How Folic Acid Can Help You Get Pregnant

How Folic Acid Can Help You Get Pregnant

Becoming pregnant can be frustrating and discouraging when it doesn’t happen right away. There are many common problems that could be preventing you from getting pregnant including a folic acid, or folate, deficiency.

According to research fellow Dr. Jorge Chavarro from Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, folic acid is one of the most important reasons for reducing the chance of ovulatory failure.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of the B-vitamin folate, it can be found in supplements as well as enriched foods such as cereal or other grains.

Taking folic acid for at least one month before conception reduces the risk of neural-tube defects, such as spina bifida, by up to 70 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The recommended-daily dose of folic acid for women who want to get pregnant is .4 milligrams, during pregnancy the recommended amount is .6 to .8 milligrams.

Not only can it help you get pregnant, but this vitamin can also help embryo survival as well as brain development of the child during pregnancy.

A study done by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine on more than 18,000 women found that those who took multivitamins that included folic acid had improved fertility.

These women also had a 40 percent lower risk of complications producing eggs.

Along with supplements, you can find folic acid in its natural form in many vegetables and fruits:

• Lentils

• Dried beans, peas

• Broccoli

• Spinach

• Collard or turnip greens

• Okra

• Asparagus

• Citrus fruit: papaya, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, raspberries

• Avocado

• Seed & nuts

• Cauliflower

• Beets

• Corn

• Carrots
• Squash

Getting the recommended-daily amount of folic acid before and during pregnancy is one of the easiest ways to improve fertility and to have a healthier pregnancy. You can find folic acid supplements at your local grocery story.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

5 natural ways to improve women’s health

5 natural ways to improve women’s health

Egg health

Getting pregnant can be frustrating when it isn’t happening as easily as planned. There are many reasons you could be dealing with a difficult pregnancy including egg health. There are many factors that play into egg health including blood circulation, stress and hormonal balance. For improving blood and oxygen flow, try to get some sort of exercise whether it is yoga, running or simply going on a brisk walk at least three times a week. Ask a massage therapist about abdominal massage, which can increase blood flow to the reproductive system. Stress can also play a very important factor in egg health. Find ways to destress with meditation practices, acupuncture and deep breathing.

Hormonal balance

Hormonal imbalances in women are common and can result in weight gain, fatigue, skin problems, infertility and PMS. Hormones are an important part to our body’s growth and development, mood, reproduction and metabolism. To keep your body in balance, avoid high omega-6 polyunsaturated fats that are found in vegetable oils. Reduce your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can have a negative impact on the endocrine system. Most importantly, make sure to get an adequate amount of sleep each night. When the body does not get enough rest, hormones cannot regulate.

Breast health

There are many reasons that some women have a higher risk of breast cancer including both genetics and environmental impacts. Research has shown that keeping a diet of fresh, unprocessed foods can help the health of breast tissue. Chemical exposure from foods as well as other environmental factors have been shown to be high in women who have breast cancer. Foods to eliminate from your diet include highly processed foods, additives, canned foods and soy. Avoiding foods that are high in hormones and adding foods that are packed with antioxidants such as berries can help lower your risk of breast cancer.

Metabolism

Many women feel their metabolism has slowed over the years, making it harder to break down and burn calories and fat. Try adding more omega-3 fatty acids into your diet such as salmon and tuna. Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to help regulate blood sugar and lower inflammation, which can then improve metabolic function. Increasing strength training can also help give the metabolism a boost. The more muscle you have, the more your resting metabolism will increase to burn fat. Lastly, eating breakfast has been shown to give your metabolism a jump start for the day compared to eating your first meal later in the day.

Immune health

Don’t let the cold and flu season get you down this year. There are many natural ways to boost your immune system to prevent illness and to improve energy levels. Assess your stress levels and take action if you are feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Spend some time practicing deep breathing or finding an activity that you find relaxing. Try adding in more garlic and ginger to your diet. These natural ingredients contain properties that help boost the immune system and lower cold and flu symptoms.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

http://natural-fertility-info.com/increase-egg-health

http://wellnessmama.com/5946/natural-breast-health/

http://wellnessmama.com/5425/balance-hormones/

http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20306911_7,00.html

Recipe for Healthy Skin

Recipe for Healthy Skin

Zucchini Chickpea Burgers
This vegan and gluten-free recipe is filled with healthy ingredients to boost the skin and overall health!

Ingredients (serves 6)

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves of garlic, minced

1 small onion

1.5 cups of zucchini squeezed dry

½ cup of toasted sunflower seeds

¾ teaspoons of sea salt

1.5 cups of canned chickpeas

1 cup of cooked quinoa

2 tablespoons of dijon mustard

1 tablespoon of lemon juice

2 tablespoons of fresh chopped dill

½ teaspoon paprika

Saute onion and garlic in a pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When tender, add zucchini and saute until cooked. Season to preference with salt and pepper.

Grind sunflower seeds, sea salt, pepper until ingredients are coarse crumbs. Add quinoa, chickpeas, dijon mustard, lemon, dill and paprika to mixture. Mix until ingredients are broken up with some texture remaining.

Add zucchini, onion, and garlic to mixture.

Shape into 6 patties and cook on medium heat with olive oil in a pan into golden brown.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

Sources: http://dailym.ai/1md99Vp, http://bit.ly/1NetFxO, http://bit.ly/1NPJuYL, http://bit.ly/21VFuQX

6 Ways to Improve/Maintain Youthful Skin

6 Ways to Improve/Maintain Youthful Skin

Green tea - Green tea is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that help sooth and reduce redness in the skin. Some experts believe green tea can help reduce collagen destruction that leads to wrinkles. Try starting with even just one cup of green tea a day so increase your antioxidant intake.

