and it should not be overlooked. If a good oral hygiene routine means mums to be experience less problems during their pregnancy, it is important to educate this particular group about how they can go about doing just that.

“Many women find that hormonal changes cause their oral health to get worse during pregnancy. Some women find their gums bleed more easily, while people who already have gum disease may find that it progresses more rapidly.

“If you are pregnant, it really is vital to take extra care of your mouth. You should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and take extra care that you are brushing for the full two minutes and clean every surface of every tooth. You should also clean between the teeth using interdental brushes or floss. Visit the dentist regularly as often as they recommend, and cut down on the frequency of sugary foods and drinks.

“NHS treatment is free for expectant mothers up until their child’s first birthday. All you need is to be an NHS patient and to have a current maternity exemption certificate.”

The findings have been revealed as part of National Smile Month, a month-long campaign run by the British Dental Health Foundation. The campaign, which draws to a close on 20 June, promotes three key messages for oral health:

– Brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a fluoride toothpaste,

– Cut down on how often you have sugary foods and drinks,

– Visit the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend.

Hair loss and thinning – the common condition that women don’t talk about

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hair lossIt will happen to half of all women at some point in their lives, but now a new poll of more than 4,000 people in the UK* suggests hair loss and thinning is the ultimate taboo.

The research by Viviscal hair supplements, reveals the lengths men and women will go to in disguising their hair loss. Tricks include colouring in their scalp with a pen and rubbing coffee into their scalp to hide the tell-tale signs.

The main causes of hair loss are thought to be lifestyle factors, such as stress, crash diets, hair extensions and also pregnancy.

The research also reveals the impact that our hair has on our lives with four fifths (80%) saying a good hair day would affect their mood, while a third (34%) say a bad hair day would make them feel self-conscious.

Despite more than half of those questioned saying they feel their hair loss makes them more self-conscious, more than two thirds (69%) have never used any treatment to help them with their thinning hair.

A new statistically significant clinical study in to Viviscal’s drug and hormone free marine supplements has shown promising results for people who experience hair loss or hair thinning, with the trial showing that a two-a-day supplement reduces hair shedding and increases hair thickness, and that women on the trial saw improvement in overall hair volume.**

*Stress is the most common cause of female hair loss, accounting for 34% cases, followed by the hormonal changes after pregnancy, accounting for 22% cases.

**25% of women say they spend 15 minutes on their hair every day, while one in ten (12%) take 30 minutes and 3% even admit to taking an hour.