Vitamin C - Topical vitamin C applied to the face has been shown to increase collagen production and protect against UV rays. When L - ascorbic acid, a type of vitamin C, is used, research showed the vitamin can improve pigmentation as well as inflammatory skin issues.

Reduce stress -Stress is not only felt mentally, but physically as well. Stress can cause breakouts due to an increase in hormones, making the skin oilier and lessening the body’s defense against bacteria. Make sure to get adequate sleep and give yourself time off for relaxation to calm the mind and reduce stress.

Monitor sun exposure - It is common knowledge that high amounts of sun exposure over the years damages your skin and causes wrinkles. Make sure to always wear sunscreen on your face to protect against harmful UV rays. Even if it is overcast outside, you are still exposed to UV rays. It is important to wear a high SPF sunscreen on your face year round to prevent wrinkles and skin cancer.

Omega-3 fatty acids - Increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids is not only good for overall health, but can also help reduce wrinkles and keep the skin looking youthful. These fatty acids can be found in salmon, nuts, seeds, and fish oil supplements.

Acupuncture - Facial acupuncture has become increasingly popular in the past ten years in rejuvenating the skin. Reports have found facial acupuncture can reduces lines on the face and leave skin smoother and glowing. Acupuncture is a natural and non-invasive treatment that does not have side effects. Treatment can also leave one feeling overall more relaxed and at ease. 

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

Natural Facelifts with Acupuncture

Natural Facelifts with Acupuncture

More and more Americans are turning away from Botox and invasive cosmetic procedures and finding that facial acupuncture is giving them the natural facelift they are looking for.

Facial acupuncture, which has seen a large increase in popularity in the past ten years, works by improving blood flow at the site of the needle placement and stimulating cell growth.

According to an article in the Daily Mail, inserting acupuncture needles “encourages the production of healing collagen, the protein which the body uses to keep the skin youthful and elastic.”

Patients have reported glowing skin after receiving a 30-minute acupuncture treatment as well as smoother and brighter skin the next day. Color to the face also sees improvement from the increase in blood flow.

Cosmetic acupuncture can reduce and soften fine lines in the face as well as reducing bags under the eyes.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine work by addressing the body as a whole. Facial acupuncture will not only change the way your skin looks, but will improve overall wellbeing. Reports of better sleep and less stress have also been seen from facial acupuncture.

Because TCM believes that every part of the body is linked to internal organs, it is believed that sagging skin can be a result of a weakness in the spleen, and dark circles under the eye are linked to a liver or stomach weakness.

When acupuncture addresses these organs through specific points on the body, it returns the body to its normal function and as a result helps the problem areas.

Facial/cosmetic acupuncture is non-invasive and has no side effects. It is painless and not only helps rejuvenate the face, but reduces feelings of anxiety and stress. Acupuncture helps improve the body’s natural energy flow, called qi, returning the body back to balance.

Contact an acupuncturist to learn more about how facial acupuncture can not only improve and rejuvenate skin, but destress and relax the body and mind.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

Kidney and Bladder Health & TCM

Kidney and Bladder Health & TCM

The kidney is an especially important organ in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Not only does it flush out the unwanted toxins from our body, but is believed to support the body’s reproductive system as well as regulate the circulation of fluids in the body.

In TCM, the kidney is the source of yin and yang, the cooling and warming energies that keep your body in balance.

When the kidney/bladder system is weak and not functioning properly, this can result in different problems and imbalances throughout the body.

Complications include:

• problems with fertility, conception, pregnancy
• multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy
• weakness of hearing and vision
• weakness in teeth and hair loss

A common issue that many people experience related to the kidney is an overactive bladder. TCM has been treating this problem for more than 2,000 years. Acupuncture and TCM work by addressing the problem as a whole. When the body is experiencing urinary problems, it means there is an imbalance throughout the body.

When there are problems with the kidneys, there is a deficiency of the body’s natural energy flow, called qi. Acupuncture treats the specific issue, such as an overactive bladder, by correcting the overall imbalance in the body. Once your qi is returned back to its natural state of balance, the kidney/bladder system will begin to function as it should.

Acupuncture also helps the kidneys by stimulating more blood circulation, which then improves overall function as well as lowers blood pressure.

Kidney disease is often related to immune problems. Through stimulation of blood flow and focusing on specific acupuncture points on the body, acupuncture can boost the immune system.

Herbs for kidney health:

Green tea: Green tea has been used for thousands of years for its many health benefits. The tea contains antioxidants that can prevent prostate, liver and colon cancer. Green tea also contains diuretic properties as well as reduces cholesterol and fatty deposits.

Hydrangea Root: Hydrangea is a common root that can have great benefits for the kidneys. The plant increases the body’s use of calcium, which helps lower the risk of kidney stones.

Ginger: Ginger contains anti-inflammatory properties as well as antioxidants that help break down toxins in the body and keep the kidneys running smoothly. Try drinking at least one cup of ginger tea or ginger lemon tea to see improvements in kidney function.

Kidney and bladder health are very important for overall wellness. Contact an acupuncturist to learn more how acupuncture and TCM can get your body back on track and improve your quality of life.

Bishara Wilson, L.Ac., MSTOM, C.SMA

New York Sports Acupuncture

(888) 375-5444

www.newyorksportsacupuncture.com

http://orientalwisdom.com.au/conditions-treated/kidney-bladder-health/

https://yinyanghouse.com/acupuncture/my-kidneys-are-what

http://www.bladderhealthawareness.org/2011/06/acupuncture-and-chinese-herbs-for-overactive-bladder/

http://www.naturalways.com/kidney.htm

http://www.westernbotanicals.com/article/Top-8-Herbs-for-Kidney-Cleansing